Best producer: DJ Premier for his work on everything from The Lady of Rage to Notorious B.I.G., not to mention the forthcoming GangStarr album of 1998 from which we have already heard some dope ish. (runner up: Diamond D for various)
Best lyrics: Rakim; clearly the undisputed champion of rhyme writing and lyrical graffiti. Just because he hasn't had an album out in four years doesn't mean he can't get visual. (runner up: KRS-One on "I Got Next")
Big Willie award: Will Smith is probably the only person who can truly legitimately brag about his money and status considering the large amounts of success that he has had in nine-seven. The best part is his music *still* sounds light-hearted and fun and not really all that much different from Fresh Prince era. (runner up: Jay-Z, the Don of Roc-A-Fella)
Most irritating rapper: Puff Daddy is the clear winner. He has the tendency to use phrases that just grate me like nails on a blackboard; the single worst offender is "I thought I told ya that we won't stop." (runner up: BEEP BEEP for Missy Elliott)
And finally...
Best video of 1997: I have to give it up to The RZA for "Tragedy". The colors were vividly beautiful without being flashy or gaudy like a Hype Williams shock-effect and the storyline was masterfully executed in a way that would make John Woo jealous. I expect to see MORE videos like this. (runner up: "Operation Lockdown" by Heltah Skeltah)
All best of are strictly my opinion.
Peace, Flash
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