I don't know I like some of his songs - the lullabye one is one of my faves.
I think he could an exception to the rule because of where he was born and raised.
It's kind of like going to England and seeing and hearing black, indian and asian people with a british accent.
Dunno.
LOL - I have to add that I'm doing some work for a guy originally from Georgia.
He has a very thick and flamboyant accent, he's gay and he's black which makes me laugh when you think about comparing him to some of the NY home boys.
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I guess what I'm saying is it's hard to fake your hometown accent and loose your local slang.