Why Can't Shit Like This Happen On MY Block?

Talib Kweli "Get By"

Dead Prez "Hip Hop"

Kanye West "Jesus Walks"

[right click to download, ctrl click if yr a mac!]

So last night I watched 'Dave Chappelle's Block Party', expecting to be disappointed. I was, in fact, enthralled. Chappelle collected the best and brightest of contemporary hip hop and r&b to perform at his own personal block party in Brooklyn, and hired genius director Michel Gondry to document the whole thing. The result was a high energy documentary that was funny and moving at the same time.

I've loved hip hop for a long time. If you're a regular reader of Pop Zeus!, you'll know my stance on the current state of hip hop. It's a scene overcrowded with talentless thugs, but the seriously talented artists manage to shine through the bullshit just enough to make me still appreciate the art form. Chappelle assembled such artists for his film. Artists like Talib Kweli, Mos Def, the Roots, and even a Fugees reunion. It's worth watching if you're a fan of any of these artists.

So for today's post, I've decided to put a few tracks performed by some of the artists at the block party. Dead Prez's "Hip Hop" is kind of like the theme to the movie. Listen to the lyrics and you'll get it. It's the anthem to pure hip hop music, untouched by corporate bullshit and the "bling bling" lifestyle.