Substance.
Something that, outside of a few, artists can claim to have. If it is one thing that has become apparent in this fast twitch age of social media is that music comes and goes. The "Hot Nigga" of today can easily become the dropped nigga of tomorrow. One of the reasons why Tupac is discussed in today's music scene is because he made timeless music with real weight to it from songs like "Brenda's Got A Baby" to "Dear Mama" to "Keep Ya Head Up" etc. etc. the list goes on. He often spoke on real issues going on in the African-American communities and in the world period. He didn't need to be motivated by the death of a young black teen to call his rap "friends" together to create a tribute track, he went in the studio and lead the charge himself. I'm not even what you would call a Tupac fan but for these reasons and more I have great respect for the man.
Enter Michael Penn II bka CRASHprez, now before you get ahead of yourself, no I'm not saying he is the Tupac of our generation he is however one of the few artists in this day and age of music that can claim to have the word that began this write up. Similar to Tupac, for the two or three years that I've know him, he is always using his music and talent to express his opinions and feelings on social issues. He doesn't need to see a news story for him to speak on the difficulties of America, he does so out of pure nature that just is who he is as a person.
Over the years CRASHprez has refined and tuned his self described Prote$tWaVe style of music and his latest "Leave a Note" just might be his best effort yet, inspired by all the craziness that has been going on lately with the police and African-Americans. CRASH is one of those rare few who can present these issues to you in a musical realm without coming off as preachy or self-righteous, something that today's "conscious" artists struggle with. I won't go into detail on the song itself I'd rather you listen and take away what you will from it. I just want to say, I'm proud to know CRASHprez and of all the things he has/will accomplished.
"Don't be afraid of the darkness"
CRASH's more perfect is scheduled for release by the end of 2014 via CATCH WRECK. In the meantime do be sure to check out his previous project fear itself. with longtime collaborator *hitmayng.
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