As a fellow 'middle-aged white guy' I've often wondered about getting deeper into hip-hop, but having experienced a number of highly rated 21st century hip-hop LPs (Kendrick, Kanye, the aforementioned Madvilliany) none of them do anything for me even after repeated listens. Neither does Nas' Illmatic, although everyone seems to rave about it on BEA. Hence I tend to stick to 90s hip-hop more, so if you're anything like me I'd probably start off by investigating the De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Pharcyde LPs already mentioned, along with these:
Yes, it’s best to get into rap by listenning first to cool, jazzy, melodic rap.
I did that in the 90’s with A tribe Called Quest : any album is a joy, really. (try their latest single for example : Dis Deneration)
See this nice video from a DJ playing extracts from Midnight Marauders classic, along with lps that they sampled for the record :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWS3so8dWLY
And of course their friends of De la Soul. 3 Feet High and Rising, Stakes is High. A fine Best of as well (The Best of De la Soul, 2003)
Also, for more recent releases, Kayne West « Graduation » (2007) is extremely melodic and very easy to get into.
Kind of Blue > In A Silent Way > Weather Report (Black Market or Mysterious Traveller) > Massive Attack (Blue Lines) > The Streets (Original Pirate Material) > Viper (You'll Cowards Don't Even Smoke Crack)
I'm 45.
I like R&B... from Sam Cooke, Aretha, Stevie Wonder, Prince...
But, I like very little hip-hop.
When I look at my albums, there was Arrested Development in the early 90's, and Lauren Hill in the late 90's that I liked.
In the 00's I liked some of the new Soul like Alicia Keys, and Erykah Badu.
But, I don't connect with anything like Kendrick or Kanye.
Can you design a listening path that will get my ears into hip-hop, starting from the late 80's until now?
(I think my stumbling block is that I need melody)
Step by step:
1. Throw away everything you have ever thought about hip hop and open your mind. _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
I'm 45.
I like R&B... from Sam Cooke, Aretha, Stevie Wonder, Prince...
But, I like very little hip-hop.
When I look at my albums, there was Arrested Development in the early 90's, and Lauren Hill in the late 90's that I liked.
In the 00's I liked some of the new Soul like Alicia Keys, and Erykah Badu.
But, I don't connect with anything like Kendrick or Kanye.
Can you design a listening path that will get my ears into hip-hop, starting from the late 80's until now?
(I think my stumbling block is that I need melody)
Step by step:
1. Throw away everything you have ever thought about hip hop and open your mind.
You can say that with any genre out there. To get into music that isn't your strong suit, you have to make a venture into it. You'll hit rocky waters but when you find records that you enjoy, you will be on that personal island that you always want to buy.
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Jimmy Dread
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