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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.
Download
Background: Cunninlynguists
The Cunninlynguists are one of my favorite groups from the South region, along with Outkast, and Little Brother. They consist of Kno (also a producer), Mr. Natti, and Deacon the Villain. To date, the group has 4 albums released, with the most recent being Dirty Acres in 2007. Kno has recieved acclaim from many mainstream media outlets for his remix of Jay-Z's the Black Album, and is responsible for most of the group's beats.
The Track: Seasons, from the Southernunderground album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9khJP_mR8Iw
Track Download here (Top of Page)
Also Check Out: Dirty Acres, Will Rap for Food, A Piece of Strange (albums) People think that their best album is APoS, but I personally like Southernunderground more than any of their material. Take that however you will.
In the similar vein as "I Used to Love H.E.R", the 'Lynguists (along with the help of Masta Ace) have crafted a similarly clever comparison between the seasons and the cycling of Hip-hop. I love this track for every reason, the vibe, the lyricism, the spirit, everything. Take a listen!
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
S.O.S posted:
By the dawn of the new millennium we saw bright chains
Winter brought along platinum causing the ice age
No more Gold, no more YO! MTV RAPS
Now we got R&B cats stealing classic rap tracks
In winter it's snowed in like the temperature's below ten
Citizens open up shows for more snowmen
Scrawny boys rock bubblegooses to pose like grown men
And you can catch freezer burn from women when they show skin
Jolly, fat, white men get paid when rap hits the shelves
And artists themselves get treated like Elves
Matter of fact, Santa's gotten so greedy when a rapper sells
You even need clearance to sample Jingle Bells
What the hell! You need cells and 2 ways for chicks to bone ya?
And so much ice on ya body that you can get pneumonia
Even at the beaches of Daytona it's gotten colder
But it's about time for the cycle to start over (echo)
Today, I selected former member S.O.S to highlight, as the ending of the song is what's important. I want to draw attention to the line "it's about time for the cycle to start over", which is, basically, the rebirth of hip-hop, before mainstreamization (described by Santa - fat old white guys). It's alot to think about, and honestly, while hip-hop isn't dead, it's taken a very wrong turn for the last few years. And this song really sort of encapsulates that hope we have for hip-hop returning to it's roots.
Download
Thread
Background: Blackstar
Blackstar is two Brooklyn MCs, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. It is my sincere opinion that the two, while separate, have no real significant careers (Sorry!), but together, form one of the best hip-hop duos next to Outkast, Mobb Deep, and Gangstarr (Yes, I count Primo.) They have a very nice chemistry, and some average solo material, however. The hip-hop world has been waiting for a Blackstar reunion, as the two are close friends, but following their debut as a group, I've heard nothing.
The Track: Respiration, off the Blackstar album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1h_4flXyyM
Also Check Out: Black on Both Sides (Mos Def), Eardrum/Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli)
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Mos Def posted:
The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis
Shinin, like who on top of this?
People was tusslin, arguin and bustlin
Gangstaz of gotham hardcore hustlin
Im wrestlin with words and ideas
My ears is picky, seekin what will transmit
The scribes can apply to transcript, yo
This aint no time where the usual is suitable
Tonight alive, lets describe the inscrutable
The indisputable, we new york the narcotic
Strength in metal and fiber optics
Where mercenaries is paid to trade hot stock tips
For profits, thirsty criminals take pockets
Hard knuckles on the second hands of workin class watches
Skyscrapers is collosus, the cost of living
Is preposterous, stay alive, you play or die, no options
No batman and robin, cant tell between
The cops and the robbers, they both partners, they all heartless
With no conscience, back streets stay darkened
Where unbeliever hearts stay hardened
My eagle talons stay sharpened, like city lights stay throbbin
You either make a way or stay sobbin, the shiny apple
Is bruised but sweet and if you choose to eat
You could lose your teeth, many crews retreat
Nightly news repeat, who got shot down and locked down
Spotlight to savages, nasdaq averages
My narrative, rose to explain this existance
Amidst the harbor lights which remain in the distance
Topic: A very different look at life in the rough city, sprinkled with clever lines, but remaining truly gritty. (Example: "I asked my man how travelin' the world sound, but he hadn't been past downtown"). It seems that the metropolis that New York seems to be is "bruised but sweet, and if you choose to eat, you could lose your teeth." Mos and Talib seem to see the city of New York as a dangerous, but beautiful place, one that comes to life even at night (Hence the track name, Respiration)
I love this track, because the guitars are so peaceful, beat is great, and I highlighted Mos Def's performance in this song because his stamp is all over it, even singing a bridge...All in all, spectacular song, one of my favorites by the crew.
Background: The Percussions
So, I was recommended this track by Jerdawg, and know absolutely nothing about the group. No Wikipedia page, no images, no nothing.
The Track: Little People
Track starts about 30 seconds in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opZgNiIPdi8
Also Check Out: No idea, ask Jerdawg.
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
The Procussions posted:
*Chorus*
Hear me
See me
do you even know im still breathing?
I listen to the sounds of the tv
the only thing that really wants to reach me
Daddy listen
Mommy please
there must be a better way to raise me
i yell until my ears cant hear me
into a silence that kills me
So, this track is entitled Little People, dealing with the death of the children inside us, as we move on in life, and get more entwined with society. The Percussions raise a good point, though. America is so incredibly caught up in advancement that sometimes we forget what fun, or what the important things in life really are. Solid lyrical song, and I like the beat, but most importantly, it has a thoughtful message, so it was featured as the request track.
Download
Thread
Background: Organized Konfusion
Organized Konfusion is a group of two guys from New York, Pharoahe Monch (you might've heard of him from Madden 08), and Prince Po. They gained much underground following in the 90s due to their intelligent style of rhyming, and Pharoahe Monch's lyricism (one of my favorites). Yet, after 1997, the group split up, following the release of Equinox (That's the album I'm featuring today). Interestingly enough, Equinox is considered their weakest material by most of their fans. Pharoahe does keep thoughts of a reunion open, though. He has enjoyed a fairly successful career, releasing the critically acclaimed Internal Affairs.
The Track: Invetro, from the Equinox album
No Youtube Video, so here's the track
Also check out: Stress: The Extinction Agenda, Internal Affairs, Desire (all albums, the last two are Pharoahe Monch only)
This track is one of the finest examples of hip-hop storytelling, from the view of two unborn babies. The first, covered by Monch, prays for an abortion, while the second, by Prince Po, begs for a chance at life. More breakdown of their verses to follow!
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
[quote=Pharoahe Monch]Two weeks before my old man busted up in her
My moms never walked slow
Now she smoke crack sit back and listen to talk shows
I hope she don't eat pork fried rice tonight
See the cholesterol already got my arteries tight
I might select even before she injects her lethal chemicals
to wrap the umbilical cords around my neck
**** I'm pissin' in the abdomen
Two and a half weeks old already thoughts of stabbin' men
Unravelin' plots and plans for thievin' and ****
Immune to the gospel, not believin' in ****
Where the **** do I go from here?
Cuz when the afterbirth disperse it's hard to persevere
I swear I can't **** with it
She hits about two packs of cigarettes a day and I'm stuck with it
The asthmatic, internally scarred from crack addicts
Who share needles outside in the rain on Kraftmatics
and laugh at it
I guess for them it seems funny but soon
I be the ***** who kills for petty money presume
Inside this Temple of Doom we throw the womb
I bloom to be emitted in June, considered a coon
Livin' my life incomplete though
On the edge of destruction, invetro [/quote]
Pharoahe vividly describes the habits of mothers in the hood, who may be unaware of the environment of which they're raising a baby...interestingly enough, bringing a case for abortion. Why would any baby want to be raised addicted to cigarrettes, crack, and have high cholestorol? It's almost bonechilling. His lyrical mastery shines (though I don't think this is his BEST verse) in this track, and while Prince Po's is more delightful to listen to...Pharoahe deserved the highlight.
Also of note, Nas stole this concept on "The Lost Tapes", with "Fetus".
Track download
Link to IGN Thread (Also, my 30k)
Background: Brother Ali
Today, we've got Brother Ali, an albino/legally blind rapper. It is my opinion that he is the second best white rapper, after Eminem, and he tackles the issue of his race/color on the track Picket Fence, which we covered the last time around on the Hip-Hop Daily. Today, I brought you something different, a story-telling track, rather than such a personal one. Some of you might've heard of Brother Ali from Madden 2008, but his past material off of Shadows of the Sun are much better than what you heard.
The Track: Dorian, from the Shadows of the Sun album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0VORiYd6w
The concept - Ali confronts his neighbor, Dorian, and proceeds to describe it rather vividly...I won't talk too much more about the track, because I want you to listen and hear the twisted ending
Also check out: The Undisputed Truth (album) Be warned, I don't like that album as much, personally.
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
No highlight, I don't want to spoil the story. I picked this song over Forrest Whitiker due to it's bumping bass line, which I thought you guys would appreciate more. Great storytelling, but I didn't think it was his BEST lyrical effort (This dude spits insane). All in all, solid track that I felt you guys would appreciate, though Picket Fence was also in the running.
Download the track
IGN Thread
Background: Tha Pharcyde
Pharcyde (a play on words, meaning far side) hails from South Central Los Angeles, consisting of four members (Imani, Fatlip, Bootie Brown, Slimkid3). Interestingly enough, the late, great J Dilla used to be the group's DJ 
. Pharcyde's best known songs are the aforementioned Passin' Me By, as well as Runnin', from their first album "Bizzare Ride II: The Pharcyde". While they haven't recorded together since 2005, the group has returned together to go on tour with Rock the Bells this summer (Coming to a major city near you!)
The Track: Passin' Me By, from the Bizzarre Ride II: The Pharcyde album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Fh9bELnhs
Track Download Found Here (Top of Page)
Also check out: I dunno, Pharcyde fans, help me out...I only have Bizarre Ride
The track deals with another common theme that everyone knows, the idea that a girl keeps "passin' me by", being impossibly out of reach...it's the kind of thing we all understand, and I selected it for this reason. Not only that, it's a classic. Love the beat on this.
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
The Pharcyde posted:
Now there she goes again, the dopest ethiopian
And now the world around me be gets movin in slow motion
When-ever she happens to walk by - why does the apple of my eye
Overlook and disregard my feelings no matter how much I try?
Wait, no, I did not really pursue my little princess with persistance;
And I was so low-key that she was unaware of my existance
From a distance I desired, secretly admired her;
Wired her a letter to get her, and it went:
My dear, my dear, my dear, you do not know me but I know you very well
Now let me tell you about the feelings I have for you
When I try, or make some sort of attempt, I symp
Damn I wish I wasnt such a wimp!
cause then I would let you know that I love you so
And if I was your man then I would be true
The only lying I would do is in the bed with you
Then I signed sincerely the one who loves you dearly, ps love me tender
The letter came back three days later: return to sender
Damn!
Today, I decided to highlight the last verse of the song, because I felt that this was the strongest story being told (over the teacher part, or the girl Shelly). Not the best lyrical effort, I agree, but it's in its simplicity and themes that this track has it's charm.
http://boards.ign.com/teh_vestibule/b5296/167672435/p1/?31
Background: Louis Logic
Don't judge him by his looks. Louis Logic is one of the best lyricists I've ever heard, with clever punchlines that make my jaw drop, and effortlessly pulls off complex multies in his bars. He has a total of two albums under his belt, both of which are excellent, and highly recommended. Still relatively underground, too, so I hope you like what you hear today.
The Track: Idiot Gear, from the Sin-A-Matic album
The intro is a little long, but keep listening!
The versions on youtube weren't high enough quality, so instead...
http://www.zshare.net/audio/157175346099cddd/
Also check out: Sin-A-Matic (album), Misery Loves Comedy (album)
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Louis Logic posted:
"And then 4 months down the road the idiot gear kicks in,
and I ask about the ex-boyfriend which,
as we all know is a really dumb move but you know how it is --
you don't want to know, but you just have to know, right?
You know, stupid guy bullshit."
This snippet I've posted is the intro to the track, which sort of explains the concept, or theme. As some of you might have done in a relationship, you end up asking about the ex-boyfriend, and the reprecussions/feelings stemming from this discussion are something Louis tackles in the track. Logic has a knack for really exposing the raw side of relationships (has alot of love related tracks, each from a different angle), and that's one of the reasons why I really like him. Really relatable, not to mention a great lyricist.
But have no fear, guys...
Louis Logic posted:
And I'm convinced of this: being your queen's only king
Yo man see Louis right -- ignorance is bliss
Track: http://www.zshare.net/audio/15661806a97d9383/
Album: http://rapidshare.com/files/91526849/Masta_Ace-A_Long_Hot_Summer.rar
Link: http://boards.ign.com/Message.aspx?topic=167604225&brd=5296&start=167604825
Background: Masta Ace
Ace is really considered a veteran in the hip-hop game. At 42 years old, he was around for the very beginning of hip-hop, and got his start with the legendary Juice Crew. However, his career really began to take off with the release of Slaughterhouse, where he expressed his anti-gangsta sentiments. Interestingly enough, Eminem found great inspiration in this album, and he eventually remade one of the tracks off it recently (There are also rumors that Eminem got some of his style from Ace, which I don't buy, personally). However, the album(s) I've decided to discuss today are intricately linked, and some of his later material.
The Track: Beautiful, from the A Long Hot Summer album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YE-HLYGVIQ
Also check out: Slaughterhouse (Album), Disposable Arts (album), The Show (Group album with eMC)
Alright, I wanna discuss the concept of the two albums (Disposable Arts, and A Long Hot Summer). ALHS serves as the prelude, of sorts, discussing Ace's character and, fittingly, a long hot summer spent with the sinister Fats Belvedere (a criminal). It is a highly well executed concept, as each track is either preceded by a skit to explain it, or flows seamlessly overall. Easily one of my favorite concept albums (3030, by Deltron 3030 is probably the best). Now, Disposable Arts continues that story, as by the end of ALHS, Ace is locked up in jail. When he gets out, he goes to the Institute of Disposable Arts, which is like college for rappers.
Sadly, Ace will no longer record as a solo artist, apparently. That being said, please enjoy this track! (And go get a copy of The Show!)
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Best flow in the biz? You know what it is
Positive over negative, see the Ace a Masta
Even when I face disaster (that's right)
I rise up above
See, people still showin' me love
Get the respect without droppin' a check
This hip hop thing might stop in a sec
So this brand new ish, you can pop in the deck
It's beautiful
I selected this part of the song to highlight, because it really encapsulates the spirit of the track. Ace acknowledges that "this hip-hop thing might stop in a sec" (a theme that he flirts with at the end of ALHS), and instead, is writing, on his stoop about the beautiful things he sees. Interestingly enough, many of the things are NOT material (Yankees, 10 nothing, killing the Sox, for example), proving that he is a rapper that needs not the bling or cash.
What up? Day two, peoples. Let's get right to it.
http://www.zshare.net/download/1001872032d4b2d7/ (Mixtape)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/156004430f28149d/ (The track)
Thread: http://boards.ign.com/teh_vestibule/b5296/167553808/p1/?4
Today, I've got a free! (So, not illegal) mixtape up for grabs with this track on it.
Background: Blu
Blu hails from the West Coast, and from the first moment I heard his album Below the Heavens, I knew he was something special. He really has this soulful sort of West Coast vibe, and provides a raw, powerful, and honest look into his young life. So, in the interest of keeping things fresh, I've decided to feature him on today's edition.
The Track: Maintain, from the So(ul) Amazing mixtape
http://www.zshare.net/download/1001872032d4b2d7/ (Mixtape)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/156004430f28149d/ (The track)
Also check out: Below the Heavens (album), my second favorite album from 2007
I selected this track because it's spitten over a soft acoustic guitar, which gives it a sort of peaceful (and positive) vibe, something I think you guys might appreciate. The rest of the song features two other rappers that I'm not familiar with, but they also have solid, honest looks into their lives...and of course, following the positive theme I'd like to provide with the HHW,
The Breakdown:
Blu's Verse - I'm tryin' to find a way up outta this,
Livin' at home, tryin' to find out who my father is,
Sittin' alone, but the common sense blown,
not off the Chronic, but the knowledge in this dome,
still astonished, but I gotta move on,
see, my mother thinks my problem is I really ain't accomplished ****,
21 without a car scar, without a scholarship,
some days I don't eat, all I got is pocket lint,
now walk around with cold feet, I'm thinner than my wallet is,
but she don't realize,
her son is 5 times dominant as most ****** she's honorin',
but she don't see the prominence,
prolly' **** around and change the world like Bob Marley did,
My talent's apparent, but it's fatherless,
So how's she gonn' acknowledge it,
I hate runnin' away from my problems without solvin' it proper,
I don't wanna be a doctor,
I just wanna be the father my father never bothered to be,
My son'll never have to follow the streets,
his role model is me
This is the first verse, which is Blu (obviously he had to be the highlight). As I said, it keeps it line with the positive vibe I try to post, which starts with the honest look at himself. But positively, he's gonna still maintain (sorry, couldn't resist). Blu, as previously mentioned, has a really soulful delivery...he reminds me of Common. Also, big ups to the line "My talent's apparent, but it's fatherless, so how's she gonn' acknowledge". That was really witty wordplay, right there.
Please, if you enjoyed this, check out his album Below the Heavens (I've provided a free mixtape of his stuff for you, though)
Volume 1: Jeru The Damaja - You Can't Stop The Prophet
Download: http://www.zshare.net/audio/15558921430dfe11/
IGN Thread: http://boards.ign.com/teh_vestibule/b5296/167517969/p1/?0
DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for you to come in and talk about how much you hate rap. It is my sincere hope that some of these tracks I've written about will cause you to change your mind, or even prove that hip-hop is not mindless. It is, rather, a beautiful, expressive artform. And that's what these threads are here to prove.
___________________________________________________________________________
Background: Jeru the Damaja
Jeru is a fairly underground rapper from NY. Hasn't had much mainstream success, but is a talented lyricist and MC, one of those who speaks on important issues. He also is good friends with the legendary DJ Premier, who he's known since High school, interestingly enough. Primo handled the production on his heralded classic The Sun Rises in The East (1994), one of my favorite albums of all time. This is the only album of his I've heard, and the only one that's gained classic status amongst hip-hop fans.
___________________________________________________________________________
The Track: You Can't Stop the Prophet, off of his album "The Sun Rises in the East"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4-xCI2sk2Y
Also check out: My Mind Spray, Come Clean
___________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics: http://www.lyricsdepot.com/jeru-the-damaja/cant-stop-the-prophet.html
Snippet: [who are you?]
The black prophet
One day I got struck by knowledge of self
They gave me super scientifical powers
Now I, run through the ghetto
Battling my arch nemesis Mr. Ignorance
He's been trying to take me out since the days of my youth
This is the intro to the track, explaining the concept, basically. Jeru is known as "The Prophet", a superhero of sorts, battling his four enemies, Ignorance, Deceit, Despair, Animosity, Hatred, Jealousy and Envy. I find this to be a very good storytelling track, which also exemplifies Jeru's style as a more...distinctive, unique rapper, of sorts. I won't spoil the story, but this theme of battling his adjectival enemies continues on his next few albums.
Enjoy, be back tomorrow
