White people/media have been clueless on this stuff for decades. I generally don't give the reviews of mainstream publications much weight.
That's definitely the rule. But of course, they're can be exceptions to the rule.
The primary question that got me interested in this thread is whether someone not from the streets can understand street rap enough to be able to do a worthwhile review.
You don't have to be "from" the streets.. But it helps to have some type of loose association for context..Whether its from friends or family, or just going out into the enviornment and partying with gangsters, going to strip clubs, jook joints etc..I think when you attack certain things from a strickly academic standpoint you often miss the point..Ross makes music for people to front to in their rides during the summer time or listen to at 2 am in the club when you're wildin on kush and pills...To compare him to OB4CL seems to be misguided..
Enviornment matters...Certain songs just don't sound right until you hear them in a strip club then you go.."Okay I get it"...Sitting in a conference room with your laptop and Dre Beats on may not be the experience for every album..But it's usually the enviornment that most of these reviewers digest art in...
The fact that he says what he says about The Migos lets me know he's never been to a hole in the wall club in Decatur, Ga on a summer night...Because whether you like them or not, you could never experience that and question why some people are passionate about them..
Thats why when Ross says he doesn't pay attention to what reviewers say he pays attention to the line wrapped around the venues it has merrit...Thats why I think any reviewer worth his salt should go to clubs and shows of the artist they critique to help them paint a more detailed and accurate depiction...
