It’s obvious to see where the creativity in hip hop has gone. Ideas are constantly reused and the out-of-the-box thinking that once created countless classics in the 90’s has vanished. There are still some who do have creativity. This is where Chris Connery comes in. The duo is built up of Theo (Rapper) and $port (Producer). Their first effort together titled “You Can’t Do That On Television,” derives from the 1980’s Nickelodeon TV show. The great minds that they are, they added the twist to give it a 2009 feel about the right to censor certain things that go on. In simple terms: it’s real hip hop.
The soulful slow piano rises and begins “The Letter.” Backed by an Ossie Davis sample in the beginning and end, Theo has the chance to reminisce on the past, discuss the present, and predict the future. Despite having such a simple beat, it brought out the best in him lyric wise. You have to really listen to get what he is talking about because he doesn’t just come out and “this is what happened in my past, my present, & future.” Moving in to “The Monocle,” seems like it’s an added version of “The Letter” beat but with a more energetic flow.
The hate doesn’t bother Theo and that is what “Kirby’s Airwalk” is all about, being above the clouds and higher than the hate. The art of storytelling is the reason “Something To Remember” was created. Theo describes 2 different people who never met and live in different areas. The message behind it is that just ‘cause we “claim” we won’t become something, doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Always keep an eye open and be in control. The ending is actually the beginning. With “Checkin’ In,” Theo lets you know that you can be on Jay-Z’s level and still get demolished lyrically. Backed with lines like “’Cause honestly, I will body anybody on the record in a second so forget it don’t regret it” it’s hard to argue his point.
This was a small project but it was precise with everything. Nobody can say this project doesn’t represent everything Hip Hop is. The only complaint about it is that it was just a pudding cup instead of a pile of cookies meaning it should’ve been a bigger project. 6 songs is good but the last song dwindles and leaves you wanting more. Hopefully the response for it is good enough to get the duo to make a full length version of “You Can’t Do This On Television.”
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