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Soundcheck / June 18, 2008 / O.G.'s Down With the I.S.O.

O.G.'s Down With the I.S.O.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Rapper and actor Ice-T is set to perform tonight with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In the performance, he will narrate "Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz," a poem from the 1960s by Langston Hughes. And while an ISO performance of Ice-T's classic album "O.G.: Original Gangster" is not on the program, tonight is not the first time classical music has backed an MC. We talk with writer Jayson Greene
Our blog: John Schaefer at the crossroads of hip hop and classical

"Top Ten Classical-Music Samples in Hip Hop" by Jason Greene


Comments

  • [1] Allison from Brooklyn June 18, 2008 - 02:13PM

    It's worth noting that Ice T has always made connections between different genres of music -- to the benefit of hip hop as a whole. His song Cop Killer was from his metal band, Body Count not his rap music. Also, he's made comments that connect the cultural roots and social functions of country music and hip-hop.


  • [2] ndlela from Harlem June 18, 2008 - 02:15PM

    correction: Jay-Z's song "30 Something" was about him "defending himself" because he is about to turn 40 next year and not coz he just turned 30.
  • [3] Chan from Toronto June 18, 2008 - 02:16PM

    Maestro Fresh Wes.

    "Symphony in Effect"

    Even the album cover has him dressed as a, well... maestro.
  • [4] David Hume from Staten Island, NY June 18, 2008 - 02:18PM

    Africa Bombatta the first rap ever is him simply singing over a Kraftwerk song. Kraftwerk is very classical, therefore rap comes from Germany and the Classical genre to begin with.

    Rap never admits this?

    Dave
  • [5] shc June 18, 2008 - 02:18PM

    Not quite hip-hop, but appropriation anyway:

    the Gorillaz' Left Hand Suzuki Method
  • [6] Kofi Martin from WNYC Community Affairs Intern June 18, 2008 - 02:57PM

    I think it will be interesting to see how arts presenters will use this fusion. If the audience of hip hop reflects multi-generational and multicultural consumers, then wouldn't the same apply to arts institutions?

    Who needs more audience participation? As a classical clarinetist, I hope the new era of fusion is fast approaching. I, like many other classical musicians, need jobs.


This thread is closed.


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