I’ve recently had the opportunity to hear Macklemore and Ryan Lewis‘, Downtown; a multi-layered and bouncy banger that is complemented by the fast paced yet well enunciated flow of Macklemore. And if that’s not enough for the Hip Hop/Rap aficionado, the song features some of Hip Hop’s most celebrated legends; Kool Moe Dee [of The Treacherous 3], Grandmaster Caz [of The Cold Crush Brothers], and Grandmaster Melle Mel [of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five].
Speaking honestly, up until my recent introduction to this song, compliments of my selective viewing of the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, I’ve generally assumed a “Whatever” regard for the prowess of Macklemore; being a stark critic of lyricism while understanding that my subjective opinion is nothing more than personal perspective, I historically find myself only engaged by the careers of a few Emcees. But after my exposure to, Downtown, I suddenly find myself interested in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and their trajectory into Hip Hop’s stratosphere and beyond. To know me, D.D. Turner, is to understand that my sudden interest in the duo has been precipitated by the groups willingness to pay homage to the legends by granting them the opportunity to be featured on a mainstream song.
To the Black Emcee/Rapper that didn’t find it necessary to grant a similar opportunity to our beloved legends, you should fuckin’ be ashamed of yourself! So often we hear the argument that Hip Hop culture, albeit universally accepted and celebrated, is ascribed to us as Black people and that it is only because of our permission, that others are able to partake of its concessions. Realizing the arguably extensive roots of Hip Hop culture, I consider this to be factual. However, being the fruit of such a legacy, today’s Black Rapper/Emcee that finds themself endowed with the fortune of mass appeal, has the responsibility of celebrating the legends in a manner that supercedes the mere occasional shoutout reference on a song, and provides the invitation of a feature, much like what Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have done for Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, and Grandmaster Melle Mel.
Perhaps the graciousness of the Seattle Hip Hop duo will spark something in their fellow Emcees/Hip Hoppers, placing the realization of their own conscious or unconscious disregard for the lyrical legends before them. Bringing the expression of my perspective to an end, I find myself confronted with the very distinct feeling that we will now begin to see an increase in song appearances by our most celebrated and lyrically capable legends.
Shit! You all should have been doing this from jump.
By the way, Eric Nally…Dude, you’re destroying your knees!!
*Artists seeking guidance on a legendary Emcee capable of holding their own on a mainstream song feature, I bequeath the following list unto thee:
– Chuck D
– Rakim Allah
– KRS One
– Kool Herc
– Afrika Bambaataa
– King T
– Trigger Treach
– MC Lyte
– MC 8ight
– De La Soul
– Big Daddy Kane
– Special Ed
– Bone Thugs & Harmony
– Bahamadia
– Kool G Rap
– Lin Que
– Brother J
– Chubb Rock
– Wise Intelligent
– Everlast
– 3rd Bass
– Rob Base
– CL Smooth
– W.C.
– Jeru The Damaja
– AZ
– Mic Geronimo
– Sauce Money
– Tragedy Khadafi
– LL Cool J
By: D.D. Turner, #TCOHHL (The Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend)
The Chronicles of a Hip Hop Legend (TCOHHL) 