Rap/Hip-hop

[ChrisBowsman]

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.

That's the one we listen to a lot. If you've never heard a 7 year old girl singing, "Earth people, New York and California... Earth People, I was born on Jupiter," you're missing out

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

I've heard Juan Alderete talk about Deltron 3030 a lot. As you can see from my avatar, I'm a huge fan, so there's no excuse for me not to have checked it out yet.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

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.

I love Bilal and have never heard this version. Thanks Adrian produced and played most of the instruments on Bilal's album In Another Life.

Which reminds me: Lots of folx have recommended The Roots, and I concur

 

[Alfonso Alba]

That's the one we listen to a lot. If you've never heard a 7 year old girl singing, "Earth people, New York and California... Earth People, I was born on Jupiter," you're missing out

Props to your daughter.

If you want some kid friendly hip hop that doesn't fall in the lame category, check out some of Young MC's earlier stuff: "Principal's Office", "After School", etc. Also, the first Kris Kross album is pretty fun.

 

[logdrum]

If you or your wife do yoga, there is always MC Yogi. Elephants and monkeys are mentioned

 

[bolophonic]

OP: Check out some Czarface and some Edan. I’m assuming you already know Dr. Octagon from back in the day.

I was finding my musical identity from Detroit radio in the 1981-85 era of hip hop. I still rock Newcleus, Egyptian Lover, Whodini... I started losing touch with the scene by the mid-90’s, after the sampling lawsuit wars brought an end to the original heyday of creative rap music.

 

[gregmon79]

Given her age, about the raciest thing she gets to hear is "Mama Said Knock You Out." She really loves Dr Octagon, and there will occasionally be something a little inappropriate, but most of his lyrics are so nonsensical that it gets missed.

Yeah I'd stick with the classics first too. I'm not a rap fan yet I'm a fan of it. If that makes sense. I don't really listen to it but I respect and appreciate it. I do however enjoy the older stuff. Mainly 90's like you. Outkast, Fugees, Tribe Called Quest, Dre, Snoop, Busta Rhymes. Maybe even the Beasties, it could possibly open her up to more rock stuff. Like Ill Communication or Check Your Head especially..... I would start with that stuff personally. Other than that, I would let her go where she wants with music in mind.

 

[overit]

I grew up on 90s hip hop. These guys were always fun:

 

[Blind owl bass]

people under the stairs

 

[dbsfgyd1]

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...

For me, why not expose your children to a much broader musical palette? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying no rap, what I’m saying there are a lot of different styles and musical history you could have fun with that will broaden here musical horizons.

BTW, it’s really cool you have this quality time together. Make the most out of it... way too soon you’ll be buying a wedding dress.....

 

[TheLowDown33]

Just echoing some of the others here, but my favorite current artists are Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Anderson Paak and Mac Miller

 

[FugaziBomb]

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...

Danny Brown, Run the Jewels, A.F.R.O., RA the Rugged Man, Gift of Gab, Atmosphere, Murs

Those are all great, modern hip hop artists. If you're into the club banger thing, there's guys like Lil' Pump, Future, Takashi 6-9... but that stuff is wack, tbh.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

For me, why not expose your children to a much broader musical palette? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying no rap, what I’m saying there are a lot of different styles and musical history you could have fun with that will broaden here musical horizons.

BTW, it’s really cool you have this quality time together. Make the most out of it... way too soon you’ll be buying a wedding dress.....

My wife channel surfs like crazy with them in her van. It’ll be Jazz, classical, pop, classic rock, or whatever weird stuff is on NPR.

On the way to school, I usually stick with stuff I know she’ll love. Any other time, it’s any new female-fronted band I find, trippy stuff like Colin Edwin’s solo work, Tool, or most often, some Les Claypool project.

She also loves the Frog Leap metal versions of pop songs.

 

[lermgalieu]

Kendrick Lamar--To Pimp a Butterfly and Damn are both really good.

Agreed, although good luck finding something age-appropriate on those records.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

Agreed, although good luck finding something age-appropriate on those records.

As long as it’s appropriate for a 40 year old, we’re good.

 

[Alfonso Alba]

As long as it’s appropriate for a 40 year old, we’re good.

It seems to me that some of the new stuff isn't. Only younger people seem to "get it".

 

[ChrisBowsman]

It seems to me that some of the new stuff isn't. Only younger people seem to "get it".

You know... that statement is loaded with wisdom.

My dad was a fan of Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, etc... in the 70's. I'm sure his mom said they were garbage. When I was in high school, he spent a lot of time telling me Nirvana, Primus, any rap, etc... was garbage. Admittedly, I don't like a lot of music my kids like, but there is no way in hell I'm telling them it sucks.

 

[overit]

For me, why not expose your children to a much broader musical palette? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying no rap, what I’m saying there are a lot of different styles and musical history you could have fun with that will broaden here musical horizons.

BTW, it’s really cool you have this quality time together. Make the most out of it... way too soon you’ll be buying a wedding dress.....

Exposing someone to hip hop, exposes them to so much more than just rap. Most of the beats are samples - lots of jazz and funk + other genres. Here's one of my favorites - the sample and the original.

 

[SLIV]

What about some women rappers? Missy Elliot or if you want some old school, Queen Latifa?

Also just wanted to mention the wonderful Gill Scott Heron as a good foundation with a positive and strong message.

 

[Alfonso Alba]

What about some women rappers? Missy Elliot or if you want some old school, Queen Latifa?

I really like Ladybug Mecca from the Digable Planets.

 

[Alfonso Alba]

Exposing someone to hip hop, exposes them to so much more than just rap. Most of the beats are samples - lots of jazz and funk + other genres.

This. Hip Hop is what got me into playing drums and eventually bass guitar. One of the first basslines I learned by ear was Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew", which was sampled by ATCQ for "Electric Relaxation".