I guess most my readers know I'm never shy at pulling out and reflecting upon past material by artists of any musical genre, especially one who has taken such an inspirational journey through life by their art. Where were you during The Blueprint, a sampling renaissance and true-to-life messages that gained new light in hip hop by the work of Kanye West? "Behind The Beats" an instrumental mixtape released in 2003 and narrated by Kanye himself, chronicles the work it took for him to gain recognition as an MC/producer with Rocafella, the label that would eventually turn him into a star.
This is one instance of an artist's early belief in themselves to work hard at using their original vision to create something bigger, and eventually produce a hip hop classic. I still remember a discussion between Marley Marl and Pete Rock on their show Future Flavors during The Blueprint era, as it was a welcome sign of hip hop producers going back to the use of loops while bringing a new, fresh twist to it. The new sounds, techniques and experimentation in sample based production are displayed throughout "Behind The Beats, try comparing it to other hip hop releases at the time that you still bump.
For those select few people who strive to be leaders instead of followers by laying their own early foundation in the beginning, it most cases it produces future classic work to be admired and inspired by in life. In looking back on "Behind The Beats", I'm proud to say I am someone who isn't ever afraid to reflect on the past work of an artist, it is a good learning experience and provides balance in judging the current direction of hip hop by artists who are making the same moves towards success and recognition.
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