Sometimes when I just want to take a break from all the complex genius of names like Buckley and Beefheart, I put on some rap albums. I take rap as a form of poetry, not like others who call it crap (among worse). Just want to know peoples opinion on the genre, and what they feel are great rap albums. But however if people on this site don't see it as such a revolution as me, then I will take no offence to that. I just like it to calm down to, or indulge in provoking (and sometimes gritty) lyrics from someone who isn't Dylan or Young.
The good rap albums are countless really. Rap surpassed rock on popularity, but rap is already dying. The problem of it, is the lack of creativity, it has not much to offer because no one is taking any risks, just generic formulas for making a decent sale really but nothing more.
As for a couple of good records from the last couple of years that I like:
1. Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
2. Eric B & Rakim - Paid in Full
3. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP
Aesop Rock - Float
Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
cLOUDDEAD - cLOUDDEAD
Dälek - From Filthy Tongue of Gods and Griots
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
The problem I have with rap music is that a lot of it is too dry. That is, too spare musically and too didactic (political) or hackneyed (if otherwise) lyrically. This is seen as a typical rockist complaint but even after getting into rap music proper I still have this issue. But I still get a good kick out of a lot of rap recordings with a decent beat and a good sound, even if I wouldn't play them again
Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die
Dr.Dre - The Chronic
De La Soul - 3 feet High and Rising
N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton
Eminem - The Slim Shady LP
Are just a few of my favorites. Some of the newer rap just seems to sound all the same to me. Quick rhymes, good beats, but just as bc1991 said no one is putting any creativity in it. All they seem to see is dollar signs, instead of what music really is.
Nobody mentioned The Streets: Original Pirate Material
I have only heard a couple of songs from Eyedea & Abilities, but what I have heard is just plain great. (Check it out on youtube or myspace). I haven't managed to get my hands on their self titled album yet, though.
I pretend not to like mainstream rap (and rap in general) but Outkast is my weak spot there.
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bc1991
Mr. Shankly
