skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Background: Brand Nubian
Brand Nubian consists of 3 rappers, Sadat X, Grand Puba, and Lord Jamal, and two DJs, Alamo and Sincere. The group's claim to fame is for their socially/politically charged lyrics, based on the teachings of the 5 Percent Nation.
The Track: Brand Nubian, from the All for One album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmQRtwrqwQ8&feature=related
Also Check Out: In God We Trust (album)
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Not the most lyrically impressive song, but I think it can really be summed up with these lines:
Brand Nubian posted:
As the midnight oil burns, our minds turn
Make a mistake and be fake and you'll burn
We're here to teach so you'd might as well learn
That the tree has the knowledge for what you year
The song serves as a groovy introduction, more or less, of the group's mission of black consciousness, and pursuit of true knowledge. Hope you guys enjoy. 
6) Eric B and Rakim - Paid in Full
Why? I believe this album may sound dated to most. It is Rakim's (arguably the best MC ever) debut album, and on Paid in Full, he showcased many of the skills that other rappers would imitate one day. Rakim shocked the world with his internal rhymes, multis, and lyrical power on this album..certainly not to the point that we're used to now, but I've included it on basis of historical relevance. Without Rakim, we wouldn't have Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, or anyone like that.
7) Outkast - ATLiens
Why? Outkast, to their credit, have dropped TWO of the finest albums ever released in this genre. I have selected the one that some people might feel is WORSE, but because of it's absolutely funky, experimental, outside of the box nature, it had to go in. Andre 3000 is one of the smoothest flowing rappers, and the duo have alot of chemistry together. It's less conceptual than say, a Deltron 3030, or A Long Hot Summer, but I believe that its importance relating to the funky, soulful aspect of hip-hop cannot be ignored.
8) Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation Of Millions to Hold Us Back
Why? More than likely, you've heard of Public Enemy. This album is regarded as a masterpiece, and is even the highest placing hip-hop album on Rolling Stones' Top 500. But why, does it warrant listening to any new fan? While the Bomb Squad's production is INSANE for its time (late 80s - I still bump Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos), the reason I've chosen it is for Chuck D's politically influenced lyrics, which represent the self-expressive, desire for social change in rap, that many fail to see.
9) Big L - Lifestylez ov Da Poor and Dangerous
Why? Big L was a master at his craft. Unfortunately, before he could showcase much more depth as an artist, he was tragically gunned down on the block of his mother's house. What I have selected this album for, is because it is the perfect encapsulation of the BATTLING aspect of hip-hop. Loaded with humorous, hilarious punchlines, Big L will always be remembered as one of the best battle rappers in rap (and his storytelling wasn't bad either.)
10) Eminem - The Slim Shady LP
Why? This last choice may have people up in arms. But Eminem really is the figure that brought hip-hop to the American forefront, by taking incredibly personal things, and turning them into emotionally charged masterpieces. Black OR white, not many people are as skilled as Marshall Mathers. So, I chose this last album for the emotional aspect, the ability to connect with people.
The following 5 albums represent a different part of hip-hop, and I just wanted to make a mention of them here. Each of them is a high mark for their respective facets.
Yes, even the haters should listen to a few of these to get an idea of the genre.
Nas - Illmatic
Why? This album is considered timeless. Illmatic is generally talked about as the best hip-hop album of all time. It is a prime example of lyrical excellency (not necessarily of substance, but in terms of pure lyrical excellency), done over the spectacular, ear-pleasing production of DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock.
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the 36 Chambers
Why? Wu-Tang's importance to hip-hop is their claim to fame as hip-hop's first supergroup. They took the world by storm with 9 guys (R.I.P. O.D.B) that could truly rhyme, and this debut showcases the gritty, hardcore side of hip-hop, the side that comes with self-expression from the inner city youth.
Dr. Dre - The Chronic
Why? Dr. Dre's Chronic was a sonic revolution, ushering in the era known as G-Funk. This album showcases the instrumental, sonic part of hip-hop, and is the perfect album to chill out to. Or listen to when high, if that's your thing.
Blackstar - Blackstar
Why? The duo of Mos Def and Talib Kweli joined forces to create one of the best groups in hip-hop (leaving the world eager to hear their second collaborative effort). Their importance is exemplifying the message, the self-expressive themes in this genre of music. Alot of people mistake hip-hop for being about bitches, or materialism, but in this album, you will find none of that. They are great lyricists, rhyming about political issues and social consciousness, with complete chemistry.
Deltron 3030 - Deltron 3030
Why? Deltron 3030 was my last choice, because it showcases the facet of hip-hop that I fell in love with. Hip-hop is incredibly alluring to me, because it is built on poetry, something that is only limited by our own creativity. This album stands as one of the highest marks of hip-hop concepts; it is a story about Deltron 3030 living in a post-apocalyptic world where corporations run society. Deltron 3030 is one of the best examples of the untapped creativity in hip-hop, and is masterfully done over Dan the Automator's beats from the first track.
Background: Crooked I
Hailing from the legendary Long Beach (the city that produced Snoop Dogg, in the mid 90s), Crooked I is, without a doubt one of the guys who NEEDS to drop an album. Like, right now. Throughout his whole career, Crooked has had label troubles, and NEVER managed to get ONE album out. All mixtapes. But his claim to fame, and what many people recognize him for, is the Hip-Hop Weekly, where he takes a beat, and raps over it (something mainstream, usually), usually better than the original version. So, today, I've posted a couple Crooked I mixtapes for you to enjoy. Some say this guy is the next in line for the West Coast's throne...I tend to agree.
The Track: Auphelia Payne, from the Young Boss Vol. 2 mixtape
http://www.zshare.net/audio/16375507fa75e02b/
Included are all 52 of his Hip-Hop Weeklys in this link, I hope you download and enjoy
To get an idea of what a Hip-Hop Weekly sounds like, I'll give you a video of one of my favorite ones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4KYSIJ2aU
Also Check Out: Hip-Hop Weekly, Volumes 1-3
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Auphelia Payne is the story of a young girl in the hood, battling her way out of her current conditions (also a clever play on words, meaning I Feel Your Pain, sung in the chorus). As mentioned, the track also serves as a look at women's struggles, because in rap, many times only the problems of men are discussed. Crooked comes hard with the lyrics, and it's a very good mixtape track. Hopefully he can come up with an album sometime soon.
Thread
Background: Juggaknots
I honestly didn't know much about this group, and this track is actually a request by Socom911. So, I had to do a little research before writing about these dudes. Apparently, they are a group of all siblings from New York, with only 2 albums under their belt (one of which was re-released), with the last one coming in 2006.
The Track: Clear Blue Skies, from the Clear Blue Skies EP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mMfavxyFUI
Also Check Out: I have no idea
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
The Brewin posted:
So that's your vision of perfection
That's your clear blue skies
Through those clear blue eyes
Which seem to make you think you're better
But instead of simply sinking to the level of your thinking
I'll be ghost
The track details the exchange between a white man and his father. The white man, played by Brewin, is in love with a black girl, but also has a bigot father. So, this track serves as an exploration of interacial relationships (probably a close imitation of real life too, considering how backwards some parts of America are...) The beat for this song is incredibly simple (and nearly boring), but the focus of course, is on the lyrics. Let me know what you think!
Background: Murs
Today, I wanted to feature Murs, who is an underground rapper hailing from the West. Interestingly enough, his name is actually an acronym for Making Underground Raw ****. Lulz? Murs is a member of the West Coast group Living Legends (though, I've never heard any of their work). You may or may not know him from NBA Live 07, and Madden 08 (a couple of his tracks have been featured on there). But, I found those tracks to be bad representations of his work, to be honest.
The Track: The Pain, from the 9th Edition album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k0RIaJrdS8
I also have for you, a link to his latest album (freely distributed by the artist), another collaboration with 9th Wonder, called Sweet Lord
Download it here!
Also Check Out: I have no idea, I only own the 9th Edition. Anyone feel free to help me out?
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Murs posted:
I try to be settle, but even flirting got me shooked
I would never get a smile, all I got was dirty looks
And my self-esteem is low enough, I got teased growing up
And what I do, I beat 'em up, but that only made me tough
It didn't get me girls, or notes in class
Same girls who used to tell, when I would pinch their ass
But if another boy did it, then they would get gritty
So I pretended the handball was their face when I hit it
And I admit it's part the reason why I'm do em like I do
And women in my life, there has only been two
My mother being one, and the other one is done
So my philosophy on dating is; ain't no fun
Cause they come and they go, and even if they don't cum
They still have to go, girl I give the best head
But you just wouldn't know, cause you stuck up in some diddy
But even if you dissed me, I ain't mad
Well, Murs details an experience I think we're all sort of familiar with...girl troubles. While being a rapper who doesn't treat women like hoes, he still manages no success with them. Why is that? Maybe women just hate nice guys. Solid lyrical effort, and I love the sample/beat on this. Hope you enjoy.
Background: Nas
What more can I tell you that you don't know already? Nas is a legend in the game, with talent on the mic recognizable from his first appearance (Live at the Barbeque, by the Main Source). In fact, that verse he spat was sooo good, the hip-hop world began buzzing that very day, awaiting the album that would become Illmatic. Today, Nas has really evolved into more of a political artist, as opposed to just a master lyricist back in Illmatic. Gotta give him props for switching his style up, though lately people say his music's gotten gimmicky (a fair criticism, to a degree).
Interesting fact, Nas dropped out of school in the 8th grade.
The Track: Dance, from the God's Son album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siBCajh2g5E
Also Check Out: Illmatic, Stillmatic, The Lost Tapes (albums)
His latest material, Hip Hop Is Dead, as well as Untitled are both highly hyped affairs that don't deliver. They are good albums, but the three I've recommended you are by far, Nas at his finest.
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Nas posted:
I wish you were here,
I miss you more each second I breathe
You resting in peace forever I accepted you free
A blessing to me, I see you dressed in all white
Smiling at me, happy knowing everything's all right
If only I can hear your voice and your laughter
Just one more time, my chest would be filled up with sunshine
April 7/02
That's when the gates of heaven opened up for you to stroll through
Beautiful Anne Jones
Job is done, raising ghetto kids in the hood
You was my strength to carry on and now I'm good
Job well done, you lived threw you sons and your grandchildren
Jesus finally got his bride, mommy dance with him
And you've been my guide through all the trouble I faced
They playing our song the lifebeat my hand on your waist
I grab your other hand and try not to step on your toes
Spin you around with my eyes closed
Dreaming I could have
There's not much to analyze about the track here. It is his very personal look back into his relationship with his mother, and I chose it for it's poignancy (as well as simplicity.) Not his best lyrical effort, but like the rest of the God's Son album, the appeal really comes from the emotions/subject of the track.
