Live and In Technicolor..The Long Overdue Top 20 Hip-Hop Mix CD -- 1 Year In the Making
Dec 23 '00
Well, I'm finally breaking my cardinal epinions rule and unleashing my long overdue hip-hop mix CD. I'm half relieved to have finally compiled a list of songs from the one of the genres that has proved it's ability to stand the test of time. On the other hand, I'm somewhat skeptical to publish this, as there are so many songs I wish I'd been able to list, but simply didn't have room for. Alas and above all, the following list marks my personal favorite timeless joints. Each, I feel, the artist(s) have put every ounce of heart they possibly can into the song for the strict pleasure of the fans, and they each appeal to me in their own way. So with that much out of the way, I present my year-in-the-making top 20 hip-hop songs. Your comments will be met with a gracious smile and a bulge in my jeans. Donlee, you can kiss my ass ahead of time for bashing my list.
1. Common - I Used To Love H.E.R.
I've been perplexed for years as to why this song hasn't gotten more critical acclaim. Hands-down one of the most artistically told metaphoric ventures I've ever heard. The beat, coupled with the continuously on-point lyricism by Common make this joint a necessity for any hip-hop head.
"Now I see her in commercials, she's universal, she used to only swing it with the inner-city circle, now she be in the burbs, lickin' rock and dressin' hip, and on some dumb shit when she comes to the city, talkin' about poppin' glocks, servin' rocks, and hittin' switches, now she's a gangsta, rollin' with gangsta bitches, always smokin' blunts and gettin' drunk, tellin' me sad stories, now she only f*cks with the funk, stressin' how hardcore and real she is, she was really the realest before she got into showbiz, I did her, not just to say I did her, I'm commited, but so many niggas hit it that she's just not the same, lettin' all these groupies do her, I see niggas slammin' her, and takin' her to the sewer, but I'ma take her back, hopin' that the shit stop, cuz who I'm talkin' bout y'all, is Hip-Hop."
2. GZA feat. Method Man - Shadowboxin'
It took forever for me to narrow down a favorite from GZA's second LP, Liquid Swords, but finally settled on this Wu standout. The beat is one guaranteed to break necks and shatter windows, and both artists verses make me long for the days of yore, when Wu-Tang was the undisputed underground champions worldwide. The whole album is actually deserving to be on a hip-hop mixtape, but this is track in particular shouldn't be slept on.
"Protect ya neck, my sword still remains imperial, before I blast a mic, RZA scratch off the serial, we reign all year round from June to June while niggas bite immediately, if not soon, set the lynchin', and form the execution date, as this two-thousand beyond, slang suffocate, amplify samples through vaccum tubes' compression, cause RZA to charge niggas 20 G's a session."
3. Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell
I've made it pretty public that I'm not the biggest fan of Nas' debut album, Illmatic, but I must give props where they're due, and this track definitely stuck with me, even thought I expressed my disappointment with the album overall very vocally. Songs like this make me truly believe Nas has talent, and hopefully someday he'll get back to his roots with head-jerkin' rhymes like the ones displayed in this.
"It ain't hard to tell, I excel, then prevail, the mic is contracted, I attract clientele, my mic check is life or death, breathin' a snipers breath, I exhale the yellow smoke of buddha through righteous steps, deep like The Shinin', sparkle like a diamond, sneak an uzi on the island in my army jacket linin', hit the Earth like a comet, invasion, Nas is like the Afrocentric Asian, half-man, half-amazin'."
4. Beatnuts - Watch Out Now
It completely boggles my mind as to why the Beatnuts aren't hailed as true up and coming superstars in the field of hip-hop. They blew my mind a few short years ago with Off The Books, featuring the amazing Big Punisher. In 99, they showed they haven't lost a step with the release of Musical Massacre, and this marquee single.
"Front, watch a nigga get shot from close range, the most strange, crazy muthaf*cka won't change, Beatnuts, forever die hard, you want pain?, cuz you walkin' outta here breathin' is insane, flip a beat fast, you leave the club with a heat rash, you got a weak stash, came up in the club with a free pass, I ain't even know they made a roley for ya cheap ass, makin' me laugh, you was in jail wearin' kneepads."
5. Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg - Nuthin' But A G Thang
No one can deny the impact The Chronic had on the hip-hop community in the early 90's. This first single, giving much of America the first taste current mega-star Snoop Dogg, is a prime example of Dre's immaculate production and lyricism. Truly a timeless hip-hop powerhouse.
"Fallin' back on that ass, with a hellafied gangsta lean, gettin' funky on the mic like an old batch of collard greens, it's the capital S, oh yes, I'm fresh, N, double-O P, D-O double-G, Y, D-O double-G, ya see, showin' much flex, when its time to wreck a mic, pimpin' hoes and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite"
6. Eric B. and Rakim - Eric B. Is President
I've taken my fair share of criticism for being virtually oblivious to old-school hip-hop, but I can clearly remember this being one of my favorite songs as a very young teen, and it was one of the most influential reasons I got into hip-hop in the first place. Rakim shows why he's been dubbed The Master, with classic on-point lyrics and a butter-smooth flow.
"I came in the door, said it before, I'll never let the mic magnetize me no more, but it's fightin' me, bitin' me, invitin' me to rhyme, I can't hold it back, I'm lookin' for the line, takin' off my coat, clearin' my throat, my rhymes will be kickin' until I hit my last note."
7. Notorious B.I.G. feat. Method Man - The What
It amazes me that when people talk about the undisputed classic, Ready To Die, by the late Biggie Smalls, this hidden gem doesn't come up more. The razor-sharp lyricism by both Biggie and Meth are precise examples of why they shine in the hip-hop industry, and the beat is mind-boggling, being thrown into mixes everytime I turn around. Sure sleeper from a classic album.
"Niggas know they soft like a twinkie fillin', playin' the villain, prepare for this rap killin', Biggie Smalls is the illest, your style is played out, like Arnold wondered, what you talkin' bout Willis, the thrill is gone, the black Frank White, here to excite and throw d*ck to dykes, b*tches, I like 'em brainless, guns, I like 'em stainless steel, I want the f*ckin' fortune like the wheel."
7. Raekwon - Incarcerated Scarfaces
Although I was a bit disappointed with Raekwon The Chef's debut cd, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, a small handful of songs from the album have definitely stayed sparkling in the past few years since the Wu-Tang of old faded away for the commercialized made-over bunch. This track in particular allows Raekwon to flex the gritty, one of a kind flow that made him famous.
"Thug related style, attract millions, fans, they understand my plan, who's the kid up in the green land, me and RZA connect, blow a fuse, you lose, half-assed crews get demolised and bruised."
8. Big L feat. 2pac - Deadly Combination
This song, featuring two hip-hop phenoms both cut down in their prime, has quickly become one of my favorites. The beat, masterminded by DJ Ron G, is beautifully in sync with the heavy rhymes by both artists. Both verses are masterfully pulled off, setting in stone what will probably come to be a dual-sided hip-hop landmark.
"I be that young 25 smooth, glorious kid, a bad boy just like Notorious B.I.G, I roc-a-fella like Shawn Carter, with more game than Ron Harper, the bomb sparker, rapper slash armed-robber, while y'all be on them corners bummin' and high, I be out buyin' the finest shit money can buy, you wish you was in the position that I'm in, hot rhymin', diamonds shinin', autograph signin', my lifestyle is far out, every week, bring a different car out, I go to nightclubs and buy the bar out, cuz I keep cream, I'm large on this street scene, everytime I touch mics, you hear the freaks scream."
9. Goodie Mob - Angelic Wars
With a small exempt few, I've learned the hard way to stay away from hip-hop based soundtracks, because 9 times out of 10, they'll leave you kicking yourself and wanting your 16 dollars back. However, down-home hip-hop has never shined better than when Goodie Mob blessed the soundtrack to Set It Off, with this gem. The bass-heavy beat is sure to break any neck within earshot, and the psuedo-inteligible rhyming shows exactly why Goodie Mob has made their own niche in hip-hop.
"Nobody knows the trouble I done seen, my homeboy MD write me from the pen, 24/7, Hell or Heaven, it ain't no tellin', will there be more sunshine for the two-time felon, they gave him 10, do 3, 7 years probation, Lord lead us not, into no temptation, y'all know how it be, you make a monkey move, lay yourself on the street, you'll understand me, they don't care nut'n 'bout you in that cold system, can't do nut'n but take what them folk give 'em, I'm dead serious, them folk be givin' away time, just as sure as the good Lord keep lettin' the sun shine."
10. Run DMC - King Of Rock
Although I make it no secret of my limited knowledge of pre-90's hip-hop, I've always been an avid fan of arguably the best hip-hop ensemble to ever grace a mic, Run DMC. This song, in particular, is a brilliant mix of riff-heavy guitar and simple, but precise rhymes.
"As one def rapper, I know I can hang, I'm Run from Run DMC, like Kool from Kool and the Gang, roll to the rock, rock to the roll, DMC stands for devastating mic control, you can't touch me with a ten foot pole, and I even made the Devil sell me his soul."
11. Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg - Still D.R.E.
In the past year or so, becoming heavily involved in the Napster/RIAA controversy, I've lost a great deal of respect for Dre and the way he views his fans, but I still can't deny that the man can make flawless tracks. This recoupling of he and Snoop provides not only a masterful beat, but classic Dre rhymes that no one will ever be able to match.
"It ain't nothin' but more hot shit, another classic CD for y'all to vibe with, whether you're coolin' on the corner with your fly b*tch, or laid back in the shack, play this track, I'm representin' for the gangstas all across the world, still hittin' them corners in them low-lows, girl, I'll break your neck, damn near put your face in your lap, niggas try to be the king, but the ace is back."
12. Jay Z - A Million And One Questions / Rhyme No More
I first caught a remix of this mid-point Jay Z joint as a B Side to the single, The City Is Mine. This original version, from the second album, In My Lifetime, hooked me from the first time I heard it. The first verse is more laid-back and easygoing, and halfway through switches up to a gritty, hardcore flow.
"Started in the crack game, and then so sweet, freaked it to the rap game, Jigga, the OG, on MTV, tellin' 'em how I sold D, and used to back work up out of apartment 4-B, me and my homie, started out coldies, picked the mailbox lock cuz I ain't have no key, had the cable with the anchor when Jaz made Sophie, then I went low-key, but now I'm back, it's on, muthaf*ckas."
13. Mobb Deep - Quiet Storm
It really astounds me that Prodigy of Mobb Deep isn't hailed as one of the greatest young guns the hip-hop world has seen. This concrete hardcore joint was my personal favorite track released in 1999, and it hasn't faded a bit over the past year and a half. Prodigy's hip-hop quotable of the year with this song was well-deserved, his lyrical skills blow my mind constantly. Still, I could've done without the lackluster remix.
"It go 1, 2, 3 to the 4th, that nigga P-double got that shit for y'alls people to rock to, stirrin' up pots of brew, in Hell's Kitchen, I chef the impossible, to serve hot plates all across the unified states, sit down and 'sup with the top rap reps, we the streets that's watchin', boy, move diligent, you better walk like a nigga on a tightrope, duke, infamous first infantry, first division, fourth mission, first assignment, give 'em that shit they been missin', my new edition's way bitchin', those that listen, get addicted to my diction, f*ck rhymes, I write prescriptions, for your disease, generic rap's just not potent like P's."
14. Geto Boys - Mind Playin' Tricks On Me
I didn't download this Geto Boys track until after hearing a few more cuts from a dubbed tape, but I definitely regret not checkin' it out sooner. The song is a great example of why the group propelled to underground superstardom early. Plus, I truly believe Scarface is one of the most underrated rappers in the business.
"I'm poppin' in the clip when the wind blows, every 20 seconds, got me peepin' out my window, investigatin' the joint for traps, checkin' my telephone for taps, I'm starin' at the woman on the corner, it's f*cked up when your mind is playin' tricks on you."
15. Luniz - I Got 5 On It
At first listen a few years ago, this song didn't really impress me, but it wasn't until after the release of the Luniz second album, Lunitik Muzic, that I had to go back and give it another chance. Since then, it has become a mainstay collection, and always leaves me wondering why it took me so long to catch on. The lyricism on top of the much-imitated beat make it a low profile classic.
"Playa, give me some brew and I might just chill, but I'm the type that likes to light another joint like Cypress Hill, I steal doobies, spit loogies when I puff on it, I got some bucks on it, but it ain't enough on it, go get the S-T I-D-E-S, never the less, I'm hella fresh, rollin' joints like a cigarette, so pass it across the table like ping-pong, I'm gone, beatin' my chest like King Kong, it's on, wrap my lips around a 40, and when it comes to get another stogie, fools all kick in like Shinobi, no he ain't the homie to begin with, it's too many heads to be poppin' it at my friend hittin', unless you pull out the phat crispy five dollar bill, on the real, before it's history."
16. Outkast - Everlasting
This is another gem buried in a less-than-stellar hip-hop oriented soundtrack, this one from Nothing to Lose. Outkast has always left me in awe with their down-home lyrical style. This particular track is definitely not one to sleep on.
"Sittin' in the bathtub, listenin' to the Isley Brothers while others outside by door want to despise me, reminds me that everyone ain't cool, this world is jealous, never could understand when my mama used to tell us, don't take your food outside around your friends, unless you got enough to feed the neighborhood, this play has just began, follow me now, act 1, scene 2, the date 1/1/96, time, I don't know, mood disturbed, Ray goes on to say they tryin' to get over like them niggas with they blinker on, I got my thinker on, so I'm like word, however you wanna act is fine, that's as real as fishing rods, I might be kissin' God, but I'm still in the bathtub, so if you got cattle, you best be fasting, for 7 days and 7 nights, we're everlasting."
17. Redman & Method Man - How High
This first collaboration of these 2 infamous mega-stars was a crown jewel and shining example of the potential the two had together. Meth drops a simmering classic rhyme, and Red closes out with a breathtaking on-point verse of his own.
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 -- 3, 2, murder 1, lyric at your door, Tical bring it to that ass raw, breakin' all the rules like glass jaws, nigga, i got to get mine, so get yours, f*ck it, we don't need no rap tour, I'd rather kick the facts and hit you with the rap-ture, more than you bargained for, Tical, I stays open like an all-night store, for real, I keeps it ill like a piece of blue steel, pointed at your temple with the intent to kill, and end your existence, M-E-T, ain't no use for resistance, H-O-D."
18. Scarface feat. Ice Cube - Hand Of The Dead Body
This was a song I just checked out about 6 months ago, and have been hooked on since. The verse Cube drops is highly reminiscent of his pre-Don Mega days, and the political message Scarface gives serves as a highly effective fed-up inner-city message.
"While listenin' to Brad, David gets mad and kills his dad, David Dukes got a shotgun, so why you get upset cuz I got one, a tisket, a tasket, a nigga got his ass kicked, shot in the face by a cop, closed casket, an open and shut situation, a cop gets got, they wanna blame it on my occupation, if you don't dig me, then nigga you can sue me, cuz the shit that I be sayin' ain't no worse than a western movie, don't blame me, blame your man Gotti, so you can feel te hand of the dead body."
19. Lost Boyz - My Crew
It's been a great never-ending debate among hip-hop heads as to which Lost Boyz song outshines all the rest. No doubt, the group has had a slew of great cuts that would make any artist stare in awe, but this particular track has always appealed to me the most. Not only was it one of my first tastes of super-freestyler Canibus, before his two cold, dead, wet fish albums, but young A+ drops a simply amazing verse that will always be held in high regards.
"Which one of y'all think you ill enough to bust A+, get crushed by the stampede of the elephant tusks, we LB fam, niggas don't understand us, the lyrical scanner, diagnosin' niggas with cancer, you got a problem, I got the answer, twin glocks goin' bananas, buckin' innocent bystanders, son, the total sum is the mathematical function, I used to get suspended for keepin' the class jumpin', at the blackboard, with the chalk in my hand, Mister Cheeks, snatchin' leaves off the canibus plant, watch the crowd get amped, while they scream and chant, it's ill how they can't keep still like a fire drill, we desire mils, from '97 until, firin' high calibur steel on this battlefield, son."
20. Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt. II
As much as I tried to not list any particular artist twice, I just couldn't list this as a true hip-hop mixtape without adding the explosive, mind-numbing early Mobb Deep classic, Shook Ones Pt. II. The gritty, hardcore rhymes by Prodigy and Havoc deserve all the recognition in the world, the two young talents express pure, raw skills on this joint. Once again, Prodigy shines especially with his awe-inspiring neck-jerker.
"I got you stuck off the realness, we be the infamous, you heard of us, official Queensbridge murderers, the Mobb comes equipped with warfare, beware of my crime family, who got 'nuff shots to share, for all those, who wanna profile and pose, I'll rock you in ya face, stab your brain with your nosebone, you all alone in these streets, cousin, every man for theyself in this land, we be gunnin', and keep them shook crews runnin'."
It pains me to leave off so many talented artists such as GangStarr, Brand Nubian, Big Punisher, Too Short, Slick Rick, Jeru The Damaja and plenty of others, but I'm planning album reviews on many 5 star-worthy hip-hop CDs, so hopefully I'll be able to go more in-depth on each artist. I hope you were able to identify with my picks, and possibly even find a few new favorites. Thanks for takin' the time to read this long-winded fray.
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ObiWanJabroni
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