Is this... good? I've heard Buck 65's stuff a few times, and I just don't understand the appeal, even though he's gotten a few awards for his music here in Canada.
But I want to understand it. If it's good, I want to know what I should be looking for, and if It's not, i want to know what elements are problematic.
I'm a classical musician, but I'm into all kinds of music. I've dipped my toes into hip hop before, and I like some of it, but I want to know more about what to look for outside of just my own personal (safe) preferences.
#hiphophubski# is a good place to start, just pick random stuff from there.
Like this for example. Or, literally anything besides this track because it was absolutely horrible. Also, a better Canadian rapper: Ah. AHH. My god Shad needs to make it big even if he doesn't blog or twitter. I can post recommendations forever so I'll stop here but for real check the tag out, click some stuff. Just kidding, I have more. K'naan is like, kinda Canadian. Pre-Country God or the Girl K'naan is fantastic (sorry galen)
Damn, that Kendrick Lamaar track is awesome. Makes me believe that his next album might hold a candle to M.a.a.D City!
Longtime fan of "Rose Garden", and the (supposed) homage payed to Pharcyde's "Drop" in the music video filmed in reverse. I'm not exactly any kind of educated on hip-hop, so if there's major cultural gaps in between those two pieces of art, feel free to fill me in at your discretion. But most importantly, I'm really glad you're back, amigo. I do have a pending grad school application to Boulder, and it's my #1 choice. If I get in, we're hanging out in between all the labwork I'll inevitably face.
I've heard of Shad before. really digging it. Thanks a lot for the links, I'll look into them, and follow #hiphophubski .
I would not really give this much credit. Firstly, as JackTheBandit pointed out, the beat is basically a really generic pop track and lacks anything interesting to it. There's no real groove and the musical elements are bit cliche and static. Monotonous piano chords on every beat of the bar and some cheesy sound strings. Secondly, his bars are really lacklustre.:
I'm sure you can here the difference straight away. The MCs deliver with attitude and passion. They have a presence and they're having fun. The word content is also much more sophisticated. Everything I criticised Buck for is the opposite. And here is great example of groovy hip hop beats at its best. It's reasonably understated musically, but provides the perfect canvas for the MC to bounce off of. Plus this guys bars are really fun. To be honest, I'm not that affiliated on the ins and outs of Hip Hop, but I know what I like.
As a resident of UK, I am partial to UK Hip Hop. As an example of great video to watch I'd first point to this. Especially in terms of writing and delivery. - He doesn't deliver them with any conviction.
- There's little word play
- Rhymes are very basic and always appear as couplets
- There's no good imagery, metaphors, or generally interesting turn of phrase. All very matter of fact.
- Flow is never changed, sounds like a bit of a drone.
Thanks for the rec's, and for giving me some things to look for - Flow, word play, imagery.
this sounds more like a poprecord with a hip hop beat. I would not approve. also, his voice lacks delivery and flow is poor. in other words, I can't feel it.
thanks for your responses everyone! I'm glad I'm not the only person who thinks this is pretty bad.
Music is subjective, is it good? Meh, is it good to you? I know people who don't like Glen Gould but I love him. It's not ground breaking, it doesn't leave me in deep contemplative state, or in tears. This seems good to me, even great, Buck65 doesn't have shit to say about war compared to this girl.
thanks a lot for the response. I'm glad to know my musical taste isn't just out to lunch on this. I just can't understand how this guy's got Junos. the video is touching, as someone with a brother who has PTSD from his service.
I've been reading and listening to a lot of information about closed head injuries. Some doctors are saying that even mild head trauma can cause hormone imbalances. Most the research has been focused on boxers and football players but a few have been looking at soldiers with PTSD. Anything from an IED to just firing a lot of rounds and getting bounced around in a vehicle can cause mild traumatic brain injury. Don't know what happened to your brother but if he is going the VA rout, getting meds and counseling, or tried the VA rout and gave up, he might want to look into it. Lots of people try testosterone and find it helps for a bit but doesn't last too long. The doctors who aren't just testosterone shot machines do a full hormone rundown and give all the precursor hormones and lower doses of testosterone (something like 50 different hormones are tested). Might be something too look into. I've heard some veterans who tried everything say it was the only thing that helped them.