Puttin in work

Remember that line from Inspectah Deck on "Back in the Game" ... "The employees of the year, yeah/ we're back to work/ We took time off/ while other rappers got jerked." I don't doubt they're the best group ever, but I wonder who called 'em the employees of the year in 2000 or whenever that record dropped. And even though on paper they all work for one mammoth label or another, aren't they basically self-employed at this point? Haven't they always been, legal or not? Who knows. Either way, great verse on a record that came dangerously close to an unqualified embarrassment. But it had just enough energy to stay fly. I bobbed my head 'n shit. 'Nah mean? Fuck.

fuckin' beat down!!!!!!

Inspectah Deck told some dude back in '05 that "I'm not into who did your fucking beat." Surprising stuff, 'cause you could read it as "I don't give a fuck about the production value, all that matters is the lyrics," which would be a real slight to the RZA. I doubt Deck would say that on the record. He probably meant, "I don't care who your fuckin' producer is,'cause I know he'll never touch the Abbot." Or maybe he just felt cranky giving an interview at a studio in Hoboken, N.J. No disrespect to Hoboken, but you expect more after you move millions of units. C'mon, now.

Off rhyme

Inspectah Deck once rhymed Kenny Rogers with piranhas. Find another MC who can do that. I defy you, bitch.

yeah, fuck that

Some guy named Ian Cohen over at Pitchfork took a shit on Manifesto, a recent solo album from Inspectah Deck. I'm sure the record's weak, but negative reviews do lasting damage to the legacy. ALL OF US must protect the legacy. So if you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say shit. Just sit there in your overpriced Williamsburg studio with your black-rimmed glasses and your constantly bouncing checks. Motherfucker.

To the whole wide world....

Anyone know if Inspectah Deck's Urban Icon imprint's still active? Did he put his solo shit out on that label? Did he sign anyone? Can't picture Rolly Fingers scouting new talent for some reason. Doubt he's comfortable at shows. Too many younger catz bumping into him.

Deck (still) not dead

Just reading now about the donnybrook in '10 when everyone thought for about an hour that Inspectah Deck was dead.

More proof that the Internet lies at the root of every problem -- yeah, I said it -- afflicting our lives.