5. He left Hip Hop and Hip Hop really wanted him back. No “retirement” business and “I just can’t stay away” cliches.  3000 has got Lauren Hill status right now.

4. He can sing terribly and gets a pass. 10 bucks in the paypal account of anyone who can convince me that they really believe that Andre’s vocals are great. Don’t get it twisted though, I don’t care either! The Love Below, Hollywood Divorce…you name it, the singing is “eh”. Mos Def thought he’d give it a shot. Nope. Cee-lo does it wonderfully with no acceptance*. Mr. Benjamin however defies Hip Hop physics and is still manages to be loved by the masses.

3. He’s just a rapper. No need for the limelight (aside from the Erykah turnout). No overexposure or over the top branding (high school basketball players throwing up the dynasty sign). No need to establish a following of sub-par croanies and call it a label**. Best of all, no silly titles. He just does the job (c) the Dude.

2. 3000 is gimmickless. He’s a rapper sans the coke dealing validation rap. A rapper minus braggadocious materialistic rap. No dances or trendy production***. He’s not the Don or the “insert your favorite mobster” analogy. Just lyrics. Lyrics we’ve followed through growth and weirdness and are still waiting. What is more crack-like than that? 

1. No one is has a more anticipated project. 95% of hip hop would make booty cakes in their pants at the thought of a 3000 solo album. Just my saying it got you all moist right now. His guest appearances have been both unexpected and flawless. So what he’s hopping on tracks like Walk it Out and  Throw Some D’s! Those tracks crossed over hip hop elite lines because of that guy.

-Ya Mammy

Disclaimer: 3000 is great. Jay is great. Stannery is allowed when you self-publish.

*He had to assume an alias and ultimately do hip-hopesque music.

**Purple ribbon was Big’s thang. Ask Killer Mike.

***Crunk, snap, hyphy, etc. He does however produce. Pun intended.