A phrase that I’ve seen thrown around when it comes to the
very idea of media criticism is “Those who can, do. Those who can’t,
criticise.” Now, while I can kind of understand what would lead someone to
such a conclusion, the fact that a large number of the critics that I’ll be
covering for this month (and have indeed already
covered) do work in the fields that they riff on on a regular basis would
hopefully put the brakes on that ultimately narrow-minded line of reasoning.
Hell, if nothing else, I still hope that all of this has led some more people
to check out Brad Jones’ Freak Out for proof positive that these guys aren’t
all talk. But what about when it comes to something like music, for instance?
Can someone who makes a living out of putting poppy rap to task for their
lyrics be able to hold his own in the same department? Time to find out as we
delve into my first ever music review of Starving Artist, Hungry Emcee by Masta
Artisan, better known online as the Rap Critic. Oh, and apologies in advance
for the track-by-track breakdown approach as I try and find my sea legs with
this new-ish format.
