Lil' B - Base For Your Face (ft. Jean Grae & Phonte) (prod. 9th Wonder)

Lil' B - Base For Your Face (ft. Jean Grae & Phonte) (prod. 9th Wonder)

Dun dun dunnnnnnn. Isn't it ironic that one can gain mainstream success by rapping badly only to be accepted, then rapping halfway-decently. Lil' B is the poster child for upwardly mobile rappers and now the borderline backpackers have another reason to hate the man. I won't go on record saying I'm a fan, because sometimes being #based gets to be too much. Even so, I respect Lil' B's work ethic and can't throw salt on his game. Linking up with 2/3 of Little Brother and Jean Grae is something most rappers will never get a chance to do. AND it's actually a decent track? Oh boy... Even with Lil' B taking the headline, Phonte proved that he's still a heavyweight on the mic. Jean Grae disappointed me with her flow, even though she had some quotables. All in all, the #based movement is catching fire as we speak. Which side are you on???

SIDENOTE: On the anniversary of the Notorious BIG's death, what does this signal for hip-hop's direction? Does this mean the convergence between 'good' hip-hop and 'rap' is closing? I wonder how Biggie would look even at a song like this. My guess is he'd nod in acknowledgment, but would not be down with the #based movement. To each his own, I suppose.

Dear Phonte & 9th Wonder

When one's friendship stops taking precedence in lieu of business, other relationships or simple personal preference, maybe it's time to take a step back and realize what caused the friendship to hit the rocks in the first place. That's when what used to be the best of friends can turn not into enemies, but strangers. They know and love one another, but won't talk for fear of alienating one another even further. They'd rather split amicably than risk destroying the friendship. Phonte and 9th Wonder, it's a blessing in disguise that you guys were able to thrive alone for a while before reconciling.

Both of you had some growing to do, obviously, before you could come to this point. I'm not sure about the personal growth that you underwent, but professionally you both have carved out nice little niches for yourself. 9th, you've become one of the most heralded producers of the past decade, and Phonte, you've been as consistent an MC as we've seen in the game. I love that you both were quick to denounce any rumors of new Little Brother work, because your friendship rekindling doesn't mean you're automatically going to click musically. In fact, I wouldn't expect you guys to work on anything at all. While it's excruciating as a music fan, as an overall admirer of healthy friendships, it's heartwarming. Your reconciliation is oddly inspiring me to reach out to some old friends. You said it best, Phonte... Maybe 2 plates of food and a long conversation is all people need to resolve their differences.

The song speaks truth...