“Some People Graduate But Be Still Stupid…”
By Myles Brown
By now everyone has heard Ye Tudda’s latest tantrum and probably dismissed him as a narcissistic malcontent. Again. Initially, I was also disappointed in his behavior, I mean who gives a f*ck about a g*ddamn MTV award? (Word to Chuck D…) But three words of that rant should resonate with anyone who still loves hip hop and G.O.O.D. music in general. “I’m trying hard.” Not, “I’m just doin’ this sh*t to move a few extra units and pay some bills.” or “I’m just doin’ this to keep my career alive.” He tries. Hard.
Much of the musical landscape-especially in hip hop-is littered with tripe that further dulls our senses and diminishes our expectations with each hackneyed and uninspired release. Ye could easily maintain the status quo and still do his numbers, instead he consistently challenges himself not only as an artist, but as a competitor. The greats who preceded Yeezy didn’t only instill in him a love of the game, they inadvertently challenged him to stretch its boundaries. Kanye’s insistence on honoring the games foundation while defying its modern conventions has established a new sound and a renewed an old adage. “Do you.”
In the beginning Ye was chastised by those who noted the aesthetic differences between him and his contemporaries, but now more are asking that his contemporaries duplicate his effort. Today Kanye West has risen to the top of a field that belies his background, however his work is still overshadowed by a common distaste for his personality, particularly his ego. But that ego is the byproduct of a resilience that was necessary for him to continue doing what those around him said he couldn’t. Or shouldn’t. That ego has become the idea that his best work is always in front of him. And that is why I’ve got love for Kanye West. He strives for greatness in a genre that rewards mediocrity and while he may never get the respect he feels he deserves-and he’ll be sure to let us know about it-ultimately, it only adds fuel to a fire that we all benefit from. He kinda reminds me of another College Dropout….
72 Responses to ““Some People Graduate But Be Still Stupid…””
Sep.12 at 4:11 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Oh. THAT’S what you meant.
Sep.12 at 4:16 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Also, what’s more g@y? Weezy kissing Baby, or that Big Brother song? ‘Cause I feel like it’s pretty close.
Sep.12 at 4:17 pm
Myles Brown says:
Weezy in a landslide. While Ye may want to, I know for a fact Hov would smack him if he even started to lean in too close…
Sep.12 at 4:19 pm
H to the izzo says:
Weezy all the way.He shouldn’t really get worked up about an MTV award,I mean when Music Television doesn’t have awards for music just music videos,thats say something
Sep.12 at 4:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“I know for a fact…” Is that because Jay told you personally that’s what he’d do, or because you once tried yourself?
Sep.12 at 4:24 pm
Myles Brown says:
B. Then A, if I ever tried it again. Some people have boundaries….
Sep.12 at 4:31 pm
Myles Brown says:
Seriously though, between the background that is uncommon in his field, the BIG brother rivalries, the hate, tantrums, excellence and perceived lack of recognition, the parallels between Ye Tudda and “he who shall not be named lest this post top a billion comments” are endless.
Sep.12 at 4:34 pm
Toney Blare says:
man, you know what, i was gonna cop this album, was even looking forward to it, until 1. i saw a little of that award show, with this dude running through a club like a scared flygirl in Belly, and 2. i listened to this song and wondered why i’m interested in someone whose melodrama is about the grammies and coldplay and some jilted producer/fan complex, and who’s flow onstage is obviously an afterthought. “i’m tryin hard”? yeah, so did Kool G Rap, buddy. so did a lot of cats, and they weren’t getting all sad about what MTV thinks. f*ck it, i’ll take lil weezy, i’m pretty sure he’s doesn’t whine so much about Coldplay.
Sep.12 at 4:44 pm
Allenp says:
Ye is a bit of a whiner. But he does try to stretch boundaries It’s a toss up.
Sep.12 at 4:45 pm
jbn74sb says:
Now please post Omar’s take on Curtis.
Sep.12 at 4:48 pm
Myles Brown says:
“Much of the musical landscape-especially in hip hop-is littered with senseless tripe that further dulls our senses and diminishes our expectations with each hackneyed and uninspired release.” There’s my Curtis review Bodie, although I would wanna hear Omar’s take on it too. But I do like the “Smile” track he tacked on as a bonus. 50 does not try very hard. And Weezy listens to Coldplay when he’s making out with Baby.
Sep.12 at 4:48 pm
Ron says:
Kanye was told for years that he wasn’t rapper and he should just stick to the beats, until one day Dame Dash said that maybe he could sell to a small market and find a niche. That market was larger than people initially thought and Kanye quickly rose to the top. Once he realized he was on top of the game, all he’s wanted was the recognition and the respect. He’s a competitor who, like TO, when things doesn’t go his way, he feels slighted and isn’t afraid to voice his opinion. An opinion that is and Always will be, “I’m the best!”
Sep.12 at 4:51 pm
jbn74sb says:
Without even hearing Curtis, I’d have to agree with you Myles. It’s just a shame that with all of the great content now on slam, Omar’s unique takes on movies and music are not around.
Sep.12 at 4:52 pm
Ron says:
I hate 50’s album, but it’s still better than most of the other music that’s been released this year. Only T.I., and Common, and select group of other MCs put out better albums this year. I felt that his lyrical content was bit used and outdated, but the flow was a bit refreshing after listening to Plies and Soulja Boy.
Sep.12 at 4:56 pm
Myles Brown says:
I miss Omar. That Whitney Houston line is still the best one in SLAMonline history. And I have disassociated myself from any adult I know that even attempts to “crank dat Soulja Boy”. So far I’m up to six people.
Sep.12 at 5:11 pm
jbn74sb says:
Thankfully, despite (or actually maybe because of) the fact that I have been a hip hop fan for 20 years, I have no idea who these Soulja Boy and Plies jackasses are. And while I certainly respect Kanye’s music, I’ve never gotten into either of his previous albums.
Sep.12 at 5:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Late Registration is probably one of my 26 favorite hip-hop records ever. I think Ye’s made the most of his odd combination of personal insecurity and creative fearlessness, but I wonder if the new joint finally wears that approach thing.
As for Fitty: SLAM homie Vanessa Satten, who’s been on the XXL staff for longer than I’ve been with SLAM and has some of the best hip-hop industry stories you’ll ever hear, always talked about how Curtis really didn’t give even one half of one sh*t about art. He’s just a really ruthless business man focused 100 percent solely on getting paid. It’s worked pretty well, but eventually that approach figured to lead to diminishing artistic returns.
Sep.12 at 5:35 pm
Myles Brown says:
Yeah, I remember that SPIN (I think?) interview where he said Ghostface isn’t a good artist cause he doesn’t move units. Or something to that effect. And to make it even funnier, he had Tony Yayo back to back him up. Meh. I respect his business savvy, I just don’t understand how so many people buy into it.
Sep.12 at 5:36 pm
Myles Brown says:
His image that is.
Sep.12 at 5:36 pm
jbn74sb says:
Ryan - The other 25, please. In fact, I may have to configure such a list myself.
Sep.12 at 5:38 pm
jbn74sb says:
Judging quality by units moved would lead one to conclude that BigMacs are the best burgers on Earth. Not even In N Out (sorry Ryan) can claim that title.
Sep.12 at 5:39 pm
Myles Brown says:
Ive never had an In N Out burger. Then again, Ive never been west of Colorado. One of these days…
Sep.12 at 5:41 pm
Myles Brown says:
And judging quality by the # of customers served would lead one to believe that Paris Hilton is the sexiest woman alive…
Sep.12 at 5:44 pm
jbn74sb says:
Get Rich or Die Tryin, as far as gangsta rap goes, was a good album. I haven’t liked anything of his sense.
Sep.12 at 5:47 pm
Myles Brown says:
Agreed.
Sep.12 at 6:15 pm
Nadav says:
the movie was pretty good too
Sep.12 at 6:23 pm
Myles Brown says:
Disagree.
Sep.12 at 6:30 pm
Nadav says:
hi,
i be using sarcasm.
bye.
Sep.12 at 6:37 pm
Adrian says:
I thought sarcasm was banned in America?
Sep.12 at 7:29 pm
Devontae Palmer in dis hoe, watch me crank and watch me roll.SUPERMAN!!!!! UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! says:
I really think Kanye is one of the top five mc’s out there right now. He is doing his thing and Graduation if FIRE! Curtis is just a decent album with average fif lyrics. Has anyone noticed how T-Pain is taking over the game though? play wit it.
Sep.12 at 8:31 pm
Young Chris #3 says:
Until someone out there can put out an album better than Hov’s weakest, don’t say they are taking over the game. Dude’s still the greatest. Now if only Def Jam would finally release Joe Budden’s next album… Mood Muzik 3 coming soon…
Sep.12 at 8:39 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
all the artists mentioned in this thread and comments suck badly, except for ghostface. ill mention K-Rino’s new album book number 7 again.
Sep.12 at 8:51 pm
alex fraknoi says:
kanye west is brilliant
Sep.12 at 9:02 pm
Balling NZ says:
So what happened?
Sep.12 at 9:03 pm
Phil B says:
KANYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sep.12 at 10:53 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Myles: I really hate to snitch, but I believe Konate is familiar with this soulja boy and his dance moves. Everyone: I miss Omar as much as you do. He is STILL in discussions with another site that can pay him fairly for his online brilliance (which we can’t, at least at this point). Maybe if you all want to contribute we can get him back on board.
Sep.12 at 11:12 pm
rhys says:
Until someone out there can put out an album better than BIGGIES’s weakest, don’t say they are taking over the game. BIGGIE’s still the greatest.
50 S A SNITCH
Sep.12 at 11:36 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Vanessa Satten isn’t just a “SLAM homie;” she’s a former SLAM intern.
Sep.13 at 12:47 am
Guy says:
Yea wut dude said
Sep.13 at 2:19 am
bootlace says:
Myles, cant agree more. Kobe and Kanye are so similar its uncanny. You gotta admire how they push themselves and their respective fields to the limit everytime they do their thing. Such perseverance, especially with the kind of success/money/prestige they already have is not possible without egocentricity. You gotta take the good with the bad.
Sep.13 at 2:28 am
Myles Brown says:
Exactly.
Sep.13 at 7:53 am
Ryan Jones says:
Bodie, it’s not in any particular order, but basically it’s:
1. Low End Theory
2. Black on Both Sides
3. Aquemini
4-25. To The Extreme (I count it 22 times because it’s 22 times dope!)
Sep.13 at 2:48 pm
jbn74sb says:
Ryan - I’m not sure that any of those (with the exception of Vanilla Ice) would make my list, which would have to include: Born to Mack
Deltron 3030
Dr. Octagon
It Takes A Nation of Millions
Paul’s Boutique
Both Chronic Albums
Straight Outta Compton
Eazy Duz It
Marshall Mathers
Liquid Swords
Black Star I’m not sure that any one Tribe album would make it, unless I could take my favorite songs off of Midnight Marauders, People’s Instictive…, and Low End Theory. And since this is an album list, no can do. In fact, I am going to have put some actual thought into this. Perhaps the first topic of my much delayed blog.
Sep.13 at 2:51 pm
Myles Brown says:
Illmatic & Ready to Die are mad at both of you.
Sep.13 at 2:59 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I’d take four of those, probably… my man Vanilla would have to settle for 8-25.
Sep.13 at 3:00 pm
Ryan Jones says:
OK, and I’d have Illmatic, Myles. Damn, Rob Van Winkle’s place in my pantheon shrinks by the minute.
Sep.13 at 3:18 pm
jbn74sb says:
Which 4?
Sep.13 at 4:27 pm
jdy07 says:
If anyone has reason to bitch for lack of respect it’s gotta be Common
Sep.13 at 5:18 pm
lawrence moten says:
Yall trippin like pac aint the best ever. All Eyez on Me. Straight blasted biggie’s fat ass.
Sep.13 at 5:50 pm
rj says:
Pac/BIG GOATS not jigga.. and Get Rich or Die Tryin is a classic
Sep.13 at 5:58 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
devin the dude—– kevin the dude
Sep.13 at 6:42 pm
John says:
i haven’t been this disappointed in an over-hyped album since … f*ck, i don’t even know. but aseriously kanye, THIS is “trying hard”?
Sep.13 at 6:42 pm
what says:
Chamillionaire’s cd is better than kanye… i’m not joking. don’t let your anti-dirty south bias cloud your judgement.
Sep.14 at 1:22 am
TC says:
But seriously, is there a better hip hop artist than Kanye West today?
Sep.14 at 2:39 am
Young Chris #3 says:
Hov is the greatest… B.I.G. only put out 2 albums (plus a posthumous album which wasn’t that great), and while Ready To Die and Life After Death were both incredible, Hov put out hot album after hot album EVERY year from ‘95-03. The Dynasty wasn’t all that, but that was because he was puttin his team out there and didn’t rock each track like he is capable, but Reasonable Doubt, Volumes 1-3, Blueprint, Blueprint 2, Black Album are ALL classics. And there are only about 3 songs on Kingdom Come that are mediocre (”Show Me What You Got,” “Hollywood,” and “Anything”). Dude holds the crown, and while it’s arguable right now, 20 years from now, when he’s done with it, there really won’t be any argument made. “We’ll see what happens when I know longer exist” - “What More Can I Say” (don’t play with it, listen to it… he says all that needs 2 b said)
Sep.14 at 2:56 am
Shannon Booher says:
After skimming this… Myles: Your opinions are invalid until you’ve eaten at In ‘N’ Out. But, go ahead an disassociate, b/c I was cranking Soulja Boy today. Ryan: You nailed the greatest album… Low End Theory. Everyone: Can I get some Yay area heads? No E-40 as greatest ever arguments? I kid, but I can’t lie… I love they hyphy movement. That Too $hort “I Heart The Bay” is in steady rotation. Right now… this is my favorite Kanye album. as an ALBUM — a concept almost completely lost in the digital age. To me, it’s the perfect balance. Coll. Drop just had too many skits and a couple throwaways… Late Registration just felt too “grand”, and still had the skits… but actually it may have been better. Time will tell.
Sep.14 at 11:51 am
Khalid Salaam says:
You guys make me laugh. And not in a lol way, i mean in a i feel sorry for your taste and understanding of rap albums. I mean to each its own but damn. Blueprint 2 was a terrible album and Vol 2 is just okay. Jay has a good amount of shaky music under his belt as does almost everyone else. Don’t act like he’s infallible. dude is jay your big brother as well?….as for graduation, we’ve had in playing in the office for 3 weeks now so the initial buzz is dying down for me but i do like the album a lot. i think the glory and good morning and champion are instant classics and while the album surely has a heavy pop influence and is a record made for dancing more than made for a revoloution–its still dope. I mean what straight dude doesn’t like dancing (that was not a joke. i’m serious). when kanye’s new album comes on i’ll be doing my same ol 3 step…..not sure if i have a top 5 albums but a nations of millions, illmatic, ironman, cuban linx and makaveli are certainly the albums i think of 1st. anyone sleeping on those albums, well i’m sleeping on you. yeah i said it.
Sep.14 at 1:05 pm
riggs says:
dancing to the kanye album? wtf?
Sep.14 at 1:40 pm
jbn74sb says:
Khalid - I’m with you on Makiaveli. Add that to my list.
Sep.14 at 3:29 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
yeah riggs dancing. if you wanna play cool or act crazy about dancing thats you. women love men that dance. well at least the pretty ones do. if you don’t like pretty women thats cool man. the more for the rest of us…….”DID U REALIZE THAT YOU’RE A CHAMPION!..YES I DID” no really i did. a long time ago.
Sep.14 at 4:40 pm
Myles Brown says:
“That’s that sh*t, so if you gonna do it, do it just like this….” And Khalid is on the money about the ladies. She wants to move….
Sep.14 at 8:35 pm
what says:
Makaveli? man you want some real pac you gotta be bumpin that strictly for my niggaz or me against the world also jigga aint even one of the top 3 mc’s of all time from new york city
Sep.14 at 9:46 pm
rhys says:
man theres some crazy peeps out here
1.ready to die
2.life after death
3.illmatic
4.reasonble doubt
5. all eyes on me
no arguement
Sep.16 at 9:52 am
kidcatastrophe says:
is it just me, or have neither “enter the wu-tang” nor “paid in full” been mentioned yet? the former definitely makes my top 5, the latter might have one too many eric b cuts, but still cannot be ignored. can i talk my sh*t again?
Sep.17 at 12:57 am
Kobe says:
this album sucks GGGG-unit 50’s better
Sep.17 at 3:10 pm
riggs says:
oh khalid i have no problem with dudes dancing and i agree females love it, but my question is dancing to the kanye album? which song[s]?
Sep.20 at 3:00 pm
Michael Tillery says:
1. Nations of Millions…There’s no comparison
2. Illmatic
3. Paid in Full
4. Reasonable Doubt
5. Raisin’ Hell
6. The Chronic
7. Only Built for Cuban Linx
8. Death Certificate
9. Low End Theory
10.Criminal Minded
Sep.20 at 3:03 pm
Michael Tillery says:
Makaveli is 10a.
Sep.20 at 3:07 pm
Myles Brown says:
Sup Mizzo. Solid list.
Sep.20 at 3:13 pm
Michael Tillery says:
Sup Air. Nice post bruh.
Sep.20 at 3:21 pm
Myles Brown says:
Thanks fam.
Feb.18 at 5:22 pm
what says:
A top ten list with no Outkast is quite simply bull$hit. No offense.