THINK!
Two sides, one issue.
Should Rappers Retire At Age 30? No.
By PAUL FARBER
Published: June 18, 2008
Geffen / Koch / Def Jam
Perspective, the spirit of gaining and sharing true insight, is something we’ve always demanded from rappers. Unfortunately, in an age-conscious culture, MCs who keep flowing year after year get called out for staying on the mic past their so-called prime, as if age brings nothing new to say. Like Jay-Z (a target of such ire) once rapped, “Everybody lookin’ strange, say you changed / Like you work that hard to stay the same.” The culture benefits from
rappers who gain perspective over the span of a career, rather than impress us on a single-to-single, year-to-year basis.
The concept of retirement has only recently entered the hip-hop lexicon, thanks mostly to Mr. Jigga’s own failed attempt at such a pursuit. Even Saigon, an upstart who has yet to release an official debut, has flirted with calling it quits. It seems the business of music and the pressure to maintain a steady and youthful vibrancy over time has caused the unnecessary and early demise of many a would-be legend. The market wants to hush voices up and rush them out (i.e., Lauryn Hill) rather than see them adapt.
We all could name a few rappers flowing past their peak who need to get 401 KO’ed off the stage. But for every over-the-hill rhymer still vying for attention, there's another who drops wisdom and insight like only a grown lyricist can. Where would Common be if he bowed out after Electric Circus? Would we appreciate Nas for being such a chameleonic prophet if he put down the mic years ago? Does KRS-One, who has shifted from being Criminal Minded to Spiritual Minded, deserve a right to further his resume? Even with all the flak heaped at Andre 3000 for constantly updating his style, his verse on “International Players Anthem” was something of sincere hip-hop genius as he reflected on the idea of marriage and growing older: “When I shoot the moon, high, jump the broom / Like a premie out the womb / My partner yellin ‘Too soon! / Don’t do it! Reconsider! / Read some litera-ture on the subject, you sure?’”
MCs are not athletes, so as long as their rhetoric stays sharp, there’s no need to speak of retirement for stage-related wear and tear. Even as cultural figures, to deny them of a career arc is a dangerous wish. Most rappers accomplish fame, and infamy, before they come of age -- what if we asked our politicians and educators to do the same? That’s like accepting Detroit Red without regard to Malcolm X. In hip-hop, brilliant things flow from youthful voices. But those who are worthy of a long-lasting limelight should be encouraged to rock on.
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