Quese IMC vs. Tha Native

Alright, so this was a big week for our class. Not only did we get to delve into discussion with three authentic and immensely talented native american hip-hop artists, but we also got to see them put on quite the show on our campus. However, perhaps what fascinated me most about the class discussion and the concert was the striking similarities between Culture Shock Camp Members and Tha Native when they spoke of cultural oppression and shared stories of growing up, but then when presenting their art forms, I felt as if Culture Shock Camp and Tha Native created music that was vastly different from one another's. Micah and I had to do some in depth research on each artist



 


Alright, so beginning with Quese IMC. I see this cat as essentially a native american form of say Talib Kweli. Super conscious and creates his music with the intention of causing thought and even potentially sparking movements. Movements for understanding of different cultures, equal rights, racial and cultural pride, etc. Like he said to us he doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, and seems to steer clear of any type of intoxicants, since he considers them the white man's way of poisoning his people. In fact he even organizes and speaks for groups that reach out to youth about alcohol, etc. He speaks of his own identity being a native american of seminole and pawnee blood and the oppression and and problematic themes in Native americans lives both then and now. Another extremely interesting aspect of his music is the quotations he using to begin and end many of his tracks. This cat is aware, prideful, and inspiring, and anyone who listens to any of his songs will immediately recognize his incredible passion for his heritage. He's always a genuinely nice dude from the conversations I had with him. If you are interested in learning more about Quese IMC, hit this link up   http://www.queseimcmusic.com






Ok, so Short Dawg, Shorty, Sandman, and now most recently tha Native. For those of you who listened to some of his music via this blog, or went to the concert, I think it's safe to say this dude has very little in common to Quese IMC musically. If Quese IMC reminds me of a Tailb Kweli like character, then Tha Native reminds me more of a Dr. Dre in the 1990's. I am not just saying that because Tha Native makes explicit marajauna references, but instead because they both posses boastful styles on the mic, slow but very sturdy rhythm,  and they both seem to rhyme over bass heavy and often funk influenced what could be called "west coast" flavored beats. His lyrics are less movement oriented, and seem to be more focused around his everyday life and how he deals with it. He is not living a sober life, traveling around preaching movements. But instead he is attracting a whole different demographic within the Native American culture. He indulges in the occasional drink and smoke and even speaks in some of his music as his darker days as an alcoholic. I feel that Tha Native provides native american hip hop fans with music that allows them to listen to some honest everyday stories of a regular guys struggle(who just happens to also be a Native American). Although Tha Native does focus heavily on his people's culture, there is much more to his music than just Native pride, every song involves pieces of him personally.


Quese IMC and Tha Native undoubtably both represent Native American Indigenous Hip-Hop. However, these artists proved to me how large the sub-genre of Native American Hip-Hop is. What I initially thought was a tiny little sub-sect in a sub-genre now appears to me to be a large and thriving subculture. Anyways, what other differences do you guys see in these artists music? Which one do you think represents Native American Hip-Hop the most fairly? What surprised you guys about the show, or the discussion?

Native Hip Hop Performance

This Monday, Quese IMC and his associate, Shock B, had a hip hop performance at the Lewis Amphitheater.  I honestly didn't know what to expect at this event, so I was very interested in finding out what the show would be like.  At the concert, they started their set by playing Native songs with drums.  I think that it was really awesome that they integrated their heritage into the performance because that isn't a common attribute of a rap concert.
       Tha Native, despite having a much more coarse and intimidating style than Quese, still began his set with a Native bird song.   Both of the artists made a point of telling which Tribe and area they hailed from, as well as giving a shout out to all of the Natives who came out to the show.  However, they didn't want to alienate anyone so much of the theme of their show was about togetherness and the idea of "one".  Quese had a very inspirational and uplifting message, although Tha Native's lyrical content was clearly a direct response to current rap.  His lyrical content spoke of retaliation, substance use, and the struggle of the environment in which the current Native population is placed.  Quese had a presence that was really fun and inspiring, while Tha Native was much more intimidating and harsh in his delivery.  I had a ton of fun at the show and was really impressed with all of the artists.  At one point, Quese had a delivery and flow that reminded me a little bit of Bone Thugs and Harmony.  By rapping with melody and quick flow, Quese's delivery reminded me quite a bit of Krayzie Bone.  It was cool to see how excited the artists were to perform and I think that Native hip hop is a really positive outlet for expression in the Native community.