2000-2009: the return of the musician

Y2K came and went, Harry Potter found the sorcerer’s stone, the prisoner of Azkaban and the half-blood prince. All the while google became a verb, former President George W. Bush launched a “War on Terror” and President Barack Obama gave a nation hope. The 10-year span that launched the Xbox and low-rider jeans also rocked the faces of politics, technology and world relations. It will undoubtedly be remembered as a decade of change. As entire populations were shaken by their roots, like it so often does, art imitated life. Acting as a mirror to society, music experienced a radical transformation from the “anything goes” boy bands, grunge groups and experimental emcees of the 1990s.

The first 10 years of the 2000s brought the return of the musician. Yes, Lil’ Jon and American Idols managed to muddy the decade’s musical waters, but there was an impressive showing of musical talent from legends and newcomers alike. The upsurge of alternative music, contemplative, political rap and “indie” rockers might not have been as insurgent as the rise of rockers in decades past; nevertheless it has provided the listening audience with songs that will stand the test of time.

From the decade of political scandal and reality television emerged the now legendary arbitrator of “The Blueprint,” Mr. Jay-Z. The album has yet to be duplicated or succeeded. It is his magnum opus, and as such has solidified his standing as the most accomplished (not to mention the wealthiest) hip-hop entertainer alive.

Though his accolades are apparent, the achievements of Hova’s sometimes collaborator are not to be forgotten. The year 2008 brought a refined model of the Lil’ Wayne that once belonged to the Cash Money Millionaires. The upgraded version, which raps sans script, gripped his alien-like hooks into the masses. Dubbing himself the “Best Rapper Alive,” he hungrily sought justification for the title, dropping one of rap’s most acclaimed albums in “Tha Carter III.”