Sobota 7 Lip 2007, 17:44
I figured I would compile a list of my favorite hip hop tracks over the years.
Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M. and Protect Ya Neck
In my teen years i was very against hip hop and Enter The 36 Chambers was the album that got me interested in the game. The desperation of Deck and Raekwon against the everyday struggles of their lives before they made it was a big draw for me. The song is depressing yet positive and inspiring look at life in hood over a surreal piano roll by the RZA. The posse cut Protect Ya Neck was another big one for me and my friends, and we would rap the whole song while smoking L's after school.
Nas - The World is Yours and NY State of Mind
These tracks offer the same imagery as C.R.E.A.M. but Nas' intricate linguistics were so impressive, and it makes me wonder why rappers just cant hack this level these days.
Jay-Z - Dead Presidents II and Can't Knock the Hustle
Jay-Z is famous for witty wordplay and it is definitely demonstrated on these tracks. As you can probably tell, I have a soft spot for mid 90's hip-hop, and i feel it hasn't been the same since. Rap has seemed to become either too flashy, or too gratuitous and vulgar, and contemporary rappers just seem to be professional biters, coping styles left and right.
MF Doom - Doomsday
Doom has a flow on that is reminiscent of the late great ODB, but with an exaggerated sense of humor and without the extreme vulgarity. He says that he came to destroy rap, and that is just what he does, humbling big name rappers while rejecting the commercial image at the same time.
Common - Chi City
Common's album BE offers a return to the styling of the 1990's with a real, humble, positive message. Common's intelligent lyrics show his disgust with the mainstream over an catchy soulful horn line. He's trying to make a get up stand up anthem while other rappers obsessed with rims are turning into tires.
BlackStar - Respiration
Talib and the Mighty Mos Def show how no one is innocent and everyone is to blame for the conditions of cities these days. Hi-Tek's production offers a solemn backdrop for the outline of a million people's broken dreams.
Azeem - Rebel Music
This modern day mystic's proclamation is the song that the everyone in the world in a struggle wrote. Surreal lyrics make you dance like you had waterfalls for legs. Though it is relatively unknown, this track will be heard forever in the ears of anyone desperate and in the dumps, as long as the sun sets and the moon rises.
A Tribe Called Quest - Vibes and Stuff
I love the chill bass line rolling alongside the subtle disses on gangsters and rappers from the humble B-Boys Q-Tip and Phife. You dont find hip-hop anymore that you can associate with the everyday life of the rapper.
GangStarr - Moment of Truth
This track is very passionate and intelligent and inspiring all at the same time. Guru preaches about facing whatever in life stops you from achieving the best you can without crumbling and turning to drugs and crime.
GZA - Duel of The Iron Mics
GZA has the power of a million man army on this track. His metaphors are so vivid and powerful. A feature from the another great WU wordsmith, Inspectah Deck, makes this track a killer of anyone who wants to stand in their way. I also have a soft spot for Kung Fu, so I really enjoy the RZA's sampling.
well thats all for now. peace, love.