The Rap Thread

[Hjulmann]

I know, I know, there IS a music thread. This one, though, is strictly dedicated to rap (old school, new school, mainstream, whatever).
I listen to a lot of old school rap, such as: The Notorious B.I.G., NWA, (Wu-Tang Clan), Eric B & Rakim, Nas and so on. I've also developed a like for more undergroundish rap like OFWGKTA.

So, what do you like?




PS. Not sure if this topic has been made already.

[Ed_Reed20]

I remember there being a hip hop thread a while ago.

I'm all over the place when it comes to my favorite rap artists and producers. Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Andre 3000, 2Pac, Black Thought, Talib Kweli, DOOM, DJ Premier, Madlib are among my favorites but I also have an appreciation for Biggie, Nas, AZ, Jay Electronica, Jadakiss, T.I., Kanye and many others.

I actually became a fan of Odd Future several months ago. Mike G and Earl are my favorites rappers in the group.

[Hjulmann]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303502994' post='668768']
I remember there being a hip hop thread a while ago.

I'm all over the place when it comes to my favorite rap artists and producers. Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Andre 3000, 2Pac, Black Thought, Talib Kweli, DOOM, DJ Premier, Madlib are among my favorites but I also have an appreciation for Biggie, Nas, AZ, Jay Electronica, Jadakiss, T.I., Kanye and many others.

I actually became a fan of Odd Future several months ago. Mike G and Earl are my favorites rappers in the group.
[/quote]
Yeah Earl is so swag. He's really young.

[ed.s52]

Personally I'm a mix between underground and mainstream. I love my underground but there is no doubt Lil Wayne has bars for days and I love me some Khalifa (even if his new album is trash besides Yung Wild and Free and maybe Roll up).

But as for my favorites, I'd say Andre Nicatina, Tupac, Biggie, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Ink is on his way up, and Lil Wayne are some of my favorites. Oh and Mac Miller is a boss.


I also like Lupe but he is just way too inconsistent. I heard him on the radio the other day annoyed because his albums don't sell because he has like 5 good songs (being generous). I'm all about Show Goes On though.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Hjulmann' timestamp='1303512819' post='668844']
Yeah Earl is so swag. He's really young.
[/quote]

He's really gifted. I can't wait till he rejoins the group.

[quote name='ed.s52' timestamp='1303522115' post='668891']
I also like Lupe but he is just way too inconsistent. I heard him on the radio the other day annoyed because his albums don't sell because he has like 5 good songs (being generous). I'm all about Show Goes On though.
[/quote]

How is Lupe inconsistent?

I've been listening to him since [i]Food & Liquor[/i] and I can assure you he has more than five good songs. You may only like five of his songs but he's produced a lot of good material.

His lack of sales are strictly because of subject matter. The masses don't want to think when they listen to rap songs anymore. Positive and socially conscious messages, clever wordplay and a wide vocabulary don't get much airplay or sell and haven't for years.

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

Lupe is my favorite rapper but his new album is rather lackluster.(Damn you Atlantic Records)

I can't listen to new too much but J. Cole, Lupe Fiasco and a few others are my saving grace for the new rap game.

Edit: The ENTIRE Food and Liquor was just great. It's a play through album without a doubt.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303525898' post='668906']
He's really gifted. I can't wait till he rejoins the group.



How is Lupe inconsistent?

I've been listening to him since [i]Food & Liquor[/i] and I can assure you he has more than five good songs. You may only like five of his songs but he's produced a lot of good material.

His lack of sales are strictly because of subject matter. The masses don't want to think when they listen to rap songs anymore. Positive and socially conscious messages, clever wordplay and a wide vocabulary don't get much airplay or sell and haven't for years.
[/quote]


Maybe, but from what I've heard of Lupe its either hit or miss. He has a lot of alright songs too, but in general its seemed like he has one hit and remains quiet for a while.


Truthfully, my assessment has been just from what I've heard. I probably haven't heard enough to say that about his whole game, which is my bad, but I assumed the lack in sales and hits was his inconsistency. Maybe I'll listen to more Lupe and see what I think. But right now the only songs I really like from the dude are the Show Goes on, Kick puch, and Superstar. There are some others but I'd call those my favorites from what I've heard.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ed.s52' timestamp='1303535292' post='668979']
Maybe, but from what I've heard of Lupe its either hit or miss. He has a lot of alright songs too, but in general its seemed like he has one hit and remains quiet for a while.

Truthfully, my assessment has been just from what I've heard. I probably haven't heard enough to say that about his whole game, which is my bad, but I assumed the lack in sales and hits was his inconsistency. Maybe I'll listen to more Lupe and see what I think. But right now the only songs I really like from the dude are the Show Goes on, Kick puch, and Superstar. There are some others but I'd call those my favorites from what I've heard.
[/quote]

You could label Lupe inconsistent or "hit or miss" when it comes to airplay and the singles he's produced. You say "Superstar, "The Show Goes On" and "Kick Push" are your favorite songs of his. Not surprisingly, those three have been his most successful singles in terms of chart performance; their catchy hooks are more than likely the reason.

To me, all of his singles have been great and there aren't very many of his other tracks I can't jam to.

Try to listen to his other material when you can. At the end of the day though, it comes down to preference.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303537129' post='668989']
You could label Lupe inconsistent or "hit or miss" when it comes to airplay and the singles he's produced. You say "Superstar, "The Show Goes On" and "Kick Push" are your favorite songs of his. Not surprisingly, those three have been his most successful singles in terms of chart performance; their catchy hooks are more than likely the reason.

To me, all of his singles have been great and there aren't very many of his other tracks I can't jam to.

Try to listen to his other material when you can. At the end of the day though, it comes down to preference.
[/quote]

Yea, I feel a little mainstreamy saying that, but those songs are all hella cool, the hook really got me and show goes on, but really i only like Superstar and Kick Push for there witty lyrics and flow. I would check out more Lupe theres just too much music.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ed.s52' timestamp='1303537797' post='668994']
Yea, I feel a little mainstreamy saying that, but those songs are all hella cool, the hook really got me and show goes on, but really i only like Superstar and Kick Push for there witty lyrics and flow. [b]I would check out more Lupe theres just too much music.[/b]
[/quote]

Agreed. I made a list of albums I want to listen to a while ago but between listening to classics, random new tracks and other genres, I can't get through it.

[Hjulmann]

[quote name='ed.s52' timestamp='1303522115' post='668891']
Personally I'm a mix between underground and mainstream. I love my underground but there is no doubt Lil Wayne has bars for days and I love me some Khalifa (even if his new album is trash besides Yung Wild and Free and maybe Roll up).

But as for my favorites, I'd say Andre Nicatina, Tupac, Biggie, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Ink is on his way up, and Lil Wayne are some of my favorites. Oh and Mac Miller is a boss.


I also like Lupe but he is just way too inconsistent. I heard him on the radio the other day annoyed because his albums don't sell because he has like 5 good songs (being generous). I'm all about Show Goes On though.
[/quote]
I agree with pretty much everything here. Mac Miller is also a great contender in my little rap-playoff.

I have to agree with the Lupe part, haven't heard very much of his music, but the songs I've heard are not very appealing.

Also I've started to turn my back on mainstream music. I know it's not rap, but I personally hate songs like Katy Perry's Teenage Dream. Oh and that Tinie Tempah dude is a bit too much for me, I don't even know what his genre is.

[BloodRaven]

As someone who grew up on hip hop I've grown tired of it over the last few years, outside of a very select few like Odd Future and Yelawolf it's all very similar. I've been looking into new sounds, international artists and different genres for new tastes.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='Hjulmann' timestamp='1303553511' post='669029']
I agree with pretty much everything here. Mac Miller is also a great contender in my little rap-playoff.

I have to agree with the Lupe part, haven't heard very much of his music, but the songs I've heard are not very appealing.

Also I've started to turn my back on mainstream music. I know it's not rap, but I personally hate songs like Katy Perry's Teenage Dream. Oh and that Tinie Tempah dude is a bit too much for me, I don't even know what his genre is.
[/quote]


Yea I'm ridiculously picky with mainstream music. If Wiz Khalifa and Lil Wayne didn't exist, I don't think I'd ever even bother with it. But there are still a couple of good songs in mainstream, just as long as it isn't that Hip Hop autotuned crap or a bunch of stuff like what you said with Katy Perry.

[Ed_Reed20]

So guys, what are some your favorite beats/instrumentals?

[ed.s52]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303593492' post='669301']
So guys, what are some your favorite beats/instrumentals?
[/quote]

A lot of them kinda depend how you feel. Also really depends on whether your just listenen to them for the hell of it or just to write to, I ussually just use them when I want to write. .

There's a lot of good beats out there depending on the mood. One of my favorites to write too when I get the urge is 90210 by Wale. I also like Goodbye by Wiz Khalifa, Look at me now, and 9am in Dallas.

Also like conversation with the devil and my homeboy's chevy by nickatina.

[Hjulmann]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303593492' post='669301']
So guys, what are some your favorite beats/instrumentals?
[/quote]
Songs I can think of with good beats/instrumentals:
Nas - The Message
Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad (B.O.B.)
The Procussion - Little People (check it out guys it's really good)
House of Pain - Jump Around
T.I. ft. Eminem - That's all she wrote
Method man & Redman - Da Rockwilder


EDIT: Added a few

[Ed_Reed20]

I have an infinite amount of favorite beats but recently, I've really enjoyed:

Forrest Green - Mike G
Dat *** - Earl Sweatshirt
World Premiere - Mos Def
Annakin's Prayer - Jay Electronica
Beware - Big Pun
Esco Let's Go - Nas

[Token]

My favorite instrumental is probably Time: The Donut Of The Heart from J Dilla's donuts album

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303593492' post='669301']
So guys, what are some your favorite beats/instrumentals?
[/quote]
KiD CuDi ft. Chip Tha Ripper - "Hyyerr"
Kanye West - "Everything I Am"
Kanye West - "Flashing Lights"
50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg - "21 Questions"
Nate Dogg - "I Got Luv"
Ryan Leslie ft. Pusha T - "Something That I Like"

Those are just some of the ones I could think of from the past decade off the top of my head. Lots of soul samples, real instrumentation, or general sophistication in my selections. I love old-school beats, though, with great use of sampling like most of DJ Premier's catalogue.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1303593492' post='669301']
So guys, what are some your favorite beats/instrumentals?
[/quote]

Dr Dre - Xxxplosive
Xzibit - Get your walk on
T.I - What you know about that
Eminem - Superman
Jim Jones - Summer wit Miami
Mobb Deep - Put em in their place
Wu - Triumph
Biggie - Notorious Thugs
Biggie - The points
DMX - Get it on the floor
Dizzee Rascal - Fix up look sharp


Common and Game get some of the best production values in their albums, for me theres too many to list here.

[BmoreRav]

Somebody who flys under the radar when it comes to beats is Black Milk from Detroit. Some of his production is crazy! One of my all-time favourite producers is DJ Quik. I just love that West Coast G-Funk sound.

[BmoreRav]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1303626554' post='669517']
Dizzee Rascal - Fix up look sharp [/quote]

Really? I didn't think Dizzee had any air time in the States apart from maybe the song he did with Bun B. I'm surprised you know that song.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1303637829' post='669534']
Really? I didn't think Dizzee had any air time in the States apart from maybe the song he did with Bun B. I'm surprised you know that song.
[/quote]

I was born in Carson, CA and raised on Pac, Cube, Dre, Snoop etc so I follow everything that comes out of the west including krump and it's the lead song on the krump doco Rize, love the drums.

[Hjulmann]

New question: What is your favorite rap song?

Mine swings between
Method man & Redman - Da Rockwilder
House of Pain - Jump Around
Biggie - Juicy
NWA - Straight Outta Compton
Nas - The Message



I know it is a bit many but hey, there's at a lot of killer rappers out there

[True]

Favorite rap songs? Man...too many to name lol

But currently favorites I'm listening too...

KRS-ONE - My Philosophy

KRS-ONE - Why is That?

50 Cent - Ghetto Quran (pt. 1)

2pac - Changes

Kanye West - I Wonder

[ed.s52]

With all the different genres it's near impossible to choose. Some would be

-Juicy by Biggie
-Can't C Me by Pac
-My Homeboys Chevy by Andre Nickatina and Mac Dre
-I'm Me by Lil Wayne.

And if y'all haven't heard the Ice Cream freestyle by Wayne, you should listen to it.
Wayne goes in on that song.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FK-y33xBmo[/media]

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1303636864' post='669532']
Somebody who flys under the radar when it comes to beats is Black Milk from Detroit. Some of his production is crazy! One of my all-time favourite producers is DJ Quik. I just love that West Coast G-Funk sound.
[/quote]
The pair of beats that Black Milk contributed to the Kidz in the Hall album [i]The In Crowd[/i] was sick!!

[BmoreRav]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1303674748' post='669720']
The pair of beats that Black Milk contributed to the Kidz in the Hall album [i]The In Crowd[/i] was sick!!
[/quote]

I agree. Love that album! Black Milk is probably my favourite Rapper/Producer at the moment. The live drums he used on his last album sounded incredible!

This is one of my favourite beats from his last album...
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=likgTBKZT-0[/media]

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1303636864' post='669532']
Somebody who flys under the radar when it comes to beats is Black Milk from Detroit. Some of his production is crazy! [b]One of my all-time favourite producers is DJ Quik. I just love that West Coast G-Funk sound.[/b]
[/quote]

DJ Quik is the man. His work on the Nike Hyperizers commercial was great, as always.

[quote name='Hjulmann' timestamp='1303659847' post='669584']
New question: What is your favorite rap song?
[/quote]

I can't narrow it down to one but here are ten I love:

Definition - Black Star
Travellin' Man - Mos Def
Fancy Clown - Madvillain
Rap Snitch Knishes - DOOM ft. Mr.Fantastik
The Format - AZ
Trains & Planes - Zion I & The Grouch
Empire Soundtrack - Lupe Fiasco
Pain - 2Pac ft. Stretch
Exhibit C - Jay Electronica
Hell Yeah - Dead Prez

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

Lupe Fiasco - Jedi Mind Tricks

Eminem - Seduction

J. Cole - Premeditated Murder

Kanye West - All of the Lights

Biggie - Juicy

Nas - Black Ashes

Nas & Jay-Z - Black Republican

Some instrumentals off the top of my head.