Lil’ B (Brandon McCartney) // Born 1989
Vs.
Kool Keith (Keith Matthew Thornton) // Born in 1963
So I’m sure some of you may be thinking “How the hell is he gonna put a legend like Kool Keith against a dude with about 2 years of notoriety?” Well even in that short span, Lil’ B’s volume of work is staggering and he’s probably got as much good material (and bad material) to match with what Keith’s done over his career (good and bad). Plus when they’re both on, they’re fuckin’ O-N, and when they’re bad, they’re just really B-A-D.
Since I first heard Lil’ B many moons ago I always likened him to Kool Keith. They’re both weirdos of rap who march to the beat of their own drum. They both toiled in low-to-moderately successful groups (The Pack and Ultramagnetic MC’s respectivly) before going solo. They both could use some self-editing of the material they release. They both have what I’d call unorthodox flows. They worked with some of the freshest sounding beats and producers (Clams Casino vs. The Automator) of their respective decades. They both have cult like followings… well at least Keith did, not sure where it’s at these days (that’s coming from a devout former Kool Aid sipper). But most importantly, they both helped breathe fresh air into Hip Hop at times when it really needed it. While Kool Keith never sparked a whole movement around him, he also didn’t have the luxury of being in his prime during the real cyber-age. But that said, his influence and work is undeniable. But what if only one could exist? Would you erase the entire notion of “Based” in favor of a stay at “Apartment 223?” Would you choose a BASEDGOD or a Half-Shark-Aligator-Half-Orthopedic Gynecologist? Choice is yours…
Only thing that’d keep this from being an interesting CIY is how much of our under-thirty fanbase is familiar with Kool Keith? *crosses fingers*
