Gone But Not Forgotten: R.I.P. Records

I know most of the rap world woke up this morning pre-occupied with Lil Wayne going to jail. It’s going to be a long 12 months without the “Best Rapper Alive” in the mix. Well, if he were actually going in today… Pause.

In all honesty, though, I’m actually dealing with a loss much closer to home today. This morning I woke up to find the lifeless body of my nephew’s goldfish, Nemo, lying in his bowl. I feel really bad for Nemo’s passing. In fact, I feel personally responsible.

It’s all my fault.

I’ve been caring (and not doing a very good job of it) for Nemo ever since my nephew left him at my house a few weeks ago. His stay was only supposed to be temporary, but I was starting to bond with the lil’ dude. I don’t do pets, but a goldfish was okay. Problem was I’m hardly ever home and the lil’ guy needed to eat on a regular schedule. Long story short, I think he either died from starvation or overfeeding with me trying to make up for missing a day or two.

I haven’t told my nephew yet, but every time I think about how I’ll do it I remember The Cosby Show episode when Rudy’s goldfish, Lamont, died and they held a funeral in the bathroom.

Of course watching that got me to thinking about all the dope R.I.P songs in hip-hop. Joints like D.R.S’ “Gangsta Lean” and Master P’s “I Miss My Homies.” You know the generic ode to a lost friend that hits home for everyone.

There aren’t enough of these songs to go around anymore. How come rappers hardly make these as singles anymore? Has hip-hop lost its compassion for the dearly departed? In memory of those that we’ve lost I wanted to make a list of some of my favorite R.I.P. records. This goes out to you, Nemo. —Rondell Conway

1. Pete Rock & CL Smooth “They Reminisce Over You”