Current Hip Hop / Rap Questions

noel · Post by **noel** » January 22, 2004, 2:59 pm

Though I pretty much listen to any type of music, I have rarely purchased and don't often listen to current Rap/Hip-Hop music in the last 5 years or so.

With that in mind, I'd like to pick up 10 or so of the most popular/mainstream/Rap/Hip-Hop albums to listen to, and become familiar with the genre again (is there a difference between Rap and Hip-Hop, or are those two terms interchangable?). I'm not looking for anything too obscure at the moment, more of the mainstream rap, then I might delve into something more specific/unique.

If anyone could recommend 10 or so albums, or some essential songs to be aware of (all current stuff), I'd really appreciate it.

Post by **Sylvus** » January 22, 2004, 3:56 pm

Just albums? I'd probably be better with Artists, as I have a harder time liking a whole Rap album a lot than I do with other genres. A lot of times I'll just download a song or two from a lot of the newer artists, but here are some albums that I've enjoyed.

Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (Definite must have)
Ludacris - Word of Mouf (Chicken and Beer is newer but I prefer WoM)
Nelly - Country Grammar (about as mainstream as it gets)
Chingy - Jackpot
Jurassic 5 - Quality Control (not as mainstream, but imo one of the best rap albums in a long time)
Xzibit - Restless
Jay Z - Vol. 2, Hard Knock Life (I'm not a huge Jay Z fan, but he's really popular... that's probably my favorite album of his)
Missy Elliott - Miss E... So Addictive or Under Construction
Method Man and Redman - Blackout
Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP

That'll probably get you a decent sampling of what's going on in the world of Rap in the last 5 years.

Aevian Dreaklear · Post by **Aevian Dreaklear** » January 22, 2004, 3:59 pm

Well to address your question of the difference between rap and hip-hop, there is some depending on your definition of hip-hop essentially. Stuff I put into hip-hop includes the popular commercial rap songs from artists like Nelly or Jay-Z but includes singers such as Beyonce or Kelis. But for the most part the terms are used interchangably.

To get reaquainted with "the game," here's some albums I recommend.

1.) Outkast - Speakerboxxx/Love Below
2.) Jay-Z - The Black Album
3.) 50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Trying
4.) G-Unit - Beg for Mercy
5.) Nas - Stillmatic
6.) Neptunes - In Search of (I think that's their latest one, I may be wrong)
7.) Ludacris - Chicken and Beer

All those albums were released within the last year, year and a half maybe. That'll give you a good mix of the what's mainstream right now. If you are willing to reach back a bit further in time I can give more. The albums I have listed for the most part are partial to the Eastcoast. If you wanted to get more variety as far as down south, then you can check out Nelly, Chingy, Lil John, or the Ying-yang Twins. Although I don't recommend buying the Nelly remix CD, there's only maybe 2 good songs on that one. If ya want West Coast then the only recent album I can think of is Westside Connection.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » January 22, 2004, 4:02 pm

I forget who said it, but rap is in it's "hair metal" phase right now. It's more about the pimp image and bling-bling than about the music. There's a lot of absolute shit out there (Nellie, Missy Elliott, Ja Rule). That being said:
Jay-Z

The Chronic is still a fucking milestone.

Wu-Tang ain't nothing to fuck wit!

Eminem does make good music, even if he is teh debil.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 22, 2004, 4:04 pm

Thanks a lot guys, I'll be grabbing as much of that as possible tonight, and listening to it over the next few weeks during my hellish drive to work.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » January 23, 2004, 1:36 am

Make sure you grab Nas, he's good. I'd also check out Talib Kweli.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 23, 2004, 2:49 pm

Out of curiosity, what about like DMX and Snoop?

Post by **Sylvus** » January 23, 2004, 2:56 pm

Snoop is my favorite rapper of all time, but he hasn't really come out with any album that can touch Doggystyle. I'm assuming you have that, since it's 10 years old or so, but if not you should definitely get it. DMX is good too... Both are very talented mc's, I just don't have any current albums that I'd recommend from either of them. Perhaps It's Dark and Hell is Hot by DMX.

Aevian Dreaklear · Post by **Aevian Dreaklear** » January 23, 2004, 5:14 pm

Here's my deal on DMX. First album It's Dark and Hell is Hot is an outstanding album. But after that album, it was someone's idea to put out a new DMX album every 4 months I swear. The 2nd and 3rd album aren't too bad, but nothing can really touch the first one. I've listened to a few songs on his last CD and I didn't care for it too much. It's Dark and Hell is Hot although kinda old doesn't sound that outdated in terms of lyrics or beats. I highly recommend that CD if you haven't heard much from it. Not only does it have tons of singles that were released, but the other tracks are very enjoyable as well.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » January 23, 2004, 6:57 pm

New:
1. Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (must have)
2. Jay-Z - The Black Album (newest, and best imo)
3. Neptunes - Present Clones (best beatmakers/producers out, cd is the pwn)
4. The Roots (anyone is great, but phrenology is omg)
5. NERD - In Search Of (Neptunes rock/hip hop group)
6. Talib Kweli - Quality (one of the best lyricists out)
7. Nas - Stillmatic (i hate him, but ill add this to a check out)

If you feel like digging a lot on Kazaa a lot of NY mixtapes by DJ Kayslay, Funk Master Flex, or other dj's you can find here are really good, but hard to find.

Old:
1. Dr Dre - Chronic/Chronic 2001 (both must haves)
2. Snoop - Doggystyle
3. Outkast - Stankonia/Aquemini (nothing needs to be said about these two)
4. 2Pac - All Eyez On Me

Actually, just watch 22 best mc's ever on mtv2 and that should give you a good rundown on what to get.

Kriista · Post by **Kriista** » January 23, 2004, 9:54 pm

dr dre chronic
snoop, 1st album
old dirty bastard, nigga please

all the rap you need!

a_guide · Post by **a_guide** » January 25, 2004, 5:14 am

I thought this was funny.

Why is it that these rappers have codenames like superheroes and wrestlers? Maybe the better question is: why DON'T humans in other genres of music do the same? Wouldn't you be more inclined to purchase an Englebert Humperdink album is he was calling himself "E. Hump"? Wouldn't teenage opera star Charlotte Church be better off billed as "L'il Screechy?" Pavarotti as "Chubby P?" Zamfir, Master of the Pan Flute as "Pan Master Z?" I could do this all day, but I shant.

Spang · Post by **Spang** » January 25, 2004, 8:44 am

i enjoy listening to Black Eyed Peas.

Terarle · Post by **Terarle** » January 28, 2004, 3:46 am

I'm suprised Busta Ryhmes hasn't been mentioned yet.

Busta Ryhmes - (Genisis)
Wu Tang - Wu Tang forever (Best evAr)
Method Man/Red man (Anything these two guys are in are normally good)

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » January 29, 2004, 12:04 am

Looking for mainstream only? Try some screwed and chopped mixes as well. They are kind of hit and miss as to the quality. Around here, there are a lot of shops that actually have their own sections for them.

Rivera Bladestrike · January 29, 2004, 12:17 am

I like good ol' Biggie... he really shines in a song like "Victory" w/ Puff Daddy.

I downloaded a lot of his music, his rap really does flow well, songs like "Gimme the Loot" are funny as hell.

noel · Post by **noel** » January 29, 2004, 7:57 pm

Kind of an update of sorts:

I listened to Outkast. Loved it. Very good music, and very creative. Now I know why you guys have been raving about it so much.

I listened to 50 cent. Not really my thing. I'd say it's a bit too gansta for me. I really don't care how often a musician is packing heat, or how well armed his posse is.

I actually had both of Eminem's albums before I posted this. I like him a lot, and think he's extremely talented, but I can only listen to him whine about his family, how hard it is to be rich and have a daughter, and have been poor, ad nauseum in short spurts, then I have to put it down when I come back to it.

I'm working on test listening to everything everyone mentioned, I have, but haven't gotten a chance to really listen to: N.E.R.D.S. and Nas, I'm hoping they're both really good.

I also had DLed Ice Cube Predator, and I really liked it even though it's definitely more of what I would consider a ganstaish album. I think Ice Cube's delivery and lyrics are far better than 50 cents, so that could account for it.

I'm not exactly an astute student of Hip-hop, so take all of this commentary with a grain of salt.

Post by **Sylvus** » January 29, 2004, 8:10 pm

Your Ice Cube vs. 50 Cent observations are good ones.

50 Cent is basically untalented; he is quite marketable though and the bigwigs decided he was going to be the next rap star.

Ice Cube basically invented the genre of "Gangsta Rap", or had a hand in its conception anyway. He wrote all the lyrics for NWA and Eazy E, and has been a popular artist for more than 15 years. I think he has proven that he has talent.

I like N.E.R.D. a lot, I completely forgot to mention them in my list. The Neptunes (uh... NERD when they are producing instead of performing) have produced some of the greatest beats that have come out in recent memory.

One of my other favorite albums that came out this year is Atmosphere's Seven's Travels. He's a white rapper from Minnesota, and he does a remarkable job of telling an actual story in his rhymes, without the guns or violence. Give it a try.

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » January 29, 2004, 9:51 pm

Im not big on rap myself.
I dont view "rap" as music, but rather as entertainment, and only like rappers with humor. My bahamian friends big into hiphop and he made me listen to "The ying yang twins", and godamn these dudes ARE FUNNY AS HELL, there lyrics are pure genious....for the most part of what ive heard at least

but people like nelly and 50 cent piss the hell out of me. they have no humor at all in there music and try to boast about there "bitches n weed and gettin brain", whereas someone like ludacris raps about the same subjects in such a manner where he makes fun of the "hip hop" pop culture. I also love DMX, his rap is so fucking angry that it gives me a perfict dose of dark humor.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » January 29, 2004, 10:13 pm

KRS-ONE (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone) - Listen to any of his albums and you should see why he has been called "The Teacher" for so long.

2Pac - Most of his I can listen to at anytime. Although some would think it was all cursing and thuglife, the lyrics are a lot deeper than they seem when you first hear them.

8Ball and MJG - Get some of the Southern Rap from before the Atlanta scene caught on. It's still about the same, but there was a lot more talent back then IMHO.

Geto Boys - Have to throw them in for nostalgia's sake.

DMX - Some have mentioned his decline which I can agree with. If you have a way to pick and choose, do so. Each of his albums have had strong and weak songs.

Ja Rule - Similar to DMX with less strong songs.

Lil Keke - More Houston rap. It's not the same as what is coming out of GA right now. It has it's own flavor. If you can get his album "Changing Lanes" (2CD's for the price of one). The second CD will give you a good idea of what the "chopped and screwed" was that I mentioned before.

Scarface - If you want depth, get some Scarface. Some of his newer songs are deep as shit, such as looking at today's society and wondering how he would cope if his own child was depressed and considering suicide. He showed some signs of his skills with the Geto Boys, but he has grown a lot in the last 5-7 years.

UGK (UnderGround Kings) - Similar to the above mentioned 8Ball & MJG. Very similar. Basically if you like one you should like the other. I really can't compare them as I love them both, but they DO have distinct styles which are demonstrated more through their voices and choice of lyrics to fit them.

There are several others that I listen to, but these are some that I would pull out of my Rap playlist before any others.

Post by **Sylvus** » January 29, 2004, 10:41 pm

You're violating the rules, Boogahz. He wanted stuff from the last 5 years! =P

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » January 30, 2004, 2:39 am

yeah, and ja rule absolutely fucking sucks.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » February 1, 2004, 2:51 am

Only the Geto Boys haven't had anything listed within the last 5 years though, that's why I mentioned them being there for nostalgia's sake....not to mention that Office Space kinda made them "new" for some people.

Aevian Dreaklear · Post by **Aevian Dreaklear** » February 7, 2004, 2:01 am

Aranuil, just wondering if you have gotten around to the Jay-Z CD. At the time of my first post of recommendations I had just picked up this CD. I've been listening to a lot of it recently and found it to be really good. I highly recommend you try this out if you haven't yet.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » February 7, 2004, 5:14 pm

I'll second that. been listening to Jay Z's Black Album all week on my commute...it's good

masteen · Post by **masteen** » February 10, 2004, 12:52 pm

Boogahz wrote:Only the Geto Boys haven't had anything listed within the last 5 years though, that's why I mentioned them being there for nostalgia's sake....not to mention that Office Space kinda made them "new" for some people.

Back up in your ass with the resurrection?

noel · Post by **noel** » February 10, 2004, 6:56 pm

Aevian Dreaklear wrote:Aranuil, just wondering if you have gotten around to the Jay-Z CD. At the time of my first post of recommendations I had just picked up this CD. I've been listening to a lot of it recently and found it to be really good. I highly recommend you try this out if you haven't yet.

I still have a list of things to *cough*acquire*cough*, and Jay-Z is still on it, but I haven't gotten it yet. I will definitely grab it as soon as I see it available. Thanks again for the recommendations.

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » February 10, 2004, 7:03 pm

I'm really likin the new Usher/Lil' John/Ludacris song "Yeah!" and Eamon's "Fuck it (I don't want you back)"

a_guide · Post by **a_guide** » February 10, 2004, 10:40 pm

I like the Eamon song too

Couldn't believe they'll even play it here in Utah but they do. woohoo

Aevian Dreaklear · Post by **Aevian Dreaklear** » February 11, 2004, 4:20 am

Sirensa wrote:I'm really likin the new Usher/Lil' John/Ludacris song "Yeah!" and Eamon's "Fuck it (I don't want you back)"

For the longest time I thought that song was by a chick until I saw the video.

Ryuda · Post by **Ryuda** » February 14, 2004, 4:40 am

Wu tang clan - 36 Chambers.

Notorious BIG - Ready to die.

Nas - Illmatic.

Fucking classics... bestest ever.