I don't really like hip hop. I feel like a grandma saying this (I'm only 20...), but it all sounds the same to me. And lyrics are totally lost on me. I hardly ever pay attention to them unless I really like the song. Probably why I'm so into classical music. Also those old-timers like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. Not saying I have such great taste. I listen a lot to dance music as well, Kesha included. I'm not embarrassed about it either. Anything that makes me dance is fine by me.
As more of a heavy metal/punk fan, I do appreciate hip-hop in some ways. Quite often, rock music can become stale, repetitive and boring, whereas hip-hop seems to have a tendency to always prove something fresh and new. And this, being a writing forum, we cant forget about the lyrics now, can we? Some things about hip-hop lyrics tend to annoy me, like the tedious attempts at rhyming words that simply do not rhyme. Or just using words that rhyme with, or sound vaguely similar to 'yo'. However, there is some incredibly intelligent use of language out there if you can find those hidden gems. My favourite hip-hop track? - 'Sick' - Kyza
Tech N9ne has had some good stuff. Also, Immortal Technique. Other than that, I'm not really a fan. I guess those guys are more rappers than hip-hop, though. I'm more in the metal/punk/blues category.
I really don't have an opinion on it. I mean if I hear a song and I like it then I will listen to it and look at other songs from the same artists. But other then that I have no real opinions. My rule for listening to music is pretty basic: If I like the song then I will listen to it. I don't care how mainstream or how unknown or what genre it falls into.
Oooh I love ATCQ - especially Electric Relaxation and Oh My God. I think Hip-Hop was amazing back then but I was too young to really appreciate it. I love hip hop late 1990s to 2003ish -Biggie Smalls, N.O.R.E and Pharell. Remember Ja-Rule and Ashanti? lol. That's such a dated sound now but loved it at the time. Pre-Fergie Black Eyed Peas were good too. I think UK hip hop is amazing just now with Dizzee Rascal, Tinie Tempah (Pass Out) and Tinchy Stryder. As much as I like Dizzee etc, they still don't beat A Tribe Called Quest.
I hate Hip-Hop. It doesn't just encourage racism against black people, it is the driving force of racism against black people. The hip-hop culture doesn't seem to care that it is causing so much damage to black communities. It doesn't care how furiously Martin Luther King Jr. spins in his grave.
Explain further. That is kinda like saying metal ruins white culture...though, maybe that is just me wishing metal was as prevalent in my neck of the woods as rap is in the inner city.
It's not ignorant - maybe just a bit extreme. There are elements of hip-hop that seek the lowest common denominator - like 'bitches 'n' hoes' and 'gangsta' stuff. Lol, I sound really old saying that stuff. There have been acts who have rejected the image of violence/subjugation. A Tribe Called Quest notably being one of them. There should be more of them though.
There are a lot of them. Clubs just play the stuff with the loudest bass and the easiest 4/4 to dance to.
Haha I love Aesop Rock, but there are few songs where I can fully grasp the gist of what he's saying... this being one of them . Daylight has been a personal mantra for me...
No problem, dude. Immortal Technique has some cool stuff. Check out Point of No Return by him as well.
Seconding this. Awesome track Steerpike. Edit: E-REK, I liked your tracks as well, especially Eyedea.
I got kind of burned out of Immortal Tech... His stuff became kind of monotonous to me after listening to it for a while, though for a while I did enjoy Revolutionary Vol 1 and 2. *Shrug*, I just grew out of the political mess, and his technical abilities aren't the cleanest sometimes.
I really like Immortal Technique's Dance with the Devil. If you haven't heard it, you should check it out.
To be honest with you, I've never liked anything other than Metal, Classical, Classic Rock, and post 90's music. I can't stand today's music and whatever they play on the radio. Keep in mind though that I realize the stuff that I'm hearing is mainstream so that could apply to any other genre (IE. Rock, Metal) I'm sure there are plenty of good Hip Hop artists but I haven't had the chance to listen to it yet. I still prefer LOUD guitars and a rocking rhythm though
Anyone else like Tech N9ne? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JpcJ7187x0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BilJNeuv1_g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-pXeCWQ4D8 Guy has been in independent rapper from the KC area for quite some time, but recently he's starting to get bigger (though I like his old music better).
Long as we're still sharing, Anyone who says rap doesn't take talent has never heard this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foEU2WHdOzA ^"Chemical Calisthenics" by Blackalicious My favorite Asian rapper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfWzyEWFu3I "Callin' Out", by Lyrics Born
Lyrics Born is dope, and I like some of Tech N9ne's stuff but I'm admittedly not too familiar with him. Forkfoot, have you ever heard of Cool Calm Pete? He's probably my favorite Asian MC (besides myself ).