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Thought that was pretty interesting.

Might just kind of end up that way but lets see how this rolls out and go from there.

i've been listening to that 2nd II None s/t. loving the basslines so much.

So many classic joints off that. A total party album, especially if there's gonna be dirty dancing.

Even the more understated tracks like Underground Terror have enough inherent sonic texture to hold your interest until the next party track.

Some great hooks too, Aint Nothing Wrong and If You Want It hooks/melodies are all time.

Beauty and the beat it was called. Seemed like it was halfway between Primitive Plus and the short mx tape from a couple of years back.

Anything else I should heck out?

The only other thing I have of his is a one track mixtape thing called Echo Lake which is also great but not really that similar to Beauty and the Beat

I have one pal whose equally as into it. we always put it on and listen to it together. not a great story, agreed
there is not enough 60's inspired, psychedelic hip hop, for me. or is there? dunno. suggestions please

but haven't listened in yeeears. That one with Percee P is awesome:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq273vDRaHk

nie one, Shipment

Great posting Ant you fucking dope :D

Shabazz Palaces
Quasimoto
Can Ox
Count Bass D
(some) Kool Keith (i.e. Black Elvis/Lost In Space)

Although you may be familiar with all that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDw9qPIAwkk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbLEZxWI4-I

There's a pre-Primitive Plus EP which is worth a listen, but that's it. He's not exactly prolific.

What sparked you listening to that over and over?

Ghostface Killah - Fishscale. his best, for me. Kills Supreme Clientele.
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Blackstar.
Danny Brown - XXX. gonna be honest, I don't think two days have gone by in the last six odd months that I haven't listened to XXX from top to tail.
I'll stop talking now

got
got
need
got some KK, i'll chek out the shouts. cheers, mun

But I ain't hating.

as in, BatB uses mostly british 60's)/early 70's samples (the who, pink floyd, Jimi etc. so yeah, not questioning you, btw. you DEFO the man, man.

obv.

a little more than the psych line. Cant think of anything that fits in squarely with BatB.

Bulletproof Wallets > Big Doe > Apollo Kids More Fish > Ghostdini

for me

Would love some recommendations for some overlooked / underrated LPs, particularly from the late '80s and '90s if anyone has any. Kind of like this:

http://www.factmag.com/2012/08/24/the-most-overlooked-hip-hop-lps-of-the-90s-part-two/

but with albums that were actually 'overlooked' rather than simply 'didn't sell millions of copies'

Cheers!

Just Ghost on different tips, really depends on what I feel on the day, but if I have to:

Supreme Clientele > Pretty Toney > Ironman >> Fishscale.

Honestly after that I couldn't really find many reasons to pick up Bulletproof Wallets, Apollo Kids, Big Doe or More Fish anymore, but out of them I tend to think Apollo Kids was a little underrated.

I'll be back.

http://i.imgur.com/6sWwy.jpg

i'd wanna hear it

For me.

Ironman is nigh on perfect and has THAT Cappadonna verse as well.

I'm not that down with much of the Def Jux stuff though, what is essential?

sales used to be pretty indicative of how an artist/album was rated/overlooked/underlooked at the time.

You may try that 2nd II None album mentioned upthread, came out in 91.

Essential:

Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein
Aesop Rock - Labor Days
RJD2 - Deadringer
El-P - Fan Dam/Sleep When Your Dead

Recommended:
Mr Lif - Emergency Rations/I Phantom
Cage - Hell's Winter
Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition

Something like that.

In that order really.

Craig Mack, Get Down remix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uixucgxHHW8

Cypress Hill, Illusions remix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld9MgSOee7w

And my favourite...

Da Bush Babees - Three MCs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8G3Fe3kkr8

That DROP!

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/music/4255345
which was more or less about Rhythm-al-ism. That is my favorite record ever, any genre. Probably a good place to jump in, right smack in the middle of his career. Make sure you have some quality headphones and be ready for the best sounding beats of all time hands down, layers upon layers, stacks on stacks etc...

Also if you have some time check this great interview w the man on 25 of his best productions:
http://tinyurl.com/8dwgu3v
He breaks down each one and tells some great stories. Just a bad-ass personality all around.

is/was at producing. Great drop, LOUD snare, very Dilla of him.

It's always been '30' for me, but really digging 'Witit' at the moment. Pretty hyped for his new album.

Psychedelic rock with a soul/hip hop influence rather than vice versa, but I can see it appealing to Edan fans if they're not already on it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2A2LsLajG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA3zhoQOs_I

I wonder if expensive sampling rights have something to do with the lack of 60/70s shit.

so many killer lines. what a flow. *mind truly blown*
30 is super twisted, huh! cool shit, man

is one of my favourite samples in years

rad, thanks.

Might put a Tip production mix together some time, if I can ever get to the bottom of exactly which UMMAH beats are primarily his.

not clear whether you're into Quik!

Comment was more just a gentle dig at those FACT lists that had albums like Main Source's 'Breaking Atoms' and Organized's 'Equinox' that weren't overlooked or underrated at all, just difficult to get hold of at the time due to record label issues.

That 2nd II None album is exactly the type of thing I'm talking about, groups like that, Cru, Da King and I, etc. Just for the record as well, I'm not one of those boring 'things were only good in my day' wankers, it's just that the late 80s to late 90s was by far my favourite era. I reckon there must be quite a few really good LPs that I haven't checked out though and these days it's much easier to track them down

Druggies wit Hoes Again is my personal favourite. extra peeeeeeels! haha. funny shit
you nasty!

Would move Mr Lif's 'Emergency Rations' to the essential list and also add Aesop Rock's 'Daylight / Night Light' EP to that list too.

Aesop's 'Bazooka Tooth' and Rob Sonic's 'Telicatessen' are also very highly recommended. Pretty much the cream of the Def Jux label there, although most of the others are worth checking if you like those

Bought them all in sales or second hand shops too so guess I got lucky! All great though.

Cannibal Ox is especially splendid. I'm also a big fan of Aesop Rock. 'Labor Days' is rightly considered his grand opus but I think 'None shall pass' is a better way in if you like your hip hop a bit more tune-laden and likewise new record 'Skelethon' (though not on Def Jux) is getting better with each and every listen. I think it's my record of 2012 thus far and *possibly* his finest work to date...?

Seconded. That Emergency Rations EP is brilliant. People (some friends of mine) in retrospect don't rate it that highly but I love Black Dialogue by the Perceptionists. Memorial Day is a tune.

Truly excellent album. Crept up on me slowly, but has stuck with me. Probably my album of the year too, and defs the record I've been most obsessed with.

Still think that coming from El-P/Def Jux angle, Labor Days is the right place to kick things off. Who couldn't resist songs like Daylight and No Regrets?

lol

wow. reminds me of when I was a kid and shit.
well now you're forced, to listen to the teacher and the lesson.
smooth....

Probably biased because that's not the way I found him. To be honest, it doesn't overly matter where you start because if you like any of his stuff, you'll end up buying it all!

I'll get cracking...

Not sure I'm going to listen to anything else for the rest of the year.

Also think 'I, Phantom' (closing track on the Emergency Rations EP, confusingly) is one of the best tunes in the entire Def Jux catalogue. Lif on fire and EL-P's production is devastating. Top notch EP all round

incredible sounding drums on this record.

About the third hip hop record I ever heard too (after the Beasties and Run DMC). Reminds me of being about ten years old playing Spectrum games round my mate's house while his big brother blasted it. Good times, good times!

Dude, definitely check this as well if you haven't already:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blast-Master-Tapes-B-Boy-Sessions/dp/B000EBDHSC/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1348057661&sr=1-2

19 yr old shadow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeKpIliyGCE
the whole 4-track era thing is fucking immense. easily attainable, too.
aaah, to be a pup again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbfem8c6xsU
100% my bag

that tends to surround Def Jux fans!

similar to Wugazi, Neutral Bling Hotel and The Kelptones?

Cheers.

it's a really inept blaxplotation movie, starring, written and directed by Rick Rubin featuring Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Russell Simmons, Richard Edson (original Sonic Youth drummer) and a few other people like that

has quite a lot of music (mimed I think) and is pretty entertaining if you're into really terrible movies. wiki says that according to The Washington Post, the film is "vile, vicious, despicable, stupid, sexist, racist and horrendously made" and that's about as much recommendation as you need right?

you can watch it all on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxZyFgsuZpM

Like backpacker shit?

*genuinely ignorant* I know no one who considers themselves a serious Jukie.

Just people that use the words 'more intelligent' in relation to this type of thing. So many marginal rap fans get stuck and never move past this stuff.

Im sure someone can oblige though.

WIll watch for sure, thx.

Can be a cheap thrill if you're attached to the source material. For me Ocarina of Rhyme was that cheap thrill

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

Friends love this Walt Disnizzle mix, idk it just annoys me

http://soundcloud.com/arkham_p77/walt_disnizzle

Then there's Girl Talk, who actually does this stuff well.

'Intelligent' hip hop. File alongside 'Real' hip hoppers, who think thaat anything that isn't 90s boom bap with 'conscious' lyrics is worthless.

Pretty irritating.

I'll check it out.

but I'm sure you'll have that already.

Have also heard a Mo' Wax mix where a DJ puts a DMX acapella over Tears For Fears' 'Shout'. That worked well, but to be honest I find most of this kind of stuff pretty jarring, even if I like both sets of source material

http://www.thehoodinternet.com/

These are my favourites of theirs

R Kelly vs. Broken Social Scene - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YPaPSyU-Vc
Dead Prez vs. Grizzly Bear - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LzIS360q-M
Ghostface vs. Beirut - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcXke4I6Hhc

only seen it mentioned once on dis before. y'all heard and didn't like? or ain't heard? all the way through awesome, skits and all. proper militant.

haven't listened to it for a while but thought it was decent and worked far better than I would have imagined. Should still be able to get it at:

http://waitwhatmusic.com/waitwhatmusic

Looks like there's also a Nas/Washed Out album and a general Indie/Hip-Hop one to have a go at.

have you listened to much MC Shan? Around at the same time as LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, KRS One e.t.c. Seems to be largely forgotten because KRS is seen as the winner of their 'beef'. I only own Down by Law but it's a great album. Personally put it up there with anything else released at the time.

Couple of tunes:

Kill That Noise - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0pJZytdP5E
Down by Law - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dJggRCnTL8&feature=relmfu

Yeah - MC Shan is great. Agree was overshadowed a bit by KRS and also other members of the Juice Crew like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap, but that Down By Law record is really great. Haven't heard any of his other ones but might just check them out now. Cheers

Will check.

which is alright, but hasn't compelled me to play it in years
is Tricks much better?

just off youtube and wasn't that impressed. would stick my neck out and say tricks is much better.

but I'm pretty sure it was long out of print back in CD days. Might give it a listen. Any recommended tracks?

got kinda hi
tv cops
feels wrong to fillet that album, don't normally say it but is great as a one-piece.

Ghetto Pop Life - still remains my favourite Dangermouse project. Soundtrack to my Higher exams (Scotland). Whatever happened to Jemini?

"My vocal presentation intrude the subliminal
Included with vitamins for your psyche plus minerals"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge4-Kb3J-Eg

Before going wet indie producer. Quite like Modern Guilt though.

I also have a soft spot for Dark Night of the Soul. I hope at some indeterminate time he does a sequel to GPL. that would be the greatest.

Only know the track off the Jake One album, but I dig his voice, and I know he's got some pedigree. Huge discography though, any pointers?

Thats My Word. I like all three of those. Earlier stuff is better than the later.

Are you into Mac Dre?

Listened to a song with Camp Lo, sounded alright.

Excuse my thread policing but lets not turn this into a suppository for single song titled posts with no links and zero input.

Love that Schooly D and Common, had never heard that other one. Pretty cool, like PE light or something.

Mac Dre's another of those Oakland cats that I never got round to. Should I take the question as an endorsement?

Both are extraordinarily unique in their rapping.

Mac Dre started with that bay area 90s mob sound but then started the hyphy sound and created his own thing within that. He started all that izzle talk too.

For the mob style stuff, get these albums:

Young Black Brotha
http://youtu.be/1rnANlHpJfg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqvVAuafMR8

Stupid Doo Doo Dumb
http://youtu.be/z8Zjw8zdAJI
http://youtu.be/3b80-PBR4bY

Heart Of a Gangstar, Mind of a Hustler, Tongue of Pimp (kind of straddle both sounds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_sgBS7kXhs

And for that other sound you cant go wrong with his 4 album run in the early 00s

Thizzelle Washington
http://youtu.be/ktCuDxFUQmc

Al Boo Boo
http://youtu.be/T2_-z1wKPKM

Ronald Dregan: Dreganomics
http://youtu.be/zpILw-M4NTk

The Genie of the Lamp (prob this one first)
http://youtu.be/j8Szl_JyCUQ <3
http://youtu.be/72HNX6bJ2ag <3

with 7 album recommendations and 30 links ffs.

You've just sorted my weekend out, nothing to be pardoned.

I walked home slowly from my sister's house because it's a nice, balmy evening, and I listened to 'The Infamous' <3

I think maybe the first two Mobb Deep ones are my favourite ever hip-hop.

favourite tracks off 'The Infamous'?

mine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmY9tYYmRKs

They had one before The Infamous.

Shook Ones and Survival of the Fittest are two of the best songs of all time, so outside of those my dark-horse pick would be QU Hectic http://youtu.be/pUODkPXuh0c

is it any good? I always forget it exists.

those two are great nightime walk records. however, I felt guilty for being such a dirty classicist, and I've been listening to more recent stuff since...

'Cold Day in Hell' by Freddie Gibbs...not completely feeling this, still. the odd stand-out - '187 Proof' is pretty sick - but for the most part, the rapping and production is just good. not compelling.

'Habits & Contradictions' by Schoolboy Q...the tune that samples Menomena put me off initially (indie + hip-hop = musical curdling), but the rest is ace. 'Sexting' might be my beat of the year thus far.

really need to focus on current stuff more. the other thread is intimidatingly huge, though.

But I know what you mean. Usually its just an odd track here or there and then some discussion, join us.

the next two. Crazy that they were so young when it was released though. I would get Murda Muzik before I get their first one, despite being only about 2/3 good, those bits make it well worth it. Quiet Storm was next level when I first heard it, it was the song that got me into them. The Realest w Kool G Rap is great and that Thug Muzik beat... all day with that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0gYFrWF6UE

houston !!

guerilla maab ~ rise is one of my 2/3 favourite rap lp
both soppy, sentimental w/ light production touches but also incredible hard w/ some amazing double-time, and some raps from the super-fierce cl'che

also love :
point blank ~ prone to bad dreams / mad at the world etc.
street military ~ pretty much it all
big pokey ~ hardest pig in tha litter
z-ro ~ first 2 (esp. but others are obv. good)
pharoah ~ six foot giant
h.a.w.k. ~ under hawk's wings
heavy rotation ~ this dj screw cut http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTZjZlAOakY !
...

but not sure, maybe i've said all this before ... i guess my problem w/ rap is whereas w/ other genres, i'm constantly seeking out new stuff ... w/ rap, i'm comfortable just coming back to the same lps time & time again. why is that ? idk.

I need to check some of this out.

sort of mixed feelings about it, but the deep deep beat on jeep ass niguh is amazing. worth getting it for that alone.

I hope this moron ^ doesnt get banned again cos this thread will permasmash :/

I bet you would like A Long Hot Summer or Disposable Arts more though, less raw and a little more smoothed out. The Big East beat off SH is a favorite of mine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y95e_RNRcjM

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/music/4349577

Lots of rap fans hate his style, mind. Took me a while to get used to.

In a good way. Just depends which way you wanna go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3F35EKzSjU
VS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YE-HLYGVIQ

i'll take on some of that after i've listened to jeep another 15 times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ93K4epQUY
Early Z-Ro was so good. His album from last year was actually good but his new one is gaaarbage.

Have never heard this point blank both these are on youtube full album it looks like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on4hR7MAQh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVtO8a1KL48
Good stuff, thanks.

Street Military is great. etc

Not sure, cant answer your last question. Sounds like a personal thing. Im the same way with other genres. I go in spurts and get really excited but end up just wanting to hear the greats that I have. You only have so much time and when that time gets squeezed you fall back into your comfort zone, whatever that may be. Hiphop just happens to be the one that sticks for me, Im always seeking out new/old stuff and it never really gets tiresome to me. Theres still so many regions I havent really even tapped into. Each one has its own voice/lingo/style that sets it apart and attracts me to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBbGnYdY10M
Had it on two albums growing up, Rappin 4-Tays and Too $horts.

His last two albums haven't been great but I've just started to listen to The Documentary and The Doctor's Advocate for the first time in years and I forgot how much I liked them. Think I prefer Advocate. It's got a more straight forward West Coast sound and he seemed hungrier after the 50 Cent 'beef'.

The constant name dropping still pisses me off though!

First two albums are very good. Sometimes the Documentary *kinda* felt like the next Chronic album or something.

since LAX and cant even remember if I liked that.

I don't think that's true at all, but it really is the last thing Dre did of serious quality.

Doctors Advocate was OK, misses that fiddy/Game chemistry though... those guys were on to something.

honestly, sometimes I really think this could be my favourite hip hop album of all time.
Return of the Loop Digga fucking rules, maaaan

Shame.

LAX had it's moments. Really liked Dope Boys and My Life off the top of my head but can't even remember anything else. Haven't bought the latest but listened on Spotify. Worth hearing just for the track with Kendrick

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TsMMuXZZUm8

Always like Quas but reeeeeally had/have to be in the mood to stomach those vocals.

true, it;s one of those albums where it's more about the sound than the vocals, for me. you know.
been having an ongoing argument (discussion) with my man for years now. I am convinced that Put a Curse on you samples Scooby-Doo. not the Scooby-Doo theme tune, though. hope this makes sense.

Sounds like a fun argument though.

Just skipping around this album again, forgot how fun it is!

plus it's jazzed up to the max. which is always a good thing.

There aint many 5 album runs in hip hop that can beat Resurrection -> One Day It Will All Make Sense -> Like Water For Chocolate -> Electric Circus -> Be

In hindsight it all seems a lot more impressive than it did at the time... For me Electric Circus, while the weakest, stands out more than ever, because it's still crazy weird and has some truly unique Dilla moments. Like Water For Chocolate has just kept growing in stature since Dilla passed away too.

...OH and completely unknown to me when I started writing this post, it seems XXL are doing a countdown of the best 5 album runs in hip hop this month

http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/10/xxl-rank-best-first-five-albums/

They started with TI and Mobb Deep. What do ya'll think?

Also 25(!) 5 album runs in hip hop is a bit of a stretch. They're going to go through some crap there.

Good idea but TI and Mobb Deep may not make the cut in my eyes. Will be interested to see who makes it and who doesnt though.

TI vs TIP spoils the streak he had going, and his first album isnt nearly as good as his second.

Mobb Deep idk, the last two of five arent amazing by any means, despite some pretty high highs.

will always be my favorite Common record.

Nearly flawless, and Com sounds so hungry on the mic. LWFC isn't far behind though.

But it will be interesting to see what they come up with. I'm expecting they'll pick Kanye or OutKast to top it really.

Yeah both TI and Mobb Deep have 2 pretty tame albums in that 5.

new album (Bullets and Bouquets) which sent me down a bay area rabbit hole that turned up so many gems:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTAIyS82M2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L2BubfSJwg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jDxbIrVbFE

But I figured some of you in here may be interested to read about El-P's favourite 13 records. Here's an interview I did with him about that;

http://thequietus.com/articles/10388-el-p-favourite-albums

Pretty interesting list of records there, you can hear some of those influences in his sound. That G Rap album is so great.

http://soundcloud.com/topdawgent/kendrick-lamar-backseat
bnm!

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/music/4417903

01. Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter (Prod. By Tha Bizness)
02. Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Prod. By Sounwave)
03. Backseat Freestyle (Prod. By Hit-Boy)
04. The Art of Peer Pressure (Prod. By Tabu)
05. Money Trees (Ft. Jay Rock) (Prod. By DJ Dahi)
06. Poetic Justice (Ft. Drake) (Prod. By Scoop DeVille)
07. good kid (Prod. By Pharrell)
08. m.A.A.d city (Ft. MC Eiht) (Prod. By Sounwave & Terrace Martin)
09. Swimming Pools (Drank) *Extended Version* (Prod. By T-Minus)
10. Sing About Me (Prod. By Skhye Hutch + Sounwave) I’m Dying Of Thirst (Prod. By Like of Pac Div)
11. Real (Ft. Anna Wise) (Prod. By Terrace Martin)
12. Compton (Ft. Dr. Dre) (Prod. By Just Blaze)

Deluxe Edtion

13. The Recipe (Ft. Dr. Dre) (Prod. By Scoop DeVille)
14. Black Boy Fly (Prod. By Rahki & Dawaun Parker)
15. Now Or Never (Ft. Mary J. Blige) (Prod. By Jack Splash)
16. Collect Calls
17. Swimming Pools (Drank) (Prod. By T-Minus)

Not the most accessible style, but so far, I dig it. When I'm on my computer I'll reply properly with the tracks I can't get enough of.

that has had a good five-album run. It's a lot to ask in any genre but in hip-hop? Forget about it.

The best I can come up with is Outkast or Gang Starr and both of those are a stretch...

His style isn't inaccessible at all. Hmm, need to think what I mean a bit more carefully. I'll be back.

But there are certainly artists that put out 5 good albums in a row. Yeah, all 6 of Gang Starr's are good, and I think The Roots are yet to put out a dud album. Obviously I like those Common albums too :p

The pick of the XXL bunch so far (and one I hadn't thought of) is Boogie Down Productions. Not all classics, but no duds either:

http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/10/krs-one-first-5-list/#1

But you're right, few artists in any genre have a run of 5 classics. Even The Beatles had Yellow Submarine!

Quik Is the Name
Way 2 Fonky
Safe + Sound
Rhythm-al-ism
Balance & Options

"Bitch gone ask me to come with her to g-rocery shop
Told her straight up like this: no sir-ee bob!"

Love the ad libs over this whole album: really sets the atmosphere.

But B&O isn't a true classic for me.

but there isnt a bad track on there. I swear it.

Yo! Bum Rush the Show
Nation of Millions
Fear of a Black Planet
Apocalypse 91
Muse Sick

Not classic, but a good run. Yo! isn't perfect, and Apocalypse and Muse Sick start to slip, but even these have easily enough great tracks to carry them.

I know he's totally unfashionable at the moment, but this was a killer run:

Rhyme Pays
Power
Iceberg/Freedom of Speech
O.G.
Home Invasion

2Pacalypse Now
Strictly
Me Against the World
All Eyez on Me
Don Killuminati

I could live without the first, third and fourth, but even they are important - and not just because he died.

just remembered this one off GOTL as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ615hDzkTo
That melody on the hook is a total ear worm.

but if we're talking true classic album status like sixteen_blue is, I'd argue neither Way 2 Fonky or B&O qualify.

Still a brilliant run of albums, and there's not a bad one in his collection. Definitely should be high up, but I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't make the XXL list at all.

But that is a good list for sure.

the rest are ace. Great run too, but he doesn't really hit his stride until MATW.

Criminal Minded and By All Means Necessary are stone cold classics. no questions.
the rest are pretty patchy, at best.
been thinking about hip-hop/rap artists with a run of 5 amazing albums..and I don't think there is.
As LB rightly states, even the Beatles couldn't manage it.
Bowie, maybe? (ziggy, alladin sane, hunky dory, the man who sold the world, station to station)
maybe

But it's in my top 5 albums of all time. Probably partly nostalgia: it spent most of 1993 in my CD player. After that, though, Me Against the World sounded too soft, and All Eyez had too much filler (both have some total bangers for sure). Don Killuminati got some of that edge back.

Don't think he ever really topped this, anyway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAtqb3T5CHE

an impossible run, for sure!

but not widely recognized as such, neither is Rhythmalism actually. He wont even sniff the list.

Especially if you include KMD albums. But Venomous Villain scuppers it.

Mr Hood (KMD)
Black Bastards (KMD)
Operation Doomsday (MF Doom)
Take Me To You Leader (King Geedorah)
Madvillainy (Madvillain)

They're not all total classics (in a way that the first four Outkast LPs are for example) but they are all out of the top drawer. Standards don't start to slip at all until Venomous Villain...

Ok it's a kind of a cheat answer, but those first three De La's, Six Feet Deep, then Psychoanalysis: What Is It?, is a stellar run!

then thats a whole new ball-game!

it's what you do

Straight Outta Compton
Niggaz4life
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Death Certificate
The Predator

fuck man. I think you nailed the definitive five.

but I swear to god you love DJ Quik in a way that can't be understood by most humans!

yeah, soz. I try to refrain but I just cant stop myself.

Until everyone appreciates him as much as me my work will not cease.

and made people pay attention, which got a lot of people on board at MATW. So going backwards from there, the sound was so different. It sounded very 'of its time' you know? Those dark-funk slappin beats that the likes of Redman/Cube had already smashed to pieces on Whut? Thee Album/Death Certificate/Amerikkas Most Wanted etc.

but Method Man is on:

Enter The Wu Tang
Tical
Return To The 36 Chambers
Liquid Swords
Only Built For Cuban Linx
Ironman
Wu Tang Forever

Sorry everyone

Also Stetsasonic and Prince Among Thieves extend it in both directions. Only other producer with a similar run that I can think of is RZA

There are quite few producers hitting straight 5s. More than rappers, I'd say.

you good at this shit

then you're not trying hard enough.

Definitely agree with the east-coast-oriented Cube records, esp. with the PE-style heavily cut vocal samples, and also shared DNA with that Digital Underground brand of p-funk too. Also the DJ Aladdin production on Home Invasion (though that might have come later after, can't remember). On the east, the thing it reminds me of most is Naughty by Nature, weirdly. Whut? came later but was huge by the time MATW dropped, as you say.

Is more objectionable to me than the bent rules here

but I ain't gonna try and work that one out.

Gonna peep this tomorrow - lots of new stuff here for me

I ever like stood in line and waited for. Went to a Sam Goody at midnight to get that!

I do love that album, bloated warts and all.

yeah, I just omitted a mention of them cos Im not really a fan :/

Naughty By Nature, however! Love those guys. If it wasnt for ICONS, I would have them in this 5 first album run convo. Natures Fury is another personal classic of mine.

as a rule the Clan albums get worse in chronological order.

*although personally I'll go on record saying I prefer 8 Diagrams to Iron Flag.

You crazy for that addendum though.

Grip It! / Geto Boys
Mr. Scarface Is Back
We Can't Be Stopped
The World Is Yours
The Diary

Devin would be a low-key Rap-A-Lot 5-hitter, maybe even more from 2002-10: no duds. Actually they're not all on that label are they? Still, hella consistent.

Wu Tang Forever rules dude

I'll go through thinking it's a sloppy mess, to a completely misunderstood gem, and full circle again in one listen.

There isn't any album quite like 8 Diagrams in hip-hop, and given the raw talent involved, it's the kind of 'failure' that couldn't come from anywhere else... I find it kinda fascinating.

I was disappointed with Ironman at the time, and now.it's top 10. But the only song off WF that doesn't upset me is Dogsh*t. Maybe I'm too sensitive.

ICONS!!! I'd almost...

He knew how to flip a hook, huh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uemQ0t1NKJA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvy9I-0hAXg

Gorilla Pimp - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S975Inx4Nxo
I Get da Chewin - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDrEfpcB5Ag

He's been involved w so many classic songs!

The way he draws out his syllables
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucy02Iw9MV4

I'm stroking, boning hard, making sounds like a plunger
PUKA PUKA PUKA PUKA PUKA like a plunger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz0COT-PBBI

It's a strange watch, fascinating in places but also a little repetitive and I don't find Ice-T a particularly likeable or charismatic presence. It was really good though, some of the insights into the writing process were exactly the sort of thing I was hoping the film would explore so I'm not disappointed.

More of this sort of film please.

Anyone else seen it yet? Thoughts?

Got a little review of it in my next column actually, which should be going up soon.

I was probably a little harsh on it in the review because I did really enjoy watching it, but I felt like he could have done more with it. As you say, there are some really good interviews in there and Ice T has the kind of access that your regular documentary film maker just wouldn't get. Ice T is a strange presence in the film, on the one hand he comes across as a bit of a rap dad (that camouflage Haters Beware T-shirt he wears in certain scenes is hilarious), but also in every interview I've seen him do about the film he's been really eloquent and interesting to listen to. This Channel 4 interview is one example, but in general he's come across really well I think http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzOz1ILh5eQ

Basically, it's a film I'd recommend for hip hop fans looking for something kinda fun to throw on, but I think Ice T could probably have made a better documentary if it was structured better and the format was less rigid.

There was a lot more scope there than I think he ran with. That's not necessarily a failing as I think it's very much the film he wanted to make, I just wish he'd wanted to make a slightly different film.

I: "I took it down the gangsta road. I invented gangsta rap."
K: "Why?"
I: "Because I was a gangsta."

Ice's expression is perfect there.

http://pitchfork.com/features/5-10-15-20/8975-prince-paul/

After reading it, decided to delve into A Prince Among Thieves for the first time. It appears to be a good week for rap concept albums after all. Have always loved Gravediggaz and De La Soul (obviously), so not sure why I've never listened before. Some awesome beats- it's got that Donuts feel with the short cuts, always leaves you wanting more.

Anyhow, standouts:

Macula's Theory (feat. Big Daddy Kane)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUxams5bKxM

Pain (feat. Sha and Breeze)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw065C5nhYo

War Party (feat. Horror City)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5X5_ZGUepQ

Your favourite Prince Paul tracks?

Think he'll go down in history as one of the most important producers ever, but he never really gets mentioned on the same sort of level as producers like the RZA and Premier even though both have widely acknowledged how influenced they were by him. He pretty much invented the "sampledelic" era too, which is basically my favourate time in hip hop.

In terms of favourate tracks, just about everything he touched from '86 to '94 is amazing. Everybody knows the first three De La Soul records and Niggamortis, but the three Stetsasonic albums get a bit overlooked. Psychoanalysis (his first solo LP) is really great too and has just got a deluxe reissue from Get On Down records so good time to pick it up.

After that he goes off the boil a little bit, but even the stuff that's not quite awesome top to bottom still has some great bits (Handsome Boy Modelling School, A Prince Among Thieves).

Dude is basically a genius as far as I'm concerned

There are some devastating beats on APAT. Most of them, actually, but these spring to mind:

MC Hustler - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCzg2bQy6uU
The title joint - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcDaDLKQeew

And the Ol' Dirty hook on You Got Shot knocks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2KWHAxqEFE

All of Psychoanalysis, but try these for starters:

Beautiful Night - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec9vUmfZk8o
Vexual Healing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL6VTe7uN7o
Psycho Linguistics - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl8g5EFqEI8

Did some perfect beats for other people, too (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3k_lmLcQ8Q - what happened to that guy?). Basically get hold of his whole discography ASAP.

Posted this in the other hip hop thread, but I've noticed this one gets a slightly different crowd so here it is again;

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/music/4415438#r7134970

it's really good!

Probably their best but On Top of The World is kinda close.

Both of their first solo albums are minor classics too. 8balls (Lost) in partic has always been a favorite of mine. Bought that off a good The Source review in like 98-99.

Ball is one of the best storytellers in rap imo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rashlT-BkUM

Breeze Brewin verse <3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWYT28IDtkc

The Pharcyde at Clapham Grand November 30th, and Jeru the Damaja in Brighton Dec 4th...!

untouched for longer than 10 years. Tons of rando mixes I made around my senior year of high school, right before Napster. I should load them all up, some seriously great stuff on them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6jU5qgBZo

feel free to link up some highlights too!

But yeah, been listening to a lot of T.I this week. Mainly as I was reading about 'Trap Music' (new phenomenon) so decided to listen to the mostly unrelated 'Trap Musik' all the way through for the first time. It's good.

Title track:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0CqQdnmHk0

And this Mannie Fresh beat from 'King' is just euphoric:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXCdaFwyGdY

But yeah, don't know much about T.I really, just thought I'd bump this thread.

it's Trap Muzik. Actually fuggit, King is probably just as good. Also Urban Legend is awesome.

Trap Muzik - King > Urban Legend > I'm Serious >>>>>>> the other ones

Bargainous.

That's my favorite. Should listen to Trap Muzik more tho seemingly.

http://www.getondown.com/album.php?id=16163

No extra tracks or anything, but it sure looks pretty...

(and even tho' I've mentioned them three times in these threads already, I'd just like to confirm that I am not a Get On Down rep.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjlAB87GAv8

Billy Crawford - Bright Lights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFPTn6mZK9c

Where should I start with Gucci Mane? I feel like I could really get on with him but pretty clueless as to where to start, other than maybe The State vs. album.

I've only really heard Lemonade and Have It All, as well as some features.

but DJ Woody has done a sweet Chooped Herring mix - tracklist below:

Phase n Rhythm - Brainfood (1987)
Da Henchmen - Blame It (1993)
Da Dysfunkshunal Familee - Far from the Average (1994)
J.V.C.F.O.R.C.E - 3 the Hard Way (1992)
Phase n Rhythm - The Force of the Matrix (1987)
Action Bronson - The Madness (Instrumental) (2011)
Da Henchmen - Brooklyn Bastards (1993)
Finsta Bundy - State of Emergency (1998)
Da Henchmen - Bronx Session [Unreleased] (1995)
Horror City - Take it How You Want it (1995)
Meyhem Lauren - Got the Fever (2010)
Finsta Bundy - Bushwick to Shin-Juku (1999)
Da Henchmen - Hot 97 Radio Spot [Unreleased] (1995)
Action Bronson - Shiraz (2010)
Meyhem Lauren - Drug Lords (2012)
Natural Elements - Life Ain't Fair (Original) (1995)
Da Henchmen - Live Wire (1993)
Action Bronson - Imported Goods (2010)
Burgundy Blood - Hello (2012)
Jay Glaze ft Rod Hotley - Out to Lunch (Instrumental) (2002)
Meyhem Lauren - Get the Money Black (2013)
Action Bronson - Get Off My P.P. (2010)
Tha Grimm Teachaz - Poobutts (????)
Da Dysfunkshunal Familee - I'm in the House (1995)
Da Henchmen - What U Gonna Do? (1994)
Q-Ball & Curt Cazal - Down For Mine (1994)
Finsta Bundy - What You Gonna Do? (1999)
D-Stroy & DJ Tony Touch - Frienemies (Original) [Unreleased] (1994)
North Bronx Alliance feat Aiello Wilson - Black Soil (1997)
Meyhem Lauren feat Roc Marciano - Cross Roads (2010)
Meyhem Lauren - Another Hustle (2010)
Meyhem Lauren - Live Shit (2009)
Action Bronson - Medley

I've been listening to this loads since i downloaded it a couple of weeks ago

Enjoy!

https://soundcloud.com/#chopped-herring-records/chopped-herring-records

Feel like a bit of a project so was gonna start digging into E-40. Where on earth should I start? Hasn't he released something mad like 5 albums in the last year?

like Lemonade and All About The Money, but has a lot off pop crap on it.

The one that is flat out classic is In A Major Way. Then everything else he has is like 70% awesome 30% ok. Even his ok is still pretty fun though, he has so much personality.

Check every song he does with B-Legit, they both save their best for each other.

fairly chilled instrumental hiphop.
So far I've had Apollo Brown, Doppelgangaz, Illmatic instrumentals, bits of Dilla on.
Anyone got any recommendations?

KRS-One and Danny Brown in June, The Pharcyde performing Bizzare Ride II in full in July.

http://sonicrouter.bandcamp.com/album/hollowed-ep

http://sonicrouter.bandcamp.com/album/torus-ep
http://sonicrouter.bandcamp.com/album/yard-sale-ep

Onra is a good shout, Flyling Lotus of course. Clams Casino, Friendzone, Keyboard Kid 206. Blue Daisy. Dam-Funk maybe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KL5bw6Mbho

Warning, this is nearly 2 hours long. Apparently I have nothing better to do on a Wednesday evening though, and I'd say its definitely worth bookmarking for the fans in here.

The recent history felt kinda familiar to me (although still interesting), but there's some great stuff on Rawkus / Co Flo / Cannibal Ox. It's the same interviewer who did the DOOM one which I really liked as well.

:D

So it is. There's no easy way of explaining how that happened, but here's the actual link;

http://vimeo.com/65598054

The interviewer is Chairman Mao - from Ego Trip.

Cheers