While those born in the ’90s may not recall the career peak of the industry’s legends, there are others who lament over the loss of the music. The loss of lyricism. The loss of what first endeared them to Hip Hop.
And there are others who look towards the future….by transforming themselves into a bridge to close the generational gap between the two.
In an age where luck and You Tube can collide to make literally anyone a star; there are others experiencing a simmering frustration at the current state of affairs in the Hip Hop community. Many artists are now being faced with a dilemma, trade their artistic souls for infectious hooks, or give up hope for any radio play at all.
For Chris, otherwise known as Mac Fame, the choice is clear: Either find a way or make one.
As Fame will attest, “It’s about mixing the old with the new. Taking the aspects that people liked from the past and making them new for a younger audience.”
For many, this proves to be easier said than done. Music is more than just lyrics, it’s about how it makes you feel, hence the difficulty for current artists looking to bridge the gap between lyricism and mass commercial appeal. Just how do you appeal to an audience that’s less apt to embrace a ‘Beat without Bass?
To Fame its simple, “Back in the day, songs came on and you automatically felt something. But you can take the same classic metaphors, and combine it with a catchy phrase or a hook.” “I believe in lyricism. Lyrical content can appeal from the old heads on down to the younger generation.”
The result is a smooth sound as laidback as he is. With a wry smile on his lips and a blunt in his hand, Fame carries a quiet air of confidence, yet can easily be overlooked in a crowded room due to his chilled demeanor…until he steps to the mic. For him, it’s all about the music.
As he will affirm, “Music is my motor. The studio calms me. I feel most at peace with myself when in front of a microphone.”
A regular on the burgeoning music scene in Houston, many will ask just what sets him apart from the deep pool of talent that can be found in the city?
Simple. He’s not from Houston.
As he will tell you, “I’m definitely not like other artists in Houston, because I’m not from Houston. Most people connect the south with club music, that’s not what I do.”
A native of Oakland, California, Fame escaped the violence of the West in exchange for a college education in the South. Degree obtained and a financial career underway, from all appearances Fame has a firm back up plan should his musical endeavors cease.
But he has no worries.
Says Fame with a laugh, “I’ll admit it. I’m hella cocky. If you not feeling your own stuff how can you expect someone else to?” He adds, “I embody the same cockiness of Wayne. And I’m just as off the cuff with my delivery as say the Cool Kids.”
For an artist intent on merging lyrical content of the old with the commercial success of the new, it truly is all about the music and Fame is poised to be a living testament that the music truly can speak for itself.
As he will tell you determinedly, “Music is a form of expression and everyone has an opinion. I don’t need to hype my music up…it just needs to be heard.”
And if music really can’t be stopped, it will be.
