Who’s the best STORY TELLER: Biggie, Jay-Z or NaS?

Recently, I asked the question, “Who is a better storyteller: Biggie, Jay-Z or NaS?” as my facebook status message, and the answers I received were quite interesting. I wasn’t asking who was the best MC of the three, but instead who was more adept at crafting the best story. One of my friends demanded I include Ghostface in the discussion. Yes Ghostface does belong, but we’re leaving him out of this discussion because my response would be too biased if he was included. After all… he is my favorite rapper.

So I decided to compare three samples of excellent story-telling from the three emcee titans.

Each excerpt was graded from 1 to 10 on the following criteria:

1. Imagery used – personification and metaphors, sensory detail present
2.  Does the excerpt transport you to the scene described? Can you visualize it clearly?
3. Does it “tug at your heart strings”, evoke emotion: joy, happiness,  sympathy?

Sample 1:

 NaS:  From “I gave you power”

 ”Yo, weeks went by and I’m surprised
Still stuck in the shelf with all the things that an outlaw hides
Besides me it’s bullets, two vests and then a nine
There’s a grenade in a box, and that tech that kept cryin
Cause he ain’t been cleaned in a year, he’s rusty as clear
He’s bout to fall to pieces, cause of his murder career
Yo, I can hear somebody comin in, open the shelf
His eyes bubblin, he said, “It was on”
I felt his palm troubled he’s shakin
Somebody stomped him out, his dome was achin’
He placed me on his waist, the moment I’ve been waitin’
My creation was for blacks to kill blacks
It’s gats like me that accidentally, go off, makin niggaz memories
But this time, it’s done intentionally
He walked me outside, saw this cat
Cocked me back, said, “Remember me?”
He pulled the trigger but I held on, it felt wrong
Knowing niggaz is waiting in hell for ‘im
He squeezed harder, I didn’t budge, sick of the blood
Sick of the thugs, sick of wrath of the next man’s grudge
What the other kid did was pull out, no doubt
A newer me in better shape, before he lit out, he lead the chase
My owner fell to the floor, his wig split so fast
I didn’t know he was hit, it’s over with
Heard mad niggaz screamin, niggaz runnin, cops is comin
Now I’m happy, until I felt somebody else grab me
Damn!”

MissAvon’s score : Imagery: 10 Transports Listener: 10 Evokes Emotion: 9

Other examples of NaS’ storytelling : “NY State of Mind Pt 2″, “Mastermind”, “Shootouts”

 Sample 2:

Jay-Z : From “You must love me”

Also watch video here

 

 We used to fight every night
but I never would suffer
just smile my big brother’s
tryna make me tougher
As we grew fussing and fighting continued
as I plundered through ya stuff
and snuck ya clothes to school
Got intense real intense
as we got older
Never believed it would lead
To me poppin one in ya shoulda
With my rings knew you had it
’cause you took too long
as Mickey, Andy, and the girl that bought it looked on
Huffin’ and puffin’ gun in my hand
told you step outside
Hoping you said no but you hurt my pride
made our way down the steps
maybe you thought it was just a threat
or maybe ya life was just that crazy
and you was beggin’ for death
try to justify this in my young mind
but the adrenaline
and my ego hurt combined
drove me berzerk
Saw the devil in your eyes
high off more than weed
confused I just closed
my young eyes and squeezed <gunshot>
What a sound
opened my eyes just in time
to see ya stumbling to the ground
Damn what the fuck I done now

runnin’ around in a circle
thinking I’m assed out
hot gun burnin’ my waist
ran straight to Jazz’ house
Like a stranger damn I just shot my nigga
and ran off into the night as if it was not my nigga
Left the scene how could I go out that way
Still you asked to see me in the hospital the next day
You must love me.

MissAvon’s score: Imagery: 8 Transports Listener: 10 Evokes Emotion: 9

Other examples of Jay-Z’s story telling – “Regrets”, “Allure”, “Do you wanna Ride”

 Sample 3:

Biggie: From: ”Niggas Bleed”

 We agreed to go ['in'] shootin is silly
Because niggaz could be hidin in showers with Mac [milli's]
So I freaked em, the telly manager was Puerto Rican
Gloria, from Astoria, I went to war with her
peeps in ninety-one, stole a gun from my workers
And they took drugs, they tried to jerk us
We blaze they place, long story, Glo seen my face
Got shook, thought a nigga was comin for the safe
Now she breakin, shut up, 112, what’s shakin
A Jamaican, some bitches I swear, they look gay
In a black Range Rover, been outside all day
If it’s trouble let me know, I’ll be on my way
Please, I got kids to feed, I done seen you make niggaz bleed
Nightmares this bitch don’t need
Ron, get the gasoline, this spot, we bout to blow this
get the cash before the cops and Range Rover cats notice
Room 112, right by the staircase, perfect place
When they evacuate, they meet they fate
Ron pass the gasoline, the nigga passed me kerosene
Fuck it, its flame-able, my hunger is unexplainable
Strike the match, just what I expected
The dread kid ejected in seconds
And here come two, opposite sexes, one black, one Malaysian
We in the hallway waitin patient
As soon as she hit the door we start blastin
I saw her brains hit the floor, Ron laughin, I swear to God
I hit Maxi Priest at least twelve times in the chest
Spin-t around, shot the chink in the breast
She cryin, headshots put her to rest
Pop open the briefcases, nothin but Franklin faces
The spot’s hot, sprinklers, alarm systems
Thats when other guests start to slip in
It’s time for us to get to dippin
I know them niggaz in the Range is on they way up
Flippin, pistol grippin, I load the clip in
The hallway, got real loud and crowded
They walked right past us, I don’t know how they allowed it
The funny thing about it, through all the excitement
They Range got towed, they double parked by a hydrant
Stupid motherfuckers

 MissAvon’s score: Imagery: 9 Transports Listener: 10 Evoke Emotion: 8

  More examples of Biggie’s story telling – “Juicy”, “I got a Story to tell”, “Notorious Thugs”

So based on my grading of the above excerpts, NaS has emerged as the winner. His verse is superior to the other two samples chosen and no, this wasn’t rigged. I truly believe his verse was the strongest. I could picture everything clearly when listening to the song. He used personification, effective imagery and sensory detail and his descriptive words transported me right to the scene. It felt as though I was right there witnessing the whole thing. The language used was simple, easy to understand and flowed extremely well. In my opinion, NaS’ verse crafting ability is better than most other rappers.

Biggie and Jay-Z tie for second. Jay-Z uses more of a narrative style in his verse. Strong imagery emerges towards the end of his verse and transports the listener to the scene of the shooting. The language is simple but carries a lot of emotional weight. The verse is very concise and descriptive but in very simple terms. It is extremely effective in evoking Jay-Z’s feelings after shooting his older brother. In contrast, Biggie’s verse is more layered and thoughtfully descriptive. He strings a lot of short, graphic phrases together to piece together a riveting story. Like the verses of his counterparts, You are transported to the midst of the scene while listening. His verse also had a bit more violence than both NaS and Jay-Z’s. Subtlety is not Biggie’s strong suit in this particular verse which has the more complicated sentence structure of the three samples.

 

So, In my opinion NaS posesses the best story telling ability of the three. Other’s may not agree because they misunderstood the question to be “Who’s the best emcee?” and also because of the assumption that Jay-Z is the best at everything. Well, that’s why this is my opinion. No one can take away from the fact that Jay- Z is the most commercially successful of the three but I think  NaS has the edge lyrically. I find that Jay-Z has become very formulaic in terms of what he rhymes about. The majority of his music today seems to be about how great he is. NaS is not formulaic and never has been. He is more willing to experiment with subject matter and has evolved more as a rapper than Jay-Z. B.I.G. had the “x” factor…an unmatched ability to craft vivid stories that were extremely believable and plausible. If he was still here he would have surpassed Jay-Z and possibly NaS, in terms of record sales and popularity.

But as for who is the very best…the world may never know. Until we crown the king, the best storyteller of the three,  in my humble opinion is NaS… no question.

 

 Do you agree or disagree? Leave a comment!

VIDEO: Saigon – “My Crew”

I have a “love/hate” relationship with Saigon. I love him because I’ve met him on several ocasions and each time he was very pleasant and down to earth. But then I hate him because after all these years he still hasn’t released an official album. I hate him for making me wait so long and for realeasing all of this sub par material. I think he finally has a record out but I dont really feel inclined to purchase it yet. It’s called “Warning Shots 2″ and I will get around to giving it a listen momentarily.

In the meantime, this video was created earlier this spring at his home when he was bugging out with his boys. I kind of like it.

VIDEO: Rihanna on 20/20

Diane Sawyer interviews Rihanna about Chris Brown.

I liked this portion the best

More videos after the jump..

Twitter, you’re on thin ice…

Twitter just isn’t fun for me anymore. I’d rather update my status on Facebook. It’s just a matter of time before I desert Twitter completely.

VIDEO of Jay-Z/Alicia Keys performance at Game 2 of World Series

I missed this because I hate watching baseball…But I heard Alicia Keys had some bangin’ boots on and had to see them for myself.

Ghostface Appreciation: Post #2 – “I’ve loved him long time”

(This was written in August a few days after seeing Ghostface perform at Nokia Theatre)

So it’s no secret to anyone, that I adore Ghostface. I’ve loved him since the first time I heard him rap solo, which was around 1999. My friend Jainaba was playing Supreme Clientele in her car, and after one listen, I was hooked.

I recently saw Ghostface in concert a few days ago. The show was decent but not what I’ve expected from him over the years. I think the best concert I ever went to was the first one where I went on stage. I couldn’t even dance properly and all I could do is stare at him while this other chick outdanced me. It was at Roseland Ballroom in 2004…and it was also the time I went up to him and said “I love you”. It looked like it affected him. He even looked  a litle surprised before responding, “Thank you” or something to that effect.

I love the picture above. That’s one thing i love about Ghost. He raps with such intensity. I always love when he does “Holla” because they put the blue light on and he really gets into it. At the show I just went to, he did not perform Holla. It was disappointing. He didn’t perform any songs from ‘Fishscale’ or ‘The Big Doe Rehab’. I wonder why not. He almost performed “Big Girl” but then he cut the music to go into this diatribe about how much Rap music sucks these days.

I’m trying to get to the bottom of why he never performs songs from Fishscale. Even in 2007 when I went to see him at Nokia Theater with Rhythm Roots All Star in November. And then the upcoming show at BB Kings this November. This show should be a different format because by then he should have released his new album which is mainly R&B. I’m worried I’m never going to see him perform “Ragu” or “Shakey Dog” or “Beauty Jackson” or “Big Girl”. These are amazing songs and he should perform them.

My plan for the November show is to somehow get noticed by him and get asked backstage. I don’t know how I’m going to pull this off but I really want to meet him formally.  

Anyway, I will always love Ghostface regardless of whether he ever performs “Camay” live. I think I’d wet my pants if he ever did. My perfect Ghostface set list would be as follows:

Mighty Healthy (start the show off official)

Nutmeg

CAMAY

Child’s Play

Big Girl

RAGU

Shakey Dog

Shakey Dog featuring Lolita

Walk Around

Yolanda’s House

The Hilton

Strawberry

Whip you with a Strap

Be Easy

Wildflower

Poisonous Darts

Save me Dear

Beat the Clock

Last Night (skit)

The Grain

Ghost Deini

Malcolm

Irons Theme (Conclusion)

I would squeeze in a couple other songs in there but if Ghost performed these songs at a show I’d be soooooo happy. I love that man. Wholeheartedly. And I will forever.

A

Edit this entry.

Wanted!

These Manolo Blahnik cinched leather boots.  (Only $1795). These would look so damn beautiful with a mini and a turtleneck sweater….

Why I love Ghostface Killah….

It all started nine fateful years ago. I was visiting a friend at Wesleyan University and after hanging out in her cramped room for what seemed like forever, I suggested we go get some ice cream. To my delight, she agreed, and minutes later I was hopping into her car, happily thinking about what flavor ice cream I would get. But my thoughts were soon interrupted by a very loud, pulsating beat and a distinctive voice confidently affirming, “Ay Yo, this rap is like Ziti… facing me real TV… Crash at high-speeds, strawberry, kiwi…” I stared incredulously at the radio as the heavy bass engulfed the car. This was unlike anything I’d ever heard before! I listened closely to the rest of the song. I had no idea what this man was rapping about, but I was fascinated! He was stringing unintelligible phrases together in an incredibly imaginative way. This rapper rhymed with such zeal and charisma that the more I listened I was transfixed. “Who is this?” I yelled excitedly. “Ghostface Killah”, my friend replied with a knowing expression. For the rest of the trip, ice cream was the last thing on my mind. All I cared about was getting my hands on a copy of that album.

            That day, I got my first introduction to Ghostface Killah, one of the most charismatic members of the rap super group Wu Tang Clan. The music I’d heard was from “Supreme Clientele”, his critically acclaimed second album. Revered as one of the most successful solo albums by a member of the Wu Tang Clan, it pairs an ingenious concept (Ghostface as famed scientist, “Tony Stark” who becomes super hero, “Iron Man”) with original rhymes and robust, animated music that takes you on a journey. Even nine years after its release it still sounds just as relevant and ahead of its time as it did that first time I heard it. There is something undoubtedly very special about it.

Today, my love for Ghostface is stronger than ever. He is one of the most ground breaking, and talented artists I have ever come across. Simply put, his music makes me feel good. It stimulates my imagination and has infinitely enhanced my appreciation for rap music. Ghostface is also a true trail blazer. He was one of the first to start the multiple rap name trend and has several monikers including “Pretty Toney”, “Ghost Deini”, “Iron man” and “Tony Starks”. He has also crafted an indelible image that not too many have been able to duplicate. Over the years, his music has evolved in a very positive way.

These days his rhymes are no longer indecipherable, but are instead artfully layered with poignant narratives and entertaining braggadocio. His passion for the music is evident when he raps. In one song called “Holla” he pours his heart out for three and a half unforgettable minutes. It is so intense that at shows he performs it under a faint blue light.

Ghostface will forever be my hero even after her retires from rap. I am still in awe of his uncanny ability to skillfully string words together and to make meaningful, creative albums that are unique as they are thought-provoking. He is my favorite artist and I cannot wait for his new album which will be released later this month. I know I can look forward to his trademark attention-grabbing rhymes and that special little “thing” that only he has…that raw talent.

If I were a Fashion Designer…

I had to write a descriptive paper for my English class and I chose to write about being a fashion designer (one of my dream careers)

“Tatiana Von Furstenberg”

            A million thoughts ran through my mind as I layed in the dark staring at the ornately painted mural on the ceiling of my luxurious hotel room. Botticelli’s Venus stared back at me looking as if she would step out of her shell at any minute, alight from the ceiling and make herself comfortable in the overstuffed armchair next to my bed.  It was 3:00 am and I could not sleep.  I was too excited about my fashion show later that day at the Palmadessa building in bustling downtown Milan. I had been tossing and turning restlessly for most of the night in my enormous bed covered with layers and layers of the finest bed linens I had ever slept on.  I shifted my attention from the mural to the bright red display on the sleek, black, digital alarm clock resting on the night stand next to my bed. It read 3:02 am. There were a thousand details to tend to before the show began at 11:00 that morning.  I might as well get a head start, I thought as I sat upright in the bed rumpling the pale blue, 600 thread count Frette sheets. It was amazing how far I’d come.

            It had only been five years since I had received my fashion degree at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, but it seemed like many years ago.  Employment after graduation was settled with just one phone call. My mother was the successful fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg so I’d lived a life of luxury and grown up around fashion. It was in my blood. Watching my mother’s meteoric rise in the industry had been very rewarding but I yearned to make a name for myself in fashion. My last name afforded me many perks. I didn’t have to worry about looking for a job like my classmates. I simply had to choose where I wanted to work. It was that simple.  I decided upon the Italian design house Bottega Veneta. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I walked through the gigantic wrought iron doors at the Milan design studio. Everything was glossy, perfect and exactly how I had imagined it would be. I thought about the large lacquered rooms overflowing with neatly organized clothing samples, fine leather goods and the most beautiful shoes I’d ever seen.  It was a wonderful place to work. I remembered the way the sun shined brilliantly through the large bay windows on either side of the design rooms, scattering beams of light that danced across the burnished tiled floors and bathed the well designed furniture in a warm, dazzling light.  My first assignment had been to create a mood board for Fall/Winter 2005. I had done a great job and excelled at most of my assignments until I had risen in the ranks and become an assistant designer. I thought fondly of my neat, tiny work station next to that giant window overlooking the city; my pristine work desk with all my prismacolor markers stacked neatly in a colorful Kosta Boda vase, and my gigantic bulletin board jam packed with hundreds of tear sheets from all of the fashion magazines I read religiously. I missed my former place of employment but my departure had been well timed.

            I had spent four glorious years at Bottega Veneta absorbing as much as I could before deciding it was time to go. The day had finally come to launch my own fashion brand, “Princess” by Tatiana Von Furstenberg. I laid in bed for one final minute before kicking the sheets to the side and hopping out, my long chestnut brown hair swaying against my bare shoulders. This really is a nice room, I thought, and strolled over to the windows. The oriental rugs were a deep cerulean blue and were trimmed with gold tassels. The bed I had unsuccessfully tried to sleep in was an absolute dream, covered with pale blue crisp Egyptian linens so soft and comfortable that you literally sunk into them when you lay down. The muted brown drapes were a heavy brocade and hid cathedral style windows that overlooked one of Milan’s busiest streets. The furniture looked antique and was a rich mahogany with many intricate carvings. I turned on one of the two gilded golden lamps, walked over to the dresser and began to brush my long brown hair. I looked at my reflection in the large gilt mirror. My ivory skin was flush with color and my brown eyes danced with excitement. I knew exactly what I needed before I began to tackle all my tasks for the fashion show.

            After a quick soak in the claw foot bath tub I went to the substantial mahogany armoire and selected a charcoal gray, one shoulder, sheath dress, of my own design and a pair of black leather Ferragamo pumps. I surveyed myself once more then stepped out of my room and walked purposely to the elevators admiring the plush blue and gold carpeting and the opulent, gold wallpaper lining the halls. The hotel was still fairly busy at this hour as they prepared for the day ahead. In the hotel lobby was more of the same cerulean blue carpeting but in the center of the room was a large Oriental rug with two embroidered nude figures both holding water buckets and surrounding the rug were plush, inviting pale pink and green sofas filled with cushions. On the ceiling was a sprawling reproduction of Michael Angelo’s “Creation of Adam” fresco just like the one found in the Sistine chapel. When I had first arrived I was too busy to take it in but now as a gazed at it, I gasped in awe. It was amazing.  

            I walked into the night and the cool air softly caressed my face and neck, awakening my senses. Within minutes I was in a cab heading towards the Palmadessa, a large glass building  designed by famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright in the heart of the Milan. When I arrived, I expected the place to be dark and empty but instead I saw my assistants hurrying around at a dizzying pace trying to get everything in order. I greeted them before walking over to my makeshift desk and pulled the crumpled list out of my pale gray Hermes Kelly bag. I had to get someone to hem the show stopper dress. It was a breathtaking scarlet red sleeveless gown. The bodice was made from an enchanting silk fabric that I’d found in China on a recent trip. The large full skirt was made from layers and layers of sheer, weightless tulle. The combination of the silk and tulle fused perfectly to produce a stunning creation.  This dress embodied my entire collection and even though I’d taken the most care with it, a portion of the hem had come undone. I decided to mend it myself not trusting even my most skilled seamstress to do it.

            I remained at the Palmadessa until about 9:00 am crossing most of the items off my list before heading back to the hotel to change. I decided to wear a scarlet red suit from the collection, which was exactly the same shade as my show stopper gown. I pinned up my hair carefully and applied my signature blood red lipstick. The whole time, my heart was beating fast with anticipation. I walked triumphantly out of the hotel with my head held high. The attractive driver of my sleek black Mercedes Benz S550 said “Good morning” and opened the car door for me. As soon as I was inside I eased back into the plush leather seats and began to go over my mental checklist. I was sure that everything had been taken care of.

            We soon arrived at the Palmadessa and I walked through the back entrance greeted by my surprisingly calm assistants. They assured me that everything was fine and in order. I sighed deeply happy that all was well.  As I came to the “hub” where makeup was being applied, hair was being done and the models were getting ready, a calm feeling enveloped me. I gathered everyone together and gave a short speech before all the models lined up in their places. Soon the pulsating beat of the music signifying the start of the show began and a big smile spread across my lips. This was my moment! This was my time to shine.

Celtics vs Raptors : October 14, 2009

I went to see the Boston Celtics play the Toronto Raptors at the XL Center in Hartford on October 14. It was my first NBA game! I really enjoyed seeing Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and all the other Celtics play! Here are some of the pictures I took.