Murder to Excellence

Throughout yesterday and today, 'Watch the Throne' has been trending worldwide and they have said that the pre-sale orders for the album has already reached platinum status. But I've also seen throughout the days people say "what is all the hype about"? What makes this album so different than any other album that has been released this year? 'Watch the Throne' is an exemplary example of the duos murder to excellence; excellence in reviving the game; excellence in production and sales; excellence in music and real Hip Hop fans are celebrating this. Beyond the Lyrics is celebrating this.

Two rap kings morphed into one throne and created this crime scene in Hip Hop that some may just be overlooking by all the talk and sick beats. Look beyond the lyrics and at what Jay Z and Kanye is beginning to stir up. In "Murder to Excellence" Jay Z dedicates part of it to Danroy Henry. But who is Danroy Henry? In October 2010 this Pace University football player was shot by a police officer who was later honored 'Officer of the Year'. Coming at the right time, this dedication can even relate to the London riots happening at this moment. "Murder to Excellence" touches on police brutality, often a taboo subject in our community. In "New Day", both Jay and Ye consciously speak of their upbringing providing a deeper conversation of the father/son relationship within our community.

At some point Hip Hop moved from its revolutionary stage into a commercialized form and with this album, believe it or not, these two rappers are stirring a little revolution within the game. "Sweet King Martin, we made it in America..." Yes, we've made it and we still have a long way to go but Jay and Kanye are definitely lifting us off. "The scales were lopsided, I'm just restoring order". They are connecting listeners to what's going on, so as some of you sit in disbelief as millions of fans marvel at their craft, sit back and recognize their murder to excellence. Like Bey said, how many people you know can take us this far?

Enjoy this historic moment in Hip Hop.

More on the story of Danroy Henry: http://gothamist.com/2011/04/14/cop_who_shot_pace_student_given_off.php

Photos of London riots:  http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/08/london_riots.html