Bobby Shmurda is all the buzz lately; his song “Hot Nigga” is by far the most popular track in the Tri-State area, and it’s gaining traction across the nation. For those unfamiliar with Shmurda, the native Flatbush rapper that blew up after the internet got hold of his famous “Shmoney Dance.” The dance his been remixed on Vine with every song imaginable. While garnering more the three million views, a viral star was born. And let’s not forget the massive influence Twitter had too. This is one instance where the internet did something positive. More importantly, it was the people that actually made the push, especially those who enjoyed the song, and not solely the dance.
Now does this all sound a bit too common?
Of course it does. Remember Trinidad James?
Trinidad James had a monster record — “All Gold Everything” — that catapulted his career, which in-turn landed him a $2 million dollar deal with Def Jam. The same went for Bobby Shmurda: he signed a deal with Epic Records. Both artists conveniently got respectable deals off one song and the power of the internet. There’s nothing wrong with this, at all, the record companies want to capitalize on what’s hot at the moment. However, that can also lead to one-hit wonders. I don’t want to say that Trinidad James fits that category since he did put out a quality mixtape in Don’t Be S.A.F.E. — “Females Welcomed” was a banger on the project as well. But James hasn’t done much since, especially after the whole Tim Westwood fuckery.
Did the people at Epic Records, mainly Sha Money XL, jump the gun on signing Shmurda?
It’s tricky because although he put out a potential monster, the song still hasn’t reached a broader audience as rapidly as “All Gold Everything” did. Furthermore, what other music does he have to offer? Let’s keep it real, “Hot Nigga” is really a freestyle due to the original production is from Lloyd Banks’ “Jackpot,” which is produced by Jahlil Beats. Conversely, I give Shmurda props for flipping the original song and making it his and ultimately making a name for himself. Rappers jack beats all the time so it’s nothing new, but this what I want to know: Are we going to get original music from him soon? Will he exploit this opportunity for more capital gain or notoriety, and not put out anything for a year? I, like others, want to know the collaborations he has in store with artists and producers. And that’s the scary part; if he doesn’t deliver, did the internet create another flop? Regardless of the cosigns from Jay Z, Beyonce, Meek Mill, and Raekwon; if the project isn’t dope, like going triple kitchen sink in album sales or poor mixtape reviews, then will that internet push be frowned upon by labels in the future?
Who the hell knows, but it won’t shine the brightest light on internet influence, which is inherently part of the culture.
For the sake of music and the culture of hip-hop, we can’t have Bobby Shmurda throw up a dud. For the love of God, please do not give us another Trinidad James. I don’t want to write up a piece two years later asking: Remember Bobby Shmurda?
The Shmoney Dance better not outlive Bobby Shmurda.
