Not really a full deconstruction, but a passing thought. I've always been fascinated by slang terms invented by rappers ... it's always so clever.

In any case, I've been listening to a TON of hip-hop lately, but for some reason I was chatting with Nasty Nate about permanently changing my vocabulary to no longer use the word "car" anymore. At the least, I have to use the hip term "ride," but I can extend this even more!

In the catchy hip-hop song "Overnight Celebrity" by Twista (Download), Twista says: "Why don't we play something these hoes'll like // Drive whips I know they'll like..."

Now, it was my initial impression that the reference to "whips" was to a car, but when I initially brought this up to Nasty Nate's attention, he scoffed and said there was probably a more sexual meaning.

So my question to you is: What does Twista mean when he says "whips?" I think it's a reference to back in the day when the primary transportation mode was the horse and buggy and the "whip" would be the main propellant.

If I am indeed correct and "whips" is indeed a reference to your ride, then I will permanently start using it in my vocabulary.

. . .

Since Tupac's death, I haven't really heard a rap song that I thought was "emotional." That is, until I heard Cormega's "The Saga" remix. This is one of the first songs since I've heard since Tupac where I can actually feel the emotion of the rapper through the song, although I'm sure it's the lyrical piano that serves as a backdrop that is more responsible or something. But I've uploaded it so you can download it ...

. . .

For those of you who are using the new beta control panel, you should add caletucker as your friend; I am posting all CP-related posts there.

A new feature was added today that lets you add files via URL (so you can grab existing online files).