The Hip Hop/Rap Thread - Part 1

[MadVillainy]

I think he's criticizing more from the standpoint of what seems to qualify for "Radio rap" these days. While he can't say that about ALL hip hop obviously, the fact that a lot of rappers are jumping on the DJ Mustard bandwagon right now, kinda adds merit to what he's saying. Every track from Who Do You Love on down to TI.'s Mediocre sounds almost exactly the same and they are all produced by DJ Mustard's uninspired ass.

I mean when The Neptunes, No I.D, Just Blaze, Kanye, Cool and Dre, Dr.Dre, Swizz Beatz and even Eminem would produce radio tracks for people, there were trademarks to their production style but their beats didn't sound so damn identical like all these tracks being produced by DJ Mustard, Bangladesh or even Hit Boy and T-Minus to an extent.

I like DJ Mustard's production. I will say it does sound similar but it's still good. However it's not the rappers fault. DJ Mustard is what the people want so rappers are hoppign on that.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Rah Digga had a guest verse on Talib Kweli's latest album and she was awesome.

Shabazz Palaces, SpaceGhostPurrp and G Side I like.

Good to know. I found out what happened to Chyna Whyte too. She's a Gospel rapper now . I'll be over here listening to Bia Bia.

 

[sweetre15]

I like DJ Mustard's production. I will say it does sound similar but it's still good. However it's not the rappers fault. DJ Mustard is what the people want so rappers are hoppign on that.

While that may be true, it's definitely grating to hear only one or two popular sounds as a trend because honestly, all these artists are making DJ Mustard popular moreso than their own selves as artists IMHO.

Big Daddy Kane actually said something about situations like this on Ice T's documentary called Something From Nothing The Art of Rap regarding artists being too quick to make themselves off of a short term trend.

This is why what Busta said kinda resonates with me because I think more radio artists should still be working harder to distinguish themselves from the rest. IDK, maybe I'm a bitter old school/underground fan but I can never get into hearing the same type of thing too many times. I like having different styles and flavors at once...especially in terms of production styles.

 

[MadVillainy]

If you dont like the radio don't listen to it I say. I dont complain about what's on the radio because I realized they dont really play what I want to hear...that and all the commercials and ipods exist.

If you want different production styles look somewhere else. IT's not like 10-15 years ago when the internet is not that strong. The net has all these different acts at your fingertips. You dont need to go to the radio to even listen to music anymore

 

[sweetre15]

If you dont like the radio don't listen to it I say. I dont complain about what's on the radio because I realized they dont really play what I want to hear...that and all the commercials and ipods exist.

If you want different production styles look somewhere else. IT's not like 10-15 years ago when the internet is not that strong. The net has all these different acts at your fingertips. You dont need to go to the radio to even listen to music anymore

Well, the only time I ever really end up hearing radio rap is when I'm in my brother's car or at work but I just happened to notice some of the trends that have become popular.

Nonetheless, I have my fair share of underground artists I currently support as well as guys on the verge of being mainstream.

I still support and listen to Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, T.I, KRIT, El-P, Killer Mike, Nitty Scott, and Rapsody for instance...alongside vets like Nas, Common and The Roots

 

[chamber-music]

If you dont like the radio don't listen to it I say. I dont complain about what's on the radio because I realized they dont really play what I want to hear...that and all the commercials and ipods exist.

If you want different production styles look somewhere else. IT's not like 10-15 years ago when the internet is not that strong. The net has all these different acts at your fingertips. You dont need to go to the radio to even listen to music anymore

I agree.

I find it strange when people say all modern music is terrible because of what they hear on the radio.

Music has always had trends and artists doing a style that is popular at that time which will help they sell records.

There are lots of websites where you can type in what music or artists you like and they can offer you something similar.

There are thousands of music blogs, online radio stations, personal playlists and websites showcasing millions of artists.

If you can be bothered to look for it then you will find good music out there.

 

[Dispatch Ninja]

I agree.

I find it strange when people say all modern music is terrible because of what they hear on the radio.

Music has always had trends and artists doing a style that is popular at that time which will help they sell records.

There are lots of websites where you can type in what music or artists you like and they can offer you something similar.

There are thousands of music blogs, online radio stations, personal playlists and websites showcasing millions of artists.

If you can be bothered to look for it then you will find good music out there.

But it's easier to turn on the radio and hear some iggy lady rapping or some guy singing about wiggling butts and then head on over to the internet to complain that all of "today's" music sucks! It's a lazy argument tbh and I don't even acknowledge it it as a valid criticism. There's such a plethora of different kinds of music out there that it's not even hard to discover new stuff that's enjoyable. More than likely I wouldn't even know about any of my current favorite artists if it wasn't for this internet age of music.

 

[sweetre15]

Man looking back at this issue of XXL:

Would you guys have believed that only one of these guys would stay relevant back when all three of them were dominating the charts circa '99 to '01?

 

[Mr. Dent]

been listening to Majid Jordan's stuff. pretty good.

 

[MadVillainy]

I saw this on Complex a bit ago and I keep forgetting to post it until now. It's about Wale

It's funny that people hate on Wale cause I guess he comes off as an a**hole and seems to have rubbed people in the industry and media the wrong way, but he may be the most VERSATILE ARTIST IN ALL OF HIP HOP.

Before you call me crazy, think about it for a second.

Who else could make hit records with Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Juicy J? Then turn around and do a phenomenal record like "Dark Knights"with Rapsody that he murdered or "Winter Schemes" with J cole. Not to mention his early work which he rapped over go-go production, EDM/dance beats, and African-infused rhythms.

You can put Wale on literally any track with any artist and it will work. Wale on 9th Wonder, dope. Wale on Lex Luger dope. Wale on a Daft Punk record dope. Wale over some acoustic guitar, dope.

Dead Prez, Kweli, Chief Keef, Macklemore, Nicki Minaj, Mac Miller, The Game, Nas, Too Short, Lil Boosie, Scarface, Fabolous, B.o.B, etc. Wale would sound completely appropriate on a track with any of them.

I'm not by any stretch saying that he's the best rapper, but I don't know of any other rapper that's as versatile.

The more I think of it, I actually agree with it. Wale is not the best rapper out, I dont even think he's even in the top 10. But he is probably the most versatile next to Kanye and that's mainstream or underground.

Who else can rhyme over EDM beats like on WALEDANCE or harcore thugging beats like Tats on my Arm AND still sound good.

I think we should start giving him his props

 

[ComicChick]

While that may be true, it's definitely grating to hear only one or two popular sounds as a trend because honestly, all these artists are making DJ Mustard popular moreso than their own selves as artists IMHO.

Big Daddy Kane actually said something about situations like this on Ice T's documentary called Something From Nothing The Art of Rap regarding artists being too quick to make themselves off of a short term trend.

This is why what Busta said kinda resonates with me because I think more radio artists should still be working harder to distinguish themselves from the rest. IDK, maybe I'm a bitter old school/underground fan but I can never get into hearing the same type of thing too many times. I like having different styles and flavors at once...especially in terms of production styles.

i kinda agree with Busta too. I don't listen to a lot of hip hop and rap on the radio these days because so much of it sounds the same to me. some songs i literally couldn't tell apart.

i don't mind the occassional mindless song, but there's too many these days. i'm kinda over Drake being on every song, Big Sean I like for the most part, Kanye is consistent, not a fan of Rick Ross at all. I've always been a fan of B.O.B though

 

[ComicChick]

I saw this on Complex a bit ago and I keep forgetting to post it until now. It's about Wale

The more I think of it, I actually agree with it. Wale is not the best rapper out, I dont even think he's even in the top 10. But he is probably the most versatile next to Kanye and that's mainstream or underground.

Who else can rhyme over EDM beats like on WALEDANCE or harcore thugging beats like Tats on my Arm AND still sound good.

I think we should start giving him his props

i've liked Wale for a while, especially the Wordplay mixtape. I think that's what it's called? someone of my fave Wale tracks are 90210 and Warwick Avenue (with Duffy) which aren't songs i'd really expect to like

 

[the last son]

I'm liking that new TI "stay"

 

[MadVillainy]

Killer Mike and El-P just released a snipped of a song called Blockbuster Night Part 1 off the Run the Jewels 2 album. Sounds like the best song since...well since last June when the first Run the Jewels came out

 

[chamber-music]

Anyone watch the funny video of DMX riding the Sling Shot at Orlando’s Magical Midway Thrill Park?

DMX trying to stay gangster while clearly scared

 

[Dr. Evil]

Well, look who just got out of prison:

http://allhiphop.com/2014/08/02/pics-remy-ma-and-dj-khaled-hit-the-studio/

 

[CrypticOne]

Man, I wish Jay, X, and Ja put a project out. That would've been one hell of a moment in hip-hop history. Alas, too good to be true.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

y'all sleeping on Aesop Rock. One of the best rappers in the game.

 

[MadVillainy]

Jeezy's new album is shaping up real nice

 

[agentorange]

I know yall seen that Anaconda music video....Just watch it on mute

 

[Destructus86]

I know yall seen that Anaconda music video....Just watch it on mute

I actually felt my brain cells screaming out in pain before dying.
What is this crap? This isn't talent.

 

[MadVillainy]

But it's hot though...

 

[agentorange]

Lmao I didn't watch the video for the actual song I watched it for Nicki and her booty. Hence why I said "watch it on mute"

 

[Em Dee]

J. Cole released a track called Be Free inspired by Ferguson.. Gotta say, there's no rapping and is singing is really not well. But the message is gut wrenching

 

[MadVillainy]

J Cole is really overrated