Blackspydaz

How far should copyright law and song rights go? What happened to artistic liberties. How come making a hit that's inspired by Marvin Gaye's genious isn't a complement?

Marvin is awesome, but who's to say that he would still be relevant in 10 years if no one brought bits of his style back in style through new songs? Doesn't the fact that new generations are being made aware of Marvin Gaye benefit the Gaye estate?

Watch RiP: A Remix Manifesto, to see how crazy copyright laws have become in the United States. Respecting artistic and intellectual property is important, but let's keep it all in perspective and move with the times.

You may have heard about the 60 odd years after the artist's death people are required to wait to use work without infringing copyright.

Beefing has always been an integral part of hip hop. Rap battles were essential to establishing your reputation and street cred as the best rapper around. 

As we all know, the Biggie vs Tupac, East coast - West coast rivalry took beefing to epic proportions and ended in tragedy, but we can't seem to stay away from  the adrenaline rush those battles bring. Think Jay-z vs Nas, 50 Cent vs Ja Rule, etc.

With Canadian artists getting more recognition, there's potential for international beef rather than regional. 

If another rap beef were to start, what side would you be on? North or South? Canada or USA? T-dot or LA? Drake or Kendrick Lamar?

Blackspydaz Documentary - This past spring JEX met with Haitian kids, parents, and social workers to make a documentary in collaboration with Télé Sans Frontières about an important issue within Montreal's Haitian community.