If u only listen to one type of music, u suck. The only exception to that universal fact, applies to those rare geniuses who hear music in only two categories: good music and bullshit. Unfortunately, we humans have a tendency to place genres and sub-categories on everything. If someone says, "I'm Rasta" or "Muslim," people want to know what "kind" of Rasta, or Muslim? Orthodox? 12 Tribe, BoBo? Sunni, Shia, (American) N.O.I?
Independent music is no exception. Since the days of Fishbone (arguably the most influential indie group in modern history), labeling and categorizing music has deceived many and kept real gems from people who choose their music based on these limited definitions. Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix are great examples of this kind of labeling restriction because both artists were so much bigger than the categories and boundaries they were placed in.
Similarly, fans of great literature and poetry may be missing out on some of the most innovative and talented writers of the century who are categorized as and limited to the sub-genre of Hip Hop or its larger label, Rap Music.
The upcoming Creme De La Ultra project . . . This is Not a Conspiracy (Working Title) is a great example of independent music that ignores the boundaries and the bullshit... somehow, without being contrived, there is something on this record for everyone...
"I speak another language/ my parents is Jamaicans/ Shout out to my New Orle-ans and all my Haitians/ Heavy is the weight of your trials and tribulations"... raps Azeem in the CDLU anthem STRANGE LOVE, addressing a wider audience while ignoring both boundary and boarder.
Azeem goes on to spit, "Now everybody crying cause they ain't seeing no pay check/ Sky scrapper lookin' like a modern day slave ship." Lyrical testimony like this makes you reflect that yes the economy is bad, but guess what? Bad times make great artists. Just look at the music made during the Reagan era and you will see. Today is no different and Strange Love says it again with . . . "Y'all need Morpheus man/ We in the Matrix/ Some say money is the only way to escape this/ That's crazy like waitin' for a space ship.....Only love can break the chains and save us!"
If you only listen to one type of music, u suck. THIS IS NOT a CONSPIRACY...
-Jean Pierre Moore
March 2011
1 comment:
VERY NICE!!! Congratulations.
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