Even though I have no time for a lot of hip hop music these days, I can't help but love hip hop music. My general playlist revolves around artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Wu Tang, Notorious BIG. You know, what we almost 30 somethings like to call the golden age of hip hop. Yet i still listen to the new stuff, though most of it does not resonate with me, i am still on the look out for good music, as good music stands out. Right now, one of my favourite artists is Little Brother, two MCs from Durham, NC. The reason they stand out is due to the lack of bling, lack of beef, it is just hip hop in its purest; the usual rhymes boasting about lyrical dexterity and social commentary. With a little comedy thrown in for good measure.
I came across a track today from an artist called Rhymefest. He's been around since the early 90's i believe, and did some stuff with A Tribe Called Quest. His new(ish) song is called Stolen and talks about stuff that Rappers rarely mention in their music, namely genocide. I am not sure that I even like the song, but it is good to see people taking a note of what is going on in the world and reflecting that in their music.
Rhymefest - Stolen | Videos > HipHopDX.com
I love my party music, and only just the other day I was telling Laurie of one of my guilty pleasures. I miss hip hop. I miss seeing all those ludicrous videos with the blind and the girls and the mansions and the yachts and the cars and the excess. But not because I like the videos, but because behind the ostentatious features, there are actually some decent songs and more than that, there are songs that really make you want to dance.
I found this one and it made me smile as it took me back to the days of the sega megadrive and Sonic the Hedgehog
Charles Hamilton - November 10th | Videos > HipHopDX.com
And sometimes it is good to be reminded of simpler days.
I am not sure if any one of my faithful readership (I know there are at least three of you out there) have ever watch a TV show called "the Boondocks", if you have not, then you should. Mainly because of this
Boondocks - Hunger Strike (Banned) | Videos > HipHopDX.com
But also because it is a great satiric show on black america and its surrounding culture. There have been fantastic episodes on R Kelly, National Security, beef between rappers (which featured a great cameo by Mos Def, and horrible state of BET, as featured in the above link. Even if you are not interested in the satire, it is still just a very funny show and one that really deserves a better following.
And with that I shall leave you with some classic tracks for reminiscing purposes
Pete Rock and CL Smooth - TROY (one of my favourite songs ever)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuUZ1NnmRCc&feature=related
Souls Of Mischief - From 93 Till Infinity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mt3vZHDiM8&feature=related
Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfToFcJ2J4&feature=related
De La Soul-Buddy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTkxCwEZx3A
De La Soul - Buddy (Remix) (1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2hG9VhrZSA&feature=related
Awwww, look at Q-Tip, isn't he so adorable? And the outfits are so... colourful.
And though I could go on for ever, I think that I shall leave you with this.
A Tribe called quest - Electric Relaxation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERQzl4xDpXk&feature=related
Ok, I lied, this is the last one. No video, but still a great song, and maybe one day Mary J Blige will find a decent stylist...
Mary J. Blige ft. Smif n Wessun - I Love You (Remix)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuw6Xu9ZARU
