Boston Anthem Showdown: "I Got To Have It 2011" vs. "The Boston Song"

Unlike the countless fools who descended upon Government Center this past weekend for the Boston Urban Music Fest (story on that coming soon), we come in peace. That is to say that while we're pitting these two Hub anthems against one another, it's for nothing other than some fun, and to provoke you - Bostonians, readers, etc. - to check both clips in their entirety before taking the argument to your friends in the barbershop.



So here goes: in the first corner we have "The Boston Song" - a lightweight summer anthem from a whole mess of folks over at Berklee College of Music. It's been kicking around for more than a week now, and definitely has some wind in its sail, what with its pandering to virtually every demographic that calls this place home. That was kind of the point, as the track's writers and producers report to have spent six months "researching what Boston identifies with musically." In addition to being a certifiable potential pop hit, this shit is remarkably official; the song even has its own web site and marketing secretary.

In the other corner we have Sean Hines, a Roxbury rap prodigy who teamed up with fellow up-and-comer Hit and Boston legend Edo G for a re-make of the Bean anthem of all Bean anthems: "I Got To Have It." The cut pays proper homage in every way, as does the video, which, like that for "The Boston Song," showcases the Hub in all its good weather glory. I'll also note here that in addition to the 'Bury (not the fruit y'all), Sean Hines represents the local powerhouse Rushya, and a bright new chapter for the crew in the wake of the tragic murder of Roc Dukati.

Which leaves just one question: Which of these joints are you fucking with this season?