Clarity in rapping?

StuntBacon · #1 10-10-2011, 03:05 AM

I've been getting into hip hop recently but one thing that has being annoying me about it is the fact that it is a genre centred around lyricism, and yet I find it incredibly difficult to understand what the rappers are saying in their lyrics. This is due in part to the speed of the delivery, the "ghetto" accent, and the occasional rapper who likes to mumble, like Snoop Dogg.

So, could anyone recommend me any rappers that I wouldn't require a lyrics sheet to read off?

byronkowalski · #2 10-10-2011, 04:02 AM

doseone, aesop rock, canni bal ox, deep puddle dynamics, some of it might be very quick rapping but you get used to that

byronkowalski · #3 10-10-2011, 04:21 AM

Cannibal Ox - Pigeon - YouTube

**SoComSurfing** · #4 10-10-2011, 06:05 AM

Sage Francis, Brother Ali, Atmosphere, Felt, Murs, Grieves & Budo. Pretty much anyone off of the Rhymesayers Entertainment label roster.

bassben12 · #5 10-10-2011, 12:00 PM

the Roots. Their recent album called. "how i got over" is especially good.

fmoore200 · #6 10-10-2011, 05:18 PM

When listening to hip hop it is best not to listen for exact words, imo. Most rappers manipulate language to best fit the rhyme scheme they are using at the moment.

This could mean stressing the "wrong" syllable, adding length or shortening the word, etc..

Couple those techniques with the very layered and poly rhythmic drum patterns in todays hip hop and it can be difficult for the unaccustomed ear to accurately decipher what is being said.

For pure listening, and a bit of history, I say go old school. Listen to Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Rakim, Queen Latifah and the like..

**jbybj** · #7 10-10-2011, 05:27 PM

Jurrassic 5 has always been a favorite of mine. Lyrical, melodic, with lots of groove and soul, and you can understand most of the prose.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #8 10-10-2011, 05:35 PM

Jedi Mind Tricks

bass12 · #9 10-10-2011, 05:36 PM

J-Live, Ohmega Watts, Q-Tip, Ice-T, Chuck D, Rakim, CL Smooth, Lyrics Born. These guys are all pretty clear in their enunciation and are often saying things that actually make sense.

CrankenStein · #10 10-10-2011, 06:03 PM

beastie boys! NWA!

Zoa · #11 10-10-2011, 06:08 PM

Old school is where it's at. Sugar Hill Gang, Rakim, Dr. Dre, N.W.A., Arrested Development, and my absolute favorite hip-hop artists of all time- Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five! (Grandmaster Melle Mel as well.)

**Lazarus.Bird** · #12 10-10-2011, 06:42 PM

Don't forget Wu-Tang Clan. A lot of their lyrics are very intelligent.

I'm mostly a metal head and haven't listened to a new hip hop CD in years but I love some old school hip hop, especially when real instruments are used for the backing tracks.

fmoore200 · #13 10-10-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

Don't forget Wu-Tang Clan. A lot of their lyrics are very intelligent.

I'm mostly a metal head and haven't listened to a new hip hop CD in years but I love some old school hip hop, especially when real instruments are used for the backing tracks.

Intelligent yes, but not always intelligible. Lol rza sounds like he's auditioning for the role of the godfather sometimes with his mushy delivery

baalroo · #14 10-10-2011, 09:23 PM

I have to say, this thread brings the win pretty hard. nice job folks, great recommendations.

matt descending · #15 10-11-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

Jedi Mind Tricks

These guys rock. Also check into Ill Bill and La Coka Nostra.

DeltaPhoenix · #16 10-11-2011, 06:07 AM

Eli, The Grouch, Cunninlynguist

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #17 10-11-2011, 06:23 AM

My favorite rapper, Gift of Gab (also the head of Blackalicious) is very clear and easy to understand. Here's one of his tunes:
Gift of Gab - The Writz - YouTube

jay tay · #18 10-11-2011, 06:43 AM

The Roots,
Jurassic 5,
Common,
Roots Manuva (though you may struggle with the English accent)
Gym Class Heroes (not really hip hop, but the rapping is very audible)
Mos Def
Rakim
RUN DMC
Saul Williams (more of a Poet, then an MC)
Tribe Called Quest
Talib Kweli
Wordsmith Jones (more of a poetry vibe)
Arrested Development
de la soul

almost forgot Jeru the Damaja

punkinfantry · #19 10-11-2011, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

Don't forget Wu-Tang Clan. A lot of their lyrics are very intelligent.

I'm mostly a metal head and haven't listened to a new hip hop CD in years but I love some old school hip hop, especially when real instruments are used for the backing tracks.

+several billion

bong bong!!!

Infrasonik B. · #20 10-11-2011, 07:04 AM

+1 to all recommendations so far, especially the old school stuff for clarity of vocals (plus usually pretty funky beats)

+1000000 to The Roots, there’s a ton of live hip-hop bands out there but these guys are definitely on the forefront.

I’m surprised I haven’t seen Common suggested yet; powerful lyrics, plenty of soul and great beats. The album Be (Basement Evolution) is one of my favorites and highly recommended, check out the intro song, Be (also has a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet bass line). If you dig the old school recommendations then I’d check out Can I Borrow A Dollar, his first album. It oozes old school.

Common - Be (Intro) - YouTube