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Digging in the Crates w/ Davey D #1

There are lots of tracks we can look at and I think folks should add to this so we can compile a list.. But here’s three songs that I feel address the plight of the inner city Black male….

The first one comes from Boston rapper Akrobatik who drops gems to the shorties he sees hanging out on the Front Steps (Tough Love)… The beat is dope and the lyrics are incredible… Its a damn shame that major radio stations never picked up this song and that way too many people sleep on one of my favorite artists Akrobatik

2Pac dropped a dope 3 minute song that thoroughly expressed the angst and plight of the young Black inner city male

The second one ‘Streetz Are Deathrow’ comes courtesy of the late 2Pac. Its always been my favorite cut from him.  In a about 3 minutes Pac underscores the tormented mindset of a young cat trying to navigate an increasing confusing world..I wish he did a video for this song.. Not sure if I ever heard Pac do this song live..But he captures the moment on this piece

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS3IZtNU_f4

I know i said I would post up 3 songs, but I couldn’t post the 2pac cut without digging in the crates and pulling out Ice Cube. His 1990 song ‘The Product’  sits right alongside this 2pac cut. It’s off the Kill at Will Ep. Cube skillfully takes us from the moment of conception to the tragic ending in a jail cell.. Coming at the tale end of the crack era Cube like Pac captures urgency of a troubled time.. Cube was arguably at his best when he flipped this song..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd1xxQpXcuc

The last one is a classic from Blastmaster KRS-One.. ‘Loves Gonna Getcha’ .. Like Akrobatik’s cut this song is one that dispenses advice as KRS lays out the all too familiar plight of the neighborhood dope dealer who’s love for material possessions leaves him blind to the realities and dangers of life..Its songs like this that made everyone fall in love with KRS and see him as one of the best Hip Hop has ever produced..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQAssqqYQ-E

Anyway enjoys these gems and feel free to post up songs that you feel need to be listened to by ‘the young black male’

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Ice Cube's song 'The Product' still holds true for many Black males almost 20 years after he recorded it.