The Hip Hop Thread

[RockSP]

Damn. Guru had a heart attack and is in a coma.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

"I got 99 problems and they all b***hes."

Love it

Heard that.

 

[CrypticOne]

Kid Cudi is dope. I don't care what anyone says.

 

[The Apocalypse]

Not really a big rap fan but I've been listening to freestyles from Cassidy lately. His punchlines are pretty funny but he doesn't have any flow with his raps. Regardless, thought I'd share this.

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[Aesop Rocks]

The thing I really don't understand about mainstream rappers is how they're AMAZING freestylers but TERRIBLE writers.

 

[KenK]

The thing I really don't understand about mainstream rappers is how they're AMAZING freestylers but TERRIBLE writers.

I don't think it's just a mainstream rapper, thing. I think it's a matter of how a brain is taught to process information regarding a particular skill. If all you know is freestyling, and you never get in the mindset of writing down rhymes, of course you're not gonna be good at it when forced to. The process that goes into just shooting off a rhyme off the dome doesn't lend itself to trial and error, and for some people, their brains get so hardwired in that mindset that sitting down and writing rhymes to be recited later can be a foreign concept. The pressure isn't there, and the urgency to come of with a clever rhyme on the spot doesn't kick in. Too much thought will go into, and whereas that first line that comes to mind is probably exactly the line you'd want to use, your brain's creating too many possibilities, and few of them will be as effective as what they came up with first. But with more choices of rhymes to follow up whatever came before it, the likelihood is greater of them choosing the less effective rhyme.

Then again, some cats are just lazy writers!

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Jermaine Dupri wrote almost all the hip hop lyrics of the past few years anyway. Makes you wonder why he didn't save any of the good stuff for himself

 

[Aesop Rocks]

I don't think it's just a mainstream rapper, thing. I think it's a matter of how a brain is taught to process information regarding a particular skill. If all you know is freestyling, and you never get in the mindset of writing down rhymes, of course you're not gonna be good at it when forced to. The process that goes into just shooting off a rhyme off the dome doesn't lend itself to trial and error, and for some people, their brains get so hardwired in that mindset that sitting down and writing rhymes to be recited later can be a foreign concept. The pressure isn't there, and the urgency to come of with a clever rhyme on the spot doesn't kick in. Too much thought will go into, and whereas that first line that comes to mind is probably exactly the line you'd want to use, your brain's creating too many possibilities, and few of them will be as effective as what they came up with first. But with more choices of rhymes to follow up whatever came before it, the likelihood is greater of them choosing the less effective rhyme.

Then again, some cats are just lazy writers!

True, but then again I personally think they're writing what they know what appeals to their fanbase, like Lil Wayne and the hood rats that follow/worship him. I hate his written rap's but I LOVE his freestyles. He's a completely different person. I hate to be "that guy", but Aesop Rock and Sage Francis (my two favorite rappers of ALL time) are just...brilliant on both record and freestyle. They're fairly popular among Hip-Hop but the mainstream just seemingly won't accept them (probably because they're too good).

 

[RockSP]

Jermaine Dupri wrote almost all the hip hop lyrics of the past few years anyway.

You should be permanently banned from the internet for typing that.

 

[Crook]

I hate to be "that guy", but Aesop Rock and Sage Francis (my two favorite rappers of ALL time) are just...brilliant on both record and freestyle. They're fairly popular among Hip-Hop but the mainstream just seemingly won't accept them (probably because they're too good).

No, it's because they're not as good entertainers and song makers. While people like to tout rhyming and writing ability, that's only half of what makes a true emcee.

It is why Nas, while very highly regarded in the rap community, won't ever be truly as great as Tupac, Biggie, or Jay. Those three have successfully interjected themselves into pop culture. They had the mic presence, the ear for what the masses like to hear, the persona to match their musical status, and the catalog to back up their name. Nas, like all these underground sensations, is a good-to-great rapper, but an all-encompassing emcee? That's highly arguable.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

But everyone I know loves Nas. Weird!~

 

[Crook]

I like Nas too. But this is about his placement in rap music. He won't have the clout his fans thinks he deserves, simply because he isn't the full package. Lupe Fiasco, for example, is this generation's Nas.

 

[Aesop Rocks]

I agree about the Lupe statement, but I think Nas has a strong enough "grasp" on the Hip-Hop community to where he really doesn't need to be as big a rapper as say Lil Wayne or any of those more popular rappers. Also, the thing about Lupe is that he (for the most part) took the "alternative" route to rapping and most mainstream spoon-fed listeners don't like his messages or style, because it's not what they're used to.

 

[Crook]

Oh, I'm fairly confident when it's all said and done Wayne will be well below the ranks behind Nas. Like I said, it's about the full package as an emcee. Wayne may have the hits, but that's really all he has on Nas. I'm speaking more on rap recognition.

Even among the certified legends, there will be those that don't reach the "greatness" status. People like Nas, Big L, Snoop Dogg, Melle Mel, Raekwon, etc. I know I'll get flack for that, but whatever. I stand by my point. These are legends, but when pitted against the heavyweights in all technical categories, I don't think they'll be on par.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

You should be permanently banned from the internet for typing that.

Haha, a hyperbole but he's been a lot busier than it looks. I was surprised to find out all the people he's ghostwritten for. Like how Ne-Yo and The Dream have written a lot of the R&B lyrics lately.

 

[Crook]

Speaking of Wayne, ya'll heard of his courthouse building getting caught on fire, thereby extending his free time once again? Man, this dude is crazy popular. First his dentist saves his ass for a week, then the courthouse maintenance man is on some arsonist s**t.

These Wayne stans are loyal as hell.

 

[bunk]

He is the Fireman.

Sorry, that's terrible.

 

[ComicChick]

use a different courthouse lol

when he gets out i anticipate a rap over Akon's Locked Up

 

[terry78]

In hip-hop you have to have showmanship as well. You can't be subtle and witty. You can, but you better balance it with some blatant **** as well.

 

[RockSP]

"Even after all my logic and my theory/ I add a mother @#$#%^ so you ig'nant @#$%^ hear me" --L-Boogie

 

[Aesop Rocks]

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[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Damn. Guru had a heart attack and is in a coma.

Making a good recovery now

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

No, it's because they're not as good entertainers and song makers. While people like to tout rhyming and writing ability, that's only half of what makes a true emcee.

It is why Nas, while very highly regarded in the rap community, won't ever be truly as great as Tupac, Biggie, or Jay. Those three have successfully interjected themselves into pop culture. They had the mic presence, the ear for what the masses like to hear, the persona to match their musical status, and the catalog to back up their name. Nas, like all these underground sensations, is a good-to-great rapper, but an all-encompassing emcee? That's highly arguable.

I agree and disagree to a point. I like the comparison similar to say...sports. Steve Nash is an amazing offensive player and when it comes to running a team and controlling the tempo of the game forget about it but then when it comes to defense there might as well be a cardboard cut out of Steve out there. All around because of his offensive talent you would still want him on your team but say Ron Artest, he can get it done on both offense and defense.

So yes to a degree being an emcee is more than just rapping. You can be a great/good rapper say Atmosphere (I much prefer his older stuff) but suck live - I've seen him twice and both times I've wanted my money back! Or you can be Kane West suck **** rapping but put on one hell of a show or be both. The Roots are dope and possibly better live. I've seen them three times and each time their set was different and amazing.

But with music, since it is art and rapping is an art, it's very subjective. Even when you're talking about rhyming some people like and define great emcees for many reasons.

Of course that is me being rather impartial. imho there are plenty of emcees who suck and those that can kill it. Case in point....

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

"Even after all my logic and my theory/ I add a mother @#$#%^ so you ig'nant @#$%^ hear me" --L-Boogie

 

[chamber-music]

From De La Souls recent interview with the Guardian about working with the Gorillaz again

Does hip-hop need any more cartoon characters though? We've already got Kanye, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne …

Hip-hop needs the spontaneity Gorillaz have. It's become too much like a business – everyone's just out to make money from it in any way possible so it's halted the creative side. When I was younger, I saw my heroes get up in a club and do stuff on the fly just for fun and they planted the seeds of inspiration. But Jay-Z, as an example, isn't going to chill in a club and just jump on the mic when he feels like it. Why would he give it up for free? He's probably not even going to be walking into that club unless his appearance is paid for.

They make a good point