March 25th, 2010 / 1:32 pm
Snippets
Snippets
Blake Butler—
Who is the greatest rapper ever? I mean total package: fun, lyrics, beats, power. If you say Jay-Z, say it to yourself under your breath so I don’t have to slap a dummy.
“Biggie Smalls is the illest.”
“Biggie Smalls is the illest.”
Chuck D
Although, and I know this makes me a backpacker or whatever, I probably enjoy MF Doom the most.
Pac
Chuck D
Although, and I know this makes me a backpacker or whatever, I probably enjoy MF Doom the most.
Pac
barf
barf
for lyrics doom is hard to beat, i gotta say. but he’s also like the antirapper rapper, which makes it weird.
for lyrics doom is hard to beat, i gotta say. but he’s also like the antirapper rapper, which makes it weird.
Nas
the last track on Makaveli is one of my all time favorites
Nas
the last track on Makaveli is one of my all time favorites
His flow is also often amazing and some of his beats are incredibly sick, but I guess that’s a separate skill.
He does dip into “how now brown cow” rapping at times though.
His flow is also often amazing and some of his beats are incredibly sick, but I guess that’s a separate skill.
He does dip into “how now brown cow” rapping at times though.
Guru
barf seconded
I feel like Ghostface should be mentioned here. Sick flow and one of the most consistently awesome careers.
Guru
barf seconded
I feel like Ghostface should be mentioned here. Sick flow and one of the most consistently awesome careers.
Of the Wu, I tend to say the GZA.
Of the Wu, I tend to say the GZA.
Yeah, but still: Brenda’s Got a Baby.
Yeah, but still: Brenda’s Got a Baby.
Have to admit, the title of my blog was inspired by Del’s song “3030.”
But, some of the other dudes on DefJux are up there with him: Aesop, El-P, & Lif to name a few.
Have to admit, the title of my blog was inspired by Del’s song “3030.”
But, some of the other dudes on DefJux are up there with him: Aesop, El-P, & Lif to name a few.
Would I be “that guy” if I said Yoni Wolf?
Aesop Rock
Would I be “that guy” if I said Yoni Wolf?
Aesop Rock
ODB
I like Ghostface more but I also think he has put out far more awesome material. Liquid Swords is fantastic, but what else?
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (where Ghostface does like half the raps) and Supreme Clinetele are top 3 Wu solo albums. Then Ironman, Fishscale and Only built 4 Cuban Linx 2 are all totally sick and Pretty Tony was great.
When is that Ghostface/DOOM collab dropping?
ODB
I like Ghostface more but I also think he has put out far more awesome material. Liquid Swords is fantastic, but what else?
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (where Ghostface does like half the raps) and Supreme Clinetele are top 3 Wu solo albums. Then Ironman, Fishscale and Only built 4 Cuban Linx 2 are all totally sick and Pretty Tony was great.
When is that Ghostface/DOOM collab dropping?
Co-sign on Ghost.
Co-sign on Ghost.
seconded. i’ve never been able to get over that verse in “n.y. state of mind” about how the city never sleeps, it’s filled with villains and creeps. if only he’d stayed that good for the rest of his career.
seconded. i’ve never been able to get over that verse in “n.y. state of mind” about how the city never sleeps, it’s filled with villains and creeps. if only he’d stayed that good for the rest of his career.
i like the ‘how now brown cow’ rhymes in their good places
i’ve been going around saying ‘goony googoo loony coo coo’ all week
but yeah man. his beats are the shit. i love the quasimoto records too.
i like the ‘how now brown cow’ rhymes in their good places
i’ve been going around saying ‘goony googoo loony coo coo’ all week
but yeah man. his beats are the shit. i love the quasimoto records too.
LL Cool J: Radio. Bigger and Deffer. Walking with a Panther. And even Mama Said Knock You Out. No rapper since had his range in terms of style or reference.
None of the Beastie Boys are great rappers, but they’ve made great albums.
i’ll take GZA for sure
doseone might someday be looked back upon as one of the greatest. i fucking cherish my cLOUDDEAD 10″s.
LL Cool J: Radio. Bigger and Deffer. Walking with a Panther. And even Mama Said Knock You Out. No rapper since had his range in terms of style or reference.
None of the Beastie Boys are great rappers, but they’ve made great albums.
i’ll take GZA for sure
doseone might someday be looked back upon as one of the greatest. i fucking cherish my cLOUDDEAD 10″s.
yeah but he didn’t. too much lameness for him to be #1 imho.
dose is something else. i can’t even think of him as a rapper anymore. he’s just like a magician. but yes.
yeah but he didn’t. too much lameness for him to be #1 imho.
dose is something else. i can’t even think of him as a rapper anymore. he’s just like a magician. but yes.
Can I say top five?
Biggie
Chuck D
Method Man
Ice Cube
Dre
I love Common and Mos Def but I don’t think they fit straight up best rapper, per se…
kool keith
i used to think Aesop yes, but he kinda wormed himself into a repetition box a little. needs a new album that rips. but Labor Days and Bazooka Tooth, and even most of Float are the shit for sure.
Can I say top five?
Biggie
Chuck D
Method Man
Ice Cube
Dre
I love Common and Mos Def but I don’t think they fit straight up best rapper, per se…
kool keith
i used to think Aesop yes, but he kinda wormed himself into a repetition box a little. needs a new album that rips. but Labor Days and Bazooka Tooth, and even most of Float are the shit for sure.
i gotta say yeah, you would. :P
Del! both sides of the brain and 3030, masterpieces.
supposedly last year. supposedly this year. supposedly next year.
i gotta say yeah, you would. :P
Del! both sides of the brain and 3030, masterpieces.
supposedly last year. supposedly this year. supposedly next year.
yeah, it’s sad. but illmatic will forever be untouchable in my mind.
yeah, it’s sad. but illmatic will forever be untouchable in my mind.
whenever i think of nas i think of ‘all i need is one mic’ which is about the lamest track ever.
tupac kills nas.
whenever i think of nas i think of ‘all i need is one mic’ which is about the lamest track ever.
tupac kills nas.
Rakim. Period. You guys are idiots.
Rakim. Period. You guys are idiots.
solo artist post-BDP KRS-ONE hands down.
as a crew early 90’s Wu-Tang.
bazooka tooth kills me
solo artist post-BDP KRS-ONE hands down.
as a crew early 90’s Wu-Tang.
bazooka tooth kills me
Andre 3000?
Andre 3000?
Maybe, for like a chiller vibe, or a house party, Big Daddy Kane wpuld be nice.
Best rap supergroup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l4huTf_m2E
Maybe, for like a chiller vibe, or a house party, Big Daddy Kane wpuld be nice.
Best rap supergroup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l4huTf_m2E
this morning on the train i sat next to a teenage girl listening to “that’s the way it is” or whatever on her ipod and i thought, “i really hate tupac.”
Big Boi. I have thought about this a lot and it is definitely Big Boi.
this morning on the train i sat next to a teenage girl listening to “that’s the way it is” or whatever on her ipod and i thought, “i really hate tupac.”
Big Boi. I have thought about this a lot and it is definitely Big Boi.
no need for alarm
no need for alarm
My top is Del from Deltron3030.
This is me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mToEOvCZvGs
My #2 is
Scarface from the Geto Boys (My Minds Playing Tricks on Me. . . .)
AZ
For ‘total package: fun, lyrics, beats, power’ it has to be Biggie. But I’ma go with Jeru. Not so much fun, but massive in terms of lyrics, beats and power.
My top is Del from Deltron3030.
This is me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mToEOvCZvGs
My #2 is
Scarface from the Geto Boys (My Minds Playing Tricks on Me. . . .)
AZ
For ‘total package: fun, lyrics, beats, power’ it has to be Biggie. But I’ma go with Jeru. Not so much fun, but massive in terms of lyrics, beats and power.
big boi i think has proven himself as the genius behind outkast ever since the double album split. andre up through stankonia was just a killer but since then he’s kind of turned into a goofball, i think, while big boi continues to put it down. hey ya? good once, then ouch. i really think they just shine best together, and as a pair are pretty high up there, but take them apart and it isn’t quite the same.
OGian
big boi i think has proven himself as the genius behind outkast ever since the double album split. andre up through stankonia was just a killer but since then he’s kind of turned into a goofball, i think, while big boi continues to put it down. hey ya? good once, then ouch. i really think they just shine best together, and as a pair are pretty high up there, but take them apart and it isn’t quite the same.
OGian
Yeah, man. 3030 is a constant spin for me. Not sure I could ever get enough of that record.
You know anything about the new Gorillaz record? My buddy Sam said really good things, but I don’t know how much part Del played in this one, so I’ve been curious, but haven’t had time to snag it.
I said Guru instead of Rakim because Rakim is not a rapper. Rakim is rap.
Yeah, man. 3030 is a constant spin for me. Not sure I could ever get enough of that record.
You know anything about the new Gorillaz record? My buddy Sam said really good things, but I don’t know how much part Del played in this one, so I’ve been curious, but haven’t had time to snag it.
I said Guru instead of Rakim because Rakim is not a rapper. Rakim is rap.
i don’t think del’s been with gorillaz since the first one. may be wrong, but pretty sure not.
he did put out a new record like two years ago. i can’t remember the name of it, but it’s got some great stuff on it.
i don’t think del’s been with gorillaz since the first one. may be wrong, but pretty sure not.
he did put out a new record like two years ago. i can’t remember the name of it, but it’s got some great stuff on it.
I don’t think Del is on the new Gorillaz. I listened to it once and hated it, but it’s gotten great reviews, so who knows.
Oops, I responded to the wrong thing.
I don’t think Del is on the new Gorillaz. I listened to it once and hated it, but it’s gotten great reviews, so who knows.
Oops, I responded to the wrong thing.
Andre 3000 is hip hop’s Frank Zappa. “Prototype” could’ve been on Joe’s Garage.
for timbre of voice, uniqueness, variety RZA aka Bobby Digital
Yeah, Shine Blockas was one of my favorite singles last year. He’s amazing.
Andre 3000 is hip hop’s Frank Zappa. “Prototype” could’ve been on Joe’s Garage.
for timbre of voice, uniqueness, variety RZA aka Bobby Digital
Yeah, Shine Blockas was one of my favorite singles last year. He’s amazing.
Seconded on both counts. Can’t believe I had to scroll down this far before anyone mentioned him.
andrew 3000 is the white frank zappa
Seconded on both counts. Can’t believe I had to scroll down this far before anyone mentioned him.
andrew 3000 is the white frank zappa
Rakim is probably the best rapper, but I’m not sure he is the “total package” Blake refers to over Biggie.
Definitely somebody from ‘Kast. I am leaning towards pre-Love Below Andre 3000.
Rakim is probably the best rapper, but I’m not sure he is the “total package” Blake refers to over Biggie.
Definitely somebody from ‘Kast. I am leaning towards pre-Love Below Andre 3000.
I miss ol’ party rap. Kurtis Blow.
I miss ol’ party rap. Kurtis Blow.
dan le sac
liquid swords gets my vote for best album.
don’t know if i have a best rapper.
krs-one is a sentimental favorite.
Just in terms of who i listen to again and again, I’d have a hard time choosing between Old Dirty Bastard, Biggie and Slick Rick.
dan le sac
liquid swords gets my vote for best album.
don’t know if i have a best rapper.
krs-one is a sentimental favorite.
Just in terms of who i listen to again and again, I’d have a hard time choosing between Old Dirty Bastard, Biggie and Slick Rick.
i thought he’d done a bit more since the first record. admittedly, i haven’t followed music nearly as close in the past few years since i’ve gotten out of school as i did while in college. when i hear buzz from a few pals with similar tastes, i’ll check stuff out, but beyond that…
i wish i could just forget everything from andre after stankonia. i don’t think i can go back.
i thought he’d done a bit more since the first record. admittedly, i haven’t followed music nearly as close in the past few years since i’ve gotten out of school as i did while in college. when i hear buzz from a few pals with similar tastes, i’ll check stuff out, but beyond that…
i wish i could just forget everything from andre after stankonia. i don’t think i can go back.
Yesssss
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnbO8GE4V5M
Yesssss
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnbO8GE4V5M
big boi’s half of the double album so destroys andre’s. that man is serious. can’t wait for the new one.
Win.
Gil-Scot Heron and Rudy Ray Moore.
big boi’s half of the double album so destroys andre’s. that man is serious. can’t wait for the new one.
Win.
Gil-Scot Heron and Rudy Ray Moore.
Agreed
Agreed
ANDRE 3000 DOESN’T KNOW RESTRAINT
Scarface is one of the best storytellers of all time.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQEI4Wt70w
ANDRE 3000 DOESN’T KNOW RESTRAINT
Scarface is one of the best storytellers of all time.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQEI4Wt70w
ouch
ouch
Gerardo?
Gerardo?
Beastie Boys! I agree with the idea that they are not “great rappers,” but man they are sweet music-makers.
I got Check Your Head at some big-time record store’s discount bin for 2.99. That was nice.
Beastie Boys! I agree with the idea that they are not “great rappers,” but man they are sweet music-makers.
I got Check Your Head at some big-time record store’s discount bin for 2.99. That was nice.
Bob Dylan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfi7ME_Y5Vs
No? okay.
Bob Dylan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfi7ME_Y5Vs
No? okay.
Not for beats, but for the whole lyrical package
Aceyalone circa All Balls Don’t Bounce
“All Balls” and “Anywhere You Go” are great places to start (coming at the beginning of the album) but “Greatest Show on Earth” and “Arhythamaticulas” are A+’s too…
How much of Paul’s Boutique was them and how much was the Dust brothers though?
Not for beats, but for the whole lyrical package
Aceyalone circa All Balls Don’t Bounce
“All Balls” and “Anywhere You Go” are great places to start (coming at the beginning of the album) but “Greatest Show on Earth” and “Arhythamaticulas” are A+’s too…
How much of Paul’s Boutique was them and how much was the Dust brothers though?
its hard not to have some affection for this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5-G2_1Zj6c
its hard not to have some affection for this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5-G2_1Zj6c
Did you know I’m half Ger-man?
Tupac Shakur
or maybe Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne is 2 if he’s not 1 (no, I’m not joking)
Did you know I’m half Ger-man?
Tupac Shakur
or maybe Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne is 2 if he’s not 1 (no, I’m not joking)
GZA!
Those guys all suck.
Snow?
Milk from Audio Two.
GZA!
Those guys all suck.
Snow?
Milk from Audio Two.
you didn’t like love below? or this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho5GhFBeZZ0
you didn’t like love below? or this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho5GhFBeZZ0
damn, you don’t like “hey ya!”? i don’t care if im tired of it, still easily one of the best songs, let alone singles, of the decade
damn, you don’t like “hey ya!”? i don’t care if im tired of it, still easily one of the best songs, let alone singles, of the decade
Doom’s cool
Oh, shit. Forgot Rakim. Yep.
Doom’s cool
Oh, shit. Forgot Rakim. Yep.
Pimp C, R.I.P.
Pimp C, R.I.P.
for real
for real
someone who “listened to rap primarily and who was not a college professor or a white person” would not barf, for the record.
someone who “listened to rap primarily and who was not a college professor or a white person” would not barf, for the record.
Long live Redhead Kingpin.
Sorry, Tupac is a fine enough rapper, but he was never one of the greats. Honestly, would he be that notable if he was from the east coast? Dude became really famous because he was the best rapper on the mainstream west coast scene and a lot of people live out west. Well, that and he died young.
If he was on the east coast competing with Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, the entire Wu-Tang clan and the rest of those dudes in the 90s I don’t think he’d ever enter a best of all time debate.
The sun rises in the east, people!
my 2 cents.
Long live Redhead Kingpin.
Sorry, Tupac is a fine enough rapper, but he was never one of the greats. Honestly, would he be that notable if he was from the east coast? Dude became really famous because he was the best rapper on the mainstream west coast scene and a lot of people live out west. Well, that and he died young.
If he was on the east coast competing with Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, the entire Wu-Tang clan and the rest of those dudes in the 90s I don’t think he’d ever enter a best of all time debate.
The sun rises in the east, people!
my 2 cents.
agreed. i “respect” nas, but i can’t get into him. i would rather just listen to this instrumental of his song “hero” (prod. polow da don) than listen to him rap on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBts5kmh2j0
agreed. i “respect” nas, but i can’t get into him. i would rather just listen to this instrumental of his song “hero” (prod. polow da don) than listen to him rap on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBts5kmh2j0
I also bet a lot of white professors wanting to sound hip would call Tupac the best and then talk about how socially conscious he was
I also bet a lot of white professors wanting to sound hip would call Tupac the best and then talk about how socially conscious he was
point re: some college professors. still, talk to someone who “lives, eats, and breathes rap” and they’d have a whoole lot of things to say to you about tupac that are not covered in your “description” here
point re: some college professors. still, talk to someone who “lives, eats, and breathes rap” and they’d have a whoole lot of things to say to you about tupac that are not covered in your “description” here
I know a lot of hip-hop heads who agree with me!
this is possibly the single least qualified internet community imaginable for deciding the best rapper
I know a lot of hip-hop heads who agree with me!
this is possibly the single least qualified internet community imaginable for deciding the best rapper
are said hip-hop heads into atmosphere or brother ali? do they wear backpacks? do they wear glasses? do they live on the east coast? do they think mos def is the greatest of all time (not knocking mos)?
are said hip-hop heads into atmosphere or brother ali? do they wear backpacks? do they wear glasses? do they live on the east coast? do they think mos def is the greatest of all time (not knocking mos)?
-if you don’t think Jay-Z is a legitimate answer you barely listen to rap music.
-andre 3000 has done a handful of dope songs post-stankonia. confirming that you barely listen to rap music, maybe.
-either way a much better question would be favorite verses.
-as for the original question, I’d also prob go with Scarface. not a lot of love for the south in this thread tho, other than Outkast of course.
-if you don’t think Jay-Z is a legitimate answer you barely listen to rap music.
-andre 3000 has done a handful of dope songs post-stankonia. confirming that you barely listen to rap music, maybe.
-either way a much better question would be favorite verses.
-as for the original question, I’d also prob go with Scarface. not a lot of love for the south in this thread tho, other than Outkast of course.
this is possibly the single least qualified internet community imaginable for deciding the best rapper
I completely agree with you Stephen.
i think part of the reason why tupac is so loved by his own community and not as attractive to “some people” is bc there’s r&b and gospel and such weaved into the rap, moreso than in biggie, and those elements are not as welcome to “some people” or they can’t relate to it. i say this as an observation, i dont think i can “properly” appreciate him either. like some black kid in my middle school told me this is one of 2pac’s best:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRJTQ7FHx0o
this is possibly the single least qualified internet community imaginable for deciding the best rapper
I completely agree with you Stephen.
i think part of the reason why tupac is so loved by his own community and not as attractive to “some people” is bc there’s r&b and gospel and such weaved into the rap, moreso than in biggie, and those elements are not as welcome to “some people” or they can’t relate to it. i say this as an observation, i dont think i can “properly” appreciate him either. like some black kid in my middle school told me this is one of 2pac’s best:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRJTQ7FHx0o
i mean, if that’s not socially conscious rap, WTF is?
Um, no. You’ll notice my answers in here are Biggie, Ghostface, Rakim and shit, not people like Slug or brother Ali.
No offense here, but aren’t you a white dude? Seems weird to jump and call everyone a white backpacker in here.
My hip-hop head friends are not hipster backpackers and most of them aren’t white. They do live on the east coast, but as jeru said, the sun rises in the east.
To be entirely honest, I find Tupac to be far more popular amongst backpacker Mos Def/Atmosphere types!
i mean, if that’s not socially conscious rap, WTF is?
Um, no. You’ll notice my answers in here are Biggie, Ghostface, Rakim and shit, not people like Slug or brother Ali.
No offense here, but aren’t you a white dude? Seems weird to jump and call everyone a white backpacker in here.
My hip-hop head friends are not hipster backpackers and most of them aren’t white. They do live on the east coast, but as jeru said, the sun rises in the east.
To be entirely honest, I find Tupac to be far more popular amongst backpacker Mos Def/Atmosphere types!
Dude, there are plenty of black people who don’t think Tupac is the best rapper ever. You don’t need to turn this into a race thing…
Dude, there are plenty of black people who don’t think Tupac is the best rapper ever. You don’t need to turn this into a race thing…
yes, because people who like books and are online couldn’t have an opinion about rap.
dumb.
yes, because people who like books and are online couldn’t have an opinion about rap.
dumb.
Correct answers key to “best ever” rap arguments b/n white men, aged 19-35:
Rapper = Rakim.
Album = ATLiens.
Group = De La Soul.
Year = 1996
White specimen = Beasty Boys
Female = interchangeble token response
Murder rap = Mobb Deep
Conscious = Public Enemy
Emo = Atmosphere
Backpack = Aesop
Silly = Pharcyde
Militant = Dead Prez
Producer = Pete Rock
Guilty Pleasure = Jazzy Jeff
Old School = Kool Herc
Gangsta = NWA
Marijuana Anthem = “I Got Five On It”
90’s East Coast = Biggie
90’s South = Geto Boys
90’s Midwest = Common
90’s West Coast = nothing really stands out
Hardest Fall-off = The Roots
Most Improved after embarassing (contribution to) first album = Big Boi
Best authenticating declaration of classic status for an obscure artist = depends on verifiable degree of “realness” of co-arguers
*all of the above may carry the legitimate qualifier “early work of…”
Correct answers key to “best ever” rap arguments b/n white men, aged 19-35:
Rapper = Rakim.
Album = ATLiens.
Group = De La Soul.
Year = 1996
White specimen = Beasty Boys
Female = interchangeble token response
Murder rap = Mobb Deep
Conscious = Public Enemy
Emo = Atmosphere
Backpack = Aesop
Silly = Pharcyde
Militant = Dead Prez
Producer = Pete Rock
Guilty Pleasure = Jazzy Jeff
Old School = Kool Herc
Gangsta = NWA
Marijuana Anthem = “I Got Five On It”
90’s East Coast = Biggie
90’s South = Geto Boys
90’s Midwest = Common
90’s West Coast = nothing really stands out
Hardest Fall-off = The Roots
Most Improved after embarassing (contribution to) first album = Big Boi
Best authenticating declaration of classic status for an obscure artist = depends on verifiable degree of “realness” of co-arguers
*all of the above may carry the legitimate qualifier “early work of…”
opinion is one thing. but you need perspective and an understanding of the rap community/history to have a credible best rapper ever type thing. rap is tied to the community. there is no place for pretentiousness in the rap community (social consciousness is not pretentiousness). this community is pretentious (including me, and get as mad as you like, it’s true). people in this community visit the online blogs of the rap community at best.
opinion is one thing. but you need perspective and an understanding of the rap community/history to have a credible best rapper ever type thing. rap is tied to the community. there is no place for pretentiousness in the rap community (social consciousness is not pretentiousness). this community is pretentious (including me, and get as mad as you like, it’s true). people in this community visit the online blogs of the rap community at best.
yall some assuming, ignorant mothafuckas
how u like dat
yall some assuming, ignorant mothafuckas
how u like dat
lol! Worst backpacker answer in the whole thread.
being the millionth white guy to be like “yo, ghost/RZA the dopest, yo” is all fine and dandy, though, so whatever. apparently, we’re too cool for andre 300 now? please…
lol! Worst backpacker answer in the whole thread.
being the millionth white guy to be like “yo, ghost/RZA the dopest, yo” is all fine and dandy, though, so whatever. apparently, we’re too cool for andre 300 now? please…
i don’t think i would bother reading the 100 plus comments of whoever the most qualified internet community is
What about that charming fellow named Mos Def, especially on “Black Star” and “Black on Both Sides”? I used to like him a lot. Also what about Q-Tip? Both are lovers more than fighters, which is probably why I like ’em. Abstract poets, prominent like Shakespeare.
i don’t think i would bother reading the 100 plus comments of whoever the most qualified internet community is
What about that charming fellow named Mos Def, especially on “Black Star” and “Black on Both Sides”? I used to like him a lot. Also what about Q-Tip? Both are lovers more than fighters, which is probably why I like ’em. Abstract poets, prominent like Shakespeare.
This is the first time I’ve ever been offended, actually offended, by someone’s comments about rap music. The utterance “Forgot Rakim” is worse than “fire” in a crowded theater. I’m no lawyer, but I think its against the constitution…maybe even against the law.
This is the first time I’ve ever been offended, actually offended, by someone’s comments about rap music. The utterance “Forgot Rakim” is worse than “fire” in a crowded theater. I’m no lawyer, but I think its against the constitution…maybe even against the law.
“the only man that walked through hell / dick swinging like shit went well”
glad you’re racist, anna
“the only man that walked through hell / dick swinging like shit went well”
glad you’re racist, anna
white people are funny.
white people are funny.
I think if you are a white dude it is probably best to avoid making white guy jokes, especially if your answers are basically interchangeable with the answers of the people you are talking to. Tupac and Lil Wayne are not like more authentic answers than the rappers Blake and I have been talking about. At least drop those lines on the people bringing up Why? and Del or something.
Anyway, I was really just engaging in some light-hearted east coast/west coast beefing by saying barf to Tupac (though I do not think he is one of the top five rappers of all time)
But the best verse on liquid swords comes from rza. “Hey, yo/ camoflauge chameleon/ninja’s scaling your building/no time to grab your gun they already got your wife and children/a hit was sent by the president/to raid your residence/because you had evidence and document/ of how they raped the African continent/a list of dominant prominent islamic/asiatic black hebrew/the year 2002/the battles still with the wu. . . . . ..
I think if you are a white dude it is probably best to avoid making white guy jokes, especially if your answers are basically interchangeable with the answers of the people you are talking to. Tupac and Lil Wayne are not like more authentic answers than the rappers Blake and I have been talking about. At least drop those lines on the people bringing up Why? and Del or something.
Anyway, I was really just engaging in some light-hearted east coast/west coast beefing by saying barf to Tupac (though I do not think he is one of the top five rappers of all time)
But the best verse on liquid swords comes from rza. “Hey, yo/ camoflauge chameleon/ninja’s scaling your building/no time to grab your gun they already got your wife and children/a hit was sent by the president/to raid your residence/because you had evidence and document/ of how they raped the African continent/a list of dominant prominent islamic/asiatic black hebrew/the year 2002/the battles still with the wu. . . . . ..
can we get a screen shot of this and put it on the back of the next BB book?
can we get a screen shot of this and put it on the back of the next BB book?
stephen, im not tryin to be a dick but you kinda come across like an over-opinionated douche sometimes. maybe it’s just that you come across kinda bad when you comment? maybe youre a perfectly nice guy when youre not hunched over a computer screen, but damn…..
and i should be nicer, and yes, you do appreciate 2pac, “some people” would say that’s “encouraging” vis-a-vis you not being like “most white guys who live on lit blogs”
Exscuse me Craig Davis:
1990’s West Coast “nothing stands out”…..
Pharcyde’s Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, or Freestyle Fellowship’s Innercity Griots.
The above post really upset me. And please don’t forget Yall So Stupid (ATL). Please go back to school if necessary.
stephen, im not tryin to be a dick but you kinda come across like an over-opinionated douche sometimes. maybe it’s just that you come across kinda bad when you comment? maybe youre a perfectly nice guy when youre not hunched over a computer screen, but damn…..
and i should be nicer, and yes, you do appreciate 2pac, “some people” would say that’s “encouraging” vis-a-vis you not being like “most white guys who live on lit blogs”
Exscuse me Craig Davis:
1990’s West Coast “nothing stands out”…..
Pharcyde’s Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, or Freestyle Fellowship’s Innercity Griots.
The above post really upset me. And please don’t forget Yall So Stupid (ATL). Please go back to school if necessary.
snore
snore
also, i would just like to say, yall, white guys who live on lit blogs have feelings too and greatest rapper preferences too, yall.
Ghetto Boys love.
I grew up in the fifth ward. Me and Bushwick Bill used to eat instant oatmeal together.
someone should write an essay on the literary genres evidenced in “My Mind was Playing Tricks on Me.”
was that harsh? not sure…
also, i would just like to say, yall, white guys who live on lit blogs have feelings too and greatest rapper preferences too, yall.
Ghetto Boys love.
I grew up in the fifth ward. Me and Bushwick Bill used to eat instant oatmeal together.
someone should write an essay on the literary genres evidenced in “My Mind was Playing Tricks on Me.”
was that harsh? not sure…
Rico Suave.
It seems impossible to read stephen’s posts as saying anything other than “I have black friends!”
not harsh. just stupid.
funny thing is, i don’t particularly, and still know this shit!
Rico Suave.
It seems impossible to read stephen’s posts as saying anything other than “I have black friends!”
not harsh. just stupid.
funny thing is, i don’t particularly, and still know this shit!
white professor without black friends making jokes about white professors without black friends? gotta smoke some weed to understand this thread I guess
did go to a black church and predominantly black schools until high school, though. does alter your perspective. thanks for asking, exclamation point is it?
white professor without black friends making jokes about white professors without black friends? gotta smoke some weed to understand this thread I guess
did go to a black church and predominantly black schools until high school, though. does alter your perspective. thanks for asking, exclamation point is it?
i’m not a professor, bro. neither is blake. i’m pretty sure blake and i both have a tendency to “occasionally flame ppl”
i’m not a professor, bro. neither is blake. i’m pretty sure blake and i both have a tendency to “occasionally flame ppl”
Rap music has been the dominant musical form and primary cultural lingua franca in this country for the last 25 years. I can’t imagine anyone born after 1975 in the United States who lacks adequate perspective to participate in a simple declaration of opinions.
Rap music has been the dominant musical form and primary cultural lingua franca in this country for the last 25 years. I can’t imagine anyone born after 1975 in the United States who lacks adequate perspective to participate in a simple declaration of opinions.
sorry, lincoln. you’re right, probably…. i do think thought that bringing biases as complicated as the ones you may have re: Lit over to Rap doesn’t make a lot of sense, though. it’s a pretty different ball o’ wax
sorry, lincoln. you’re right, probably…. i do think thought that bringing biases as complicated as the ones you may have re: Lit over to Rap doesn’t make a lot of sense, though. it’s a pretty different ball o’ wax
you could argue it. the thread would undoubtedly be predominantly black, and she’s assuming it would not be worth reading, which assumes who’s in it and how they write and talk and how well they can think.
you could argue it. the thread would undoubtedly be predominantly black, and she’s assuming it would not be worth reading, which assumes who’s in it and how they write and talk and how well they can think.
sorry, used one of the words that isn’t allowed (file next to “pretentious,” “hipster”)
sorry, used one of the words that isn’t allowed (file next to “pretentious,” “hipster”)
I am starting to think you are not actually glad that anna is racist
I am starting to think you are not actually glad that anna is racist
sorry, blake, rap music, black people, white people and racism are “very touchy issues” with me, “for some reason”
can you expand this thought? I honestly just don’t know what you mean regarding importing my biases about literature over to rap?
As said, I was just engaging in some light hearted west/east beefing by mocking tupac
sorry, blake, rap music, black people, white people and racism are “very touchy issues” with me, “for some reason”
can you expand this thought? I honestly just don’t know what you mean regarding importing my biases about literature over to rap?
As said, I was just engaging in some light hearted west/east beefing by mocking tupac
oh, and thx 4 responding to my email (actually smiled while typing that)
oh, and thx 4 responding to my email (actually smiled while typing that)
“author mystique” is really not going to exist anymore in this generation, is it… haha…. getting into internet ragers concerning favorite rappers, all kinds of random shit… funny i guess
“author mystique” is really not going to exist anymore in this generation, is it… haha…. getting into internet ragers concerning favorite rappers, all kinds of random shit… funny i guess
debbie harry
oh ok, guess i read that wrong. idk i think saying anything on this thread was a mistake. whatever
debbie harry
oh ok, guess i read that wrong. idk i think saying anything on this thread was a mistake. whatever
haha. goodjob.
i’m glad this video closes the case on jay z
haha. goodjob.
i’m glad this video closes the case on jay z
hey “just sayin'” thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt. id like to say both of your views are correct. i should “work on that.” as i said below, i’m touchy about whites, blacks, rap, and racism, esp. subtle or not-usually-defined-as-racism-racism, but that doesnt excuse being a douche. sorry, bro (or lady).
hey “just sayin'” thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt. id like to say both of your views are correct. i should “work on that.” as i said below, i’m touchy about whites, blacks, rap, and racism, esp. subtle or not-usually-defined-as-racism-racism, but that doesnt excuse being a douche. sorry, bro (or lady).
there is part of me, which unfortunately seems to emerge on internet forums, that is still a know-it-all 12 yr. old like, fuckin’ reading the new york times pompously while the rest of my family carves halloween pumpkins. HATE that fuckin’ kid!
there is part of me, which unfortunately seems to emerge on internet forums, that is still a know-it-all 12 yr. old like, fuckin’ reading the new york times pompously while the rest of my family carves halloween pumpkins. HATE that fuckin’ kid!
as an act of contrition, for being a douche, i give you the better steve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z2LNsifEzg
rap is a very touchy issue with you?
as an act of contrition, for being a douche, i give you the better steve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z2LNsifEzg
rap is a very touchy issue with you?
i really am SUCH a white guy… kind of hate myself, actually. love yall!
Travis, are you nominating yourself for Best Rapper? Looks like it.
i really am SUCH a white guy… kind of hate myself, actually. love yall!
Travis, are you nominating yourself for Best Rapper? Looks like it.
Kweli’s got it all over Mos.
Kweli’s got it all over Mos.
yea, it actually is. is that weird? black quarterbacks, rap, some other things, are touchy with me. as i said above, sorry for being a douche. love you, blake (in an internet kind of way)
i will respond to the emails, i promise. just very underwater with the inbox. not overlooked, promise.
There is plenty of reason to be touchy about racial issues, but I don’t think you should automatically assume that different preferences about black rappers necessarily signifies anything about racial attitudes.
I mean honestly, as much as this internet forum is hardly the most knowledgeable about rap music (and I agree with you there), I had similar discussions with black super hip-hop dudes and teh conversation plays out pretty similar there I think. well, minus all the anticon rappers, but most people in here are talking about Rakim, Tupac, Biggie, Nas, Guru, Big Boi, KRS-One… in short, the people always talked about.
yea, it actually is. is that weird? black quarterbacks, rap, some other things, are touchy with me. as i said above, sorry for being a douche. love you, blake (in an internet kind of way)
i will respond to the emails, i promise. just very underwater with the inbox. not overlooked, promise.
There is plenty of reason to be touchy about racial issues, but I don’t think you should automatically assume that different preferences about black rappers necessarily signifies anything about racial attitudes.
I mean honestly, as much as this internet forum is hardly the most knowledgeable about rap music (and I agree with you there), I had similar discussions with black super hip-hop dudes and teh conversation plays out pretty similar there I think. well, minus all the anticon rappers, but most people in here are talking about Rakim, Tupac, Biggie, Nas, Guru, Big Boi, KRS-One… in short, the people always talked about.
i need to take 16 chill pills or smoke some weed. sorry, internet, i hate me too.
i need to take 16 chill pills or smoke some weed. sorry, internet, i hate me too.
too bad you weren’t here for Blake and my’s Stay Fly vs. Kryptonite argument
oh i know, blake, and honestly, if you didnt, i would understand. also, as it turns out, that piece is probably not going to be in the magazine, so feel free to “skip it”
too bad you weren’t here for Blake and my’s Stay Fly vs. Kryptonite argument
oh i know, blake, and honestly, if you didnt, i would understand. also, as it turns out, that piece is probably not going to be in the magazine, so feel free to “skip it”
Q Tip is solid but a little in the box for my taste. I actually think Phife is underrated.
Q Tip is solid but a little in the box for my taste. I actually think Phife is underrated.
but i can listen to Tribe all day and feel happy. that trio of their middle albums is solid and beautiful.
I wanted to say something about Clipse to represent Va, but their last album is such garbage and has the worst cover art ever :(
but i can listen to Tribe all day and feel happy. that trio of their middle albums is solid and beautiful.
I wanted to say something about Clipse to represent Va, but their last album is such garbage and has the worst cover art ever :(
i like a lot of the re-up mixtapes
i like a lot of the re-up mixtapes
This is true.
This is true.
Just so I’m clear, Freestyle Fellowship = snore?
Just so I’m clear, Freestyle Fellowship = snore?
You can tell I don’t listen to rap anymore, can’t you?
You can tell I don’t listen to rap anymore, can’t you?
whole west coazzzzzz
whole west coazzzzzz
terrible, terrible, terrible. but has nothing to do w jay z as a rapper. WEAK SHIT.
terrible, terrible, terrible. but has nothing to do w jay z as a rapper. WEAK SHIT.
all dude talks about is money and image. and brooklyn. boring.
all dude talks about is money and image. and brooklyn. boring.
well i was kind of going more for the view that reading the comments of a less-qualified internet community has more entertainment value for me than me trying to understand a more authoritative discussion of who’s the best rapper, since i’m not really into rap
well i was kind of going more for the view that reading the comments of a less-qualified internet community has more entertainment value for me than me trying to understand a more authoritative discussion of who’s the best rapper, since i’m not really into rap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPbhXpH5X8
~2:50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPbhXpH5X8
~2:50
that’s not really accurate unless oversimplification is accurate. & in that case the exact same is true of biggie smalls.
that’s not really accurate unless oversimplification is accurate. & in that case the exact same is true of biggie smalls.
jay z freestyle
jay z freestyle
kanye west IMO
kanye west IMO
remember when he was all like “I’m going to let you finish”? That was hilarious. I loved that.
remember when he was all like “I’m going to let you finish”? That was hilarious. I loved that.
Midnight Marauders is probably a perfect album, I think.
Midnight Marauders is probably a perfect album, I think.
agreed. so is beats rhymes and life
agreed. so is beats rhymes and life
haven’t heard that one… “Push It Along” is probably the most epic rap song I’ve ever heard. Forget which album that’s on.
A Tribe Called Quest is my vote.
haven’t heard that one… “Push It Along” is probably the most epic rap song I’ve ever heard. Forget which album that’s on.
A Tribe Called Quest is my vote.
this whole thread has only reinforced for me how much i love young nas.
or dizzee rascal’s first record. it’s original from beginning to end.
this whole thread has only reinforced for me how much i love young nas.
or dizzee rascal’s first record. it’s original from beginning to end.
I cycle the cds in Speakerboxxx/The Love Below quite often nowadays. I don’t think 3k fell off. He just shapeshifted. I think I half-assedly paraphrased some of 3k’s lines in my thesis. I’m just sayin.
I cycle the cds in Speakerboxxx/The Love Below quite often nowadays. I don’t think 3k fell off. He just shapeshifted. I think I half-assedly paraphrased some of 3k’s lines in my thesis. I’m just sayin.
comment # = 187
comment # = 187
i would like to calmly, and w/o getting into any more internet fights or w/o being a douche or pretending i know everything, say that i like kanye.
i would like to calmly, and w/o getting into any more internet fights or w/o being a douche or pretending i know everything, say that i like kanye.
i’ll go a bit beyond the sniping i’ve been engaging in. i think the case for jay-z is pretty simple: he’s been doing it at a high level for longer than anyone in the history of rap. reasonable doubt, blue print, black album are all verygood to great albums, not to mention the commission mixtape. he uniformly kills it on his guest spots. his weaker albums all tend to have a few great tracks that stand above the mediocre mush. & based on yr comments re: nas earlier i think i see where we differ. i tend to judge on highs & you seem to dismiss based on lows. well, that’s fair enough & i can respect that but i think yr cheating yrself from a pretty great experience if you refuse to engage with Jay-Z As A Rapper on a meaningful level cuz you have a handful of bullshit freestyles recorded after he has mostly fallen off in yr back pocket.
& the nas bit just reminded me of the jay z / nas beef in 2001, which was just like exciting/fun as hell & was sort of emblematic of a lot of the things i like about rap music, the genuine & the theatrical clashing or whatever.
anywho i was obv flaming cuz anyone is qualified to talk about rap music regardless of exposure/race/expertise/familiarity with literature/online footprint for the reason that craig david mentioned a few posts down. but as far as jay z goes you really aren’t saying anything.
i’ll go a bit beyond the sniping i’ve been engaging in. i think the case for jay-z is pretty simple: he’s been doing it at a high level for longer than anyone in the history of rap. reasonable doubt, blue print, black album are all verygood to great albums, not to mention the commission mixtape. he uniformly kills it on his guest spots. his weaker albums all tend to have a few great tracks that stand above the mediocre mush. & based on yr comments re: nas earlier i think i see where we differ. i tend to judge on highs & you seem to dismiss based on lows. well, that’s fair enough & i can respect that but i think yr cheating yrself from a pretty great experience if you refuse to engage with Jay-Z As A Rapper on a meaningful level cuz you have a handful of bullshit freestyles recorded after he has mostly fallen off in yr back pocket.
& the nas bit just reminded me of the jay z / nas beef in 2001, which was just like exciting/fun as hell & was sort of emblematic of a lot of the things i like about rap music, the genuine & the theatrical clashing or whatever.
anywho i was obv flaming cuz anyone is qualified to talk about rap music regardless of exposure/race/expertise/familiarity with literature/online footprint for the reason that craig david mentioned a few posts down. but as far as jay z goes you really aren’t saying anything.
Jay-Z is in the Illuminati. That’s what I like about him.
Jay-Z is in the Illuminati. That’s what I like about him.
GREY ALBUM A SIGNIFICANT RAP ENTRY DRUG. ZZZZIPP HAS LISTENED TO IT IN EXCESS OF 100x TIMES. JAY-Z’S BUYING THE RIGHTS FROM APPLE SO THAT THE GREY ALBUM COULD BE RELEASED IS SIGNIFICANT.
GREY ALBUM A SIGNIFICANT RAP ENTRY DRUG. ZZZZIPP HAS LISTENED TO IT IN EXCESS OF 100x TIMES. JAY-Z’S BUYING THE RIGHTS FROM APPLE SO THAT THE GREY ALBUM COULD BE RELEASED IS SIGNIFICANT.
straight murderin.
Dee Dee Ramone. And as for general rapping, I like JC Penny. I usually get my sweater there, too, and they will rap it right up for you.
straight murderin.
Dee Dee Ramone. And as for general rapping, I like JC Penny. I usually get my sweater there, too, and they will rap it right up for you.
Hey, seriously, and not to jump someone’s train on this post, but I know little about music, less about rap. Could you people connect a few more albums to your rapper choices? I want to buy some of these artists, but could you be a bit more specific?
Uffie forever.
Hey, seriously, and not to jump someone’s train on this post, but I know little about music, less about rap. Could you people connect a few more albums to your rapper choices? I want to buy some of these artists, but could you be a bit more specific?
Uffie forever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V55xV-j1dLI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V55xV-j1dLI
i think it’s safe to say many people would recommend “stankonia” to you, by outkast
i think it’s safe to say many people would recommend “stankonia” to you, by outkast
ready to die – notorious BIG
supreme clientele – ghostface killah
enter the wu-tang – the wu tang clan
illmatic – Nas
the cold vein – cannibal ox
paid in full – eric b and rakim
operation doomsday – MF Doom
the blueprint – Jay Z
hell hath no fury – clipse
ready to die – notorious BIG
supreme clientele – ghostface killah
enter the wu-tang – the wu tang clan
illmatic – Nas
the cold vein – cannibal ox
paid in full – eric b and rakim
operation doomsday – MF Doom
the blueprint – Jay Z
hell hath no fury – clipse
only built 4 cuban linx – Reakwon
it takes a nation of millions… – public enemy
the king – t.i.
lifestyles of the poor and dangerous – big l
octagonecologyst – dr. octagon
donuts – j dilla
only built 4 cuban linx – Reakwon
it takes a nation of millions… – public enemy
the king – t.i.
lifestyles of the poor and dangerous – big l
octagonecologyst – dr. octagon
donuts – j dilla
Long live The Big Baby Jesus!
Long live The Big Baby Jesus!
i would say every album by kanye: the college dropout (sped-up soul samples, lots of classic singles), late registration (strings, more classic singles), graduation (synthesizers, eclectic samples, classic singles), 808s & heartbreak (post-Radiohead breakup/mother died album, 808s, tribal drums, sad, emotional, eccentric, unusual singles)
The internet was created solely for this purpose.
B-Real is the best rapper.
i would say every album by kanye: the college dropout (sped-up soul samples, lots of classic singles), late registration (strings, more classic singles), graduation (synthesizers, eclectic samples, classic singles), 808s & heartbreak (post-Radiohead breakup/mother died album, 808s, tribal drums, sad, emotional, eccentric, unusual singles)
The internet was created solely for this purpose.
B-Real is the best rapper.
some that haven’t been mentioned on here:
vaudeville villain – viktor vaughn
critical beatdown – ultramagnetic mcs
pete rock & cl smooth – mecca and the soul brother
kool g rap & dj polo – road to the riches
monsta island czars (M.I.C.) – escape from monsta island!
the great adventures of slick rick – slick rick
dizzee rascal – boy in da corner
some that haven’t been mentioned on here:
vaudeville villain – viktor vaughn
critical beatdown – ultramagnetic mcs
pete rock & cl smooth – mecca and the soul brother
kool g rap & dj polo – road to the riches
monsta island czars (M.I.C.) – escape from monsta island!
the great adventures of slick rick – slick rick
dizzee rascal – boy in da corner
terminator X – terminator X and the valley of jeep beets
ice cube – death certificate
terminator X – terminator X and the valley of jeep beets
ice cube – death certificate
vaudeville villain is cool, i like that one
Word.
vaudeville villain is cool, i like that one
Word.
On the real, though, a person’s choice of ‘best rapper’ is pretty much arbitrary. Certain choices are more fashionable than others, depending on your demographic. The NY-centric are going to pick Jay-Z/Nas/Biggie. The ‘real heads’ are going to pick someone less ‘mainstream’ like Big L or some shit. (For the ‘real heads,’ it’s still 96.) The people who like Southern shit that are 25+ are going to say Bun B or Scarface; those under 25 are going to say Lil Wayne or TI or Jeezy. I think a lot of people only say ‘Lil Wayne’ to troll. Sometimes people say Ice Cube. No self-conscious hip-hop listener will say Eminem. Whatever… This conversation is boring…
On the real, though, a person’s choice of ‘best rapper’ is pretty much arbitrary. Certain choices are more fashionable than others, depending on your demographic. The NY-centric are going to pick Jay-Z/Nas/Biggie. The ‘real heads’ are going to pick someone less ‘mainstream’ like Big L or some shit. (For the ‘real heads,’ it’s still 96.) The people who like Southern shit that are 25+ are going to say Bun B or Scarface; those under 25 are going to say Lil Wayne or TI or Jeezy. I think a lot of people only say ‘Lil Wayne’ to troll. Sometimes people say Ice Cube. No self-conscious hip-hop listener will say Eminem. Whatever… This conversation is boring…
No one has said Bizzy Bone.
No one has said Bizzy Bone.
yeah that might be my actual favorite. I think i’d rate that, doomsday and king geedorah all above madvillainy, which is the normal pick.
yeah that might be my actual favorite. I think i’d rate that, doomsday and king geedorah all above madvillainy, which is the normal pick.
vv def gets overlooked sometimes
vv def gets overlooked sometimes
any1 want to start a new sub-thread on best weed rap song of all time?
any1 want to start a new sub-thread on best weed rap song of all time?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cd-Kds-JL4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cd-Kds-JL4
that danger doom is enjoyable too, not saying its better than these, just sayin
that danger doom is enjoyable too, not saying its better than these, just sayin
I already named it dawg! (hint, starts with a Krypt ends with a nite)
I already named it dawg! (hint, starts with a Krypt ends with a nite)
It’s boring because it’s arbitrary?
It’s boring because it’s arbitrary?
Buddy Holly.
Buddy Holly.
Supposedly 4 -5 years ago
Supposedly 4 -5 years ago
totally agree with this comment.
I feel like Doseone should be mentioned more on this site..
Wonder if he’s got any awesome writing projects going on…
totally agree with this comment.
I feel like Doseone should be mentioned more on this site..
Wonder if he’s got any awesome writing projects going on…
Reasonable Doubt was incredible: earnest and heartfelt. Everything after was pandering to party bullshit lifestyle and image.
Reasonable Doubt was incredible: earnest and heartfelt. Everything after was pandering to party bullshit lifestyle and image.
Holy Christ. I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Slug yet (short of that ‘Best Emo’ category above; doesn’t count.) Granted I won’t listen to any Atmosphere album beyond Overcast, but that and his entire solo career catalog from around that time is some of the best hip hop ever written. Plus he did some awesome shit on Deep Puddle Dynamics and Dynospectrum…
Really can’t believe he hasn’t been mentioned… shame on you, literary rap listeners.
Holy Christ. I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Slug yet (short of that ‘Best Emo’ category above; doesn’t count.) Granted I won’t listen to any Atmosphere album beyond Overcast, but that and his entire solo career catalog from around that time is some of the best hip hop ever written. Plus he did some awesome shit on Deep Puddle Dynamics and Dynospectrum…
Really can’t believe he hasn’t been mentioned… shame on you, literary rap listeners.
Dirt McGirt
31 year old white male here: don’t agree even closely with any of these.
Would agree on ‘Emo’ but the category itself is so ridiculous I cannot nominally agree.
Year is very, very, close… it’s a toss up for ’94, ’95 and ’96.
Rakim has to be the farthest off of all of these picks. I was age 9 – 13 during his peak; hardly my formative years. I can’t imagine anyone younger than me (19 – 30, according to you) would even consider him. I certainly didn’t.
Dirt McGirt
31 year old white male here: don’t agree even closely with any of these.
Would agree on ‘Emo’ but the category itself is so ridiculous I cannot nominally agree.
Year is very, very, close… it’s a toss up for ’94, ’95 and ’96.
Rakim has to be the farthest off of all of these picks. I was age 9 – 13 during his peak; hardly my formative years. I can’t imagine anyone younger than me (19 – 30, according to you) would even consider him. I certainly didn’t.
Labor Days is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard, easy.
Labor Days is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard, easy.
Aesop Rock & Talib Kweli
not the best, just who i like.
Aesop Rock & Talib Kweli
not the best, just who i like.
Also, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XD4EjeXe1A
Also, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XD4EjeXe1A
Jim Croce. Listen to his live album and I think you’ll agree – or am I thinking about the wrong kind of rap?
Jim Croce. Listen to his live album and I think you’ll agree – or am I thinking about the wrong kind of rap?
playboy tre samples gil-scott on his latest mixtape, it’s sweet
playboy tre samples gil-scott on his latest mixtape, it’s sweet
1-i generally don’t even care who’s rapping as long as it’s screw choppin it
2-TWISTA
3-everybody on/associated with early triple six for have the most ridiculous and awesome rhymes imaginable
1-i generally don’t even care who’s rapping as long as it’s screw choppin it
2-TWISTA
3-everybody on/associated with early triple six for have the most ridiculous and awesome rhymes imaginable
Michael Ivey for the weirdness.
Michael Ivey for the weirdness.
hahahahahahahah
hahahahahahahah
THAT’S UNFAIR, AT ANY MOMENT THOSE GERMANS MIGHT HAVE TURNED ON HIM
THAT’S UNFAIR, AT ANY MOMENT THOSE GERMANS MIGHT HAVE TURNED ON HIM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-zndpG0eS8
nas at 18. pac never had a better verse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-zndpG0eS8
nas at 18. pac never had a better verse.
Doom, Del, Aesop, Rakim, Warcloud (Holocaust), GZA, Vast Aire…
kweli never met a simile he didn’t like.
Doom, Del, Aesop, Rakim, Warcloud (Holocaust), GZA, Vast Aire…
kweli never met a simile he didn’t like.
as much as i’d say ra. and want to, i gotta admit dude got points off because it turned out he was lip-syncing on his last couple tours. why, ra, why?
as much as i’d say ra. and want to, i gotta admit dude got points off because it turned out he was lip-syncing on his last couple tours. why, ra, why?
stephen takes the fucking thing for dumbest comments ever. not white, grew up on nothing but hip-hop, used to battle MCs in high school hallways, grew up in the fucking hood, tagged, went into bboying, ran w/ homies who were zulu. zulu kingz, oldest bboy crew since ever. predates rap, period. NOV 12, 1973. motherfuckers are in the smithsonian. and the EMP. guess what that makes my opinion? same as everybody else’s. c’mon man really? so i can’t ask my boy conchance about robert coover? the fuck out of here.
stephen takes the fucking thing for dumbest comments ever. not white, grew up on nothing but hip-hop, used to battle MCs in high school hallways, grew up in the fucking hood, tagged, went into bboying, ran w/ homies who were zulu. zulu kingz, oldest bboy crew since ever. predates rap, period. NOV 12, 1973. motherfuckers are in the smithsonian. and the EMP. guess what that makes my opinion? same as everybody else’s. c’mon man really? so i can’t ask my boy conchance about robert coover? the fuck out of here.
I really like the Lucy Ford album by Atmosphere. I don’t listen to a whole lot of hip-hop. Mr. Lif is my favorite aside from that album by Atmosphere, especially I Phantom. “I was mad dip, butterfly colors and shit, dreads from the slave ship, bi-focals and wingtips…” It’s hip-hop at its best. Colorful storytelling at an appreciable pace. Of course I agree with the commenter who said this community is far from qualified to determine the best ever, and most of the hip hop lovers I know are really into The Diplomats.
I really like the Lucy Ford album by Atmosphere. I don’t listen to a whole lot of hip-hop. Mr. Lif is my favorite aside from that album by Atmosphere, especially I Phantom. “I was mad dip, butterfly colors and shit, dreads from the slave ship, bi-focals and wingtips…” It’s hip-hop at its best. Colorful storytelling at an appreciable pace. Of course I agree with the commenter who said this community is far from qualified to determine the best ever, and most of the hip hop lovers I know are really into The Diplomats.
Shut up asshole.
Shut up asshole.
eazy’s gonna kill all of you when you die
eazy’s gonna kill all of you when you die
start another shitty template based lit blog
start another shitty template based lit blog
woah, shit. rap is some serious business around here. 241 comments in the span of a day.
woah, shit. rap is some serious business around here. 241 comments in the span of a day.
Deep Puddle is wack.
Deep Puddle is wack.
the 85 Bears, Wilbur in particular
Also like Paperboy – “Ditty” is tight
at one point I thought Kris Kross would make the cut
the 85 Bears, Wilbur in particular
Also like Paperboy – “Ditty” is tight
at one point I thought Kris Kross would make the cut
Failsafe-B is also pretty hot, if I do say so myself…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxjur9Y-f_8
Failsafe-B is also pretty hot, if I do say so myself…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxjur9Y-f_8
the absence of anywhere to continue ‘shitstorm alberta’ has lead to displacement
the absence of anywhere to continue ‘shitstorm alberta’ has lead to displacement
Guess you’re confused about something.
Guess you’re confused about something.
Wrinkly white people wearing hoodies, listening to 2 Live Crew, and smoking weed for the first time in 24 years.
Wrinkly white people wearing hoodies, listening to 2 Live Crew, and smoking weed for the first time in 24 years.
Another rap song I really loved was “100 Bars and Running” or something by The Game. That shit went hard yo.
Another rap song I really loved was “100 Bars and Running” or something by The Game. That shit went hard yo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSpnl_Vs9I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSpnl_Vs9I
Have to agree. This has probably been posted before but it’s tops either way:
http://norecord.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/wu-tang-clan-and-thomas-pynchon/
Have to agree. This has probably been posted before but it’s tops either way:
http://norecord.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/wu-tang-clan-and-thomas-pynchon/
Come on dude, “The Candle”? Seriously? Sleeping…
Come on dude, “The Candle”? Seriously? Sleeping…
Talib Kweli (who I like and admire and all) always seemed to me like he was trying a bit too hard to impress his effortless friend, Mos Def.
Talib Kweli (who I like and admire and all) always seemed to me like he was trying a bit too hard to impress his effortless friend, Mos Def.
I vote for Low-End Theory. With Ron Carter on the bass . . .
I vote for Low-End Theory. With Ron Carter on the bass . . .
And the winner is . . . loddy doddy, the man who likes to party:
SLICK RICK
And the winner is . . . loddy doddy, the man who likes to party:
SLICK RICK
Anyone else like Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy? Their lyrics were a bit on the nose but some pretty nasty/funny stuff.
I honestly don’t know who my favorite rapper is. Song wise, I loved Nuthing But a G Thang and How I could Just Kill a Man.
Anyone else like Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy? Their lyrics were a bit on the nose but some pretty nasty/funny stuff.
I honestly don’t know who my favorite rapper is. Song wise, I loved Nuthing But a G Thang and How I could Just Kill a Man.
Ah, but the question is not who your favorite is, its who’s the best.
My favorite MC is, was and always will be Trugoy. But that doesn’t make him the best. Being Rakim would make him the best. Ali isn’t my favorite boxer, either, bu
Ah, but the question is not who your favorite is, its who’s the best.
My favorite MC is, was and always will be Trugoy. But that doesn’t make him the best. Being Rakim would make him the best. Ali isn’t my favorite boxer, either, bu
but he remade the sport in his own image. I’m a Frazier/Tyson/Dempsey man, but I understand that Ali was a more important, and yes, better boxer.
Ditto every other MC vs. Rakim. I’d rather listen to the Dove’s “sicker than” verse on Stakes is High than anything Rakim ever touched, but it wouldn’t have existed without Paid in Full.
but he remade the sport in his own image. I’m a Frazier/Tyson/Dempsey man, but I understand that Ali was a more important, and yes, better boxer.
Ditto every other MC vs. Rakim. I’d rather listen to the Dove’s “sicker than” verse on Stakes is High than anything Rakim ever touched, but it wouldn’t have existed without Paid in Full.
pretty sure this is the best thing i’ve heard in rap is:
TYLER, the creator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk68dCUQjzE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2lDWAIcwc&feature=related
pretty sure this is the best thing i’ve heard in rap is:
TYLER, the creator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk68dCUQjzE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2lDWAIcwc&feature=related
alberto, just for the historical record.
alberto, just for the historical record.
damn : ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btH4e0-WQAo
damn : ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btH4e0-WQAo
sorry to offend you, gene. i apologized above for my being a douche and various other things. i was a fuckhead, and i apologize. i hope you are well, gene, and respect for all your work.
sorry to offend you, gene. i apologized above for my being a douche and various other things. i was a fuckhead, and i apologize. i hope you are well, gene, and respect for all your work.
i have a strong feeling that if we met in real life, you would not hate me, even if you didn’t like me.
i have a strong feeling that if we met in real life, you would not hate me, even if you didn’t like me.
i will “shut the fuck up” in the future, seriously.
i will “shut the fuck up” in the future, seriously.
i know this is basically a “ballad,” and that yall might hate it, but i like this song by game ft. lil wayne: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udxZ9zkDzpo
i know this is basically a “ballad,” and that yall might hate it, but i like this song by game ft. lil wayne: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udxZ9zkDzpo
KRS-One
KRS-One
Biggie yall.
at least according to OP’s criteria.
fun: get all that backpacker shit outa hur.
lyrics: get all that southern shit out of here. (scarface can stay. outkast can stay. lil wayne can stay.)
beats: Rakim, Slick Rick, “sugar hill gang” et al. must go.
power: Mos Def, Talib Kwali, KRS-ONE et al. must go.
and with everyone left over who is the greatest? not the “best”, but the Greatest?
(GZA/Ghostface and Dizzee Rascal seem like positive “curveballs” imo.)
but come on yall.
Biggie.
Biggie yall.
at least according to OP’s criteria.
fun: get all that backpacker shit outa hur.
lyrics: get all that southern shit out of here. (scarface can stay. outkast can stay. lil wayne can stay.)
beats: Rakim, Slick Rick, “sugar hill gang” et al. must go.
power: Mos Def, Talib Kwali, KRS-ONE et al. must go.
and with everyone left over who is the greatest? not the “best”, but the Greatest?
(GZA/Ghostface and Dizzee Rascal seem like positive “curveballs” imo.)
but come on yall.
Biggie.
Man, no love for Goodie Mob’s Soul Food? Holds up every single time. As for the best, well, gotta go Biggie. I’ll take those 1st seven tracks on Ready To Die up against just about anything.
Man, no love for Goodie Mob’s Soul Food? Holds up every single time. As for the best, well, gotta go Biggie. I’ll take those 1st seven tracks on Ready To Die up against just about anything.
Boots from the Coup. Hands down. The best flow, the best lyrical content, the best voice and the most convincing extrapolation of west-coast g. funk after Mac Dre (get stupid, y’all)
Boots from the Coup. Hands down. The best flow, the best lyrical content, the best voice and the most convincing extrapolation of west-coast g. funk after Mac Dre (get stupid, y’all)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRGvSx4mm8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRGvSx4mm8
with all due respect, and knowledge of having been a douche yesterday, not sure how lil wayne or tupac is backpacker? i would give you kanye, but lil wayne seems to be pretty mainstream/self-professed “gangster” and tupac seems pretty mainstream/self-professed “thug.” just sayin’
with all due respect, and knowledge of having been a douche yesterday, not sure how lil wayne or tupac is backpacker? i would give you kanye, but lil wayne seems to be pretty mainstream/self-professed “gangster” and tupac seems pretty mainstream/self-professed “thug.” just sayin’
my answer, while very typical of a white guy of my general “stereotype,” is based on the passion, variety, lyrics, power, influence of tupac’s body of work and videos, and based on lil wayne’s almost unbelievable wit, passion, flow, humor, tenacity, ambition, etc. peace, “!”
my answer, while very typical of a white guy of my general “stereotype,” is based on the passion, variety, lyrics, power, influence of tupac’s body of work and videos, and based on lil wayne’s almost unbelievable wit, passion, flow, humor, tenacity, ambition, etc. peace, “!”
‘my bad’
i probably should have looked it up (and this is not a sarcastic sentiment, i actually probably should have)
‘my bad’
i probably should have looked it up (and this is not a sarcastic sentiment, i actually probably should have)
an example re: Weezy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFf0_gq9s20
and whatever it is, backpacker whatever, it’s pretty extra-ordinary
an example re: Weezy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFf0_gq9s20
and whatever it is, backpacker whatever, it’s pretty extra-ordinary
or this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL6X4pG4Pm0
peace, yall
or this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL6X4pG4Pm0
peace, yall
as far as the lack of content not related to flow, money, what he’s doing at that moment, i would say, at the risk of being “annoying,” that he’s being post-modern. *ducks*
as far as the lack of content not related to flow, money, what he’s doing at that moment, i would say, at the risk of being “annoying,” that he’s being post-modern. *ducks*
he’s also does love songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNg7FM6uGjA&feature=related
ok, i’m done. peace and love
he’s also does love songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNg7FM6uGjA&feature=related
ok, i’m done. peace and love
was a fuckhead in this thread, see apologies elsewhere
was a fuckhead in this thread, see apologies elsewhere
You realize that rappers don’t come up with the beats, right?
Also: Jay-z is a damned good lyricist. It’s okay to like things that are popular.
My vote would probably go to BIG or Rakim or Chuck D or Kool Keith or Ghost.
You realize that rappers don’t come up with the beats, right?
Also: Jay-z is a damned good lyricist. It’s okay to like things that are popular.
My vote would probably go to BIG or Rakim or Chuck D or Kool Keith or Ghost.
These days I’ll take Jay Electronica over anyone…”I’m feeling homeland security breach-y.”
These days I’ll take Jay Electronica over anyone…”I’m feeling homeland security breach-y.”
I’m seconding alex here.
I’m seconding alex here.
@topher “You realize that rappers don’t come up with the beats, right?”
This means that rappers have to become friends with other people who will make the beats, and then there is a collaboration, either together in the studio, like a fun, creative party, or long-distance, which means the two are “together” in a sense, even though they’re “not.” This is fun and builds community. Seems like a wonderful thing, “topher.”
@topher “You realize that rappers don’t come up with the beats, right?”
This means that rappers have to become friends with other people who will make the beats, and then there is a collaboration, either together in the studio, like a fun, creative party, or long-distance, which means the two are “together” in a sense, even though they’re “not.” This is fun and builds community. Seems like a wonderful thing, “topher.”