November 26, 2007

Sai -- Say It Ain't So

Posted by Biko Baker at 12:54AM

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Say it ain't so Saigon. Tell me you aren't retiring from the game even before you get started. Please don't give up on us hip-hop purists.

I know that your brand of street conscious lyricism isn't exactly winning on the charts. But who cares? Ever since you linked up with Just Blaze — arguably the best producer in game — I've been waiting for you to drop your album, The Greatest Story Never Told. Yeah, the jerks over at Atlantic aren't exactly trying to help build buzz around your often delayed project, but the streets are still calling your name.

And I know on your MySpace page you said that you didn't get in the game to get rich, but don't let these industry stiffs get you off your grind. Just look at Common; ten years ago only backpackers knew the Chi-town MC's name, now he is on the covers of magazines and starring in movies. Patience is a virtue my friend. Get out your deal and control your career, don't let it control you.

Really, I think you just need some time off. I know that you wouldn't have gone on the radio intoxicated and threatened to slap Melyssa Ford if you were thinking properly. Trying to maintain a peace of mind in the proverbial belly of the beast has to be tough. But trust me, your fans will forget about that drunken tirade as soon as you drop a hot 16. And most of your fans are still inspired by the multiple non-profit organizations and charities you either support or helped found .

So Sai, just call Dave Chappelle's travel agent, take off six months to repair your soul with a Zulu medicine men, and come back to the game hungrier than ever. Because if you don't take hip-hop back, who will? You can't retire Saigon. The game needs you.