Its funny to me when people talk about the difference between hip-hop now and then. It hasn't changed much at all to be honest except the money. What most people consider old school was "MAIN"stream commercial records. They weren't listen to some of the underground stuff that was a lot more raw. The only difference now is what use to main stream is now underground and vice versa. And people make money being gangsta even though they aren't. Back then someobody would of pulled your card. Go listen to the Freddie Foxx, Kool G Rap, Ice T's 1st album. All considered old school and considered gansta rap. That list is just off the top of my head theres so much more. So stop with the hip-hop dead talk and go get the Roots, Talib, Danger Mouse, Mad Villian, Fanatix, etc... Hip Hop is very much alive but you have to find him.

D, thanks for the True Hip-Hop Stories! Well, many of us who have grown up listening to rap and being apart of that generation, we know that Hip-Hop has indeed changed. I can recall the messages of how our neighborhoods were infested with crime, drugs, poverty and etc. But now D, the same things that were a problem back in the day (these things are still a problem today), it is being used against what the original message was. These negative things are now being glorified. Most of the rap today is a hot mess. The reason rap today is a mess because it doesn't show respect towards women, it promotes violence, it focuses too much on the bling-bling, the money and cars. Back in the day rap was fun, you can dance to it, you didn't have to worry about buying the edited (clean) version, you didn't have to worry about half dressed females shaking their bodies everywhere and the lyrics were much more pleasant to the ears (profanity, sexual explicit lyrics are on the rise today). We need to declare a Hip-Hop State of Emergency. We need to fight to tone down the lyrics, we need to give the female body a much needed make-over. Artists need to take a stand too if they are pushed into showing this kind of foolishness. We really need a face lift! That's why I listen to prodominantly old school. We also need to save R&B because beats, lyrics and other things are sampled from R&B. I know that you feel me, I know that others will feel me too. Thanks D, I just wanted to say something to get the message across of the state of todays Hip-Hop. Lets do the right thing!

What's old school wednesday without a spin of
'Nightmares' or 'Cinderfalla'...
damn i'm getting old..nuff respect Derek and phat shout to Dana Dane

I dig this interview! I would love to be apart of the preservation of Hip Hop, if you need a shooter for any more interviews, let me know at: myspace.com/hratedfilms and I have a couple old pieces on youtube at Hratedfilms I'm in L.A. and will be in Atlanta in 2 months. I'm about Hip Hop and all that falls under the culture.

D - Awesome interview, thanks for sharing...looking forward to seeing more interviews like that :-)

You know what?? HIP HOP / RAP MUSIC as we know it, is Dead!!!! The greatest Hip Hop years to me were 1983-1995. R.I.P. Rap music.

I DO miss these Rap "Stories" that were so fun to visualize. I'm so tired of the gangsta rap that is being promoted by mainstream. Used to GROOVE to my man Dana Dane!

I don't always comment, but I LOVE your blog, D!

Classic footage D! props to my man Dana Dane for always keepin' it real. D you gotta throw an oldschool hip hop reunion night with all the greats under one roof one night only!

Your boy

Fazio

I remember recording Nightmares off the radio back in the days. I used to visualize every verse as if it were old time radio show. This reminds me of a time when most hip hop was Entertaining. Dane is one of the best and Nightmares is a Classic Timeless Track!

I remember when you first posted this. Please do more of these! I've always enjoyed these commentaries.

With your busy schedule, do you have time to build websites for clients anymore (United Camps)? I need a site similar to your layout and design. How much will you charge? I can maintain it, I just need it set up. I'm writing my business plan now and I can write the cost in. Please, D. I have been struggling with it and I want to focus on other parts of my business...and you have the best design of all the research that I've done, user friendly, aesthetically pleasing, with the ability to stream video which is key for me. Don't make me beg:)