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Reviews 101 Approval 82%
Soundoffs 3 News Articles 11 Band Edits + Tags 6 Album Edits 51
Album Ratings 120 Objectivity 95%
Last Active 07-30-21 3:58 pm Joined 05-21-14
Review Comments 874
| Hip-Hop Rediscovery
I've been trying to get into more hip-hop material rather than the usual stuff I have like Drake and Kendrick. I had Nas' Illmatic and I loved that album, so I thought 'why not check out more of this classic rap material from the early '00s, '90s, and even the '80s?'. Pretty happy I decided to do just that, because I've found some seriously great stuff after a album run at Best Buy. None of these are in any sort of ranking order. I've avoided the usual in Pac and Biggie, as I already have their material for the most part. Suggest any other rap classics that I haven't listened to guys, I'd appreciate it! | 1 | | Nas It Was Written
Nas' material on Illmatic was the shit, so I thought I should probably dig into more of his stuff. This follow-up isn't quite like his previous album, but still a fantastic album. The opening intro gives you that nostalgic feeling and definitely reminded me of Illmatic with the whole premise of Queensbridge and Nas' stories about his time there. Other highlights is in the obvious "If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)" and "The Message". | 2 | | Nas I Am...
Definitely see the reason why people talked about Nas' decline in hip-hop, because while this was solid - it definitely was a step back from It Was Written. Another fantastic opening intro, the first 20 seconds are chilling with the original Amintyville Horror Main Title being sampled, then a whole slew of his hits being played which again gave me that nostalgic feeling like it did in his last album. Dig the sequel to NY State of Mind alot more than the original, and Nas Is Like is pretty good itself. Sad that there weren't any other Nas albums on the shelves, would've probably bought all his other material even Nastradamus which seems to be very disliked amongst fans. Regardless I gotta find out for myself, though thoughts on it would be great! | 3 | | N.W.A. Niggaz4Life
Was gonna purchase Straight Outta Compton, but didn't have it so I bought the final album these guys did. Started getting into N.W.A after watching their biopic trailer for their movie in August, and man was I stoked after buying this album. The prelude and Real Niggaz Don't Die are pretty good, love the production in this one with Dre's finest I think to date honestly. Debatable sure with the Chronic and 2001, but this one should contend as well. Loved the "Message To B.A" diss interlude to former member Ice Cube, and the diss track "Real Niggaz" with the intensity and the jazz elements incorporated into it. MC Ren deserves so much more respect, because he was stellar in this one. | 4 | | Public Enemy It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Decided to check out Public Enemy after hearing Zack De La Rocha nail it with Run The Jewels in "Close Your Eyes". Can definitely understand the reason behind being one of the best, the opener "Countdown To Armageddon" definitely gave me a ton of anticipation to what would culminate in another classic. "She Watch Channel Zero!?" and "Bring The Noise" are highlights, enjoyed "Night of the Living Baseheads" as well along with "Don't Believe The Hype". Definitely been intrigued by the overall sound from this time in the late '80s with hip-hop, wished they would do this more in current material today. | 5 | | DMX It's Dark And Hell Is Hot
Never listened to anything DMX did after "Party Up" and I've heard a ton of good things about him, especially because his material is much more gritter and his raw, tough voice which reminds me of Ja Rule. Maybe Ja Rule copied him I don't know, regardless this album is another classic in my book. The openers in these rap albums are glorious, and this is another one of those - loved the dark, hellish synths playing in the background blending with DMX' voice. I've heard he had two other solid albums and then completely went under, so maybe I'll just buy those when the store has 'em and avoid the rest. | 6 | | A Tribe Called Quest Midnight Mauraders
Just gotta love Q-Tip and Phife on this one, been really into the jazz-rap sounds lately after listening to a bunch of Pete Rock material and his duo with C.L Smooth. Award Tour is one of my highlights along with the omnious "Electric Relaxation", I'm pretty certain J Dilla did the beat because I've heard the same instrumental a couple years back and the radio hosts said it was Jay Dee. Lyrics To Go is another one I dig, though I do enjoy the remix to it more than the original. | 7 | | A Tribe Called Quest The Low End Theory
Check the Rhime is such a great track, with that killer hook with the sax solo. Jazz We've Got is another one I dig, and Scenario is pretty good as well but definitely a lot darker than most of the material I've listened to from these guys. | |
hikingmetalpunk
04.22.15 | m.o.p. - to the death | PappyMason
04.23.15 | Yeh, 5 is great.
@howmanycanyoufit has given u some nice recs.
Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...
Black Star - Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star
Ultramagnetic MCs - Critical Beatdown
Madvillain - Madvillainy
Ice-T - O.G. Original Gangster
Ice Cube - AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
De La Soul - De La Soul Is Dead | PappyMason
04.23.15 | Outkast - Aquemini
Goodie Mob - Soul Food
Souls of Mischief - 93 'til Infinity
I'll let other people rec you stuff as well... | Avagantamos
04.23.15 | mobb deep - the infamous
outkast - ATLiens
gza - liquid swords | greencorn5
04.23.15 | Bone's first couple albums were good, they get pretty overlooked. |
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