The passing craig mack

My Thoughts on Craig Mack

​Craig Mack's reign was before I was old enough to really pay attention to hip-hop. That being said as I grew to love hip-hop throughout my life "Flava In Ya' Ear" and "Flava In Ya Ear" (Remix)  were classic tracks for me. The remix of the song features performances by The Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Rampage and Busta Rhymes. The video for the remix represents everything visually alluring about the hip-hop in the 90's. The video features guest appearances by Das EFX, Mic Geronimo, Irv Gotti and Funkmaster Flex, although none perform on the song. 

Craig Mack's delivery as an emcee was always shadowed by a slow drawl. Allowing for the listener to digest every word within in his lyrics. What I found interesting about Mack's style is that his presence was felt but he was not threatening or imposing like many of the acts of the 90's. Craig Mack seems to have more of a laid-back attitude as opposed to the likes of a Busta Rhymes, who made his first solo appearance on Mack's "Flava In Ya Ear" remix. Craig Mack was eventually outshined by many of the other acts on Bad Boy including the tsunami wave Biggie Smalls brought. Mack tried several attempts to recapture the light he once held with the release of "Flava In Ya Ear" but was unsuccessful. Bad Boy records which have a notorious record of disposing of artist moved forward with the Biggie Smalls, Lil Kim, L.O.X, Junior Mafia and Ma$e shiny suit machine without Mack. 

Occasionally when I would watch the "Flava In Ya Ear" Remix video on YouTube I would notice how many of the other acts careers excelled minus Mack. Is there ever a point in time within hip-hop where people will go back revisit artists like Craig Mack. Or will his artistry be forever imprisoned in moments such as "Flava In Ya Ear" Remix for the next generation? So many acts find themselves in situations similar to Craig Mack. Craig Mack later dedicated his life to Christianity working The Overcomer Ministry up until his death on March 12, 2018. Although there was controversy as some reports indicated that Craig Mack had joined a cult when he moved to Walterboro, South Carolina. Despite the setbacks, Craig faced later in his career he was able to accomplish a feat in hip-hop many never get the chance to do.  

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