COMING UP: One Shot
Aspiring rappers get their One Shot at making it big
|||BY MUNYA VOMO
On EMINEM’s iconic song, Lose Yourself, off the 8 Mile soundtrack, he starts with a monologue that goes like this: “Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity/to seize everything you ever wanted/ in one moment, would you capture it, or just let it slip”
The song goes on to talk about how it is important to seize whatever opportunity comes into your life to achieve your dream. One shot, Eminem emphasises, is what you need, and what makes the difference. This is what most successful rappers had to take advantage of to get to where they are today. Big Sean, for instance, pestered Kanye West at a radio station to let him rap for the superstar. West reluctantly gave him 10 seconds and the rest is history.
One Shot is the title of a show DJ Khaled will be hosting on BET. Essentially, as they do on Idols, this show will host aspiring rappers and have them show off their skills in a series of challenges. There is a panel of judges who include Mike Smith, Sway and King Tech and they are all knowledgeable when it comes to the hip hop genre.
What is interesting, however, is that DJ Khaled is the last person who should be on this show. Granted, he makes hits, great songs, from All I Do is Win to I’m on One, but his formula is the same. He relies very much on the host of talented rappers that he invites to perform his albums. If you’ve listened to his verses on any song you will realise they are the weakest. He says some of the dumbest things you will ever hear, but there is something about him that keeps him relevant. He is so confident in all his madness that it’s almost cute. He is one of those people who believe in going after whatever they want and actually getting it right.
To a point, he proves that talent alone is not enough. If we talk about the rappers you find on his music, it is obvious he is the least talented one spitting verses, but perhaps he has the most hunger in the game. Fresh off releasing yet another album in July, Major Key, the DJ is enjoying more success than some of his talented friends.
It is a good thing that there is a whole panel of judges who will assess the contestants because all Khaled has to do is be himself and say some dumb things to lighten up the mood. If you watched Vuzu’s Hustle then you will know what One Shot is trying to achieve, which is an encouraging thing because we got to do it first. Expect guest judges every week who will come in the form of top rappers like Twista and T.I.
One Shot premiers on September 21 on BET (DStv channel 135) at 10.30pm.