lyricists
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik | Outkast
Being their debut album, Outkast showed the world what they were about and how they could flow. Though totally produced in their basement studio, this album sounds amazing and reflects the life work of both these emcees. For those of you who don’t see it outright, you pronounce this album as Southern Playalistic Cadillac Music.
Common
Linked to Kanye West apart of his record label G.O.O.D., Common is due out to release his 8th solo album entitled Invincible Summer on September 23rd. And like a music crack fiend, I’m itching and scratching to get my hands on a copy of it.
Untitled | Nas
Nas’s recent release of his utitled album brings back memories of Illmatic (1994). He’s calm, he’s succinct, and he’s talking about things personal to him. With simple beats and a purpose to his lyrics, Nas shines though on this album. I love it when a veteran emcee like Nas comes back to the table to talk about real topics (media, government, music game, imprisonment, etc.) and how it relates to him personally.
The Grind Date | De La Soul
De La Soul’s most recent album is a great collaboration of their old school emcee style with new school soulful beats. I find it to be great chillen’ and drivin’ music. But on top of just that, this album really helps music lovers like me appreciate their true skills by giving me a gateway into their music. The gateway being soulful choruses from Glen Lewis and Carl Thomas and emcee collaborations with Common and MF Doom.
Lupe Fiasco | The Cool
If you like Kanye, N.E.R.D., Common, and Blackstar - you will absolutely love Lupe Fiasco. Lupe has managed to finesse me into both his fan club and his bandwagon when I saw him perform live at University of Delaware. He’s got skill and the great thing is - he’s still young and growing!
Immortal Technique | 3rd World
Immortal Technique can be best described as a hardcore underground hip-hop emcee with raw style; he uses simple beats and his lyrics can be downright caustic at times, but mostly everything he does has a message. [thx, Schiavoni] And that message is so engrossing, you can’t help but listen to more of what he has to say. Last week, he dropped his 3rd full album entitled The 3rd World (2008).
Hezekiah | I Predict A Riot
How can I not give props to a Delaware-raised former choirboy turned producer, emcee? It says in his bio that, “Once he came out of highschool, he linked up with arguably the only Hip Hop crew to ever exist in Delaware,” during that time. Who’s arguing? I still don’t see any Hip Hop crews here in Delaware!
10 Years
A newcomer to my ears, 10 Years, has put out two amazing albums entitled Division (2008) and The Autumn Effect (2005) that I’ve had a chance to hear. Both albums are play from start to end type of music. I’ve probably listened to each over 50 times and never did I pick a single and move away. And you’re damn sure that after listening to an album that many times, I remember every change in beat and every word of their lyrics. I’m so glad their lyrics are actually quality and conscious!
The Dirty Dirtty South
You may think (just like me) that down south hip hop has killed the foundations and quality of hip hop today. And though you’re not far from being right, there are artists that have stepped up to the plate to produce and write quality music to strengthen the genre.
