Words By The Tony Grands

It's no secret that rappers are keeping it as real as possible these days. Weapons charges, drug cases, tax evasions, the whole sha' bang. Whether such things are positive or negative is subjective opinion, but only a liar would say that it's not somewhat entertaining. Really though; we all have a little hater in us, otherwise life would have no competitive edge. If nothing else, though, seeing "winners" lose sometimes just lets us know that we're all human. And for the record, yes, empathy moves units, too.

For a lot rappers, legal woes only add to their success. It's a new day we record music in, where the back story must coincide, authentic or not, or else the public wants no parts of it. For lack of a better phrasing, rap music is a sonic reality show, and social media outlets only amplify the effect. What we're left with is inside access to celebrities’ private lives, along with whatever skill they get paid to have, and quite frankly, that is entertainment. Even if it sucks for that person.

It has recently been made public that Hip Hop's resident Charlie Brown, NaS, has even more fiscal headaches, owning the IRS roughly $6 million. Whether or not that's an accurate amount is irrelevant, because this seems to be just another domino teetering for NaS. Without bringing up the Esco Clothing confusion of the 90's, or the, umm, defunct Ill Will Records, it's clear that he didn't invest in arbitrary business moves. If that's to blame for whatever he's going through today, or not, is neither here nor there, and saying that he could use a hit record or lucrative cognac brand right now is an understatement. Thinking long-term, however, is a little different, because if NaS took the time, he could pen scripts for at least five of his songs. He had a creative hand in 'Belly,' so this shouldn't be much of a transition. I believe he can do it, and he should, too. Besides, this is the guy who had our kids singing "I know I Can," so I'd expect the same attitude from him.

Seeing as though books are the new compact disc, and NaS has been telling us stories for 20+ years now, it only seems natural to turn words to images, at some point. Not to mention that Hollywood residuals sh*t on rap money, and NaS could use both. No offense; just observation.

Word to Johnnie Cochran and the Hughes Brothers.

‘I Gave You Power’| It Was Written, Produced by DJ Premier

The timeless story of man versus weapon, and who truly is in control of those situations, told from the gun's vantage point.

‘Rewind’| Stillmatic, Produced by Large Professor

The story of a robbery, complete with details, except it's told in reverse. Where most films work beginning to end, this one begins with the result, and takes you to the root cause of the whole scenario.

‘Memory Lane’| God's Son, Produced by Large Professor

Classic tale of the colorful characters and the dubious situations that go on in most 'hoods, country - if not worldwide.

‘Who Killed It?’| Hip Hop Is Dead, Produced by Salaam Remi, Will.I.Am

An abstract, albeit slightly confusing "who-dunnit?" murder mystery to find out who laid Hip Hop down for good.

‘New York State Of Mind’ | Illmatic, Produced by DJ Premier

Classic Woody Allen-style movie about life in the Queensbridge Projects, including running for one's life. Rap is a limitless artform, and plenty of rappers may find that their talent is much greater than summertime sh*t-starting music and strip club anthems. Writers write, so to speak.

The Tony Grands is a West Side representer, a lover of all animals. And plants. His main goal in life is to stay being an upright American citizen. You can find more of his brilliant work at his wonderful site Reading & Writing Is For Dumb People.

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