First of all, props to the homie H20 of Mass Influence who pointed me toward this article by Phillip Mlynar on Unkut.com [read article]. This is without question a provocative piece to write especially when artists with intense fan bases like the ones included in this. While I respect Mlynar for tackling a subject like this, I can’t say I agree with any of his choices. Although he makes some valid points, there are some major holes in the arguments I feel are worth pointing out. This is why I’m writing this response. There is a collection of emcees or producers that could’ve been chosen as “Top 5 overrated” but these were the five Mlynar elected to choose. I’m honestly surprised by some of the choices. I’ve chosen to respond to each choice individually and this of course is just my opinion. I realize some may feel like Mylnar made accurate choices & agree with his reasoning and others will disagree like myself. Again, this is not meant in a disrespectful way but as counterpoint to the original article. Hit the jump for my official rebuttal to Unkut.com’s “Five Zealously (And Often Dead) Hip Hop Artists.”
5. Freddie Gibbs
This was one of the strangest choices by far on the list. When you think of “overrated,” it’s hard to think many people think of Freddie Gibbs. Gibbs is definitely not a household name, and there’s plenty of hardcore hip hop fans who aren’t even familiar with his music. Despite this, the argument made is basically in your face – Mylnar says Gibbs isn’t very good. “As I’m sure Harold Ross would agree, Dorothy Parker writes wittier lines than the boy Gibbs. When Fred calls time on his rap career, his hip-hop tombstone should read: ‘Freddie Gibbs, a rapper who sounded like he should be playing left back for Arsenal FC. Or Diddy’s Crystal Palace.” Whoa, harsh words which seem simply misguided. Gibbs is a talented emcee who may not be Pharoahe Monch lyrically but still is pretty good. His guest verse on CunninLynguits’ “Imperial” or performance on “Womb 2 The Tomb” are evidence of this.
4. Bun B & Pimp C As Soloists
The second strange choice made on this list. While obviously giving credit to UGK as a duo, Mylnar takes Bun & Pimp to task as solo artists. The question here is who exactly is rating Bun & Pimp as elite solo artists? I can’t recall any time where heads brought up either without first mentioning the work together. Maybe this is brought up more as a question of Bun B being considered as a top emcee in the game. Why can’t he be in that discussion? Do we take away from Andre 3000 because he wasn’t a solo artist? The logic makes no sense. Besides that point, has Mlynar actually listened to any of Bun & Pimp’s solo albums enough to judge them? If so, it’s hard to deny they aren’t solid albums. Of course they aren’t classics like Ridin Dirty or Super Tight but that’s why UGK is great, their chemistry made them even better. Pimp C is particularly slammed as “he comes across like a bad attempt at Too $hort on a karaoke night” which is simply a joke. Chad Butler was an all around talent – a talented producer, songwriter, singer & a pretty good emcee. As a UGK fan, it especially hit me with this choice as it seemed thrown in out of the blue.
3. Madlib
Mlynar’s choice of Madlib is probably the only one I do agree with. While I don’t 100% agree with everything he says, there is some truth to what he says. Madlib may have some problems with quality control but it’s not like he’s creating anything that is terrible. Most of his onslaught of releases appeases his hardcore fan base and isn’t that all you want out of your favorite artist – to give you what you want? Are some Lib fans somewhat over the top with rating him as better than DJ Premier, RZA, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, Organized Noize, etc,? Probably but it’s hard to not including Madlib in at least the discussion of top 10 producers with his impressive production discography. It’s hard to even say he’s “lost it” too with his standout work on the new Strong Arm Steady album or Mos Def’s LP from last year.
2. Jay Electronica
Another choice that is sure spark some intense response is Jay Electronica. Mlynar seems to have a problem mostly with the comparisons to Nas. Maybe a small contingent are crowing Jay with this title but most hip hop heads are still in wait & see mode. As someone who has followed Jay for awhile now, there’s no questioning he’s one of the most talented “new” emcees that has emerged in the last few years. His mystique of basically releasing no material has only added to his status. While many underground heads like myself were telling people “check out this Style Wars EP” Jay was still barely known. Jay’s teaming with Just Blaze began to change this. “Exhibit A” and eventually “Exhibit C” brought his talent to much larger audience, even to some non hip hop fans. Jay is the most talented artist lyrical to begin to make an impact in the mainstream in years. Artists with serious skill on the mic emerging in the mainstream scene have been few & far between post 2000 (T.I., Lupe Fiasco & Ludacris come to mind). If Jay can make a splash because of “Exhibit C” and working with Just Blaze, that’s a huge step for hip hop. Jay isn’t overrated, he’s simply getting some much deserved recognition. Hopefully he’ll turn this into the long awaited album we’ve all been waiting for.
1. J Dilla
Without question, the most controversial choice on the list is James Yancey. Mlynar is definitely not the first and won’t be the last to make this statement. Dilla’s legion of fans has achieved a cult like status these days. Most detractors of Dilla’s status as an all-time great like to point to his rise in popularity after his death. But that is the flaw of the argument. An artist’s talent & work can not be judged by when the appeal is gained. Dilla’s work didn’t change after his death but it did undeniably reach more people. Did it take a tragic event to make a lot of heads wake up and realize Jay Dee’s talent? It may have. Dilla was not a self promoter by any means. He wasn’t tagging his beats with a “this is a J Dilla production” or making sure artist’s shouted out his name. Dilla was all about the music & let it speak for itself. After his tragic passing, his friends & family made it a priority to make sure he would not be forgotten and they’ve succeeded in that. Mlynar seems to discredit Dilla for not having multiple classics entirely produced by himself. Since when is that a measure of the greatness of a producer? Part of the reason he deserves to be in that “greatest producers” discussion is because of his versatility. J Dilla’s work as solo producer for Slum Village, as part of The Ummah or his bulk work for The Pharcyde, Tribe & Busta Rhymes is proof of this. James Yancey may have more people dropping his name in these arguments these days but by no means is it because he’s unworthy of that status.
Related posts:
- John Public: Hip Hop Music vs. Hip Hop Culture
- Top 25 Hip Hop Songs: 2009
- This Is Hip Hop Remix Contest: Week 12 Entries
- Ice Cube: Live At The Hip Hop Open
- This Is Hip Hop Remix Contest Part II: Week 10 Entries
Follow: Justin on Twitter
Pingback: Unkut vs. KevinNottingham – Five Zealously Overrated Hip Hop Artists | Benz and a Backpack