In a video blog posted by Malice on his website, Malice addressed what he considered "foolishness" (according to his grandma) in hip hop (you can find the video at www.maliceoftheclipse.com/). Admitting that he was "part of the problem," Malice said that when he goes into the booth, his imagination can run free and he can do anything he wants. Stating that he needs that "foolishness" in his music, in his movies, etc., because it excites him, but that people need to be able to separate fiction from reality.

While I could not agree more that people need to understand that what rappers say in their songs is by no means gospel, the way he went about saying it was a little suspect. I completely understand what he is saying, but by saying that he is the problem, but then basically saying that he will do nothing to change it or address it was my issue. I don't think he or Clipse is the "problem" necessarily, but I do think that it is okay to say that they, along with just about every other rapper/MC do portray certain images of their life that aren't fully truthful (big surprise!).

The other thing that I do agree with about his comments, and what I have always admired about Clipse, and in particular Malice, is that their stories and tales about the streets have never been one-sided. This is what Jay-Z was getting so much praise for when he first entered the game, and I think they do the same. Even on their last album, listen to "Nightmares" and you can hear some of the pitfalls of coming up in the streets, especially when Malice spits "If hustlin' is a must/be Sosa not Tony." A direct warning that drug game is not all that it is cracked up to be and telling people to stray away from it.

I feel the point Malice made was a good one, but the way he presented it made it seem almost as if he was the typical rapper just by stating that he was the problem and that there wasn't really any changing that. I think his brother mentioned it in a magazine article where he said that there is of course some exaggeration in a line said, but that it is to keep the attention of the audience. This is without a doubt true, in not just hip hop, but many realms of art. If you think about it, all the movies that are based on true stories must have been compelling enough to talk about and create a movie around. However, it is always based because Hollywood has to ensure that it still draws a crowd at the box office. No matter how good the story may seem or be alone, there is still dramatization added in order to gain a following. Same is true for hip hop, and people need to realize that this will continue to be true as long as an audience needs to be reached.

So, what do you guys think? Do rappers need to tone it down with the exaggerations? Is it all fair game? We all know Clipse have been under fire for basing their lyrics almost strictly on selling dope. Do they just need to check themselves? Let me know what you think. We'll also have a discussion closer to when the album drops about who's the best in the group; Malice or Pusha T. As always, comment or hit me at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Sidenote: I'm gonna be heading to Hawaii with the fam tomorrow, so I'll have to let you guys know about that when I get back.


Peace.