2006 in Review: The Rise and Fallout of Jay-Z
It may or may not have started with Nas’ “Ether” back in 2001, but after both ended up together with Def Jam someone had to take the reigns in cracking down on Jay-Z and in 2006 Cam’Ron stood up ready to battle. Though the roots to both Cam’Ron and Dipset as a whole disputing with Jay-Z go back a ways it was in 2006 where Cam’Ron took the spotlight by releasing the well publicized dis track “You Got To Love It,” as well as the underground mix “Fuck Jay-Z.” The first track being an open call out that takes aim at everything from his business to his (then) girlfriend to his style with the second taking a deeper shot at his actual music and lyrical similarities with those that had come before him. In “Fuck Jay-Z” Cam’Ron literally cites examples of situations where Jay is biting rhymes and lyrics from the likes of Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Slick Rick, Big L, Rakim, Nas, Big Daddy Kane and 2Pac.
When Jay-Z announced his return to music in fall of 2006 with his album Kingdom Come it was immediately dismissed by critics though it took little time for fans to eat it up, giving the album platinum status in a matter of weeks. How fitting is it that the album’s lead single “Show Me What You Got” could however be another addition to the pile of songs compiled bu Cam’Ron which boast remarkable similarities to those of others? In this case the track straight up steals from another great duo, Public Enemy, and simply laces the bitten rhymes over an old Shaft loop. One has to wonder what Nas’ motivation was when recording with Jay-Z for his already acclaimed album Hip Hop Is Dead. Is hip hop dead, or just the motivation to push its limits? (oh, and by the way, Jay-Z wants to be President)
both jay & nas fell way off. there, i said it. come-backs? They’re so over the bridge there’s nothing on these albums that even comes vaguely near their halcyon days. Plus, youngbucks giving these geezers a true test of style, except everyone is still paying these legends lip service. There, I said it. 2007 is going to be a huge year for indie hip hop, and hopefully (or not) we’ll see some breakthrough plays to the mainstream!
You know what, screw linking that. Here’s the article in its entirety.
There’s a better option for the ’08 election
By Jordan Bartel, Times Staff Writer (12-15-2006)
Forget Hillary and Barack. McCain? Nah. Newt, Guiliani, Edwards? Take a seat.
There’s a much better candidate out there for president in 2008. I’m talking about none other than Jay-Z. Yes, that Jay-Z.
Jay is a little busy right now promoting his new album “Kingdom Come,” and perhaps isn’t able to put any thought into a potential run for the White House.
Not to worry: I’ve done the thinking for him and he’s surprisingly overwhelmingly qualified. He’s got intelligence, money management skills and a good plan for universal health care. OK, he’ll have to work on that last one.
Here’s a Top 10 list of reasons why Jay-Z would make a good president. H.O.V.A for the oval office ’08!
10. He’s stylish
Sure, it’s superficial, but when’s the last time we had a well-dressed president? J.F.K?
Jay looks polished every time he’s out, which is a good thing for a politician. Plus, he’s 6 feet 3 inches tall and would tower over diminutive dictators like Kim Jung Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Quite the intimidation factor, don’t you think?
9. Foreign relations
Jay is a world traveler, so he knows the way of the land. Plus, he’s already made friends with leaders like Prince Charles and other dignitaries through his work with the United Nations.
Plus, he’s tight with U2′s Bono, who hasn’t met a world leader he hasn’t liked. Come to think of it, Bono would make a good vice president, if it weren’t for that whole born in Ireland thing.
8. Fiscal management
According to various estimates, Jay is worth close to $300 million, so he certainly knows how to keep a good budget. Plus, he has C.E.O. experience (Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella records) and founded his own clothing line.
He’s also part owner of the New Jersey Nets. Managing the White House and the nation should be a cinch.
7. Social issues
He’s passionate about several. Born in housing projects in Brooklyn, he certainly knows the plight of the working class poor. He’s also into looking at fair trade practices, knows when to boycott Cristal and has joined with MTV to fight global water shortages.
Certainly a Hurricane Katrina debacle would never happen under his watch.
6. A new presidential anthem
We all love “Hail to the Chief,” but perhaps its time for a change. Maybe a rap? More sampling from “Annie”? The sky’s the limit. Maybe he could even rap it himself when he enters a room. It’ll save money: that presidential band doesn’t come cheap.
5. A knack for
spotting talent
Jay mentored Kanye West. West for secretary of state? And he’s got a knack for spotting underground, offbeat talent like white British rapper Lady Sovereign. I’m sure he’d fill the cabinet with good choices.
4. War plans
He’s been a part of many rap wars and handled many others during his time founding Roc-A-Fella. He could bring those skills to the world stage.
3. He likes to collaborate
He often does duets with other artists, like Linkin Park, and likes to work with others with his many business ventures. Could he reach across the aisle in a way Bush never could?
2. His name
His real name is Shawn Carter and we can’t really have another President Carter, so doesn’t President J or President Z sound really cool? It sounds futuristic. Bonus: it’s easy to pronounce and spell. Hear that Ahmadinejad?!
1. Four words
First Lady Beyoncé Knowles.
Article from Carrol County Times cited in the linked AOL article on President Jay-Z is archived here: RoC WiTh Me blog