There is a common myth circulated amongst West Coast heads at this board and it's time this false assumption was put to rest.  Heads always wonder, "Why'd he change after his first album?"  "How come Doggfather was wack compared to Doggystyle?"  "How come Dogg Pound ain't the same after Dogg Food?"  "How Come Death Row fell off?"  "Why can't Ice Cube return to his old form?"  

Dre was quoted in Rolling Stone magazine at the time of the release of Eminem's "Slim Shady LP".   Dre said that "as long as Eminem can stay the same person he was the first day I worked with him in the studio, he will be bigger than Micheal Jackson".   Eminem, and a handful of other artists have been able to accomplish this masterfully.  (Lauryn Hill's success after the Fugee's, Dre's continued success, 2pac, B.I.G.)

But why should an artist stay the same when their lives have changed so much?  Why is this looked at posotively?  It is against all logic to think someone would go from being broke to having millions and not have their world view irrevocably changed.

Fans become dissapointed when an artist blows up and changes.  They feel like he "turned his back on his true fans".  That is bullshit, especially in the arena of gansta rap.  

The truth is when you become rich and famous and millions of kids begin to look up to you, whether you like it or not you now have an added responsibility.  You will now be held to account for your words and actions.  

As a Muslim, we are taught that people who steal in an Islamic society must recieve the harshest of penelties; yet if a poor man steals as a means to provide for his family then his penalty is marganilized, or forgotten altogether.  

I believe that it is the same thing with a rapper.  When you are a member of the poor and disenfranchised, and you glorify in lyrical nihilism and social anarchy; you may easily be forgiven.  Then, after a rapper has money and success, if he chooses to continue in that path, and stay the same; he will be giulty and held accountable for every word and deed he has exacted.  The punishment for that may be very severe.

Assalamulaikum.  

I think the main thing is drive. When Dr. Dre did the Chronic, him and all the others where hungry, literal and figuratively. that was their time to finally be heard. Dre's continued success came because of the investment he put into 2001, as he was once quoted, "If this doesn't do well, that voice in the drive thru will be mine" Eminem, he said on his 2nd CD, "They said I can't rap about bein broke no more They ain't say I can't rap about coke no more" as he stayed with the same drive but different topic, and Eminem Show was the same drive as he was trying to hit classic status, which I think he almost hit, and showed great artist growth. 2Pac was driven, Biggie was driven, Lauryn Hill, Outkast is always trying to innovate. Some though have a hard time staying at that level. Until Jay-Z put a fire in Nas, he was slipping, Jay-Z was falling but his ego wouldn't let him, Each Busta Rhymes, Redman and Ludacris album seems like effortless music made to just sell. After getting money, the drive is gone. Some artist stay driven, and they'll be remembered, others don't, and get their paycheck and bounce. No shame in that game either, do what you have to do to live a straight life.

I agree, but the mention of Islam is going to generate a lot of unnecessary hate. Hopefully, instead of hating people will recognize the comparison.

People who's lifestyle is porn and drinking don't fail to mention it in their posts.  My life is Islam, so it is represented in everything I do; including posting at the WCC forum.  

The prophet Jesus (pbuh) said, "Do not go for a period without mentioning the name of God, lest your hearts may become hardened from lack of remembrance."  The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated similarly, "Conversation is primarily for 3 reasons, enjoining the good, ridiculing the bad, and glorifying the name of Allah".

Yeah, basically what abrahimalie said is true.  

Yeah, basically what abrahimalie said is true.  

Why disrespect the name of Abraham?  I thought your Latter Day Saints Christians revered him?

Quote from: M Dogg on March 09, 2004, 08:16:22 PM

I think the main thing is drive. When Dr. Dre did the Chronic, him and all the others where hungry, literal and figuratively. that was their time to finally be heard. Dre's continued success came because of the investment he put into 2001, as he was once quoted, "If this doesn't do well, that voice in the drive thru will be mine" Eminem, he said on his 2nd CD, "They said I can't rap about bein broke no more They ain't say I can't rap about coke no more" as he stayed with the same drive but different topic, and Eminem Show was the same drive as he was trying to hit classic status, which I think he almost hit, and showed great artist growth. 2Pac was driven, Biggie was driven, Lauryn Hill, Outkast is always trying to innovate. Some though have a hard time staying at that level. Until Jay-Z put a fire in Nas, he was slipping, Jay-Z was falling but his ego wouldn't let him, Each Busta Rhymes, Redman and Ludacris album seems like effortless music made to just sell. After getting money, the drive is gone. Some artist stay driven, and they'll be remembered, others don't, and get their paycheck and bounce. No shame in that game either, do what you have to do to live a straight life.

Yes, I think much of it is drive and motivation.  Sometimes it takes a beef (2pac, Nas) to keep a rapper sharp.  My argument though; is that a rapper who has had success, should not continue promoting all the worst elements of soceity, prostitution, drugs, sex, and violence.  There is great harm in continuing in that path after becoming successful and wealthy.

people want to relate to the music thats why people get mad when artists start rapping about nothing but money. me on the other hand i could care less whether it relates to me because the fact is nothing in hip hop actually relates to me. but i will definetely say i really dont enjoy hearing nothing but money and cars.

Quote from: I Just Wasn't Made For These Times on March 09, 2004, 08:30:47 PM

Yeah, basically what abrahimalie said is true.  

Why disrespect the name of Abraham?  I thought your Latter Day Saints Christians revered him?

?  How did I disrespect anybody's name?

shit, I could give a fuck if they change, just as long as they still make good music.  Fact is most rappers who dropped dope ass albums that went platinum, are now extremely wack.