MuchMusic’s Rap City Steps Half Correctly

I don’t normally watch tv, but last night I was chillin’ at home and noticed Rap City was on so I tuned in. MuchMusic’s only show dedicated entirely to hip-hop, Rap City has always been hit or miss for me. Forced to play music from across the hip-hop spectrum, Rap City shows often feature strange juxtapositions, like a vintage Tribe video followed by whatever crunk hit happens to be hot in the clubs that week. And last night was no exception. Still, before descending into a string of Lil’ Wayne and T.I. songs the show offered videos by Canadian cats like Moka Only and Shad(aka Shadrach Kabango), new ish from Busta Rhymes and the video for “You Got Me,” the Roots’ now legendary collaboration with Erykah Badu.

Anyways, in honour of the dopeness of one half of last night’s Rap City, here are some of the show’s best songs. The first is from London, Ontario’s Shad, an ill rapper with killer punchlines. Angry actually saw him live last year, but it was before 4080 so we don’t have any record of it. The song is called “I Don’t Like To,” and if you listen closely to the lyrics your head will explode. Check out this snippet from the first verse:

It’s sad all these wannabees/Wanted to be Jay then K West wannabees/Star of the Rock/Kid you not Sean Connery/But like the Roc(k) I’m surrounded by watery flows

If you’re still conscious after reading that check out the video, then buy The Old Prince.

Shad - I Don’t Like To (The Old Prince, 2007)

Although nothing on the show really compared to that, check out “Search” by Moka Only and some new heat from Busta Rhymes that will have you jumping around waving your arms like Busta in the “Scenario” video.

Moka Only - Search (Vermilion, 2007)

Busta Rhymes - Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ‘Em) (I’m Blessed, 2008)