AMERIKKKAN KORRUPTION - CAPITAL STEEZ

AMERIKKKAN KORRUPTION came about during a time in my high school years where everyone was following fads and trying to fit in and naturally I did the same. It got to a certain point where I asked myself why? I started to open my eyes, I was a slave to television, media, and the daily motions of what we call the AMERIKKKAN Dream. My only intentions are to get the AMERIKKKAN Public to open up that 3rd eye just a little bit, and from there we ALL can grow. –Capital STEEZ of ProEra

ProEra based in Flatbush Brooklyn has a cult-like following and an underground appeal. The rappers, producers and artists whom make up ProEra are known for their inherent ability to make great hip-hop. The topics they talk about in their music makes mainstream artists obsolete to hip-hop heads. One of the most unique members committed suicide almost two years ago, Courtney Jamal Dewar.

Capital STEEZ and his use of vivid imagery along with speaking out against the government definitely helped push ProEra to where they are today. His smooth, easy-going flow gained him many fans. In February 2012 Capital STEEZ and Joey Bada$$ two completely different individuals dropped “Survival Tactics”. Not only were the visuals in the video striking but the lyrics resonated with over 100,000 Youtube viewers who viewed it in the first few weeks of its’ release. This track was influential in getting hip-hop heads aware that Brooklyn had birthed a new era, a Progressive Era of artists.

“It's like 6 milli ways to die my nigga choose one/Doomsday comin' start investin' in a few guns/New gats, booby traps, and bazooka straps/Better play your cards right, no booster packs/Everybody claim they used to rap/But these ain't even punchlines no more, I'm abusing tracks” –Capital STEEZ

“Yo, fuck the police nigga/Fuck every ass corrupt politician on Wall Street

P.E, Public Enemy, Assassinate us, bitch/Fuck that, fuck everything son

Fuck government” –Joey Bada$$

STEEZ’s first project Amerikkkan Korruption consisted of hits like “Free The Robots”, “HYPE/Beast” “Infinity and Beyond” and “Dead Prez”. It was released on April 7, 2012. His personality was a bit awkward but that stems from his self-image and self-esteem. His personal issues in cohesion with his enlightenment were problematic. Each of these tracks expose his lyrical skills. Despite Joey Bada$$ appearing on this mixtape, Capital STEEZ holds his own. They both have unique skills.

The song which held the most meaning to me as a listener included “Dead Prez” which some listeners viewed as an homage to Jay-Z’s “Dead Presidents”. “Is there a Heaven for us hip-hop heathens?” is a sentence which stands out throughout the entire track. This song is essential in understanding the inner workings of STEEZ’s mind and how he feels about himself.

“Free The Robots” is a one take song in which STEEZ effortlessly expresses his views on the government, an apocalypse, drugs and the Obama election. “We killed Osama and plenty innocent people died/we should see the signs, but we Stevie blind.” The track makes it clear that STEEZ had internal conflicts within his psyche. It’s evident that the culture he grew up in led him to be overly conscious about society. His belief that he was a child of the Indigo is apparent in this track also by the way he speaks about the mass media.

“HYPE/Beast” is a deep probing track in which STEEZ exposes what self-esteem issues he copes with. He speaks about how critics view him and how he deflects while reflecting on their comments.  STEEZ intrinsically states his intense feelings rhyme after rhyme which allows listeners to view him wholly at face value.

           

            “They can't block me out sun/Put me in a box and get outdone

So assuming that I'm arrogant/I broke through the half of it

I break down where I got my clout from

The last child/Not the least of the weak ones

Strong minded/I got a green thumb ” -Capital STEEZ

“Infinity and Beyond” is a calming track in which STEEZ speaks about selling out for a rap deal. He alludes to the importance of the year 1993. In this track STEEZ uses his lyricism to show listeners that there is no limit to your dreams and higher visions of success. The calming beat is alludes to deeper meanings beneath the lyrics. In this track he expresses his thoughts on pill popping, debt, blue collar jobs and being alive amidst negativity.

            “From Illmatic to Villematic, their songs popped, but real rappers is still at it

I don't even think a deal matter, because when the fame come, you just another pill addict

And, that's a genre I refuse to represent/The next option is rendezvous with elegance”

The Fader released an in-depth analysis and biographical piece on Captial STEEZ, view that here .