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Jay-Z: Got 99 Problems But Kanye West Ain't One

• 20th Sep 2009

I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about writing an editorial. Finally I can write about something or should I say someone who is making me all a quiver. However, before I go on to declare my love for a certain Mr Shawn Corey Carter let’s talk about the VMA’s, well everyone else is…

Yep, last week saw the Video Music Awards cause quite a commotion in the music world. We saw Beyonce ‘droppin’ it like it’s hot’ whilst performing Single Ladies, yep her crotch flashing, ass slapping moves were enough to make most strippers blush. Then we had the equally half dressed Lady GaGa going all macabre on us, covering herself in blood and acting out a mock hanging. I’m not quite sure what to make of that, full marks for theatrical impact, yet she could improve on her acting skills. I mean she was feigning bleeding to death yet still managed to sing Paparazzi pitch perfect – I think she needs to work on the acting. But the absolute highlight was the Kanye west incident – how funny. As you all know by now Kanye West got pissed and made a tit of himself, I mean come on have we not all done the same at some point. Ok, maybe our misdemeanours weren’t at the VMA awards and broadcast to the masses but still I think we should give him a break. Although, poor Taylor Swift, when Kanye West jumped onto the stage the poor girl was stood there like a rabbit caught in the headlights. But I think it’s fair to say neither is going to suffer from this, they managed to steal Lady GaGa’s thunder and get lots of exposure, so no real harm done.

Ok, so now onto my new favourite subject Shawn Corey Carter, yep that’s Jay-Z to you and I. After receiving ‘The Blueprint 3’ for review I thought I’d just pop it in the CD player and have a listen, then proceeded to fall in love with it and it hasn’t been out of the CD player since. Although, I’ve always known of Jay-Z I’ve never really taken the time to listen to his music. I don’t know why- just one of those things, I guess the closest I ever got to hip hop was Skee Lo’s ‘I Wish’.

To coincide with the album release a documentary about Jay-Z was screened a few days ago. Good ole Alan Yentob’s Imagine series was documenting Jay–Z on his run up to last year’s Glastonbury performance. It begins with Jay-Z on–stage saying:

‘For those who didn’t get the memo my name’s Jay-Z and I’m pretty fuckin’ awesome.’

Now Hip Hop has never been renowned for its modesty but, if you’re going to make statements like that you need to be able to back them up. However, Jay-Z is merely talking fact he is ‘pretty fuckin’ awesome’ and he can back it up. With an estimated $500 million fortune, sales of somewhere in the region of 50 million albums under his belt , a long list of business ventures including a clothes range, a film company, an alcohol range (yes, you could buy some Jay-Z champagne), stakes in nightclubs and a basket ball team to name a few. Let’s not forget he was one of three founding members of the Roc-A-Fella label which upon being sold to Def Jam records saw Jay–Z become CEO of the company. Not only is Jay–Z one of the world’s greatest rappers he is also an accomplished business man and he still finds time to represent UNICEF. Heck, even Barack Obama’s a fan.

What impresses me more than anything about Jay-Z is that despite all this he actually seems like a nice person, aside from his drug dealing past and the time when he stabbed a record company executive, but apart form that he does seem really rather pleasant. As Charles Bukowski said: ‘kindness is about the best you can do’, and never a truer word has been spoken. If Jay-Z had an over inflated ego it would be harder to warm to him but he seems to come across as down to earth and quite sweet. And to illustrate my point cast your minds back to last year’s Glastonbury. Jay-Z became the first rapper to headline the festival and Noel Gallagher made a show of himself by doubting Jay-Z. Now instead of creating a war of words and being rude to the Gallagher brother, Jay-Z played a montage of Noel Gallagher before his performance. As he came on-stage he was singing to Oasis’ Wonderwall putting Noel firmly in his place without having to say a word. Needless to say the crowd went wild and Jay – Z was a storming success.

At the time I didn’t grasp the enormity of the Glastonbury situation, but in retrospect whilst wearing my new Jay-Z tinted glasses, I really think Noel Gallagher made a big mistake and was nothing short of ignorant. He actually said:

‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. If you start gonna break it (sic) people ain’t gonna go. Sorry but Jay- Z. No, I’m not having hip hop at Glastonbury no way man no, no, no.’

Oh how wrong he was. But the issue is not why would he say that but HOW could he say that? Either Noel Gallagher is ignorant and detached from relevant music or he just wanted to bag himself a bit of press coverage. Who knows? Why can’t Glastonbury embrace hip hop, if it’s good music why can’t Glastonbury host it? What’s the point of any festival sticking to one genre? Music isn’t about genre divide it’s about liking what you like because it’s a damn good tune regardless of genre.

I must say, this year the only two artists that have really got my blood pumping and stirred some excitement in me are The Ghost Of A Thousand and Jay-Z, two very different acts but none the less two brilliant ones. So, while I pop off to a certain music store to buy Jay-Z albums in tangible form (like in the old days, before downloading was invented) you can all check out my mutha f***in’ website.

On the website this week we have…
…lots of news and reviews and all the hottest new music videos. There are interviews with Manchester Orchestra and the Leveller’s Jon Sevink. Plus the chance to win the entire Beatles’ re-mastered back catalogue, all you have to do is answer one simple question. Finally, this week’s Glasswerk featured gigs are William Francis, Goldie Lookin Chain, The Parlotones and Deaf Havana.