Drake vs. Meek Mill: "Game of Thrones" (Part 1)

This is the moment modern hip-hop & rap fans have been waiting for! A possible rap battle on wax between two of the most relevant young rappers in the game: Drake and Meek Mill. Modern rap hasn't been this exciting since Kendrick Lamar's epic "Control" verse; a lyrical onslaught in which he challenged the best rappers of his generation by name. It wasn't really a diss, Kendrick just wanted his peers to know that rap is a competitive art form and no one is safe. 

As we all know by now, Meek Mill challenged Drake's safety at the top this past week (July 22nd 2015). In a Twitter rant he called Drake a fraud and claimed he utilizes a ghost writer, a cardinal sin amongst rappers, especially if you claim you're one of the 'best'. Meek struck the first blow. Fans still sided with Drake, poking fun at Meek's sensitive & gossip like Twitter rant, implying he was just hating on Drizzy. To fan the flames even further both Drake's longtime producer, Noah "40", and the ghost writer in question, Quentin Miller, shut Meek's claims down. Saying Drake is indeed a great writer and the best rapper in the game but he has collaborated with other writers, they're credited on his album so how can they be ghost writers!? But the best is yet to come...

Yesterday (July 26th 2015) the usually quiet Drake dropped "Charged Up" his formal response (or diss) to Meek Mill. And in typical Drake fashion he had the internet going nuts! In a laid back, stripped down track Drake subtly takes lyrical jabs at Meek, calling him a charity case and a snitch. Alluding to the fact that he only hopped on a track with Meek because he can barely go gold. And the bombshell, he alluded to the fact that he possibly fucked Meek's girl, Nicki Minaj!

 It was the first blow in what could be the biggest rap battle on wax of this generation. It's what the fans have been waiting for: the untested boy wonder who crossed over to pop and the hungry battle tested street rapper who wants the top spot. Here's my breakdown and predictions of a possible Drake vs. Meek Mill battle on wax:

First off, in my opinion, Drake's first blow, "Charged Up" is just a response and bait for Meek Mill not an official diss record. If Meek takes the bait and responds then the battle is on! Lyrically, blood will be shed! Let's compare and contrast Drake and Meek Mill's rapping styles:

Contender #1: Meek Mill

Meek Mill is by far the more seasoned and experienced battle rapper of the two. His rap style is aggressive, his content derives from the streets & drug game, and his delivery vicious and rabid. It's safe to say Drake has a real problem on his hands.

But there is one flaw in Meek abilities, he's often criticized for having the same aggressive, huried flow. Yelling over beats and at the listener, with a barrage of street jargon giving the listener no chance to take in his lyrically ability. 

Meek's response may be a bit predictable. He attack Drake like any other street rapper: aggressive, poking fun at the fact Drake grew up in the suburbs and had an easy life, that he played wheelchair Jimmy on "Degrassi", and that he's 'soft' by American street standards. Drake critics & haters alike will be drooling, Meek will take the common perceptions of Drake and use them in his diss along with a few violent threats. Now on to his opponent. 

Contender #2: Drake

The wild card... We as fans and rap heads really don't know what Drake can do when it comes to battling. The last direct diss record Drake did was "Good Riddance" (2009) and "Stay Schemin" (2012) he threw subtle jabs at hip-hop legend Common. Drake has always opted out of beefs & diss records in favor of making hit singles; he commands the billboard charts while throwing subtle shots at the entire rap game. Drake is worth $75 Million and from his first album to his fourth he has consistently went gold in under a week while Meek Mill is barely worth $5 Million and album sales struggle. This is why Drake called Meek Mill a 'charity case' in his diss record "Charged Up", a sharp low blow.

Money aside lets get into Drake's rapping style: Unlike Meek, Drake has a much more versatile flow and understands melodies. We can know this by Drake's ability to hop on ANY feature (or any track for that matter) with ANYBODY and kill it or at least go toe to toe.

Lyrics & Bars: Drake might not be as aggressive & street as Meek but he is much wittier and creative when it comes to putting together bars. The aggressive street dude hurling insults & threats over a beat is typical but humor, wit & irony is much harder to deliver and sign of intelligence. Drake actually hosted the Espy's and some great comedians praise him for killing it. Drake is sharp, self- aware, perceptive and precise, he breaks his bars up & simplifies the flow because he wants the listener to digest every line. 

The wild card here is that Drake has expressed interest in actually face-to-face battle rap. He's approached Murder Mook about possibly battling and supported battle rap submits, stating: "I want to dabble in battle rap but I actually got real multi- million dollar endorsements outside of this I gotta go back to. And I haven't found anyone who deserves that chance to battle me yet." Again Drake operates not just on a rap level but major business level, after signing a $19 Million deal with Apple music you have to really be a worthwhile opponent to get his attention. 

Final Verdict: 

Drake vs. Meek Mill is like a Floyd Maywearher fight, with Drake being Mayweather and Meek being a hungry competitor. It's the last round and in order to win Meek will need a clear knockout, it can't go into decision or else the court of popular opinion will give the victory to the more famous and accomplished boy wonder, Drake.

Meek's diss needs to be a complete KO. If Drake claps back with an even more vicious track or just as good of a track he'll win based on his popularity. Drake may win based purely of the fact that he's percieved as 'soft' pop star and he had the audacity to go toe-to-toe with a proven battle rapper. Drake handicap is his fanbase, Drake's diss will be heard worldwide and Meek's only locally so this is Meek's chance to prove, as he says, that he is in fact 'the realest young nigga in the game'.

However you feel about either rapper this battle is much needed and brings a spark of excitement back into rap. Mainstream hip-hop has gotten to friendly and gone pop, bring back the honesty and competition we used to see in the 90s.

The Art of War: The National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago

Many people have taken to Instagram and in righteous indignation chastised a country for treating what should be a somber holiday and turning into an extravaganza of drunken gluttony. Their apparent goal is to remind the rest of us this holiday exists to honor the countless American military servicemen and women who died for something greater than themselves.
 Ok, fair enough. Selfless acts and people do deserve some recognition, but what many fail to realize is this day is a celebration of war the very thing that killed the people we're supposed to be mourning.
We cannot ask the dead about their experience in war. We cannot ask them if in their last moments they thought what they were supposedly fighting for was still worthwhile. This holiday exacerbates the symptoms of the disease of nationalism. It is a sickness that has claimed untold millions of lives.
The dead cannot speak, but those who survived war can still teach us quite a bit, and the way many veterans communicate the dark wisdom gained in war are communicating is through art.
The National Veterans Art Museum in portage park is a gallery made up of works created by war vets. The art was mostly produced in art therapy sessions. Art therapy is a way for veterans to articulate the internal torment the experience of war leaves with the people it destroys.
Pain awoke something in them, and they were able to find a new sense of purpose showing us the truth about war. Their art is inspired by their scars; it is an expression of their pain.
The fractured lives and shattered minds that made this art lift the veil of our denial. Viewers are forced to confront reality, and it is far different than the sanitized ego stroking romantic illusions of battle put forward in our culture.
The iconography of Death is heavily utilized in most of the pieces. War after all, is humanity's most death oriented endeavor. The hollowed eyes of skulls are painful reminders of extinguished human life.
There are a number of mediums on display, and there is not one that doesn't invoke a discomfort from the truth it forces on the eyes. Eyes that often have often never seen the human cost of war.
Each display tells of that cost; it is part of the artists story, it is a product of their struggle. Most importantly though it reminds us why it is important that we do not let this national holiday serve as a campaign to celebrate war.
We can really honor those who have fallen by learning from their deaths the ugly truth about war. War can only destroy. That is what it does.
 If we want to claim we care about veterans and those currently serving than the best thing we could do for them is not buy a yellow ribbon, hang a flag, or watch Saving Private Ryan. The best we could do is make sure no more lives are wasted on war.  Please visit this museum.
http://www.nvam.org/#

It Goes Bump: My Digital Enemy at Spy Bar

Spy Bar is a club located in the illustrious heart of river north. An enclave of decadent luxury enjoyed by those young urban professionals who still enjoy calling up their Molly guy before hitting the town.
Partying around River North is a bit different than in other parts of the city such as Wrigleyville or Logan Square. It's not as congested, and the attractions are not as condensed. This means less moving around.  If you chose to make one of these spots your destination chances are that's where you will be for the night. In terms of clubs, Spy Bar is not a bad place to dance the drugs and booze out of your system until you find yourself ready to slink home at four in the morning.
One thing the club really gets right is its use of space. The entrance is on the  side of the building in the alleyway; a large fire door leads to a staircase that takes you to the a sublevel that opens up into the club. The interior is dark, the walls are inlaid with red neon lights that glow like electric blood. There are two bars one near the entrance and one against the far right wall. There is a DJ booth in the back and right in the center is the dance floor.
The dance floor is just the right size and is flanked by plenty of seating.  It's not hard to duck out of the dancing for a quick breather, you don't feel like you're being forced to stand the whole time. The crowd is generally amicable, and if you're nice enough they may just offer you whatever illicit substance you need to keep going till closing time which is 4 am.
The drink prices are high. If you need to keep a high level of energy going beer probably won't cut it. If you're on a budget, you might not be able to afford to gulp cocktails all night so if you decide to go to Spy Bar you might want to consider pregaming.
 That's about as much as there is to say. If you like dancing and music that goes bump bump bump to pulsing lights well, then you'll probably enjoy Spy Bar.
My Digital Enemy a DJ duo from the UK recently played the club and damned if they didn't give a demonstration of what makes the place good for shows. The club's sound system is good. The bass thumps and the treble is enough to rattle your bones at times. However, it's set up in such a way as to not be oppressive. It will never drown out the rest of the time. Somehow it is possible to be right next to a speaker while holding a conversation, well as much of a conversation as you're going to have at a dance club. Acoustics experts might understand how this works, but for the rest of us it might as well be magic.
  The pair kept the energy up all night, and this is not always easy to do once 3 AM hits, but everyone was feeling it, and you could tell they were too. They did their entire 4-hour set and still stuck around to talk fans and have a few beers. The fascinating thing is this is their job they do this sometimes nightly for large stretches of time. By the time they were in Chicago they had already been in Miami and were on their way to the Carribean. This is an insane schedule. While being there it was clear to see what the perks of being an international DJ were but it was also easy to see the occupational hazards.

Critical Thoughts: Baltimore's Riots vs. Revolution #2015

Critical Thoughts: Baltimore's Riots vs. Revolution #2015

(Written by JD Collins)

"Negroes - sweet and docile, meek, humble, and kind: Beware the day they change their mind.” - Langston Hughes

25 years from now and beyond, when our kids and grandkids are studying history, one of the major topics and outrages they will study and write about is Police Brutality and the murder of minority citizens and kids at the hands of Police. The same fear tactics and violence used by slave masters & owners, and the KKK is being used today by a mostly white ran and controlled judicial system and law enforcement. 

The racial disparities when it comes to poverty, education, incarceration, arrests, and murders deaths at the hands of police of BLACKS versus whites is staggering. What's even more disturbing is that these killings and abuse by police are just now coming to light in this decade because of camera phone technology and the rise of internet accessibility, and social media.

In 2015, our citizens have the ability and right to film police brutality and killings, upload them online for the world to see. Just recently white Police Officer Michael T. Slager was filmed by a brave citizen gunning down an unarmed black man, Walter Scott, and then planting evidence. FINALLY after the world seen the video of an unarmed black man running and being shot in the back 6 times the officer was charged with first degree MURDER! A truly revolutionary act and decision, that ONLY came about because it was filmed. If this incident happened just 5 years ago or prior, or wasn't recorded the Officer like the thousands of others would have gotten away with murder by reading and sticking to the same script that has been used for decades to justify police killings; the usual response is: "I feared for my life so I shot him multiple times" or "I THOUGHT he was reaching for a gun (which is usually an ID or cell phone just a simple subtle movement)". No doubt if this incident had not been filmed the Officer would be on paid leave for a little while and returned to the streets to harass and maybe kill more black men.

Since the killing of Trayvon Martin and recent killings of Black men by Police in the recent years tensions have been rising in our inner cities amongst poor african americans. Recently in Baltimore black citizens are in an uproar over the death of young Black man Freddie Gray, an unarmed young man in his 20s who suffered a severed spine and later died at the hand of Baltimore Police Officers. And of course no Officers were disciplined, charged, fired, nothing! Black citizens hit the pavement for peaceful protest but eventually the pain and anger yielded riots and often violent protest against Police and the city.

I don't support or advocate violence but how long can Blacks sit back and be shot down like dogs by a white supremacist ran law enforcement and judicial system. This is not the American dream or promise, its the American nightmare. I support the protestors/rioters in Baltimore because they are taking action; they are letting the city know that when our Black fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc are abused or killed we will raise hell. When we as a people fight back and cost the city millions or government millions by sending the National Guard we hit their pockets and get attention. Maybe then Cops will think twice before gunning us down like dogs and maybe then the city will arrest and prosecute Police its murders.

Spike Lee's next film "Chiraq" based on Chicago

Should Spike Lee Make A Film

About The Infamous "Chiraq"?

(By JD Collins)

Chicago citizens are weary about the possible new Spike Lee film, "Chiraq" which is an infamous term used to describe Chicago, Illinois. The city took on this term in 2012-2013 because of the rampant gun violence and gang related murders. The number of deaths in Chicago amongst the youth exceeded the number of deaths overseas during the war in Iraq (hence the term 'Chiraq').

Spike Lee has already met with many of the city's leaders and advocates against gang violence such as: Rev. Michael Pfleger from St. Sabina, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Operation P.U.S.H Coalition, reformed gang leaders and parents who've lost kids to gun violence. Spike Lee is also using power as a successful filmmaker to bring in big names like: Samuel L. Jackson, Kanye West, Common, Jeremy Piven, and many more.

Still, with these big names attached, all Chicago citizens aren't too thrilled with the use of the infamous term, "Chiraq" and someone who's not from Chicago making a film about our city. Many citizens want the term to stop being used and associated with Chicago because Chicago is so much more than the gang violence. Chicago has thriving downtown, cultural scene, food, events, and is one of the largest most thriving cities in the United States.

While I understand the apprehension about the revisiting of a very dark period in Chicago's history its important to note that Spike Lee is considered one of the greatest black directors ever! he has always addressed social issues and african- american issues in his films, and never shied away from controversy. Hollywood has always gravitated towards Chicago's beautiful skyline and diverse neighborhoods seen in films & TV shows such as: "Batman: The Dark Knight", FOX's 'Empire", Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, The Wachowski Brother's "Sense8", etc.

Whether citizens are split about the use of the term, "Chiraq" or not the fact is the film will bring jobs to our city, roles for local actors, highlight our thriving music scene, neighborhoods, bustling downtown, our infamous & ruthless politicians, and overall exposure to Chicago. Maybe we need to address our city's ills on film in order for things to change in Chicago, maybe it takes one of the greatest filmmakers ever to use art to put a mirror on our see to show it's complex culture for the world to see. So many classic films have been made in New York and LA but just maybe this could be another one of Chicago's 'classic' films.

Young Thug: Rap's Newest Disruptor (By JD Collins)

Young Thug

Rap's Newest Disruptor

(Young Thug, pictured above, wearing a dress 

he has said he picked out in the little girl's isle.)

In almost every business, industry, and artform there are companies or individuals who are considered Disruptors. There are many definitions of industry Disruptors but I'll only list a few; Disruptors cause radical change in their industry or field by introducing a new way of thinking or approach that no one has seen before. While most people in business, industry, and entertainment are going right, Disruptors go completely left and open up new lanes.

Rap at times can be a misogynistic, competitive, and monolithic artform full of redundancies and artist following trends. If not for artist like Kanye West who is not only a disruptor but innovator pushing the artform to heights rap would mostly be a bunch misogynistic or bouncy club anthems, songs propitiating violence, or the typical tells about the struggle of the hood. As spectators we know that urban culture in general can take whatever is hot or what's trending and completely wear it out. We've seen it done with clothing, accessories, cars, slang & lingo. If an artist raps about True Religion Jeans, Nike's, cars, etc then urban culture follows and as a result we all typically look, act, and behave the same just to fit in or be cool.

The exception to the rule lately has been rapper Young Thug. What brought Thugger to the light initially was the music, he was another dominate Atlanta artist who took over the airwaves with about a dozen hits & street anthems. Currently he is one of the most sought after feature artist in rap music at the moment and his momentum hasn't slowed. But what makes him a Disruptor is often what he does outside of the music. Compared to most rappers is brand and personality is uncanny, off-beat, hard to understand, and disturbing to most. 

In the often pseudo macho, misogynistic, and homophobic industry that is rap music, Young Thug often calls his MALE friends & collaborators 'bae', 'hubby', or 'husband'. When men use these terms in reference to other males the connotation is that you're homosexual or bi-sexual but Thugger professes he's neither, and even has children and a girlfriend! This bold use of such terms makes him a Disruptor in a culture that rejects homosexuality. The controversy doesn't stop there, Young Thug as proudly admitted to wearing a little girls dress with jeans, an even bolder fashion statement than the infamous Kanye West kilt he wore in Chicago during the "Watch The Throne" tour. And his strange and aloof interviews about current social issues don't help rap fans and critics alike understand his brand or message. 

Currently his latest controversy is the trolling and agitation of one of rap music biggest stars, lil Wayne. One of the greatest rap album volumes is lil Wayne's "Tha Carter" franchise. Lil Wayne has halted on the release of the of "Tha Carter VI" because of legal & money issues with his former label Cash Money. What does this have to do with Young Thug? Well Thugger is currently affiliated with Cash Money label head Birdman, they've even recorded a mixtape together. So to make matters worse between lil Wayne and Birdman & Cash Money Young Thug has decided to name his first album "Tha Carter VI", completely stealing one of the greatest rappers ever final album title! This trolling move has infuriated lil Wayne fans across the world but Young Thug still sits atop of the rap charts. 

For all his controversy, trolling, and agitating his music blasts in on almost every radio station and club across the country! Young Thug is the epitome of an industry Disruptor, now I don't believe he's an innovator or even will be hot for long, he's turned the typical perception & image of a 'rapper' on its head. Rap fans and critics are split about Thugger but the fact is he has everyone's attention and as the old saying goes, "Controversy Sells". He's also exposed the rampant homophobia in the black community and amongst rap fans. His instagram comments are littered with homophobic rants, insults, hatred, and even threats. Whether you like Young Thug or not we all know it takes a lot of bravery and boldness to be yourself and different in the entertainment industry and in America in general. This boldness and willingness to go left while everyone else is going right and be successful while doing it makes Thugger rap's new Disruptor.

Kanye West "Only One" (A Critical Review by JD Collins)

Kanye West -  "Only One"

A critical Review by

JD Collins

After almost a year, one of the most innovative artists of this generation (maybe ever), Kanye West drops the music video for the first single on his seventh solo studio album, "Only One". But before we go into Ye's new music and vision let's touch on the controversial year and a half Ye's had and how this year may be different.

First Ye dropped his polarizing, experiential studio album, "Yeezus" which split audiences and music critics alike. The album was sonically innovative but angry and confusing to many fans and critics. Along with dropping an album that left many confused Ye's rants and streams of consciousness on stage and on radios caused just as much controversy and criticism as the album. Fans will never forget his famous interview with MTV's Sway and the phrase "Sway you ain't got the answers" will live in pop culture forever.  Many even felt his marriage to the infamous Kim Kardashian would damage his career as musician and star but it seems in 2015 Yeezus may prove his doubters wrong.

One of the things Kanye vented about on stage and on radio was his lack of respect in the fashion world and the disrespect NIKE has shown him in the past even with the success of his own shoe line, The Air Yeezy's. But in 2014 Kanye inked an even better shoe deal with Adidas and promises much better product. Coming off a successful Yeezus tour and shoe deal, Rolling Stone Magazine named Kanye's 4th studio album "808s & Heartbreak" one of the most groundbreaking albums of all-time. This critical acclaim put Ye on the same pedestal as his idols Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, etc. For people following Kanye's career this critical acclaim from Rolling Stone is huge because we all have watch Kanye West strive for greatness and genius and steadily push the envelop in hip-hop, rap, R&B, and pop music in general. These breakthroughs in 2014 are catapulting Kanye to a fresh start in 2015 where he dropped his first single, "Only One" on new years day.

I've been a fan of Kanye since he was was just a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records and I have noticed how his sound has evolved over the years. At first listen of "Only One" as a fan and critic I was surprised and relieved at the same time. The song was minimalistic, melodic, simple compared to the electronic layering of songs from "Yeezus". "Only One" features heartfelt lyrics about his deceased mother and first child, daughter Nori West. Also something that could play a huge factor in Kanye's career and on his new album is that many of the tracks were co-produced by Paul McCartney from the Beatles! Leave it up to Kanye to get an ex-Beatle and music legend to lend his hand to a hip-hop/rap artist. "Only One" and the abruptly released single from Rihanna & Kanye "FourFiveSeonds" see Kanye transcending genres. The tone of these songs gives me a bluegrass, country feel, as if Kanye is striving for a place in the contemporary pop American music canon. 

All and all Kanye's first two tracks from his 7th album are solid, heartfelt, minimalistic in production, and melodic. Hopefully Ye doesn't go too pop on us and gives us true hip-hop fans a taste of the old Kanye. The edgy, braggadocious, witty, sonically innovative Kanye we all to love to hate.

View Music Video here: www.kanyewest.com