THE UNSTOPPABLE 'YOUNG MOMMA'

THE UNSTOPPABLE 'YOUNG MOMMA'

"Sleep on her if you want to. I did. Then got my ass handed to me." -jonathan riley, theiconiumfoundation Ooouuu was a minute ago. I wrote a peice you didnt read back in 16' called, 'Is Young M.A a one hit wonder?" Now technically that's a question. Not a declaration or prediction of Young M.As' career. But for what she has since contributed lyrically to the game, even the question was out of line.  "Quiet Storm" was cool. But I figured that was it. Another talented wonder vanishing before my eyes. Never to be heard in such rare form again. Since I didn't bother listen to 'Her whole Story' album, well over a year went by before I'd heard 'Hot Sauce'. Zzzz Before that tho. I did hear 'Walk'. I knew who it was but i had to ask this chick the name of the song. Zzzz Then came Whalinn. But by this time I had already begun to admit to myself that she is not a one hit wonder. But that she is someone special.  I never minded that she was gay. Although i did wright another piece about females getting a 'Gay Pass' in hip-hop. But that males don't.  Plus. I'd only be jealous if I was attracted to her (which I'm not). And I dont hold it against her being a girl an all. I realized a long time ago, if you got it, you got it.  I like her shwag. Her overall profile. Her production. But most of all, I like her lyrics.  "Thinkn of my next move in my thinkin chair."  I saw her on a cypher once on Youtube. When i heard what she was spittin I became frightened. And turned off the video.  I had never heard those words come from a female before. I had never heard those words come out of nobody.  16OrBetter - Cypher EP 55 | Casket D x GetEm Grimez x Young M.A. x RBLZ x Chase Baker 15' Being the misogynist, proud sexist that I am, It was difficult for me to come to grips with a female possesing such lyrical skill. Betty Davis comes to mind. She says things guys would say. She boldly, unapalageticly pits about beef and sex like a male rapper does. Describing what her favorite parrs of tge female body. Just as well as she describes a gun. "Bought the bitch a fashion nova dress just to see her ass in it." "… Chill dude, you are not a tough guy  Not the only one with a gun, guy  My hitters like shootin' shit for fun, guy  Head shot, hit the boy one time…" By the time I'd heard 'PettyWap', the truth was abundantly clear. That Young M.A is on one the best M.C.s in the game. And has the potential to become one of the greatest of all time. There are several signs of an successful music artist. Creating several good projects is one (consistency). Longevity is another. Having a good team around to help one make good desicions about their career. Keeping up with the times (ever changing culture). And a few others.  But there are far less signs of greatness. Natural talent, walking the fine line between deep lyrics and catchy hooks, and the ability to hold your own against anyone. And I mean anyone. This means, LITTLE to NO features in your albums. Similar to Nas' Illmatic, J. Cole's 'Forest Hills Drive', Ice Cubes 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted'. For the most, keeping their sound between you, the them and a beat. I was around for MC Lyte. She didn't rap like that. I was around for Nikki D 'Daddy's little girl'. Nikki didn't rhyme like that. Foxy was that bitch. But she didnt spit like that. Queen Latifah? She was as conscience and woke as any rapper in her hay day. But even Queen didn't bless the mic lyrically like M.A And Lil Kim. The legend. Memorable verses, longevity, the whole nine. And she had one of the greatest MCs of all time co-signin her. But even the great Lil Kim didnt go in like Young M.A. Why? Because Young M.A is on the level of men. So she will be compared to men. Kendrick, Ghostface Killah, J. Cole, Mos Def, Kid Cudi, Tech N9ne, Kool Moe Dee, xxxtention(R.I.P.), Tyler the creator, Guru (R.I.P.), Bun B, Beanie Sigel, Lupe Fiasco, Wiz Khalifa, Denzel Curry, Shy Glizzy. Now which one of those artists can't she keep up with lyrically?  I even through a few legends in there.  But what about the more contemporary artist? Hip-hop young guns like, ’s Ski Mask The Slump God, Miami’s Lil Pump, Miami’s Smokepurpp, J.I.D, BlocBoy JB, YBN Nahmir, Wifisfuneral, Canton, Trippie Redd, Lil Skies. These were all XXL Freshman Class of 2018. Or what about the 2017 XXL pupils? ’s Kamaiyah, The Bronx’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Philadelphia’s PnB Rock, Madeintyo, Playboi Carti, Aminé, Kap G, Kyle; Ugly God, XXXTentacion(R.I.P.) Now Lets look at the 2016 XXL Freshman Anderson .Paak; 21 Savage; Kodak Black; Lil Uzi Vert; Lil Dicky; Dave East; Denzel Curry; Desiigner; G Herbo, Lil Yachty. 2015 XXL Freshman Class: DeJ Loaf, Fetty Wap, GoldLink, K Camp, OG Maco, Raury, Shy Glizzy, Tink, Vince Staples, Kidd Kidd. Now you tell me who won. Young M.A is not and will never be a pop star. Her status as an artist will never rise as high or shine as bright as nikki or cardi's. The white folks do not understand her. So because of this, she will never reach mainstream status. Young M.A and her lyrical capabilities, will be relegated to the puritists, to the scholars of rap, to the Djs', to the backback rappers, the hip hop heads, and to the streets. Right were she and the culture belongs. The NY crown of it's best rapper has been passed many times to many different people. Sometimes due to death, a loss, selling out, not being hungry no more. And worst of all, when some one better comes along and takes the crown. Young M.A is not ahead of her time. She is for us in the here and now to understand. And when her time has passed, others will try to emulate her.  As is the story so many times before. But are they playing her songs in LA? Down south? Or the Mid west? Will enough places besides New York catch up? Those question will be answered. Unlike most kings who have wore the crown. Young M.A has time on her side. Time that will only make her better.  They was tryna' get me  They was tryna' get me out  Like y'all don't know what I'm about  Y'all do it for the clout  The streets like, "where you at?"  I told niggas I'm en-route  I was working at the house,  in the stu' Sleepin' on the couch,  tryna' figure out What my next move is Come move with the movement  I see through you old transparent niggas Who you guys think you foolin'?" Written by -jonathan donnell riley, theconiumfoundation.blogspot.com