Many people have complained about Damage Control. "The operative goes too far," or "you can't say that kind of thing in print," or "who is this guy, hiding behind a pseudonym like that?" (yes, let's sit down and chat, Mark). For all of those too lazy to check the back issues, Damage Control was envisioned to "end careers that were on their last legs," and clean up hip hop from the filth that infests it. That means that sooner or later everybody who's screwing up -- even incredibly rich ones who employ lots and lots of Black people and help the community with the ill-gotten fruits of their musical madness ...
The operative coughs, and it sounds a lot like "puff."
... will be pummeled senseless verbally. And "hiding behind a pseudonym" is not the goal of the operative (one Hannibal Tabu, lives in LA, has no concern for his personal safety, etc.). That out of the way, let's move on.
As much punishment as this column has (and will) meted out, we also have to stop and acknowledge when something groovy happens. Not only do we have to stop the negatives, but promoting positives is part of what brings balance and ... oh hell, enough jabbering.
BLACK EYED PEAS! Yo, y'all's album is the bomdigi! I'll admit, you owe a ton to the Native Tongues, Digable, and the Pharcyde in terms of spirit, but \you got somethin' goin on ... 'cept what was up with that sound on Vibe? Guess that may be part of why they got canceled. Thing is --holler at your promo people. They fronted many a reviewer on the album (Chosen member Malik Singleton lent me his) and have been haters in general! Bad promo can hurt even the best lyrical manifestations (anybody remember Nas' 1st album?).
PUNISHER! FAT JOE! Y'all are doin' it everyday! Okay, okay, the operative was among the ones who dissed you when you rhymed at the Good Life, Joe, but you have improved dramatically, so bygones, huh? That gun talk y'all are on isn't new or nuthin' but y'all are putting freshness out there, and actually do have other subject matters. Keep it up, especially with more diversity in topics.
Otherwise it's just quick notes. CHARLI BALTIMORE, hot li'l single, hit Damage Control with the album. MARC from ICE FADE CITY, baby, you da man and the whole City of Lost Angels knows it. CANIBUS, fools is hatin,' you whooped LL's wack ass, keep it comin' on the battle tip, son. FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP, good lookin' out on the reunion, let's hear that new project! And finally, on a personal note, the operative has to send love to go-to man, Chosen member Malik Singleton, pumpin' it up at Pace in grad school -- make yo' momma proud.
The operative brings this love train to a grinding halt.
Next month, back to work. Upcoming victims include the talk show circuit, wack record company promotions departments and how they kill your favorite artists, and more MCs that should shut the hell up.
Wielding a lyrical flamethrower, the operative pulls down his visor and heads off into the night.
