Rap [Names] is Outta Control

For years I've witnessed a steady, steep decline in the level of respect rappers have for Hiphop culture and tradition.

The very first item on the lengthy list of Hiphop no-nos is biting, and how in 2008 it is not only acceptable but also encouraged. It's seemingly no big deal when one rapper openly steals from another's material, or, even worse, when a rapper employs a ghost writer to pen said rapper's lyrics.

The fact that all of this is out in the open and the unabashed offenders continue on their paths to success is a virtual smack in my face as well as the collective face of people who uphold true and original Hiphop tradition, especially in music.

But after biting, somewhere down on that list of Hiphop no-nos, is another of my pet peeves -- unfortunate stage names for rappers.

See, I understand a lot of names are already spoken for. Really, I do. But has creativity died so far that people can't take the time to give some serious thought to the rap moniker they are about to adopt for what they hope will be a lengthy career in entertainment? It's to the point of absolute hilarious desperation now.

Some examples include, but damn sure are not limited to:

1. Shawty Lo
2. Yo Gotti
3. Red Cafe
4. Gucci Mane
5. Anybody with the name "Yung," but especially Yung Joc (for obvious reasons)
6. Honorable Mention: Blood Raw

But now a new rapper with a new and improved stretch for a name emerges on the scene with a big time co-sign from none other than Compton superstar rapper The Game. And I'm a big Game fan, so I'm glad he's trying to bring up young talent and give them some shine. But wait. What's that? Is that his name? That can't be. Nipsey Hu$$le?

Alas, my eyes didn't fail me. This new rapper's name is indeed Nipsey Hu$$le. But if he's down with proud gangbanging Blood member The Game I'm guessing that unlike Nipsey Russell -- who I am praying is the inspiration behind this name as opposed to some other obscure reference -- there is nothing funny going on. Other than that I can't think of any reason why he would name himself this madness. I really am confused.

I mean, even some of my favorite rappers have strange names, but this takes the cake. A close second is rapper Donny Goines, who, I'm guessing by his name, wants us to believe he's a ghetto story teller like the novelist Donald Goines(?). However, judging from his latest single, I'm doubting that bit of speculation.

Here's the kicker, though. Most if not all of the "artists" with funny names listed above have had great success in the music business (individually and/or through an affiliation), mostly with mundane and inane songs that became hits on the top charts.

If anybody reading this knows what these names signify please leave a comment and let me know.

Anyway, to show this brother it is only his professional name and not he who I am hating on, here is his new song featuring The Game. If you like it you should buy his product when you come across it.

Nipsey Hu$$le: They Roll Featuring The Game

Nipsey Hu$$le: Bullets Ain't Got No Name Vol. 1