Rap/Hip-hop

[Slingy]

TPAB is still one of my favorite rap albums. The music is so inventive - plus Thundercat is one of the producers and musicians.

I also +1 this album. Not only one of my favourite rap albums, it's one of my favourite albums. I was surprised with how good it was when I first listened

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Method man as some incredible music, Xzibit often gets over looked because of pimp my ride but he has some great songs.
Eminem's new album is amazing, I think it's the best album he's put out in several years and I'd even argue that it's one of his best to date!

 

[Infidelity]

Prolly more neo-soul than rap but Anderson Paak's music is definitely on my top list.

 

[brianrost]

Much to the dismay of my dad and many metal-centric friends, I’ve loved rap since I was a little kid. The problem is, I still only love what I listened to then.

That's very common. People retain a deep love of the music of their youth. I used to listen to a hip-hop being played on college radio in the 1980s but lost track of it completely after that and know nothing about the current scene. But I'm not current with rock, pop, reggae or country music either. My listening interests changed over the years and that seems completely normal to me.

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

Given her age, about the raciest thing she gets to hear is "Mama Said Knock You Out."

My daughter, also 7, was singing that yesterday! First time I was in her pre-kindergarten cafeteria, the chef was blasting Beenie Man. In kindergarten, one of the acts in the school recital was a dance to the tune of KRS-One. I love that school....

Anyway, for me hip-hop peaked with Wu Tang. When I find "new" hip-hop that I like, it likely predates Wu rather than being something that was released later.

But of the more recent stuff, I dig Anderson Paak, Run the Jewels, and Kid Cudi.

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

Given her age, about the raciest thing she gets to hear is "Mama Said Knock You Out."

She'll love this, btw:

 

[wintremute]

I suggest listening to the Into The Spider-Verse soundtrack, and going from there.

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

I suggest listening to the Into The Spider-Verse soundtrack, and going from there.

The whole movie was righteous. At any age.

 

[hardtop]

I hate to say it, but you're wasting your time going forward. You should go back, way back With few exceptions, the best hip hop came B.S.D.D. (before snoop doggy dog)

 

[eJake]

Not with your kid around, but...Run the Jewels. Also Death Grips. Also not kid friendly. Have fun.

I can't believe I forgot Run the Jewels! As far as kid friendly, Killer Mike is super political and loudly pro black. Hip hop is gonna be hip hop. It doesn't need to be watered down, it needs to be understood.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

 

[TimBukToo]

Ernest T. Bass

 

[drewphishesp]

mf doom,
joey badA$$
travis scott
kendrick lamar
anderson paak
J cole
earl sweatshirt
childish gambino
vince staples
jay rock
freddie gibbs
meek mill
run the jewels

 

[Panek]

Much to the dismay of my dad and many metal-centric friends, I’ve loved rap since I was a little kid. The problem is, I still only love what I listened to then. My wife and I (pre-marriage) used to cruise around with a bumping stereo, smoke rolling out the windows, blasting Cypress Hill, Dr Dre, DMX, and the like. This would’ve been 99-00.

Shortly after getting married, we found out our first son was on the way, so the smoke cleared up, and the subs came out of the trunk. Getting into any newer rap unintentionally went with it. The newest stuff I really know is the first three or four Eminem albums, so very early 2000s.

Anybody have any recommendations? 20 years later, I’m driving my 7 yr old daughter to school, and she LOVES rap, but I’d like to play something newer than Outkast, Dr Octagon, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, I’ve Cube, etc...

How about some lesser-known older stuff? I discovered this recently and couldn't stop playing it for a couple of days straight. Curious if you know it:

 

[Alfonso Alba]

I love golden age hip hop (~ 1986-1996) and pretty much dislike most R&B and pop, so it's been hard for me to find new hip hop that I like. I can second some of the recommendations so far:

- Danny Brown
- Kendrick Lamar
- Run The Jewels
- Czarface

Stuff that is not new but still newer than golden age stuff and just as good:

- Blackalicious
- MF Doom (and his collaborations, like Madvillain)
- Method Man & Redman (both of their collab albums are great)
- Mos Def & Blackstar
- The Roots (albums are kind of hit & miss - check out the rankings)
- Outkast - particularly Stankonia, IMO

And in the past few years, some old artists have put out some excellent albums: Gang Starr, ATCQ, Wu-Tang Clan, Q-Tip, Redman (his latest singles are pretty good).

But I agree that if you used to listen to hip hop around 99-00, you should rather go back than forward. There is so much great and inventive stuff within the golden age. A good place to start is this website:

https://hiphopgoldenage.com/

It has a search button. Search for something like "Top albums 1992" (my favorite year) and just go with it.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

I can't believe I forgot Run the Jewels! As far as kid friendly, Killer Mike is super political and loudly pro black. Hip hop is gonna be hip hop. It doesn't need to be watered down, it needs to be understood.

We live in a pseudo-hippie college town. She’ll be down with that

 

[teh-slb]

As someone who's far removed from rap/hip-hop, I have absolutely nothing of value to add, but - thanks for bringing Dr. Octagon up! Dr. Octagonecologyst has been playing since I googled for more info an hour or so ago. Best wishes to you and your family.

 

[Alfonso Alba]

As someone who's far removed from rap/hip-hop, I have absolutely nothing of value to add, but - thanks for bringing Dr. Octagon up! Dr. Octagonecologyst has been playing since I googled for more info an hour or so ago. Best wishes to you and your family.

Kool Keith is kind of hit and miss but the new Dr. Octagon album... Moosebumps something something, is also pretty good.

If you like Dr. Octagon, also look for Deltron 3030. Same producers, similar project, different rapper, but also a classic.

 

[juggahnaught]

Man, sometimes I see these threads and I think, "oh, Talkbass's demographic isn't just old crusty white dudes!" and then I see some replies, and then I get sad. (Did someone really mention Christian rap for "delicate ears"? Bro...)

Mainly came here to mention Talib Kweli. Listen to Kweli. He has older albums dating back to 2004 and he's got more recent stuff as well. Well worth a listen.

This is also older, but The Guru - I like the Jazzmatazz albums.

Also, slap some Pharcyde in. Love the song "Runnin" by them, it's a beauty.

 

[Raw N Low]

I'd recommend some cerebral hip-hop, as it harkens back to the days when artist would talk about everyday life and relatable topics (parents, school, neighborhoods, etc.) over money, women, violence, and ego.

Here are my influential recommendations:
Talib Kweli
Nice and Smooth
Little Brother
People Under The Stairs
The Roots
Goodie Mob

Just to name a few...

However, lot's of people aspire to be rappers and overlook the benefits of composition, history, and context. I highly recommend looking at Adrian Younge. He is currently one of my favorite hip hop composers because of his journey and work ethic. A lot of tracks are sampled or looped and Adrian has actually taken the time to painstakingly learn each instrument, recording gear, and artist to create some fantastic songs.

He has also composed soundtracks for Black Dynamite, Luke Cage, and Ghost Face Killa.