Transitioning Into HipHop, 10 Albums to Consider Options

[fameONE]

Based on a conversation I was having with a friend of mine the other day, a lot of people don't give hiphop a chance because they simply just don't know any better. I could go on this rant about the radio this and the radio that but beating a dead horse gets old (besides, not all radio rap is horrendous).

In a nutshell, I sat in the back of humvee in Baghdad contemplating how I could make a diverse list of albums that would appeal to potential fans with varying tastes. Below is the end result.

If you're having problems seeing past the obvious (why awhy the entire typical backpacker, conscious, quasi-political, lyrical free-for-all with soulful beats that I generally prefer), then just ask and I'll be sure to drop knowledge on, and provide an explanation for, any album here.

**in no particular order**

1.
Nujabes - Modal Soul (2006)

2.
Eminem - The Slim Shady LP (1999)

3.
FELT 2(Murs and Slug [of Atmosphere]) - A Tribute to Lisa Bonet

4.
The Fugees (Refugee Camp) - The Score (1996)

5.
Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor (2006)

6.
Outkast - Southernplayasticadillacmuzik (1994)

7.
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - The Mecca and the Soul Brother (1992)

8.
Scarface - The Fix (2002)

9.
Timbaland - Timabland Presents: Shock Value (2007)

10.
Busta Rhymes - When Disaster Strikes (1997)

It was hard enough to sort through 14,000 songs and even harder to come up with reasonable justifications for each album, but there it is. Each album offers something different. From A Side to B Side, complete listens of each LP made it clear that, depending on which genre you generally prefer, there is something for everyone.

[brooklyneast05]

no college drop out
no low end theory
no common albums

nah, i don't even know. this list is better than i could come up with. i was born into this listening to this music so i don't even have a clue really what would appeal best to transitional people. shock value was random to me out of that list.

[fameONE]

Shock Value is a necessary album because of its diversity. That album ranges from pseudo-gangsta-rap, to pop, modern punk, R&B and dance. People that didn't have a clue who Timbaland was before the album could easily do a little research on one of the best producers in HipHop based off his remix of Apologize.

Common may be hard for a lot of people to swallow because he may be too 'pro-Black' for some.

"I see brothas walkin/ with white women on they arms/ I be mad at 'em/ as if I were they moms"

For a soulful, but playful, transition, Murs and Slug's Felt 2 is a easy listen. The production allows for a soulful vibe with an up-tempo feel, and the lyrical genius of both emcees allow for a view into, often hilarious, real world scenarios. An album like that would allow for a new listener to branch out, eventually reaching Common's One Day It Will All Make Sense, and perhaps, open the door to the rest of his releases.

I'm a huge fan of kanYe's music, and you know this. As a producer, he's excellent. As an emcee, he's hit or miss. However, kanYe West's offers a glimpse into his world and shares his experiences, which, from a storytelling standpoint, can even sound a little whiny. All Falls Down is excellent, but We Don't Care (as much as I adore the song), could be misleading about Black youth to the outside world. The album can be widely appreciated by all music fans but it takes a certain level of understanding (of Black culture) to "get" it.

Lupe Fiasco can be just as extreme, however, he hardly sounds full of angst or remotely aggressive when touching on similar or more intense topics. But by listening to Lupe, a listener could then follow the sound style to Pharrell and NERD, and eventually, after digesting enough of that particular sound, find their way to kanYe West.

My madness has methods, fam.

[superstitious]

Believe it or not, I have the Fugees and Busta Rhymes CD's you've listed. They're among my favorites. Then again, I've always had a big soft spot for Lauryn Hill. I still think that she's among the most talented artists that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

I think that I've had a mini in-thread conversation with Brandon before, regarding Eminem. I've yet to fully give him a chance and I admit that I've unfairly judged any thing he has produced or recorded based on inviduals I know personally that have purchased and listen to his music. There's been an air of pretentiousness with the individuals I'm thinking of and unfortunately, I haven't bothered trying Eminem out for myself.

This may seem irrelevant to what you are referring to, but I'm bringing it up because you are talking about transitioning into a genre - genre that has always intrigued me and one that I feel is affected by a great deal of artists I currently and historically have listened to. For example, I listen to a lot of jazz ranging from classic (Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, etc) to Fela Kuti (who isn't necessarily classified as jazz, he's more commonly classifed as "afro beat") to bossa nova jazz (João and Asturd Gilberto, Sergio Mendes, etc).

My interest in music is spiked by how different genres are interlinked and the fusion between genres.

Knowing this about me, how would your recommendations change? Would they change?

(sorry for the lengthy post, I just enjoy discussing music to a bloody pulp)

[brooklyneast05]

My madness has methods, fam.

seriously, that was a lot more thought into leading someone from one an artist to another than i'd thought of.

now that you say that about common i agree, i wasn't really thinking about how people might feel about that aspect. i'm used to it/agree with it to the point where i don't even think of it that way. i don't think if i was going to transition my white friends into listening to hip hop that i'd start out with him.

[fameONE]

Believe it or not, I have the Fugees and Busta Rhymes CD's you've listed. They're among my favorites. Then again, I've always had a big soft spot for Lauryn Hill. I still think that she's among the most talented artists that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

I think that I've had a mini in-thread conversation with Brandon before, regarding Eminem. I've yet to fully give him a chance and I admit that I've unfairly judged any thing he has produced or recorded based on inviduals I know personally that have purchased and listen to his music. There's been an air of pretentiousness with the individuals I'm thinking of and unfortunately, I haven't bothered trying Eminem out for myself.

This may seem irrelevant to what you are referring to, but I'm bringing it up because you are talking about transitioning into a genre - genre that has always intrigued me and one that I feel is affected by a great deal of artists I currently and historically have listened to. For example, I listen to a lot of jazz ranging from classic (Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, etc) to Fela Kuti (who isn't necessarily classified as jazz, he's more commonly classifed as "afro beat") to bossa nova jazz (João and Asturd Gilberto, Sergio Mendes, etc).

My interest in music is spiked by how different genres are interlinked and the fusion between genres.

Knowing this about me, how would your recommendations change? Would they change?

(sorry for the lengthy post, I just enjoy discussing music to a bloody pulp)

You may just like Nujabes' Modal Soul. HipHop, Jazz Fusion and soul in a wonderful LP (that I really wish was a bit longer). Out of all the albums on the list, that one stands out as being the most different, but it serves a very necessary purpose, aside from being just absolutely incredible.

Lauryn Hill is gifted. She may have gone off the deep end, her music still remains as a true gift to not only hiphop, but music as a whole. With the production and vocals of Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, concentrated into a style that cries of freedom and peace, the chemistry of The Score is unmatched. Too bad it isn't like that anymore.

As for Busta Rhymes, formerly a, well, strange, some-what conscious emcee from Leaders of the New School, he holds true to rugged New York HipHop with When Disaster Strikes. The weed smoking, the big crews, the fights, the endless freestyle sessions, constant clowning around and a realization that there is a world beyond that makes his 1997 release nothing short of a classic. Busta Rhymes is legendary for his unorthodox delivery. That delivery paired with metaphors that could leave you laughing or scratching your head puts Bus' ahead of the power curve. He has yet to release a more complete album than that.

The Eminem argument...

To properly understand the guy and his music, I urge anyone to just start from the beginning and work their way to the end. Infinite, an independent release, was a chance for him to show off his wordplay but the sound itself wasn't at all unique. It sounded like a typical mid-90's, underground hiphop album, but the way he fused together extended metaphors was a sign that he wasn't a typical underground artist.

The Slim Shady LP could possibly be one of the best hiphop albums of all time. It's funny, disturbing and downright impressive. His storytelling ability is complete from beginning to end, and he pairs that ability with situations and pop culture references that virtually anyone can listen to. Granted, he's pretty offensive, but that's the beauty of his music. The "I'll say this because this is how I feel, or what's going through my mind, and I don't give a f-ck," mentality, to me, is comforting. The rawness of this album shows an artist, untainted by the music industry.

[datass]

oh i've always liked eminem

[ReggieM]

oh how i love nujabes how do you pronounce it though? he has such sick beats.

brother ali is pretty sick too.


yes i was unaware of "infinite" until i heard eminems newer stuff, and man it made me understand why people rank eminem so high in thier rankings.

[brooklyneast05]

i want lauryn hill to be my wife. it's too bad she's a little crazy now, but that's ok ill take her anyway. my love for her is that much she looks good

eminem is always off and on with me. i respect him lyrically but i don't enjoy his "funny" songs at all really. i don't think we share the same humor or something. i don't enjoy the sound of his music much in general either. sometimes though i'll hear a song and be like wow, this guy is crazy, but i've yet to become a very dedicated listener. i would rank him high on a my list of talent, but lower on my list of actual music. if that makes any sense...


umm, i'm gonna say white people, but i know it's not just them. they are my experience with this though. BUT, white people who claim to hate rap often say "but i like eminem" and i never understand that. do they just like him because he's white? does that give them the extra push to be able to listen to what he's actually saying? i mean granted, he's got good lyrics, but it's not like he's 100% unique, amazing, and out does his black counterparts. there are lots of other lyrically talented artists. i don't understand why they won't give them a chance, but they will give eminem one. no one has to try to answer this, i was just thinking out loud about that.

[sixfive]

I think the reason is partially a racial bias, but also the fact that Eminem doesn't fall into the group that makes people assume rap/hip hop is about sex, drugs, and violence/hate. I'm fully aware that there are many black artists who do the same thing as Eminem, but he gets air time on all sorts of radio stations. That and the fact that he has some hilarious music videos/a movie. So aside from racial bias, the majority of the population has way more exposure to Eminem.

I didn't try to answer it, I did. Oh snap.

[fameONE]

I think the reason is partially a racial bias,

Of course. Despite Em running the streets of Detroit with of unquestionable street cred, his music, particularly the Marshall Mathers LP, screams to suburban youth.

but also the fact that Eminem doesn't fall into the group that makes people assume rap/hip hop is about sex, drugs, and violence/hate.

Whoa, huh? Eminem is extreme in that regard. If anything, his portayal of hate and destruction is on par with Necro and Brotha Lynch Hung

I'm fully aware that there are many black artists who do the same thing as Eminem, but he gets air time on all sorts of radio stations.

Honestly, it's a shame that Eminem's fame has overshadowed the skills of Obie Trice, but after recruiting 50 Cent and breathing life back into the Detroit hiphop scene, Em surely shattered the doubts. It's no longer a color thing. When he applies himself, he's really that talented.

That and the fact that he has some hilarious music videos

By making fun of pop culture, he became an icon himself! Brilliant!

/a movie.

Fuck what anyone says, 8 Mile is an enjoyable flick when you're sitting around with a group of people. The bonus freestyles in the special features are dope.

So aside from racial bias, the majority of the population has way more exposure to Eminem.

I didn't try to answer it, I did. Oh snap.

[sixfive]

Hey hey, I liked 8 mile too. Sure there's some hatred, but the majority of the radio play isn't viewed that way.

p.s. Two trailer park girls go 'round me outside

[SuckDickNSaveLiv...]

Busta Rhymes - Rhymes Galore is one of my favorites off that album. He was dropping some heat on that song. . Also Fire it up with the Nightrider theme was magnificent as well.

As far as a recommendations, I would go with Common's Universal Mind Control. It reminds me of Afrika B's Perfect beat for some reason. All around the net I've seen where people say Common sold out with this song, but I'm like how?

Every time someone changes their style up there is always a crowd that disapproves. Same with Kanye West's new album. Although I don't think he should have done the whole album in autotune, I do appreciate his effort for trying to be different.

[brooklyneast05]

As far as a recommendations, I would go with Common's Universal Mind Control. It reminds me of Afrika B's Perfect beat for some reason. All around the net I've seen where people say Common sold out with this song, but I'm like how?

wait, what? this is out already?


edit:

damn i'm slow lol. i thought you meant his new album, not just that song. i'm good now.

[SuckDickNSaveLiv...]

wait, what? this is out already?
edit:

damn i'm slow lol. i thought you meant his new album, not just that song. i'm good now.

Haha, from what I've been reading its been pushed back numerous times. Last I've heard, it was set to release on Dec. 9, 2008. I can't wait until it leaks.

[sixfive]

(Hook)
Ah ha, hush that fuss
Everybody move to the back of the bus
Do you wanna bump and slump with us
We the type of people make the club get crunk

Verse 1:(Big Boi)
Many a day has passed, the night has gone by
But still I find the time to put that bump off in your eye
Total chaos, for these playas, thought we was absent
We takin another route to represent the Dungeon Family
Like Great Day, me and my n*gga decide to take the back way
We stabbing every city then we headed to that bat cave
A-T-L, Georgia, what we do for ya
Bull doggin hoes like them Georgetown Hoyas
Boy you sounding silly, thank my Brougham aint sittin pretty
Doing doughnuts round you suckas like then circles around titties
Damn we the committee gone burn it down
But us gone bust you in the mouth with the chorus now

(Hook)

I met a gypsy and she hipped me to some life game
To stimulate then activate the left and right brain
Said baby boy you only funky as your last cut
You focus on the past your ass'll be a has what
Thats one to live by or either that one to die to
I try to just throw it at you determine your own adventure
Andre, got to her station here's my destination
She got off the bus, the conversation lingered in my head for hours
Took a shower kinda sour cause my favorite group ain't comin with it
But I'm witcha you cause you probably goin through it anyway
But anyhow when in doubt went on out and bought it
Cause I thought it would be jammin but examine all the flawsky-wawsky
Awfully, it's sad and it's costly, but that's all she wrote
And I hope I never have to float in that boat
Up shit creek it's weak is the last quote
That I want to hear when I'm goin down when all's said and done
And we got a new joe in town
When the record player get to skippin and slowin down
All yawl can say is them niggas earned that crown but until then till' then

(Hook)
(Harmonica Solo)
(Hook til fade)

[Harp]

this is really a good list.
i haven't heard of a lot of the albums, but I think I'm gonna look them up

[fameONE]

I have yet to touch on a few of the albums on the list because no one has mentioned them.

Outkast - Southernplayasticadillacmuzik

This is southern hiphop at it's finest. F-ck what you know or what you think you know about southern hiphop in relation to snap music and the dozens of 'crank dats' that have invaded the homes of suburbia; the early works of Outkast were jazz inspired, soulful, 808-heavy, and lyrically magnificent. When people talk about the partnered production of the Dungeon Family duo and the wordplay of Andre 3000, there's no question about it when listening to this album.

Scarface - The Fix

Fast forward into the 2000's, this is another excellent example of souther hiphop breaking the mold of snap-happy, ringtone rap. Of course, Scarface speaks of the streets, the 'game,' and other trials and tribulations of growing up in the hood. However, his delivery can not be duplicated and the hunger and its evident that he leaves it all on wax when laying down tracks. What's made Scarface's music so unique is that he's been able to combine his trademark Houston swagger with an east coast feel, keeping close ties with artists and producers from well above the Mason-Dixon line.

Although 'The Fix' was the only album from 'Face that The Source rated 5 mics, that doesn't mean that every album he's released has lacked the rawness of bare-knuckled body blows in a back-alley beatdown. To contrast the gangster persona, the Houston hiphop vet has always been sure to leave a piece of himself on each album, making songs about the tougher times of his life; drug abuse, suicide attempts, fallen loved ones and deliverance. For anyone to sleep on Scarface is absurd. T.I. can claim King of the South all he wants, but the crown goes to 'Face, and he's so humble that he's never even claimed it.

[andrewexd]

illmatic. I know its the cliche of goat albums (besides big and pac). its a classic none the less.

[fameONE]

illmatic. I know its the cliche of goat albums (besides big and pac). its a classic none the less.

Illmatic wins the crown of the definitive album for NY hiphop from the early to mid-90s.

[sixfive]

Illmatic wins the crown of the definitive album for NY hiphop from the early to mid-90s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD_KNfPL06s

Approve? Yes/No? Sorry if it's a bit off topic, I'm just posting random shit everywhere making attempts to pertain to the topic at hand, and I happen to be on a caffine high when I should be trying to get some sleep seeing as I have a test tomorrow, but my over-confident ass thinks that it'll be cake like the last one (which was more like pie). Anywho.

[so0o_contagious]

wowwwwwwwww amazing list!

what about nas? immortal technique? atmosphere?

[salcha4u]

Haha people would get mad if they listened to Immortal..

[fameONE]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD_KNfPL06s

Approve? Yes/No? Sorry if it's a bit off topic, I'm just posting random shit everywhere making attempts to pertain to the topic at hand, and I happen to be on a caffine high when I should be trying to get some sleep seeing as I have a test tomorrow, but my over-confident ass thinks that it'll be cake like the last one (which was more like pie). Anywho.

I'll check that link out when I'm not on a NATO computer.

wowwwwwwwww amazing list!

what about nas? immortal technique? atmosphere?

I'm a big fan of all three, but this list is made as a starter kit for people who know very little about hiphop. Hence why the list varies in extreme.

FYI: Slug (of Atmosphere) is partnered with Murs on FELT 2, which includes tracks produced by Ant (the production half of the Atmosphere duo)

Haha people would get mad if they listened to Immortal..

Exactly. You need to already have an understanding of Tech's stance on our society before you listen to his music, or else, well, or else feelings might get hurt.

[Blaqheartedstar]

Like rock over anything else but i use to listen to hiphop, r&b before i got into rock. but out of that list Eminem - The Slim Shady LP (1999) is the only album i had (lost it, got rid of it... no clue where it is anymore). My dad has The Fugees (Refugee Camp) - The Score (1996)< heard a lot of that next to all the salsa i was subjected to as a kid. Pretty good album.
Some artist that you listed i heard of, some are good.