Show I Why Martha Carter Arts Editor Who knew a rapper like J from the infamous D-Block D would become a target of recent criticism bythe bythe by the conservative right Nowadays rappers often go unnoticed Though they contemplate contemplate contemplate con con- template social issues and spew fiery lyrics critical of government affluence and suburbia they are typically disregarded by conservatives as worthless thugs The reason behind this bizarre interest is the single Why from latest album Kiss of Death The controversy was sparked byone byone by byone one line Why did Bush knock the towers down Though it seems a metaphorical cal question the song being a stream of consciousness the Right has taken it literally andis andis and is attacking with a curious ferocity right Hard-right talk show host Sean devoted an afternoon to the subject ranting ranting rant rant- ing that Bush should be allowed to sue for slander Unfortunately for forthe forthe forthe the conservative icon any publicity is good publicity The single has pushed the album to the top of the charts The song is inquisitive some of the questions trivial others others' thought provoking all personal Whys the industry industry industry indus indus- try designed to keep the artist in debt he asks then goes goeson goeson on postulating as to why 1 h J Halle Berryand Berryand Berry Berryand and Denzel Washington each had to play stereotypical stereotypical stereotypical stereo stereo- typical black i M roles in in order to earn their 1 Academy Awards As Asa a Ruff Ryder artist J has gained his street cred creel a powerful voice on the scene since A his near platinum platinum platinum plat plat- debut Kiss the I G a m e Goodbye H Between albums he has remained on the forefront featured on numerous hits with artists like Nas Made You Look Remix Jennifer Lopez Jenny From the Block and Gang Starr Rite Where you Stand He mixes it up on Kiss of Death throwing out the necessary necessary essary club jams but keeping his hard die-hard fans satiated with thought-provoking thought rhymes His appeal lies not only in his lyrics but in his voice a distinct distinct dis dis- dis- dis of matter-of-fact tone that demands attention He busted out the big guns for his sophomore effort Features from Snoop Dogg West Nate Dogg and Anthony Hamilton are J r accomplices Production credits include Scott DJ and the picks well-balanced well tracks Some resound like anthems others are pulsating head-bangers head and the occasional occasional occasional occa occa- soulful sample remains reminiscent of his underground underground underground under under- ground roots The rappers rapper's native Yonkers is well and tracks like Shine Mine produced by DJ will enamor the We West t Coast This album is sure to keep on the tip of everyone's everyone's every- every ones one's tongue although now that his s sta star has peaked the rapper rapper claims he may be heading behind the scenes 1 I |