Halftime Hype

The rap game has been trashed for awhile now. Nas foreshadowed hip-hop's future struggles when he released "Hip Hop Is Dead" at the end of '06. There have been a few explanations about the demoralization of the genre, including a unique post here and there. And we've listened to many emerging artists who, in reality, probably don't have a decent voice - but they get airplay because they have used autotune. Autotune is now associated with the latest stage of rap. It has helped elevate rap artists to the same throne electronic artists and DJs around the world are occupying. Giving a song a more robotic feel, or for naturalists, a more chipmunk sound, it has helped producers to give their clients a high-pitch stability - as oppose to screwing up on their own, which is very likely. But in this Age of Corruption, it's time to move past autotune and recognize that good music isn't made automatically.

Finally, a track by a monarch of the modern age attacking his fellow subjects who have undermined the grandness of the melodic kingdom with imposterity (better known as the use of autotune). It's about time a member of rap's elite stood up and confronted the miserable productions that are relucatantly receiving airplay; after hearing some very pointless rap songs lately, it's great that Jay-Z is chastising his peers. Autotune can only sugarcoat a horrible song so much - as proven in "Birthday Sex" and other very stupid tracks. Plus, where the substance? Where's the quality that made the fast spit of words tolerable? Have you heard any of Asher Roth's songs besides "I Love College"? I have respect for the man, but when you're making songs called "Lion's Roar" with no real message you're disgracing what we call "rap."

And what better way to show youngsters real music, than by producing it. Instead of some oddball percussion and dull vocals, Jay-Z spices things up with some bold horns and a melodic tune to his lyrics. Personally, I've gotten tired of hearing rappers rhyme words like "nuthin" and "hustlin." There's plenty of creative poetry and no "T-Pain'in", taking a jab at the funny singer who brought autotune into his albums, on this record. But in the following verse he asks artists to get back to rap, in which he expresses dismay for the flock to R&B. We've seen various artists make the switch including Akon on his latest album, Freedom, and more obviously Kanye West on 808s & Heartbreak. I particularly enjoy an element of repitition in D.O.A. - "Na, na, na, na. Hey, hey, hey. Goodbye." Maybe it's just me, but Z is showing some class by using a line from a Goodie but Oldie tune.

I also became cognizant of Jay-Z's awareness of history when he claims that he's the "only rapper to rewrite history without a pen." He shows his respect for previous idols by mentioning "Sinatra at the opera." From a historian/economist's standpoint, Z doesn't forget to mention the lowlight of the 30's when he accuses his colleagues "I know we facin' a recession, but the music y'all makin' gonna make it the Great Depression." Throughout the song, he notes that he has an instrumental role in shaping culture when he says "I might bring back Versace shades." (I'm probably over-analyzing this, but Jay may be making a statement against Kanye's shutter shades in that verse.)

The murder of autotune lets us all know about his principles during the duration of the track, as well. The whole song is a testament to how seriously Jay approaches music and the qualities that distinguish music from sounds. This time he's not bragging about his money, at least not entirely, when he sings: "Ah, I'm a multi-millionaire/So how is it that I'm still the hardest n***a here?" And the man makes a good point: How come these young, over-night music stars are getting so much critical acclaim and enlargening their egos when their work has been detrimental to the progress of an entire category of music? Jay also attacks fellow rappers with lines about the projects and how it makes no sense to brag about street life - even though this man is heavily connected with Brooklyn.

In short, Jay-Z has sent an important message through D.O.A.: Let's stay focused and get back to producing quality music, so that we can't be accused of lazy abusers.

By the way, Lakers fans, y'all need to check out this track by Jay Rock.