Milestones: Youngest In Charge by Special Ed
Tell it to Special Ed: He got it made.
The contemporary landscape of young rappers appears to be devoid of the pioneering spirit that once defined the hip-hop genre. Historically, hip-hop was sculpted by the seasoned veterans of park jams and house parties, subsequently followed by a surge of youthful energy that laid the groundwork for what is nostalgically referred to as the Golden Age of Hip-Hop. This era was characterized by its youthful vigor, with artists such as LL Cool J, MC Lyte, and Rakim, who were mere teenagers at the onset of their careers, bringing a fresh, bold, and original flair to the microphone. These young emcees were not only dynamic in personality but also instrumental in shaping the future of hip-hop.
Contrasting sharply with this era of innovation are today’s teenage rappers, many of whom seem disengaged from the core ethos of hip-hop, often presenting their artistry in a manner that lacks the passion and creativity of their predecessors. This observation brings to light a palpable disconnect between the current generation’s engagement with hip-hop and the genre’s rich heritage of boundary-pushing lyricism.
Edward “Special Ed” Archer, a brash and innovative force in the hip-hop milieu, emerged from Flatbush, Brooklyn, with his debut album, Youngest In Charge, a project teeming with creativity. Released by Profile Records three and a half decades ago, it arrived in an era marked by artists’ earnest attempts to outshine one another artistically. Possessing a commanding presence on the microphone, Ed’s delivery was marked by a breathy baritone, occasionally tinged with a Jamaican accent, and a flow that defied convention, alternating in speed and utilizing strategic pauses to amplify the impact of his verses.
Howard “Howie Tee” Thompson, the architect behind the album’s production, crafted what is considered one of his most accomplished works. Despite his status as one of hip-hop’s most unsung beat architects, Howie Tee’s contributions, particularly in the mid-1980s with artists such as UTFO and The Real Roxanne, culminated in a career peak in 1989 with the release of both Chubb Rock’s And the Winner Is and Youngest In Charge. The album initiates such as “Taxing,” where Special Ed showcases his exceptional lyrical abilities, proclaiming his dominance through potent verses. Howie Tee’s production is equally evident, masterfully blending Ripple’s “Funky Song” horns with a dynamic electric guitar, incorporating beat transitions and breakdowns to elevate the track further.
The album’s most renowned track, “I Got It Made,” is an unassailable classic within the hip-hop canon. The track’s simplicity echoes the hits of the late ‘80s, with Ed’s verses laid over a drum loop and the distinctive bassline from Ripple’s “I Don’t Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky.” The track eschews a traditional hook, instead allowing the music to assert itself during the chorus. With “Think About It,” the album’s second single, Ed defies the odds with his unique delivery and stylistic choices, distinguishing the track amidst a more conventional structure. Set against a sped-up loop of Average White Band’s “School Boy Crush,” Ed’s lyrics display a delightful quirkiness.
The album’s third single, “I’m the Magnificent,” maintains its status as a timeless hip-hop classic, particularly the remix version featured in the track’s music video. While the lyrics remain unchanged, the remix diverges from the original by reserving the Desmond Dekker “Shanty Town” banjo loop for the bridge, a choice that would be echoed in Ed’s subsequent release, ‘Legal.’ Beyond boasting of lyrical skill, Ed pays homage to his roots with “The Bush,” a track that cleverly incorporates the introductory guitar from Al Green’s “Love and Happiness.” “Ak-Shun” is a tribute to his DJ, characterized by a deep bassline and skillful vocal scratches from Orange Krush’s “Action.” “Heds and Dreds” showcases Ed’s authentic patois, merging rap and reggae in a seamless dancehall track.
While not all of Ed’s stylistic experiments hit their mark, such as the overextended hip-house track “Club Scene” and the go-go influenced “Monster Jam,” his lyrical acumen remains undiminished. In tracks like “Hoedown,” Ed’s willingness to blend genres predates the cross-genre efforts of artists like Lil Nas X, offering a country-inflected narrative that remains singular within the genre. The album also features narrative-driven tracks such as “Fly MC,” which recounts Ed’s fantastical encounter with French royalty, a precursor to his later narrative-driven hit “The Mission.”
Youngest In Charge is a reminder of the exuberance and daring of hip-hop’s yesteryears. His willingness to adopt various styles and character personas on his debut album is a clarion call for contemporary artists to embrace creativity and skill over commercial success. The hope remains that future artists will channel this climate, crafting music that prioritizes originality and diversity over viral trends.
Masterpiece (★★★★★)