This past week, the war of words between gangsta rap originator Ice-T and upstart MC Soulja Boy has sparked a firestorm of discussion on what is acceptable as Hip-Hop music.
After a mixtape intro hit the Internet of Ice-T disparaging Soulja Boy, the young MC retaliated with a youtube video denigrating Ice-Ts age and lack of respect for his career.
Ice responded in kind a few days ago with an apology for telling Soulja Boy to eat a d*ck, but maintained his stance.
Today in an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com, Ice-T explained the origins of the beef and ended the volatile situation with his young peer.
Id like to clarify how all this s**t jumped off, Ice-T explained. I was in the recording booth doing a mixtape, and the cats in there doing the promotion were f*cking with me. They were saying things about Soulja Boy this, Soulja Boy that and basically I went on one. It wasnt meant to be evil, it was basically that Hip-Hop n*gga f**k that stance.
I didnt expect them to use that clip to promote their mixtape, Ice-T reasoned. So Im in the crib and n*ggas is calling me talking about Soulja Boy is replying to you on the Internet. And Im like replying to what? So I see it and Im like man here we go. It was a statement made behind closed doors, not meant to be an attack on this n***a.
“I didnt even know dude was 17 years-old, Ice continues. I felt bad. I know I came hard at the n***a, but at the end of the day thats just an old school, passionate Hip-Hopper trying to keep this thing 100. Im not trying to disrespect Collipark or even lil homie [Soulja Boy]. Of course I overreacted its not meant to be harmful. Bottom line is I would like to see rappers of today step their game up.
Many fans also pointed out that they felt Ice was being hypocritical by criticizing Soulja Boy, especially since he appeared in the video for Joe Ski Loves Pee Wee Herman, a dance oriented 80s track.
That s**t was corny too, Ice-T laughed. So yeah I had to check myself. We had some dumb s**t that came out like Inspector Gadget. So I have a corny strike on my resume. But now it seems like the game is being overtaken by less skillful Hip-Hop. And you notice Joe Ski didnt have a real long career in Hip-Hop.
Recently Kanye West wrote a blog defending Soulja Boy, and favorably compared Crank Dat to Nas Silent Murder.
West went on to state that Soulja Boys use of double meanings rivals the skill of the groundbreaking Queensbridge MC.
I respected his comment, Ice-T stated. At least the discussion has begun. But the discussion wont go on if people feel Im hating. Its more about Hip-Hop. When you go in the studio, youre supposed to really try and do something. Its not someones fault they got a hit record, but when you try to compare that to Nas, youre gonna get a dramatic response from a real Hip-Hop n***a.