P and AZ

Master P - 211


So, we have two new videos here with really no connection, but both noteworthy for different reasons. First up, old friend Master P:


Master P - Gutta Time

To start, this is Percy's 2nd (at least) video with a basketball connection. Who can forget the bright lights, big tanks and fundamental ball of "Make 'Em Say Ugh". Yes, a better time for P and his No Limit friends, I'm sure Mystikal specifically enjoyed not being in jail. Nevertheless, the man enjoys his hoops, evidenced by publicity stints with the Hornets, the Raptors and the CBA's Fort Wayne Fury. And yes, his son Lil' Romeo recently committed to play ball starting next season for USC, but no, I don't give a shit, as he appears to be another Miller banking on his fam name. If I was a USC fan, however, I'd draw a lot more excitement from Demar DeRozan, who besides his 5-Star rating, clearly has a name that makes him sound like he'll be dope.

The video itself is interesting on a few fronts. Not really for it's use of the KKK though. Their inclusion seems to be more of an excuse to get some AND 1 dudes dressed up in sheets, play some ball and spoof some classic Hip Hop video moments. P may or may not claim to be making some social statement with the video, but I feel like the only shine the KKK gets these days is in shit like this. I mean, doesn't their enrollment have to be at an all-time low at this point. Not to say that the racist and hateful characteristics that they embody don't still exist, as they certainly do, but the group itself is mostly considered the punchline at this point, not the catalyst to discuss real issues of race relations.

Beyond any pseudo-social commentary, it definitely doesn't fall in-line with the responsibility in Hip Hop content hypocrisy that P was spitting at his congressional testimony a few months back. That being said, dude looks more like this version of himself in the video, as opposed to the relatively recent look here. Maybe it is a somewhat old video just getting out now. As for the song itself, the production is actually pretty good, with the average to bad rhymes P and his associates usually bring to the table.


AZ - The Hardest (ft. Styles P) (Prod. by Large Pro)

Not much controversy here, just a dope song and video, which while likely shot on a low-budget has some cool things goin' on. Large Pro with the beat, pretty good from him per usual, though the instrumental joint he just put out was unimpressive. I slept on AZ for far too long, at least partially due to occasionally questionable beat selection, but The Memphis Sessions is one of my favorites of the year and has given me proper perspective on Mr. Cruz. A thumbs up to OnSmash for both vids.