So I know that Nick and I talked about this the other day (podcast 101), but I maintain that few people actually appreciate beatboxing as an art. Proof positive: Remember Rahzel? Remember back when the Biz still freaked it hard? Of course not, not one of you lame ass ringtone kids actually listens to real hip hop or looks out for trill unsigned hype. I can say that because I don't think anyone has ever commented (besides Nick) on a single one of my music posts, so there! I'll calm down now and get to the point.
My point is, the last time beatboxing got any real exposure was that wackass freestyle from She's All That or in that Rock Your Body joint by Justin Timberlake. And while JT may have potential - it just becomes a caricature of something great when some kid from a boy band does it (i.e Dick In A Box vis a vis Color Me Bad). I know (repeat from yesterday's podcast, yea yea) that if I approach some kids on the block and ask them what they know/like about beatboxing, some kid will start spitting raspberries into his hands. Contrast that with something like B-boying which is way more popular now then back when Breakin' came out --- or rap. Any kid on the street will tell you how much work rapping is - the streets is tough and all that - but that's it.
So, Neal, are you going to shut up soon? What are you really trying to say? I think what I am trying to say is, my boy J. Stone (NYC STERN CLASS OF 2010!) still has respect for beatboxing AND has fun with it. Perhaps you should check him out. He's been doing this for a little while, all over the world to boot. If that isn't your thing or you are looking for something a little more lowkey/alt, peep his roommate (and fellow Sternie) Corey J.
J. Stone (beatboxing) vs. Diwon (MPC) Live at Shemspeed Sukkot Party @ South Paw
Yes, I did just use a whole post to plug my personal agenda and classmates. It's my blog - deal with it!
yeah man i think you're so wrong about this. there was Blake from American Idol who brought beatboxing to an even wider audience, and in the finale for that season he rocked the stage with Doug E Fresh. i normally agree with you somewhat on music stuff (Beyonce's vids for example) but this one i totally disagree. i think within hip hop culture specifically, beatboxing may be out of favor, but not within pop music at large. it's just still sort of underground.
Definitely agree Neal - while the human voice is arguably the most versatile instrument in the world, the art of beat-boxing is unknown by still too many. And, for those who do know it, it is often viewed as a "lower" form of music than guitar, bass, drums, etc. I think the solution is exposure: get your art out to the world and, if it's good, they will have no choice but to love it!
okay, so what about Bobby McFerrin, who does entire concerts and albums of a capella jazz performance?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_McFerrin
he's recognized around the world as a highly skilled musician and artist. that's gotta count for something in this discussion, right?
i dunno... maybe it's just me but i don't buy this whole "beatboxing isn't respected" thing because everyone i know thinks it's awesome, and not in a "it's so corny!" way.
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Bobby McFerrin is still alive?
Anything done by an NYU Stern student is automatically lame. There's no place more out-of-it, other than maybe Wharton.
pfff - there is nothing more lame than a law-kid from DePaul. YEA I SAID IT!
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i'm gonna have to agree with the "grande" - AUTOMATICALLY LAME!
talk about shit i don't need to hear today. this week is the worst lead in to an even shittier next week ever.
best check yallselves lest yall wreck yallselves.
sorry your week is weak. maybe next week, it'll be chic.
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what about this?
does that make beatboxing and a capella music cool again?
yes. yes it absolutely does.