“It’s Not A Game…”

GENERAL    By Beware on June 7, 2007 at 4:40 am

In the “Move The Crowd” section of the recent USDA-laced XXL, the “It’s Goin Down” portion of the article says that Trick Trick is the “Biggest Local Indie Artist” in Detroit.

If they’re basing it on nation-wide acclaim, then it’s true. Besides Slim, Obie, and…that’s it, Trick Trick is the only solo Motown rapper to get any national shine in recent memory. “Welcome to Detroit” was definitely killin it a couple of years ago, but I think we all know that’s cause Em was on it (Search the song on Limewire, and you’ll see that half the people have it labeled by an artist named “Tricky,” cause that’s how Em shouts him out in the beginning).

However, I’m not writing this about Trick Trick. I’m writing this about the injustice XXL did, by not actually finding out who the D was really holding down the most. No doubt, every cat in the city feels Trick Trick. But it’s more about his extra-curricular activities, and production, than his written game.

If you were to ask any head in Metro-Detroit who reps the city the most properly and sincere, and has the spits to match, the answer would be unanimous.

Big Herk.

“In my city/ kids under age 8 get shot
This place is hot/ we get stopped by racist cops
Some kids don’t eat/ momma’ rather chase a rock
Last night they found a body in a vacant lot
This ain’t yur typical vacation spot
We cook base n chop
You want gators? This the place to shop”

Reppin Woodrow Ave., Big Herk embodies the D like none other. Listening to him rhyme is like watching an episode of The Wire set around the Davison Freeway in the middle of Detroit. Armed with an extremely catchy and outspoken, yet monotone, flow, and vivid, streetwise, lyrics; Big Herk has found more than his place amongst Rock City’s elite. He’s found the respect of the entire city.

Born Amery Dennard, Herk is the epitome of what Detroit stands for. Dedication, grit ‘n grime, hard work and perseverance are the backbone of the Motor City, and that’s what Big Herk strives on. Before Ben Wallets bolted for greener pastures, Herk was the Big Ben of Detroit’s rap scene. Like Wallace, he is underappreciated everywhere else, but gets more love from his city than superstar players in other big markets. And also like Ben, Herk’s the staple of the D. He’s been grindin’ on Motown’s underground scene since late last millennium, and since has watched his status continue to grow.

He got on with the independent Rock Bottom clique, who made some serious noise with their second album, Who is Rock Bottom?, and lead the single, “No.” While affiliated with the group, Herk released two solo street albums – Guilty As Charged and the follow-up, Still Guilty. Both should be considered classics in their own right, due to versatile tracks such as “Dear God,” “M.O.T.O.W.N.,” “Do What U Do,” and “Confessions.” However, after falling out with group-member Tango, Herk ‘n Rock Bottom parted ways.

Despite the split with his “Gator’D Up” comrades, the Motown boss hasn’t lost a step. He’s since started his own imprint, Got Cha Back Ent, where he serves as CEO and featured artist. He starred in the independent movie, “Project 313,” while also providing the lead single. He’s been the token, local-hood feature on every major Detroit rappers’ album as of late (Obie, Slum Village, and Royce). And on top of that, Herk is grindin’ out the final stages of his third solo album. Overdose is due out this summer.

So, while XXL chooses to acknowledge yet another Detroit rapper who’s already been somewhat established, Herk is lying in the wings (Actually, creeping around the alley corner sounds more like it). His skills are more polished than his glock, and he’s waiting to catch one of them major labels slippin’.

He may not be in XXL’s “Show & Prove”, or even get that petty It’s Goin Down mention, but he is on the bag of Rap Snacks’ Hot Sauce-flavored potato chips. And that right there, symbolizes Detroit more than any article ever could.

Big_Herk – Guilty As_Charged

Big_Herk – Still_Guilty:_Da_Underground_LP

==========================

Cop A Respect My Fresh! Tee

Link Exchange? Get @ Us

TSS Crew @ King

www.myspace.com/tsscrew.

Respect Our Fresh

Posted in GENERAL, REVIEWS