Hip hop: any recommendations on where to start?

[caladrius]

Okay, I’m an older 50-something guy. I prefer older songs (before 1990) than recent ones. And I prefer the modern post-1990s pop than hip hop. On the subject of hip hop, I don’t understand it at all. But I like to think I have an open mind.

Could you explain or otherwise help me understand or appreciate this art form? Where should I start? Where should I NOT start?

My exposure to hip hop is limited. The only time I listened to hip hop was back when I was playing the NBA 2K basketball games on the PS3/PS4. I really love Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me” — but only the first minute. This song quite possibly has the best first 10 seconds of any song I’ve ever heard in my life. A few others by Drake, Kanye West, and others I can’t even remember the names of. But none of these have motivated me to look into hip hop deeper.

[blankrap]

There's tons of places to start, just like with any other genre!

Since you've mentioned Kendrick, I'll mention Section 80, a project of his from 2011. Good stuff.

My personal highlights:

Hol' Up
A.D.H.D.
RONALD REAGAN ERA 
Rigamortis
Blow my High
HiiPoWeR

and if you listen to this and enjoy it, good kid, m.A.A.d city is some of his BEST WORK.

[James [a_leon]]

I would recommend checking out this video from 12tone.

From there, just explore. I really like TI, NF, eminem, Ludacris, etc.

[caladrius]

Oct 25, 2020 17:07:57 GMT -8 James [a_leon] said:

I would recommend checking out this video from 12tone.

From there, just explore. I really like TI, NF, eminem, Ludacris, etc.

 I have no issues with rap or hip-hop being classified as music. I firmly believe they're music. It's just a matter of taste. For example, country music is music but I'm not drawn to it.

[James [a_leon]]

I'm assuming that means you didn't watch the video. In it are some specific examples with some explanation behind them, and those of course are starting points.

[caladrius]

Oct 25, 2020 18:17:56 GMT -8 James [a_leon] said:

I'm assuming that means you didn't watch the video. In it are some specific examples with some explanation behind them, and those of course are starting points.

I watched the first 10-15 seconds and assumed it was an argument as to why rap/hip-hop was music. I didn't need that because I was already convinced it's music. But if it's more than that then, I'll watch it later tonight.

[James [a_leon]]

It gives an academic breakdown of what's going on. If nothing else, it's a chance to learn a new perspective you wouldn't otherwise have had and cites examples which are worth checking out.

[Retread]

Oct 25, 2020 17:07:57 GMT -8 James [a_leon] said:

I would recommend checking out this video from 12tone.

From there, just explore. I really like TI, NF, eminem, Ludacris, etc.

I'd rate the video in that link as one of the most entertaining I've seen in a good long while! I giggled the whole time as he visually communicated with doodles on the staff paper in sync with his dialogue.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Really depends on how much of it you can handle. Some of my lists aren't mid 90s just to shout out a few names I listen to.

My personal faves:
Run DMC
Immortal technique
Brother Ali
Snoop dogg
NWA unsure if I could add Ice cube since he was a member but split
Wu tang clan
Tom Macdonald
Crypt
Lil Wayne
Jay-Z
Eminem
Yelawolf
Biggie Smalls
Tupac
50 cent
D4L
Big Pun


Sure there's many more I always draw blanks when asked I just listen. Hopsin and Logic are also names to explore.

[caladrius]

Oct 25, 2020 18:35:58 GMT -8 James [a_leon] said:

It gives an academic breakdown of what's going on. If nothing else, it's a chance to learn a new perspective you wouldn't otherwise have had and cites examples which are worth checking out.

I watched it last night. It was helpful, particularly when he brought up examples like "We Will Rock You." I wasn't familiar with some of the other examples but some quick youtube searches fixed that problem.

[caladrius]

I forgot to mention that I really liked the 2005 film "Hustle and Flow." LOL!

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Oct 26, 2020 15:54:32 GMT -8 caladrius said:

I forgot to mention that I really liked the 2005 film "Hustle and Flow." LOL!

Then you may enjoy The Wash by snoop dogg and dr.dre