OT: Favorite Hip Hop Artist

[superjohn]

Hey, wasn't making a comprehensive list and didn't forget about Wu-Tang or Leaders of the New School, just mentioned GZA and Busta instead. Also, didn't forget the Beasties, they are one of my top 5 groups ever. The big one I forgot is Gangstarr, love them. Premier is the best hip hop producer ever IMO, he singlehandedly made that Group Home album an all timer. Also forgot about Dre, Chronic 2001 is one of the best rap albums ever. Snoop and especially Cube are great too. Xzibit as well, Paparrazi is an epic song. Camp-lo too, I could go on for days...

 

[8893]

Any of you Wu-Tang Clan fans ever get into "The Wudos Band," the mash-up of Wu-Tang and The Budos Band? I love that record. I'd post some links but I've been getting warnings about that lately so I'm not quite sure about what is and isn't allowed. Easy to find with a quick search though if you're not familiar.

 

[Penfield]

I cant recommend this album enough - one of the best that most people have never heard of

 

[alexd]

Beastie Boys - "Paul's Boutique" CD .....yet to be topped.

 

[boba]

Tammy Wynette of course!

Or does dub step not count?

 

[JimHurley]

Eminem easily. Jay Z and Outkast are up there, too. Pretty much hate all modern hip hop.

 

[Walker11]

Growing up, I only listened to hip hop and basically all of the artists I liked have been covered. What can objectively be called good hip hop, I suppose. The only two I can add off the top of my head who are underrated are AZ, Blu and Devin the Dude.

Now, I like a lot more music outside of rap and a majority of the rap that I listen to is objectively bad (at least lyrically). I am mostly listening at the gym so I prefer voice, flow and production over lyrics. A$ap Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Uzi, Isaiah Rashad (who I think is actually good), Chance, Future (mostly Monster and 56 Nights), Run The Jewels (also good), Pusha T, Travis Scott, Young Thug - you get the picture.

The older records I listen to on the regular are Pretty Toney Album, Purple Haze and Diplomatic Immunity and the last two are objectively terrible lyrically. Oh yea, hate Kanye too. I can accept poor lyricists, but not poor lyricists who think they are genius.

 

[UConnfan8]

Wu mainly ghost face and the genius not to mention the greatest producer ever

RZA= Top 5. DILLA= GOAT.

 

[superjohn]

Growing up, I only listened to hip hop and basically all of the artists I liked have been covered. What can objectively be called good hip hop, I suppose. The only two I can add off the top of my head who are underrated are AZ, Blu and Devin the Dude.

Now, I like a lot more music outside of rap and a majority of the rap that I listen to is objectively bad (at least lyrically). I am mostly listening at the gym I prefer voice, flow and production over lyrics. A$ap Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Uzi, Isaiah Rashad (who I think is actually good), Chance, Future (mostly Monster and 56 Nights), Run The Jewels (also good), Pusha T, Travis Scott, Young Thug - you get the picture.

The older records I listen to on the regular are Pretty Toney Album, Purple Haze and Diplomatic Immunity and the last two are objectively terrible lyrically. Oh yea, hate Kanye too. I can accept poor lyricists, but not poor lyricists who think they are genius.

AZ is probably the most underrated rapper ever. Also forgot By Nature, Eminem took a lot of his style from Treach.

 

[Walker11]

AZ is probably the most underrated rapper ever. Also forgot By Nature, Eminem took a lot of his style from Treach.

I don't think AZ has any great albums but definitely great songs. I often found the production mixed. I do like The Format a lot.

 

[neezy]

Ugh I'm so happy you made this thread.

My hip hop and rap taste is very diverse, but I hate the usual comparisons people draw. Each artist is unique and hard to compare. With that being said here are my favorites and thoughts.

I am not a fan of fake rappers talking about shooting and killing and drugs if they never lived it. See Kanye, Drake, Lil Wayne, Logic, etc. I respect the artists that came from that and use that in their lyrics. I much prefer good lyricism over beats and catchy songs, but I understand the difference. I enjoy good club bangers and simple lyrics too - just can't compare them. These are your Rae Sremmurds, Lil Yachty, Rich Homie Quan, etc.

Biggie's "Ready to Die" is a great album. Transcends time.

Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper in the game right now. Listen to "Good Kid mAAd City" and "To Pimp a Butterfly" - the story in these albums is so deep and to combine that with awesome lyrics, lush visualizations and imagery, and fantastic beats? These projects were some of the best ever made IMO.

Isaiah Rashad's "Cilvia Demo" and "The Sun's Tirade" are some of the best albums produced lately.

I love old school rap too. Gang Starr, Wu Tang Clan, and Mobb Deep to name a few. All of them lived thru what they say. And all their stuff is killer.

I'm a fan of "Illmatic" but Nas in general is OK. People don't realize Illmatic didn't sell when it came out - it was rated poorly. Illmatic caught fire in like 1999ish (?). His other stuff is garbage IMO. I do like AZ tho. He has some fun stuff.

MF Doom, Rakim, Jadakiss, older stuff from Royce da 5'9", and Deltron all had amazing stuff. "3030" is one of my favorite albums. Really one of the first ones to mesh the new-age beat and sounds to rap.

J Cole's stuff is all good. "2014 Forest Hills Drive" is a fantastic album.

Most of Drake's songs are ripped from other people. See Quentin Miller.

Kanye sucks. He has too many writers and his first few albums although considered classics, just didn't do it for me. It's mainly the vibe and message he puts out - it's not about the rap it's about him. Hate that. He thinks he's bigger than the game and you can tell in his music.

I love Lil Yachty and Ugly God because their fun rappers. Lyrics suck and all, no message, but it's entertaining as hell to listen to. Plus Boat is a good dude too watch some of his interviews. Listen to Kyle. He's good. Got a lisp, but he's a good listen. "iSpy" is a banger.

21 Savage is the most real rapper out right now. Even tho his stuff is...good but only to a select crowd.

Chance the Rapper is ok. I think he gets a lot of credit because he's unique but his voice is just awkward. His stuff when you really listen to it isn't that unique or amazing.

I feel like I'm missing someone...

Anyways someone dissect this and rip it apart. Love talking hip hop.

Gotta love the old school stuff with biggie, pac, wu tang, nas etc... I was born in 90 so thats old school for me. Pretty much hate most of the new stuff, its mostly garbage. Not big on chance at all, but I think j cole and kendrick are legit. As far as drake wayne and kanye, I mostly agree with you but they also put out some pretty entertaining stuff. Great party/hang out music but def not real hip hop. Not to mention kanye and pharrell are phenomenal producers.

But how could you leave out Jay-z and eminem?? I understand if you don't like the mainstream aspect of their music but if you break down the music they gotta be the two best of their generation.

Here's a song i heard a while ago that may have missed alot of people. These guys were gonna become a group but never happened. Love Lupes verse and the Radiohead chorus blend

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Gotta love the old school stuff with biggie, pac, wu tang, nas etc... I was born in 90 so thats old school for me. Pretty much hate most of the new stuff, its mostly garbage. Not big on chance at all, but I think j cole and kendrick are legit. As far as drake wayne and kanye, I mostly agree with you but they also put out some pretty entertaining stuff. Great party/hang out music but def not real hip hop. Not to mention kanye and pharrell are phenomenal producers.

But how could you leave out Jay-z and eminem?? I understand if you don't like the mainstream aspect of their music but if you break down the music they gotta be the two best of their generation.

Here's a song i heard a while ago that may have missed alot of people. These guys were gonna become a group but never happened. Love Lupes verse and the Radiohead chorus blend

Old Lil Wayne is really good. Specifically Carter 2, really underrated album.

 

[Scoe]

Tupac, Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, DMX, Ice Cube, Xzhibit.

 

[UC1995]

DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

AZ is probably the most underrated rapper ever.

AZ is basically flawless on Life's a Bitch. As far as underrated, Joell Ortiz is up there.

 

[ScottBonz]

Ugh I'm so happy you made this thread.

My hip hop and rap taste is very diverse, but I hate the usual comparisons people draw. Each artist is unique and hard to compare. With that being said here are my favorites and thoughts.

I am not a fan of fake rappers talking about shooting and killing and drugs if they never lived it. See Kanye, Drake, Lil Wayne, Logic, etc. I respect the artists that came from that and use that in their lyrics. I much prefer good lyricism over beats and catchy songs, but I understand the difference. I enjoy good club bangers and simple lyrics too - just can't compare them. These are your Rae Sremmurds, Lil Yachty, Rich Homie Quan, etc.

Biggie's "Ready to Die" is a great album. Transcends time.

Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper in the game right now. Listen to "Good Kid mAAd City" and "To Pimp a Butterfly" - the story in these albums is so deep and to combine that with awesome lyrics, lush visualizations and imagery, and fantastic beats? These projects were some of the best ever made IMO.

Isaiah Rashad's "Cilvia Demo" and "The Sun's Tirade" are some of the best albums produced lately.

I love old school rap too. Gang Starr, Wu Tang Clan, and Mobb Deep to name a few. All of them lived thru what they say. And all their stuff is killer.

I'm a fan of "Illmatic" but Nas in general is OK. People don't realize Illmatic didn't sell when it came out - it was rated poorly. Illmatic caught fire in like 1999ish (?). His other stuff is garbage IMO. I do like AZ tho. He has some fun stuff.

MF Doom, Rakim, Jadakiss, older stuff from Royce da 5'9", and Deltron all had amazing stuff. "3030" is one of my favorite albums. Really one of the first ones to mesh the new-age beat and sounds to rap.

J Cole's stuff is all good. "2014 Forest Hills Drive" is a fantastic album.

Most of Drake's songs are ripped from other people. See Quentin Miller.

Kanye sucks. He has too many writers and his first few albums although considered classics, just didn't do it for me. It's mainly the vibe and message he puts out - it's not about the rap it's about him. Hate that. He thinks he's bigger than the game and you can tell in his music.

I love Lil Yachty and Ugly God because their fun rappers. Lyrics suck and all, no message, but it's entertaining as hell to listen to. Plus Boat is a good dude too watch some of his interviews. Listen to Kyle. He's good. Got a lisp, but he's a good listen. "iSpy" is a banger.

21 Savage is the most real rapper out right now. Even tho his stuff is...good but only to a select crowd.

Chance the Rapper is ok. I think he gets a lot of credit because he's unique but his voice is just awkward. His stuff when you really listen to it isn't that unique or amazing.

I feel like I'm missing someone...

Anyways someone dissect this and rip it apart. Love talking hip hop.

Run Them Jewels Fast!

 

[UC313]

Andre's verse at the end of Aquemini is yet to be rivaled in my opinion.

My mind warps and bends floats the wind count to ten
Meet the twin Andre Ben. welcome to the lion's den
Original skin many men comprehend
I extend myself so you go out and tell a friend
Sin all depends on what you believing in
Faith is what you make it that's the hardest since MC Ren
Alien can blend right on in wit' yo' kin
Look again 'cause I swear I spot one every now and then
It's happenin' again wish I could tell you when
Andre this is Andre y'all just gon' have to make amends

 

[chevtheman]

Besides all the obvious legends (Biggie, Nas, Pac, Pun etc) Dave East and Don Q are my favorites. Peep them.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Besides all the obvious legends (Biggie, Nas, Pac, Pun etc) Dave East and Don Q are my favorites. Peep them.

Dave East is killing it, Kairi Chanel is such a good album. Also, if we're talking about verses/songs, Hurt Me Soul by Lupe is up there with the most lyrically intense and creative songs ever.

 

[neezy]

hurt me soul is gold. Was just listening to it. Any kid listening to that is way ahead of his/her time

 

[methodology]

Surprised no mention of big L. RIP

Ras Kass is another one who gets overlooked

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Surprised no mention of big L. RIP

I still listen to that Jay Z / Big L freestyle from Stretch and Bobbito's show in '95 all the time.

 

[8893]

I tried to get into Kendrick Lamar but couldn't. But I was glad that that led me to Kamasi Washington, whose album The Epic lives up to its name and is one of the most interesting new jazz releases I've heard in a long time. I've probably listened to that album more than any other in the past year because I have found it a great album to play while I am doing work that requires focus and creativity.

 

[CTGoonie]

Surprised to see only 1 mention of Outkast. Have to add Dre, Ice Cube, Tribe, Beastie Boys to the list I'll still listen to. I'm sure there are others I missed.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Apologies to their fans, but God I hate the Beastie Boys.