2001 Hip-Hop In A Coma: The True Beef

It was on January 1st, 2001, New Year's Day, that a tragic accident had left father rap dead and his son Hip-Hop in a coma... Starting in 2001 & in years to follow Hip-Hop began to see a resurgence of "Beefs"; But those were just major distractions to what the true beef was - this may be the actual issue behind the Tupac Biggie East Coast West Coast Beef.- mainstream versus underground. Up until the 99 & the 2000's, rappers used the underground scene as a way to get into the record industry in order to achieve mainstream success. In short, the underground scene was a road to the mainstream success. The underground rappers were also looking forward to creating independent record labels like they had began to see mainstream rappers do. During this time period of 1999-2000, what was thought to be mainstream success was rapidly changing & evolving into something undesirable to the underground scene. Over this time period, Hip-Hop music would go from underground & mainstream being seen as a bridge to success, to underground & mainstream being seen as a table that divides Hip-Hop artist by what they define as success.

Artist Highlight: Rachelle Farrell & Will Downing

Originally posted Dec 19th, 2008

Since we no longer get to experience real Rhythm and Blues music any more I'll highlight some artist who can "Sho'nuff Sang". I'm Starting with two artist who have amazing vocal range. First there's Rachelle Farrell, who touts a 6 octive vocal range. If this means nothing to you, let me put it in perspective. There are 88 keys on a piano and she can sing 72 of them, she can sing Barry White and Minnie Ripleton notes.

Y'know what just check out this Live performant by her below.

The Best of 2001 R&B Playlist

In honor of the 20 year anniversary of 2001 R&B music (The Year R&B Died), here is a playlist of hit songs from that year. It is hard to believe so many great some were released in just one year. This is a list of 52 songs that I selected as what best represents the R&B music of 2001. 

There are links for Pandora & Spotify playlist at the bottom of the post, here is the lists of songs.