Note: Article previously published on https://www.90shiphopjunkie.com/ and vegan520737422.wordpress.com
— Mel B
Those of us who are old enough to be be junkies who got hooked on Hip-Hop during the (80s and) 90s, remember the movement that was the Native Tongues.
This was the ultimate supergroup at a time when Hip-Hop was in a very different frame of mind. This was before 36 Chambers, Illmatic, Ready To Die, and The Infamous (to start with). The Native Tongues represented doing your own thing, consciousness, being yourself, and most importantly, unity.
When we talk about Hip-Hop today vs Hip-Hop in the 90s, the differences are obvious. In a sense (albeit on a much more basic level), the main themes running through Hip-Hop during the (80s and) 90s are still here today. There are the artists who talk about social issues, artists who make tracks for people to dance to, and of course, the garbage artists that no one should be forced to listen to for any reason (huge supply these days). There are a couple of things that are definitely absent right now, though…
One would be unity in Hip-Hop. Sure, Hip-Hop has always had a huge element of ego associated with it, but nowadays that’s about all that it seems to have. The minute someone is doing well in the industry, someone else wants to beef with them or call their music garbage, and the beefs these days are kid shit. Seriously. Beefing in Hip-Hop goes waaaaaaayyy back, but it wasn’t always the standard that it seems to be today. Back when; you beefed, you battled on wax, a winner was determined, and the fans got some of the best tracks ever put out by some of their favourite artists. That’s it. It’s a rare thing these days that artists uplift one another, and give each other the space to do their thing.
Another absent element is variety. It seems that today, with the exception of the veterans and a few new folks with genuine love for the genre, every damn song sounds the same and the lyrics are largely tired and pointless. Variety and diversity is needed, and there needs to be room for artists who are true artists, not just the corporate creations who dominate the airwaves today. Artists used to seek out other great artists to listen to and promote. They weren’t only concerned with their own place and smacking down anyone who might be as good — or even better than they were. Because of this, there was a great variety.
The next thing missing would be the real female MC. Sure, we had rappers in the 90’s who definitely used their sex appeal to sell, and made sex the focal point of their lyrics (they could still rap, though), but we also had a good selection of amazing female MCs who had no problem at all getting by purely on their talent. For the record, I don’t have any problem with anyone doing their thing and getting paid. Do your thing, ladies. We are really missing out on the real female MC today, though. Rapsody seems to be the only female MC with any shine who stands out right now (and she is absolutely incredible). These days, if I want to hear female MCs with any substance though, I usually look up underground artists. I already heard enough about the Anaconda from Sir Mix-a-Lot, and the booty-shaking is tired. It’s 2018, ladies. Step your lyrical game up, please.
Now, let’s get back to the Native Tongues. They were ahead of their time. All were welcome, the variety of artists was amazing, female MCs got to shine bright based on lyrics that were empowering, members wore what they wanted to and talked about things that mattered, the beats were uplifting, the lyrics were uplifting, we all got to learn something when we listened to them. Here we are in 2018, about 30 years later (give or take), and where has this standard gone?
It could be argued, quite successfully, that the corporations got a hold of Hip-Hop and started to control its direction. So let’s keep that in mind and get to the point — because we all know that this is exactly what has happened, but it’s another topic altogether. Perhaps something to talk about in the future.
In this age where we seem to be taking steps back in time, and a huge chunk of the ‘Hip-Hop’ being released is pointless garbage, maybe it’s time to look at the other ways in which we can take steps backward in time. How about a positive one?
How about a Native Tongues reunion in 2019? Their presence and message is now probably more relevant — and needed — than it has ever been.
Yes, without Phife Dawg it would be a bittersweet reunion, but the Native Tongues would make a point of celebrating him, and maybe the rest of us would have a reason to celebrate as well.
Mel B
The premier destination for healthy Hip-Hop heads. When it comes to music and health, you’ll only find the realest here! View all posts by Hip-Hop Rx
Published December 3, 2018December 3, 2018
Originally published at vegan520737422.wordpress.com on December 3, 2018.
