The Hip-Hop Appreciation Thread

[Gowienczyk]

||| Essentials: Classic Hip-Hop

2 Live Crew - Is What We Are (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/2_live_crew/is_what_we_are/)
Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/beastie_boys/pauls_boutique/)
DJ Jazy Jeff & the Fresh Prince - Rock the House (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dj_jazzy_jeff_and_the_fresh_prince/rock_the_house_f1/)
Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five - The Message (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/grandmaster_flash_and_the_furious_five/the_message/)
LL Cool J - Radio (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ll_cool_j/radio/)
Queen Latifah - All Hail the Queen (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/queen_latifah/all_hail_the_queen/)
Run DMC - Raising Hell (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/run_d_m_c_/raising_hell/)
The Sugarhill Gang - The Sugarhill Gang (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/sugarhill_gang/sugarhill_gang/)
Ultramagnetic MCs - Critical Beatdown (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ultramagnetic_mcs/critical_beatdown/)
Young MC - Stone Cold Rhymin' (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/young_mc/stone_cold_rhymin/)

||| Essentials: Hardcore Hip-Hop

2pac - Me Against the World (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/2pac/me_against_the_world/)
Dr. Dre - The Chronic (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dr__dre/the_chronic/)
Ice Cube - Death Certificate (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ice_cube/death_certificate/)
Ice T - OG, Original Gangster (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ice_t/o_g__original_gangster/)
Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/jay_z/reasonable_doubt/)
Mobb Deep - The Infamous... (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mobb_deep/the_infamous___/)
NWA - Straight Outta Compton (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/n_w_a/straight_outta_compton/)
The Notorious BIG - Ready to Die (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_notorious_b_i_g_/ready_to_die/)
Snoop Dogg - Doggystyle (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/snoop_dogg/doggystyle/)
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/wu_tang_clan/enter_the_wu_tang__36_chambers_/)

||| Essentials: Conscious Hip-Hop

Del tha Funkee Homosapien - I Wish My Brother George Was Here (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/del_tha_funkee_homosapien/i_wish_my_brother_george_was_here/)
Fugees - The Score (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/fugees/the_score/)
Goodie Mob - Soul Food (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/goodie_mob/soul_food/)
Jurassic 5 - Quality Control (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/jurassic_5/quality_control/)
Kanye West - The College Dropout (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/kanye_west/the_college_dropout/)
Mos Def - Black on Both Sides (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mos_def/black_on_both_sides/)
Nas - Illmatic (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/nas/illmatic/)
Outkast - Aquemini (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/outkast/aquemini/)
The Pharcyde - Labcabincalifornia (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_pharcyde/labcabincalifornia/)
Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/public_enemy/it_takes_a_nation_of_millions_to_hold_us_back/)

||| Essentials: Jazz-Hop

A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/a_tribe_called_quest/the_low_end_theory/)
Arts the Beatdoctor - Transitions (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/arts_the_beatdoctor/transitions/)
Common - Resurrection (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/common/resurrection/)
De La Soul - Buhloone Mind State (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/de_la_soul/buhloone_mind_state/)
Digable Planets - Blowout Comb (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/digable_planets/blowout_comb/)
Gang Starr - Step In the Arena (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/gang_starr/step_in_the_arena/)
Nujabes - Metaphorical Music (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/nujabes/metaphorical_music/)
Organized Konfusion - Stress: the Extinction Agenda (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/organized_konfusion/stress__the_extinction_agenda/)
The Roots - Things Fall Apart (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_roots/things_fall_apart/)
Madlib - Shades of Blue (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/madlib/shades_of_blue/)

||| Essentials: Trip-Hop

Blockhead - Downtown Science (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/blockhead/downtown_science/)
DJ Krush - Meiso (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dj_krush/meiso/)
DJ Shadow - Endtroducing... (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dj_shadow/endtroducing______f1/)
Earthling - Radar (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/earthling/radar/)
Massive Attack - Mezzanine (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/massive_attack/mezzanine/)
Morcheeba - Big Calm (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/morcheeba/big_calm/)
Pelican City - Rhode Island (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/pelican_city/rhode_island/)
Portishead - Dummy (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/portishead/dummy/)
Tricky - Maxinquaye (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/tricky/maxinquaye/)
Wax Tailor - Tales of the Forgotten Melodies (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/wax_tailor/tales_of_the_forgotten_melodies/)

||| Essentials: Abstract Hip-Hop

Aesop Rock - Labor Days (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/aesop_rock/labor_days/)
Atmosphere - God Loves Ugly (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/atmosphere/god_loves_ugly/)
Blackalicious - Blazing Arrow (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/blackalicious/blazing_arrow/)
Busdriver - Fear of a Black Tangent (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/busdriver/fear_of_a_black_tangent/)
Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/cannibal_ox/the_cold_vein/)
Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/company_flow/funcrusher_plus/)
Dalek - Absence (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dalek/absence/)
Dr. Octagon - Dr. Octagonecologyst (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dr__octagon/dr__octagonecologyst/)
Madvillain - Madvillainy (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/madvillain/madvillainy/)
MF Doom - Operation: Doomsday (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mf_doom/operation__doomsday/)

||| AOTW

8/15: Dessa - A Badly Broken Code (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dessa/a_badly_broken_code/)
8/22: Gangstagrass Gangstagrass (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/gangstagrass/gangstagrass/)
8/29: Optimus Rhyme - School the Indie Rockers (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/optimus_rhyme/school_the_indie_rockers/)
9/5: Abstract Rude - Rejuvenation (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/abstract_rude/rejuvenation/)
9/12: Black Eyed Peas - Behind the Front (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_black_eyed_peas/behind_the_front/)
9/19: Fugees - Blunted on Reality (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/fugees/blunted_on_reality/)
9/26: Talib Kweli - Eardrum (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/talib_kweli/eardrum/)
10/3: Bubba Sparxxx - Deliverance (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/bubba_sparxxx/deliverance/)
10/10: Atmosphere - Seven's Travels (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/atmosphere/sevens_travels/)
10/17: The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy - Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_disposable_heroes_of_hiphoprisy/hypocrisy_is_the_greatest_luxury/)
10/24:Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/brother_ali/the_undisputed_truth/)
10/31: Sage Francis - Personal Journals (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/sage_francis/personal_journals/)
11/7: The Mighty Underdogs - Droppin' Science Fiction (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_mighty_underdogs/droppin_science_fiction/)
11/14: K-OS - Yes! (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/k_os/yes_/)
11/21: Nas - Hip-Hop is Dead (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/nas/hip_hop_is_dead/)

[SaikoSakura]

That is some fancy flute skills. Jethro Tull would be proud. :D

[Lolicat]

I still think Public Enemy are the best hip hop artists ever. I never got into A Tribe Called Quest much, but they're pretty good. The whole Alternative Hip Hop revolution was awesome.

[Gowienczyk]

I agree! Due to that scene starting in the late 80s we have a lot of politically-charged hip-hop artists now and more than enough albums that are worth time to listen to.

Not just "enertainment".

[Lolicat]

I prefer my music politically charged, unsurprisingly. Jurassic 5 managed to keep it fun though, and yet managed to subvert the whole of mainstream Hip Hop by mocking it in their songs, I enjoyed that.

[Gowienczyk]

I think a lot of people had that mentality. Even early Black Eyed Peas, believe it or not!

[kwami42]

I'm so glad you posted "Imaginary Places," that's one of the few hip-hop songs I like. The only hip-hop album I ever listen to with any regularity is Deltron 3030's self-titled one, though.

[Lolicat]

I want to punch Will.i.am. He said some rather nasty things about *** people in hip hop.

[Alright_Computer]

I think a lot of people had that mentality. Even early Black Eyed Peas, believe it or not!

I'm guessing that was before they started singing about their humps?

[Lolicat]

I'm guessing that was before they started singing about their humps?

Don't you know that song was all about subverting the patriarchy?:rolleyes:

Also, remember when Fergie pissed herself on stage? That made me chuckle.


Mos Def is an awesome Hip Hop artist, good lyricist too.

[Gowienczyk]

I'm guessing that was before they started singing about their humps?

Their first two albums were very "HIP HOP IS DEAD AND WERE HERE TO SAVE IT".

But then they hired Fergie for the next album, which had a few good tracks but between that and their next album they lost themselves. Bad.

[Lolicat]

Where is the Love? was still a wonderful track, whatever my view on the rest of their career.

[Gowienczyk]

Where is the Love? was still a wonderful track, whatever my view on the rest of their career.

Best track off of that album.

[Lolicat]

It appeals to my hippie-ish sensibilities. Basically just about any song about being nice to people will make me weep.

[Gowienczyk]

Haha. It is a lovely song. :)

[dady5000]

I've heard from some people that "Endtroducing..." is one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time.

Is it really a good album?

[Gowienczyk]

I've heard from some people that "Endtroducing..." is one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time.

Is it really a good album?

I haven't heard it yet.

[Lolicat]

Mos Def's Black on Both Sides is a good starting point. It's a solid Hip Hop album.

[idiotec]

I've heard from some people that "Endtroducing..." is one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time.

Is it really a good album?
Fantastic album. Listen to it!!!

[Gowienczyk]

Fantastic album. Listen to it!!!

I will eventually.

[afterstasis]

i dig a lot of older hip-hop, though i really seem to have lost touch with it sometime in the mid-90's.

i still enjoy a handful of current artists (outkast is one of my faves), but even a lot of the so-called "intelligent hip-hop" does nothing for me.

[Lolicat]

Mid-90s was really when it started to veer away from the original movement, and although I do enjoy Alt. Hip Hop, I'm happier with my 80s Public Enemy, and my early 90s artists. Even Will Smith.

[Gowienczyk]

As bad as the lyrics were; the 90s had the miami bass subgenre/movement, which I really like personally.

[timmay9]

Don't you know that song was all about subverting the patriarchy?:rolleyes:

Also, remember when Fergie pissed herself on stage? That made me chuckle.


Mos Def is an awesome Hip Hop artist, good lyricist too.
REALLY good actor too.

[Lolicat]

As bad as the lyrics were; the 90s had the miami bass subgenre/movement, which I really like personally.

I like Baile Funk, it's heavily influenced by the whole Miami Bass movement, and probably just as bad lyrically, but I don't speak Portugese.

[Gowienczyk]

I like Baile Funk, it's heavily influenced by the whole Miami Bass movement, and probably just as bad lyrically, but I don't speak Portugese.

Haha, I could understand.

[supernova1324]

Early Black Eyed Peas
Outcast
Early Kanye West
Mos Def
Common
Public Enemy
Flobots
I love all of these hip hop bands. The reason I said "early" Kany West", is because now he has gone down the dark path of the auto tuner...

[idiotec]

Enjoy! ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6lgzqsVslA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uahtfUO-oRU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frtm7qrcG8U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgJ-kKAWa68
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XbDBAVa9mI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9VYzNUXGDA

[Elegy]

I don't listen to it as much, but I think...a year ago? I was really into;

Lupe Fiasco, Fort Minor, Eminem, and a few others.

Buut... Hastings has Nas' Illmatic for like $6 I might buy, haha

[Runesmith]

Here's one of my personal favorites: Kurtis Blow's The Breaks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiHEdKt5dEY

I would love to see this song in Rock Band.

[Hungryfreak]

Public Enemy is the only one I've given an honest try and liked so far. Then again, I haven't looked into much. I've heard random songs from random artists and haven't found anything that's peaked my interest.

[Gowienczyk]

I don't listen to it as much, but I think...a year ago? I was really into;

Lupe Fiasco, Fort Minor, Eminem, and a few others.

Buut... Hastings has Nas' Illmatic for like $6 I might buy, haha

I dunno, I didn't really enjoy Illmatic as much as I should, personally.

Oh yeah, I think Eminem and Fort Minor are one of the worst mainstream rappers out there today.

[Gowienczyk]

Public Enemy is the only one I've given an honest try and liked so far. Then again, I haven't looked into much. I've heard random songs from random artists and haven't found anything that's peaked my interest.

I've found that starting out people with K-OS' Joyful Rebellion is best for those who want to start digging/don't know much about the genre.

[Lolicat]

Personally, I feel sick when I hear the homophobia and sexism Eminem is able to get away with in his lyrics.

[Gowienczyk]

Yeah?

[Lolicat]

I don't know, I don't get how he can get off being arrogant after rapping about how **** a person he was. Surely the guy should have a little humility and cut the songs where he rants about **** his ex-wife is from his set.

[Gowienczyk]

Michiganlanders are *****s from birth. ;)

[Lolicat]

Michiganlanders are *****s from birth. ;)

Screw your unintelligible Amerifag nonsense! I don't get it.

[Gowienczyk]

Screw your unintelligible Amerifag nonsense! I don't get it.

Okay, I'll spell it out for you.

People who are from the state of Michigan are naturally unpleasant.

[Lolicat]

I knew what you meant!

Where even is Michigan? Only the East Coast has any interest for me really.

[Gowienczyk]

Michigan? Were unique;

http://o.aolcdn.com/art/ch_travel/michigan

[Lolicat]

Looks like a little dog jumping over the asteroid worm from Star Wars.

[Gowienczyk]

Looks like a mitten.

Why, yes. We agree!

[Lolicat]

Yea ok, so my comparison was a little contrived...

Anyway, Hip Hop. I detest, detest Tupac. Technically talented as he was, and he was, I refuse to listen to him because of his intensification of violence within Hip Hop, and his constant use of diss tracks. The track that started the East/West rivallry was a joke, and Tupac, along with others, are proof that some people just shouldn't be allowed the privileged position of being a popular recording artist. Also, he was a rapist, and the evidence is against him, no matter how the fans try to slant it and say the police just hated him.

[Gowienczyk]

Yea ok, so my comparison was a little contrived...

Anyway, Hip Hop. I detest, detest Tupac. Technically talented as he was, and he was, I refuse to listen to him because of his intensification of violence within Hip Hop, and his constant use of diss tracks. The track that started the East/West rivallry was a joke, and Tupac, along with others, are proof that some people just shouldn't be allowed the privileged position of being a popular recording artist. Also, he was a rapist, and the evidence is against him, no matter how the fans try to slant it and say the police just hated him.

Bah, I like Tupac but never looked into his character outside of one documentary.

[Insane3]

REALLY good actor too.

You must not watch many movies lol... He's a good actor, but he doesn't deserves the red and size 5 "really". I don't think he actually deserves the "really" at all.

I'm not saying he's bad (like Vin Diesel or Arnold Shwhatever), he still succeded in becoming an international actor (partly because he was already popular I guess)....... Now I really do sound like I don't like him. Lol.

[Insane3]

I'm not into a lot of rap and hip hop, but I dig some songs.

Queen Dot Kong - The Do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu9_ZQDkr2Q

This band is not usually into rap and hip hop. Here's another song with complex vocal harmonies:
Unissasi Laulelet - The Do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDatrxrfivA&feature=related

[Gowienczyk]

I'm not into a lot of rap and hip hop, but I dig some songs.

Queen Dot Kong - The Do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu9_ZQDkr2Q

This band is not usually into rap and hip hop. Here's another song with complex vocal harmonies:
Unissasi Laulelet - The Do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDatrxrfivA&feature=related

I found that kind of annoying!

[Lolicat]

Mos Def is pretty good as an actor. I'd say he was better than some, if not most 'real' actors. I pretty much hate the 'talent' of most of Hollywood.

[Elegy]

Oh yeah, I think Eminem and Fort Minor are one of the worst mainstream rappers out there today.

How?

[Gowienczyk]

How?

Eminem was good in his early days for a quick fun listen, but was never a good serious musician. Fort Minor was always horrible to me (okay, that's a lie but still).

ergo; I developed standards.

Talib Kweli and Nas are much better mainstream rappers.

[supernova1324]

Eminem was good in his early days for a quick fun listen, but was never a good serious musician. Fort Minor was always horrible to me (okay, that's a lie but still).

ergo; I developed standards.

Talib Kweli and Nas are much better mainstream rappers.
Kanye West was good for a mainstream rapper, but now the whole auto tuner is a total turnoff. I liked it better when he rapped about family and his struggles.

[Elegy]

Eminem was good in his early days for a quick fun listen, but was never a good serious musician. Fort Minor was always horrible to me (okay, that's a lie but still).

ergo; I developed standards.

Talib Kweli and Nas are much better mainstream rappers.

Okay I sort of understand.

But I think Em's a good serious musician, he just isn't that often.

Cleaning out my closet, When I'm Gone, Lose Yourself.

And Fort Minor, IDK, I got into them because of Where'd You Go, and Cigarettes is a really good parable for the rap industry

[Gowienczyk]

Kanye West was good for a mainstream rapper, but now the whole auto tuner is a total turnoff. I liked it better when he rapped about family and his struggles.

:)

[Lolicat]

I liked Kanye's first three albums, but I haven't heard the new one, other than the lead single which sucked. I think he's a good mainstream Hip Hop artist, mostly.

[Insane3]

I found that kind of annoying!

I can see why even though I don't agree. Now listen to that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GzoIwVy0A4
THAT is annoying. But I still like that song anyway.

(While searching for it, I found this soul version: )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPzohswI5Tc

[Stewie]

Emeniem was good but Old School Rap was the best

Arrested Development - Tennessee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g40c6iAEHpc

Public Enemy-Fight The Power

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_t13-0Joyc

Insane In The Brain-Cypress Hill

(some language) (embedding disabled. double click)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwxbsVd15-I

Changes-Tupac (some language)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=741kJDfSw6s

[clashcityrocker10]

I know one song by an Italian rap group by the name of Articolo 31 called "Come una Pietra Scalciata." It's a reworking of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" and does sample that song. Here's a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4zEryTQVSU

[Lolicat]

@Stewie; Public Enemy is from a completely different era from Tupac and Cypress Hill. They are the politicised rap that was popula in the late 80s/early 90s, the reaction agianst which was the sort of stuff Tupac and Cypress Hill produced, the only logical conclusion of which is the current hip hop scene combined with a reactionary underground who are returning to the politicised sprectrum or continuing the Alternative Hip Hop movement that developed in the shade of the Gangsta rap.

[Gowienczyk]

Hip-Hop is still awesome.

[Lolicat]

Hip Hop is still more awesome than classic rock /life

[wrldindstries302]

I think Death Certificate is my favorite rap album.

[Insane3]

Hip Hop is still more awesome than classic rock /life

What? Could you explain what you said, I'm not sure I understood. I'm serious btw.

[Gowienczyk]

What? Could you explain what you said, I'm not sure I understood. I'm serious btw.

Hip-Hop > Classic Rock, obv.

[afterstasis]

anyone care to recommend any artists who could be compared to "why?"?

[Lolicat]

What? Could you explain what you said, I'm not sure I understood. I'm serious btw.

What Gowie said.

The /life means 'end life', I expect to be slaughtered by fanboys.

[wrldindstries302]

anyone care to recommend any artists who could be compared to "why?"?

Well he's part of the anticon collective so I'd suggest either cLOUDDEAD or Subtle.

[Insane3]

What Gowie said.

The /life means 'end life', I expect to be slaughtered by fanboys.

Ah, right. Thanks.

[afterstasis]

Well he's part of the anticon collective so I'd suggest either cLOUDDEAD or Subtle.

i can't get into cLOUDDEAD, but i've only heard one subtle song and it was okay. i'll look into a full album soon.

[Insane3]

Hip-Hop > Classic Rock, obv.

Ok, but what is classic rock?

[Gowienczyk]

Ok, but what is classic rock?

Don't play dumb with me. :(

[Insane3]

Don't play dumb with me. :(

I'm not playing dumb, half people here believe classic rock is not really a genre and if you asked me, I don't know what my answer would be. Is ELP classic rock because they were popular in the 60's/70's era?

So... what is classic rock?

[Lolicat]

I'm not playing dumb, half people here believe classic rock is not really a genre and if you asked me, I don't know what my answer would be. Is ELP classic rock because they were popular in the 60's/70's era?

So... what is classic rock?

It isn't a genre, but rather a lose grouping of artists that get hype for being great such as Zepp, Hendrix, Guns 'n' Roses. It's really just arbritary what is and isn't CR, because it doesn't exist.

[Gowienczyk]

I'm not playing dumb, half people here believe classic rock is not really a genre and if you asked me, I don't know what my answer would be. Is ELP classic rock because they were popular in the 60's/70's era?

So... what is classic rock?

A radio format.

[wrldindstries302]

i can't get into cLOUDDEAD, but i've only heard one subtle song and it was okay. i'll look into a full album soon.

Yeah cLOUDDEAD is a lot more ambient and hard to get into. Subtle has some parts of their songs like that but overall they more "full" sounding songs that focus more on melodic indie pop than rap, much like Why?

I can't really think of anything else like that sounds like Why?. I guess the new TV on the Radio sort of has some of the same kind of musical ideas. And maybe it'd be worth checking out El-P and Dalek--they both have some similar type beats, though they have a much "harder" rap style than Why?.

[afterstasis]

Yeah cLOUDDEAD is a lot more ambient and hard to get into. Subtle has some parts of their songs like that but overall they more "full" sounding songs that focus more on melodic indie pop than rap, much like Why?

I can't really think of anything else like that sounds like Why?. I guess the new TV on the Radio sort of has some of the same kind of musical ideas. And maybe it'd be worth checking out El-P and Dalek--they both have some similar type beats, though they have a much "harder" rap style than Why?.

i've heard some dalek stuff that was alright. i'd like to hear them focus a little more on their "weirder" material.

[instantdeath999]

What's a good starting place? I'm thinking something very obvious... possibly the Roots or Run DMC? As far as I know, I've never heard anything from either.

[afterstasis]

What's a good starting place? I'm thinking something very obvious... possibly the Roots or Run DMC? As far as I know, I've never heard anything from either.

i'd say early run dmc's a perfect starting point. the roots would probably work too, though i'm not really a fan.

[DasKonstruct]

Personally I love some EL-P which is part of the modern movement of restoring hip hop to its former glory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acgr18qpcPM

[Lolicat]

Saul Williams is pretty good if you can get past the blatant and intrusive production job that Reznor did on Niggy Tardust.

[Gowienczyk]

What's a good starting place? I'm thinking something very obvious... possibly the Roots or Run DMC? As far as I know, I've never heard anything from either.

The Sugarhill Gang, Run DMC, The Roots, K-OS, Outkast are all good starting points.

[Gowienczyk]

So that Endtroducing... album was 'dope', yeah, I liked it.

[raisedlefteyebrow]

Lol, a hip hop thread on this website? I admire your courage. Hip hop's not my thing but it definitely has its merits. Its just been suckish lately, just like rock.

[Lolicat]

Lol, a hip hop thread on this website? I admire your courage. Hip hop's not my thing but it definitely has its merits. Its mainstream exponents have just been suckish lately, just like rock.

Fix'd.

[onidragon]

This looks to be a good year for Rap, Dr. Dre may have a new album coming out. Awesome.

[Thom1234]

I'm glad someone had the balls to make this thread. It undermines the elitism of the general rock community, which is always a great thing ;)

My personal favourite Hip-Hop albums/songs recently have been:

Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury -
This record took pretty much forever to make, was highly anticipated after the fantastic We Got it 4 Cheap mixtapes, and was greeted with drooling critical acclaim, and sold... virtually nothing. Which is too bad, because it has the Neptune's best beats in ages, and mercilessly bad-ass rapping courtesy of Pusha-T and Malice. They drop cold, complex coke metaphors as if it was child's play. The beats are dark and menacing (Trill's squelching, propulsive rhythms actually eclipse the lyrical genius of The Clipse.) The only misstep is Mr. Me Too, where the beat is a Drop It Like It's Hot redux and the Pharell verse... is a Pharell verse. However this was already remedied by a fantastic remix which circulated, completely removing the Pharell verse and replaced the beat with lilting acoustic strums.

Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III-

Tha Carter III is unbelievable, essentially a modern "Thriller," There's literally something for everyone; A Milli is pure Wayne-isms over a brilliantly minimal beat, Comfortable and Mrs. Officer are lush R&B ballads (The latter of which quotes RHCP's Sir Psycho Sexy,) and Playing with Fire is a faux-metal freakshow with a deliciously paranoid verse. Lollipop is the dumb hit which is a sort of necessity. Elsewhere, there's a Jay-Z guest spot, the brilliant Dr. Carter, and the awesomely weird E.T. re-imagined as 50's Horror B-Movie Phone Home. Now let's just hope he doesn't make this Rock album he's promising/threatening us with.

Other great records I've listened to recently are; Los Angeles by Flying Lotus (The Aphex Twin of Hip-Hop.) The Mixtape About Nothing by Wale, Graduation by Kanye West (Very underrated; his most concise record and with some fantastic production,) Maths and English by Dizzee Rascal (It's more accessible than Boy in da Corner, even if that record's a bit better,) and loads of classic stuff by Wu-Tang, De La Soul and so on.

I'll add more later on...

[Lolicat]

I am not a fan of L'il Wayne at all. I'm still guilty of mostly avoiding mainstream Hip Hop. I'd rather whack on some A Tribe Called Quest.

[Thom1234]

I am not a fan of L'il Wayne at all. I'm still guilty of mostly avoiding mainstream Hip Hop. I'd rather whack on some A Tribe Called Quest.
I think a lot of people write off mainstream hip-hop (and mainstream music in general,) because of it's popularity, which is bad because it creates a kind of meta-elitism. But if it isn't your thing, then that's fine.

[Lolicat]

I think a lot of people write off mainstream hip-hop (and mainstream music in general,) because of it's popularity, which is bad because it creates a kind of meta-elitism. But if it isn't your thing, then that's fine.

There are a few mainstream artists I can enjoy, but once the whole 'this is my woman' and drugs things start, I'd rather avoid it.

[Thom1234]

There are a few mainstream artists I can enjoy, but once the whole 'this is my woman' and drugs things start, I'd rather avoid it.
You definitely wouldn't like The Clipse record then. It's basically variations those two themes. I tend to skirt around morality when it comes to music and appreciate it for what it is in some kind of weird abstract way. It's more about the lyrics and the production than whether I agree with what the artist is saying. But to all their own.

[Lolicat]

You definitely wouldn't like The Clipse record then. It's basically variations those two themes. I tend to skirt around morality when it comes to music and appreciate it for what it is in some kind of weird abstract way. It's more about the lyrics and the production than whether I agree with what the artist is saying. But to all their own.

I am addicted to my lefty-preaching lyrics.

[zeldazeppelin]

Kanye West was good for a mainstream rapper, but now the whole auto tuner is a total turnoff. I liked it better when he rapped about family and his struggles.

Kanye was a good beat maker and producer I would not put him in that group with Nas . I Would put Lupe Fiasco in that mix of great mainstream rappers.

[Gowienczyk]

Did somebody seriously put Lil' Wayne, really? I wasn't here to flame that person? Dang.

[defenestrater]

Did somebody seriously put Lil' Wayne, really? I wasn't here to flame that person? Dang.

I don't think he's as amazing as he's generally hyped to be by music critics, but he is talented. I won't even qualify that by saying "he is talented, for a mainstream mc." Lots of good ideas, impressive flow, versatility, he has plenty going for him. I'm not crazy about everything on the Carter III, but some of his mixtapes really are impressive. Thom makes a good point a few posts up. People are way too quick to write off mainstream acts without giving them a fair chance.

[defenestrater]

What's a good starting place? I'm thinking something very obvious... possibly the Roots or Run DMC? As far as I know, I've never heard anything from either.

You can't go wrong with Eric B. and Rakim. They're pretty central to the way hip hop developed. Also, Know the Ledge has the best bass line ever.

[zeldazeppelin]

You can't go wrong with Eric B. and Rakim. They're pretty central to the way hip hop developed. Also, Know the Ledge has the best bass line ever.

Yep then try some Digital underground. Then move on from there

[Chrus-Mang]

So what do you people think of Mos Def (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shJMpnwH5HY&feature=related)? Gotta be one of my favourites along with Public Enemy.

[Gowienczyk]

Mos Def is really good.

[jayou521]

Some of my favorite Hip Hop artists are...

J-Live: Them That's Not (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEx2T1NLsqw), Braggin' Rights Revisited (http://www.imeem.com/nsayne/music/6P1OtxNF/j-live-braggin-writes-revisited/), Timeless (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBMbK54AWHU), Nights Like This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy1xv1cOzsM)
Deltron 3030: 3030 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7_jbluF0qo), Positive Contact (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oCXwl7XBiQ), Madness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_HW_AQiKkc), Time Keeps On Slipping (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdur7odHUfE), X-Files (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsLMHc6G5rU)
Gang Starr: Moment of Truth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH3hrtp1T84), Mass Appeal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EWJ9JrxU0g), Skillz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCHk-MzNvgM)

Good stuff right there. I love underground Hip Hop.

Them That's Not is my favorite Hip Hop song. Just so powerful, gives me goosebumps. Check it..

[p0tat0 5alad]

So I see a conversation about hip hop and I fail to see the mentioning of MF Doom. I am shocked, appalled, embarrassed, and mind boggled all at the same time.

[Gowienczyk]

MF Doom's okay, but I never got the hype around 'em.

[CycoMiko138]

I love Doom, but he can be hit or miss. The DangerDoom album is pretty good, especially if you're a fan of Adult Swim.

It's been said before, but I feel that hip-hop reached it's creative peak (so far) in the 90's. It seemed like many new artists were trying to be taken seriously by the critics and the general public, branching out into many diverse styles and attitudes. I hope that the next era of hip-hop heads back in that direction, since I really can't stand much of today's corporate, club-rap.

We need more hip-hop like this:
Fugees - Vocab (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ZPe5HlWJA)

Del tha Funkee Homosapian - Catch A Bad One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwVYENspCZE)

Busta Rhymes and ODB - Woo-Hah!!(Remix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oMQ4ZFdH5c)

Digable Planets - Rebirth of Slick(Cool Like Dat) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4JtI-g7rvw)

Geto Boys - My Mind Playing Tricks On Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KutXyPEEbQs)

[Gowienczyk]

I love Doom, but he can be hit or miss. The DangerDoom album is pretty good, especially if you're a fan of Adult Swim.

It's been said before, but I feel that hip-hop reached it's creative peak (so far) in the 90's. It seemed like many new artists were trying to be taken seriously by the critics and the general public, branching out into many diverse styles and attitudes. I hope that the next era of hip-hop heads back in that direction, since I really can't stand much of today's corporate, club-rap.

We need more hip-hop like this:
Fugees - Vocab (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ZPe5HlWJA)

Del tha Funkee Homosapian - Catch A Bad One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwVYENspCZE)

Busta Rhymes and ODB - Woo-Hah!!(Remix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oMQ4ZFdH5c)

Digable Planets - Rebirth of Slick(Cool Like Dat) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4JtI-g7rvw)

Geto Boys - My Mind Playing Tricks On Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KutXyPEEbQs)

Have you even heard hip-hop today? There are buckets and buckets of serious hip-hop acts who don't get noticed on a mainstream scale. The art isn't dead, they just don't sell like dance records.

[supernova1324]

Has anyone hear heard of Blue Scholars or Doomtree?

[supernova1324]

I am addicted to my lefty-preaching lyrics.

Then you'll love Flobots.

[timmay9]

I dig a lot of hip/hop, and since there isn't a thread, go-go music. I live in D.C. during the summer, and I love going to restaurants where there are really good go-go artists.

As for hip-hop, Mos Def, Run-D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, The Sugarhill Gang, and The Roots are all really good for mainstream acts. Kanye West's first album I thought was genius, the second one was good, and after that he became the same kind of generic rapper. (Except for using a Steely Dan sample as a hook. Didn't see that one coming)

[CycoMiko138]

Have you even heard hip-hop today? There are buckets and buckets of serious hip-hop acts who don't get noticed on a mainstream scale. The art isn't dead, they just don't sell like dance records.

Yes, I've heard more recent hip-hop, and it's definitely not dead; that's why I added the "so far" to my remark. My point was, in the 90's you could throw a rock and hit a great rap song. Today, the opposite is the case, and you really have to go looking for a lot of the serious artists.

[p0tat0 5alad]

You guys listen to any of the new rappers? As far as up and coming guys?
My favorites are B.o.B., Kid CuDi, Charles Hamilton, & The Cool Kids.

[enter the wu-tang]

roughly 30 - 40 % of my music library consists of hip-hop. deltron 3030's self-titled, wu's 36 chambers, a tribe called quest's the low end theory, nas's illmatic, and binary star's masters of the universe are some of the greatest hip-hop albums ever.

i don't know why, but a lot of people that i've come across haven't heard binary star's masters of the universe, but check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnD_CXnXEB8

[zeldazeppelin]

roughly 30 - 40 % of my music library consists of hip-hop. deltron 3030's self-titled, wu's 36 chambers, a tribe called quest's the low end theory, nas's illmatic, and binary star's masters of the universe are some of the greatest hip-hop albums ever.

i don't know why, but a lot of people that i've come across haven't heard binary star's masters of the universe, but check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnD_CXnXEB8

Those are great cds. I use to listen to all of them. I now cant find them.

[gmarsh]

Hip Hop SUCKSEGGS

Im gunna get flammed, *gets in shelter*

[sa_nick]

Hip Hop SUCKSEGGS

Im gunna get flammed, *gets in shelter*

I do believe the destructive force of a shiny banhammer is strong enough to break through your shelter.

If you dont wanna appreciate Hip Hop, stay outta the Hip Hop appreciation thread.

[HyeJinx1984]

Eminem inducts RUN DMC into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Last Night) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK4_nwGo5Og)

[Gowienczyk]

Eminem inducts RUN DMC into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Last Night)

Wait wat?

[HyeJinx1984]

Apparently everyone on this ROCK BAND forum was completely clueless that the 2009 inductions for the RnR HoF was last night.

Edit: damnit, bad link... here you go:Eminem Inducts RUN DMC into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK4_nwGo5Og)

[Gowienczyk]

People still care about the Hall of Fame?

[MdrnDayWarrior]

Does anyone have suggestions of rap similar to Madvillan? I like their style of smooth lyrics/beats, you know, that stuff Adult Swim is obsessed with.

[defenestrater]

that stuff Adult Swim is obsessed with.

Start with anyone who's ever released material through Stone's Throw Records ever :p

This would include MF Doom and Madlib, the guys behind Madvillain, both of whom have put out mountains of quality music on their own. You could also look into some of J Dilla's last few releases. Jaylib and Donuts are both pretty much the epitome of that kind of Adult Swim sounding stuff.

[kwami42]

Does anyone have suggestions of rap similar to Madvillan? I like their style of smooth lyrics/beats, you know, that stuff Adult Swim is obsessed with.

You might like Aesop Rock and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.

[Gowienczyk]

Back to this thread since I'm on a hippity hop mood.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Scott Ian ****in' loved Public Enemy.:D

[opethian]

It's nice to see some love for hip-hop. It definitely deserves more respect.

My rap addictions as of late have been Jedi Mind Tricks and Swollen Members, especially the former. "Violent by Design" and "Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell" are absolute classics.

Jedi Mind Tricks - "Uncommon Valor (A Vietnam Story)" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r0KpWMNxnM)

Swollen Members - "Deep End" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTBDsGzm1IU)

[Gowienczyk]

Jedi Mind Tricks are pretty good, yeah.

[Mystlyfe77]

Does anyone have suggestions of rap similar to Madvillan? I like their style of smooth lyrics/beats, you know, that stuff Adult Swim is obsessed with.

MF Doom (rapper in Madvillain, also rapper in DangerDoom)
Del the Funky Homosapien (and his various projects including Hieroglyphics, and Deltron 3030)
Handsome Boy Modelling School
The Five One

[Ultimatum]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPCXsVniUj0

Aaron Spears has some amazing chops.

[supernova1324]

I'm really liking De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest.

[idiotec]

Keeping the love alive....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UGtlUMMkOU

[timmay9]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPCXsVniUj0

Aaron Spears has some amazing chops.

That was pretty awesome.

[trench762]

early hip hop I listened to was public enemy, too short and slick rick, other than that I dig some outkast, tupac, mos def, wu-tang and odb, ghetto boyz and a few others. Unfortunately at one point I did own a coolio cd lol. I even liked ice cube before the whole ice cube vs. cypress hill thing got started. Oh yeah love some cypress hill. Oh yeah, I know it's not really hip hop, but Ice T's metal band bodycount were great back in the day.

[Hungryfreak]

How do you guys feel about Paris? I've been looking for more Hip Hop recommendations and got one for them. Starting to listen to the album Sleeping With The Enemy and I'm enjoying it so far.

[Gowienczyk]

How do you guys feel about Paris? I've been looking for more Hip Hop recommendations and got one for them. Starting to listen to the album Sleeping With The Enemy and I'm enjoying it so far.

That's something I'm unfamiliar with!

[polishdog90]

If you like hip hop you should check out The Knux. They are a great new hip hop group. They are rock influenced and they write with/play guitars and synthesizers in their music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPlWs3oQpXE&fmt=18

[timmay9]

I need to revive this because of my love of hip-hop and some of the bashing of it I have seen lately.

I want to share one of my favorite hip-hop songs of all-time:

DJ Shadow-The Number Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PK-WOtaFyE)

[tridentgum0]

Zomg this crap takes no talent. They just make random on talent rhymes about drugs and prostitutes.

[Chainedsoulz]

I've been really digging Del tha Funky Homosapien, Deltron 3030 (also Del), and Aesop rock.

[Pwnz0r3d]

Zomg this crap takes no talent. They just make random on talent rhymes about drugs and prostitutes.

Listen to Immortal Technique.
Nothing about drugs and prostitutes unless it relates to the political themes

[tridentgum0]

Listen to Immortal Technique.
Nothing about drugs and prostitutes unless it relates to the political themes

My sarcasm

.

.

Your head.

I'm not really into Hip-Hop, but then again, I never made an attempt to get into it.

[jayou521]

I've been really digging Del tha Funky Homosapien, Deltron 3030 (also Del).
I love Del. Anyone who hasn't heard him should check out my request thread in the USL forum~ :)

http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155627

[Gowienczyk]

So I was listening to Sage Francis earlier and I thought back to this thread. So yeah, I'm reviving this thread for discussions and watnot! I mean, I was gone for three months how was I supposed to keep it active without a working PC?

Derp.

[Alright_Computer]

Digable Planets are the best hip-hop group ever.

[LegendofRock3021]

Digable Planets are the best hip-hop group ever.

Digable Planets are awesome, I really like how they incorporate Jazz into their music.

[DeadPhoenix223]

i personally dont like hip-hop or rap... call me closed-minded, but i can listen to and like any music besides the two.

[Alright_Computer]

Digable Planets are awesome, I really like how they incorporate Jazz into their music.

Definitely. Plenty of other hip hop groups and artists did it, but not quite to the same effect as Digable Planets, in my opinion. It made me slightly disappointed that they were only brought up once in this thread so far.


i personally dont like hip-hop or rap... call me closed-minded, but i can listen to and like any music besides the two.

Out of curiosity, what hip hop have you heard? A lot of people write the entire genre off because they don't like radio rap like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and the like when those artists are hardly representative of hip hop as a whole. Have you heard some of the deeper cuts or just the stuff on the surface?

[Bub]

Who hear loves Common? The guy is amazing.

[DeadPhoenix223]

Out of curiosity, what hip hop have you heard? A lot of people write the entire genre off because they don't like radio rap like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and the like. Have you heard some of the deeper cuts or just the stuff on the surface?

I've heard the stuff on the radio, and then some other artists I cant remember... seriously if you could just give me a hip-hop or rap group that has 1.Some guitar/bass/drums 2.Lyrics that are about politics, war, violence (not just gang fighting... like something blowing up violence) 3.A singer that has talent, and his/her voice isnt just studio-made... Then I might change my mind about the genre. But since I've never really heard hip-hop like that... I dont really like it.

[Rocket2Russia]

I've heard the stuff on the radio, and then some other artists I cant remember... seriously if you could just give me a hip-hop or rap group that has 1.Some guitar/bass/drums 2.Lyrics that are about politics, war, violence (not just gang fighting... like something blowing up violence) 3.A singer that has talent, and his/her voice isnt just studio-made... Then I might change my mind about the genre. But since I've never really heard hip-hop like that... I dont really like it.

OutKast

now.

[DeadPhoenix223]

OutKast

now.

Something... Heavier (if that's a term in hip-hop)

[LegendofRock3021]

Definitely. Plenty of other hip hop groups and artists did it, but not quite to the same effect as Digable Planets, in my opinion. It made me slightly disappointed that they were only brought up once in this thread so far.

For sure, it was surprising to see that they haven't been mentioned a lot more in this thread.

[Alright_Computer]

Who hear loves Common? The guy is amazing.

I like him, but he's not really one of my favorites.


I've heard the stuff on the radio, and then some other artists I cant remember... seriously if you could just give me a hip-hop or rap group that has 1.Some guitar/bass/drums 2.Lyrics that are about politics, war, violence (not just gang fighting... like something blowing up violence) 3.A singer that has talent, and his/her voice isnt just studio-made... Then I might change my mind about the genre. But since I've never really heard hip-hop like that... I dont really like it.

You should check out Public Enemy, if you haven't already. You probably know their collaboration with Anthrax if nothing else, but their first few albums are all really solid. Their album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back would be a good introduction. They have actual instruments (sampled instruments, but still real ones), have an actual political message, and Chuck D is a very, very talented rapper.

I'm sure Gowie can help a bit more than I did once he sees this.

[Bub]

OutKast

now.


OutKast PWNS!!!!

[DeadPhoenix223]

You should check out Public Enemy, if you haven't already. You probably know their collaboration with Anthrax if nothing else, but their first few albums are all really solid. Their album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back would be a good introduction. They have actual instruments (sampled instruments, but still real ones), have an actual political message, and Chuck D is a very, very talented rapper.

I'm sure Gowie can help a bit more than I did once he sees this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBA-xi8WuCU&feature=related
Well, I like this. I'll check 'em out. Thanks.

[tridentgum0]

I don't like OutKast. :eek:

*runs for cover*

[Alright_Computer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBA-xi8WuCU&feature=related
Well, I like this. I'll check 'em out. Thanks.

Their other stuff is obviously a lot less metal than that song since that was a one-off collaboration, but if you like the rappier parts of it, then you should hopefully like the rest of Public Enemy's stuff.

[DethTung]

Their other stuff is obviously a lot less metal than that song since that was a one-off collaboration, but if you like the rappier parts of it, then you should hopefully like the rest of Public Enemy's stuff.

Yeah...the three best rap groups I've heard are PE, the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC.

Personally, though, most of the rap bands I like are from alternative hip-hop and golden age hip-hop.

[jayou521]

I'm only now realizing how awesome J-Live's Then What Happened (http://www.lala.com/#album/1729663732147693980) album is.

Not as good as All of the Above and The Best Part, but pretty darn solid imo~

[CCDaDon]

I heard Redman has a new album coming. *Hype mode activated*

Who here agrees with me that Illmatic is the greatest hip hop album ever recorded?

[Gowienczyk]

No.

[LegendofRock3021]

I heard Redman has a new album coming. *Hype mode activated*

Who here agrees with me that Illmatic is the greatest hip hop album ever recorded?

Nope.

[Alright_Computer]

I heard Redman has a new album coming. *Hype mode activated*

Who here agrees with me that Illmatic is the greatest hip hop album ever recorded?

It's great, but I don't think it's the greatest. That goes to Digable Planets' first LP. Or maybe something by Public Enemy.

[Lameboy19]

I heard Redman has a new album coming. *Hype mode activated*

Who here agrees with me that Illmatic is the greatest hip hop album ever recorded?

Ghostface, Raekwon, and Meth have a collab coming out too which I'm really excited for


also no

Wu-Tang all day, but it is among my favorites

[Gowienczyk]

Man, TMU rule. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIf_wv41l6Q)

[afterstasis]

of all the harsh noise, extreme metal, and simply bizarre random stuff i've played i don't think anything can clear my roommate out of the apartment faster than kool keith.

gurl's krazy.

[Doctor Seussicide]

I just decided to drop by and say this; I appreciate hip-hop.

[CCDaDon]

Man... I finally got to putting the rest of my music back on my PS3, since I got the YLOD... There has been a void in my life without "Da Bump" by Redman... That is the greatest song ever to just sit back, relax, and feel good about life.(I don't smoke, but if I did I would do it every time this song gets played)

[Pleiadeez]

THE FUGEES

Everyone should have The Score on their iTunes library

[Doctor Seussicide]

Haha, yeah dude. To be honest I've never listened to Red Man for real, but I've heard him a few times. "Da Bump" is a nice song though, I just pulled it up on YouTube. :)

I've been listening to a lot of Damu and Quasimoto lately.

[CCDaDon]

Muddy Waters is a real good album. Better than Whut? Thee Album IMO

[Rocket2Russia]

Absolutely digging all the hip-hop I've been checking out lately, but where are Beastie Boys and Dr. Dre in OP notable artists list? :(

[Lameboy19]

RIP Guru ;_;

[jim0wheel]

Muddy Waters is a real good album. Better than Whut? Thee Album IMO

Definitely my favourite. Dare Iz A Darkside is a close second. Wasn't really a fan of Doc's Da Name 2000 but Malpractice was listenable. Never really listened to anything he released after that.

[jayou521]

RIP Guru ;_;
Wha.... WHAT?! GOD DAMNIT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! :(:(:(

Time to listen to nothing but Gang Starr all day.

RIP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH3hrtp1T84

[Lameboy19]

Wha.... WHAT?! GOD DAMNIT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! :(:(:(

RIP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH3hrtp1T84

yeah news broke the other day, sad news for the genre indeed

[Lameboy19]

I have never felt the need too >imply here before, well that was until I read that post, now I have to refrain

[mason95]

Anyone like Dr. Octagon? It's a solo project of Kool Keith from Ultramagnetic Mcs and it is great.

[NeutralMilkMotel]

Jeru the Damaja anyone?

[mason95]

I have the Sun Rises in the East but I haven't really gotten around to listening to it.

[Rocket2Russia]

Anyone like Dr. Octagon? It's a solo project of Kool Keith from Ultramagnetic Mcs and it is great.

I've heard Dr. Octagonecologyst a couple times. It's pretty good stuff. Not quite buy-worthy, but good.

[afterstasis]

i'm pretty fond of octagon, though i'm way more into the stuff released simply as kool keith.

[AIright_Computer]

Absolutely digging all the hip-hop I've been checking out lately, but where are Beastie Boys and Dr. Dre in OP notable artists list? :(

It's even worse that The Roots are missing. Way worse.

Also, why is "jazz hop" listed as an 00's development when it's been around since, well, the beginning of rap, when people took old Herbie Hancock records, added a beat, and started rapping? And even then, it's been around as an actual genre since the 90's with The Roots, Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets, et al.

[Ultimatum]

Anyone listened to Mr. Lif?

[afterstasis]

Anyone listened to Mr. Lif?

what i've heard is alright, but i can't say i was impressed enough to grab an album just yet.

[_weeheehoo_]

Tech N9ne's Absolute Power sparked my interest with his speed and precision. After looking around a bit, I discovered that there were some fantastic lyricists and my previous thoughts about the genre were dead wrong. I wish more people who are blinded by hatred of today's popular hip-hop artists would see that too.

Not sure where to start with the Roots or Del, any advice?

[afterstasis]

Not sure where to start with the Roots or Del, any advice?

roots - things fall apart & game theory
del - both sides of the brain

[NeutralMilkMotel]

I also noticed the lack of Jurassic 5. One of the best hip-hop groups IMO.

[Hungryfreak]

Where's the Jungle Brothers love? They're the one Native Tongues group that doesn't get a lot of attention.

[Bub]

MF DOOM anyone who hasn't heard of him needs to NOW!

[CCDaDon]

MF DOOM anyone who hasn't heard of him needs to NOW!

And remember kiddies, always spell the name in ALL CAPS.

[NeutralMilkMotel]

roots - things fall apart & game theory
del - both sides of the brain

I started with "I wish my brother George was here", i thought that album was slightly ahead of BSOTB

[jayou521]

Future Development (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Development) is my personal favorite Del record to listen to. "X-Files" and "Don't Forget The Bass" are some of his best songs.

[CCDaDon]

Oh HAI there.

Southern Hip Hop is back. Note for the word Hip Hop.

http://rapradar.com/2010/06/07/new-music-big-boi-x-andre-3000-lookin-for-ya/

[Alt_Rocker77]

Regardless of whether or not you think their rapping skills are up to par, The Beastie Boys and Dr. Dre both belong on the list for how they changed hip-hop musically.

[kylerownsx62]

I'm big into the early 90s to early 00s hip hop scene. Well not that big, I have mostly hit singles on my iPod. Anyways some songs to check out for those interested.

Beastie Boys - Girls
Beastie Boys - Ch-Check It Out
Bell Biv Devoe - Poison
Biz Markie - Just a Friend
Black Eyed Peas - Anxiety
Bubba Sparxxx - Ugly
Chingy - Right Thurr
Daddy Yankee - Gasolina
Digital Underground - The Humpry Dance
Dilated Peoples - Live on Stage
DMX - Party Up
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Fatboy Slim - Ya Mama
The Game - This is How We Do
Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Lil Jon - Get Low
Lords of The Underground - Chief Rocka
Ludacris - Move B*tch
MC Hammer - Can't Touch This
Nate Dogg - Get Up
Nelly - Ride Wit Me
One Republic - All The Right Moves (one new song, they play instruments live :))
Pitbull - Bojangles
Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock - It Takes Two
Run DMC - It's Tricky
Sir Mix-A-Lot - Baby Got Back (hehe)
Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight (pre-90s, 70s I believe but it's a classic)
Trick Daddy - Let's Go
Will Smith - Switch
Ying Yang Twins - Shake

Yes, I already know I have terrible taste in music. I blame the decades I grew up in.

[Alright_Computer]

Daddy Yankee - Gasolina
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Fatboy Slim - Ya Mama
Lil Jon - Get Low
Ludacris - Move B*tch
Nelly - Ride Wit Me
Ying Yang Twins - Shake

Aw man, I mean, you have some awesome stuff on there what with Digital Underground, Beastie Boys, Fatboy Slim, and Sir Mix-a-Lot (lolz), but did you have to negate it all with these choices? I mean, Lil Jon? Really? He's on brokeNCYDE level.

There's probably more I'd dislike here on your list but I haven't heard them and I don't really care to.

[neckermanncj]

oh man... Daddy Yankee.... oh man.... all credibility you could ever have had was just lost.

[kylerownsx62]

Hehe I mostly just like it for the music video.

EDIT: I still blame the fact that I went through my pre high school years listening to this stuff (basically everything you guys listed). My music taste will never be the same. I have Guitar Hero (2 and 3) and Rock Band (and some friends) to thank for saving me. If it wasn't for them I'd probably be a huge Lil Wayne fan right now.

EDITEDIT: Although I can justify why most of this music is appealing and will do so upon request.

[citizenCERO]

Lil Jon is hilarious but his music is bad.

[Lameboy19]

Lil Jon is hilarious but his music is bad.

my thoughts on the man completely

[Rocket2Russia]

Yes, I already know I have terrible taste in music. I blame the decades I grew up in.

Growing up in the greatest decades for music ever gave you bad taste?

[kylerownsx62]

Growing up in the greatest decades for music ever gave you bad taste?

I disagree, but if you listen to what's popular (around you) that can happen. You'd be surprised at the amount of arguments I get in about what kind of music is good at school. I'd say atleast 50% of people there have horrible taste and I bet most of the forums would agree with me.

[Gowienczyk]

I disagree

You disagree with the truth.

[Rocket2Russia]

The volume of music is so much larger, that it is impossible to not find something you like nowadays unless you completely close yourself to it. The same can't necessarily be said for any past decade, and the accessibility of music is higher than ever. I'm sure most of the people on the forums would agree.

[kylerownsx62]

The volume of music is so much larger, that it is impossible to not find something you like nowadays unless you completely close yourself to it. The same can't necessarily be said for any past decade, and the accessibility of music is higher than ever. I'm sure most of the people on the forums would agree.

Okay, just because there is more music nowadays does absolutely not mean that it is the best music and the new technology allowing for better accessibility has nothing to do with the actual music that comes out. I'll admit that I may be closing myself off to a lot of it, but from the stuff I've found in past decades (particularly the 70s and 80s) I much prefer it to anything I've heard that came out recently, which caused me (in a weird roundabout sort of way) to look up more stuff that came out in those decades and ignore most new stuff. Also technically the current decade started this year, so there has been very little music that has come out compared to other decades.

[Alright_Computer]

The volume of music is so much larger, that it is impossible to not find something you like nowadays unless you completely close yourself to it. The same can't necessarily be said for any past decade, and the accessibility of music is higher than ever. I'm sure most of the people on the forums would agree.

Probably about half of my collection is from the 00's and it's definitely my favorite decade of music, but I wouldn't personally get my panties in a wad if someone said that the best decade for music was the 90's, or the 70's, or the 40's, or whatever it may be.

[Meatwad555]

Is Lupe Fiasco any good?

[Lameboy19]

Is Lupe Fiasco any good?

yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

get The Cool just avoid the radio singles he also had a sick mixtape Enemy of The State I think it was called

his radio single is even decent just not his best work

[Meatwad555]

yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

get The Cool just avoid the radio singles he also had a sick mixtape Enemy of The State I think it was called

his radio single is even decent just not his best work

My friend told me to get Food and Liquor. I'll check those out too.

[Gowienczyk]

Okay, just because there is more music nowadays does absolutely not mean that it is the best music and the new technology allowing for better accessibility has nothing to do with the actual music that comes out. I'll admit that I may be closing myself off to a lot of it, but from the stuff I've found in past decades (particularly the 70s and 80s) I much prefer it to anything I've heard that came out recently, which caused me (in a weird roundabout sort of way) to look up more stuff that came out in those decades and ignore most new stuff. Also technically the current decade started this year, so there has been very little music that has come out compared to other decades.

That isn't even the half of it.

Music in the past two (now three) decades is easier to access due to the internet, yes. But it doesn't denounce from the fact the most creative and quality music is coming out now. Back in the 50s, you had to really be into the experimental music scene to know names like Moondog and other musical concrete acts, today?: all you do is go on last.fm or wikipedia and look up avant-garde and you have a list of artists you can easily listen to through youtube, rapidshare, torrents or what have you.

Not to sound like a pretentious snob, but with the way production (and how easy it is to get good production is now) is today combined with people still experimenting even more now... we have a musical opus, almost. Yes, in the 60s popular radio played pleasant music, that wasn't so recycled (at least after the british invasion happened), and the pop radio format wasn't completely saturated and unpleasant until the late 90s. But that's the thing. It's popular music. Not quality music. If there was a quality music radio format, man.. I doubt it'd sell as well!

The quality music today is hidden by walls of obscurity and other such things. The quality music in the 60s/70s wasn't as hidden, in fact with the fact The Kinks, The Turtles, etc. got radioplay it showed new, interesting pop music was far from hidden.

This post is a bit garbled, but I hope you get the jist of it.

[kylerownsx62]

That isn't even the half of it.

Music in the past two (now three) decades is easier to access due to the internet, yes. But it doesn't denounce from the fact the most creative and quality music is coming out now. Back in the 50s, you had to really be into the experimental music scene to know names like Moondog and other musical concrete acts, today?: all you do is go on last.fm or wikipedia and look up avant-garde and you have a list of artists you can easily listen to through youtube, rapidshare, torrents or what have you.

Not to sound like a pretentious snob, but with the way production (and how easy it is to get good production is now) is today combined with people still experimenting even more now... we have a musical opus, almost. Yes, in the 60s popular radio played pleasant music, that wasn't so recycled (at least after the british invasion happened), and the pop radio format wasn't completely saturated and unpleasant until the late 90s. But that's the thing. It's popular music. Not quality music. If there was a quality music radio format, man.. I doubt it'd sell as well!

The quality music today is hidden by walls of obscurity and other such things. The quality music in the 60s/70s wasn't as hidden, in fact with the fact The Kinks, The Turtles, etc. got radioplay it showed new, interesting pop music was far from hidden.

This post is a bit garbled, but I hope you get the jist of it.

Okay, well I admit this has intrigued me to research some of these "obscure quality bands" you are talking about. If you have any hard rock suggestions, that would help me get started.

EDIT: Or I guess, considering this is a hip hop thread, quality hip-hop suggestions would be appreciated.

[Gowienczyk]

modern hip-hop albums I've liked:

Abstract Rude - Rejuvenation
Arts the Beatdoctor - Transitions
Atmosphere - Seven's Travels
Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth
Busdriver - Roadkillovercoat
Gangstagrass - Gangstagrass
Illogic - Celestial Clockwork
K-OS - Atlantis: Hymns for Disco
The Mighty Underdogs - Droppin' Science Fiction
Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead
Nujabes - Modal Soul
Sage Francis - Personal Journals

Thats just off the top of my head.

[exploder]

public enemy featuring anthrax bring the noise is my favorite rap song
it's more rap metal but still

YEAAHH BOIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rocket2Russia]

modern hip-hop albums I've liked:

Abstract Rude - Rejuvenation
Arts the Beatdoctor - Transitions
Atmosphere - Seven's Travels
Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth
Busdriver - Roadkillovercoat
Gangstagrass - Gangstagrass
Illogic - Celestial Clockwork
K-OS - Atlantis: Hymns for Disco
The Mighty Underdogs - Droppin' Science Fiction
Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead
Nujabes - Modal Soul
Sage Francis - Personal Journals

Thats just off the top of my head.

These, plus the really big modern ones:

OutKast - Stankonia (+ the rest)
Mos Def - Black on Both Sides (+ The Ecstatic)
Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt (+ The Blueprint)
Kanye West - The College Dropout

etc.

[Lameboy19]

public enemy featuring anthrax bring the noise is my favorite rap song
it's more rap metal but still

YEAAHH BOIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that is a bastardization of a great song

not to mention it made bands like slipknot think they could sell






anyone else excited for Liquid Swords 2 coming out in Aug. I think?

[Gowienczyk]

that is a bastardization of a great song

No.

[Lameboy19]

Yes.

[Gowienczyk]

Why do you hate good things?

[afterstasis]

i don't even like anthrax and i dig the public enemy collab.

[Lameboy19]

I don't know.. I just really don't like it, that's the best I can put it as I'd hate to say I'm a "purist" because that makes me sound like a douche, but I prefer the original over the collab

[388Rust]

The only hip-hop album that I've truly found to be incredible so far has been "Entroducing...". I'm kind of turned off by rapping as a vocal style, so if someone could toss some reccs for instrumental hip-hop, they would be much appreciated. I did enjoy "Gun Fight" which Gowienczyk posted a few pages back though, because the bass line was just awesome.

[Gowienczyk]

The only hip-hop album that I've truly found to be incredible so far has been "Entroducing...". I'm kind of turned off by rapping as a vocal style, so if someone could toss some reccs for instrumental hip-hop, they would be much appreciated. I did enjoy "Gun Fight" which Gowienczyk posted a few pages back though, because the bass line was just awesome.

Most jazz-hop is to a degree, instrumental- works by Arts the Beatdoctor, Jazz Liberatorz, Nujabes, The Sound Providers, etc. though they often feature MC's at some point.

[afterstasis]

the cold legistics LP that came out this year has become my favorite instrumental hip-hop release.

[388Rust]

Might be biased because I know the artists, but I really, really enjoy this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMyU8aPgQwU

[timmay9]

Big Boi's new album is dope as hell.

[Gowienczyk]

OP updated, expect more updates and a reccuring AOTW. This week's AOTW is Dessa's A Badly Broken Code.

SAMPLE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j2A4Lb7RFo)

[Rocket2Russia]

Doing a discog listen of OutKast and then listening to Big Boi. High hopes so far, as Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik was cash, Stankonia has always been one of my favorites, and all of the stuff has been highly recommended to me for ages. Also checking out AOTW fairly soon and will keep an eye on this thread.

EDIT: Sample was badass. Need to check that one out, for sure.

[Alright_Computer]

Aquemeni is actually one of my favorites from Outkast. It barely tops Stankonia and definitely trumps everything else except The Love Below.

[Gowienczyk]

As far as Outkast goes, I think it's probably their most important record, hence why it's on the OP.

[Disturbed_fan]

I kinda didnt like Big Boi's new album. It had its moments but overall it seemed too inconsistent.

[Gowienczyk]

I'm still not so sure on Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty yet. There is a lot of moments where I really enjoyed it and there are others edging on generic and predictable. It at least has itself cemented in a 5/10 or 6/10 rating, I know that for sure.

[afterstasis]

the curse ov dialect album from this year's good, but nowhere near as good as the previous one.

[timmay9]

I'm still not so sure on Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty yet. There is a lot of moments where I really enjoyed it and there are others edging on generic and predictable. It at least has itself cemented in a 5/10 or 6/10 rating, I know that for sure.

I've given it 4 good listens so far, and it's definitely a couple steps up from Speakerboxxx.

[Rocket2Russia]

ATLiens is beyond amazing. OutKast haven't failed me yet (on second in discog and third I've heard so take that how you will :o)!

[Gowienczyk]

AOTW updated, new sample:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDUdEk1zdcI

AOTW from last week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOI6wrFj434

[swet07]

Im actually surprised on how much i know off your list

Del tha Funkee Homosapien
Digable Planets
Atmosphere
Blackalicious

plus most of the more famous ones too of course.

Has anyone here heard of Pretty Lights,
he uses a lot of good samples you have to get his New Years Eve Sampler It has great stuff from dj shadow

[TheRollingBones]

Cool idea, I gotta check out some of those albums.

Add Plastic Beach or Demon Days to the Trip-Hop list!

[Gowienczyk]

Add Plastic Beach or Demon Days to the Trip-Hop list!

Not essential pieces, though the electropop/trip-hop fusion on PB is quite pleasant.

[Hastyl3]

Anybody check out Big Sean's Finally Famous 3 mixtape? Great up and coming rapper.

The Highlights here are:
High Rise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQYkyo7yfCg)

and:
Supa Dupa Lemonade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-nnEozuxxc)

[Gowienczyk]

and updated with this weeks AOTW

sample (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-U3sq76ZxA)

[Gowienczyk]

updated after hiatus-- sample of AOTW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=limWD2yPGg4

[afterstasis]

The new Damu The Fudgemunk is great.

[hiimSMAP]

Just started listening to Aesop Rock.
Damn!

[franticfish]

Some good British Hip-Hop here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSLQbafBipw).

[Disturbed_fan]

Am i the only one who thinks Kanye's new album is extremely overrated? It's a average record at best but nowhere close to the amount of praise it has been getting.

[Gowienczyk]

My thoughts on Death Grips - Exmilitary

Going into Exmilitary seems to be a hard-placed one; the raw emotion and presentation is very rough and the instrumentation feels all over the place with a lack of focus. I'm not sure if each quality helps the album or deters it; I mean it is a Zach Hill project, so assuming slick beats and smooth flow seems a ridiculous expectation/assumption to make.

So far I'd say I'm not sure, but it's a interesting release in the least.

--

As for this thread, I think the traffic and discussions could be better; going to not go on AOTW again until interest is at the least revitalized to some extent. But I'm still going to try to talk about hip-hop albums I enjoy again to a consistent rate.

[Lameboy19]

I really like Exmilitary a lot, for the most part it's somewhat unique and I love Zach Hill's work on the beats. I still don't think I've full digested it yet though

I still need to listen to this Shabazz Places everyone has been talking about

[Rocket2Russia]

I really thought I would dig it, but on first listen, Exmilitary is really underwhelming. I fully admit I need a couple more listens to flesh out my views on it, though.

[Gowienczyk]

It really is underwhelming, I agree. It just doesn't stick anywhere and I don't even think the record decides on what it is actually doing.

[Ultimatum]

I grew to love Exmilitary after a couple listens.

[exploder]

I've already posted Tha Basement Boys alot,but still this is freaking hilarious (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0sEfwChDvM)

[Lameboy19]

so I wonder if this will start anything (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bULBnef6w6k)

either way I kinda dig the kids flow

[388Rust]

I don't think there's going to be any back and forth with this. They didn't respond to the BOB diss track either. I agree though, the guy can rap, even though he probably just did the whole anti-Tyler thing for attention. Seems to have worked if the comments are any indication.