This has been a fairly light week for new music, so I have decided to turn my eyes back to some classic albums that aren’t talked about as much as they should be. The first on this list is one of my personal favorite albums, Purple Haze, by objectively the most charismatic rapper of all time, Cam’ron.
Cameron Giles (aka Cam’ron, aka Killa Cam) was the epitome of swagger in the early 2000s. From whipping massive pink Range Rovers to covering himself in fur or counting a stack of cash during his Rap City freestyle (please look this up, this is one of the moments that defined America in the new millennium), Cam was an innovator of fashion and style.
Purple Haze, Cam’s fourth album, is a masterpiece. It was released in 2004 at the peak of his popularity. With one of the ugliest covers, Cam’ron still manages to pull off a great project.
Is this a perfect album? Hell no. There are constant, fairly annoying skits involving the nasal-voiced, annoying crack-fiend Mizzle, the songs flow together fairly poorly and there are some throwaway tracks.
Even considering these flaws, this is a great album with some of the best soul production, prime braggadocio rap and a general swagger that is hard to find anywhere else. It is the best collection of Killa Cam songs released.
The title track, “Welcome to Purple Haze,” has a vibrato soul sample which is supported by Just Blaze’s crashing drums. Cam’ron raps over it with a laid back flow that fits it perfectly.
This is one of those songs that can be thrown on in any environment, though it is best listened to at the gym or in a bouncing car. The brutality of the lyrics highly contrasts perfectly with the high, sweet backing vocals.
“Killa Cam/Roll That” is another marquis song. This was Cam’ron’s anthem for years after it was released. This is the kind of track that defines a rapper: The wailing sample is unexpected and unique, while simultaneously catchy and perfect. Cam raps in his classic punchline flow, matching syllables and vowels until the lines flow out effortlessly.
Lines like “So I parked in a tow-away zone / Chrome... I don’t care / That car a throwaway, homes” are classic Cam’ron braggadocio bars, clever but simple.
“Down and Out” is a phenomenal song, with one of the catchiest hooks of the decade and a classic Kanye verse. The chops are very Kanye-esque, with vocal cuts matching a rumbling bass-line and a fairly simple kick-snare pattern. Everything combines to make a song that can rattle any speaker system.
Without a doubt, the best song on this project is “Dip-set Forever,” a more emotional, passionate version of the “Dipset Anthem.” The sample is one long soulful wail, which tugs at the heartstrings and harmonizes sublimely with Cam’ron’s gritty, deep, gravely voice. The sidechaining on the high frequencies makes the whole song bounce with a special rhythm. Kanye really dug deep to get this sweet, full soulful sound. This piece sounds like honey spiked with Hennessy. It also calls back to the music your mother listened to while cooking in the kitchen.
“You gave me the right track Kanye,” Cam’ron mumbles in the intro, and he’s right.
The last track that must be mentioned is “Bubble Music,” the most underrated Cam’ron song ever. This is the song where Kanye took inspiration for “Looking for Trouble,” almost directly ripping off the beat.
While “Looking for Trouble” is a great song, something about “Bubble Music” is catchier, harder and more exciting to listen to. The hook is rough but fun to sing along to, the kick is low and pounding, and the verses are quick and fun.
If you have never listened to The Diplomats (Dipset) or Cam’ron, Purple Haze is a great place to start. Dipset, the supergroup Cam’ron lead, started a revolution in New York at a time when hip-hop was very one-note and boring.
The southern influence on a lot of Dipset songs was radical. The rest of the crew, including Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey, made some great music themselves, though they are often forgotten because of Cam’s dominance.
Even if you don’t find the music too appealing and the lyrics don’t make you chuckle, you should still look into some of Cam’ron’s antics. This man has stories upon stories of insanity — most too X-rated to include in this article. All hilarious. A Google search is highly recommended. That should explain how this rapper became the figurehead of a major movement and the face of streetwear and style.
