Soundcheck

In Hip Hop, Haters at the Gates

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

For years, DJs and MCs fended off declarations of hip hop’s demise with innovative beats and chart-busting albums. But these days, hip hop is stuck in a deep funk. Today on Soundcheck, we look at hip hop’s soul-searching journey into the future. And later: West African Lionel Loueke mixes the giants of jazz with African traditions. He talks about his turn on Herbie Hancock's Grammy winning album and plays live in the studio.

Listen to the whole show

Hip Hop's Deep Funk

Music industry watchers have been obsessed with the future of hip hop ever since the genre's birth 30 years ago. But sales were down 30% in 2007 and superstars like 50 Cent have lost their luster. We talk about the future of hip hop with longtime MC Del the Funky Homosapien and New Yorker staff writer Kelefa Sanneh.

Kelefa Sanneh's picks for bright spots in hip hop:
Lil' Wayne, “Lollipop”
The-Dream, “She Needs My Love” from Lovehate
UGK (Underground Kingz) featuring Outkast, “Int’l Players Anthem” from Underground Kingz
Tiny Tempah, “When I Was Young” from Room 147
Yo Gotti, "Walkin in Memphis"

Del the Funky Homosapien's Myspace Page
The New Yorker Web site

Lionel Loueke

West African Lionel Loueke is the guitarist on Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters, which just won a Grammy for best album of 2007. He is now releasing his Blue Note debut, Karibu, which includes appearances by Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Lionel Loueke joins us to talk about mixing jazz giants with African traditions, and to play live in the studio.

Lionel Loueke's Website