it does sound super elitist, but compared to stuff on the radio like Soulja Boy it is intelligent. I think lyrical or "indieground" are probably better terms to describe this type of stuff.

Rec Me Intelligent Hip Hop
Never thought I'd start to take an interest in hip hop, but do ya know? Kinda weird that I'm finally starting to
explore the genre in a serious and analytical matter. A couple of prerequisites to start. Im looking for records that
exemplify some sort of mind provoking themes or artistic choices, be it through production or the lyricism. Also I
would prefer stuff that avoids the stereotypical tropes of the genre. Other than that, its fair game. List is albums in
the genre I have considerably enjoyed

In the late 1980s a division began to develop in rap music. Alternative hip hop defines itself as an alternative to the culture and values that came to dominate commercial hip hop, as typified by gangsta rap. It rejects the glorification of money, bling and violence, and much of the misogyny, bragging and obscene language associated with it. It often claims to be ‘keeping it real’ – more in tune with the stylistic techniques, thoughtfulness and adventurous spirit of early hip hop.

It’s sometimes hard to define what qualifies as alternative hip hop, as it’s not a musical genre as such. It’s a culture which encompasses many subcultures. Alternative hip hop artists are often noted for exploring musical boundaries, experimenting with new production techniques, and bringing into their music elements of other genres such as jazz, funk, techno and punk. Major sub-genres include underground rap (charactised as artists belonging to independent record labels, with the greater musical freedom which this supposedly entails) and political or conscious rap (artists using hip hop to successfully communicate issues of social justice, global and political change, and collective consciousness).

If you know me, you know I love rap and hip hop – really smart, intelligent rap, especially.
That's not the only kind I like, but it's my favorite because I think smart, truly on point and poetic rap can send a great message.
These are the songs that make me think – and yeah, there'll probably be a lot of Eminem on here, just to let you know.
Some of them are lyrically clever and some of them come with a deep message.
Share your favorite songs, too!

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Any non-instrumental music is lyrics-centric genre

Album Rating: 4.5

Kids and the closer are best [3]

Album Rating: 2.0

Frost God improves markedly on almost all the redeeming qualities that Lean has demonstrated throughout his career. The lyrics, while not even close to the output of more lyrical rappers (or even other mumble rappers), are coherent and workable.

toad if you're going to make fun if your own review, why not delete and try to salvage what little credibility you may still have

I agree with some of the other people on this list. Hopsin has a lot of great songs that really make you think.

"If this ends up being a 4.1, RTJ will officially be the Chevelle of hip hop"

Nobody is the Chevelle of anything they got that shit on lock. Also this has their weakest closer by a mile and a half

obese mike and el pee pee really fire up my neurons!

NOTE: Judging intelligence is an extremely subjective matter and will always spark debate, however I did abide by some criteria when making my selections. My judgments were made solely based on their lyricism (not their intelligence as a human being, not knowing any of the rappers on this list personally) regarding (a.) mastery and exemplary use of language, (b.) literacy and knowledgeability, and (c.) overall subject matter, concept and artistic statement. Factors that I did NOT include when making my decisions were things like social consciousness, technical skill in delivery, ability to read a thesaurus, production, nor their perceived influence and legacy. The purpose of this list was to hopefully educate those with preconceived notions about the genre and perhaps show those who are already fans of the genre a few new artists they may not be familiar with. Also, it is important to note that “intelligent” is not necessarily synonymous with “best.”

Album Rating: 2.0

Try J Dilla's Donuts and DJ Shadow's Endtroducing if you like smart beats.

Timothy Grimes, better known by his stage name Wise Intelligent, is an American hip hop musician from Trenton, New Jersey. He is a member of Poor Righteous Teachers

Yeah I think the ass rap you listen to is making you dumb bro here have some J. Cole

I am looking to broaden my horizons. Please recommend rap/hip-hop for me?
Something educated. Proper wordsmiths speaking about social issues/important issues.
Nothing about partying, drugs, sex, etc. None of those things interest me.
I am not tryong to come off abrasive, I am genuinely looking to expand my horizons, but I need substance.

Try Hopsin and Tech N9ne they're nothing like mainstream rap they actually use big words and stuff

I'd fuck his wife

he would let you

Album Rating: 1.0

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