June 3, 2012

Q&A


So...where have you been?
I've been around.  All of your comments still got published, so I wasn't ever too far from my phone, but I couldn't commit to writing anything really substantial, such as a review.

And I'm guessing that you won't explain just what was going on that caused you to stop writing. right?
Right.

So what happens with the HHID now?
The easy answer is that I'm going to start writing again.  The comments section on the previous post has proven that there is still enough interest to keep this thing going, which was nice, so I want to at least complete my "finish what I started" project that I sporadically mentioned before I went on hiatus.  Also, I want to thank everyone who submitted a Reader Review for your patience, since I'm sure some of you were sitting around wondering why I didn't just throw your shit up on the site to fill the time.

Explain the "finish what I started" thing.  You've mentioned the phrase before, but you've never actually said what it was you were trying to accomplish.
You see all of those artists listed in the sidebar?  I've only completed the discographies for a tiny doll-size handful of them.  During the last five years, I've gotten a bit ahead of myself, trying to tackle as many rappers as possible, and I've dug myself into a hole.  Someone out there has got to be wondering just when I plan on getting back to Big Daddy Kane or Brian Austin Green, for example.  Or the Lost Boyz.  Remember them?  Apparently I didn't, or else I would have gotten to their second album a long time ago.  Anyway, I want to close some of those files and move on, so that will be my primary focus, meaning that I'm going to (hopefully) rely on Reader Reviews to fill in the gaps when it comes to newer artists or older cats who I've never started writing about for some reason.  This doesn't mean that I'm going to ignore any newer artists or that I will never get to (insert your favorite artist here), though: I'm still going to consider those write-ups, too, but I'm looking at the big picture here, so I probably won't do a ton of them unless I can fit them into my project without sacrificing other things.  

Speaking of Reader Reviews, I understand you have some new guidelines?
Yes.  While I appreciate any and all interest from you two about contributing to the site, I'm going to put this in the plainest language I can: Before you submit anything to me, please send me an e-mail (max.hiphopisntdead (at) gmail (dot) com) with your ideas so we can discuss them and I can approve or decline accordingly.  I hate to do this like a publishing company or a major Hollywood studio, but it's come to this: Unsolicited submissions will not be considered.  I won't even read them.  When running a blog like this, I have to consider schedules and audience interest, and I also have to make sure that your ideas don't conflict with those of myself or another contributor.  So unless I've already told you otherwise, every Reader Review I've received up until this very sentence will be under consideration, but for any future ones?  Just shoot me a freaking message first, okay?

So what will the schedule be like?  Every three days again?  Are you going to do another stunt month, since you tend to do that when you've been away for long periods of time?
I haven't decided yet.  I'm still not where I want to be writing-wise, but I understand that I need to start posting new material or risk losing all of the readers I have.  Besides, even my wife is sick of seeing that "hiatus" post on the front page.  Although I'm still undecided about the posting schedule, though, I will be posting some new shit, so stay tuned.

What have you been listening to during your break?  
Mostly stuff that isn't hip hop, since I was trying to recharge my batteries at the same time that all of the other shit was going down (because I can multitask like that).  So any actual hip hop has been courtesy of satellite radio and Pandora, since I didn't really have any time to check out the other blogs.  But the big-budget stuff has hit my ears, such as all of the new Kanye music, which I'll get to eventually (probably when Cruel Summer hits).  I realize that everyone else has probably already moved past this song, given the fickle nature and short attention span of the average hip hop head in 2012 (myself included), but I'm really digging Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre's "The Recipe".  That song is the shit.  But yeah, I've been mostly hiding in my New Wave/indie rock/electro hole.

This Q&A was kind of bullshit.  What if I had an actual real question to ask you?
Ask away in the comments section.  For a short time, I'll try to answer as many relevant queries as I can.  But if you fill the section with suggestions and requests, I won't really be all that upset.

See you on the other side.

-Max

35 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 03, 2012

    I didn't think you'd like The Recipe. I thought it was a pretty weak track compared to the quality of Section.80.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't actually listened to Section.80 aside from that song with the RZA sample. Blasphemy, I know. But I like what I like. Scoop's beat played a huge role in my decision.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJune 03, 2012

      Listen to HiiiPower by Kendrick Lamar. Personally, it was my favorite track of 2011.(Aside from Memory Lane by Elzhi, and Destiny by One.Be.Lo)

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJune 03, 2012

    THANK GOD

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  3. AnonymousJune 03, 2012

    The Recipe shout out was pure... the beat is excellent

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  4. I'm surprised by the sudden post, but I would of waited until I was an old man for something. Maddox doesn't post a lot and he still has his audience, I'm sure you'd do as well as him in terms of hiatuses.

    As for the reader reviews; I love to contribute for the site and I really respect the fact that you want to talk it out first but those emails take a long time to get read and when I do receive the reply it's usually a few months since the email gets received. I still have reviews I want to contribute and I'll respect the new rules but I fear that the communication will take too long.

    It's nice you're getting back into the groove of writing. I really love the site and though I haven't commented as much or read mostly all of the entries of the blog, I'll make an effort to comment on the posts I do like, read the entirety of the blog and make myself more active in discussions; plus even pinch in to buy a recommended album or two.

    You're doing great work Max, keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The GremlinJune 04, 2012

    Good man Max. You have been greatly missed. been reading your blog for a few years now and absolutely love it. Even when I completely disagree with you I still always find it entertaining and always hilarious. Too many wriets/publications fail to see the ridiculousness of a genre in which nearly everybody behaves like 2 year old kids.

    Also, to all the people furiously bitching in the comments section on the last post- if you can't survive for a month or two without without reading some random dude's opinion on a rap album from 20 years back, you might wanna reassess your life.

    See Max, I kind of managed to praise and insult you at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Praise and insults. That's what I like to hear.

      Delete
  6. Looking forward to your next review Max!

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  7. I was just wondering if in addition to reviews you'd post some other things, like thoughts on what's currently happening in Hip-Hop, your opinion on debates, etc. Also, I miss the Best Tracks section in your reviews that you've recently kinda strayed away from. Good to see you back, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't forgotten about the 'Best Tracks'. That section is just not a part of the 'My Gut Reaction' template. Look at any of the reviews for older projects and you'll find it.

      Delete
  8. Even though I know you're not a fan of Dilated Peoples, I'd love to see a review of Evidence's "The Weatherman LP", I felt it was more consistant than the group albums beat and lyric wise. Or possibly "Nineteen Ninety Now" by Celph Titled and Buckwild, that one has really good lyrics and beats as well and it's funny as hell. Or maybe some early Black Eyed Peas, they used to be decent

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 05, 2012

      No they didn't

      Delete
    2. i agree with anonymous, black eyed peas have always been a turd

      cant wait to see whats next, maximus!

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJune 06, 2012

    Hey max, welcome back!
    Any chance you'll continue reviewing the Beastie Boys discography in honor of the recent passing away of MCA?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Probably. See: "finish what I started". I don't have any sort of timeline, though, so you can stop holding your breath now.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousJune 07, 2012

    Been reading this blog 4 years now and never left a comment would love to hear your thoughts on kool g raps 4,5,6 (1995) its a classic greetings from south africa!

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  11. Tile GroutJune 07, 2012

    I'm glad to see you're back in the saddle.

    One of the most rewarding achievements of life is making it through a busy time and coming out on the other side. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJune 07, 2012

    Would love to hear your opinion on Killer Mikes R.A.P. album. Its kinda refreshing to hear a cohesive album these days.

    also you should review El P's fantastic damage

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousJune 08, 2012

    max rules everything around me, H.H.I.D. get the money, album album review ya'll

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJune 10, 2012

    PLEASE make a post on Canibus VS Dizaster - I just.... I don't even. I mean I knew Bis had no chance in hell and had completely lost the plot when he decided to... No... It was easily one of the saddest things I have EVER witnessed. Sorry if this is irrelevant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah that was beyond wack, bus lost the rest of the little respect i had left for him. Diz shouldn't of had em tho, he's levels above bus in the battle circut just erry one hugs his nuts for the ll cool j beef...WHICH HE LOST hes lost every big battle he's been in, the one or two people thats still in the "canibus is a genuis phase" need to hop off the nuts and bury his discography

      Delete
  15. AnonymousJune 11, 2012

    Considering your Wu-Stan status, i'm surprised you haven't reviewed anything of Mathematics..... his first two LP's; Love Hell or Right and The Problem contain some straight Wu-Bangers, sticking to that old faithful gritty street formula with beautiful soul samples.

    Would also like to hear your opinion on new artists like Smoke DZA, Riff Raff and Meyhem Lauren.

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  16. I'm really looking forward to your 'Flockaveli' review.

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  17. K.Dot is a legend and will be forever. Nice post and good read.
    Following

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  18. AnonymousJune 17, 2012

    Smoke Dza feat. Sean Price-Fuck your mother. Harry Fraud is a dope producer

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJune 17, 2012

    Action Bronson feat. Riff Raff-Bird on a Wire. Harry fraud is raw

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  20. If you aren't going to do much of any of the new artists for reviews at least do a review on Section.80 .. i hoped u liked it as much as i did for it to garner a review. Either that or you can review Overly Dedicated which is need as well, both are great!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousJune 17, 2012

    I'm sure that this Q&A section was just another excuse for a hiatus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, man, that would have been clever, right?

      Delete
  22. AnonymousJune 17, 2012

    Hey max, you know I don't always ask you to do a review right? You know what review I'll like to see. That Joey bada$$ mixtape- 1999

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJune 20, 2012

    It's the RETURN OF THE FUNKY MAN!

    ReplyDelete