Generation Mp3

OK, so we've all heard it before: those of us who are Mp3 collectors, with library's of tens of thousands, don't really appreciate music. How can we when 60% of the quality is missing, (so i've heard, over and over) how can our (unrefined) ears really hear the umph behind that booming system? Because, 'it takes more than a boomin' system, to make me flip and listen,'* says the pushing-40, hip hop connoisseur. On one hand I'm bitter when I show up to a party with my I-pod in hand and I get grief about 'the old days.'So many hip-hop heads are complaining about the new wave of digital DJing, with echoing nostalgia for the times when DJing entailed a back-breaking effort, schlepping crates of records from house to car to bar and back. Much like the folks sitting near the 'beat konducting'** of DJ Emskee at Black Betty in BK; so graceful were the transitions from song to song. And I agree, having been approached for a reggae gig four days before the party, with the most superficial knowledge or reggae music, given the right anmount of time (three days?) I downloaded enough songs to throw a 'jammin' party, with a little help from my friends- torrent and traktor DJ. On the other hand, (the hand that holds my I-pod nano,) is my 1985 birthmark. The years I came to know music, CD's were on the rise and crate digging was a hobby of the past. Before I knew it, I was using words like 'Mp3' and 'digital import' before I could tell you what that even meant. The next minute, records were a thing of the past, and only in the past two years has reintroduced itself, to me, that is. Putting blame aside, I think we can all agree that the music medium most accessible in your coming-of-age years, is what you are most likely to use/seek/rely on if you are not consciously seeking a medium of the past. So enough with the attitude, Mr. my ten-year collection-takes all. Yes, you have walls shelved with vinyl, enough to throw a party 'like it's 1999'.*** But give the youngsters some time. We need those ten years to collect, to make pilgrimages to cities in search of that 'perfect drum lit, cuz that's how it is when you're into this shit.'****
Maybe we can learn from one another? Replace this 'rap battle' with a mutual, inter-generational communication. After all, isn't that what true hip hop is about? Working with what we have, sharing new technology with old wisdom? All we 'need is one mic.'***** Let's learn from our roots and 'come together, right now, over me.'

* Ultra Magnetic MC's
** Reference to Madlib's "Beat Konducta"Series
***Prince
****Madlib on Quasimoto's 'Raw Addict Pt. 2.'
**** Nas