copperpot: come back home.

COPPERPOT, born Daniel Kuypers, is a Chicago hip-hop producer. He produces what some people call "real hip-hop". I just call it hip-hop. Either way, it's all good.

The latest Copperpot album, WYLA? (What're You Looking At?), marks the first time that Kuypers has pulled in outside musicians to bring his music to life.

WYLA? also boasts two original songs featuring one of "the greatest rappers to hold the mic" KRS-One. "Come Back Home" is the lead track of the album, in which KRS-One states, "Hip-hop, I think it's time for you to come back home". It arguably comes off as grumpy and didactic as the last release from Nas, but...well, there's something a bit more organic about his verses. He closes the song by saying, "Don't be afraid to come back home". I'd like to support this message, but I'm not sure if Hip-hop knows where to find it's home. I'm not even sure if KRS-One knows where Hip-hop's home is. And if he does, he certainly didn't deliver the address in this song. Also, where did Hip-hop go that it needs to come back home? Why is it afraid to come home? I'm confused, but it's a good confusion. KRS-One has me thinking. And I think that's his point...sort of. Hip-hop isn't making us think like we used to. Knowledge Reigns Supremely Over Nearly Everyone. In the world of hip-hop, knowledge isn't reigning anymore, and KRS-One has every reason to be pissed.

Beyond the music, Kuypers is an intriguing individual. From 2000-2003 he spun records with the Phonograph Scientists, suffering from terrible stage-fright and anxiety. In 2005, he started a small gig in Chicago which soon became large. Apparently fans would approach him and say things like, "Hey man, I am going to sit right here and watch you deejay." This still scared the shit out of him, and my assumption is that it probably would still scare the shit out of him.

If you're in New York City and you'd like to hear Copperpot play some tunes, be sure to check him out at Shebeen (located in Soho, 202 Mott St. btw Spring & Kenmare) tomorrow night (May 15, 2007). Have a listen, but be sure not to scare the shit out of him.

d/l: COPPERPOT f/ KRS-ONE- Come Back Home (YSI)
d/l: COPPERPOT f/ ANG13- Ain't Goin' Down (YSI)
(Two Chicago hip-hop tracks)
- buy it - site it - space it -

BLOGWATCH: Deaf Indie Elephants has a new tune by the Go! Team. That's all that matters to me right now.