Hip Hopera Example VI

It’s tipping close to a decade since Deltron 3030, a group comprised of principal Hieroglyphics architect, Del Da Funky Homosapien, DJ Kid Koala and producer Dan the Automator, unveiled their conjoined musical and theatrical concept masterpiece of the same name, Deltron 3030. Set in the year 3030, Del aka Deltron Zero alongside his trusty sidekicks Dan aka The Cantankerous Captain and Kid Koala aka Skiznod the Boy Wonder are inhabitants of a post- apocalyptic world; a V for Vendettaesque society where, you are to be inside by nine o'clock or risk getting shot. For that reason, amongst others which are made evident once the album is listened to from beginning to end, Deltron Zero armed with his rhymes scours the galaxy as a means of survival. As absurd as the album’s plot may sound, embedded within Dan the Automaton’s strikingly layered production, Koala’s sparse yet valuable scratches, Del’s outright otherworldly lyrics and the album’s interludes are themes that are very much applicable in today’s saturated music industry even ten years later. As with most concept albums, this effort is not without its features which include Damon Albarn of Blur, Prince Paul, Money Mark (frequent Beastie Boys collaborator), and Mr. Lif. Deltron 3030 is an album that even the casual hip-hop listener can appreciate. From its over-the-top lyrics to its superb production that evens samples Sesame Street of all things.

TURN OFF THE RADIO!

Deltron 3030 - 3030

Deltron 3030 - Time Keeps On Slipping

Deltron 3030 - Positive Contact

As heard on Positive Contact

 

Hip Hopera Example V

For whatever reasons, Sticky and Cousin Fredro Starr faded into national hip-hop obscurity. Perhaps it is because they went Hollywood and subsequently made some questionable decisions, UPN’s Platinum, anyone? Or maybe it is because people can only name two maybe three of their albums as members of Onyx. Nevertheless; in spite of their shortcomings, one cannot dispel their contributions,-yes contributions to hip-hop and the handful of times they pushed the envelope of musical ingenuity. Fredro’s premise for 2001’s introspective What if was recently employed by both Jadakiss and Nas on a track coincidently called What If and Sticky presented the hip-hop world with his alter ego, Kirk Jones. It is a great disservice to Sticky Fingaz and an even greater disservice to hip-hop when [Black Trash] The Autobiography of Kirk Jones is not included with the best albums to have come out in this decade; just Sticky’s creative attempt should make it worthy of such acknowledgment. Much like Prince Paul’s A Prince Among Thieves, Sticky’s Black Trash plays like an R-rated movie from Universal Pictures (Universal theme music included) that chronicles the story of Kirk Jones acclimating to life after a bid. During this readjustment period Kirk has to come to terms with his conscience, played by Omar Epps, while battling his knucklehead tendencies that lend to his imminent demise. Like A Prince Among Thieves, all the songs save for one (Wonderful World) and skits successfully help in developing the plot for Kirk’s autobiography whose stellar cast includes the likes of Rah Digga, Raekwon, Canibus, Redman to name a few flexing their acting skills over a musical score supplied by and not limited to Rockwilder, Nottz and DJ Scratch (EPMD’s DJ). Songs like the X1 and Still Livin assisted Why and the guest filled State Vs. Kirk Jones are so skillfully executed that they propel the listeners into the very settings that are described in the verses. In that Sticky was able to create a well-executed concept album that adheres to the standards set by Prince Paul’s A Prince Among Thieves is a great feat in itself, but he outdoes himself with the inclusion of tracks like Sister I’m Sorry and Baby Brother which both reveal poignant and meaningful messages.

TURN OFF THE RADIO!
Sticky Fingaz feat. Raekwon - Money Talks
Sticky Fingaz feat. X1 & Still Livin - Why
Sticky Fingaz feat. Rah Digga, Canibus, Guess Who, Redman, Scarred 4 Life, Superb - State Vs. Kirk Jones

Bonus!

Onyx - React

Hip Hopera Example IV

For the most part, the songs that are featured on a soundtrack are a collection that are of no correlation to the adjoining film. These songs usually feature burgeoning or established artists looking to capitalize on their recent successes. During today’s trying times, it’s very unlikely that one could listen to a soundtrack and somehow comprehend parts of the movie or even grasp the mood projected in said film. In 2007 with the release of the Afro Samurai soundtrack, the RZA broke the mold and successfully captivated audiences with a soundtrack that detailed the protagonist, Afro’s journey through the inclusion of the series outtakes, haunting melodies and guest features whose individual verses cemented the story.

Like its predecessor, the Afro Samurai: Resurrection soundtrack, finds the Rzarector constructing and building upon a familiar sound, albeit some distinct changes that date back to ninety-three. Yet again the RZA is in his best form, borrowing from Rock, Soul, Funk-and of course the sounds that made the WU a household name- to orchestrate a musical setting that compliments the well placed features. These include the likes of Kool G. Rap, Inspectah Deck, Ghost, Thea Van Seijen and Rah Digga to name a few; who all collectively and successfully prop up the story through their individual verses. Take for example Rah Digga, whose straight for the jugular verses help to project the vengeful character, Sio, whose role she fiercely assumes in the soundtrack…. Watch me go smack the bitch with my period pads.

Despite a few misses (Nappy Afro, Yellow Jackets, Take The Sword Pt. III), it’s apparent that the RZA is successful in orchestrating a soundtrack that features worthy appearances while effectively complementing the movie. Nevertheless, my hat goes off to the women on this album, namely Rah Digga and Thea Van Seijen for making it do what it do baby.

TURN OFF THE RADIO!

Thea Van Seijen - Fight For You

Reverand William Burks, Sly Stone, Stone Mecca - Blood Thicker Than Mud "Family Affair"

Rah Digga- Bitch Gonna Get Ya'

Kool G Rap, Ghost, Tash Mahogany & RZA- Whar

Hip Hopera Example III

EMC’s The Show, is yet another solid example of a concept album. Like Prince Paul’s A Prince Among Thieves, this album plays like a movie without the inexplicable $11.00 price tag. This twenty-three track narrative (skits included), was a welcomed addition last year, ultimately proving to be one of the better albums of 2K8. Self proclaimed “favorite artists' favorite artists”, EMC consists of emcees, Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth and Strick. These excellent mic controllers chemistry is undeniable, and the result is heady, clever lyricism fortified by dope beats supplied by the likes of 9^th Wonder and Nicolay. It also features appearances by Sean P, Little Brother, Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets fame amongst others.

The Show, as the title would suggest details the story of these experts' making classics as they make their way from the airport with their special promotions manager, Adam, to a live performance at Club MP3. The value of this album lies in its ability to cohesively maintain the storyline both musically and through the various comical skits. Nevertheless, it is the various messages and lessons sprinkled throughout the album that also add to its worth.

TURN OFF THE RADIO!

EMC feat. Ladybug Mecca - The Show

EMC feat. Sean Price - Git Sum

EMC - Winds of Change

EMC feat. Little Brother - Traffic

Hip Hopera Example II

Prince Paul's ‘99 classic, A Prince Among Thieves, sets the bar for concept albums. It possesses and exhibits all the major traits; basically playing like a movie throughout its entirety. The thirty five track opus, of which there are a considerable number of skits are pure genius. They feature a stellar cast of rappers including the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Sadat X and Xzibit (Just some of the names) matched with Prince Paul's cinematic musical backdrop.

It tells the story of Tariq, played by Breeze of the Juggaknots, who needs to get some money to record a demo tape for RZA. Almost naturally he turns to his boy True, portrayed by Big Sha who lures him into drug dealing. In his effort to secure this money Tariq encounters brilliant characters portrayed by an improbable list of rappers. Ultimately, it is a musical-like story of betrayal that is propelled by interesting story telling from different crafted styles. Every single song is a part of the story as is every skit. Collectively they help the tale progress; proving why A Prince Among Thieves should be the standard by which every artist who intends to undertake the difficult task of making a concept hip-hop album should adhere to; truly "Hip Hopera" at its best.

TURN OFF THE RADIO!

Prince Paul feat. Breeze- Steady Slobbin

Prince Paul feat. Kool Keith- Weapon World

Prince Paul feat. Big Daddy Kane- Macula's Theory

Prince Paul feat. Xzibit, Sadat X, Kid Creole- Handle Your Time

Prince Paul feat. Everlast- The Men In Blue

Hip Hopera Example I

A concept album is vaguely defined as an album in which a unifying concept or central idea is projected throughout the albums entirety. I use the word vaguely because that is an exception rather than the rule. That said, in hip hop there have been several attempts to create a concept piece, where all the songs and skits contribute to a (by and large) singular theme. Some of these aforesaid efforts fall short because put simply, not all the songs and skits are in sync partly because they fail to drive home the suggested premise(s). In my humble opinion while the songs on a concept album are supposed to contribute to its theme, a good indication of a stellar concept album- a litmus test if you will- is if the songs can stand on their own.

Tricks Of The Shade

I don't know how many people remember The Goats, for that matter even know who The Goats are. Nevertheless, Tricks of the Shade, is a must have for any true hip hop enthusiasts. My boy Toothpick (He was called Toothpick for obvious reasons) put me on back in the 6^thDoggystyle and The Chronic, I was reciting the lyrics to Wrong Pot to Piss In and Hip-Hopola. The album plays like an urban concerto; with the trio's ganja laced politically charged lyrics standing out against stellar production ushered in by Joe Nicolo (Boo Yaa Tribe). Their story tells the tale of brothers, Chicken Little and Hangerhead as they journey through Uncle Scam's Federally Funded Welfare and Freakshow in search of their mother who was jailed for having an illegal abortion. Through these characters as well their politically conscious and Mary Jane innuendo music, The Goats are able to tackle several issues including the genocide of Native Americans in pre-colonial America, police brutality, abortion amongst others; ultimately suggesting that minorities were [still are] getting the shit end of the stick. It should be noted that all the songs featured on Tricks Of The Shade do not completely contribute to the album's concept; still all the skits in which the aforementioned brothers meet some very colorful characters reinforce those suggested ideas. TURN OFF THE RADIO!

The Goats- Wrong Pot To Piss In

The Goats- Hip Hopola

The Goats- Whatcha Got IS Whatcha Gettin