Grammy-nominated rapper Phonte must watch a lot of TV.
Seriously, this guy knows his stuff. That knowledge led to some of the most inspired crossover comparisons, delivered in 140 characters, that I’ve ever seen. Over the past couple of days, Phonte spent his time tweeting out his own critiques of famous rappers by comparing them to classic TV shows.
Seriously, this is brilliant stuff. It all started with tweets about how Jay-Z is The Wire, and Nas is Breaking Bad:
#TheWire :: Jay :: #BreakingBad :: Nas. Come at me, bro.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) September 30, 2013
I liken Jay to #TheWire because in terms of what he's accomplished as a whole throughout his career, dude really is the Greatest.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) September 30, 2013
But even in the midst of Jay's/#TheWire's greatness, if you're asking who I'd prefer to hear rap at any given moment? Esco all day. (#BB)
— Phonte (@phontigallo) September 30, 2013
#TheWire is still the Greatest Show of All Time. But if we talking personal *favorite?* My nigga Walter Hartwell got it, yo.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) September 30, 2013
If Jay's #TheWire and Nas is #BreakingBad, Rakim is #TheSopranos. He laid the foundation and all the greats are standing on his shoulders.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) September 30, 2013
He decided to keep it going:
"Oz" is 50 Cent; a gritty show with a great premise whose downfall was due to a focus on sensationalism over content. RT @QG5000 what's Oz?
— Phonte (@phontigallo) September 30, 2013
#MadMen is Eminem: Technically FLAWLESS, but I can only listen to the existential angst of rich white men for a short while.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#SonsOfAnarchy is Rick Ross: An over the top, completely unbelievable spectacle that still managed to triumph in spite of itself.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#Entourage is YMCMB: An entertaining and lovable cast of characters that yields pleasing, yet ultimately forgettable results.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#HouseOfCards is Kendrick Lamar: An excellent newcomer that put EVERYBODY on their ass and has a lot to live up to come season 2.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#TheNewsroom is Lupe: A technically brilliant show that would be a lot smarter if it stopped trying to show people how smart it is.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#EastboundAndDown is Action Bronson: Completely irreverent, fearless, and gives no fucks whatsoever. You either love him or hate him.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#SouthCentral is Tupac: An edgy show with a talented cast whose legend was made larger due to early cancellation.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#Lost is Kanye: An unorthodox story that became an unlikely cultural phenomenon and just got weirder and more ridiculous with each season.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#TheSimpsons are The Roots: Constantly and quietly killing shit for over 20 years and on the way to becoming an American institution.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#ArrestedDevelopment is Phonte: A critical fave with a cult following that got pulled by a major, but came back indie and got his bread. lol
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#TheCosbyShow is A Tribe Called Quest: The pioneer who showed America there was a viable market in the portrayal of Black middle class life.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#HowToMakeItInAmerica is Biggie: A promising show that was cut short after two seasons just as it was starting to find its voice.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#LawAndOrder is Snoop Dogg: Same formula for over 20 years, but it's a show where your whole family knows at least ONE episode by heart.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
#BoardwalkEmpire is T.I.: A notable contender with all the right ingredients but lacks that one intangible to place it amongst the greats.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 1, 2013
Great, great stuff.
[Hat tip The Daily Dot]