End of an Era

The title of this blog actually came to mind back during the summer when I found out the great Michael Jackson died. It truly feels like an era has come to an end. And as much as I hate say it, the art of emceeing (or shorthand MC'ing) is dying. Just to educate, Emcee or MC (which stands for Master of Ceremonies or in music terms the Microphone Controller) is the rapper (and some times the DJ).

Now, I've done my best to ride the coat tails of hope through mainstays like Jay-Z and 3-Stacks (Andre 3000 for those not familiar with his other alias) and especially with younger spawns of the hip-hop generation like Lupe Fiasco & Slaughterhouse. But alas, the essence and art form of the MC is dying. Proof? Look at BET's 106 and Park Top 10. Hell, look at Freestyle Friday! I used to book it home to watch Posta Boy and Jin OBLITERATE their competitors. Now its straight trash.

Thanks to the powers that be, the art form of the Emcee is constantly compromised by mediocrity and hustle. And by hustle I mean that the role of the Emcee has gone from being an artist to a hustle. Instead of spreading a message, people look at it as a way to get paid aka a "hustle". Now let me be clear, one thing I'll never do is hate on another person's hustle, if you getting money, by all means, do you. BUT the truth is quite evident, the consumer has been conditioned to settle for this mediocrity. Its a tough pill to swallow, especially for such a die hard music fan, but alas, the industry has given me no choice but to lose hope for the future artists. Every new artist I see is disgustingly similar to the one before.

*quick sidebar* I tend to speak more in terms of hip-hop because that is the domain to which I'm most knowledgeable about. I know the pop world is coming under the same mediocrity so please feel free to apply my sentiments in this post in other areas as well.

I understand, its a formulaic process. And although all good music is some how derived from a unique blend of elements and ingredients, the recipe that is being put to use must be the same one your Aunt Sally who makes that nasty potato salad uses. I'm almost embarrassed. I find myself spending more time defending music now-a-days that I actually do championing it. Something is gravely wrong with this picture.

I could be wrong though. Maybe this is a secret ploy being instituted by the industry. My only hope is that the powers that be know what they are doing . Otherwise, it is truly the end of an era...