Everybody has his or her own definition of hip-hop. When the art form first sprang up there was no need define it -- it just was. It was in the spins of break-dancers, in the spray cans of graffiti artists, in the scratch of DJs and in the rhyme of the mc. Somehow hip-hop became more illusive. As it grew in popularity the purity of the form became diluted, being cut with commercialization. Then the definitions began to emerge. What is hip-hop? Is it a culture? Is it the same as rap? Who will salvage hip-hop?
A few weeks back LMNTAL and Young Black Entrepreneurs sponsored Hip-Hop week here at the university. During the events of the week, students, faculty and guest speakers celebrated and discussed hip-hop: Its glorious past, current state and all that it could, rather should, be.
Hip-hop is a form of rebellion. It's acknowledging that you are an outcast in American society and instead of desperately trying to assimilate, taking that frustration to create something of your own. It's being content with being you and with being with your own.
With her debut album, "EZ Like Sunday Mornin," fourth-year college student Ciandress Jackson, C-EZ, member of LMNTAL and president of YBE has done this: All lyrics, production, audio engineering and editing were done by her. If that's not grindin' I don't know what is.
The album opens with an intro which includes the appropriate piano cords from Lionel Richie's "Easy Like Sunday Morning." There's a sudden gritty feel to it. This obviously isn't a high tech studio production. However, this works for the concept. You're instantly transported to slower days: reminiscent of double-dutch, impromptu football games in the street and the opening of fire hydrants on hot summer days.
C-EZ spits hard on the first track, fittingly titled "Shut 'Em Down," showcasing her versatility over sharp guitar cords and snare, "Creative effervescence/ Manifested/ Critical sessions/ I let my fabled feeling fester/ Leave to pivotal lessons." This impressive word play is delivered with such rapid precision that you can't help but agree with C-EZ when she later boasts, "When it comes to rhymes I connect like AOL/ Faster than your average rapper I flow like DSL."
"Reggae Joint" is a club banger that reeks of the dancehall flavor that is so popular these days. However, C-EZ makes it clear that she isn't jumping on the Jamaican bandwagon, "It's C-EZ if not me than who?/ 'Cause I hail from the 'Ville/ And I rep the HOOS.
Throughout "Easy Like Sunday Mornin'" C-EZ demonstrates all the elements that make an MC stand out. On "American Born" she raps over a Johnny Cash guitar rift mixed with a hyper drum that creates a mellow mix. C-EZ's subject matter is also a good blend, taking on political issues but managing not to come across as preachy ("We broke the chains loose but we still aint free/ bodies liberated/ minds live in captivity"). "Hold Your Head," "Day and Night," "Computer Luv" and "Clean Up Woman" all offer great story telling. The chorus of "Day and Night," however, is extremely dry -- she would do well to refrain from singing on anymore of her tracks.
"Clean Up Woman" is not only a riveting story about catching a cheating lover but is also tremendously funny. The bluesy vocals delivered by Myra Franklin polish off the song. "Beyonce Is Crazy In Love" also is laugh out loud funny. C-EZ once again utilizes perfect timing over the "Crazy in Love" beat where she speculates about Beyonce and Jay-Z's relationship. Yet, the instrumental runs too long and you're left wondering when the song will end. "EZ Way" is the highlight of the album where she defines her name in perfect tuning to the rhythm, "Easy is my style/ Easy is my walk/ Easy is how I dress/ Fresh/ Step/ Spit my rhymes and talk."
C-EZ experiments with many forms of music; from techno to rock, letting her voice become another instrument on the track. Her style is unique, her lyrics complex and only lag because she hasn't developed enough breath control for the many syllables she packs in a few seconds.
In totality "EZ Like Sunday Mornin'" exemplifies hip-hop. Forget the fact that she has managed to produce hypnotic beats in her bedroom, distribute her CD without a record deal (email cpj4v for a copy) or that she manages to pursue her career while being a full-time U.Va. student. What makes this album hip-hop is the unapologetic nature in which C-EZ delivers her varying subject matter.
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