By the time this goes to print, I will just have seen the above-mentioned Mr. Shadow (aka Josh Davis) at our beloved Crystal Ballroom, perform his debut album (and I would argue the greatest album of 1996 and inarguably one of the best albums of the ‘90s), Endtroducing….., in full. Do not @ me; I will not change my mind, and also…I am right.
I’m writing this (behind deadline) before actually attending this concert, so unless San Jose’s favorite son fucks up royally, I assume this show will be one for the ages. For all I know, he could just pop in the CD on the PA system, press play, and then go to the bar for a few drinks. And to be fair, that would be a great show on a sort of Andy Kaufman level.
But on the real, I am sure the show will be stellar, life-changing, and a reminder that DJ Shadow’s debut album is indeed a masterpiece. However, there was something I noticed while partaking in this nostalgia-drenched victory lap. The rather smug, albeit chuckle-inducing interlude “Why Hip Hop Sucks In ’96.” As a kid, I could also smugly laugh at this one with its G-Funk parody. At the time—in the Bay Area—I was also tired of Dr. Dre and Snoop’s debut albums dominating weed-stenched house parties. Again, don’t @ me; I learned to love both those albums, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Regardless, listening to this track now, I realize that he’s poking fun at a genre that kinda fizzled out three years prior. I feel like this would be like some pop artists making tracks today complaining about hyperpop. You're a little late on that hate train, buddy. It did make me go through my records and try to discern exactly what hip hop from this year actually sucked.
Not to pick a fight with one of my favorite artists of all time, but Mr. Shadow, I beg to fucking differ. If someone knows Josh, please find a way to get this article in his hands. I expect a live-streamed public debate, or at the very least, a written rebuttal in the music publication of his choosing. I am, after all, the premier scene critic of Portland’s one and only nudie mag. There is seriously no way he won’t take up my request for a public spat. Surely.
Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt
I did some reading and learned that the cute little diss track was specifically referring to the abundance of Jay-Z and Diddy on the radio, particularly in the Bay Area and Sacto. Okay, fine, it may be overplayed, but I revisited Reasonable Doubt for this piece, and I have a hard time using the word “sucks” to describe it. Yes, I realize that in 1996, hip hop was exploding commercially, and DJ Shadow’s track literally just says “It’s the money,” but come on, old head, don’t pretend this album doesn’t slap.
Ghostface Killah – Ironman
Although a late bloomer from the Wu’s ranks, Ghost really did stake a claim in hip hop history with his solo debut. I can’t imagine Josh was a Wu-Tang hater in his college DJ days, so he must have been aware of each member’s solo excursions. It may not be the best of the Clan’s spinoffs (that’s either Liquid Swords or Cuban Linx; I won’t change my mind), but it certainly doesn’t suck. Debate me, Josh!
The Roots – Illadelph Halflife
Not The Roots' first album and definitely not their best (I mean, the case can be made; I’ve heard some folks argue that it is), but any way you slice it, a pretty fantastic record. Also, it was most likely the breakthrough record that a lot of DJs, such as Mr. Davis, first became familiar with this game-changing hip hop group. I’m trying to imagine DJ Shadow coming across any song on this album and sighing in despair, thinking hip hop has fallen.
Fugees – The Score
Okay, in terms of overplayed, definitely. But in terms of overrated? Come on. Just cause something is popular doesn’t mean it’s bad. Make a case, Josh. I’ll wait. My argument will simply be putting this album on and playing it front to back while staring at you.
Outkast – ATLiens
Since I am white and young, my favorite Outkast album keeps ping-ponging between Aquemini and Stankonia. Hell, I even like Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. I don’t care how normie that makes me look. But for some reason, the old heads swear by ATLiens. I’ve revisited it a few times, and now that I’ve become somewhat of an old head myself, I am starting to get it, especially as a historic artifact. I get how it was their “authentic” album, after the backlash from the first album’s success (they were literally booed at the Source Awards). Maybe Shadow disliked it ‘cause there’s almost no samples used on this album?
Dr. Octagon – Dr. Octagonacologyst
While Endtroducing….. might be the best album of 1996, this one is simply my favorite. Also, I don’t believe that Josh Davis listened to this record in 1996 and didn’t like it. Maybe he saw it as competition? If he ever had a contender for NorCal’s quirkiest producer, it was Dan The Automator. No need to be petty, though, Mr. Shadow. You can both have one of the best albums of 1996.
Honorable mentions include Lil Kim’s Hard Core, Mobb Deep’s Hell on Earth, 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me, Busta Rhymes’ The Coming, UGK’s Ridin’ Dirty, Nas’s It Was Written, A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymes & Life. I mean, for fuck’s sake, Mr. Shadow, SHOW ME THE HIP HOP THAT SUCKED IN ‘96!!! WHERE IS IT???
