MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

[Kruza]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

Just to add to the convo, I love old school hip hop. I play late 90s music(my time) more than anything I have recent. I cant quite put my finger on it but most of the albums you picked up had a certain quality. You still had the club joints on most albums but everything seemed more creative at the time. Everybody stuck to their own style. There was'nt any cats out there sounding the same. Producers were usually exclusive to certain artist so you felt that bond in the music. Today, producers work with anybody and the result is clone after clone after clone of the same song. Speaking of clones, damn The Roots were right.

You know... back in the late '80s and early '90s you can see a video of the feel-good song "Buddy" from De La Soul featuring A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love and a bunch of others on it, then minutes later see a video of let's-start-some-s*** "Burn Hollywood Burn" with Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane. Two opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of subject matter and attitude, yet both are still memorable classic songs in their own right. We wouldn't dare see anything like that these days.

Today, we do have a few rappers and artists who sends message like those did back then. But my complaint about this is that there's nothing in-between, which is where majority of hip-hop artists would be. People like Ice-T, Masta Ace, Keith Murray, etc. who tends to make tracks to entertain and make heartfelt tracks that may send a message or explain facts -- and do this without sacrificing their creative freedom or compromising themselves to put out exactly what their record label wants. Those who aren't exactly condoning sex or glorifying shooting/robbing, etc., but they don't want to come across as preaching either. They have no place in the industry anymore. Jigga is probably the only successful artist still out there making it happen in this aspect, but even he admitted before that he have dumb down his lyrics to cater to the mainstream audience. And lord knows who's influencing him to choose which producers to work with on his albums.

And by the way... if you're getting into The Roots older stuff, then you must absolutely get the Illadelph Halflife album. If you don't have it then you're missing out on their best album to date and their only classic album in my opinion. Also check out their first album Organix, plus Do You Want More?!??!?! and Things Fall Apart.

Kruza

[sportsdude]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

I've got weight in on this backpack vs. mainstream argument.

If I showed you guys a list of what's on my iPod, I would be deemed a backpacker in about .00000002 seconds. But I mean, I don't do this to be cool. Hell, most of my friends make fun of me for listening to the stuff I do. I don't care, I just love listening to underground rap. To me, it just seems most of what's considered mainstream is just rehashed lyrics with slightly different beats. I can only hear somebody rapping about cars and bling and bitches so many times before it just gets old. Too many club beats, not enough imaginitive writing.

This doesn't mean I don't like mainstream. I love Ludacris, probably my favorite "mainstream" rapper at the moment. I still have the Game and KanYe in my rotation, though definitely not Late Registration which I thought sucked minus a few songs.

Also, once a guy or group becomes mainstream, then I don't care, he he/they are still making good music then I'll listen to 'em. I'll keep listen to Talib as long he's putting out good music. I heard Common's ghostwriting for Diddy's new album, and I'll have to hear that when it comes out.

For me, I just like listening to good music. I don't have requirements for what I like. It can be anything. A good beat, some good, clever writing, maybe the dude's voice. I like Common for all of the above reasons but when I first heard his stuff, I loved it just cause he sounded so cool saying sh*t.

Basically, I just don't put limitations on music. If I like it, I'll listen to it, regardless what it's labeled as.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

You know... back in the late '80s and early '90s you can see a video of the feel-good song "Buddy" from De La Soul featuring A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love and a bunch of others on it, then minutes later see a video of let's-start-some-s*** "Burn Hollywood Burn" with Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane. Two opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of subject matter and attitude, yet both are still memorable classic songs in their own right. We wouldn't dare see anything like that these days.

Today, we do have a few rappers and artists who sends message like those did back then. But my complaint about this is that there's nothing in-between, which is where majority of hip-hop artists would be. People like Ice-T, Masta Ace, Keith Murray, etc. who tends to make tracks to entertain and make heartfelt tracks that may send a message or explain facts -- and do this without sacrificing their creative freedom or compromising themselves to put out exactly what their record label wants. Those who aren't exactly condoning sex or glorifying shooting/robbing, etc., but they don't want to come across as preaching either. They have no place in the industry anymore. Jigga is probably the only successful artist still out there making it happen in this aspect, but even he admitted before that he have dumb down his lyrics to cater to the mainstream audience. And lord knows who's influencing him to choose which producers to work with on his albums.

And by the way... if you're getting into The Roots older stuff, then you must absolutely get the Illadelph Halflife album. If you don't have it then you're missing out on their best album to date and their only classic album in my opinion. Also check out their first album Organix, plus Do You Want More?!??!?! and Things Fall Apart.

Kruza

Right on Kruza. funny, I put that Things Fall Apart on my ipod last night.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

For me, I just like listening to good music. I don't have requirements for what I like. It can be anything. A good beat, some good, clever writing, maybe the dude's voice. I like Common for all of the above reasons but when I first heard his stuff, I loved it just cause he sounded so cool saying sh*t.

You just summed up my feelings. It just seems that as I get older, my taste in rap music is changing. I will always stay true to the stuff I grew up listening to, but as far as embracing the new stuff I'll be picky as hell. I used to buy a whole cd based off one song, no more.

[Graphik]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

You know... back in the late '80s and early '90s you can see a video of the feel-good song "Buddy" from De La Soul featuring A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love and a bunch of others on it, then minutes later see a video of let's-start-some-s*** "Burn Hollywood Burn" with Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane. Two opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of subject matter and attitude, yet both are still memorable classic songs in their own right. We wouldn't dare see anything like that these days.

Today, we do have a few rappers and artists who sends message like those did back then. But my complaint about this is that there's nothing in-between, which is where majority of hip-hop artists would be. People like Ice-T, Masta Ace, Keith Murray, etc. who tends to make tracks to entertain and make heartfelt tracks that may send a message or explain facts -- and do this without sacrificing their creative freedom or compromising themselves to put out exactly what their record label wants. Those who aren't exactly condoning sex or glorifying shooting/robbing, etc., but they don't want to come across as preaching either. They have no place in the industry anymore. Jigga is probably the only successful artist still out there making it happen in this aspect, but even he admitted before that he have dumb down his lyrics to cater to the mainstream audience. And lord knows who's influencing him to choose which producers to work with on his albums.

And by the way... if you're getting into The Roots older stuff, then you must absolutely get the Illadelph Halflife album. If you don't have it then you're missing out on their best album to date and their only classic album in my opinion. Also check out their first album Organix, plus Do You Want More?!??!?! and Things Fall Apart.

Kruza

I been down with the Roots, Things Fall Apart is my fav and I was just bumping Illadelph Halflife last weekend. They just now are starting to enjoy some mainstream sucess but to bad the last 2 albums they came out with were garbage.

You're right though, there is no inbetween music. Well there is, but not in the mainstream. The problem as well as the benefit of todays hip hop is the money. As much as I hate todays hip hop, if I were running a label, I'd come out with the same stuff thats already out there because of the money. You gotta stick to what works. Its rarely proven that diffrent music can generate sucess. Kanye West is the most recent example and he would have been nothing if he did'nt have ties to Jay Z.

I loved me some Nice n Smooth, some Naughty by Nature, Onyx, LONS, ATCQ, Public Enemy, Redman, Mobb Deep, Roots and when they were hot, West Coast artist and No Limit and even Kwame. They all brought something diffrent to the table in terms of sound. Thats completely missing in todays hip hop. You have some artist he keep it unique like Luda, Busta and even Nelly but for the most part, everyone is trying to come up with the hottest club hit with a beat by the same 5-6 producers out here who are generating most of the hits.

[Graphik]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

You just summed up my feelings. It just seems that as I get older, my taste in rap music is changing. I will always stay true to the stuff I grew up listening to, but as far as embracing the new stuff I'll be picky as hell. I used to buy a whole cd based off one song, no more.

I've become pretty complacent regarding my music taste. Mostly because of my daughter. We like watching videos together and its just so cute how she has her favorite songs and artist. More and more, I'm just settling for whats out cause my experiminting days are over. By all means, hardly will I embrace whatever they throw my way but all I gotta say is thank god for P2P.

Besides, when I go to the club, that mainstream rap be doing its job. Nothing beats watching a beautiful female hear her favortie cut and immediately stop what she's doing to hit the dancefloor. Then me going over there to join her.

Thats just one example of the current trend of hip hop but believe me, it will pass. What were most ppl doing in clubs in the 80s? Thats right, break dancing. What were ppl doing in the clubs in the 90s? Think about it, how many pure hip hop songs/artist were you really able to dance to? Public Enemy? NWA? EPMD? Nope, so house music ruled so chances are you were doing some funky moves that you're probably embarresed to do today. Past 2000, what do we have? A bunch of straight to club music. Its just a trend. I realize that and I've just settled. No more wishing for yesteryear, no more soul searching for top of the line creativity, just listen to the music.

20-30 years from now when our music is consider dusties, how many of these artist do you think will survive and be ressurected for our radio station? Not many, I'll tell you that. There are hardly enough cats out here who could stand the test of time. Even what we consider the best today might not even make it. So for now, just roll with the flow. 5 years from now, you'll probably be wishing for this garbage we have today cause something new and annoying will take over the airwaves. Its just how we are as a society.

[jmood88]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

the majority of backpackers are white . murs talks about how most of his fans are white. its pretty much common knowledge that the majority of backpackers are caucasion
.ive been to murs-livin legends and blackalicious concerts and its the truth.


it doesnt really matter if they talk about guns and women all the time , as long are creative about it and flip it differently it can still be dope.
just cuz there '' CONscious '' doesnt make them better than rappers who talk about guns and women . hell the majority of ''rakims'' ryhmes were bragging and he wasnt really that deep of a rapper . were his rhymes top of the line and complex? of course . hes still a gazillion times better than brother ali or mos def though .
backpackers are just as annoying as , Bep , 50 cent and nelly fans.

There is a difference between people like rakim(who almost every rapper says is one of the best ever) and somebody else like lil wayne who say the exact same thing over and over and over again. At least if a rapper is "conscious" they still have some substance to their songs. I have no problem with someone making club hits, but I can't listen to that **** when I'm at home and I can't listen to that all the time. I listen to mainstream and underground and there is a time to listen to both. And I don't know why you are classifying Mos Def as an underground artist and acting like he isn't a great rapper.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

, everyone is trying to come up with the hottest club hit with a beat by the same 5-6 producers out here who are generating most of the hits.

What the hell happened to Swizz Beats. I remember a few years ago when he was exclusive to the Ruff Ryders camp.

[jmood88]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

Co-sign. And ALOT of people who are feelin the mainstream/club music, are black people. Which is why I asked the question "why was race even brought into this thread". I hate when people say, "oh, it's just suburban white kids who like 50". It's racist first of all, and its so far from the truth it's rediculous.

Actually that's completely wrong. Look at the stats, most of the people who buy the mainstream artists are white kids. I don't know where you're getting your information from. No one said that it was just surburban white kids who buy 50 but they are a majority of his fans.

I summed this all up in my thread awhile back when I said that backpacking is more about wanting to be cool and be in a counter-culture society than it is about the music. And while it's a really neat organization, I think you really need to re-check your roster sheet, because you might be suprised at how many "uneducated white suburban" rap fans listen to MC Foodstamp just like you.

You need to educate yourself on what you're talking about before you try to form an argument.

[jmood88]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

ohh no doubt 92-97 is my favorite era of rap but to say mainstream rap is ish - is false imo . theres still some quality out there.

Quality that is hidden between layers and layers of ****.

[Graphik]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

What the hell happened to Swizz Beats. I remember a few years ago when he was exclusive to the Ruff Ryders camp.

Hell, what happened to Ruff Ryders? I understand why Swizz is out there pimpin his beats around. Who else does he have to make beats for? Producers of today are more prevelent than they were in the 90s. Your album pretty much aint nothing unless you got a a-list producer throwing you some beats. Heck, ppl buy albums based on producers now.

[sportsdude]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

by the way, just wanted to add that I just picked up MC Foodstamp's new album, and wow, incredible. I mean, it was so good it made me put a backpack on and act like I'm cool because I listen to MC FOodstamp. I enjoy walking down the street with headphones and backpack on, nodding my head to MC Foodstamp so that way people can see the coolness coming their way.

[Graphik]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

by the way, just wanted to add that I just picked up MC Foodstamp's new album, and wow, incredible. I mean, it was so good it made me put a backpack on and act like I'm cool because I listen to MC FOodstamp. I enjoy walking down the street with headphones and backpack on, nodding my head to MC Foodstamp so that way people can see the coolness coming their way.

I'm loving track #9, "Gov'ment Cheese" and track #14, "Stacking Meal Tickets".

[sportsdude]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

I'm loving track #9, "Gov'ment Cheese" and track #14, "Stacking Meal Tickets".

I thought the beat was lacking on Stacking Meal Tickets. Personally, my favorite track is "D.D.A. (Dumpster Divers Anonymous)". So good, so introspective, and that beat, wow!

[Streets]

Re: MTV's 10 Candidates For The Next 'Greatest MCs Of All Time

LMAO!!!