Hip Hop Ho Hum

Went and checked out Psyche Origami last night at the Neurolux. They're a hip hop group from Atlanta, 2 DJs and an MC. I don't claim any great knowledge of hip hop music--in fact, along with classical, I consider it one of my two greatest deficits in knowledge of music--but I can't help but think that live hip hop just isn't as good as recorded. There are exceptions, the most notable of which I think is The Roots, but for the most part the layers of sound and musical and sampling antics of the hip hop I most enjoy just don't come across as well in a club.

Last night's show was mostly so much scratching over a predictable and boring bass groove, covered over by the MC rapping frantically, seemingly trying his hardest just to keep up most of the time. No flow, no easy rhythm with the words, and the DJs were just making noise.

It was cool to see this show at Neurolux--any diversity of style in this town is a welcome thing--but I enjoyed it more for the novelty of it than for any musical value.

Again--I don't know hip hop. But I know good music when I hear it. This was fun, but it wasn't good music.