musicology #479

PoliceAndThieves #4

(NWA – Fuck The Police)

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So much to do and so little time in which to do…the bane of the 21st Century and as we move deeper into the ‘Age Of Insecurity’ the question I sometimes find myself asking is

“what the f**k is it all about” and by ‘it’ I mean existence…is it a game “full of sound and fury signifying nothing” or does it have any deeper meaning. If truth be told, (and I have said it before), for me it does have meaning and it isn’t a game..games are for playing while I believe that life is for living.

What has this got to do with the current theme..not much. Just the way I’m rolling today…I Feel good, great in fact and I just wanted to share it with you.

While searching and scanning themusicologist vaults for cuts about Police and Thieves I have concluded that musically, Thieves barely get a mention. I think Foucault wrote a book about society’s fascination with villains, (which I will have to procure for the library), but they are not well represented in musicology whereas the police on the other hand are.

Today’s cut needs no introduction..borrowed from seminal 1988 album ‘Straight Outta Compton’ featuring the harmonious talents of Ice Cube, Mc Ren, Eazy-E, Dr Dre and DJ Yella

musicology #442

NewYork NewYork #1

(Kool G Rap – Streets Of New York)

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This week it’s all about NYC..The Big Apple. Why? because I’m going there on Friday to spend a few days with someone very special who is and has been an inspiration. Words don’t tend to do feelings justice so I’ll leave it at that…regular visitors to themusicologist will know that I have a tendency to wax lyrical and believe me I would like to continue in that tradition but being a dyed in the wool romantic the poetry could run away with me so I’ll do me best to rein it in before I get all 18th Century on yer arse and end up prancing about in velvet suits, curling up my ‘locks’ and spouting Wordsworth and Coleridge poems !!

So to balance that out hold this piece of 21st Century hip-hop from one of New York City’s legendary lyricists, the trail blazing, Kool G Rap .. one of the greatest rappers to have ever graced the M.I.C whose legacy runs deep. Member of Marley Marl’s Juice Crew, (along with MC Shan, Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane and BizMarkie), the Cat has influenced many a BIG name and is highly regarded and respected by those in the know as a progenitor of the style which now dominates. A man whose authenticity regarding street narrative is beyond doubt..one final piece of information..he was born in 1968 which seems to be a significant year for many reasons.