By Melissa Hank
We compare the king of rock 'n' roll with the kings of the 'hood
Elvis loves the ladies, and so do rappers |
The similarities between Elvis Presley and gangsta rappers sure suggest that Elvis was the first to live a hard-core life – but most hip-hop fans would be loathe to think so.
Witness these Masta Ace lyrics from "Born to Roll": "But you know my name so you never hear no Elvis. Strictly the hardcore dirty street level hits."
So we'll present the comparisions, and you be the judge.
1. THE BLING
Elvis: Rarely walked across the stage without a fistful of rings.
Gangsta rappers: Rarely walk across the street without a neck full of chains.
2. THE CREW
Elvis: Rolled with The Memphis Mafia.
Gangsta rappers: Sometimes roll with Three 6 Mafia.
3. THE SCANTILY CLAD LADIES
Elvis: Check out the T&A in movies like Girls, Girls, Girls. Nuff said.
Gangsta rappers: Check out the T&A in music videos like Nelly's “Tip Drill”. Nuff said.
4. THE WANNABES
Elvis: Too many impersonators to count. Most notable is Trent Carlini, who reportedly had plastic surgery to make him look like Elvis.
Gangsta rappers: Too many posers to count. Most notable is Vanilla Ice, who lied about living in the ‘hood to make him look gangsta.
5. THE GUNS
Elvis: This year, the weapons company America Remembers released an “Elvis Presley TCB Tribute Revolver” to honour The King, who possessed 40 guns.
Gangsta rappers: Last November, Snoop Dogg was arrested for illegally possessing a handgun and drugs. Nobody honoured him.
6. THE NARCOTICS
Elvis: Generally preferred pills.
Gangsta rappers: Generally prefer weed.
7. THE CARS
Elvis: Loved Cadillacs so much that he gave a shout-out to his black Caddy in the song “Santa Claus is Back in Town” and his pink Caddy in “Baby Let’s Play House”.
Gangsta rappers: Ludacris loved Cadillacs so much that he gave a shout-out to his Caddy (and the oil that it spills) in the song “Southern Hospitality”.
8. THE GREASY FOOD
Elvis: Fried Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches.
Gangsta rappers: Fried chicken. Said Saul Williams in "Sha-Clack-Clack": "I be havin dreams of chocolate covered watermelons, filled with fried chickens like pinatas." Mmm ... me too.
What do you think? Email melissa@tvguide.ca
Published: Wednesday, August 15, 2007
