Monday, June 8, 2009

Death of Auto-Tune

Jay-Z is back! And he's ready to kill... auto-tune, that is.

The Jiggaman dropped his new single "D.O.A." (Death of Auto-Tune) over the weekend. And in typical Shawn Corey Carter fashion, the streets are buzzing about it.

Let's back up a sec for those who may be under a rock. Auto-tune is the software that turns shower singers into recording singers (and I use that term loosely). Real music fans remember when Roger Troutman (may he R.I.P) used the technology on hits like Computer Love and Slow & Easy. Teddy Riley also used it back when Guy was making hits.

So, fast forward to today... the auto-tune sound is everywhere, from gospel to hip-hop. T-Pain, the so-called "King of Auto-Tune" has made millions off the sound. And Jay-Z wants to bury it.
"This ain't a number one record... This is practically assault with a
deadly weapon."
"Y'all n****s singing too much... Get back to rap, you T-Painin' too much!"

Ouch!

But, Jay says the song isn't really aimed at his auto-tunin' friends in rap (i.e.: Kanye, T-Pain and Lil Wayne). So, who is he taking shots at? The music overall? Or average hip-hop fans who soak up this stuff instead of demanding real music?

Anyway, take a listen for yourself.



Is it a hit or a miss? What's your call?

Oh and, "The Blueprint 3" drops in September.

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