As the economic crisis grinds on, I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot more of what I call “recession rap” — a sub-genre where artists rhyme about struggling to make rent instead of buying out the bar. Case in point: Cam’ron’s best single in years, “I Hate My Job,” which premiered last night at ihiphop.com. (Check it out below; some NSFW language.) Last time we heard from Cam, he was bragging about the sparkly jewels on his wrist. And now? “I woke up late, didn’t even have a shower/Lunch break? Gimme a break: A damn half an hour/All this bulls— for 12 bucks an hour!” All of a sudden, the Harlem hustler sounds like one of the drones from Office Space. Love it.
“I Hate My Job” is recession rap at its finest: relatable, fun, and refreshingly free of materialistic posturing. I know it struck a chord with me, even though I am a pop-culture blogger who personally couldn’t hate my job less at the moment. How about you? As far as I’m concerned, the more tracks we get like “I Hate My Job” — or Rugged N Raw’s “I’m Broke and Proud,” or Young Jeezy’s “Vacation” — the better.
More on Cam’ron and pop-culture during a recession:
Office Space celebrates 10th annniversary (in perfect economy to watch Office Space again)
Jon Stewart’s beautiful (stimulus) package
“I’m Broke and Proud”: The time is right for recession rap
EW liked Cam’ron’s 2004 album Purple Haze
Hey i’m for it. Rap needs to get more gritty. Tired of all this playground happ dance bs. I want my raps mean and honest.
Nice find Simon. It’s nice to find a song/video that reflects these times with humility and a little humor.
dude this song is soo cool
It was good, I was just wondering…why is she going to brush her teeth, THEN smoke weed? It’s all about continuity.
great minds think alike!
Sahtyre- J-O-B
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?tngkqjmxm3q