The other night I was reading the Analects of Confucius, classic literature attributed to the famed philosopher from ancient China. Comprised in a set of 20 "books" (don't worry, they're very, very short), The Analects of Confucius are full of wisdom, eccentricities, history, and advice on how to build one's character. Going for the 'home stretch', I was gearing towards finishing the Analects that night. As I was reading Book 17 however, I was struck with awe. 'Verse 18':
I hate to see sharp mouths overturning kingdoms and clans.
Kingdoms and Clans? Look, maybe this is a bit of a reach, but what else would you have thought of if you were reading about "sharp mouths", "kingdoms" and "clans"?Now don't get me wrong, I love Wu-Tang (lest we forget, they're for the children!). And while in my summation all of the members have been doing their thing, I feel like I've got to take Raekwon to task for some of the things he's said and done in recent history.
Exhibit A (to the left): we have Raekwon at a NYC concert in November of '06 calling out Jay-Z for his relatively lackluster Kingdom Come. [original link]
Exhibit B (to the right): we have Raekwon chattin' it up with Miss Info over his issues with RZA in regards to handling Wu-Tang's new album, 8 Diagrams.
Okay, let's put this into perspective: OB4CL is one of my favorite Hip-Hop albums of all time. I've been a fan of Rae' since I heard him rapping about 'sticking up whiteboys at ball courts.' But for a guy who's spent the last year or so talking smack, he's gotta at least back it up. In 2007, Rae sponsored the totally wacktastic 'Polluted Water' (I tried to like it, I really did) by his weed carriers Ice Water. That was about it.
Back to the videos: Granted, Kingdom Come wasn't what it should have been, but Jigga returned this year sending out (what I felt was) a message to the hater(s):
Chef, look what I cooked...Once again, I could be reachin', (word to Digable P's).
All in all, please get it correct: I'm still rooting for Rae' and I can't wait until OB4CLII comes out. But until then, please tell him to just stay in the kitchen 'til it's ready...
I'm getting hungry, but I'm not in the mood for beef...
I
