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In Hip Hop, Haters at the Gates
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.
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.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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