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Official Hip Hop Thread

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As a Nas fan since stillmatic not a fan of either of the king diseases and hasn't had an album I enjoyed since life is good. My favorite Nas albums remain
Stillmatic, untitled,it was written, life is good, illmatic,
Was also disappointed with Benny the butchers new album.
 
Gave the new Kendrick album a listen, and there's a lot to like. Like his last records, I need to be in the right mindset (and maybe have the Genius lyrics open too) to really appreciate his craft and storytelling. I really enjoyed "The Heart part 5" and once I figured out that theme I'll see how well it fits the narrative of the Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers.

First listen favorites: "Father Time", "We Cry Together", and "Auntie Diaries" is certainly worthy of study.

Not ready to anoint this "album of the year" like social media is saying on day one, but after doing a discography play-through this week I miss the technique and general scope of a Kendrick album.
 
I guess I can't get into Kendrick because I don't like his beats.
 
I guess I can't get into Kendrick because I don't like his beats.
I think that's a fair criticism, and one of the reasons why I have to be in a certain mood to play To Pimp a Butterfly. An album I consider a hip hop classic, but maybe not the absolute top tier because of the sparse beats. Give me more of that Good Kid, Madd City west coast sound, but to each their own. I like a few of the beats I've heard on the latest so far, and "The Heart V" had me really excited with that Marvin Gaye sample.

Brings up an interesting debate in regard to hip hop on what is more valued, or if any album or artist has achieved that perfect blend of expert lyricism and production. I can only think of a few off the top that have (something like Illmatic and Madvillainy).
 
I think that's a fair criticism, and one of the reasons why I have to be in a certain mood to play To Pimp a Butterfly. An album I consider a hip hop classic, but maybe not the absolute top tier because of the sparse beats. Give me more of that Good Kid, Madd City west coast sound, but to each their own. I like a few of the beats I've heard on the latest so far, and "The Heart V" had me really excited with that Marvin Gaye sample.

Brings up an interesting debate in regard to hip hop on what is more valued, or if any album or artist has achieved that perfect blend of expert lyricism and production. I can only think of a few off the top that have (something like Illmatic and Madvillainy).
Yeah I'm a lyrics guy all the way. But if the beat is boring I'm not going to invest my time. I like a couple of Kendrick songs, but if I want to learn or want a story I'll read a book. Luke fiasco picks good beats and tells deep stories, so it can be done. J Cole picks good beats, but I find him boring and talking about nothing. I am more into underground artist. They choose the soulful sample beats I want to hear. 38 spesh, etc, planet Asia.
 
Pitchfork gave it a 7.6, aligns with what I was thinking. A great album, but probably his "worst" to date.

Basically, it's Kendrick's 808s.
 
Logic might be kinda back?

Pardon me while I get irrationally excited for Blu & Exile, Logic and Like (from PAC Div) to share a track…

 

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Episode 3-13: "Backup Bash Brothers"

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Episode 3:11: "Clipping Bucks."
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