Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon.
When people talk about classic hip-hop, what they’re talking about are lyricists like Sean Price. As a member of both the Boot Camp Click and Heltah Skeltah, up until his untimely death in 2015 at age 43, Price provided rap culture with a panoply of narratives; he could rap about the street life just as easily as he could rap about the spiritual life. He was a savant who blended worlds flawlessly.
Price’s 2005 solo debut Monkey Barz was a long time coming, he had already established himself as a top shelf lyricist and the demand was only growing. The album braids hardened tales with deep reflections, an even balance of grit and heart. Production was handled by a motley crew of beat makers, each adding their own distinct touch to the album.
“Heartburn” is the musical manifestation of Sean Price’s soul. 9th Wonder unravels a groovy Motown-inspired beat, which rouses Price into a frenzy. He pours magma on the mic, revealing a litany of vices. It’s humorous, tragic and thought-provoking. Price in all his glory: [LISTEN]
Sean Price is the type of lyricist that other lyricists emulate, his influence touching both the underground and mainstream. That type of pull doesn’t come over night, he worked on his craft like it were a 9-to-5, keeping it real every step of the way. There is no faking songs like “Jail Shit” or “Slap Boxing.” Those tales were inspired by real life, but the difference was that he was able to add a powerful level of artistry to it, capturing a multitude of perspectives.
Price would release his albums via Duck Down, which was the perfect home. They allowed him to be himself and embraced each of his albums knowing that they were going to get something thoughtful and fresh. The longevity of their relationship allowed Price to grow with his craft, so from one album to the next he only got better.
By the time Mic Tyson dropped, Price was already considered a force. The name of the album says it all, a no holds barred melee. Price throws punchlines like Iron Mike and hits flush every single time. By the numbers it was his most successful album, and it was supposed to be his big breakout.
“Straight Music” is the pulse of the album. The simple beat leaves nowhere to hide and that’s where Price is at his best, toe-to-toe firing a fleet of lyrical missiles: [LISTEN]
When Sean Price passed it sent shock waves throughout hip-hop. Love poured in from all four corners of the world in support. He was a pioneer and his style of rap unmatched. There are certainly lyricists who are more technically sound or maybe more delicate with the narratives, but Price was the total package. He brought intensity and fire, never lollygagging or hopping on trends. Sean Price was a one of kind, a warrior with the soul of a poet.
