The thing with Big KRIT is that even when he brags, he doesn't talk about a billion dollar house, he just transmit the vibe of riding in his candy car on 20s, with a blunt in his mouth on a summer day, that's the difference to me.
Hip hop that's introspective, intelligent, uplifting, tells stories, braggadocious but in a creative way ie Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. Mafioso rap when it's done right (Jay-Z reasonable doubt, raekwon, Freddie Gibbs, etc), and super lyrical artists.
I understand why so many people are answering that they "don't have a preference". I think that as fans, we all like a little bit of everything so it can be a tough question to answer, but at the end of the day when the chips are down everyone will sway more towards a certain style or sub-genre of rap. Like Feefo said, I tend to like artists that can balance it all (he used KRIT as an example). When an artist is too much "this way" or too much "that way" I can still enjoy some of their music, but the longevity and replay value isn't there for me. I really appreciate versatility in a rapper, so I like when an artist can make me think, share their own personal story, give me some stuff for the car AND make my head nod at the same time. That's why Cilvia Demo and Black Hystori Project are my favorite projects this year. Isaiah and CyHi gave me a bit of everything on their respective projects, and I'm hoping that Big KRIT will do the same since most of his albums & tapes are in that same lane. Great video, DEHH! Keep up the good work!
Here's my thing. Yes I love when rappers give a message or make me think about something relatable but when it comes to listening to music I need it to sound good and it's a plus if there's a message. I can't listen to something relatable if it sounds horrible.
Mtthew 123 exactly. me personally idgaf as long as the rapper makes it interesting to where I don't get distracted or they don't put me to sleep. I need crazy flows, good delivery, dope beat, catchy hook (doesn't always have to be one though), nasty aggression, etc.
Funny how myke talks about jayz Blueprint - Rival crews, get your black suits up Blueprint 3 - We have just seen the dream as predicted by Martin Luther Now you could choose to sit in front of your computer Posing with guns, shooting RUclips up Or you could come with me to the White House - get your suit up If you don't listen to jay z, why speak on his motive behind his lyrics or songs??
"What you want a Bentley? Fur coat? A diamond chain? All you blacks want all the same thing." Surpsied Myke called Kanye out like that when it seems like he's rapping more anti-materialistic shit then ever before. The dude loves fashion and cars, sure. I feel like these are common interests to have though, whether you're lower, middle, upper class whatever. Yeezus tickets are high priced because the dude ain't putting on a concert, it's like a damn theatre show now. He just has a different vision, an expensive one. He's still the biggest ticket seller of 2013 next to one of the last surviving Beatles. Most of the people I saw at the Ye concert with the $500 tickets got them for free from a hook up.
He maybe rapping about it. Yet he spends millions on his fashion and clothes. He likes to look a part... and likes to wear expensive and nice shit. He also sold Black Skinhead to movie and TV commercials. Oh wait, wasn't Yeezy a ''non mainstream'' album? except that Black Skinhead was heard on the previews for Wolf Of Wall Street... an Oscar winning movie. And on TV commercials? lots of exposure there and more money. And that awful video for Bound 2? marketing! and smart marketing. Cause it brought the song to number 12 in the charts. A top 20 hit? and a song used in various commercials? plus bragging about how fashionable you are? Right.... Kanye is as materialistic as ever. I like the dudes music! but i don't believe his words for a second. He likes money, he likes bragging, and he likes showing off.
Lifeduringwartime These aren't very solid arguments. It's not like Kanye asks oscar-winning movies to use his songs to get exposure. The trailer wanted to use the song, and that has nothing to do with the albums message. Also, he loves fashion -- he's a fashion designer for christ's sake -- since he was a child, and as I said people of any social status fork out cash to look good. Kanye sent a lot of strong messages, especially with 'New Slaves', and projected it around the world. It didn't sound 'radio' but it had social/political overtones and the classic Yeezy, 'Ya'll can't fuck with Ye' Also not sure where you're going with the music video shit, every artist makes music videos.
Max Kennedy I probably shouldn't put my two cents in here but we aren't Kanye, and don't really know the details behind Wolf of Wall Street and Advertisements using Black Skinhead; Who knows, he either went to them or they came to him. But the fact Bound 2, in terms of the film clip, was so bad that he got the world talking about it, had Comedians parodying it and it reaching the top 20 charts around the world in it's horribleness is PR Genius. No other pop star would ever think of getting success out of what Friday the song did, on purpose (getting success out of making something unappealing to the masses, and going viral in it's crap), and Kanye did it smoking a Cuban poolside whilst Kim laid next to him, drinking a cocktail whilst sucking his right thumb.
Trevellyn Head Sorry, but you're being silly if you actually believe musicians ask movies to have their songs used in them. It's PR genius to make a bad music video? Do you understand how many bad music videos there are? Listen to what you're saying.
I wasn't just saying that it is PR genius to make a bad music video, I'm saying the fact that he made one so bad that the whole world shat on it, and still found success akin to Friday, on purpose is genius. Artists these days make money off RUclips videos, and even though for the 38 million or so views it has gotten has over 300000 dislikes and 100000 likes, with all the negative press people still talked about it, watched it, he got money off it and the single charted. Not that hard to understand. And of course management of artists ask for songs to be in movies and advertisements, it advertises artists and singles to a wider audience. It perhaps happens more the other way, but it certainly happens. I think you are the silly one here
Ahhh, it's so good when they're talking about each other's tastes from their experience and knowledge of each other and Sophie's joining in too. I never get that with other reviewers and that's one of the things I love about DEHH.
I dunno, man. Listening to Kanye always gets me motivated as fuck and I'm 30 years old, still going to college, and barely working above minimum wage. I find him very uplifting
I think if you love rap music you will appreciate a dope mc whatever the subject matter. You can rap about anything coke, money, politics, love whatever just be dope lyrically and do it well!
Markens Thelusma yeah I don't like elitist purists who think everything should be political and have a boom bap kinda beat the same way I dislike people who only ever listen to gangsta coke rap and think everything else is not "real" its an art and hence encompasses many different things and has different facets. As long as your rhymes, metaphors and similes are dope and you can ride a beat you got my vote.
I'm with Myke on the whole "talk about your success" thing and how rappers constantly throw that shit in your face to let you know that you will always be on the bottom of the barrel, while they get to live lavishly. This is why I'm gravitated towards rappers like Mos Def, The Roots, Slug, Nas, and Krs-ONE, because when I listen to them I know I'll be able to dissect a message that empowers me, rather than put me down, which is what I feel these lavish ass rappers try to do, whether it be directly or indirectly.
MykeCTown - fucking spot on about Jay & materialistic rappers. Such a slap in the face when an artist you supported goes down that road - particularly Jay & Kanye. Jay has never said that shit is attainable, he just brags. How many people do you know are buying $500 concert tickets and his horrendously expensive shit from Barney's? Fuck that noise.
***** No, it was not "basically a fundraiser." The original percentage was 3% of proceeds going to his foundation. People weren't buying his bullshit, so they raised it to 25%. Then after the racial profiling scandal and AFTER people started putting him on blast - then he made a statement saying that the proceeds were going to the foundation. Basically a fundraiser... Pfft.
Yeah. And you already know me and Naruto are gonna Tag team your bitch. Dam you really want to be a Nigga ???. You just sound like that one Asian kid that would eat Glue back in Elementary school. Take this L.
Conscious Hip Hop is a true gem that shines in the midst of being buried in braggy mainstream Hip Hop. Conscious Hip Hop can truly bring up a person and instill a drive to combat adversity from the world. More braggy mainstream hip hop does not do that and if anything it just makes a person feel even worse as that Emcee's success is thrown into a person's face making their accomplishments seem insignificant. Now there is a time and place for both but it is disapointing that braggy hip hop is taken a lot more seriously than an actual hip hop form that can truly make the artist and the emcee relate a similar pain and a similar goal in life. Inspirational Emcees such as Kendrick Lamar, Jay Electronica, Nas, and Elzhi are artists who talk about combating the world and proving that we are truly more than a statistic and a label that the world just lazily places upon its citizens. Myke and Ken were right on the money throughout this entire video.
i agree with what myke is saying but....jay z does let you feel like like can be where he is Post Postatono, Hov' hanging with Bono You too can live like Salvatore Ferragamo And you too can cool out poolside after Delano And you too flow like you was out of your mind yo-Jay z guns n roses
i personally like trap influenced beats but with stories. like "mAad City" by Kendrick is a good example or "bounce back" by big sean. other than that i like straight foward street dudes like xzibit and pusha t. but theres definitely such a broad spectrum and theres gems in each lane
The way I view it (I get it doesn't make total sense) is that I place myself in the position of the musician. It's kind of like an escape where you can put on some headphones and be the mofo with chains and shits. I just can't listen to music without inserting myself even a bit because even conscious would seem boring if it didn't affect me at all.
I agree but I think Kinge got it wrong when he mentioned Watch The Throne. I will admit at first I thought it was only about money and flashiness too. But after listening to it more it's a real balance on that album. Niggas in Paris is evened out by a Murder to Excellence,Otis/Made in America,Gotta have it/New Day. This album wasn't only about money. And Kanye's message in his music has always walked the line of someone who at heart is "conscious" about the things that he is doing and has a bigger message then just money cars and clothes, but he still enjoys the things money can buy. To say he's more on the braggadocios side is wrong because he still has Jesus Walks,Through the Wire, Touch the Sky, Good Life. Shyt the whole 808's album wasn't that.
***** Yeah but he always finds a way to balance it out to me. MBDTF is hands down his best record because even tho he's bragging on the record he's still able to show life isn't perfect. Blame Game, Runaway,Lost in the World brings it full circle. It's not like a Rick Ross or Meek Mill when all you hear is gun talk, or money talk, or drug talk.
***** Even on Graduation he's bragging...Can't Tell Me Nothing, Stronger, Barry Bonds he's flashy."Bow in the presence of greatness Cause right now thou hast forsaken us You should be honored by my lateness That I would even show up to this fake shit So go ahead, go nuts, go apeshit 'Specially in my Pastel, on my Bape shit Act like you can't tell who made this New Gospel homie, take 6, and take this, haters". Only difference between then and now is that technically he was rapping at a higher level.
***** 1. They were clearly talking about MMG in the video therefore I brought it up in the comments 2. I usually I usually don't argue with people about their opinions if they just don't like the album(which is fine). But when you start to compare it saying lacks this and that....I'm calling a certain level of bullshyt to what your saying. On top of the fact that the comment comes off condescending.
***** Now what instrumentals on that album were lacking exactly ? All of the lights interlude blows anything on Late Registration away. Where as Late Registration brought in strings to make the production bigger Dark Fantasy brings a cinematic aspect to his production. And you can't tell me that theres a song on Late Registration where he raps technically better than on Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous...shyt basically the first half of the album he's straight spittin. And if you don't think that album isn't personal then you honestly weren't really listening. The entire album is mostly about his life, but not so much this shyt he was talking about before but where he was then coming off the Taylor Swift thing, South Park and SNL doggin him out, fucking Amber Rose cheating on him and stealing from him and him breaking up with her. Lost to the World is something he wrote directly to Kim. So you can't sit up there and act like that album . He honestly took everything he did until that point and put it together.
Although I prefer artists like Common, Mos Def and Kendrick, I have to disagree on the Rick Ross point. Even though ross does rap primarily about his money, designer clothes and women, I think he does it with class and sophistication. A good example, is the song "Amsterdam". His boss-like style doesn't really make me feel inferior, but doesn't exactly inspire me either. It's more of a vibe thing. If you listen to his latest album, Black Market, you'll get that laid back feeling with songs like "money dance". I think he's the complete opposite to meek mill, who just throws his money and jewellery in your face. Just my thoughts though...
Really enjoyed this discussion. I, personally, am one of those people that listens to both a decent amount. I think Feefo expressed this idea that there is a time and place for braggadocious and for conscious rap. When Im just sitting at home and in the mood for something that'll really hit me deep I'll listen to some super lyrical stuff, but when I just wanna feel on top of the world or when Im with friends just chilling I'll put on some braggadocious stuff. Keep up the good work, fellas.
This conversation really got me thinking. Although I prefer songs about emotional, conscious/ political message there are some songs in my collection which I would classify into the materialistic/ braggadocious message. Using Tech N9ne (my favorite rapper) as an example, I figured out why deep down I listen to these. Tech N9ne has songs that I can personally relate to on a deeply emotional and conscious level, thus building a strong relative connection with Tech N9ne. Although Tech has a wide range of music, it does include elements of materialistic/ bragging nature and I like it; as oppose to my normal stance of despising it. Tech stays humble, treats his fans like humans, is always connecting with his fans. As we can relate so closely to Tech when he is low, we want him to succeed and thus we are happy when he brags and shows his success.
I like Feefo's point of view more. Sometimes you just want a background sound for something, like, for example, working out. Some conscious raps cannot give you the proper "pump" to do it. Sometimes you want to listen to the lyrics, that's why you pick someone with more substance to the lyrics, like some The Roots or De La Soul, or whatever, and it goes on and on. Different situations for me requires different types of music.
Myke was on point with that whole thing about $200-500 concert tickets. When you really think about it, it boils down to greed. They wanna live among the 1% and keep climbing til they die, even if it means being part of the systematic problems that have been keeping us down from the start. They've abandoned the people.
most my german friends have the same type of preference. then i got this german friend that is super into 90s gangsta rap and the compton lifestyle. Like nigga...
How are you guys not realizing that we are talking about modern day Kanye?! We're not talking about Kanye's previous work. That's not a representation of who he is today. The keyword is "today." Please note the "today." It's important.
for me you can talk about almost anything aslong as you put it in an interesting way, its all about how you get your message across, even if that message is shallow
As a kid my parents listened to almost zero hip hop, I was Born mid 90s, grew up in the 2000s, I listened to hip hop strictly from the radio, all the ratchet club songs I enjoyed but I never consider myself a serious hip hop fan, I did not think to buy albums, go to shows etc.However when I heard Tupac's "Changes" on a radio station back in 2006, It blew my mind, It was the most relate-able, though-provoking song I had ever heard. It made me think to take Rap more seriously, See If they had anything to really say. Since RUclips became a platform for all artists Underground and Mainstream, I listen to mainstream Rappers album cuts and mix tapes more than actual singles, see mix-tapes by dope underground artists as free albums, and see the transparency and fake drama of the "hip hop scene" with radio stations, magazines, that part of "hip hop" It means nothing to me unless its about who i listen to . . I have zero songs from Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Kanye music since Watch The Throne The fact the Def Jam allowed him to release that as a album and not force it to be mixtape because songs like Black Skinhead, and I am a God shows they knew it would be a success cuz of how high some of you put him on a pedestal like Kanye can't be measured by wack his lyrics were because his "artistic" production. I Make fun of Trinidad James, young thug, migos, chief keef in front of people who like them all the time cause they aint shit without the club airplay and they got obvious below average rap skills. In contrast, at the same time I have some of the relate-able songs from the mix-tapes of meek mill, young jeezy, rich homie so people know I am not one of those people who hate on everyone mainstream, hot in the streets. Relate-able lyrics from rappers, rappers sometimes talking about how crazy or f'd up things are or what they have seen in a venting style, party songs with dope wordplay in the verses, is what I prefer.
I'm lucky I saw kendrick perform a few years back after section 80 dropped before all the hype. Payed 20$ to see him perform a few feet from me in a small venue with less than 100 people there and even got his autograph. I prefer seeing artist in that type of setting it is definitely more intimate.
And Kanye constantly says "IF YOUR A FAN OF KANYE WEST YOUR NOT A FAN OF ME YOUR A FAN OF YOURSELF, ALL IM DOING IS GIVING YOU THE SOUNDTRACK TO BE THE BEST YOU POSSIBLE" . And as far as concert tickets go it's a fucking production that goes into making these shows. For them to go out there rap there songs and leave would be bullshyt c'mon now. Imagine having Kanye and Jay come rap on 2 fuckin stools and leave. That what a 65 dollar ticket can get in a revenue like that would get you. Not to mention these artist are making most of their money on tour because nobody is even by records anymore.
Sorry, but I see BANDS (meaning 3-8 people in one group) play all the time in venues just as big as Jay and Kanye with tech crews just as large. A lot of times the crews are larger. Rappers don't need drum techs or guitar techs. These bands will have just as much pyro and bullshit as your average rappers and, guess what...I've never paid more than $60. So...
Myke C-Town i went to a kanye show (yeezus tour) and to be fair, with all the props, design and make up crew, multiple screens, dancers, impressive light show and kendrick opening up, I can see why he might charge a bit more than the average show, and lets not forget to mention, kanye is one of the best live hip hop performers to ever do it. do I think its worth $400-$500, no. Maybe a lil over $100 for good seats though. But we know jay-z isn't putting on shows like ye so I agree, Jay-z shouldn't be charging that much.
Marques Nieves Right on. Here's the thing...if it's worth it to you, and you can afford it, who am I to open my mouth? I was just speaking for people who'd like to go, but could never afford that kinda price tag. I wouldn't mind seeing Kanye, but I would never pay $100 let alone $300. But that's just me and only me. And, hey, Jay might surprise you this tour. Doing backflips like Master Splinter and shit. Haha!
Marques Nieves Now I just saw Jay and Beyonce perform in Philly 3 days ago. Now is what Jay does is basically what he's been doing since 03,play a bunch of his classics while inserting the new stuff here and there. Now the Beyonce side of it is extremely technical. Now I can't expect to of the biggest stars and to of the very best at what they do to go on tour together and to sell their tickets almost at a lose. Now is 500 extreme for one of them yes but for both no. Not when every other pop act (Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa etc) is selling their tickets for the same price and have been for years now.
Myke C-Town I can see that . Now is it more of a hip hop concert thing or concerts in general ? Because if Paul McCartney or Stevie Wonder or Prince were to go on tour and have their tickets in that 500 dollar range or higher I wouldn't be surprised. I would be like "Shyt that Stevie Wonder, he made Songs in the Key of Life, of course his tickets would be that " lol
Rob has point about jay z. Why do you think he called his album, the blue print? Or made records like a hard knock life or even, can I get? When he's snapping talking about I'm better, he's talking about the rappers who are showing lack of respect. He's showing off his lyrical ability and bragging for intimidation.
I feel that Jon Connor is a great example of a person telling his story about the struggles and living a better life today presently. Does his newer content contain some braggadocios? Some but very little. He always keeps an inspiring message wit amazing lyricism to back it up.
I personally prefer the well rounded emcee. Jay-Z and Eminem are pretty well rounded counting their whole discography. Jay has violent songs like come and get me and threats, conscious ones like Minority Report, and telling you what goes on wen he was in the Crack Game like Can I Live. Eminem has inspiring songs like Lose Yourself, outside the box crazy stuff like I'm Back and political stuff like Mosh and We As Americans. 2pac same thing. Biggie, bragadocious Unbelievable, inspiring Sky's the Limit and sumthing for the ladies on One More Chance. Nas same thing. That's why these guys are regarded as the best. They were all so well rounded and could do more than one style. Today's rappers are so one dimensional. Rick Ross raps the same verse in every song. J Cole raps way too much about banging out chicks. Drake complains about his failed relationships. A$AP raps ignorance. All of these guys have skills and do what they do well, but are really one sided. Even Lil Wayne, prob the most overhyped ever, Dude was an amazing punchline rapper like Lloyd Banks and Fab were before him, but that's it. He really can't do much else. No one wants to hear Wayne talk about politics lol. Kendrick is prob the only new guy who is as versatile as the older legends. But that's really it.
My top 5 has both P.O.S. and T.I., so I feel all of y'all on this. T.I. makes me wanna hustle and work hard for some success in the future. P.O.S. helps me deal with the shit I'm going through now and reminds me material shit ain't everything. I think it's important to have a balance of both sides in your music.
Political rap is fucking nice but I like real introspective shit too. It has to bring a message or deep emotions. I guess that's why my favorite rappers ( Em, Kendrick, KRIT,...) do both.
Oh, the shit got be lyrically potent too. So the content is really an afterthought as long as it's delivered with skill. So 1. Beats 2. Lyrics 3. Content
From what hip hop I've listened to, I'm really into the bragodocious stuff. It's just really good pump up music and I like the point that it's relatable as well. Also, I'm totes new to hip hop so if anyone wants to recommend a few quality MCs out there, feel free.
I don't care what rappers say as long as the way they say it sounds good and the beats are slamming. Like Boot Camp Clik's first four albums 1993-1996.
Loved this. Also a little input to the Jay-Z $500 dollar tickets conversation, J. Cole just recently did a The Warm Up Tour and every ticket was $1 dollar.
Feefo made a great point with krit. One of my favorite artists is Chamillionaire and if you've heard any of his work you know he gives you such a variety of topics and does it all well. Then you have guys who are just lyrical miracle , or just trap, or just swag rap and if you notice most rappers with huge fan base are the ones that can offer that variety and be almost all those things. Balance is what feefo always says and you may have some more then othErs but enjoy it all. When I wanna hear gun talk, I throw in mobb deep. Bars, I throw on Czarface. Southern jams I do krit or Chamillionaire. Conscious, throw in Common or Brother Ali, introspection Pharoe Monch or Childish Gambino. Go stoner I throw on Mac Miller. Something for all occasions
I have a lot of thoughts on this topic: If there are 2 rappers (1 rapping about braggadocious stuff and the other rapping about a consious message) and they are equal in skill, I would prefer the conscious message rapper....even if the braggadocious rapper is slightly better than the consious rapper, i'd probably still go for the conscious rapper because I understand that his/her intentions are better from my point of view...however, if the braggadocious rapper is quite a bit better than the conscious rapper, then I'd go for the braggadocious one...that's where I agree with Beezy in the sense that I just look for spitters in rap, so in other words, I care mostly about flow, delivery, and lyrics as opposed to straight up content...most of the stuff that I described in this paragraph is just generalizations and it will really just come down to specific rappers on a case-by-case basis. If you'd look at my music player, you'd find more braggadocious songs than conscious songs, but I agree with Myke in the sense that I DEFINITELY prefer bragging about skill and how dope you are on the mic as opposed to materialistic things so that's kinda what I mean by braggadocious stuff on my music player...however, I think why the majority of songs on my player aren't conscious songs is because they are simply harder to find, and it takes twice the effort to understand the message of the conscious song as opposed to the braggadocious song (in fact that's the catch of a conscious song...the time and effort it takes to understand it is part of what makes a conscious song so good, and I'm sure the artist making a conscious song would prefer that the listener not get the message right away and spend more time dissecting it because many times, conscious songs have multiple meanings that can be looked at from many angles which would only further enhance the quality of the song). At the end of the day, time is a precious resource which is why conscious rap probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Off topic question, but this is for anybody in the comment section who wants to engage in a nice conversation and what not. Who are your top 5 rappers of all time and 5 honorable mentions? My list: 1. Diabolic. 2. Kool G Rap. 3. R.A. The Rugged Man. 4. Melle Mel. 5. Chuck D. Honorable Mentions: 1. Necro. 2. Gore Elohim. 3. Vinnie Paz. 4. Coolio. 5. Esoteric.
I wouldn't say that honesty is the most important factor. I think that rappers only bragging about money is honest in a kind of way. The reason they brag might be because money is the only thing on their mind and they are in hip hop because of the business. And maybe ultimately, lost who they once was. For me, some kind of self reflection and a will (and courage) to dig a bit deeper in your own emotions, or providing a critical view of the society we live in, is important. Of course, this doesn't mean that they can't make "fun" music about partying, feeling good and bragging. But there has to be some kind of balance.
This is a very ambiguous question and for the most part I agree with Beezy. First and foremost, I care way more about music over message (e.g. groove/knock, flow, evolution). Perfect example: Freedie Gibb's "Harold's" on Cocaine Pinata. Dude is just talking about a chicken joint and this song goes so hard. But, with that said, messages can ruin a song for me, whether they are positive or negative. For me, if you're gonna try to spread some knowledge, it's gotta be a little tongue and cheek. I'd rather have a song evoke an emotion in me from a narrative or what have you (e.g. Kendrick's Art of Peer Pressure) than listen to Immortal Technique bark some conspiracy theory shit. Now, on the other hand, while it can be dope for a rapper to do some "I got mine because I put in some work" type of shit, it's gotta be inspiring. Myke, I like how you used the phrase "The Elite." Hip hop was started to fight oppression man. Poor blacks and whites couldn't get into or relate to the wealthy disco scene and this oppression was the genesis hip hop, punk and new wave music. So, when you have dudes like Meek Mill or Rick Ross or Jay Z or Ye making music for the elite (even though it's not your stereotypical white elite) then I think you are really diverging from what rap is suppose to be. But, more importantly, the records that are being put out now from all of those dudes I just mentioned have very uninspiring flows and grooves that don't push the music forward at all.
See, when I heard Gorgeous by Kanye West, he did rap about his riches and all the fine things he has in life. However he also DID give out a few inspiring messages together with his collaboration Raekwon, at the ended of some verses like: "I treat the cash the way the government treats AIDS I won’t be satisfied til all my n****s get it, get it?" Or "Keep it real or keep it moving, keep grinding Keep shining, to every young man, this is a plan Learn from others like your brothers Rae and Kanye."
I like political rap more than braggadocio. I'm like Myke that way. I couldn't care less about material possessions and I don't want artists rubbing their successes in my face. There's a way to rhyme about success without verbally abusing the listener.
ehh idk you guys have been at this for a while and i feel this video is kind of counter productive. This is a basic question that has basically answered itself over the years from you guys. Don't feel it's worthy of a full discussion
well, it was productive once yall started discussing artists bragging and whether its inspiring or not, but before that, i was like "i know what yall are gonna say to this question"
DEHH watch the latest Meek MiIl hot 97 interview. He said he gives random people money chains and other stuff. And that when he posts braggin type pics he does it because of the fact he finally got it. And if you watch the Dream Chasers channel trailer and he gave money to fans.
His new album title is "Dreams Worth More Than Money" and he said that the new album will be less braggin and more introspective type stuff. And that he only bragged for the money. I not a big Meek fan but he has some type of message.
Shockheadd45 You really went through all that trouble just to sway me? Look I respect your little spiel but the guy never struck me as anything remotely special or different.
Myke is so good at breaking down his thoughts and forming them into a concise point. That's a gift that no too many people have, it seems.
The Boy But like any other gift it can also be developed if practiced enough
Nobody Chose Abstract.
like MF DOOM, Abstract Lupe, Madlib, Childish, Some cudi, M.i.A. Etc.
The thing with Big KRIT is that even when he brags, he doesn't talk about a billion dollar house, he just transmit the vibe of riding in his candy car on 20s, with a blunt in his mouth on a summer day, that's the difference to me.
Biggie's hit "Juicy" is the ultimate example of a braggadocious/Inspiring song...He executed the message perfectly.
Sophie making fun of Ken at 14:20 tho lol
Damn I was just going through old dehh videos and I came across a random ass old Funky comment. Small world, man.
Hip hop that's introspective, intelligent, uplifting, tells stories, braggadocious but in a creative way ie Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. Mafioso rap when it's done right (Jay-Z reasonable doubt, raekwon, Freddie Gibbs, etc), and super lyrical artists.
I understand why so many people are answering that they "don't have a preference". I think that as fans, we all like a little bit of everything so it can be a tough question to answer, but at the end of the day when the chips are down everyone will sway more towards a certain style or sub-genre of rap.
Like Feefo said, I tend to like artists that can balance it all (he used KRIT as an example). When an artist is too much "this way" or too much "that way" I can still enjoy some of their music, but the longevity and replay value isn't there for me. I really appreciate versatility in a rapper, so I like when an artist can make me think, share their own personal story, give me some stuff for the car AND make my head nod at the same time. That's why Cilvia Demo and Black Hystori Project are my favorite projects this year. Isaiah and CyHi gave me a bit of everything on their respective projects, and I'm hoping that Big KRIT will do the same since most of his albums & tapes are in that same lane. Great video, DEHH! Keep up the good work!
That was a great question. It shows how diverse everyone's taste is in DEHH, and that's the best part about it
I love how that Scarface shit just won't go away
I agree with Myke 100% on this one.
Here's my thing. Yes I love when rappers give a message or make me think about something relatable but when it comes to listening to music I need it to sound good and it's a plus if there's a message. I can't listen to something relatable if it sounds horrible.
Mtthew 123 exactly. me personally idgaf as long as the rapper makes it interesting to where I don't get distracted or they don't put me to sleep. I need crazy flows, good delivery, dope beat, catchy hook (doesn't always have to be one though), nasty aggression, etc.
haha 14:20 sophie being sneaky
Man, Sophie is gorgeous
Fr
Funny how myke talks about jayz
Blueprint - Rival crews, get your black suits up
Blueprint 3 -
We have just seen the dream as predicted by Martin Luther
Now you could choose to sit in front of your computer
Posing with guns, shooting RUclips up
Or you could come with me to the White House - get your suit up
If you don't listen to jay z, why speak on his motive behind his lyrics or songs??
"What you want a Bentley? Fur coat? A diamond chain? All you blacks want all the same thing."
Surpsied Myke called Kanye out like that when it seems like he's rapping more anti-materialistic shit then ever before. The dude loves fashion and cars, sure. I feel like these are common interests to have though, whether you're lower, middle, upper class whatever. Yeezus tickets are high priced because the dude ain't putting on a concert, it's like a damn theatre show now. He just has a different vision, an expensive one. He's still the biggest ticket seller of 2013 next to one of the last surviving Beatles. Most of the people I saw at the Ye concert with the $500 tickets got them for free from a hook up.
He maybe rapping about it. Yet he spends millions on his fashion and clothes. He likes to look a part... and likes to wear expensive and nice shit. He also sold Black Skinhead to movie and TV commercials. Oh wait, wasn't Yeezy a ''non mainstream'' album? except that Black Skinhead was heard on the previews for Wolf Of Wall Street... an Oscar winning movie. And on TV commercials? lots of exposure there and more money.
And that awful video for Bound 2? marketing! and smart marketing. Cause it brought the song to number 12 in the charts. A top 20 hit? and a song used in various commercials? plus bragging about how fashionable you are?
Right.... Kanye is as materialistic as ever. I like the dudes music! but i don't believe his words for a second. He likes money, he likes bragging, and he likes showing off.
Lifeduringwartime These aren't very solid arguments. It's not like Kanye asks oscar-winning movies to use his songs to get exposure. The trailer wanted to use the song, and that has nothing to do with the albums message. Also, he loves fashion -- he's a fashion designer for christ's sake -- since he was a child, and as I said people of any social status fork out cash to look good. Kanye sent a lot of strong messages, especially with 'New Slaves', and projected it around the world. It didn't sound 'radio' but it had social/political overtones and the classic Yeezy, 'Ya'll can't fuck with Ye'
Also not sure where you're going with the music video shit, every artist makes music videos.
Max Kennedy I probably shouldn't put my two cents in here but we aren't Kanye, and don't really know the details behind Wolf of Wall Street and Advertisements using Black Skinhead; Who knows, he either went to them or they came to him. But the fact Bound 2, in terms of the film clip, was so bad that he got the world talking about it, had Comedians parodying it and it reaching the top 20 charts around the world in it's horribleness is PR Genius. No other pop star would ever think of getting success out of what Friday the song did, on purpose (getting success out of making something unappealing to the masses, and going viral in it's crap), and Kanye did it smoking a Cuban poolside whilst Kim laid next to him, drinking a cocktail whilst sucking his right thumb.
Trevellyn Head Sorry, but you're being silly if you actually believe musicians ask movies to have their songs used in them. It's PR genius to make a bad music video? Do you understand how many bad music videos there are? Listen to what you're saying.
I wasn't just saying that it is PR genius to make a bad music video, I'm saying the fact that he made one so bad that the whole world shat on it, and still found success akin to Friday, on purpose is genius. Artists these days make money off RUclips videos, and even though for the 38 million or so views it has gotten has over 300000 dislikes and 100000 likes, with all the negative press people still talked about it, watched it, he got money off it and the single charted. Not that hard to understand. And of course management of artists ask for songs to be in movies and advertisements, it advertises artists and singles to a wider audience. It perhaps happens more the other way, but it certainly happens. I think you are the silly one here
Watching these DEHH bits and the Behind the scene ones are like saturday morning cartoons to me haha, so many laughs to be had.
I like a balance between the two .. too much of either or gets boring .. music is FUN and POWERFUL you need both
Ahhh, it's so good when they're talking about each other's tastes from their experience and knowledge of each other and Sophie's joining in too. I never get that with other reviewers and that's one of the things I love about DEHH.
I dunno, man. Listening to Kanye always gets me motivated as fuck and I'm 30 years old, still going to college, and barely working above minimum wage. I find him very uplifting
"You Can Do It Too"
- Skateboard P
Myke said some of the realest shit ever in this video. Props.
I think if you love rap music you will appreciate a dope mc whatever the subject matter. You can rap about anything coke, money, politics, love whatever just be dope lyrically and do it well!
Best answer I've seen.
Markens Thelusma yeah I don't like elitist purists who think everything should be political and have a boom bap kinda beat the same way I dislike people who only ever listen to gangsta coke rap and think everything else is not "real" its an art and hence encompasses many different things and has different facets. As long as your rhymes, metaphors and similes are dope and you can ride a beat you got my vote.
this is exactly how I feel. you don't need to categorized things.
This is it chief
I'm with Myke on the whole "talk about your success" thing and how rappers constantly throw that shit in your face to let you know that you will always be on the bottom of the barrel, while they get to live lavishly. This is why I'm gravitated towards rappers like Mos Def, The Roots, Slug, Nas, and Krs-ONE, because when I listen to them I know I'll be able to dissect a message that empowers me, rather than put me down, which is what I feel these lavish ass rappers try to do, whether it be directly or indirectly.
MykeCTown - fucking spot on about Jay & materialistic rappers. Such a slap in the face when an artist you supported goes down that road - particularly Jay & Kanye. Jay has never said that shit is attainable, he just brags. How many people do you know are buying $500 concert tickets and his horrendously expensive shit from Barney's? Fuck that noise.
***** No, it was not "basically a fundraiser." The original percentage was 3% of proceeds going to his foundation. People weren't buying his bullshit, so they raised it to 25%. Then after the racial profiling scandal and AFTER people started putting him on blast - then he made a statement saying that the proceeds were going to the foundation.
Basically a fundraiser... Pfft.
celifacejones Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn! Gas face! Hahah!
celifacejones
DON DEMARCO !
You see it people. Their video for Ab-Soul is this week, but there will still be people in the comments not paying attention.
Yoooooo, I get vid notifications now!!!Yessss
Nigga Fuck your Internet connection.
blacknarutofan You think you're black or something?
What you goin' fireball jutsu me bitch nigga?
blacknarutofan Like your own comment too? Insecure mark ass...
Yeah. And you already know me and Naruto are gonna Tag team your bitch. Dam you really want to be a Nigga ???. You just sound like that one Asian kid that would eat Glue back in Elementary school. Take this L.
Conscious Hip Hop is a true gem that shines in the midst of being buried in braggy mainstream Hip Hop. Conscious Hip Hop can truly bring up a person and instill a drive to combat adversity from the world. More braggy mainstream hip hop does not do that and if anything it just makes a person feel even worse as that Emcee's success is thrown into a person's face making their accomplishments seem insignificant. Now there is a time and place for both but it is disapointing that braggy hip hop is taken a lot more seriously than an actual hip hop form that can truly make the artist and the emcee relate a similar pain and a similar goal in life. Inspirational Emcees such as Kendrick Lamar, Jay Electronica, Nas, and Elzhi are artists who talk about combating the world and proving that we are truly more than a statistic and a label that the world just lazily places upon its citizens. Myke and Ken were right on the money throughout this entire video.
I love how they tell B what he loves and what he's listening
i agree with what myke is saying but....jay z does let you feel like like can be where he is
Post Postatono, Hov' hanging with Bono
You too can live like Salvatore Ferragamo
And you too can cool out poolside after Delano
And you too flow like you was out of your mind yo-Jay z guns n roses
Substance all day baby!!!
Delegate-Zero yeah s
pure substance can be boring as hell
damn rob absolutely killed it, came out the cut with it too. totally took the conversation in a different direction
i personally like trap influenced beats but with stories. like "mAad City" by Kendrick is a good example or "bounce back" by big sean. other than that i like straight foward street dudes like xzibit and pusha t. but theres definitely such a broad spectrum and theres gems in each lane
conscious is my favorite, braggadocious i like too, depending on the song and artist
MYKE is 100% right....
Trap music is a guilty pleasure in my opinion
no
No
Times have changed. Damn.
The way I view it (I get it doesn't make total sense) is that I place myself in the position of the musician. It's kind of like an escape where you can put on some headphones and be the mofo with chains and shits. I just can't listen to music without inserting myself even a bit because even conscious would seem boring if it didn't affect me at all.
I thought i was the only one that do that😂😂
I agree but I think Kinge got it wrong when he mentioned Watch The Throne. I will admit at first I thought it was only about money and flashiness too. But after listening to it more it's a real balance on that album. Niggas in Paris is evened out by a Murder to Excellence,Otis/Made in America,Gotta have it/New Day. This album wasn't only about money. And Kanye's message in his music has always walked the line of someone who at heart is "conscious" about the things that he is doing and has a bigger message then just money cars and clothes, but he still enjoys the things money can buy. To say he's more on the braggadocios side is wrong because he still has Jesus Walks,Through the Wire, Touch the Sky, Good Life. Shyt the whole 808's album wasn't that.
Kanye has changed over the years. He's no longer that guy who created Jesus Walks, Touch the Sky, Good Life, etc. I missed that guy.
***** Yeah but he always finds a way to balance it out to me. MBDTF is hands down his best record because even tho he's bragging on the record he's still able to show life isn't perfect. Blame Game, Runaway,Lost in the World brings it full circle. It's not like a Rick Ross or Meek Mill when all you hear is gun talk, or money talk, or drug talk.
***** Even on Graduation he's bragging...Can't Tell Me Nothing, Stronger, Barry Bonds he's flashy."Bow in the presence of greatness
Cause right now thou hast forsaken us
You should be honored by my lateness
That I would even show up to this fake shit
So go ahead, go nuts, go apeshit
'Specially in my Pastel, on my Bape shit
Act like you can't tell who made this
New Gospel homie, take 6, and take this, haters". Only difference between then and now is that technically he was rapping at a higher level.
***** 1. They were clearly talking about MMG in the video therefore I brought it up in the comments 2. I usually I usually don't argue with people about their opinions if they just don't like the album(which is fine). But when you start to compare it saying lacks this and that....I'm calling a certain level of bullshyt to what your saying. On top of the fact that the comment comes off condescending.
***** Now what instrumentals on that album were lacking exactly ? All of the lights interlude blows anything on Late Registration away. Where as Late Registration brought in strings to make the production bigger Dark Fantasy brings a cinematic aspect to his production. And you can't tell me that theres a song on Late Registration where he raps technically better than on Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous...shyt basically the first half of the album he's straight spittin. And if you don't think that album isn't personal then you honestly weren't really listening. The entire album is mostly about his life, but not so much this shyt he was talking about before but where he was then coming off the Taylor Swift thing, South Park and SNL doggin him out, fucking Amber Rose cheating on him and stealing from him and him breaking up with her. Lost to the World is something he wrote directly to Kim. So you can't sit up there and act like that album . He honestly took everything he did until that point and put it together.
Very interesting. I'm riding with c town and kinge.
Although I prefer artists like Common, Mos Def and Kendrick, I have to disagree on the Rick Ross point. Even though ross does rap primarily about his money, designer clothes and women, I think he does it with class and sophistication. A good example, is the song "Amsterdam". His boss-like style doesn't really make me feel inferior, but doesn't exactly inspire me either. It's more of a vibe thing. If you listen to his latest album, Black Market, you'll get that laid back feeling with songs like "money dance". I think he's the complete opposite to meek mill, who just throws his money and jewellery in your face. Just my thoughts though...
I don't care about message honestly, I only care if the MC is lyrical
This is my favorite discussion you guys have had in a while, I really liked it.
Really enjoyed this discussion. I, personally, am one of those people that listens to both a decent amount. I think Feefo expressed this idea that there is a time and place for braggadocious and for conscious rap. When Im just sitting at home and in the mood for something that'll really hit me deep I'll listen to some super lyrical stuff, but when I just wanna feel on top of the world or when Im with friends just chilling I'll put on some braggadocious stuff. Keep up the good work, fellas.
Great topic and great convo! Nice to see you guys having a good time with this one.
C-Town saying that about braggadocios rapping being about your skills and not your money was a great explanation.
Substance vs fun music. There is a time and a place for both.
This conversation really got me thinking. Although I prefer songs about emotional, conscious/ political message there are some songs in my collection which I would classify into the materialistic/ braggadocious message. Using Tech N9ne (my favorite rapper) as an example, I figured out why deep down I listen to these. Tech N9ne has songs that I can personally relate to on a deeply emotional and conscious level, thus building a strong relative connection with Tech N9ne. Although Tech has a wide range of music, it does include elements of materialistic/ bragging nature and I like it; as oppose to my normal stance of despising it. Tech stays humble, treats his fans like humans, is always connecting with his fans. As we can relate so closely to Tech when he is low, we want him to succeed and thus we are happy when he brags and shows his success.
I like Feefo's point of view more. Sometimes you just want a background sound for something, like, for example, working out. Some conscious raps cannot give you the proper "pump" to do it. Sometimes you want to listen to the lyrics, that's why you pick someone with more substance to the lyrics, like some The Roots or De La Soul, or whatever, and it goes on and on. Different situations for me requires different types of music.
Myke was on point with that whole thing about $200-500 concert tickets. When you really think about it, it boils down to greed. They wanna live among the 1% and keep climbing til they die, even if it means being part of the systematic problems that have been keeping us down from the start. They've abandoned the people.
Nah you just a broke nigga
In terms of US Rap (I'm German) I grew up with Eminem and 50 Cent/G-Unit. Especially that G-Unit Sound is still one of my favorite Rap styles.
most my german friends have the same type of preference. then i got this german friend that is super into 90s gangsta rap and the compton lifestyle. Like nigga...
How are you guys not realizing that we are talking about modern day Kanye?! We're not talking about Kanye's previous work. That's not a representation of who he is today. The keyword is "today." Please note the "today." It's important.
for me you can talk about almost anything aslong as you put it in an interesting way, its all about how you get your message across, even if that message is shallow
kinge looks like a balder, thicker amare stoudemire.
Samples, conscious, and crazy lyrical
Immortal Technique is the perfect artist to me because he has raw skill on the mic, he gives great messages, he spits truth and you can bump his shit.
As a kid my parents listened to almost zero hip hop, I was Born mid 90s, grew up in the 2000s, I listened to hip hop strictly from the radio, all the ratchet club songs I enjoyed but I never consider myself a serious hip hop fan, I did not think to buy albums, go to shows etc.However when I heard Tupac's "Changes" on a radio station back in 2006, It blew my mind, It was the most relate-able, though-provoking song I had ever heard. It made me think to take Rap more seriously, See If they had anything to really say. Since RUclips became a platform for all artists Underground and Mainstream, I listen to mainstream Rappers album cuts and mix tapes more than actual singles, see mix-tapes by dope underground artists as free albums, and see the transparency and fake drama of the "hip hop scene" with radio stations, magazines, that part of "hip hop" It means nothing to me unless its about who i listen to . . I have zero songs from Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Kanye music since Watch The Throne The fact the Def Jam allowed him to release that as a album and not force it to be mixtape because songs like Black Skinhead, and I am a God shows they knew it would be a success cuz of how high some of you put him on a pedestal like Kanye can't be measured by wack his lyrics were because his "artistic" production. I Make fun of Trinidad James, young thug, migos, chief keef in front of people who like them all the time cause they aint shit without the club airplay and they got obvious below average rap skills. In contrast, at the same time I have some of the relate-able songs from the mix-tapes of meek mill, young jeezy, rich homie so people know I am not one of those people who hate on everyone mainstream, hot in the streets.
Relate-able lyrics from rappers, rappers sometimes talking about how crazy or f'd up things are or what they have seen in a venting style, party songs with dope wordplay in the verses, is what I prefer.
13:12 might be the best Myke/Feefo interaction I've ever seen
I'm lucky I saw kendrick perform a few years back after section 80 dropped before all the hype. Payed 20$ to see him perform a few feet from me in a small venue with less than 100 people there and even got his autograph. I prefer seeing artist in that type of setting it is definitely more intimate.
And Kanye constantly says "IF YOUR A FAN OF KANYE WEST YOUR NOT A FAN OF ME YOUR A FAN OF YOURSELF, ALL IM DOING IS GIVING YOU THE SOUNDTRACK TO BE THE BEST YOU POSSIBLE" . And as far as concert tickets go it's a fucking production that goes into making these shows. For them to go out there rap there songs and leave would be bullshyt c'mon now. Imagine having Kanye and Jay come rap on 2 fuckin stools and leave. That what a 65 dollar ticket can get in a revenue like that would get you. Not to mention these artist are making most of their money on tour because nobody is even by records anymore.
Sorry, but I see BANDS (meaning 3-8 people in one group) play all the time in venues just as big as Jay and Kanye with tech crews just as large. A lot of times the crews are larger. Rappers don't need drum techs or guitar techs. These bands will have just as much pyro and bullshit as your average rappers and, guess what...I've never paid more than $60. So...
Myke C-Town i went to a kanye show (yeezus tour) and to be fair, with all the props, design and make up crew, multiple screens, dancers, impressive light show and kendrick opening up, I can see why he might charge a bit more than the average show, and lets not forget to mention, kanye is one of the best live hip hop performers to ever do it. do I think its worth $400-$500, no. Maybe a lil over $100 for good seats though. But we know jay-z isn't putting on shows like ye so I agree, Jay-z shouldn't be charging that much.
Marques Nieves Right on. Here's the thing...if it's worth it to you, and you can afford it, who am I to open my mouth? I was just speaking for people who'd like to go, but could never afford that kinda price tag. I wouldn't mind seeing Kanye, but I would never pay $100 let alone $300. But that's just me and only me. And, hey, Jay might surprise you this tour. Doing backflips like Master Splinter and shit. Haha!
Marques Nieves Now I just saw Jay and Beyonce perform in Philly 3 days ago. Now is what Jay does is basically what he's been doing since 03,play a bunch of his classics while inserting the new stuff here and there. Now the Beyonce side of it is extremely technical. Now I can't expect to of the biggest stars and to of the very best at what they do to go on tour together and to sell their tickets almost at a lose. Now is 500 extreme for one of them yes but for both no. Not when every other pop act (Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa etc) is selling their tickets for the same price and have been for years now.
Myke C-Town I can see that . Now is it more of a hip hop concert thing or concerts in general ? Because if Paul McCartney or Stevie Wonder or Prince were to go on tour and have their tickets in that 500 dollar range or higher I wouldn't be surprised. I would be like "Shyt that Stevie Wonder, he made Songs in the Key of Life, of course his tickets would be that " lol
I prefer rappers that give a message. And are just real with themselves and not annoying and stupid
Rob has point about jay z. Why do you think he called his album, the blue print? Or made records like a hard knock life or even, can I get? When he's snapping talking about I'm better, he's talking about the rappers who are showing lack of respect. He's showing off his lyrical ability and bragging for intimidation.
the only thing that turns me off is materialistic rap: money, cars, jewelry, weed, lean rap.
2000s east coast mixtape rap. If you ain't got no punchlines you can't rap to me.
FABBBBOLOSSSOOOO
@@MrPranker247 damn you can't rap at all? Lol
@@2khandz978 huh
@@MrPranker247 he said if you ain't got no punchlines you can't rap
@@2khandz978 i seem to have been referring to Fab the rapper
Feefo prefer it if it bang in the whip
Mike might of kept it too real for some people
I feel that Jon Connor is a great example of a person telling his story about the struggles and living a better life today presently. Does his newer content contain some braggadocios? Some but very little. He always keeps an inspiring message wit amazing lyricism to back it up.
I personally prefer the well rounded emcee. Jay-Z and Eminem are pretty well rounded counting their whole discography. Jay has violent songs like come and get me and threats, conscious ones like Minority Report, and telling you what goes on wen he was in the Crack Game like Can I Live. Eminem has inspiring songs like Lose Yourself, outside the box crazy stuff like I'm Back and political stuff like Mosh and We As Americans. 2pac same thing. Biggie, bragadocious Unbelievable, inspiring Sky's the Limit and sumthing for the ladies on One More Chance. Nas same thing. That's why these guys are regarded as the best. They were all so well rounded and could do more than one style. Today's rappers are so one dimensional. Rick Ross raps the same verse in every song. J Cole raps way too much about banging out chicks. Drake complains about his failed relationships. A$AP raps ignorance. All of these guys have skills and do what they do well, but are really one sided. Even Lil Wayne, prob the most overhyped ever, Dude was an amazing punchline rapper like Lloyd Banks and Fab were before him, but that's it. He really can't do much else. No one wants to hear Wayne talk about politics lol. Kendrick is prob the only new guy who is as versatile as the older legends. But that's really it.
Do you think Sophie ought to get a new intro ? Yes.
My top 5 has both P.O.S. and T.I., so I feel all of y'all on this.
T.I. makes me wanna hustle and work hard for some success in the future.
P.O.S. helps me deal with the shit I'm going through now and reminds me material shit ain't everything.
I think it's important to have a balance of both sides in your music.
Political rap is fucking nice but I like real introspective shit too. It has to bring a message or deep emotions. I guess that's why my favorite rappers ( Em, Kendrick, KRIT,...) do both.
Oh, the shit got be lyrically potent too. So the content is really an afterthought as long as it's delivered with skill. So 1. Beats 2. Lyrics 3. Content
From what hip hop I've listened to, I'm really into the bragodocious stuff.
It's just really good pump up music and I like the point that it's relatable as well.
Also, I'm totes new to hip hop so if anyone wants to recommend a few quality MCs out there, feel free.
Can't wait to hear what you guys have to say about These Days...
I don't care what rappers say as long as the way they say it sounds good and the beats are slamming. Like Boot Camp Clik's first four albums 1993-1996.
Feefo- slap in the wip
Psychedeliccccccc Shabazz Palaces, Flying Lotus, Chance the Rapper, STANKONIAAAA
Beezy will hate your shit if you put any happiness in your album. Beezy is a boom bap head.
beezy430 just my observation. No shots. I just notice you rarely fuck with shit that has like an ounce of pop influence.
Loved this. Also a little input to the Jay-Z $500 dollar tickets conversation, J. Cole just recently did a The Warm Up Tour and every ticket was $1 dollar.
Yall should have done a part 2 to this.
I agree with myke 100%
But im not gonna lie i need ratchet shit in my life every now and then "FUCK BITCHES IN THE FACE, POPPIN NIGGAS WIT MY NINE"
B always looks exactly the same. Dude never ages.
Love Ken's attitude in this one
Artists can charge how much they want if people are going to buy it. You don’t have to give them your money
Feefo made a great point with krit. One of my favorite artists is Chamillionaire and if you've heard any of his work you know he gives you such a variety of topics and does it all well. Then you have guys who are just lyrical miracle , or just trap, or just swag rap and if you notice most rappers with huge fan base are the ones that can offer that variety and be almost all those things. Balance is what feefo always says and you may have some more then othErs but enjoy it all. When I wanna hear gun talk, I throw in mobb deep. Bars, I throw on Czarface. Southern jams I do krit or Chamillionaire. Conscious, throw in Common or Brother Ali, introspection Pharoe Monch or Childish Gambino. Go stoner I throw on Mac Miller. Something for all occasions
I have a lot of thoughts on this topic:
If there are 2 rappers (1 rapping about braggadocious stuff and the other rapping about a consious message) and they are equal in skill, I would prefer the conscious message rapper....even if the braggadocious rapper is slightly better than the consious rapper, i'd probably still go for the conscious rapper because I understand that his/her intentions are better from my point of view...however, if the braggadocious rapper is quite a bit better than the conscious rapper, then I'd go for the braggadocious one...that's where I agree with Beezy in the sense that I just look for spitters in rap, so in other words, I care mostly about flow, delivery, and lyrics as opposed to straight up content...most of the stuff that I described in this paragraph is just generalizations and it will really just come down to specific rappers on a case-by-case basis.
If you'd look at my music player, you'd find more braggadocious songs than conscious songs, but I agree with Myke in the sense that I DEFINITELY prefer bragging about skill and how dope you are on the mic as opposed to materialistic things so that's kinda what I mean by braggadocious stuff on my music player...however, I think why the majority of songs on my player aren't conscious songs is because they are simply harder to find, and it takes twice the effort to understand the message of the conscious song as opposed to the braggadocious song (in fact that's the catch of a conscious song...the time and effort it takes to understand it is part of what makes a conscious song so good, and I'm sure the artist making a conscious song would prefer that the listener not get the message right away and spend more time dissecting it because many times, conscious songs have multiple meanings that can be looked at from many angles which would only further enhance the quality of the song). At the end of the day, time is a precious resource which is why conscious rap probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Off topic question, but this is for anybody in the comment section who wants to engage in a nice conversation and what not.
Who are your top 5 rappers of all time and 5 honorable mentions?
My list:
1. Diabolic.
2. Kool G Rap.
3. R.A. The Rugged Man.
4. Melle Mel.
5. Chuck D.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Necro.
2. Gore Elohim.
3. Vinnie Paz.
4. Coolio.
5. Esoteric.
16:09 Beezy look like he trying to find the meaning of life.
beezy430 You must have been terrified having Ken yell at you like that, you don't need to answer anymore questions from now on B.
Both. It's more about how you do it. It's more complicated than that though.
to put it simply, my favorite rappers are rappers who are themselves. It hardly matters what they're talking about if they're being themselves, to me.
I wouldn't say that honesty is the most important factor. I think that rappers only bragging about money is honest in a kind of way. The reason they brag might be because money is the only thing on their mind and they are in hip hop because of the business. And maybe ultimately, lost who they once was.
For me, some kind of self reflection and a will (and courage) to dig a bit deeper in your own emotions, or providing a critical view of the society we live in, is important. Of course, this doesn't mean that they can't make "fun" music about partying, feeling good and bragging. But there has to be some kind of balance.
Conscious
This is a very ambiguous question and for the most part I agree with Beezy. First and foremost, I care way more about music over message (e.g. groove/knock, flow, evolution). Perfect example: Freedie Gibb's "Harold's" on Cocaine Pinata. Dude is just talking about a chicken joint and this song goes so hard. But, with that said, messages can ruin a song for me, whether they are positive or negative. For me, if you're gonna try to spread some knowledge, it's gotta be a little tongue and cheek. I'd rather have a song evoke an emotion in me from a narrative or what have you (e.g. Kendrick's Art of Peer Pressure) than listen to Immortal Technique bark some conspiracy theory shit. Now, on the other hand, while it can be dope for a rapper to do some "I got mine because I put in some work" type of shit, it's gotta be inspiring. Myke, I like how you used the phrase "The Elite." Hip hop was started to fight oppression man. Poor blacks and whites couldn't get into or relate to the wealthy disco scene and this oppression was the genesis hip hop, punk and new wave music. So, when you have dudes like Meek Mill or Rick Ross or Jay Z or Ye making music for the elite (even though it's not your stereotypical white elite) then I think you are really diverging from what rap is suppose to be. But, more importantly, the records that are being put out now from all of those dudes I just mentioned have very uninspiring flows and grooves that don't push the music forward at all.
See, when I heard Gorgeous by Kanye West, he did rap about his riches and all the fine things he has in life. However he also DID give out a few inspiring messages together with his collaboration Raekwon, at the ended of some verses like:
"I treat the cash the way the government treats AIDS
I won’t be satisfied til all my n****s get it, get it?"
Or
"Keep it real or keep it moving, keep grinding
Keep shining, to every young man, this is a plan
Learn from others like your brothers Rae and Kanye."
200 bucks for a concert? I've been in KRS concert in Germany, ~50 buck, front row, he even signed a hoody for me while Supernatural was spitting...
Much Love
Thats one of the reasons why I respect the shit out of J Cole...dollar and a dream tour and hes a dope performer
Amen!! And he can rap both a conscience message and a materialistic message
Lol, Sophie said Yess @ 12:19,lol. I agree with Myke, I rather listen to a rapper I can relate to.
I like political rap more than braggadocio. I'm like Myke that way. I couldn't care less about material possessions and I don't want artists rubbing their successes in my face. There's a way to rhyme about success without verbally abusing the listener.
“I came from cooking in the damn kitchen tryna make this money.” -Feefo
ehh idk you guys have been at this for a while and i feel this video is kind of counter productive. This is a basic question that has basically answered itself over the years from you guys. Don't feel it's worthy of a full discussion
well, it was productive once yall started discussing artists bragging and whether its inspiring or not, but before that, i was like "i know what yall are gonna say to this question"
AFunkyDiabetic I see u everywhere
sorry brah
We don't pick the questions. We just answer it.
yeah i know, its not yalls fault. You still made the vid good tho
DEHH watch the latest Meek MiIl hot 97 interview. He said he gives random people money chains and other stuff. And that when he posts braggin type pics he does it because of the fact he finally got it. And if you watch the Dream Chasers channel trailer and he gave money to fans.
His new album title is "Dreams Worth More Than Money" and he said that the new album will be less braggin and more introspective type stuff. And that he only bragged for the money. I not a big Meek fan but he has some type of message.
That's touching, but he's still terrible.
Shockheadd45 You really went through all that trouble just to sway me? Look I respect your little spiel but the guy never struck me as anything remotely special or different.