Hip Hop Is Dead.

That is the name of Mr. Nasir Jones’ upcoming LP. Quite the bold statement.

I remember in the mid 90’s Lenny Kravitz released a song entitled Rock & Roll is Dead.

Prince Rogers Nelson responded by cutting a b-side (wow, I’m dating myself on that one) called Rock & Roll is Alive (and it lives in Minneapolis.)

A Tribe Called Quest is coming to the Mouse House in two weeks. 10 years ago I would have been foaming at the mouth to see them. In 2006, not so much.

The breakup and Q-Tip and Phife’s sub par solo careers kind of put a damper on my desire. Everything prior to that is classic stuff. If you don’t agree, I’ll come to your house and smack you upside the head with a vinyl copy of The Low End Theory.

With the exception of The Roots, my favorite hip hop acts are either vanishing or releasing suspect material.

Idlewildshould have been called Dre & Big Boi pretend to do an album together.

Tribe hasn’t done anything since The Love Movement. I doubt Mr. Andre Young will EVER release Detox. Erick Sermon inexpicably jumped out of someone’s apartment window and took whatever was left of his career with him. RZA’s into making movie soundtracks.

With the exception of maybe Mr. West, I can’t quite stomach these new jacks.

If I want some hip-hop, I’ll stick with this…..