Hip Hop Discussion/Album Review Thread.

[hithit]

Can anyone tell me what the name of Nas' new single is?
I only heard it briefly and it seemed aight, so i wanna find it and give it another listen.

[TRO]

"Hip-Hop is Dead"?

[Fro]

I'm enjoying this Lil' Wayne/Baby album. Really solid production and some chilled out verses I can kick back to. Cash Money is still doin its thing after all these years.


That Em track "No Apologies" is real dope. But I'm not surprised that it's old verses, cuz all his other appearances on that Re-Up mixtape are pretty wack. He seems to have a distinctly different flow ever since around the time Encore came out. I think it's partly due to him making most of his own beats now. He should stick to outside production.

[.invurzion.]

"Hip-Hop is Dead"?


Dope.

Anyone taken a listen to that new Clipse album - "Hell Hath No Fury?" Not really diggin' it as much as the hype machine was going for it.

[Dan The Man]

Papoose - "50 Shots" (http://www.kontrabrothers.com/razorapple/wp-content/uploads/music/papoose-50-shots.mp3)

I'm torn. I love the idea of putting out a song so quickly. I love hearing a rap song (or any song, really) with pro-Bloomberg lyrics, just because. I even kind of like the bluntness of the opening advocacy of shooting police.

But for the love of god, can we leave Sam Cooke out of it?

Oh, and the fact that it's not that good. But that's secondary to the above.

[stylesp]

papoose gettin gwap is a ma fuckin beast song and black republican by nas is good too

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

hmmmm talking to of Styles P, I still ain't had a chance/been bothered to listen through the new Akon album, the bits I have skimmed through though have been pretty dope with good beat selection.

Can't wait for the new Nas, was underwhelmed like everyone else by Street's Desciple but honestly this should blow all othercommercial/mainstream releases recently out of the water

[Stringer Bell]

Has the Styles P retail actually leaked? I saw an ad that said the album was supposed to release like 2 weeks ago. That thing's been pushed back like crazy. Not in the sense of Cuban Linx 2 and Detox, but in the sense that they keep trying to promote it and then the date changes, over and over.

The Nas is going to be dope. Underwhelmed like everyone else? Street's Disciple was one of the best albums of 2005, I don't know who you're talking about. Jesus Sucks was one of the only people I can remember hating on that CD. What isn't there to like? It's 2 discs of raw hip-hop, no radio or commercial songs at all. Hardcore lyrics over good beats for the most part.. I couldn't ask for much more.

The new Ghostface, More Fish leaked, and it's pretty damn good. It's not as good as Fishscale, but it's good stuff.

The new Young Jeezy album is horrible...

[spanish announce table]

Jeezy - The Inspiration
http://rapidshare.com/files/5464297/motidice.rar.html

Mos Def - True Magic
http://rapidshare.com/files/5553546/mosdice.rar.html

Ghostface - More Fish
http://rapidshare.com/files/5534995/Ghost.rar

I'm trying my best to wait for the real release date

[Stringer Bell]

Jeezy's trash, as I said. Just the same boring shit as the first CD it seems...

Haven't heard the Mos yet, heard it was disappointing.. hope it's not.

Ghost :yes: :yes:

PS -- To anyone who has that shitty Jeezy album, is it just me or is Kanye nowhere to be found on "I Got Money"? I was interested in hearing him rap over that beat..

Apparently RAEKWON dissed JAY-Z on stage.. http://www.grounduphiphop.com/2006/12/02/update-video-of-raekwons-jay-z-diss/

Turns out it's not much of a diss, really. The boos were crazy. Jay's album is hot, I don't care what anyone says. No one brings it like him.

[TRO]

Thank you, sat. :beer:


Street's Disciple was one of the best albums of 2005, I don't know who you're talking about. Jesus Sucks was one of the only people I can remember hating on that CD. What isn't there to like? It's 2 discs of raw hip-hop, no radio or commercial songs at all.

Really? I thought it was one disc of good material interspersed with an entire disc of songs that should have been outtakes. To each his own I guess, but it seems to me that Nas is better off doing his thing for 10-12 tracks, before it gets stale. One of Illmatic's many virtues is its shortness, just wham, bam, thank you fam. The second disc of Street's Disciple was just overkill.

[Stringer Bell]

One of Illmatic's many virtues is its shortness, just wham, bam, thank you fam.


Exactly.. but Nas will never make another Illmatic. As far as double albums go, I loved SD. Where was the filler? Lyrically, he touched on topics he had never come close to ("American Way", "These Are Our Heroes") and brought that hardcore shit at the same time. There's so many strong tracks..

"No One Else In The Room" was shit, though. But I LOVE the rest of the CD. There's some outstanding stuff like "A Message", "Nazareth Savage", "Heroes", "Just A Moment", "UBR", "Street's Disciple", "Virgo", "Bridging The Gap", "War"... damn. And everything else is far above average for the most part. The second disc was full of bangers.

I can see where a mainstream fan would be disappointed with it, but I'm surprised you were. There's literally no radio material except "Virgo" and "You Know My Style", which aren't bad songs at all. It's some of his best work in years, I think..

[TRO]

I don't think he should make another Illmatic, but I also don't want him making another God's Son, which is basically what Street's Disciple sounded like to me. There are some good songs, but after a while they all sound the same. There was nothing as innovative as "One Mic" or "I Know Can". For a guy who's been accused of resting on his laurels repeatedly throughout his career, Street's Disciple did nothing to silence his critics.

I should add that he's still one of my favorites MCs ever, and I posted Street's Disciple on my list of best albums in 2004. I just wasn't feeling the double discs, and it disappoints me to have to keep skipping tracks to get to the good ones.

[Stringer Bell]

True that it didn't have anything of "One Mic" status, though I honestly think if you go back and give it another listen you'll enjoy it more. There are some really good things on that album, stuff still pops out at me that I never noticed, like his stellar last verse on "Reason"..

The thing is, I do think it silenced the critics to some degree. Sure, it wasn't the perfect, true classic that people were waiting on, but it delivered in a big way. Like I said, he didn't focus on appealing to the mainstream at all, it was all rugged and insightful hip-hop. I gotta appreciate that even if it could've been pulled off in a better fashion, that's all.

I do agree that certain cuts could've been left off. Out of 23 songs (not counting interludes), I'd say if you knocked it down to 18 you'd have an AMAZING album..

Hopefully Hip-Hop Is Dead is what it's made out to be. You can't have a title like that and then not deliver, it'll just look horrible. I expect GREATNESS! :D

[TRO]

The track with Jay-Z better be fucking good, after everything. I guess now I have to dig Street's Disciple out of the closet and put it on the ipod. btw I was planning to upload some tracks on monday or tuesday, and I think now I'll include Large Professor's remix of "It Ain't Hard to Tell" because it's dope and I don't know if anyone's heard it.

[stylesp]

The track with Jay-Z better be fucking good, after everything. I guess now I have to dig Street's Disciple out of the closet and put it on the ipod. btw I was planning to upload some tracks on monday or tuesday, and I think now I'll include Large Professor's remix of "It Ain't Hard to Tell" because it's dope and I don't know if anyone's heard it.


jay-zs new album is so corny nas' new album is gonna be dope with black republican jay-z has been bad ever since hes been datin beyonce..

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah the Large Pro remix is of "Hard To Tell" is dope!

"Black Republican" is immense TRO, I can find a link for it if you want.

Stylesp, what are you even talking about? Why are you hyped for the song Black Republican if you think Jay-Z is bad?

[Big]

I can't stop listening to Food and Liquor by Lupe Fiasco.

Great CD.
:yes:

[Slim Shady]

Yeah, I'm bored, so I thought I could do some quick reviews with some of the latest cds I've picked up..

Tech N9ne "Everyready" - I'm a huge Tech N9ne fan, he's probably my favorite rapper out there right now. So I really enjoy this album, it's my favorite of his thus far. There's only like 2 or 3 cuts that I don't really listen to.

Jay-Z "Kingdom Come" - This album surprised me to be honest. I really wasn't expectin too much with this one, but once again Hova comes up with a good album. Not his best, but solid cuts on this one.

Snoop Dogg "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment" - I enjoy this one more than the Jay-Z. There are so many people on this album, sometimes it seems a lil too crowded. But for the most part, I'm so glad to see the old Snoop back. This is honestly probably my second favorite Snoop album, behind Doggy Style.

Lupe Fiasco "Food and Liquor" - Again, this is one I enjoyed more than I thought I would. The only thing that really bugs me about this one is on the song with Jay-Z. I like the song, it's cool... But what the hell is up with the eagle sound? It bugs the hell outta me. But other than that, a very solid cd.

Cool.. I wasted like 5 minutes.. That was fun.

[Fro]

Yea, the Lupe album is excellent. "The Instrumental" has been my shit recently. I need to give that Snoop a full listen - I've heard only a few tracks but so far I like them.

[Stringer Bell]

The Snoop's really good. About half of it is DOOOOPE...

As for this Young Jeezy, I still maintain that it's shit, but it's impressive on a nice stereo system. It blew my head off today. It's just a shame the rapping has to be so poor..

[Slim Shady]

I've also been listening to The Game. Pretty good cd.. There's some solid cuts on it. I kinda fell away from both him and 50 Cent after all that bullshit beef.. but hey, at least Game can still come out with good music.

[TRO]

Food and Liquor has to be the best rap album I've heard this year. And I really really dig Game Theory.

[QuietStorm]

Agreed on both counts.

[Fro]

Yea, both of those are excellent. And hey, it is December, so I think it's officially time for the "Best Rap Albums of 2006" lists. Here's my top ten in order:

1. Game Theory
2. Fishscale
3. Feedback
4. Food & Liquor
5. Made in Brooklyn
6. Kingdom Come
7. Doctor's Advocate
8. Hell Hath No Fury
9. Hi-Teknology 2
10. Like Father, Like Son

I'd say it was a pretty good year. I was only going to do my top 5 but then there were too many I wanted to include. AZ's The Format gets my honorable mention.

[Stringer Bell]

Great list Fro, I especially agree with your #1 spot. Surprised to see J5 so high..

The only problem is, HIP HOP IS DEAD has yet to hit us... I just can't feel right making my list until I hear that.

[Fro]

Good point. I forgot about Nasty Nas... actually, I kinda thought it was pushed back to early 2007, but looks like it's still on track for a December 19th release.

I recently downloaded CNN's The War Report in full for the first time... dope.

[TRO]

Thought I'd upload what I've been listening to lately:

The Coup - My Favorite Mutiny feat. Black Thought and Talib Kweli (http://www.sendspace.com/file/ws4961)

Busdriver - Imaginary Places (http://www.sendspace.com/file/xmhgpi)

AZ - Sit 'Em Back Slow feat. MOP (http://www.sendspace.com/file/zos3ot)

Diverse - 747 (Flyin') (http://www.sendspace.com/file/eje823)

Libretto - Backseat Heaven feat. Jumbo (http://www.sendspace.com/file/eb6izp)

Mos Def and Ghostface - Ms. Fat Booty 2 (http://www.sendspace.com/file/q67o1a)

MC 900 Ft. Jesus - If I Only Had A Brain (http://www.sendspace.com/file/aldbmm)

Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell (Large Professor Remix) (http://www.sendspace.com/file/5mab8n)

Outerspace - Spanish Fly (http://www.sendspace.com/file/7b4y02)

Siren's Echo - Keep it Movin (http://www.sendspace.com/file/qi9nkf)

Sun-Zoo - The Dao of Sun-Zoo (http://www.sendspace.com/file/kukzqu)

Last Emperor - He's Alive feat. RZA (http://www.sendspace.com/file/e9ck2r)

Zion 1 - Yes Yes ft. Lyrics Born and Gift of Gab (http://www.sendspace.com/file/odcd3o)

[Adamy]

The Snoop's really good. About half of it is DOOOOPE...

As for this Young Jeezy, I still maintain that it's shit, but it's impressive on a nice stereo system. It blew my head off today. It's just a shame the rapping has to be so poor..

That Timbo beat blows my mind.

Out of curiousity, and this question is open to anyone, but what is that you think constitutes good rapping? Social messages, clever rhymes, interesting stories, candence, the vocal tone, or something else?

[Morrison]

Thought I'd upload what I've been listening to lately:

The Coup - My Favorite Mutiny feat. Black Thought and Talib Kweli (http://www.sendspace.com/file/ws4961)

Busdriver - Imaginary Places (http://www.sendspace.com/file/xmhgpi)

AZ - Sit 'Em Back Slow feat. MOP (http://www.sendspace.com/file/zos3ot)

Diverse - 747 (Flyin') (http://www.sendspace.com/file/eje823)

Libretto - Backseat Heaven feat. Jumbo (http://www.sendspace.com/file/eb6izp)

Mos Def and Ghostface - Ms. Fat Booty 2 (http://www.sendspace.com/file/q67o1a)

MC 900 Ft. Jesus - If I Only Had A Brain (http://www.sendspace.com/file/aldbmm)

Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell (Large Professor Remix) (http://www.sendspace.com/file/5mab8n)

Outerspace - Spanish Fly (http://www.sendspace.com/file/7b4y02)

Siren's Echo - Keep it Movin (http://www.sendspace.com/file/qi9nkf)

Sun-Zoo - The Dao of Sun-Zoo (http://www.sendspace.com/file/kukzqu)

Last Emperor - He's Alive feat. RZA (http://www.sendspace.com/file/e9ck2r)

Zion 1 - Yes Yes ft. Lyrics Born and Gift of Gab (http://www.sendspace.com/file/odcd3o)


Need to authorize it in iTunes. At least that Busdriver clip...

[Morrison]

That Timbo beat blows my mind.

Out of curiousity, and this question is open to anyone, but what is that you think constitutes good rapping? Social messages, clever rhymes, interesting stories, candence, the vocal tone, or something else?

I like wordplay and a nice hook. A persons vocal tone and flow really helps. For example, I always enjoyed Mystikal because of his flow, though the lyrics were never all too good.

[Stringer Bell]

Out of curiousity, and this question is open to anyone, but what is that you think constitutes good rapping? Social messages, clever rhymes, interesting stories, candence, the vocal tone, or something else?

It just depends for me. Different emcees can pull different things off. They can use their strengths to make up for their weaknesses. For instance, when 50 Cent blew up, he was never really a mind-blowing lyricist, but his flow, presence on the mic, and voice made people latch onto him.

Saigon's another good example. His lyrics won't necessarily make you drop your jaw, but the way he delivers them to you will. He has one of the most natural flows I've ever heard, you can tell he's really crafted it to perfection.

Then you have someone like Lupe Fiasco who's the rare breed, able to impress on all levels. His voice, flow, lyrics themselves, storytelling, social awareness, everything.. all on point. That's the reason EVERYONE seems to like at least some of his stuff, he just does it so well that he can appeal on so many different levels.

I could go into further detail, but that's all I've got for now.. Obviously you've got MC's like Gift of Gab from Blackalicious who just flow and flip rhymes that constantly amaze you, they're in a whole group of their own..

[Tainted Eclipse]

Speaking of social messages, I would just like to take this oppertunity to say I hate Sage Francis.

[Hack]

Well I'm sure he'll go on and kick more ass without your support.

[Adamy]

I like wordplay and a nice hook. A persons vocal tone and flow really helps. For example, I always enjoyed Mystikal because of his flow, though the lyrics were never all too good.

ahahahaha Mystikal. I haven't thought about him in years.

I'm the same way with Slim Thug. Anyone could be a good rapper if they had that voice.

[Adamy]

Well I'm sure he'll go on and kick more ass without your support.



Personally, I think he's gotten kind of boring over the years.

Also, one time I tried to book him, and when I tried to get an asking price, he said "It depends on what kind of show you want," which is a pretty dick move if you ask me.

[Tainted Eclipse]

Well I'm sure he'll go on and kick more ass without your support.



he sounds like an annoying psuedo-political cunt from what i've heard of him. no one gets anywhere without my support.

[Stringer Bell]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g41NGF6xTEA

Jay's Lost Ones video :D

[Hack]

Personally, I think he's gotten kind of boring over the years.

Also, one time I tried to book him, and when I tried to get an asking price, he said "It depends on what kind of show you want," which is a pretty dick move if you ask me.


Well, I've never tried to book him, but I've interviewed the guy. And he was pretty great. I remember thinking he seemed like a prick at first, so maybe he gives off some bad vibe, but he was a really nice guy.

Francis has made two outstanding albums and another, A Healthy Distrust, that wasn't too bad, either.

I've seen him live twice. Both shows were incredible.

[Cubed-Sphere]

he sounds like an annoying psuedo-political cunt from what i've heard of him. no one gets anywhere without my support.

I just earned an A on my oral presentation in Spanish. I'm doing just fine without ya, pal.

No, I'm really not. Positive rep me and I'll spraypaint your avatar on the White House.

[Motherboy]

Well, I've never tried to book him, but I've interviewed the guy. And he was pretty great. I remember thinking he seemed like a prick at first, so maybe he gives off some bad vibe, but he was a really nice guy.


Francis has made two outstanding albums and another, A Healthy Distrust, that wasn't too bad, either.


I've seen him live twice. Both shows were incredible.



I've heard he's supposed to be great live, but I have to say I can't stand "A Healthy Distrust". I love "Personal Journals", though. Sage Francis = :yes:

[Restiform]

I don't really know much about him personally, but as a writer and MC I think hes great. I first heard about him through Non-Prophets, and Hope is one of my favourite albums, along with Personal Journals. I also liked A Healthy Distrust pretty good as well.


I used too many italics in this post

[TRO]

Need to authorize it in iTunes. At least that Busdriver clip...

Sorry man, I spaced out on that. I think that's the only track that would be a problem for, though.

Oh man oh man oh man. So I went to the NBA 2K7 tour tonight, featuring Dan the Automator. Might be the best rap concert I've ever been to; I will have to reflect on that for a minute. It started with a rock band who I've never heard of but they were really great, and I ran into the lead singer after their set and she was pretty cute and I told her they rocked and I didn't expect to hear a Badfinger cover at a rap show and I was sorry the place was empty and nobody applauded them (except me) and she gave me a hug. Which was cool. Anyways, then there was a rap duo from Seattle called Common Market, who got the crowd warmed up, then Automator came out and did a couple tunes. Then it was Andre the Giant from Showbiz and AG, followed by Rakaa Iriscience, then Casual, then Charlie 2na came out and brought the house down with "What's Golden", with Automator kicking out the beats for all of them. In between the MCs, Automator did tracks from Dr. Octagon, Deltron 3030, Handsome Boy Modeling School, and "Clint Eastwood" with Iriscience and the whole crowd singing the hook. Then at the end the chick from the opening band came back out and did the vocals for some Automator stuff and 2na told the whole crowd to wish her a happy birthday and I was like "omg I hugged her". I'm so cool. I don't even need paragraphs anymore. Wooo.

[TRO]

Out of curiousity, and this question is open to anyone, but what is that you think constitutes good rapping? Social messages, clever rhymes, interesting stories, candence, the vocal tone, or something else?

For me, it's the clever rhymes. All that really matters is if your rhymes is ill, oh baby, oh baby.

[Hack]

Holy shit, "Hip Hop is Dead" is greatness.

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah man. I cannot wait for that album. Wait til you hear the song "Can't Forget About You" that's making its way around the net... it's CLASSIC stuff. Nas has something huge in store for us, I can feel it.

As for Sage Francis, I've always liked him. He's an extremely talented songwriter, it just seems like he takes himself a bit too seriously as a person. Sometimes his internet rants can get annoying, the way he tries to drive home his beliefs. But I guess it's better to show you're an intellectual and actually have an opinion on things, unlike most rappers...

[Stringer Bell]

As I said, I want to wait and do my Top list of the year later on when Nas and everyone has dropped, but I can safely speak on this for now..

The most disappointing hip-hop album of 2006 goes to...

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000HCO8IG.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_V60036201_.jpg

What happened? I know I'm not the only one who expected big things out of this album. It was the first Shadow we had heard in years, and the single that leaked early on ("Backstage Girl" f/ Phonte of Little Brother) gave me really high hopes for the album. Unfortunately, when the time came, we heard a wide blend of stuff, ranging from a few old-school style Shadow tracks to full-blown West Coast 'hyphy' rap. The problem here lies in the fact that the hyphy tracks just aren't very good at all. We know Shadow for his epic, mind-blowing creations that still leave us in awe years later. Unfortunately, on this album he seems to have settled on forgettable, disposable tracks that don't stand out among anything else this year. "Backstage Girl" remains my favorite song on the disc.

What I won't accuse Shadow of doing is selling out. I've read that a bunch since the album came out, that he sold out and changed his sound to better sell records. That's bullshit. The whole 'hyphy' sound isn't exactly blowing up across the nation, E-40 seems to be the only artist who's had moderate success. It's not like Shadow jumped on some lame trend like snap music or crunk just to sell records, he just went with the local sound that people are embracing in his area. And I can't blame him for doing that, I'm just not a fan of the final result.


Thoughts? What's YOUR pick for biggest disappointment?

[N.E.R.F.]

Apparently I'm going to see Snoop and P. Diddy (or whatever he's calling himself these days) in March. :cool:?

[Ricky]

Listening to Re-Up now. Outside of You Don't Know, it's pretty average.

Avoid Whatever You Want, at all costs.

[Fro]

This Clipse album is getting better each time I listen to it. "Trill" has some insane verses.

[Slim Shady]

I laughed the first time I heard Trill.. He spits so hard in the first verse.

[Stringer Bell]

I really, really don't like "Trill". Good album though.

[Slim Shady]

So I finally got myself to listen to the new Fat Joe. I've never liked him much, but the cd ain't half bad. Some good songs on it.. I'm not gonna rush out to get his next cd, but he's not shitty to me anymore.. :yes:

[Stringer Bell]

The rapping is horrible on that CD.

[Slim Shady]

I guess why they're called opinions..

I also picked up Warren G's Regulate - G Funk Era for $5. Man.. I miss Warren G. Regulators is one of my favorite songs ever, no doubt.

[Stringer Bell]

Okay, now everyone go back a page and read my most disappointing album of the year :p

[TRO]

No-one's going to disagree with you.

[Ricky]

Just finished Hell Hath No Fury. Amazing stuff.

Also, I listened to The Re-Up again, but listened to it as a mixtape. Way better than before. Only track that's up to album level is You Don't Know.

[Stringer Bell]

"No Apologies" is the best song on there, by far. Stat Quo, Ca$his and those dudes are boring.

The Nas finally leaked... :drool:

[Fro]

The Nas finally leaked... :drool:

Nice. Give us some impressions when you get a chance. But I think I'm gonna wait for this one to hit stores. Already told Ma Dukes to give it to me for Christmas.

Regarding the title track... it's dope and all, but does it bother anyone else that it uses the same sample from Thiefs Theme? It's a good sample, but it still really irks me. Couldn't will.i.am come up with something fresh?

[Stringer Bell]

1. Money Over Bullshit - A hard-hitting L.E.S. track with a lot of bass. Grimey, dark sounding track. Nas comes raw. 9/10

2. You Can't Kill Me - Salaam Remi on the beat.. not the best on the album, but it's a pretty hard song. Nas comes nice lyrically. "You speakin hogwash, silly shit, balderdash/I got that lah sparked, Phillies lit, smokers jacket on/Son of a Capricon, my dads a don/What you think he spawned a slacker? Naw" 8.5/10

3. Where Are They Now? - Anoter Salaam Remi beat, this one has an old school vibe. Samples James Brown, and Nas talks about MC's of the past who haven't put anything out for awhile. Good concept, and a good track. It's pretty smooth, I can see it growing on me a lot. 8.5/10

4. Carry On Tradition - Scott Storch on the beat here. It's not as impressive as the first three tracks, but Nas has a lot of nice lines. "Some of you new rappers, I don't understand your code/You have your man shoot you like in that Sopranos episode". I'm not a big fan of Storch's recent stuff, but this isn't so bad. 8/10

5. Who Killed It - Wow. Will.I.Am comes through again on the beat here, with Nas trying something totally different. I'm telling you, this is on some completely original shit. He takes the "Live Now" concept of rapping in a different tone to another level, and raps the whole song in an old man's voice. It's.. interesting, to say the least. Was it necessary? Hard to say. It's not bad by any means, but I've gotta wonder which songs got cut for this. 6.5/10

6. Hip-Hop Is Dead - I've grown to love this song. Will.I.Am absolutely kills the beat. I don't mind it using the same sample as "Thief's Theme", just because it was flipped in a totally different way, and I honestly can't decide which I like more. The new single is just perfect and captures the essence of the album. Will.I.Am's beat is nuts, the natural drums just make you want to move. Slick shit. One thing that's strange is it seems he's put the edited version of this track on the retail album, a ton of lyrics are changed from the song we've been listening to for months. 9/10

7. Black Republican (f/ Jay-Z) - I'm sure a lot of you have heard this by now, so what can I say? It's everything you would expect. L.E.S. comes through with a monster of a beat that samples The Godfather 2, and Nas and Jay both rip it accordingly. One of 2006's best moments in hip-hop, period. 10/10

8. Not Going Back (f/ Kelis) - This track isn't so bad, better than I expected for the inevitable Kelis collaboration. Some producer StarGate comes through on the beat, and it's a bit basic but not bad at all. Nas spits some about not returning to his past and problems facing the Black community today. The hook from Kelis isn't bad at all. 7.5/10

9. Still Dreaming (f/ Kanye West) - Kanye did the beat on this one as well as contributing vocals. I won't say too much, besides it's smooth as hell. 9.5/10

10. Hold Down The Block - A pretty dope beat from Mark Batson. I didn't like it at first, as it sounds a bit overproduced, but it's pretty dope after a few listens. Nas kills it. 8.5/10

11. Blunt Ashes - Produced by Chris Webber. Yeah, that Chris Webber. The beat really isn't bad at all, it's on a real dark tip. Nas spits some introspective shit about smoking and old writers, poets and songwriters. Good shit. 8.5/10

12. Let There Be Light (f/ Tre Williams) - Another Kanye banger. I'm a sucker for those pure, natural drum sounds. Smooth ass shit. I won't spoil much, Nas comes hard. 9/10

13. Play On Playa (f/ Snoop Dogg) - This one's another Scott Storch beat, but it's really good. Probably my favorite Scott Storch beat in a while. Nas and Snoop both trade back and forth, spitting that pimp shit. Dope song. 9/10

14. Can't Forget About You (f/ Chrisette Michele) - Another Will.I.Am track, and probably the highlight of the album. I can't say enough about this song, I seriously think it's one of the smoothest rap songs I've heard in years. Chrisette Michele sings a BEAUTIFUL chorus that sounds like it could've been recorded in the 1930's, while Nas comes with timeless lyrics. "That's why the gangsta rhymers ain't inspired/Heinous crimes help record sales more than creative lines/And I don't wanna keep bringing up the greater times/But I'm a dreamer and nostalgic with the state of mind". If you have a passion for hip-hop, this song will FLOOR you. 10/10

15. Hustlers (f/ The Game and Marsha of Floetry) - The track that was floating around as "QB True G". Dr. Dre beat, it's as hard as you'd expect. Nas comes raw and The Game spits one of the best verses of his career (seriously). Game talks about being in the store 11 years ago, trying to decide between The Chronic or Illmatic since he only has $20. He decides it's too hard of a choice, says fuck it, steals both, and buys a dubsack. Haha, dope shit. Nas seems to bring out the best in Game. 9/10

16. Hope - An acapella track. Just straight lyrical, what you'd expect. The singing in the background gets a bit annoying towards the end, but Nas kills it. 8/10

Overall, it's a hell of an album. One of 2006's best, without a doubt. It's not perfect, but I can certainly see myself looking back years from now and calling it a classic. Obviously it won't single-handedly save hip-hop, but now I can safely say I think the music is worthy of the controversial album title.

[TRO]

Chris Webber?

[Stringer Bell]

Haha, I dunno..

[Hack]

Juan Howard must have been busy.

ZING!

[Morrison]

Why would they use the edited version of "Hip Hop Is Dead?"

[Simon]

You able to up this, SB?

[Stringer Bell]

Why would they use the edited version of "Hip Hop Is Dead?"

I have no idea, but it's definitely edited. It's not unheard of.. Goodie Mob had a clean version of "They Don't Dance No Mo" on their retail album, among countless others that have done the same thing with the lead single. Why? I have no idea.

Here's a link... http://rapidshare.com/files/6523337/HipHopBootleggersPresentsHipHopIsDead.rar/

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

Sounds shit hot, good review too.

Safe on the upload son. Nas is one of rhe few artists (like Game) actually of any genre I will go and buy the cd of if it's that good.

[Ricky]

Thanks for the Nas upload.

Listening to the new Saigon mixtape. Nothing amazing, but a few good songs.

[Hack]

"Streets is Watching" is an edited version, isn't it?

Even if it has been done before, though, it is still fucking stupid.

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

Yeah, my copy of Pain Is Love has a radio-friendly version of Livin It Up :(

[Stringer Bell]

Talking about how "Hip-hop Is Dead" is edited, here's a collection of tracks that may be an official release or not.. it's stuff that didn't make the album. Dirty version's on there.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/1uq2e1

[Stringer Bell]

Alright, my top 25 rap albums of the year... feel free to discuss, critique, call me out on something you totally disagree with, whatever. I don't think I forgot anything, although 2006 was an excellent year when you start digging through all the stuff, so I very well could have forgotten something big. Let me know if you see any major exclusions. I was really surprised with a lot of this stuff when it came down to it, but this is how the cards fell..

1. The Roots - Game Theory
2. Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead
3. Pack FM - Wutduzfmstand4?
4. Jay-Z - Kingdom Come
5. Ghostface - Fishscale
6. Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor
7. AZ - The Format
8. J Dilla - Donuts
9. Jedi Mind Tricks - Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell
10. Boot Camp Clik - The Last Stand
11. J Dilla - The Shining
12. Mr. Lif - Mo Mega
13. The Game - Doctor's Advocate
14. Ghostface - More Fish
15. Busta Rhymes - The Big Bang
16. Masta Killa - Made In Brooklyn
17. Oh No - Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms
18. Strange Fruit Project - The Healing
19. Madlib - Beat Konducta
20. Bronze Nazareth - The Great Migration
21. Trek Life - Price I've Paid
22. Murs and 9th Wonder - Murray's Revenge
23. Belief - The Dedication
24. Outerspace - Blood Brothers
25. Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury

Honorable Mentions

Method Man - 4:21 The Day After
Hi-Tek - Hi-teknology 2
Snoop Dogg - The Blue Carpet Treatment
KRS-One - LIFE
Panacea - Ink Is My Drink
Kenn Starr - Star Status
Wade Waters - Dark Water

Also, Pumpkinhead's Orange Moon Over Brooklyn deserves a nod, though I honestly can't remember if it was a '06 release or not.

And Cunninlynguists A Piece of Strange is often referred to as a 2006 release, but lots of people also say it was an '05 release. I seem to remember seeing it in stores long ago, but I unfortunately don't have a copy so I can't check the back of the album. If it is indeed a 2006 release, it deserves a spot waaaay up there. It's Top 5 material without a doubt.

[QuietStorm]

That Chris Webber jam is honestly one of my favorite cuts on the album. Great work by Nas overall, I love it.

[TRO]

Good picks SB. My list would have to be Roots, Lupe, Nas, Ghostface, JMT. Lot of good albums this year. Lot of good mixtapes too.

[Hack]

Hey Buck/SB/whatever the hell you wish to be called ... is that avatar the cover of the Ghost/Doom project or something?

I want that album. Now.

[Stringer Bell]

Nah, just a little avy I cropped from a comic book cover because it was cool as hell. What'd you think of my list?

[Hack]

Nah, just a little avy I cropped from a comic book cover because it was cool as hell. What'd you think of my list?


Oh. Well, it should be the cover of that album.

And your list seems solid ... you seem to have Nas pretty high for an album you just started to digest, but it's your list, so who am I to argue?

I also never heard that Oh No album ... I need to, though.

[spanish announce table]

Is the Nas & Damian Marley joint "White Man's Paper" on the album?

[TRO]

I meant to post this the other day:

Lyrics Born - I'm Just Raw (remix feat. Del and Pigeon John) (http://www.sendspace.com/file/dhz5lj), off of his new live album.

[Fro]

Is the Nas & Damian Marley joint "White Man's Paper" on the album?

Good question. It doesn't seem to be on the version that leaked (the one Buck reviewed), but that version has a significantly different track listing than what's listed on hiphopsite.com and other web sites. So I'm not sure what to think.

[Stringer Bell]

There's definitely a good amount of confusion over the tracklisting, but I think the one that most people have will end up being the retail. The listing is the same as the iTunes pre-order, and also they seem to be most of the same songs that had been "previewed" by websites and what not. Although I do remember reading impressions on the Damian Marley track, so it certainly exists. Maybe it'll leak shortly after the album drops, I dunno.

[Matthew]

So me, always being behind, just started listening to Kingdom Come. Sorry Buck

I love it, but alas, I am a fanboy. My computer wouldn't burn Dig a Hole, which from what I read, is probably one of the worse tracks. Eventhough I love every song on this so far.

[Stringer Bell]

Haha no worries.. I remember you being drunk when I sent you a link, I was just really excited.

"Dig A Hole" is definitely one of the weaker tracks, but I dig it. It might be the worst beat on there, but it's catchy and Jay's pretty nice on it. It's basically all a big not-so-subliminal Cam'ron diss, and if you listen to it with that in mind, it's that much better.

[Matthew]

I don't think there is a beat on it that doesn't make tap, bounce, or something. I popped it in, the intro blew me away, then I hear Janis on track 2 and then my mind exploded for awhile.

[Morrison]

"Lost One" blows my mind. Might be my favorite song of the year. Could listen to that on repeat for a looooooooong time.

[Stringer Bell]

Wait until you hear "Can't Forget About You" on the new Nas album. Not to take anything away from "Lost Ones", it's an amazing song, but I wasn't kidding in my review when I said "Can't Forget.." is one of the best songs I've heard in years. I've listened to it more than any song in recent memory, and it just gets better. It's timeless hip-hop.

By the way, it's interesting that Chrisette Michele appears on both tracks. Both songs remind me of each other in a away, being that they're the highlights of their respective albums and some of the best rap songs in years. This girl is something special though, she definitely adds a lot to both tracks. Hope to hear more from her.

[Morrison]

I believe I listened to it last night. If I did, it obviously didn't stand out, personally. But I'm not sure.

It's mostly the piano, the hook and Jay's wordplay during the second verse that makes me have wee joygasams all over myself.

Plus 'Made Hov say 'ok so, make another Hov.''

LOVE!

[TRO]

The new Nas is so great. I would completely flip-flop and say it's the best rap album of the year, except Roots and Lupe have been entertaining me for months. But those three albums are so dope it's basically a tossup between the three, and they're all different styles of rap too. :heart: hip-hop. It's not dead.

[spanish announce table]

What would you guys say are verses of the year? Without having heard the new Nas and Ghost, here are a few off the top of my head:

Killa Sin - The Bronzeman
"need the speed of a cheetah with feet as wide as an elephant/ ammo like John Rambo to stand a chance in my element/ handle hammers with elegance/ damage the camera's evidence/ ammo that dismantle's limbs, where you stand is irrelevant/"

Steele - He Gave His Life
"the good die young, thats what they saying/ in the hood where I'm from, thats an understatement/"

Malik B - Game Theory
"dreams of M-16's with infa-red beams/ blow up the presidents crib with cans of kerosene/ hijack the limousine with strategic routine/ murder my enemies and head for the Carribbean/"

Bronze Nazareth - Black Royalty
"my words are sutures for a broken future/ stitch clouds together, lift you to heaven when we lose ya/"

Black Thought - False Media
"if I cant work to make it, I'll rob and take it/ either that or my and my children are starving and naked/"

RA the Rugged Man - Uncommon Valor
The whole fucking thing

[scurvy pirate]

My vote goes for RA as well. The guys always been fucking nuts skills wise, but he brought the lyrics with it as well on that track.

Just a shame it was on a Jedi Mind Tricks record really.

[Hack]

Make that three votes for RA.

Verse of the year? Easy.

[N.E.R.F.]

The last minute and a half of Shakespeare by Akala is incredible. Might host the song in a bit cos it's not something you Americans would have come across. Sick though.

[Slim Shady]

I don't remember what song it is, but it's on the Re-Up. But my vote goes to Em, just for sayin he fucked Mariah in the ass... With KY :yes:

[Stringer Bell]

Well, I have to say I agree, that alone must make it a simply phenomenal verse. Good call :yes:



























:rolleyes:

[Fro]

Best verses of the year? Tough call, but here's my picks:

Jay's first verse off "Lost Ones"
I heard motherfuckers sayin they made Hov
made Hov say 'okay, so, make another Hov'...

Black Thought's second verse off "Can't Stop This"
They can't stop this, I want my peoples to rock this
bang this music in your speakers and boxes
Langston Hughes is bout as a deep as my thoughts is
sit back and I'ma paint you a portrait
this stuff can make you think you are lost
this shit can have you exhausted
just picture the planet and imagine it's yours, kid...

Shakey Dog by Ghostface. The whole song is just one long, nasty verse in which Ghost tells a pretty intricate story. Also, all three verses on "The Champ." I was listening to the song just now, trying to pick the best one, but they're all insanely dope and worthy of this list.

Lupe's second verse on "The Intrsumental"
He just sits, and listens to the people in the boxes
everything he hears he absorbs and adopts it
anything not comin out the box he blocks it
see he loves to box and hope they never stop it...

First verse off Clipse - Trill (dunno whether it's Pusha or Malice)

G’s up, rev them V’s up
federallies tryin’ to reach us, to keep us
flooded pieces, diamond-size reeses pieces
you know who he is, nigga talk show like Regis
king push flow prestigious
hoes suck me like leeches...

Zaakir of J5's verse off "Radio"
I'm a H-I-P, H-O-P, H-E-A-D
and since one-nine-eight-three
R to the A-P-P-I-N
eighty-four was the year I picked up the pen
at the same time breakin tryin' to come on in
but I was already in since way back when
one-nine-seven-five, the saga began
R to the O-B-O-T-I-N
eighty-one I was P-O-P-P-I-N
one-nine-eighty-two D-J-in
eighty-three it was all about Run-DMC man
a gangbanger taught me how to break dance then
the same year I picked up the pen
and wrote my first rhyme and got that feelin
and now I'm here in the flesh, still dope, still death
tryin' to get my song rockin on the radio

I'm sure there's some worthy verses on the Nas album, but haven't given it enough listens to pick them out yet.

Also let me just repeat something I said a few months ago:
The Roots' "Can't Stop This" is my song of the year.

[Slim Shady]

First verse off Clipse - Trill (dunno whether it's Pusha or Malice)

G’s up, rev them V’s up
federallies tryin’ to reach us, to keep us
flooded pieces, diamond-size reeses pieces
you know who he is, nigga talk show like Regis
king push flow prestigious
hoes suck me like leeches...

I love the verse.. But you left out the best part of it.. At least to me..

Flow chameleon
Worth by the million
Sell the Bolivian
Feds in oblivion
Bitch Brazilian
Purse reptilian
Took her from off her island like Gilligan

:heart: that..

[Stringer Bell]

I gotta tell you guys, I hated "Trill", but I've been listening to it in the car, and it really bangs on the system. It's still far from the best song on there, but the beat is nuts, and the verses are really fun even though they're basically chock full of commercial rap cliches. That's my main turn off, but it's something good to bump in the car.

Let's see.. some of my favorite verses... I'll add to this constantly as I think of more.

Obviously R.A. on the JMT track, but everyone's already said that..

"Ayo, the arm bone connected to the hand bone
Nigga the hand bone connected to the damn chrome
Sean is a killa, Monkey Barz, Sean the gorilla
Grape, ape in the flesh, the great 8 is the best
Duke I spit bodies and take name and take aim
At wake ass rappers who be thinkin that they the king
Stop with the lies, before I put a knot on your eye
Pop a popular guy, paw, plot your demise
It's not just a rhyme, it's a actual fact
That the god will actually clap at any rappers that's wack
Internet niggas usin my image, you not Sean
Triple W, dot, get the fuck on, dot com"
-Sean Price on Boot Camp Clik's "Don't Cross The Line"

Jay-Z's whole verse on "The Prelude". Amazing.

Lupe's third verse of "Hurt Me Soul"
"So through the grim reaper's sickle sharpenin..".. real nice verse. Says SO much in one verse, and the multis and what not are insane.

"Yo, fuck all the small talkin
Get on your job or get to walkin
Major league batters in here, you steady barkin
The mac maul cats like dogs and botched abortions
Make blood pour like bottles of bub, we pop the corks on the war zone
Better believe I get my stalk on
Artist Of The Year, join or fall long, bunng
When all's said and done, I'll be long gone
Hong Kong, gettin my cock rocked through my long johns"
-Killa Sin on Masta Killa's "East MC's"

Rhymefest on "Dymonite". NUTS.

"The last of the red hot, hip hop lovin MC's
That came up on grits and government cheese
The only thing I ever really loved in my life, was a mic
Some of my niggas fell in love with MP's
Come on, work the bass, nigga juggle them keys..."
-Black Thought on The Roots "Can't Stop This"

Just some for now.. I'll post more later.

[Slim Shady]

So I was bored and thinking about what my favorite albums have been this year. I've narrowed it to five.

Tech N9ne - Everready
Snoop Dogg - Blue Carpet Treatment
Jay-Z - Kingdom Come
Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor
Ludacris - Release Therapy

I'm sure once I get my hands on the Nas, that'll be added..

[Fro]

I love the verse.. But you left out the best part of it..

Yea, that whole opening verse is excellent. The beat isn't great compared to the rest of the album, but it holds its own. I like the hook.

I know I'm late with this, but "Black Republican" is incredible. Honestly a hip hop classic.

[TRO]

My favorite verse was Dice Raw's, on "Here I Come":

Black ink raw life in this whatchamacallit
Weed smokin junkie alcoholic
One foot in the grave, one foot in the toilet
Still I'm onstage, in front of an audience
Disturbing the peace and the local ordinance
It's pimp shit pop, I need coordinates
My eta, I'll arrive by morning
Money long like the arms on Alonzo Mourning
Vampire chicks suck blood, dusk to dawnin
Waitin to catch me sleepin, I'm not yawnin
They in the VIP, at the Garden
They gonna jump me, when I stop performing
I got something for them, behind the organ
I always roll deep with my squadron
The sheriff out front gonna sick the dogs in
That nigger talkin bout he got warrants

RA was also outstanding; I think the last time I heard someone murder the beat like that was Killer Mike on "The Whole World" by Outkast. Every damn syllable, right on the money.

[N.E.R.F.]

The last minute and a half of Shakespeare by Akala is incredible. Might host the song in a bit cos it's not something you Americans would have come across. Sick though.

http://download.yousendit.com/466B8A443DA86C2C

As promised. Buck, TRO, Hack, reckon you'll appreciate this the most. The bastard's younger than me though :(

[Stringer Bell]

I'll check it out soon.

No offense Slim, but I'm bewildered as to how that Ludacris could make anyone's list. Ah well, each to their own..

[Slim Shady]

No offense Slim, but I'm bewildered as to how that Ludacris could make anyone's list. Ah well, each to their own..

Damn.. I think you've disagreed with just about everything I've said.. :shifty:
I dunno.. I really enjoyed the album. I think they're a solid 8 tracks on it. Mind you that number came off the top of my head. But yes, I really enjoyed it.

[Simon]

Akala is great on Shakespeare, and the beat is excellent, sampling (well, outright stealing the entire tune) from a big house track called Happiness by Tomcraft. Also with Akala, Welcome To England is great too. If any of you Yanks are interested in any British hip-hop (genuine hip-hop, not stuff like The Streets or Lady Sovereign) then check out Klashnekoff, Taskforce, maybe a bit of Jehst and Kano. Klashnekoff in particular is superb.

[N.E.R.F.]

Akala's better than Klashnekoff, or the mixtape of his that I've heard anyway. Kano and Lowkey are both greatness though but Akala seems to have real raw talent and if he manages to improve even slightly on his first album UK hip-hop has a very good thing on its hands.

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah, "Shakespeare" is pretty fun. It didn't really blow my mind, but the guy can flow. The beat sounds like a strange blend of southern US hip-hop and dance/house music as you mentioned, Simon.

[Fro]

Here's the "Shine On 'Em" video from Nas. The song and video are both real tight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fFfFSX-D9w

[Stringer Bell]

I keep getting you confused with Myles cause of that av :p

[Fro]

Friggin Myles with his Taxi Driver avatar... GZA will put a cap in his ass.

[scurvy pirate]

Akala is great on Shakespeare, and the beat is excellent, sampling (well, outright stealing the entire tune) from a big house track called Happiness by Tomcraft. Also with Akala, Welcome To England is great too. If any of you Yanks are interested in any British hip-hop (genuine hip-hop, not stuff like The Streets or Lady Sovereign) then check out Klashnekoff, Taskforce, maybe a bit of Jehst and Kano. Klashnekoff in particular is superb.

Any idea when Klashnekoffs albums actually out ? It sounded like it was supposed to be out when he got the HHC cover earlier in the year, now they've reviewed it and it still hasn't appeared.

[spanish announce table]

Just some random shit I was thinking about. Who do you guys think has been the best MC of the last 10 years? I would say Ghost or Black Thought. Ghostface has put out 6 solos, 3 Wu albums, and a Theodore album, and nothing has been wack. BT has stepped his game up immensely since Halflife, and has had some amazing performances (Thought @ Work, Web, all of Game Theory).

[Morrison]

"Desire" - Pharoahe Monch (http://boss.streamos.com/real/labels/universalmotown/src/pharoahemonch/audio/desire.ram)

New Monch song, Alchemist-produced. First heard this thing about a year ago when I saw him in concert with Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Not too bad. Really makes me look forward to some more.

[Stringer Bell]

HHC is a fucking awesome magazine. I've only read one issue, being that I'm in the states. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the special edition Def Jux issue from 2005 with an order off DJ's website last year, and after one issue I can safely say it's one of the better rap mags I've read. Chock full of content (ORIGINAL content at that), not a whole lot of ads, and all sorts of diversity. They covered everything from classic DITC albums, to Cage's 2005 LP, to all sorts of UK hip-hop I haven't even heard of. Just wanted to add that... excellent read.

It's hard to say who the best emcee of the last ten years is. Ghostface is an excellent choice, he's truly never had a misstep as you said. I think my pick will be Jay-Z, for the simple fact that over the span of the last decade, he came into the game as a total newcomer with mind-blowing skills, crafted his art along the way, and in ten short years has become arguably the focal point of hip-hop. His rise is outstanding and unlike anyone else's.

As far as actual material, he's hit us with countless classics. Kicked things off in '96 with the PERFECT Reasonable Doubt, returned with an acceptable follow-up with In My Lifetime Vol. 1, DOMINATED the mainstream with Vol. 2.. Hard Knock Life, CONTINUED to dominate the mainstream for the next two albums, then nearly re-invented himself on the CLASSIC The Blueprint. The growth from his debut to that point is immeasurable. Everyone knows what followed -- Blueprint 2, which wasn't quite the magnum-opus we hoped for, but it was still an excellent album once you knocked off some filler. Then comes the "retirement" and probably his most infamous album to date, The Black Album. Perhaps unintentionally this time, Hov re-invented himself again, and managed to appeal to mostly everyone, from die-hard rap heads to some rock fans who detest hip-hop. Now we've got Kingdom Come, which solidifies him as one of the GOATs, no questions asked. Can't forget about the countless guest verses he dropped throughout those ten years, there have been some real gems there too...

Simply put, it's gotta be Hov for me. In hip-hop, this last decade more or less BELONGED to Jay.

[Fro]

Yea, I agree that it's Jay. Dude's put out 9 albums since '96, and even though he's struggled with beat selection at times (most apparently on In My Lifetime and Vol. 2), lyrically he's always been superb. Buck made a good point about how he has risen from a newcomer to the king of the rap industry.

Black Thought would be my runner up. The Roots have made 5 outstanding albums sine '96, and Thought has come real hard on each of them. The only thing that puts him behind Jay for me is the disparity in how many rhymes each has put out. Jay dropped a new album each year for the majority of the last decade... hard to compete with that.

Ghost and Nas are also worthy of mention. It's interesting... if we were being really strict and only considering albums released in the last 10 years (as in since December 1996), we wouldn't be able to count four classics from these four artists: Reasonable Doubt, Illadelph Halflife, It Was Written and Ironman all came out earlier in '96.

[Stringer Bell]

Man, Reef The Lost Cauze really summed up a lot of my thoughts about popular rap today on his Myspace blog. I remember when I used to argue with Krispy and others in this thread about the south shit, and I'd always hear the argument that it must be good because it sells so well, gets the most radio play, and everyone likes it. Well, Reef handled it much better than I did...


No no no. We want the coon. The
ignorant motherfucker, weather he be southern, east coast west coast or
whatever. Just as long as he is talkin about ignorant shit and its got a
dope beat then that's what's up. But in the same breath will big up a
band (Radiohead, Gnarlys barkely) for being dope ARTISTS. Bands that
make terrible mindless music they play on the radio aren't hot. They
aren't makin any groundbreaking music. Ok, so why don..'t they . Ok, so why don't they hold the
standard up to hiphop? Is it that this music is so disposable and dumb
that we shouldn..'t expect our mcs to make songs that move our souls and
not just our feet? And who are "they" usually? You know the people who
determine what..'s current and "now"? The bloggers and magazine editors
and trend jumpin scenceters and djs who usually don..'t live in the hood
unless its a gentrified hood and even then be scared to death when
someone who looks like one of their favorite rappers is walking down the
street late at night. I say that because these kids don..'t seem to
understand that music has never ever been just music. Nah son, that shit
is more powerful then any teacher or mentor in the hood.



I'm not sayin go buy a bunch of fuckin Tribe called quest
records and hold hands but damn man stop denying that people have a
point when they say the current state of this artform is one sided and
stereotypical to what my mother told me was the savage.

WOW.

Read the rest if you'd like - here (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4729732&blogID=204444308&MyToken=3d563487-5507-48af-bfc3-c2ed1fd06c22)

[QuietStorm]

I love Reef the Lost Cauze. He's a dude I'd like to eventually see perform live.

Congrats on passing me in thread posts.

[Hack]

I'm listening to some songs from More Fish on prefixmag.com and I think I might have to go buy that today. Sounds real strong ... and I like supporting anything MF Doom has a hand in.

Speaking of Doom, I think you have to call Jay-Z the best in the last 10 years, but I think Doom might be right behind him. And most of Doom's stuff has come out in just the last 5 or 6 years. Dude is insane. And brilliant.

[Tainted Eclipse]

I'd put Doom above J. A huge ammount of quality, you can pick any random Doom song you've never heard before and it'll probably be great. Not sure how old KMD is, but his participation in that certainly helps his case.

[Adamy]

Man, Reef The Lost Cauze really summed up a lot of my thoughts about popular rap today on his Myspace blog. I remember when I used to argue with Krispy and others in this thread about the south shit, and I'd always hear the argument that it must be good because it sells so well, gets the most radio play, and everyone likes it. Well, Reef handled it much better than I did...





WOW.

Read the rest if you'd like - here (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4729732&blogID=204444308&MyToken=3d563487-5507-48af-bfc3-c2ed1fd06c22)

That was interesting stuff. I agree with him about coonery, and about the dangers of denying people a voice, and about how it's wrong to oversimplify what's wrong with hip hop today, but I also think you're oversimplifying the issue by making it only about popular music, or really even rap. I highly recommend you Percival Everett's satirical novel Erasure if this is a subject you're into.

[Stringer Bell]

Nah, I certainly did oversimplify it, you're right there. I just figured by highlighting the main focus and throwing a few interesting quotes on here, more people might be persuaded to check it out. It's definitely on a much deeper level than I gave it credit for.

I'll check out the novel, as I really haven't read anything that intrigued me as much as Reef's rant in quite awhile.

[Dan The Man]

With respect to the first part that you quoted, there's been some pretty heated stuff being said in the blogosphere on the subject of Tom Breihan, very much a white "trend jumpin scenceter," who does the hip-hop reviews for the Village Voice.

There's the original post (http://dallaspenn.com/weblog/?p=1331) that calls him out for being a "wigster" (wigger/hipster, natch), overusing "ninja" as an implied "nigger," and for using his position to degrade guys like Jay-Z, up guys like Weezie, and generally promote what I suppose you might file under "coonery" to the masses.

Then you've got the debate in the comments, which because of the audience of the blog, is mostly competing perspectives from the black community. Then the post got picked up at Idolator (http://www.idolator.com/tunes/blogs/hiphop-blogger-has-a-beef-with-village-voice-220389.php), which could not be more of a haven for white trend-jumping scenesters, and thus its comments explode with what you might expect from those communities converging (especially when the original author joins in).

Just throwing those out there as tangentially-related if anyone's interested in that discussion.

[Stringer Bell]

Oh man. This asshole is giving me a headache already. How could you possibly be so misled and confused?

The blog written by Combat Jack was excellent, though.

EDIT: After reading through most of it, I can see where both the Breihan supporters and haters are coming from, but I still can't begin to justify that guy having a job. Regardless of his race, age, anything, you don't have to read through many of his blogs to determine he probably isn't very qualified to be writing about hip-hop, especially in the manner he does. Poor.

[Hack]

Just found Fan-tas-tic Vol. 1 used.

Amazing ... :drool:

[Stringer Bell]

Yes, yes it is. Dilla at his rawest.

Sorry I didn't get back to you about Ghost in time..

[TRO]

I'm listening to some songs from More Fish on prefixmag.com and I think I might have to go buy that today. Sounds real strong ... and I like supporting anything MF Doom has a hand in.

Speaking of Doom, I think you have to call Jay-Z the best in the last 10 years, but I think Doom might be right behind him. And most of Doom's stuff has come out in just the last 5 or 6 years. Dude is insane. And brilliant.


Did you listen to "Guns N' Razors" by any chance? I think that beat was on one of the special herbs collections, and it rocks. Those two need to get together and do their album, already.

Doom is my favorite MC of any time, period. After that, I'd say Nas is the best over the past decade. Not always really consistent, but he always follows up his disappointments with something killer. Hip-Hop Is Dead hasn't even been officially released and I already think it's a classic, while Kingdom Come was just mediocre. Jay-Z is okay, but I always feel Nas' flows more than his.

[Adamy]

I don't know much about this blogo-sphere, but when Breihan says:


Jones is playing a character that might as well be based on the fifteen-year-old Jay, and it would be hard to blame the actual fifteen-year-olds of the world if they found Jones' character more compelling than Jay's.

give the man credit, because he's 100% right. And they definitely do, if you were curious. He's also, in my opinoin, dead-on about Rick "I need 10 million dollars a year just to live" Ross, Lil Wayne, and Jay-Z's marketing. But, of course, I might just be a wigster too.

I say that if you want to get mad at Tom Breihan, get mad at him for hating on El Guapo's live show. But what makes his opinion on hip hop less relevant than some guy on the internet that has a ridiculously generic taste in rappers?

[Hack]

Did you listen to "Guns N' Razors" by any chance? I think that beat was on one of the special herbs collections, and it rocks. Those two need to get together and do their album, already.

Doom is my favorite MC of any time, period. After that, I'd say Nas is the best over the past decade. Not always really consistent, but he always follows up his disappointments with something killer. Hip-Hop Is Dead hasn't even been officially released and I already think it's a classic, while Kingdom Come was just mediocre. Jay-Z is okay, but I always feel Nas' flows more than his.


The Special Herbs discs alone make the man one of my favorite producers of all time. And then you hear him rap and it is just hard to believe how fucking great the guy is. And he's so underrated. I hate that word, and I usually try to avoid saying it, but it really is true in Doom's case. The guy should be huge.

[Stringer Bell]

A lot of what Breihan says I do agree with (the Rick Ross stuff for example), but I think there's much more that I just can't co-sign. Lil Wayne is really, really fun, but praising him the way he does is absurd.


But what makes his opinion on hip hop less relevant than some guy on the internet that has a ridiculously generic taste in rappers?

Well, I can't truly speak on his knowledge, but he comes off as if he's not familiar with anything pre-1995 in the rap world. Granted, there are much worse out there, but I think what people find particularly annoying about this guy is how serious he seems to take himself.

[Adamy]

That was a very awkwardly constructed sentence, but I actually was talking about "Combat Jack" when I said that.

Because, I mean, wow, Rakim and Biggie are his favorite rappers. What controversial choices.

[TRO]

The Special Herbs discs alone make the man one of my favorite producers of all time. And then you hear him rap and it is just hard to believe how fucking great the guy is. And he's so underrated. I hate that word, and I usually try to avoid saying it, but it really is true in Doom's case. The guy should be huge.



Yeah, but I kinda like how nobody realizes how great he is. Somehow makes me feel superior to the idiot masses, to know that most of them have never heard of the best rapper in the world, while I collect his guest verses and remixes and b-sides obsessively...

[Fro]

I like Doom, but I've never been able to fall in love with the way he flows. It's hard to put my finger on it... he's definitely got a unique style. Maybe it's his rather monotonous sound. I dunno. The albums of his I have are: Operation Doomsday, MM.. Food, Madvillainy and Danger Doom (and Occult Hymn if you count that). I definitely think he's a great producer, and don't get me wrong, I do enjoy his albums. Lyrically, the dude's consistently on point. But I've just never gotten so into his flows that I'd consider him one of the best rappers out there, along the likes of Jay, Nas, Ghost, etc.

[TRO]

I just love how everything rhymes in his verses, like:

The rest is empty with no brain, but the clever nerd
The best MC with no chain you ever heard.

Most MCs would just have the last syllable or three on each line rhyme, but Doom takes it to a whole new level. Sometimes Lyrics Born does that too, but you'd never hear that shit from Jay-Z or Nas. Doom basically forfeits a smooth flow in favor of brilliant rhymes, which I think pays off. The monotone just makes you listen harder to what he's saying.

[Fro]

That is a sick rhyme, and you make a good point. I guess it goes back to the discussion we were having earlier about what we each look for in an MC.

[Stringer Bell]

That was a very awkwardly constructed sentence, but I actually was talking about "Combat Jack" when I said that.

Because, I mean, wow, Rakim and Biggie are his favorite rappers. What controversial choices.

You were talking about Combat Jack with the 'generic taste' part, but it certainly seemed you were asking what made Breihan's opinion less relevant, which is what I responded to. It wouldn't make much sense the other way..

[Fro]

Jay-Z - 44 Fours
http://rapidshare.com/files/7390072/Jay-Z_-_44_Fours.mp3.html

Pretty dope.

[MACE]

I've just downloaded The Re-Up.

Any good?

[Fro]

Meh.

[Tainted Eclipse]

I just love how everything rhymes in his verses, like:

The rest is empty with no brain, but the clever nerd
The best MC with no chain you ever heard.

Most MCs would just have the last syllable or three on each line rhyme, but Doom takes it to a whole new level. Sometimes Lyrics Born does that too, but you'd never hear that shit from Jay-Z or Nas. Doom basically forfeits a smooth flow in favor of brilliant rhymes, which I think pays off. The monotone just makes you listen harder to what he's saying.

I actually love his flows too.

[Morrison]

I've just downloaded The Re-Up.

Any good?

Since you downloaded it and all, why not listen and formulate your own opinion?

[scurvy pirate]

I love Doom, I really do,and sure he's not selling lots of records (compared to mainstream artists), but I don't see how you can call him underrated when anyone with a slight knowledge of Underground hip-hop fellates the guys every movement.

[Slim Shady]

So I had a chance to finally really listen to the Re-Up. And all I could really say after was "meh". Nothing great, but nothing really horrible. Although there's only like 3 songs where I was impressed.

Also picked up the Young Jeezy. Solid album. Not as good as his first, but the first was a classic, so that's not necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy it, was well worth my $10.

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

I've just downloaded The Re-Up.

Any good?

Public Enemy and No Apologies are the best songs, You Don't Know, Shake That (Remix) and Smack That (Remix) are bangers to drive to or put on a good sound system, the rest of it is pretty pointless. The new guys (Cashis, Bobbi Creekwater) are lame as hell. Keep those four or five songs and delete the rest to save hard drive space :\

[Slim Shady]

I like the Jimmy Crack Corn song.. Until 50 starts going..

[Hack]

I love Doom, I really do,and sure he's not selling lots of records (compared to mainstream artists), but I don't see how you can call him underrated when anyone with a slight knowledge of Underground hip-hop fellates the guys every movement.


Well then maybe you aren't very smart.

And More Fish is fucking incredible. How are people saying this isn't consistent? If there's a bad track, it was left off of my copy. Dude did it again.

[Adamy]

I actually love his flows too.

Flow. The 's' implies he has more than one.

[Dan The Man]

Whatever you do, do not boo the flow.

[Hack]

The Roots & Lupe are coming to town? Oh, hell yes.

That show should be fucking awesome.

[scurvy pirate]

Well then maybe you aren't very smart.




Ey ? I'm not saying the guys not good, I just don't think he's underated. I barely ever see anyone say a bad word against him, and he sells a lot more records than most underground artists.

[Stringer Bell]

I've been listening to Panacea's Ink Is My Drink a lot lately, and it's fantastic stuff. I initially gave them an 'honorable mention' on my top albums of 2006 list, but this is definitely Top 25 material. It's excellent.

They're on the newly reformed Rawkus Records, and I believe they're from Washington DC. They just make quality, fun hip-hop, stuff you can kick back and enjoy...

[Hack]

Somebody go vote for the Wu-Tang Clan in the music poll. I know the polls are sort of stupid, but some idiot just voted for the Kinks and he shouldn't be the reason the Clan doesn't move on.

[.invurzion.]

Promptly voted for the Wu. :yes:

On an older note, finally took a chance to listen to "The Re-up" and Jeezy's "The Inspiration." Now, I was probably one of the bigger Jeezy fans on the board - but even coming from a fan - the album was very underwhelming. The lyrics were anticipated, unoriginal and repetative. The beats, albeit truck knocking, seemed very similar to "Thug Motivation 101." Nobody can tell me that "I Luv It" is not "T.R.A.P.S.T.A.R" Part II... Very dissappointed.

On "The Re-Up," although there are some lyrics that standout above the rest, it's not anything to write home about. I did like some of the beats, but you can tell they were Shady-made. Not impressed by the "mixtape" in the least. Some of the material was rather old and I wanted something more original. Maybe I was anticipating too much? Who knows?

Yeah, so I'm done with those. Anything else I need to be listening too?

And on an R&B note, pick up that Mary J Blige - "Reflections." Great R&B greatest hits from MJB. :yes:

[Hack]

:heart:

My hero.

[Stringer Bell]

J Dilla vid for his awesome track "Won't Do"...

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=38115508&blogID=206852490

[Morrison]

Well, supposedly Mos Def's new album comes out this week. Who knew?

[QuietStorm]

All the thousands of people that have downloaded it the past few weeks, I guess.

[Stringer Bell]

It's kinda lame.. definitely won't be dropping any cash on it. Half of it is pretty good, but it's just not all that interesting. He's smoking too much weed or something.

[.invurzion.]

Ok, so I'm still trying to catch up with some of these releases that I've never gotten a chance to fully listen to. Up now: Justin Timberlake - Future Sex/Love Sounds.

I don't know what it is about this album, whether it be Timberland's baritone in the background setting it off or the beats that are just intoxicating at time, I love this album. From an R&B standpoint, it hits everything it needs to. There are acapella verses, instrumentals where there needs to be, fast paced club songs, slow grinding songs ... it's just got everything that it needs.

It's no classic, but it's no flop either. Timberlake has put something solid together with this. Just some of the collabos with T.I., Clipse and Snoop just amazed me with the combinations - but they all seemed to work.

:yes: Good shit! I don't know what's coming up next, may be that Snoop or Nas.

[QuietStorm]

My top 10 this year:
1. Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor
2-10. Other stuff that I enjoyed.

[QuietStorm]

Nah, that was a cop out....

2. Bad Neighbors - Armed and Hammered
3. The Roots - Game Theory
4. Pack FM - Whutduzfmstand4?
5. Nas - Hip Hop is Dead
6. Jedi Mind Tricks - Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell
7. Debaser - Crown Control
8. AZ - The Format
9. Chino XL - Poison Pen
10. Panacea - Ink is my Drink

I think I am ok with that. Honorable mention to everything else.

[TRO]

Mos is a big famous hollywood actor now, so he doesn't have to rap good no more.

[Morrison]

I can't fucking get the 'grindin', hittin' Brazilian dimes from behind' line from "Hip Hop Is Dead" out of my god damn head.

[TRO]

I started singing "here's my lifelong anthem, can't forget about you" in the shower today. :$

[.invurzion.]

I can't fucking get the 'grindin', hittin' Brazilian dimes from behind' line from "Hip Hop Is Dead" out of my god damn head.


I swear before I came in this thread I was just bobbing my head and hearing that line in my mind...

...damn you.

[spanish announce table]

1. The Roots - Game Theory (Game Theory, False Media)
2. Jedi Mind Tricks - ...Kings in Hell (Gutta Music, Uncommon Valor)
3. Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead (Money Over Bullshit, Cant Forget About You)
4. Ghostface - Fishscale (Shakey Dog, RAGU)
5. Bronze Nazareth - The Great Migration (Rare Breed, Black Royalty)
6. Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor (The Cool, The Instrumental)
7. Method Man - 4:21 (Walk On, Intro)
8. K-Os - Atlantis (The Seekwill, Aqua City Boy)
9. Ghostface - More Fish (Guns & Razors, Street Opera)
10. Boot Camp Clik - The Last Stand (Trading Places, Worldwide)
11. Busta Rhymes - The Big Bang (Been Through the Storm, New York Shit)
12. Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury (Hello New World - stand out by far)
13. AZ - The Format (The Format, Rise & Fall)
14. Outerspace - Blood Brothers (Spanish Fly, Silence)
15. AOTP - The Torture Papers (Battle Cry, Arms of Angels)
16. Mathematics - Soul of a Man (Track 4, Track 8)
17. Hi Tek - The Chip (Music for Life, Keep it Moving)
18. Jay-Z - Kingdom Come (Lost Ones, Beach Chair)
19. Masta Killa - Made In Brooklyn (Iron God Chamber, Ringing Bells)
20. Xzibit - Full Circle (Thank You, Black & Brown)
21. Outkast - Idlewild (The Train, In Your Dreams)
22. Ras Kass - Eat or Die (A Beautiful Thing, Eat or Die)
23. Mos Def - Tru3 Magic (Fake Bonanza, Lifetime)
24. Inspectah Deck - Resident Patient (Sound of the Slums, A Little Story)
25. Lord Jamar - The 5% Album (The Corner, Advance the Game)
26. DMX - Year of the Dog (Blown Away, Goodbye)

[Stringer Bell]

Dope list SAT.. surprised to see Meth and JMT so high up, but that's why it's your list... also surprised to see DMX on there at all, haha..

"Can't Forget About You".. :heart: Believe it or not, ol' Hackdaddy himself has told me that he just can't get into this track... oh, but you will :)

[Mr. Boombastic]

I cannot believe there has been hardly any talk of the new Nas album. I just got through my first listen and like most of his last few cds it has been generally hit or miss, but there are some great tracks. I loved money over bullshit, you cant kill me, hip hop is dead, black republican, hold down the block, let there be light.

People always complain about his beat selection, but I think that usually he does a pretty good job of flowing with a more unique, original beat, than going with a sure fire pop beat for a hit with a lesser flow.

I will admit that there is some filler, but how many rappers even make it to their 9th solo album, let alone continue to produce some solid music.

[Stringer Bell]

I reviewed the CD track by track and ranked it my #2 album of the entire year :p

But you're right. For an album this good, there hasn't been nearly enough discussion about it. I would like to hope that it's because a majority of people were waiting to actually purchase it, and it didn't come out until yesterday...

It's really cool to see that so many of us agreed that the Roots had the best album of the year (though QuietStorm broke the trend a bit :p). I didn't expect it to be so unanimous.. it really shows what a well crafted album they put out in an age where hip-hop is so disposable. These guys are legends.

[Simon]

Ok, so I'm still trying to catch up with some of these releases that I've never gotten a chance to fully listen to. Up now: Justin Timberlake - Future Sex/Love Sounds.

I don't know what it is about this album, whether it be Timberland's baritone in the background setting it off or the beats that are just intoxicating at time, I love this album. From an R&B standpoint, it hits everything it needs to. There are acapella verses, instrumentals where there needs to be, fast paced club songs, slow grinding songs ... it's just got everything that it needs.

It's no classic, but it's no flop either. Timberlake has put something solid together with this. Just some of the collabos with T.I., Clipse and Snoop just amazed me with the combinations - but they all seemed to work.

:yes: Good shit! I don't know what's coming up next, may be that Snoop or Nas.

Losing My Way is immense.

[Hack]

9. Ghostface - More Fish (Guns & Razors, Street Opera)




:yes:

I've listened to "Street Opera" probably ten times a day since I bought that album. That track is out of control.

[Slim Shady]

I picked up the Nas cd last night. And really the only thing I can say is, wow. I love the cd already. Very intense tracks on this one. I'm also still very much with Hip Hop is Dead. I dunno what it is about that song, but it's definitely my favorite song in a long time. But yeah, great cd. Easily top 3 of the year, to me.

[Slim Shady]

Tech N9ne - Everready
Snoop Dogg - Blue Carpet Treatment
Jay-Z - Kingdom Come
Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor
Ludacris - Release Therapy

So I remember making this list, but I left out a few of my favorites.. So I thought I'd just redo my list.

Tech N9ne - Everready (I've always been a Tech fan, and I think this is his best album yet.)

Nas - Hip-Hop is Dead (Great cd. I think I might try and have sex with it later.)

Snoop Dogg - Blue Carpet Treatment (At times this one seems kinda jammed. But Snoop is finally back. I think this is my second favorite album of his, behind Doggy Style.)

Ice Cube - Laugh Now Cry Later (I don't care what anyone says, this cd is super hard. Cube spits on this cd.)

E-40 - My Ghetto Report Card (Hey look, another old school West Coast rapper. Maybe I have a little bias. But again, E-40 has been my top three favorite rappers this year. It seems that no matter what he comes across on, which was a lot this year, he's been hard. And this cd.. I dunno what to really say.. So I guess I'll go with, this cd just brings it. Solid album.

Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor (To think, I almost didn't buy this one. All I knew about Lupe was the skateboard song, the one he did on the Kanye cd, and the one they put on Madden. So I was just like fuck it, and loved the damn cd. Good shit.)

Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury (Awesome beats, great lyrics.)

Jay-Z - Kingdom Come (I started listening to this one again, and I'm thinking it wasn't as good as I first thought. Still a good cd, but not that great.)

Justin Timberlake - Future Sex/Love Sound (I was amazed on how great this cd was. Like someone said, it just had everything a cd should have.)

Ludacris - Release Therapy (Someone's gonna have to explain to me why this isn't a good cd. It had solid beats, solid lyrics. I just don't see what's not to like about it. Oh well, one man's trash is another's treasure.)

[Stringer Bell]

The Ludacris CD isn't good because it doesn't come close to comparing to any of his old work. The beats, for the most part, are boring and uninspired, and he's really not rapping about much of anything on the album. The Intro is decent, but there just isn't anything that stands out at all. He usually comes with humorous, quality first singles that have great accompanying videos.. instead we got "Money Maker". The rest of the album lacked flare as well.

[spanish announce table]

Dope list SAT.. surprised to see Meth and JMT so high up, but that's why it's your list... also surprised to see DMX on there at all, haha..

I think I liked JMT and Meth more because they were both bouncing back from subpar albums. Prequel was a mess, and Legacy of Blood was lyrically shit for the most part. Both came back with inspired dope, well-rounded albums.

And yeah, the X was pretty bad. I've got a soft spot for him because I was a huge fan back from 1997-2001. I just threw it on this list because it included everything else I'd heard this year.

I'm not talking much about Nas yet because I waited till yesterday and refrained from downloading any tracks. Need some time to absorb it.

Pharoahe Monch mixtape
http://sharebee.com/b2ba3e89

[Ricky]

The Ludacris CD isn't good because it doesn't come close to comparing to any of his old work. The beats, for the most part, are boring and uninspired, and he's really not rapping about much of anything on the album. The Intro is decent, but there just isn't anything that stands out at all. He usually comes with humorous, quality first singles that have great accompanying videos.. instead we got "Money Maker". The rest of the album lacked flare as well.

Agreed. I did like Runaway Love, though.

FutureSex/LoveSounds is good, so far.

[Stringer Bell]

The always entertaining year-end rap up from Skilz.. and damn, it's good. This is probably my favorite one since his very first one. He covers everything; Dave Chappelle, Three Six winning the Oscar, T.O.'s various antics, T.I. being the best selling rapper of the year, Myspace, Youtube, THE WIRE, the Weezy/Birdman kiss, and a lot more..

Skillz - 2006 Rap Up (http://www.sendspace.com/file/m15aus)

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

I downloaded both the latest Xzibit, Snoop and Cube albums ages ago but just haven't been able to sit down and listen to them. That "That's That" track with R. Kelly isn't on my version of BCT, is it supposed to be?

One thing I can say is that "Why We Thugs" is heavy on a decent stereo system and in the car, wore thin quite quickly though.

I tell you what I did like actually was Konvicted by Akon. "Shake Down" and "Gangsta Bop" are amazing turned up loud with good bass, as well as "Smack That" and "I Wanna Fuck You" but they have been played to death unfortunately. "Dont Matter" is a bit cheesy but it is an RnB album I suppose. The bonus track "Gringo" is pretty cool as well.

I was totally expecting my favourite album of the year to be Doctor's Advocate after some of the lyrics and tracks on the umpteen mixtapes (Stop Snitchin' Stop Lyin', You Know What It Is pt. III, Ghost Unit, Black Wall Street Journal) - I probably overhyped the album for myself and was left a bit disappointed in truth. It's the only album I've spent cash on in fucking time as well. Like Buck said he bangs on about Dre too much, I also really didn't like him re-using lines along the lines of: you're so far behind me you can smell my rims - or something like that, on the same album. The guy can rap his neck off just didn't see the need for it.

As it stands then my favourite album of the year is either Hip Hop is Dead or Food and Liquor. It's a toss up depending on what mood I'm in

[Adamy]

The always entertaining year-end rap up from Skilz.. and damn, it's good. This is probably my favorite one since his very first one. He covers everything; Dave Chappelle, Three Six winning the Oscar, T.O.'s various antics, T.I. being the best selling rapper of the year, Myspace, Youtube, THE WIRE, the Weezy/Birdman kiss, and a lot more..

Skillz - 2006 Rap Up (http://www.sendspace.com/file/m15aus)

I missed last year's, which is why I'm asking, but does he still use that same goddamn beat?

[Fro]

Nah he uses Jay's "Lost Ones" beat.

[Hack]

You know, people said they made Frofiles. I said, OK, go ahead make another Frofiles.

[Fro]

:lol:

Here's two old "freestyles" from Nas. They're pretty dope... off of some Nas compilation I found called Freestyle Flava Vol. 2. I can up the whole thing if someone wants, but it's pretty hit or miss.

http://rapidshare.com/files/8543713/15-nas-funk_flex_60_min_vol._i-cms.mp3.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/8543931/14-nas-radio-cms.mp3.html

[Hack]

For some reason, I didn't realize Mathematics had released that beats CD. I have to pick it up ... from the samples on iTunes, it sounds like his own Special Herbs box set.

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah, it kinda slipped by me too. I'm ashamed to say I haven't even heard any of it. The cover/packaging is fucking slick, though.

[TRO]

I've been waiting to find a used copy of the Mathematics. XLR8R magazine released a rap compilation a while ago, with a track by Mathematics feat. ODB that is killer.

[Hack]

Now that I'm finally soaking in Hell Hath No Fury, I might have to rethink my top albums of the year. This this is just crazy good. I can't find a single flaw. Not even one. No silly skits, no weak rhymes, no lame beats. Nothing here I would change. Nothing. An incredible album.

[Stringer Bell]

Glad to hear you liked it, man. It's good to know Virginia can turn out some quality hip-hop that has nation-wide appeal. No one seems to have bad things to say about the Clipse record.

I have my gripes with their subject matter, but I have to agree, it's hard to find flaws on this album. If anything, it's a bit too short. Clipse have an uncanny grip on their style, and they do it better than anyone.


Another awesome line from this year I forgot...

"Now if a Muslim woman strapped with a bomb on a bus with the seconds running gives you the jitters... just imagine an American based Christian organization planning to poison water supplies to bring the second coming quicker... nikka!"
Lupe Fiasco, "American Terrorist" :heart:

[Hack]

I love the length. You got 12 quality tracks, what else could you ask for? Instead of having a few filler tracks in the middle and three of four skits, they just gave us nothing but fire.

And the subject matter? It's the same as an album like Reasonable Doubt. And I know you love you some Reasonable Doubt, dear friend.

[Fro]

I dunno... Reasonable Doubt had songs like "D'evils" and "Regrets" in which Jay expressed the hard struggles and grief of a drug dealer's life. Clipse seem to just flaunt it. "Nightmares" and maybe "Momma I'm So Sorry" flirt with this sentiment, but don't get anywhere near the way Jay did it.

[Slim Shady]

So I got a hold of the new Styles P and Trick Daddy. And to my surprise, I like the Trick Daddy more. I dunno, it just seems that the Styles is missing something. I'm not quite sure what it is quite yet.. But it's something.

[Fro]

A Gangster and a Gentleman was pretty dope. I loved that "Nobody Believes Me" track where he talked to his gun, knife, weed etc. Perhaps I'll check out his new one.

[Stringer Bell]

The new Styles is really good. I didn't like the Trick Daddy at all, but meh..

If the Styles didn't have those two year old songs (although "I'm Black" is great) and "Kick It Like That", it'd be a hell of an album. Not a big fan of "Fire and Pain", but it's not necessarily horrible.

But the first three tracks, especially "Testify", are AWESOME. Really strong album.. again, if he had taken out or updated the old tracks and removed a little filler, it'd really be the great album he's capable of. I'm not saying the guy is an amazing MC or anything, but he's got a really rugged style and you can tell he lives and breathes all his gangster talk, unlike some artists.

[Morrison]

So Nas is in Philly tonight, but I'm beat and I don't even know if there are any tickets left. Fucking dilemmas...

[Stringer Bell]

New Pharoahe Monch mixtape (http://rapidshare.com/files/8252998/PM-Awakening-rapdungeon.blogspot.com.rar)

I'm pretty sure it's new at least.. I hadn't heard of it until now.

My buddy saw Nas in New York on Friday, said it was a hell of a show.

[Morrison]

Concert was sold out. Fucking shitty. Saw Rocky instead.

[Fro]

Too bad. I've never seen Nas myself, but I'd like to.

[QuietStorm]

Upcoming releases
It was officially reported that in 2006, Canibus would release Mic Club, Vol. 2, the sequel to Mic Club: The Curriculum, as well as a sequel to Rip the Jacker.

Canibus has parted ways with both Babygrande Records and Head Trauma and will be releasing new material in 2007 exclusively on his own imprint Mic Club Music, a joint venture with Legion Entertainment distributed via his former major Universal Music Group. A pair of mixtapes are slated for release in February 2007 on Mic Club / Legion Ent. titled Nothing To Prove, and Nothing To Lose. The mixtapes include features and production from Nas, DJ Premier, Wyclef Jean, Gza, Tha Dogg Pound, Tyrese, Domingo, Prince Paul, MF Doom, Butch Cassidy, Vinnie Paz of JMT, J. Wells, K-Solo, Doug E. Fresh, PlusScience, Mya, and more. A major LP release will drop late 2007 with an all star lineup of producers and features. The LP is Canibus' first release on a major label, Universal Music Group, since 2000 BC.

It has been confirmed that Royce Da 5'9" will appear on one of the albums that are in production. At recent shows, Canibus has been performing a song he and the Detroit-based rapper recorded together called "Bread and Butter".

It is also rumored that DJ Premier will handle a portion of the production on one of the albums, as he has stated in a blog that he is producing for Canibus, among other artists. On his Myspace page, Williams has taken pictures with other producers and artists, such as Domingo and Scram Jones, that he might work with on his upcoming releases.

[Stringer Bell]

Damn, sounds like he really lined up some great producers and guests. Canibus and Nas on a song together? Wow... :eek:

And the DJ Premier news is just great even though you've mentioned it before. They should make for a really special combo.

It'll be nice to hear Canibus come back with a vengeance.. he should have considered a deal with Koch though, they did some big things in 2006.

[TRO]

So the day after I said I wanted to find a used copy of Mathematics, I found one. :heart: people who buy CDs for $16 then sell them a week later so I can buy them for $8. Mathematics is dope btw, that ODB track I mentioned is song #7 on the second disc. :yes:

[J-Krow]

You could find me in the club. Posted in the back. Chillin' wit my niggaz wit a bottle full 'a yak. And I'm jus..

[Fro]

Huddlin over the oven we was like brothers then
Though you was nothin other than the son of my mother's friend

Man, I've listened to this one line like 30 times today and I can't get enough. It aint the best rhyme of the year or anything, but it just makes me wanna say...

I FUCKIN LOVE HIP HOP.

:heart:


PS - I'm drunk so forgive this rather pointless post.

[Stringer Bell]

Nah dude, that song is incredible. Jay's whole verse is outstanding, as is Nas. I love the "the pressure for success can put a good strain, on a friend you call best and yes it could bring, out the worst in every person, even a good saint..." from there on, just flows like crazy.

The Nas album as a whole has been ruling my life. I'm loving loving hip-hop right now as well. :heart:

Feels like I'm hanglidin' over the hood....

[.invurzion.]

I must have really missed out on the Canibus boat. I remember the spat between him and LL ... but that is really it. I never got a chance to listen to Rip the Jacker or anything remotely current from him.

Worth listening to or should I just wait for this release?

[Stringer Bell]

Definitely worth listening to, all of his stuff is pretty damn good. He's a bit of an acquired taste though, especially on RTJ.

[Fro]

Yea Rip the Jacker and Mic Club: The Curriculum are both very good.

[QuietStorm]

A bit overhyped in my opinion.

[.invurzion.]

A bit overhyped in my opinion.


That is what I've heard and the reason that I've stayed away from the majority of his music this far.

I've just heard people rave about his lyricism, which is definitely great, but the albums from what I've heard have been underwhelming.

[QuietStorm]

He is actually my favorite rapper ever. Sorry, I thought you might have known that.

[.invurzion.]

I figured that from your post about the upcoming album and some of your defense of him earlier in this thread (a while ago) ... but I thought the above quote was honest...

[J-Krow]

I love "Hollywood".

"Ride and Swerve" by Black Jak is, quite honestly, the best song I've heard come out of the south all year.

Lil' Boosie's, "Zoom" sucks, but he has a few bangers on his album. Namely, "I Remember", which has an old-school Cash Money-esque, Juvenile-style, Magnolia sound to it. And then there's the gutter, down south party track, "Soft To Hard", a song about cooking cocaine. Good stuff. :yes:

[Stringer Bell]

Jacked these from spinemagazine..

Really good interview with XXL's Elliott Wilson concerning the whole "Hip-Hop is Dead" sentiment. It's not very long, so do yourself a favor and watch this - http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2737981

Also, a good article with 27 rap albums to look out for in 2007. I like a lot of their picks, and if all of those albums end up dropping, 2007 could be even better than 2006 was..

http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/a/2007RapAlbums.htm

I'm especially looking forward to their entire top 10. Kudos to those guys for coming up with a dope list... every single one of those albums in their top 10 are some of my most anticipated. Nice to see them give Joe Budden such a high spot.

[.invurzion.]

I'm especially looking forward to:

10. Pharoahe Monche - Desire
7. Rakim - The Seventh Seal
5. Joe Budden - The Growth - Loved Mood Muzik ...
3. Common - Finding Forever

I know Buck is going bananas waiting for that B4CL2...

[Croc]

I just want to say that yesterday while I was getting my oil changed there was this black guy sitting in the waiting room talking on his cell phone about how niggas todays are too commercial and since they grew up in the studio that they have no idea what life is like out there. Also he was cracking on his cousin who is in "Cali" because he's on the cover of some album that just "dropped" and he's going to "shoot" over after he's done getting his car worked on to "cop" it. Also something about Tupac wanting to pass his legacy on but niggas today aren't ready for it and Pac not dying for nothing, yadda yadda yadda. I should mention that Tupac's mother grew up where I live so maybe these guys think they are related to him. Either way, it was interesting. I love black people.

[QuietStorm]

Happy birthday SAT. :beer:

[Stringer Bell]

:yes: :beer: Happy bday

[.invurzion.]

Happy Birthday!

[Hack]

Let us celebrate the day you came out of your mother's vagina, SAT.

[Morrison]

The buzz is that the Wu Tang killer bees are coming ta getcha in 07 (without ODB, of course, RIP).

Five years after the release of their last album, Iron Flag, Wu-Tang Clan has reunited for their long awaited follow-up by signing a new record deal with the man credited for bringing them to the masses.

Steve Rifkind, CEO of SRC Records, announced the acquisition of the Staten Island collective this week in a video on his blog, thelabel.blog.com.

Rifkind suggests that work will begin early 2007 with a release later that year. A major tour to support the release would follow. In addition, Rifkind promises a return to form, straight back to how it started.

"The mind state is the 36," he shared, alluding to the title of the group's classic 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

"That’s what we’re bringing it back to," Rifkind said. "Listen to Ghost’s album, how amazing it is. Listen to Meth’s album. Listen to what Rae’s spitting now. It’s hot."

The reunion so far is only committed to one album. While everyone knows it's unlikely that you can keep that much talent together, Rifkind seems optimistic about a prevailing future for the Wu Tang Clan.

"We’re going to start with this one album and then let’s see where it all goes," Rifkind explained. "Everybody else has all their other careers. People are acting now. People are owning their own businesses. But it’s definitely one record."

Wu Tang Clan ain't nothin ta fuck wit.

[Stringer Bell]

Man, those drums on "Let There Be Light" are fucking unreal. SO crisp. That has to be my favorite Kanye beat in quite some time.

[Hack]

Yeah, "Let There Be Light" sounds like Kanye getting back to his College Dropout sound. :yes: One of the best tracks on that album.

[Myron Hardy]

Nas - Hip Hop is Dead is the best CD to come out in at least the last 3 years, go cop that now.

[.invurzion.]

Ok ... I have a confession.

I have Hip Hop Is Dead, but I have yet to listen to it. And to add to this tragedy, I have two more to list. I've never listened to Food And Liquor, but I have it also. And yet again, I've only listened to Hell Hath No Fury once, was unimpressed and decided not to listen to it again.

I know.

I know.

I'll get on it.

[Stringer Bell]

Finally bought a copy of More Fish yesterday. Now I just need to grab the Game, Lupe, JMT, and PackFM albums and I'll be satisfied with my '06 purchases.

[Hack]

I actually bought Doctor's Advocate cheap the other day and am wishing I hadn't.

Buy Lupe and JMT, though, you bastard.

Also, A Piece of Strange has been owning my stereo for the past few days. Just fucking amazing.

[thetony]

Hey I've got a question, on Biggie Smalls' track Gimme the Loot who's the other rapper?

[J-Krow]

Vanilla Ice

[Restiform]

I don't think this has been mentioned yet, but has anyone checked out The Liberation by Talib Kweli and Madlib? I downloaded it yesterday, it wasn't bad but it wasn't really anything great either. Maybe it'll sink in more on my second listen. I do think it's cool how they're letting fans download it for free, though. Doesn't Talib have a proper album coming out sometime this year also?

[Stringer Bell]

Hey I've got a question, on Biggie Smalls' track Gimme the Loot who's the other rapper?

Wow. I knew Biggie did a good job with that song, but are you serious?

The Liberation is dope. Every song is a banger, my only complaint is the sound quality, but hey, it's free. Definitely great music.

[thetony]

Am I serious about what?

[Stringer Bell]

Shit, I don't know................... maybe the QUESTION YOU ASKED?

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

:lol:

[Stringer Bell]

Sorry, thetony. I had just woken up and your mind-boggling posts were doing my head in. I've always thought it was pretty common knowledge that BIG rapped both voices, and I honestly didn't know if you were being serious or making some silly comment trying to get a reaction.

Still, I guess I can't put it past you to be genuinely confused. You did manage to pull this off..


Am I serious about what?

[Fro]

Doesn't Talib have a proper album coming out sometime this year also?

Yea, Eardrum. It's supposed to be real nice. I haven't heard the free one yet but plan on downloading it soon.

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah, get that now. Eardrum should be dope. If this is what he's giving away for free, I can't even imagine how the album is going to turn out..

On an unrelated note, I downloaded the album from the chick on that Ghostface song, Amy Winehouse. It's called Back To Black and it's pretty fucking great. It doesn't come out in the US until March, apparently.

[thetony]

Sorry, thetony. I had just woken up and your mind-boggling posts were doing my head in. I've always thought it was pretty common knowledge that BIG rapped both voices, and I honestly didn't know if you were being serious or making some silly comment trying to get a reaction.

Still, I guess I can't put it past you to be genuinely confused. You did manage to pull this off..

So you're saying Biggie does both parts?

[Simon]

Yes, he does. It's pretty obvious that he does both, although he does a good job of switching his voices up.

[thetony]

Fuck sakes, thats fucking talent.

Biggie>Tupac

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah, it is pulled off pretty skillfully. I was going to say it was rather obvious as well, but then again, Biggie does pull it off very well. I can see how someone would wonder. But the fact that it was thetony coming in out of nowhere in the Hip-Hop thread asking lead me to believe he was just taking the piss.

And I definitely agree that Biggie's better than Pac when it comes down to straight lyrics and creativity. Pac had a lot of different sides, but he didn't really explore his creative side much until Makaveli. Biggie did Ready to Die with things that had never been heard before in hip-hop, you've all heard it. Life After Death managed to appeal to rap fans of all kinds, with tracks ranging from classic NY boom-bap ("Kick In the door"), radio classics ("Hypnotize", "Mo Money"), slick storytelling ("Kick In The Door", "Niggas Bleed"), the fast-rapping track with Bone ("Notorious Thugs"), a hint of west coast from Too $hort, slow jams for the ladies, man.. it had everything. As an artist and as a lyricist, I think BIG was more of a complete package. He's top 3 dead or alive to me, no doubt.

Don't get me wrong.. Pac was a great emcee. His presence on the mic has yet to be matched, and he spawned hoards of rappers trying to take his place. Lyrically, he didn't have to always rely on wowing you with skillful rhymes, but the power and delivery of what he said made it dope. I think a lot of people overrate Pac, and some people unnecessarily hate on him as well. The man has a handful of classic albums, tons of music I grew up on, and a persona like no other in the rap game.

[thetony]

I've honestly been listening to that song for a long ass time thinking that it was two different rappers. God damn..

I just wish Biggie did more live recordings at shows and shit, cause I just bought a Tupac/Snoop concert and it wasn't that bad.. Snoop was definatly better than Tupac and knew how to work the crowd better, plus The Outlawz sounded shit.

[Raw Is Jonathan]

Love it when some of my favourite instrumentals get rapped over by some of my favourite rappers...

Thinking of 'donuts of the heart' or whatever it was called by J Dilla then on the Roots album and now Madlib's 'what can i do'. Liberation is worth downloading for that alone, in my eyes. Cracking little album for free though, can't go wrong!

Loving my Xmas albums:

Hip Hop is Dead
Hi-Teknology 2
Hell Hath No Fury
As If We Existed
Once Again
Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell

It's been a good year in my eyes, lot of people say otherwise but added to the above I've loved the albums by:

Ghostface
Oh No
Madlib
J Dilla X 2
The Roots
Lupe Fiasco
Pack FM
Cuninglynguists (may have been last year, but I got it this)

[Stringer Bell]

Yeah, that Roots track is one of my favorite songs of the year. J Dilla KILLED that beat, it's probably my favorite thing from Donuts.

[Morrison]

So RZA is composing the soundtrack for that new animated series Afro Samurai. Looks like a great show, something that RZA will have a ball with.

[Hack]

Yeah, that show looks badass. I taped the episode last night, still need to watch it.

[spanish announce table]

That show is awesome, plus the GZA/Kane and Q-Tip/Free Murda tracks have been dope. I'm not sure, but it sounded like a new Killa Sin track playing when they enter the bar.

There's an advance copy of Jesus Price Superstar going around. After a quick listen, I think it's much better than Monkey Barz.

[Billmatic]

I know I'm a little late on this one, but "Hip Hop Is Dead" is fucking phenomenal.

[Fro]

True.

Liberation is getting all my play time right now. :yes:

[Simon]

1976-2006 - A Hip-Hop Odyssey

King Tim III (Personality Jock) - The Fatback Band
Sugahill Gang - Rappers Delight - The Sugar Hill Gang
Rapping & Rocking The House - Funky 4+1
Zulu Nation Throwdown - Afrika Bambaata And The Cosmic Force
High Powered Rap - Crash Crew
8th Wonder - The Sugar Hill Gang
The Breaks [Long Version] - Kurtis Blow
Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll - Vaughan Mason & Crew
Monster Jam - Spoonie Gee & Sequence
Apache (version) - The Sugar Hill Gang
That's The Joint - Funky Four Plus One
Genius Rap - Dr. Jeckel
Super Rhymes - Jimmy Spicer
Heartbeat - Taana Gardner
Rockin' It - The Fearless Four
The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Buffalo Gals - Malcolm McLaren
Scorpio - Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five
Magic's Wand – Whodini
Jam On It – Newcleus
White Lines (Don't Do It) - Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel
Break Dance - Electric Boogie - The West Street Mob
Planet Rock - Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force
It's Like That - Run-DMC
Rockbox - Run DMC
Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1) - Run-D.M.C.
Beat Street Breakdown - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Step Off (Part 1) - The Furious Five, Featuring Cowboy, Melle Mel & Scorpio
It's Yours - T. Rocks
I Need A Beat - LL Cool J
Old School Rap - Roxanne Roxanne (UTFO)
Beat Street Breakdown - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Step Off (Part 1) - The Furious Five, Featuring Cowboy, Melle Mel & Scorpio
King Of Rock - Run-D.M.C.
Rock The Bells (Original Version) - LL Cool J
La Di Da Di - Dougie Fresh Ft. Ricky D
Just Buggin' – Whistle
PSK What Does it Mean (1) - Schooly D
I Can't Live Without My Radio - LL Cool J
If I Ruled The World [Long Version] - Kurtis Blow
Rockbox - Run DMC
PSK What Does it Mean (1) - Schooly D
La Di Da Di - Dougie Fresh Ft. Ricky D
King Of Rock - Run-D.M.C.
Just Buggin' – Whistle
If I Ruled The World [Long Version] - Kurtis Blow
It's A Demo - Kool G Rap and DJ Polo
South Bronx - Boogie Down Productions
Ego Trippin' (MCs Ultra Remix) - Ultramagnetic Mcs
Eric B Is The President - Eric B. & Rakim
Beastie Boys - 1Hold It Now, Hit It
South Bronx - Boogie Down Productions
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Girls Ain't Nothin But Trouble
Check Out My Melody - Eric B. and Rakim
Top Billing - Audio Two
I Know You Got Soul - Eric B & Rakim
Raw Feat. Big Daddy Kane (Extended Alternate Version)
Bring The Noise Public Enemy
Last Night - Kid 'N Play
Nobody Beats The Biz - Biz Markie
I Ain't No Joke - Eric B & Rakim
Tramp - Salt-N-Pepa
The Bridge Is Over - Boogie Down Productions
It's My Thing – EPMD
Rebel Without A Pause - Public Enemy
It Takes Two - Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
The 900 Number - The 45 King
Paid In Full (Coldcut 7 Minutes Of Madness Mix) - Eric B And Rakim
Plug Tunin' (Original 12" Version) - De La Soul
You Gots To Chill – EPMD
Run's House - Run-D.M.C.
Don't Believe The Hype - Public Enemy
Microphone Fiend – Rakim
Biz Is Goin' Off - Biz Markie
Droppin' Science - Craig G.
Beats To The Rhyme - Run-DMC
My Philosophy - Boogie Down Productions
Paper Thin - MC Lyte
King Of The Beats – Mantronix
The Symphony (Feat. Master Ace, Craig G., Kool G. Rap and Bi - Marley Marl
Vapors - Biz Markie
Talkin' All That Jazz – Stetsasonic
Children's Story - Slick Rick
So Wat Cha Sayin' – EPMD
Just A Friend - Biz Markie
Why Is That – 3x Dope
Straight Outta Compton – NWA
It's Funky Enough - The D.O.C.
Eazy-er Said Than Dunn – Eazy E
Buddy (Native Tongue Decision Mix) – De La Soul
To the Max – Stezo
Big Ole Butt - LL Cool J
Words I Manifest (Remix) – Gangstarr
Dowutchyalike – Digital Underground
The Gas Face - 3rd Bass featuring Zev Love X
Fight The Power - Public Enemy
Droppin' It - The Bizzie Boys
Cha, Cha, Cha – MC Lyte
Ya Bad Chubbs - Chubb Rock
Court Is In Session – Chill Rob G
Steppin' To The A.M. - 3rd Bass
You Played Yourself - Ice-T
Self Destruction - Stop The Violence Movement
Ain't Sayin' Nothin' – BDP
Wild Thing – Tone Loc
Express Yourself – NWA
To the Max – Stezo
Children's Story - Slick Rick
A Bitch Iz A Bitch – NWA
Atom – Main Source
Smooth Operator – Big Daddy Kane
In Control Of Things – YZ
Thinking Of A Master Plan – YZ
Early To Rise – Nice & Smooth
Hey Ladies - Beastie Boys
Shake Your Rump - Beastie Boys
Welcome To The Terrordome – Public Enemy
The Humpty Dance Digital Underground
Gold Digger EPMD
Jingling Baby (Remixed But Still Jingling) LL Cool J
Looking at the Front Door Main Source
Love's Gonna Get 'Cha (Material Love) Boogie Down Productions
Streets Of New York Kool G Rap & Polo
In The Ghetto Eric B. & Rakim
Brothers Gonna Work It Out Public Enemy
Buck Whylin' Terminator X feat. Chuck D & Sister Souljah
Murder Rap Above The Law
J.Beez Comin' Through Jungle Brothers
Call Me D-Nice D-Nice
Freaks Of The Industry Digital Underground
Around The Way Girl LL Cool J
Bonita Applebum – A Tribe Called Quest
Your Mom's In My Business K-Solo
To Da Break Of Dawn LL Cool J
Strictly For The Ladies Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth
Rock This Funky Joint Poor Righteous Teachers
3 Strikes 5000 3rd Bass
Treat 'Em Right Chubb Rock
Funkin' Lesson X Clan
Spellbound K-Solo
Ruff Rhyme (Back Again) King Tee
Who's The Mack Ice Cube
Played Like a Piano King Tee
La Raza Kid Frost
Peachfuzz K.M.D
Me And The Biz Masta Ace
Nod Your Head To This Kings Of Swing
Boomin System – LL Cool J
Murder Rap Above The Law
J.Beez Comin' Through Jungle Brothers
Call Me D-Nice D-Nice
Freaks Of The Industry Digital Underground
Around The Way Girl LL Cool J
Bonita Applebum – A Tribe Called Quest
Your Mom's In My Business K-Solo
Nod Your Head To This Kings Of Swing
To Da Break Of Dawn LL Cool J
Strictly For The Ladies Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth
Rock This Funky Joint Poor Righteous Teachers
3 Strikes 5000 3rd Bass
Treat 'Em Right Chubb Rock
Funkin' Lesson X Clan
Spellbound K-Solo
Ruff Rhyme (Back Again) King Tee
Who's The Mack Ice Cube
Played Like a Piano King Tee
La Raza Kid Frost
Peachfuzz K.M.D
Me And The Biz Masta Ace
Nod Your Head To This Kings Of Swing
The Mission Special Ed
Untouchable Above The Law
Executive Class Double XX Posse
Funky For You Nice & Smooth
Just To Get A Rep Gang Starr
No Bones In Ice Cream Nice & Smooth
Who's Gonna Take The Weight Gang Starr
Can I Kick It A Tribe Called Quest
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted Ice Cube
Once Upon A Time In The Projects Ice Cube
When The Papes Come A Tribe Called Quest
The Originators The Jaz featuring Jay-Z
Ready 2 Attack Special Ed
I'm the Magnificent (The Magnificent Remix) Special Ed
Mind Playing Tricks On Me Geto Boys
Check The Rhime A Tribe Called Quest
Shut Em' Down (Pete Rock Remix) Public Enemy
How I Could Just Kill A Man Cypress Hill
O.P.P. Naughty By Nature
Slow Down Brand Nubian
I Got To Have It Ed OG and Da Bulldogs
All For One Brand Nubian
Flavor Of The Month Black Sheep
Rampage EPMD featuring LL Cool J
Hip Hop Junkies Nice & Smooth
Summertime DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Ain't No Future In Yo' Frontin' MC Breed
Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) De La Soul
Sobb Story Leaders Of The New School
Growin' Up In The Hood Compton's Most Wanted
Fuck Compton Tim Dog
Same Song Digital Underground
Jiggable Pie AMG
Poor Georgie MC Lyte
Shakiyla Poor Righteous Teachers
A Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays' De La Soul featuring Q-Tip
Be A Father To Your Child Ed O.G & Da Bulldogs
Tonight DJ Quik
Bitch Betta Have My Money AMG
Bad To The Bone Kool G Rap & Polo
Fugitive K-Solo
Case Of The P.T.A. Leaders Of The New School
25 Ta Life D-Nice
Come On, Let's Move It Special Ed
Who Me KMD
Just Hangin' Out Main Source
Sleepin' On My Couch Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
Live At The Barbeque Main Source
Steady Mobbin' Ice Cube
Step In The Arena Gang Starr
Nitty Gritty (Remix) K.M.D
Check The Technique Gang Starr
No Vaseline Ice Cube
Plumskinzz K.M.D.
O.G. Original Gangster Ice-T
Not Gonna Be Able To Do It Double XX Posse
Straighten It Out Pete Rock & CL Smooth
One To Grow UMC's
La Schmoove Fu-Schnickens featuring Phife Dwag
Fat Pockets (Remix) Show & AG
Don't Sweat the Technique Eric B. & Rakim
Brothers From Brentwood L.I. EPMD
Fudge Pudge Organized Konfusion featuring O.C.
Age Ain't Nothing But A # Chi Ali
Mistadobalina Del The Funkee Homosapien
Mic Checka (Remix) Das EFX
Crossover EPMD
Best Kept Secret Diamond D
Jussumen (Remix) Das Efx
So What'cha Want Beastie Boys
How To Roll A Blunt RedmaN
The Choice Is Yours (Revisited) Black Sheep
They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) Pete Rock & Cl Smooth
Deep Cover Dr Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg
They Want EFX Das EFX
Scenario A Tribe Called Quest featuring Leaders Of The New School
DWYCK Gang Starr featuring Nice & Smooth
Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down Brand Nubian
Jump Around House of Pain
Poppa Large (East Coast Remix) Ultramagnetic MC's
Uptown Anthem Naughty By Nature
Juice (Know The Ledge) Eric B & Rakim
Ill Street Blues Kool G Rap & Polo
Blow Your Mind RedmaN
Gangsta Bitch Apache
Head Banger EPMD featuring K-Solo & Redman
Fakin' The Funk (Remix) Main Source featuring Neek The Exotic
Freestyle (Yo, That's The Shit) Diamond D
Halftime Nas
Jazz(We've Got) A Tribe Called Quest
Who Got Da Props Black Moon
Hand on the Pump Cypress Hill
360 (What Goes Around) Grand Puba
Zulu War Chant - Afrika Bambaata Presents Time Zone
Protect Ya Neck – Wu-Tang Clan
Throw Ya Gunz – Onyx
Redman - Time 4 Sum Aksion
KRS-One - Outta Here
A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation
Souls of Mischief - 93 'Till Infinity
Onyx – Slam
Kool G Rap DJ Polo - On The Run Remix Al Capone Version
M.O.P. - How About Some Hardcore
The Notorious B.I.G. - Party And Bullshit
Tha Alkaholiks - Make Room
The Beatnuts - Reign Of The Tec
Casual - That's How It Is (Remix)
Fat Joe - Flow Joe
De La Soul - Breakadawn
Casual - I Didn't Mean To
Lords Of The Underground - Chief Rocka
Kurious - Walk Like A Duck
Leaders Of The New School - What's Next
Domino - Getto Jam
Intelligent Hoodlum - Grand Groove (Remix)
2Pac - Keep Ya Head Up
Cypress Hill - When the Shit Goes Down
Mobb Deep - Hit It From The Back
KRS-One - Sound Of Da Police
KRS-One - Hip Hop Vs. Rap
Ultramagnetic MCs - Two Brothers With Checks (San Francisco, Harvey)
Diamond D - I'm Outta Here
Cypress Hill - Insane In The Brain
Diamond D featuring Sadat X & Lord Finesse - You Can't Front
Craig Mack - Flava in Ya Ear Ego Trip 1994
Method Man - Bring The Pain
O.C. - Time's Up
Gin And Juice Snoop Doggy Dogg
Keith Murray - The Most Beautifullest Thing in this World Ego Trip
Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M
Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell
Smif-n-Wessun - Let's Git It On
Fugees - Nappy Heads (Remix)
Common Sense - I Used To Love H.E.R.
Jeru The Damaja - D. Original
Gang Starr - Mass Appeal
Nas - The World Is Yours
Notorious B.I.G. – Juicy
Nate Dogg & Warren G – Regulate
Notorious B.I.G. – Unbelievable
Group Home - Supa Star
Murder Was The Case Snoop Doggy Dogg
The Lady of Rage featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg - Afro Puffs
Black Moon - I Got Cha Opin (Remix)
Wu-Tang Clan - Can It Be All So Simple
Channel Live & Krs One - Mad Izm
Black Moon - How Many MC's
Redman - Rockafella (Remix)
Redman - Can't Wait
De La Soul - Ego Trippin' [Part Two]
Gravediggaz feat. Shabazz The Disciple & Killah Priest - Diary Of A Madman
Crooklyn Dodgers(Buckshot, Masta Ace, Special Ed) – Crooklyn
Craig Mack feat. Q-Tip - Get Down (Remix)
On And On – Shyheim
Ill Al Skratch - Where My Homiez
Black Moon - Reality (Killin' Every Nigga In Sight)
Smif-n-Wesson - Bucktown
Black Moon - Murder MC's
Black Moon - Buck Em Down (Remix)
Redman & Method Man - How High
Frankie Cutlass - Boriquas On Da Set
Ol' Dirty Bastard - Shimmy Shimmy Ya
Lost Boyz - Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz
Q-Ball & Curt Cazal - My Kinda Moves
The Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa
Raekwon - Incarcerated Scarfaces
The Notorious B.I.G. - Who Shot Ya
Raekwon - Ice Cream
Raekwon – Criminology
The Pharcyde - Runnin'
Raekwon - Glaciers Of Ice
The Pharcyde – Drop
Jay-Z - Can't Get With That
Smif-N-Wessun featuring Starang Wondah - Sound Bwoy Burell
Show & AG - Next Level
Grand Puba - I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)
Da Brat - Give It 2 You - (Remix)
Tha Alkoholiks - DAAAM!
The Genius - Liquid Swords
Group Home - Livin' Proof
Crooklyn Dodgers 95 (OC, Chubb Rock & Jeru) - Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers
Das EFX - Real Hip-Hop
J-Live - Braggin' Writes
Nine - Whutcha Want
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - 1st of The Month
Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt. II
Luniz - I Got 5 On It
The Notorious B.I.G - One More Chance (Stay With Me Remix)
Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige - All I Need (Remix)
Ol' Dirty Bastard - Brooklyn Zoo
Smoothe Da Hustler featuring Trigger Tha Gambler - Broken Language
Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuring The Notorious B.I.G. - Get Money
KRS-One - MC's Act Like They Don't Know
Blahzay Blahzay – Danger
Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuring The Notorious B.I.G. - Player's Anthem
The Dogg Pound featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg - New York, New York
Capone-N-Noreaga featuring Mobb Deep & Tragedy - L.A., L.A.
Jay-Z featuring Foxy Brown - Ain't No Nigga
2pac featuring Dr.Dre - California Love (Original Version)
Akinyele - Put It In Your Mouth
Xzibit - Paparazzi
Heltah Skeltah - Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka
Ghostface Killah featuring Raekwon - Motherless Child
Saukrates - Father Time
INI - Fakin' Jax
Lil' Kim - Queen Bitch
Lil' Kim - No Time
De La Soul - Stakes Is High
De La Soul featuring Common Sense - The Bizness
The Fugees - How Many Mics
Company Flow - 8 Steps to Perfection
The Genius featuring Method Man - Shadowboxin'
Fugees - Fu-Gee-La
Company Flow - Vital Nerve
M.O.P. – Brownsville
Mr. Voodoo - Lyrical Tactics
Big Shug – Crush
Outkast - Elevators (Me & You)
The Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
Jay-Z featuring Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock The Hustle
Big Noyd featuring Prodigy - Recognize & Realize (Part 1)
Ghostface Killah featuring Raekwon, Cappadonna & The Force MD's - Daytona
500
Goodie Mob - Cell Therapy
Busta Rhymes - Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check
Redman – Funkorama
Jeru The Damaja - Ya playin' yaself
Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuring The Notorious B.I.G. - Get Money (Remix)
Jay-Z - Dead Presidents
The East Flatbush Project feat. DeS - Tried By 12
The Genius feat. Killah Priest, Rza & Ghostface Killah - 4th Chamber
The Fugees - Ready Or Not
Hypnotiza – Notorious B.I.G.
Puff Daddy. - It's All About The Benjamins (Remix)
Notorious B.I.G. featuring Mase & Puff Daddy - Mo Money Mo Problems
Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
The Beatnuts featuring Big Punisher & Cuban Linx - Off The Books
Jay-Z - Who You Wit
Puff Daddy featuring Mase & Notorious B.I.G. - Been Around The World
Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz - Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)
Mase featuring Kelly Price - Feel So Good
Wu-Tang Clan – Triumph
LL Cool J featuring Method Man, Redman, Canibus & DMX - 4,3,2,1
The LOX - Money, Power & Respect
Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown & Nature - Phone Tap
Missy Elliot - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
Lil' Kim featuring Lil' Cease - Crush On You (Remix)
Mos Def - Universal Magnetic
Redman featuring Erick Sermon - Whateva Man
Tha Alkaholiks featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard - Hip Hop Drunkies
Rakim - It's Been A Long Time
Street Smartz featuring OC & Pharoahe Monch - Metal Thangz
Reflection Eternal - Fortified Live
Mos Def,Q-Tip & Tash - Body Rock
Mr. Complex – Visualize
Makaveli featuring The Outlawz - Hail Mary
Jay-Z - Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
Noreaga – Superthug
DMX - Ruff Ryders Anthem
DMX - Get At Me Dog
Big Punisher featuring Joe - Still Not A Player
Outkast - Rosa Parks
Silkk The Shocker featuring Mystikal - It Ain't My Fault
Cam'Ron featuring DMX - Pull It
Jermaine Dupri featuring Jay-Z - Money Ain't A Thang
Mystikal - The Man Right Chea
Redman - I'll Bee Dat
Noreaga - N.O.R.E
Pete Rock featuring Inspectah Deck & Kurupt - Tru Master
Def Squad - Full Cooperation
Canibus - Second Round K.O.
Busta Rhymes – Dangerous
Big L - Ebonics
Cam'Ron featuring Mase - Horse & Carriage
Flipmode Squad - Cha Cha Cha
Dilated Peoples - Work The Angles
Lootpack - The Anthem
A Tribe Called Quest - Find A Way
Mase featuring Total - What You Want
Timbaland featuring Magoo & Missy Elliot - Here We Come
Dilated Peoples - Triple Optics
All City – Priceless
Gangstarr – You Know My Steeze
Dead Wrong - Biggie Smalls
Simon Say - Pharoah Monch
My Name Is - Eminem
Watch Out Now - The Beatnuts
Breathe And Stop - Q-Tip
I Don't Know - Slum Village
Got Your Money - Ol' Dirty Bastard
Ms. Fat Booty - Mos Def
Still DRE - Dr Dre
Knock, Knock - GZA
Apollo Kids - Ghostface Killah
Bling Bling – BG
Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) - Wu Tang Clan
Forgot About Dre - Dr Dre
Quiet Storm - Mobb Deep
Witness (One Hope) - Roots Manuva
Vivrant Thing - Q-Tip
Da Rockwilder - Method Man & Redman
1999 - Common
All I Know – Rahzel
Bitch Please - Xzibit
Jigga My Nigga - Jay Z
Wild Out - The Lox
The Realist - Mobb Deep
Let’s Ride – Q Tip
Whoa - Black Rob
Move Something - Talib Kweli & Hi Tek
Ohh Ohh - De La Soul
Next Episode - Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg
Keep It Thorough - Prodigy
Oh No – Pharoache Monch
Concrete Schoolyard - Jurassic 5
100 Percent - Big Punisher
Ante Up (rmx) – MOP
Cherchez Laghost - Ghostface Killah
Boom (Street) - Royce The 5'9
The Light – Common
Whats My Name – DMX
Back That Ass Up - Juvenile
I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) - Jay-Z
Break Your Neck (Dirty) Busta Rhymes
Let Me Blow Your Mind - Eve
Break Your Neck (Dirty) - Busta Rhymes
Pause - Jay Dee Feat. Frank-N-Dank
Izzo (H.O.V.A.) - Jay-Z
Ugly - Bubba Sparxxx
Get Ur Freak On - Missy Elliot
Who We Be - DMX
The Best U Can - Tha Liks
Music - Erick Sermon
Bad Intentions – Dr Dre
Round & Round - Hi-Tek Feat. Jonell
Det Ta Steppin' - Hi Tek & Mos Def
Lay Low - Snoop Dogg
We Gonna Make It – Jadakiss
Baby Phat - De La Soul
Let's Get Dirty - Redman
Bad Boy for Life (Instrumental) - P.Diddy ft. Bad Boy Family
Ether - Nas
No Escapin This – Beatnuts
Worst Comes to Worst - Dilated Peoples
Good Times (I Get High) - Styles P
Excuse Me Miss Again - Jay-Z
Hot In Herre – Nelly
Oh Boy – Camron
Get By - Talib Kweli
Nothin' - NORE
Made You Look - Nas
React - Erick Sermon
My Life - Kool G Rap
Whats Golden - Jurassic 5
Work It - Missy Elliot
Wanksta - 50 Cent
Southern Hospitality – Ludacris
Grindin' - Clipse ft. Pharrell
Pass The Courvoisier Part II - Busta Rhymes Feat. Puff Daddy & Pharrell
Beautiful - Snoop Dogg
My Block - Scarface
Tainted – Slum Village
One Mic – Nas
The Flyest – Nas
Beware Of The Boys - Panjabi MC Feat. Jay Z
Get Busy - Sean Paul
What Happened To That Boy - Baby & Clipse
Pass The Dutch - Missy Elliot
Pump It Up - Joe Budden
Got Some Teeth (Dirty) - Obie Trice
Through The Wire - Kanye West
Rite Where U Stand - Gang Starr
Skills - Gang Starr
What Up Gangsta - 50 Cent
Put It In The Air - MOP ft. Jay Z
Ooh Wee – Mark Ronson
Never Scared - Bone Crusher
In Da Club - 50 Cent
Fix Up, Look Sharp - Dizzee Rascal
Many Men (Wish Death) - 50 Cent
The Seed (2.0) - The Roots
2 Gunz Up - D-Block
If I Can't - 50 Cent
Dipset Anthem - The Diplomats
Stunt 101 - G-Unit
Get Low(remix) - Lil' Jon
Magic Stick - Lil Kim
Stand Up - Ludacris
Pop Shit - Dirt McGirt
Hoe Cakes - MF Doom
This Way - Dilated Peoples
Run - Ghostface Killah
Bridging The Gap - Nas
99 Problems - Jay-Z
Breathe - Fabolous
The New Workout Plan - Kanye West
Why - Jadakiss
Hold You Down - The Alchemist
Drop It Like It Hot - Snoop Dogg
Party Up (In Here) - DMX
Lean Back - Terror Squad
Jesus Walks - Kanye West
I Run NY – 50 Cent
Young Jeezy ft Jay-Z & Fat Joe - Go Crazy (Remix)
Still Tippin' - Mike Jones
Wait - Ying Yang Twins
Play - David Banner
There it go (The Whistle) - Juelz Santana
Can I Have It Like That - Pharrell
I'm A Hustla - Cassidy
Locked Up - Akon
So Seductive - Tony Yayo
Gold Digger - Kanye West
Hate It Or Love It - The Game
Candy Shop - 50 Cent
Bring Em Out – TI
Diamonds Are Forever - Kanye West
Diamonds On My Wrist (Bling Blaw) - Reef
Disco Inferno - 50 Cent
Higher - The Game
Dreams - The Game
Be Easy (Dirty) - Ghostface Killah
Hustlin' - Rick Ross
Show Me What You Got - Jay-Z
Brandnew - Rhymefest featuring Kayne West
Put Em In Their Place - Mobb Deep
Touch It - Busta Rhymes
Come to Me - P. Diddy
Workinonit - J Dilla
Vato - Snoop Dogg
Kingdom Come - Jay-Z
It's Okay - The Game
Compton - The Game
What U Know – TI
New York Shit - Busta Rhymes
The Champ - Ghostface Killah
Keep Bouncin - Snoop Dogg
Let's Ride - The Game
Black Republican – Nas
30 Something - Jay-Z
Tell Me – P.Diddy
Have A Party - Mobb Deep
Kick Push II - Lupe Fiasco
We Love You – Jaguar Skills featuring Lupe Fiasco
We Fly High – Jim Jones
Hip-Hop Is Dead – Nas

:yes: If anyone ever wanted a starter kit for hip-hop, there you have it.

[Stringer Bell]

Fucking A Simon. Spoiler tag?

"We Fly High" and even worse, "Come To Me" by P Diddy? There's all sorts of good shit up higher, but jeez...

[Morrison]

Fucking A Simon. Spoiler tag?

"We Fly High" and even worse, "Come To Me" by P Diddy? There's all sorts of good shit up higher, but jeez...

It's a history of hip hop compilation. It's got to hit some crap as well.

[Stringer Bell]

I dunno. It goes from excellent to pretty mediocre and downright horrible in places. I mean, I know hip-hop was generally better in the early 90's, but it's like all the nonsense started being included in the very last quarter of it. Out of nowhere, really. Most of the list is outstanding.

It's clearly something Simon or someone made with mp3's, so I just figured I'd critique it a bit..

And "Come To Me" is borderline not hip-hop. I could understand something from No Way Out.

[Morrison]

I'm pretty sure that is DJ Jaguar Skills mix-tape chronicling the life of hip hop. 800 tracks in 48 minutes.