I hear you, Squeak, and I do believe that putting out quality hiphop does involve all the processes you described plus a goodly amount of talent.....but.....isn't one criteria of "good" music is that it stands the test of time. I mean, 'Funny Valentine' is going to be a great tune 100 years from now as will Beethoven's "5th" as will Joe Cocker's 'You are so Beautiful' as will Monk's 'round midnight' as will Bing Crosby's 'white christmas' as will Lennon's 'Imagine' as will Ravel's 'Bolero'. It may not be your cup of tea but they all have that one thing (longevity) in common. If something is going to be considered dated after such a brief duration, is it any wonder that we question it's (musical) value?

chas



[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 04-30-2007).]