NationStates Jolt Archive

Why has rap music devolved so much? The old beats of West Coast rap from Dr. Dre, the 'chillin' G-Funk from Warren G, the lyrical poetry from 2pac.

How did we go from this:

Somebody break me I'm dreamin, I started as a seed the semen
Swimmin upstream, planted in the womb while screamin
on the top, was my pops, my momma screamin stop
From a single drop, this is what they got
Not to disrespect my peoples but my poppa was a loser
Only plan he had for momma was to fuckk her and abuse her
Even as a little seed, I could see his plan for me
Stranded on welfare, another broken family
Now what was I to be, a product of this heated passion
Momma got pregnant, and poppa got a piece of ass
Look how it began, nobody gave a fuckk about me
Pistol in my hand, this cruel world can do without me
How can I survive? Got me askin white Jesus
will a nigga live or die, cause the Lord can't see us
in the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
No sunny days and we only play sometimes
When everybody's sleepin
I open my window jump to the streets and get to creepin
I can live or die, hope I get some money 'fore I'm gone
I'm only 19, I'm tryin to hustle on my own
on the spot where everybody and they pops tryin to slang rocks
I'd rather go to college, but this is where the game stops
Don't get it wrong cause it's always on, from dusk to dawn
You can buy rocks glocks or a herringbone
You can ask my man Ishmael Reed
Keep my nine heated all the time this is how we grind
Meet up at the cemetary then get smoked out, pass the weed nigga
That Hennessey'll keep me keyed nigga
Everywhere I go niggaz holla at me, "Keep it real G"
And my reply til they kill me
Act up if you feel me, I was born not to make it but I did
The tribulations of a ghetto kid, still I rise
http://www.last.fm/music/2Pac/_/Still+I+Rise?autostart


Or from this:

Born A heavy set girl with pig tails and curls
A heart full of gold
Still it won't change the world
Though she could never understand why
Some underhanded plans, witnessed a man die
Was only 15
Should have been a beauty queen
Still see here crying by the caskets when here parents got killed
Little girl don't cry
'Coz even though they died
You can best believe they watching over thee from the sky
Never asked for this misery
But look at what you gettin'
It's a blessing in disguise
When you find out your pregnant
No money, no home
And even though you all alone
You'se got to do this on your own
So baby go on
I wish you luck
And if you need me, call
Just come to me and let me feed you all
I can understand
The way it feels when you fighting the world
Facing all this drama
When mama's just A little girl


At 16 what a beautiful thing
The very essence of a jet black ebony queen
And who could tell she would get pregnant at an early age
She didn't listen, had sex
Watch her belly raise (hey)
Got violated by someone she dated
If this is fate I hate to see the seed she created
So we wait, though it takes time to build the body and the mind
She reclines 9 months
Then finally its time
What do we find?
A little grown boy a mind with a tortured soul
Addicted to a life of crime at no time of the growing stage
He learned his values on the streets at an early age
Watch for police
Don't come home (why)
'Coz mammas acting crazy
At the hospital
'Bout to have another baby
Like the rose from concrete
Grown within
Blessed with twins
How the hell can mamma raise 3 men
So we began a closest family
Such insanity
A happy home
For one act inhumanity
Plus mammas said the seed was corrupted
Used the rubber belly
Begging us to breathe if she love us
Now mamma sits quiet
Sipping peppermint schnapps
Turned the house into a spot and made her watch for cops (hey)
How could mamma bring a thug like me into this world?
She ain't the cause of all the drama
Cause mommas just a little girl

Now
Would she remain in the same spot?
The gunshots rang, they came from the cane spot
Now look here
I see her clutching her son
In her arms she hurt
Her heart bleeding as she watched her seed die in the dirt
Fulfill prophecy
But who could stop the grief?
I walk around trying to hold the world up on top me
Probably be an innocent man
But still I'm the victim of a curse
What could be worse?
Nothing but pain
Since my birth, taught me functions at the pen
Cause everybody's in paying back society
I'm guilty of a life of sin
I watched the drama occur
My eyes blurred 'fore I jet it
I wonder why we all have to die for we get it
Though we shed tears
So many peers I done buried
Worried and scared
Knowing I'ma see the cemetery
Must be prepared in this cold world
No-one cares
No it ain't fair
But we all there
And do our share
In this land of underhanded schemes and plans
Vivid dreams of a nigga having g's in hand
Mamma told me not to be a punk
Fuck what you talking about coward
What you niggas want?

They ask us why we mutilate each other like we do
And wonder why we hold such little worth for human life
Facing all this drama
But to ask us why we to turn from bad to worse
Is to ignore from which we came
You see you wouldn't ask why the rose that grew from the concrete had damaged petals
On the contrary
We would all celebrate its tenacity
We would all love its will to reach the sun
Well
We are the roses (echo)
This is the concrete (echo)
And these are my damaged petals (echo)
Don't ask me why (echo)
Thank god nigga (echo)
Ask me how (echo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gGOtrXIKY

Or just other classics such as:

Warren G - Regulate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckOULenKxiQ

Dr. Dre feat Snoop Dogg - The Next Episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAknk-U0jwM&feature=PlayList&p=BDBCC4EF7F6E7FE6&playnext=1&index=41

To this???????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0IhNNI8gH4

:rolleyes:

Anyway, who is your favorite rapper and post one of your favorite rap songs in particular.

I'll also add a poll in relation to the theme...

Zack de la Rocha...

Rage Against the Machine rules, lol...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X_AgLfpndM

Jason Mraz is my hero!

I've never liked rap. A few songs here and there, that I heard but nothing substantial. However, the bus drivers always listen to the crap they've come out with recently, and my god does it ever suck. Honestly, it makes me want to kill myself or at the least puncture both my eardrums so I never have to listen to such horrendous crap ever again.

As to why and how, I can only pull some bs response of corporate interests etc. blah blah other semi-liberal bs... It doesn't make much sense to go from bearable garbage to complete feces.

Braintax - Escuchame (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-elPhIkU9U)

Braintax - Syariana Style (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOtymdrUfHk&feature=related)

Yungun - What Eye See (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTNI0cgpj6g&feature=related)

Jehst - Adventures In New Bohemia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S42JwsplT_A)

All great tracks.

Zack de la Rocha...

Rage Against the Machine rules, lol...
I also really enjoy Rage Against the Machine....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuOAY-S6OY
Best song from them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X_AgLfpndM

Jason Mraz is my hero!

Not bad!

Zack de la Rocha...

Rage Against the Machine rules, lol...
This. Best would probably be "Roll Right," off of Evil Empire.

Off the list, it would be Notorious B.I.G., or the Notorious B.I.G., or however his name is supposed to be. I was ten years old when he got shot, so how should I know?
My favorite of his would probably be "Ready to Die" or "Everyday Struggle." I prefer his more suicidal and introspective moments.

I also really enjoy Rage Against the Machine....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuOAY-S6OY
Best song from them.



Yep, Although Im more of a Bulls on Parade kinda guy, lol...

I just searched him out of curiosity and stumbled on his new project, It has one song on the website that sounds pretty kewl...

http://www.onedayasalion.org/

Im buyin the EP off of iTunes, it was only $5.00..

Braintax - Escuchame (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-elPhIkU9U)

Braintax - Syariana Style (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOtymdrUfHk&feature=related)

Yungun - What Eye See (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTNI0cgpj6g&feature=related)

Jehst - Adventures In New Bohemia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S42JwsplT_A)

All great tracks.
Syariana Style is an awesome song.

The lyrics are as retarded and wrong as one could be, but damn it sounds good. :p

Syriaana Style is an awesome song.

The lyrics are as retarded and wrong as one could be, but damn it sounds good. :p

"We're going to bring them food and medicines and supplies and.....freedom."

"We're going to bring them food and medicines and supplies and.....freedom."

You know damn well that's not what I meant when I said I don't like the lyrics. ;)

You know damn well that's not what I meant when I said I don't like the lyrics. ;)

What? :p

What? :p
All of the anti-militarism, anti-nationalism, anti-Americanism..etc etc could be it...:p

All of the anti-militarism, anti-nationalism, anti-Americanism..etc etc could be it...:p

Odd, those are the reasons I like the lyrics. I quite like the digs at the UKian government as well.

Odd, those are the reasons I like the lyrics. I quite like the digs at the UKian government as well.

You don't have to "dig" at the British government. Just read a newspaper. Every damn day they do something so stupid it's nauseating.

Odd, those are the reasons I like the lyrics. I quite like the digs at the UKian government as well.
I don't. But hey...I'm right and you're left, so....

I don't like rap much. Its okay, but I can't tolerate discussions of ghetto life and such whiny lyrics. Or stuff like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, or anything like they do which is anti-feminist crap. I like Wierd Al's rap stuff. thats it. The rest can be wiped off the face of The Earth besides Rage Against the Machine and rap-metal besides Korn and Limping Bizshit.

Curse you bastards for having a reasonable discussion on topic that doesn't justify my self righteous rant I had all loaded up for this thread...sure, make me the bad guy for underestimating everyone...I hope your happy...

EDIT: Well, except the guy above me...but whatever, the mood has passed...

"We're going to bring them food and medicines and supplies and.....freedom."
I might be misinterpreting the lyric, but did that guy really just imply that 9-11 was faked? (the part is at about 2:20, I think it is "It's a load of crap like planes made them two towers collapse straight down like that. You mad?")
Also, British people probably shouldn't rap. Sorry, but your accent just doesn't work for it.

You don't have to "dig" at the British government. Just read a newspaper. Every damn day they do something so stupid it's nauseating.

But Braintax put it to music and then said it to me so I don't have to risk eye-strain.

Much better than a newspaper.

I might be misinterpreting the lyric, but did that guy really just imply that 9-11 was faked? (the part is at about 2:20, I think it is "It's a load of crap like planes made them two towers collapse straight down like that. You mad?")
Also, British people probably shouldn't rap. Sorry, but your accent just doesn't work for it.

He does seem to think there may have been more to the 9-11 attacks than just the planes. Then again it may just have fit so he used it.

British people make some great hip hop. The Streets is brilliant.

He does seem to think there may have been more to the 9-11 attacks than just the planes. Then again it may just have fit so he used it.

British people make some great hip hop. The Streets is brilliant.

I don't know any British hip hop.

He does seem to think there may have been more to the 9-11 attacks than just the planes. Then again it may just have fit so he used it.
A 9-11 Truther by any other name is just as bat-shit insane.
British people make some great hip hop. The Streets is brilliant.
Braintax sounds too nasal, and it reminds me of Ali G. The cockney accents of the Streets just make me titter.

A 9-11 Truther by any other name is just as bat-shit insane.

Yes they are.

Braintax sounds too nasal, and it reminds me of Ali G. The cockney accents of the Streets just make me titter.

Heathen.

I dislike all modern rap.


Long live RUN-DMC

The only rap I listen to is Weird Al's White and Nerdy.:D

i dislike all modern rap.


Long live run-dmc

run...run...run...

d.
M.
C.

EDIT: Ha! Apparently the forum now counters all cap posts, or something...

I chose Snoop Dog, but I rather like Missy Elliot, although rap music isn't to my liking.

No sleep 'til bedtime

I chose Snoop Dog, but I rather like Missy Elliot, although rap music isn't to my liking.

Weirdest thing about film school: The number of Missy Elliot videos we watched...

Weirdest thing about film school: The number of Missy Elliot videos we watched...

She does has a curious way of making her videos.

I personally think that Rap started to die when it became *Rap Music* instead of being a cultural movement. As a separate business entity, Rap didn't have to be socially conscious anymore, or be tied to any ideals. As such is can and has raced to the LCD as fast as it possibly could. I'm not even going to get into the racial element of selling an urban black artform to suburban whites, and the image change you have to do to make that a viable business proposition.

Also, there's no "Other" option on the list. I vote for Lupe Fiasco.

[Verse 1]
I love the Lord,
But sometimes it's like that I love me more
I love the peace
And I love the war
I love the seas
and I love the shore
No love for no beach
baby, that's loyal
But she doesn't see, therefore I spoil
I trip, I fall
run up and brawl.
I love her, with all my heart
Every vein, every vessel,
every bullet lodged
With every flower that I ever took apart
She said - that she would give me greatness,
status, placement above the others
My face would grace covers
of the magazines of the hustlers
Paper, the likes of which that I had never seen
Her eyes glow green with the logo of our dreams
The purpose of our scene,
The obscene obsession for the bling
She would be my queen,
I could be her king
Together, she would make me cool
and we would both rule, forever,
And I would never feel pain
and never be without pleasure, ever, again
And if the rain stops,
And everything's dry
she would cry
Just so I can drink the tears from her eyes
She'll teach me how to fly
Even cushion my fall
If my engines ever stall
and I plummet from the sky
But she will keep me high
And if I ever die
She would comission my image on her bosom
"To him"
Or maybe she'd retire as well
A match made in Heaven said the fires in Hell
and I'll be...

I like Rage as well. Bulls on parade, People of the Sun, Down Rodeo. I don't think they are Rap but....

I chose Eminem mostly because I like his less serious stuff.

Dissapointed that Westside Connection didn't make the poll... "Potential Victims"

I just gave the one vote to Nas, as one of his songs definitly somes up the bottom line of this thread, "Hip-Hop is Dead"
however, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Flobots, The Roots and any other associated acts are combatting the likes of lil' wayne, soulja boy and the countless other crappy rappers who know nothing about spitting rhymes at all.
Public Enemy, Rage, Linkin Park's one remix album that was awesome

Also, there's no "Other" option on the list.


Actually, I think Weird Al effectively became the "Other" option, lol...

No option for Don't like Rap music

No option for Don't like Rap music
Once again, "Weird Al."

It got commercial, just like every other style of music. It stopped being about the music and started being about making shit tons of money

Fresh,Fresh.Fresh

Pac, Kanye West, The Roots, E-40, Beastie Boys.

2Pac ft. Dr. Dre - California Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOsbGP5Ox4)

2Pac - Thugz Mansion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7dbGRJ41E)

Kanye West ft. Paul Wall and GLC - Drive Slow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU0XYHErI8I)

E-40 ft. Keak da Sneak - Tell Me When To Go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqvBlvOZ3Gc)

Beastie Boys - Paul Revere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEM3dW2oWW4&feature=related)

Also, British people probably shouldn't rap. Sorry, but your accent just doesn't work for it.

I don't know any British hip hop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Y5Y1AM88k

Kanye West ft. Paul Wall and GLC - Drive Slow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU0XYHErI8I)

E-40 ft. Keak da Sneak - Tell Me When To Go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqvBlvOZ3Gc)

You know, I actually dislike Drive Slow even though I like Kanye. I think that Paul Wall had no idea of the point of the song, and just spent a verse talking about the same crap every other rapper talks about. The transition between the rappers is like downshifting from 4th to 1st gear.

You know, I actually dislike Drive Slow even though I like Kanye. I think that Paul Wall had no idea of the point of the song, and just spent a verse talking about the same crap every other rapper talks about. The transition between the rappers is like downshifting from 4th to 1st gear.

The discord between the verses DOES bother me, actually... you're right, they have nothing to do with each other. But I like the rest of the song so much that I don't mind it. Same thing with "Diamonds From Sierra Leone"--I really like Jay-Z's verse, but it has NOTHING to do with the rest of the song.

Pac, Kanye West, The Roots, E-40, Beastie Boys.

2Pac ft. Dr. Dre - California Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOsbGP5Ox4)

2Pac - Thugz Mansion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7dbGRJ41E)

Kanye West ft. Paul Wall and GLC - Drive Slow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU0XYHErI8I)

E-40 ft. Keak da Sneak - Tell Me When To Go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqvBlvOZ3Gc)

Beastie Boys - Paul Revere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEM3dW2oWW4&feature=related)

You! Kayne West is the problem, not the solution!

Oh, and, Straight Outta Compton is an awesome album.

For the secular hip hop field, I favour Nas. I Am was the first CD I ever bought, and I have loved him since then. I also enjoy listening to Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli.

But I also like Christian Hip Hop. It sounds lame in the name itself, but there is some serious great stuff in it. Its what I usually listen to now, not just because of the message, but because its some dang good music as well.

I love Hip Hop. Its like heroin. I need it. I need to have hits of it to keep me going. I don't think that hip hop has died or devolved. I think what has been played on the radio has devolved. The radio stations have changed what they decide to play, and deem popular. For example, listen to the guy called Young Jeezy. He throws out bs every two weeks, and it all sucks. But the radio decides to play it as much as possible.

Seriously, which sounds better:
"My president is black, my lambo is blue. I'll be g-d d@mned if my rims ain't too"

Or

"What I look like caring if the world don't feel us/ I serve a God who died harder than Bruce Willis"

"I was chosen to be loved on/ eyes low, blowing dro, that's the life I used to
know/ but Jesus chopped me up and slowed me down just like that
Houston flow/ a dead man until somebody hit me with the hardest facts
the Gospel hit my heart I guess that's what you call a heart attack"

Just my thoughts. :)

Why isn't Kanye a poll option? Tough choice between Jay-Z and Nas, but I think it has to be Jay-Z for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Y5Y1AM88k

Jahaziel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv_Jmxft5DI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBMx53noM_0

For the secular hip hop field, I favour Nas. I Am was the first CD I ever bought, and I have loved him since then. I also enjoy listening to Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli.
Talib Kweli is awesome : )


I don't think that hip hop has died or devolved. I think what has been played on the radio has devolved.


Not that I listened to rap back in the "Glory Days" of the 80s and 90s, but I still have to agree with this.

Why isn't Kanye a poll option? Tough choice between Jay-Z and Nas, but I think it has to be Jay-Z for me.

:O How can you pick Jay-Z over Nas?

I...I thought I knew you better than that!

:p

He does seem to think there may have been more to the 9-11 attacks than just the planes. Then again it may just have fit so he used it.

British people make some great hip hop. The Streets is brilliant.

ZOMG Bestestestestest Friend Ever subjects me to "Fit But You Know It" every time we're together. It is a testament to my overwhelming love for her that I still wish I were with her. It's hilariously bad, which I enjoy, but having it stuck in my head for another THREE DAYS is gawd-awful.

:O How can you pick Jay-Z over Nas?

I...I thought I knew you better than that!

:p

I dunno...the Jay-Z/Linkin Park collaboration was probably the deciding factor. Also, I haven't listened to Nas in AGES. Also, some of his songs make me want to cry.

The only rap I listen to is Weird Al's White and Nerdy.:D

Oh man, you need to hear "Stuck in the Drive-Through" and "Confessions Part III" (although they're arguably more R&B, I guess...)

Also, I am surprised not to see a mention of Immortal Technique. He has some pretty good stuff as well.

Please note that these songs are from a time when rap did not suck.

Whippersnappers. GET OFF MAH LAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Slick Rick - Children's Story (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRC4ziQpb5I&feature=PlayList&p=27B6FBA6A21B06C5&index=0&playnext=1)

Knock 'em out the box, Rick.

EPMD - You Gots To Chill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4xVFi0bRYw)

No Balls...you got no balls.

Dana Dane - This Be The Def Beat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKjiYznVcQE)

The rhymes I write are just your type, and guaranteed to be fresh and ripe.

Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZElWBsoyvUo)

Thinkin' of a Master Plan...

No option for Don't like Rap music

That's because people who dislike rap, you, for instance, don't count.

*shrugs* Honestly I don't get it. I have found at least some particular artists or songs in nearly every genre of music to which I've been exposed. Well, not a huge fan of any techno artists, or grunge, but I've never been properly exposed to them.

Oh, and, Straight Outta Compton is an awesome album.

My brother is in the USN, and he wrote an email telling us about what he was doing. I was trying to relate it to friends and family who are from the suburbs.

Me: So this ship ran out of fuel off the coast of Somalia, which he said is comparable to your car stalling or running our of gas in Compton.
Them: ermm, where's Compton? I don't know what that means. . .
Me: Sort of like the shittiest part of Camden NJ. (We're from Philly)
Them: ooooooh.

I thought everyone'd at least HEARD of Compton. Alas, I expect too much :(

Rap's never really done it for me, but as you go back, and Rap gets closer to funk, then it starts to get better.

Jahaziel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv_Jmxft5DI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBMx53noM_0

I like that a lot more than christian rock

To this???????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0IhNNI8gH4

:rolleyes:

You've obviously never met my Aunt Cynt...

MC Hammer- You Can't Touch This
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S96ihP-AxMI

And you can't. That is the best rap song that has, and ever will be written.

Anyway, who is your favorite rapper and post one of your favorite rap songs in particular.

I'll also add a poll in relation to the theme...

Nobody.
Rap has to be one of the most annoying things to develop in the late 20th century, and I'm more than glad that the time DJs here would actually play it on radio is over.

Please note that these songs are from a time when rap did not suck.

Whippersnappers. GET OFF MAH LAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Slick Rick - Children's Story (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRC4ziQpb5I&feature=PlayList&p=27B6FBA6A21B06C5&index=0&playnext=1)

Knock 'em out the box, Rick.

EPMD - You Gots To Chill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4xVFi0bRYw)

No Balls...you got no balls.

Dana Dane - This Be The Def Beat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKjiYznVcQE)

The rhymes I write are just your type, and guaranteed to be fresh and ripe.

Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZElWBsoyvUo)

Thinkin' of a Master Plan...
Kool Moe Dee, bitch. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agnKPLrG2E0)
My brother is in the USN, and he wrote an email telling us about what he was doing. I was trying to relate it to friends and family who are from the suburbs.

Me: So this ship ran out of fuel off the coast of Somalia, which he said is comparable to your car stalling or running our of gas in Compton.
Them: ermm, where's Compton? I don't know what that means. . .
Me: Sort of like the shittiest part of Camden NJ. (We're from Philly)
Them: ooooooh.

I thought everyone'd at least HEARD of Compton. Alas, I expect too much :(
I got lost, late at night, in an open top car that was starting to break down in LA. We stopped to get a map, we were in Watts. We scrambled out, checked where we were as we pulled off the freeway, we were in Compton. That's when the car started sputtering.

None of the above, at any rate. I just don't identify with much of the tone, content or motifs of rap; I can appreciate it as a piece of music, and a technical exercise, but little else really. As callow as it sounds, it doesn't resonate in my soul in the same way something like "This town needs Guns" does.

I got lost, late at night, in an open top car that was starting to break down in LA. We stopped to get a map, we were in Watts. We scrambled out, checked where we were as we pulled off the freeway, we were in Compton. That's when the car started sputtering.
Isn't it being gentrified, though? I think the last time they did rankings for that sort of thing, Compton wasn't even in the top ten most dangerous cities.
Now, Richmond, there's a fucking hellhole.

Kool Moe Dee, bitch. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agnKPLrG2E0)

I got lost, late at night, in an open top car that was starting to break down in LA. We stopped to get a map, we were in Watts. We scrambled out, checked where we were as we pulled off the freeway, we were in Compton. That's when the car started sputtering.

:s You survived, thou!

Pac, Kanye West, The Roots, E-40, Beastie Boys.

2Pac ft. Dr. Dre - California Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOsbGP5Ox4)

2Pac - Thugz Mansion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7dbGRJ41E)

Kanye West ft. Paul Wall and GLC - Drive Slow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU0XYHErI8I)

E-40 ft. Keak da Sneak - Tell Me When To Go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqvBlvOZ3Gc)

Beastie Boys - Paul Revere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEM3dW2oWW4&feature=related)

Not a bad group of songs, though I don't like drive slow.

Check this out, I'm sure you'll love it. Such a great beat.

2pac - Street Fame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffepgLHwDVQ

Why isn't Kanye a poll option? Tough choice between Jay-Z and Nas, but I think it has to be Jay-Z for me.
Nas is good and has some serious classics. Hip hop is dead. One Mic etc....but Jay-Z is just, amazing. Better raps, better beats, better style and wayyyyy smarter.

Rap's never really done it for me, but as you go back, and Rap gets closer to funk, then it starts to get better.
Something for you then from one of my all time favorites:

Rick James - Mr Policeman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKFFhSz6IdY

Nobody.
Rap has to be one of the most annoying things to develop in the late 20th century, and I'm more than glad that the time DJs here would actually play it on radio is over.
Well, aren't you just the annoying little debby-downer.

Anyway, I think listening to Eminem is good for the soul. It really makes you consider what you allow as freedom of speech, and points out the hypocrites among us.


I'm pretty sure the song below even got members of Congress to ask to ban his CD. This has to be one of the most violent, homophobic, nasty songs out there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88rsI9ltRZA

My words are like a dagger with a jagged edge
That'll stab you in the head
whether you're a fag or lez
Or the homosex, hermaph or a trans-a-vest
Pants or dress - hate fags? The answer's "yes"
Homophobic? Nah, you're just heterophobic
Starin at my jeans, watchin my genitals bulgin (Ooh!)
That's my motherfuckin balls, you'd better let go of em
They belong in my scrotum, you'll never get hold of em
Hey, it's me, Versace
Whoops, somebody shot me!
And I was just checkin the mail
Get it? Checkin the 'male'? (clicks tongue twice)
How many records you expectin to sell
After your second LP sends you directly to jail?
C'mon!-- Relax Guy, I like gay men
Right, Ken? Give me an amen (AAA-men!)
Please Lord, this boy needs Jesus
Heal this child, help us destroy these demons
Oh, and please send me a brand new car
And a prostitute while my wife's sick in the hospital
Preacher preacher, fifth grade teacher
You can't reach me, my mom can't neither
You can't teach me a goddamn thing cause
I watch TV, and Comcast cable
And you ain't able to stop these thoughts
You can't stop me from toppin these charts
And you can't stop me from droppin each March
With a brand new cd for these fuckin retards
Duhhh, and to think, it's just little ol' me
Mr. "Don't Give A Fuck," still won't leave

I'm a CRIMINAL
Cuz every time I write a rhyme, these people think it's a crime
to tell em what's on my mind - I guess I'm a CRIMINAL
but I don't gotta say a word, I just flip em the bird
and keep goin, I don't take shit from no one

[Eminem]
My mother did drugs - hard liquor, cigarettes, and speed
The baby came out - disfigured, ligaments indeed
It was a seed who would grow up just as crazy as she
Don't dare make fun of that baby cause that baby was me
I'm a CRIMINAL - an animal caged who turned crazed
But how the fuck you sposed to grow up when you weren't raised?
So as I got older and I got a lot taller
My dick shrunk smaller, but my balls got larger
I drink more liquor to fuck you up quicker
Than you'd wanna fuck me up for sayin the word ...
My morals went thhbbpp when the president got oral
Sex in his Oval Office on top of his desk
Off of his own employee
Now don't ignore me, you won't avoid me
You can't miss me, I'm white, blonde-haired
And my nose is pointy
I'm the bad guy who makes fun of people that die
In plane crashes and laughs
As long as it ain't happenin to him
Slim Shady, I'm as crazy as Em
-inem and Kim combined - *kch* the maniac's in
Replacin the doctor cause Dre couldn't make it today
He's a little under the weather, so I'm takin his place
(Mm-mm-mmm!) Oh, that's Dre with an AK to his face
Don't make me kill him too and spray his brains all over the place
I told you Dre, you should've kept that thing put away
I guess that'll teach you not to let me play with it, eh?
I'm a CRIMINAL

[Eminem]
Windows tinted on my ride when I drive in it
So when I rob a bank, run out and just dive in it
So I'll be disguised in it
And if anybody identifies the guy in it
I'll hide for five minutes
Come back, shoot the eyewitness
Then fire at the private eye hired to pry in my business
Die bitches, bastards, brats, pets!
This puppy's lucky I didn't blast his ass yet
If I ever gave a fuck, I'd shave my nuts
Tuck my dick in between my legs and cluck
You motherfuckin chickens ain't brave enough
To say the stuff I say, so just tape is shut
Shit, half the shit I say, I just make it up
To make you mad so kiss my white naked ass
And if it's not a rapper that I make it as
I'ma be a fuckin rapist in a Jason mask

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Y5Y1AM88k
Not bad. His voice is deep enough to overcome the national handicap (normally I've got nothing against British accents, but in rap it just leaves me nonplussed).
I prefer "Round We Go," (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItGIdUYQNMo) though.

Where is the "Rap is not Music" option on the poll? :confused:

P.S. Heavy metal isn't music either.

Wheres the Chuck D/Public Enemy option?

Why has rap music devolved so much?
It has?

With the likes of Dose One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A88_E_cJOA), Aesop Rock (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1u43KDiWD0) and Darc Mind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwP9CN9TA4s) still producing great material, I don't see how it's 'devolved'.

What, no else loves MC Hammer?!

:confused:

To this???????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0IhNNI8gH4



Actually I'm pretty impressed with that song. Instead of talking about women as money-grubbing whores, it recognises the sexiness of women who are able to support themselves, and who enter into relationships with men on the basis of something OTHER than money.

Actually I'm pretty impressed with that song. Instead of talking about women as money-grubbing whores, it recognises the sexiness of women who are able to support themselves, and who enter into relationships with men on the basis of something OTHER than money.
Off the top of my head, here's a better song than that about a similar meaning.

2Pac - Wonda Why They Call U Bitch (a criticism on the ghetto-whore lifestyle)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX7eQQyHji8&feature=related

The rocket launcha
Biggie stomped ya
High as a motherfuckin helicopta

~~The Notorious~~

Hm...I'm not seeing the part where it says in the OP that people may interject with comments like "rap is not music" instead of contributing to an actual discussion.

I like a little of rap and hip-hop, myself; while I heartily agree that the lyrical quality of today's mainstream rap has degraded to a very extreme degree, some of the beats are just too darn catchy for me not to enjoy them (especially when mixed with alcohol). I've seen a few names in here that I recognize and enjoy: Immortal Technique, Aesop Rock, and I'd like to add Jurassic 5, CunninLynguists, Nujabes, and Dilated Peoples. Top fave in mainstream at the moment would be Ludacris or Lil Wayne...lyrics are somtimes impressively deep, and very catchy songs.

Hopefully Soulja Boy will start a feud with someone that ends badly for him.

The stuff I like comes from playing GTA San Andreas for many hours, so it is NWA, Da Lench Mob etc..

Kool Moe Dee, bitch. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agnKPLrG2E0)

-snip-


LL knocked Kool Moe Dee out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7l250E5uM4). They had some sorta of beef back in the day hehe.

----------

Haven't kept up with rap, or even listened to my cd's in years. Rakim and KRS One have always been my default for emcees. PE and BDP always had good stuff. Dug EPMD, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Gang Starr.. even Ice Cube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvRc7pwnt0U) (he was my favorite for a long time. "You let a jew break up my crew". "Bendin over for the god damned cracka... No Vaseline.)

Will just link a few.. Todsboro put up a few classics, so won't have to link those. And I've linked BDP and Gang Starr to death in past rap threads.. so will link different stuff.


Hip Hop...
Pharcyde (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hZKN4AZ63g)

De La Soul/Tribe Called Quest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTjzL0Cu-Tw)

Digable Planets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDyUG9zcftg)

The Coup (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1I6Di_q31Y)

Arrested Development (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g40c6iAEHpc)

Redman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOKfmhDpCXA)

Eazy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HAMTNJD8xc)

Apologies is this has been posted previously, but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU) has got to be the best, and funniest, rap video of all time.

Take that Weird Al.

Apologies is this has been posted previously, but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU) has got to be the best, and funniest, rap video of all time.

Take that Weird Al.

Is that the 'Jizz in my pants' guys?

Is that the 'Jizz in my pants' guys?
Yes, though this is of a higher calibre.

The production is sublime.

Is that the 'Jizz in my pants' guys?
Yeah, of course. :p I'm glad to see Jizz in my Pants and On a Boat made it onto NSG.

Yeah, of course. :p I'm glad to see Jizz in my Pants and On a Boat made it onto NSG.

Apologies is this has been posted previously, but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU) has got to be the best, and funniest, rap video of all time.

Take that Weird Al.

Wanted to make sure you've seen this one as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4

I fuckeeeeeeeed a mermaid!

Yeah, of course. :p I'm glad to see Jizz in my Pants and On a Boat made it onto NSG.
Ahh, behind in my memes I see.

Anyhoo, it's a fantastic piss-take of a certain kind of rap that's popular at the mo.

Wanted to make sure you've seen this one as well...
I caught it earlier.

Have you heard their album? It's got a rap by Natalie Portman...

Ahh, behind in my memes I see.

Anyhoo, it's a fantastic piss-take of a certain kind of rap that's popular at the mo.

I've known about Jizz In My Pants forever..just didnt' know that it was on NSG :p

And yeah...I know. I'm really into rap but haaaaate all that T-Pain and Lil-Wayne garbage that is sooooo commercial and all sounds the same with electronic voices.

I caught it earlier.

Have you heard their album? It's got a rap by Natalie Portman...

Haven't heard it! Have you seen the clip of them dancing with Beyonce to "All the Single Ladies"? Gold. Pure gold. :p

I also really enjoy Rage Against the Machine....


I am amussed that you enjoy them:D

Why has it gotten from a social/political messege to self glorification and lyrics about hoes and cronic? Because the mainstream got a hold of it, and sex and violence sells better then politics and social critique.

I like Rage Against the Machine (not really rap but eh) and some Public Enemy and Run DMZ, but mostly because of their content. But Im not too much of a rap guy.

Hopefully Soulja Boy will start a feud with someone that ends badly for him.
I wouldn't hold my breath. Let's think about this from the prospective of the potential murderers: he's going to be in Rap Hell, and when he gets there some guy is going to say, "Hey, I killed Tupac, and I got away with it."
Someone else is going to say, "Oh yeah? I killed the Notorious B.I.G., and I got away with it, too."
The third guy is going to say, "I killed Soulja Boy, and nobody fucking cared."
Apologies is this has been posted previously, but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU) has got to be the best, and funniest, rap video of all time.

Take that Weird Al.
Awesome. There are no other words.

I like Rage Against the Machine (not really rap but eh).
Eh? Just because Zack de la Rocha has an actual band backing him up, rather than samples or a rented drum and bass team, doesn't make him any less a rapper.

Eh? Just because Zack de la Rocha has an actual band backing him up, rather than samples or a rented drum and bass team, doesn't make him any less a rapper.

He is a rapper, yes, but its a bit of a diservice to call the band rap IMO.

I always considered Rage more funk.

Eh? Just because Zack de la Rocha has an actual band backing him up, rather than samples or a rented drum and bass team, doesn't make him any less a rapper.

I am amussed that you enjoy them:D
Don't ever think I can be labeled. ;) Let's also say that a certain Rick James' Greatest Hits CD is always in my 6-disc CD changer in my car. ;)

Why has it gotten from a social/political messege to self glorification and lyrics about hoes and cronic? Because the mainstream got a hold of it, and sex and violence sells better then politics and social critique.
To be honest....if you listen to alot of early West Coast Rap (which I do)...it was also about hoes, cronic, violence, self-glorification as well as political and social.....and I'm fine with that. Old School NY rap may have been a little different, but still. I just don't like that alot of rap today has no meaning whatsoever...just Lil Wayne rambling or Soulja Boy saying "YOU!"...."Shawty got low, low, low".....etc.

See what I'm saying?

I like Rage Against the Machine (not really rap but eh) and some Public Enemy and Run DMZ, but mostly because of their content. But Im not too much of a rap guy.
Well if we ever run into each other on the road somewhere in Europe, I'll convert you. :p

He is a rapper, yes, but its a bit of a diservice to call the band rap IMO.

I always considered Rage more funk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxOoOrEPEU4

This is a rap-song with a band to back him up.

He is a rapper, yes, but its a bit of a diservice to call the band rap IMO.

I always considered Rage more funk.
Possibly. I only got into rap in the last couple years, and my first exposure was via the Flobots (Yeah, I like "Handlebars," but I liked it back in 2006), so I've got no problem seeing Rap as a group effort.

Don't ever think I can be labeled. ;) Let's also say that a certain Rick James' Greatest Hits CD is always in my 6-disc CD changer in my car. ;)


To be honest....if you listen to alot of early West Coast Rap (which I do)...it was also about hoes, cronic, violence, self-glorification as well as political and social.....and I'm fine with that. Old School NY rap may have been a little different, but still. I just don't like that alot of rap today has no meaning whatsoever...just Lil Wayne rambling or Soulja Boy saying "YOU!"...."Shawty got low, low, low".....etc.

See what I'm saying?


Well if we ever run into each other on the road somewhere in Europe, I'll convert you. :p

Always knew you were a wigger. Many younger American jews are tho. .. tho I'm no jew, still you can't touch me on hip hop :P

Lets celebrate gentiles and jews alike with old school jew/white rap Beastie Boys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyAgPgZGDyg)!

Much respect to Beastie Boys. for real. I love that they didn't try to be 'hard' but were themselves or original or something. It's the only freakin reason blacks liked them.. well plus they had fat beats (Rubin). But the not trying to be hard carried much weight.

Although Eminem was somewhat similar in his music and he has talent.. , his persona .. trying to be hard .. bleh. If he had just not acted 'hard' I could've liked him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5JFdJkBLUI

I totally forgot about 3Oh!3 - these guys are the shit.

not rap man.

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


that is, now get that he is talking about movies.. jason, freddy, norman bates etc ..

(i couldve chose many more less in your face, but im drinking and it sounds good.. plus it's good sober or drinking -- redmans best imo)

Always knew you were a wigger. Many younger American jews are tho. .. tho I'm no jew, still you can't touch me on hip hop :P

Lets celebrate gentiles and jews alike with old school jew/white rap Beastie Boys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyAgPgZGDyg)!

Much respect to Beastie Boys. for real. I love that they didn't try to be 'hard' but were themselves or original or something. It's the only freakin reason blacks liked them.. well plus they had fat beats (Rubin). But the not trying to be hard carried much weight.

Although Eminem was somewhat similar in his music and he has talent.. , his persona .. trying to be hard .. bleh. If he had just not acted 'hard' I could've liked him.

I do like Beastie Boys and, I'm not a Wigger, at all.:p

This is alright actually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRaU0GMheMc

Newer rap music isn't necessarily "devolved"; consider "You Never Know (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pqiqrnZE44)" by Immortal Technique, or "Dumb It Down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2F40MYjeic)" by Lupe Fiasco.

Anyway, not sure about the poll, there's options on that list whose music I don't even know if I've ever heard, so I wouldn't know who would be my favourite of those on that list. Though with the possible exception of Weird Al, 2pac is the artist on that list whose music I've heard the most of. Heh, I was just listening to the uncensored version of "I Ain't Mad At Cha" while typing up my earlier post in the Apologize To Bush thread...

This is alright actually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRaU0GMheMc
Lol.

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.

P.S. Heavy metal isn't music either.

It's 14+ subgenres disagree.

Anyway, I'm not much for rap really. I do like RAtM, but I dunno, Zack de la Rocha always comes off a little narmy to me.

I did hear one rap song that I really did like from K'Naan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4BjKzXL2EI&feature=related), but it was really the remix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlBFLuW-_ek) that I heard first.

I like Rage Against the Machine (not really rap but eh) and some Public Enemy and Run DMZ, but mostly because of their content. But Im not too much of a rap guy.

I think you just invented a new and potentially awesome group.

Also, the same thing that happened to rap happened to country, just many decades later: what gets on the radio is crap, thanks to the media oligopoly.

Also, Lupe Fiasco needs his own poll option.



Also, Tupac is overrated. *runs away*

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Adidas_Run_DMC_shoe.jpg/180px-Adidas_Run_DMC_shoe.jpg

I've always been a fan of Run-D.M.C., Sir Mix-a-Lot, Dj Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and 2 Live Crew.
Also listen to Public Enemy, N.W.A. and their members' solo stuff leading to Dr. Dre and Snoop (Doggy) Dogg as well as Ice Cube and Body Count.
I also enjoy the Beastie Boys and the German band Die Fantastischen Vier (Fanta 4). I believe that somewhere I even have a tape with some Mc Solaar on it.

Can't say I'm up-to-date when it comes to most acts nowadays.

Oh, one more thing: Jay's Rap. That was funny!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Adidas_Run_DMC_shoe.jpg/180px-Adidas_Run_DMC_shoe.jpg

I've always been a fan of Run-D.M.C., Sir Mix-a-Lot, Dj Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and 2 Live Crew.
Also listen to Public Enemy, N.W.A. and their members' solo stuff leading to Dr. Dre and Snoop (Doggy) Dogg as well as Ice Cube and Body Count.
I also enjoy the Beastie Boys and the German band Die Fantastischen Vier (Fanta 4). I believe that somewhere I even have a tape with some Mc Solaar on it.

Can't say I'm up-to-date when it comes to most acts nowadays.

Oh, one more thing: Jay's Rap. That was funny!!!
Wow...I never thought you'd have such good taste! I like MFG von Fantastischen Vier but I like Fettes Brot better, in general.

Mc Solaar is simply awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tkv7ucCtso

Also, Tupac is overrated. *runs away*
I see your ridiculous attack on Tupac and raise you an awesome Tupac song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HpmKlXy8Ls

Rakim is where?

Pft, epic fail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Y5Y1AM88k
Sweet!
Oh, and, Straight Outta Compton is an awesome album.
I agree. I only wish I had it on vinyl.
Where is the "Rap is not Music" option on the poll? :confused:
Where is your contribution to the thread?
P.S. Heavy metal isn't music either.
Yeah, right. Next thing you're going to start believing that Rock'n'Roll ain't either. Laughable!
MC Hammer- You Can't Touch This
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S96ihP-AxMI
And you can't. That is the best rap song that has, and ever will be written.
What, no else loves MC Hammer?!
:confused:
I only know this one song by MC Hammer. But yes, it's awesome. Especially at parties.
Wow...I never thought you'd have such good taste! I like MFG von Fantastischen Vier but I like Fettes Brot better, in general.

Mc Solaar is simply awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tkv7ucCtso
Oh, I forgot about Fettes Brot. D'oh! I have a double vinyl and some CDs by them as well. But it's been quite some time since I listened to them.

Don't have a cow. Geeze. No big deal when someone brings back a thread like one like this, especially where only a handful of posters were commenting anyway.

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. oh shit lol I remember him, he was cool.

Dalina? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk4FWJwwgug) Didn't know he wrote for so many others tho. Awesome.

Rakim is where?

Pft, epic fail.

He's here ... he was linked to in the thread. If he hadn't been I would've.

Can't expect younguns to know about rakim, bdp etc .. on a forum. Tho I do dislike some of the shit being linked on here as hiphop/rap. But meh.

Again ...

De La Soul/Tribe Called Quest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTjzL0Cu-Tw)

Pharcyde (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hZKN4AZ63g)

Digable Planets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDyUG9zcftg)

The Coup (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1I6Di_q31Y)

Arrested Development (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g40c6iAEHpc)