Hip-hop

Hip hop is analogous to roundball because you can count on a crop of anxious rookies clamoring in the wings. Only a special kind of aficionado can distinguish the pro’s from the rank and file amateurs. An emcee must impress me with all facets of his craft to gain my approbation and, if that happens, he must also chart his ascent masterfully to gain other fans along the way. I call it Graduation. The world is now over-run with would-be ballers and would-be emcees, few of them ever surpassing the elementary level…fewer still charging for a Bachelor’s in rhyming or a Master’s in musicianship. Seeing the next Kobe Bryant or Nas in the making, however, resuscitates a true admirer’s sense of hope and continuity. This series is dedicated to the Hip Hop Draft Picks of 2007 and why one or all of them will be heard from for years to come.

Up first is Joell Ortiz.