Permission to Bite, Captain?

Since I was one of the only people to actually write something about her, it’s no surprise that Terry Lynn had some words for me on her new blog. She doesn’t like me too much because I clowned on her for biting Daft Punk.

In her post, she backs up her manager’s claim that DP gave Lynn permission to bite "Technologic." And although there was no reference to DP on her website, like he claimed, DP’s manager did show some love for her in a blog post that I overlooked. Actually, I saw the post back then, but didn’t realize that the author was Daft Punk’s manager. As far as all that goes: my fault.

And although she resorts to name calling, and ragging me as an "eeediot," I still say that I like the cut, and would even prefer to listen to it over the DP original. But it still needs a more prominent reference to Daft Punk. Just because someone gives you permission to bite doesn’t make it all better. If somebody in a graffiti crew flips a style like someone else that’s down, they still lose a measure of respect. The fact that Lynn hasn’t put out much of anything else doesn’t help her either.

But in the sake of good faith communication, I’ve included the original review I wrote with a couple small edits. Read it after the jump.

The Gutter of Gutters

Damn, ma’s not lettin’ anyone forget just how gutter the city she comes from is. Best to put the kids to bed before this one.

In "Kingston Logic," Terry Lynn’s first single, released on Phree, she tells a story about her hometown, the capital of Jamaica, that covers violence, murder, drugs, and everything in between. On first listen, you might mistake the lyrics for a pop song. But the hard ass, grimy electro beats will give you your first clue to the object of this dark tale. The video might help you visualize thing too. (Just a bit…)

On her website, she says the violent imagery she produces is not meant to glorify, but is just an attempt to paint an accurate portrait, and I find this legitimate. Besides, who wants a collection of nothing but Prozac music. She even says her full album, scheduled to be released this spring, will make an attempt at a broader range of subject matter. Lynn says the search for peace is what inspires her to make music. and some of her blog posts concerning the violence raging in her hood make me more likely to believe her. (At the same time, the posts could just serve to strengthen her rep in an industry where street credibility is more important than talent.)

But I still take issue with the first person story telling; all of the images of her holding weapons and what not. Why’s every artist gotta put themselves in the role of the gangsta? Why not tell a story about someone else doin’ the dirtiness?

She’s also going to be eventually posting free downloads on her web site. "I know what it’s like to want something and can’t afford it. I’ve been there, am there. Support me if you can." That sounds like a good thing to me. I can dig that.