Underground Hip Hop (Official Thread)

[dungeonwitch]

I've seen a few threads that had some underground hip hop stuff but nothing offical. This maybe the wrong type of music site to talk about this kind of stuff but might as well give it a try!

Just want to show some appreciation for some truley great people in the underground community. My personal favorite being Moka Only, formerly of Swollen Members.

[oddwithoutend]

Saul Williams.

tuQVNA3JstU

[3eb23]

just use the general hip hop thread. most of the stuff people talk about in there is "underground"

[oddwithoutend]

Or just listen to Saul Williams.

[IntoTheSun]

Backed.

[oddwithoutend]

Hard.

[Genuma]

plus i made a music forum hip hop thread a year ago.

[Laural666]

Hip Hop Sucks.

[Getup and Dance]

Hip Hop Sucks.

lol

[Laural666]

lol
Go Metal.

[IntoTheSun]

Go Metal.


wut

[Getup and Dance]

Go Metal.

lol

[Laural666]

wut
METALLLLLLLL!!!! And pop haha i hate rap and hip hop and all that shit.

[IntoTheSun]

METALLLLLLLL!!!! And pop haha i hate rap and hip hop and all that shit.
Bring me the horizon (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Bring+me+the+horizon), chiodos (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=chiodos), system of a down (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=system+of+a+down), Him (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Him), From first to last (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=From+first+to+last), 69 eyes (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=69+eyes), CKY (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=CKY), Korn (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Korn), Death cab for cutie (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Death+cab+for+cutie), hellogoodbye (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=hellogoodbye), green day (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=green+day), all time low (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=all+time+low), slipknot (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=slipknot), every time i die (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=every+time+i+die), the maine (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=the+maine), third eye blind (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=third+eye+blind), cute is what we aim for (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=cute+is+what+we+aim+for), panic at he disco (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=panic+at+he+disco), fall out boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=fall+out+boy), simple plan (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=simple+plan), seether (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=seether), devildriver (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=devildriver), hawthorne heights (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=hawthorne+heights), paramore (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=paramore), the toadies (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=the+toadies), as i lay dying (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=as+i+lay+dying), NIRVANA (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=NIRVANA), kill hannah (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=kill+hannah), killswitch engage (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=killswitch+engage), 3OH!3 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=3OH%213), the devil wears prada (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=the+devil+wears+prada), greeley estates (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=greeley+estates), autumn to ashes (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=autumn+to+ashes), weezer (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=weezer), and moree. (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=and+moree.)

I like metal, too.

[Laural666]

Good, good.

[Theseventhson]

Yeah, metal! Fuck that other style of music that I more than likely never gave a fair chance!

[kearn1tm]

I never venture into the General forum much, so I suppose this will have to do.

I've been tearing through Cage's efforts in the last decade. Movies for the Blind is one of the best Hip Hop records of the period. Dude actually pulls off sampling Goblin.

[kearn1tm]

Backed.

Didn't you just discover what Hip Hop was yesterday?!

OOOOOOOooooh.

[IntoTheSun]

Didn't you just discover what Hip Hop was yesterday?!

OOOOOOOooooh.

Shhhh...Rick and I are supposed to agree on everything!

Do you see what you've done?

[dungeonwitch]

I never venture into the General forum much, so I suppose this will have to do.

I've been tearing through Cage's efforts in the last decade. Movies for the Blind is one of the best Hip Hop records of the period. Dude actually pulls off sampling Goblin.
Finally someone who actually knows something! im looking forward to The Revenge of Chris Palko this year! I ordered all of his LP's along with The Best and Worst of Cage, a full length that has some unreleased stuff on it.

I know hes been around since like 89 or so but has he released anything pre 2002? if so, i'll be damned as to where to find it. As of now, i only need an LP he released in 03, and the Weathermen cd.

[kearn1tm]

Ft2G94KC1XY

UtRtqE-iXgs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtRtqE-iXgs)

a2ICdCJNaKI

I98iyEf5a7E

OfhDRLlDgss&feature=related

[softhands]

grab a shovle. we going undaground

[kearn1tm]

Finally someone who actually knows something! im looking forward to The Revenge of Chris Palko this year! I ordered all of his LP's along with The Best and Worst of Cage, a full length that has some unreleased stuff on it.

I know hes been around since like 89 or so but has he released anything pre 2002? if so, i'll be damned as to where to find it. As of now, i only need an LP he released in 03, and the Weathermen cd.

He moonlighted by making appearances on other cats work, like Pete Nice's solo album (3rd Base) in the early '90s. He was a fixture in the New York hip hop scene. Through his collaboration with Nice, he was able to do some freestyle work on local radio stations and eventually got to rub elbows with guys like Pharoae Moench and Necro and made some appearances on their stuff. I think he was signed to a major label in the late '90s, but was booted off for being trashed all the time.

He had a rough spell in the late '90s, being a junkie often strung-out on various drugs and ghostwalking through guest spots and underground shows. I recall a time when he claimed Eminem ripped-off his aesthetic/style. He eventually signed to Def Jux and got his shit together. He's an impressive guy who has a great ear for samples and production.

I'm stoked about the new album.

[dungeonwitch]

He moonlighted by making appearances on other cats work, like Pete Nice's solo album (3rd Base) in the early '90s. He was a fixture in the New York hip hop scene. Through his collaboration with Nice, he was able to do some freestyle work on local radio stations and eventually got to rub elbows with guys like Pharoae Moench and Necro and made some appearances on their stuff. I think he was signed to a major label in the late '90s, but was booted off for being trashed all the time.

He had a rough spell in the late '90s, being a junkie often strung-out on various drugs and ghostwalking through guest spots and underground shows. I recall a time when he claimed Eminem ripped-off his aesthetic/style. He eventually signed to Def Jux and got his shit together. He's an impressive guy who has a great ear for samples and production.

I'm stoked about the new album.
Thats cool i didnt know alot of that. Im sure you heard of the whole Shia Le bu bu thing right?

[kearn1tm]

Thats cool i didnt know alot of that. Im sure you heard of the whole Shia Le bu bu thing right?

Shia labouf? The actor? What about him?

[dungeonwitch]

Shia labouf? The actor? What about him?
http://www.avclub.com/articles/shia-labeouf-wants-to-play-cage,10220/
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1607184/story.jhtml

wow

[dungeonwitch]

another one
http://shiatalk.wordpress.com/tag/cage-biopic/

[dungeonwitch]

sounds to me like an 8 Mile sequel haha.

[kearn1tm]

http://www.avclub.com/articles/shia-labeouf-wants-to-play-cage,10220/
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1607184/story.jhtml

wow

That will be terrible.

[dungeonwitch]

That will be terrible.
haha come on im sure it wouldnt be THAT bad!

[kearn1tm]

haha come on im sure it wouldnt be THAT bad!

Dare to dream, my man. Shia is a rangeless "explosions actor." I don't particularly find the notion of him playing a nuanced role as a street-tough, self-made former junkie and underground Hip Hop star to be promising.

[dungeonwitch]

Dare to dream, my man. Shia is a rangeless "explosions actor." I don't particularly find the notion of him playing a nuanced role as a street-tough, self-made former junkie and underground Hip Hop star to be promising.
haha ok well maybe it wouldnt be the most convincing thing, but it looks like it will happen. Shit if Shia wants to, he could self produce the damn thing. i dont see that movie to be a big budget picture. If its done right, it could be good, i thought Notorious was a really good movie.

[Getup and Dance]

I never venture into the General forum much, so I suppose this will have to do.

I've been tearing through Cage's efforts in the last decade. Movies for the Blind is one of the best Hip Hop records of the period. Dude actually pulls off sampling Goblin.

We had one that was made last year or something, never got that big though.

[Getup and Dance]

Correction, made in 2008.

http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=443751

[wall e]

Tupac.

[kearn1tm]

We had one that was made last year or something, never got that big though.

Bummer. I missed it.

[kearn1tm]

Someone give me a late pass, but I finally picked up Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. 2. I know the Wu-guys solo stuff gets hype by association, but this one doesn't quite live up to the "best hip hop album of '09" title many critics were giving it. It's really solid though. I thought the samples were cool, with The Four Tops and Smokey Robinson among the samples.

[briewer]

Someone give me a late pass, but I finally picked up Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. 2. I know the Wu-guys solo stuff gets hype by association, but this one doesn't quite live up to the "best hip hop album of '09" title many critics were giving it. It's really solid though. I thought the samples were cool, with The Four Tops and Smokey Robinson among the samples.
What's your hip hop album of '09 then? Born Like This?

[IWasaCamera]

En'A-Free-Ka for me.

[kearn1tm]

What's your hip hop album of '09 then? Born Like This?

Born Like This was enjoyable, but I haven't spun it more than three or four times, so I can't really say.

However, my favorite would be a 4-way tie between Speech Debelle's Speech Therapy, Camu Tao's post-humorous King of Hearts, General Steele's Welcome to Bucktown or Theophilus London's This Charming Mix-Tape.

Also, I should elaborate on Raekwon's record - it's good, and it borders on really good, but I suspect he's cruising on reputation and association in relation to hype/attention/praise, or maybe the general consensus is that it's better than I see it as. I don't know. I do know I enjoyed the four above mentioned much more (and though I want to say I dug it more than Born Like This, it's not a fair comparison, considering how little I've spent with the album).

[kearn1tm]

En'A-Free-Ka for me.

I picked this up in October when it was released. It's not bad, but I never allowed it to grow on me.

[myplanforescape]

I'm a big Cage fan, I've enjoyed almost everything he's done with the exception of Smut Peddlers and some cameos on other songs. Ballad of Worms was actually the song that got me into Built to Spill, because I loved the sample so much.

To be honest though, I don't know a whole lot about Hip-Hop. I've been listening to El-P, Doomtree, Slum Village, and Theophilus London. Artists I've mostly picked up lurking threads on ap.

[iSasquatchh]

I like metal, too.

Lol'd hard

[iSasquatchh]

I'm a big Cage fan, I've enjoyed almost everything he's done with the exception of Smut Peddlers and some cameos on other songs. Ballad of Worms was actually the song that got me into Built to Spill, because I loved the sample so much.

To be honest though, I don't know a whole lot about Hip-Hop. I've been listening to El-P, Doomtree, Slum Village, and Theophilus London. Artists I've mostly picked up lurking threads on ap.

I straight up fucking love you.

Cage is, undoubtedly, the best to ever live.

[Sensez Fail]

Yes to Cage.

Saw him 3 times on his latest tours. Twice in NY, once in July & again a few weeks ago, also saw him in Philly in August it was like 100 degrees in there but was so worth it. SICK SICK SICK. The last show he did Shoot Frank and Palumbo came out for the vocals, was truly epic.

[dungeonwitch]

I need to pick up some more of Cage's stuff, like Night Hawks, Leak Bros, and the Weathermen LP's. i own copies of all everything else.

[kearn1tm]

I'm a big Cage fan, I've enjoyed almost everything he's done with the exception of Smut Peddlers and some cameos on other songs. Ballad of Worms was actually the song that got me into Built to Spill, because I loved the sample so much.

To be honest though, I don't know a whole lot about Hip-Hop. I've been listening to El-P, Doomtree, Slum Village, and Theophilus London. Artists I've mostly picked up lurking threads on ap.

Yeah, Cage is an inspired and prolific MC, works with great producers and is himself a strong splicer of sounds. My only problem is the rampant homophobia in his lyrics.

El-P, Doomtree, Slum Village and Theophilus London are all good (especially Doomtree), but I urge you to get The Cold Vein by Cannibal Ox. It's Vast Aire and Vordul Mega's only album together, but it's brilliant and, at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, among the best Hip Hop albums ever.

[dungeonwitch]

Yeah, Cage is an inspired and prolific MC, works with great producers and is himself a strong splicer of sounds. My only problem is the rampant homophobia in his lyrics.

El-P, Doomtree, Slum Village and Theophilus London are all good (especially Doomtree), but I urge you to get The Cold Vein by Cannibal Ox. It's Vast Aire and Vordul Mega's only album together, but it's brilliant and, at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, among the best Hip Hop albums ever.
are you a fan of Moka Only/Torch/Station Agent?

[Brand-new-123]

I like Brother Ali.

mCk7gb7b2MA

[myplanforescape]

Yeah, Cage is an inspired and prolific MC, works with great producers and is himself a strong splicer of sounds. My only problem is the rampant homophobia in his lyrics.

El-P, Doomtree, Slum Village and Theophilus London are all good (especially Doomtree), but I urge you to get The Cold Vein by Cannibal Ox. It's Vast Aire and Vordul Mega's only album together, but it's brilliant and, at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, among the best Hip Hop albums ever.

Thanks for the rec, I've seen it mentioned a few times before. I'll have to look into it.

[kearn1tm]

are you a fan of Moka Only/Torch/Station Agent?

I dig Swollen Members, but I've never listened to Moka Only's solo stuff. Is it any good?

[dungeonwitch]

I dig Swollen Members, but I've never listened to Moka Only's solo stuff. Is it any good?
You're in for a treat. Moka is above Cage in terms of skills IMO, plus he produces almost every track on his records. I'll break it down for you this way...

He goes by different names. Each LP under the Moka Only moniker has a different style, for example, one LP is mostly R&B stuff with a little bit of rap. While another is straight hip hop with different brass instruments in the background. The rest are straight hip hop with subtle differences.

-Moka Only, 12 LP's
-Torch. 1 LP
-Station Agent, 1 LP
-Ron Contour, 5 LP's

If you want a rec, i'de say Moka Only's Vermillion, probably the best out of all his LP's. Followed closely by Carrots & Eggs, then The Desired Effect (his sole R&B style LP).

[kearn1tm]

You're in for a treat. Moka is above Cage in terms of skills IMO, plus he produces almost every track on his records. I'll break it down for you this way...

He goes by different names. Each LP under the Moka Only moniker has a different style, for example, one LP is mostly R&B stuff with a little bit of rap. While another is straight hip hop with different brass instruments in the background. The rest are straight hip hop with subtle differences.

-Moka Only, 12 LP's
-Torch. 1 LP
-Station Agent, 1 LP
-Ron Contour, 5 LP's

If you want a rec, i'de say Moka Only's Vermillion, probably the best out of all his LP's. Followed closely by Carrots & Eggs, then The Desired Effect (his sole R&B style LP).

Goddamn, he's prolific. I'll check it out. Thanks, man.

[dungeonwitch]

Goddamn, he's prolific. I'll check it out. Thanks, man.
for real, hes up there like Doom status with releases haha.

you tube Moka Only - Do

one of his best tracks.

[dungeonwitch]

some more names to throw out there....

-Snak The Ripper
-Yak
-Binary Star
-One Be Lo
-Blu & Exile
-Grieves
-J. Medeiros
-Oldominion
-Sandpeople
-Hangar 18

[Sensez Fail]

myspace.com/spoonfullhiphop

Check that and tell me its not amazing.

[dungeonwitch]

myspace.com/spoonfullhiphop

Check that and tell me its not amazing.
damnit, at work, cant go on myspace!

[ThePartialGlow]

Check out my brother: myspace.com/flotation

[rhombuspresents]

check out

http://www.olduglyco.com a local label here in Edmonton, run by The Joe, one of the cities sweetest underground rappers.
Mitch, Mikey, Well Put, and Rap Club are all worth a listen to.

[Sensez Fail]

damnit, at work, cant go on myspace!

check it when you get a minute, its very indie hip hop with acoustic guitars and all. Its dope.

[dungeonwitch]

check it when you get a minute, its very indie hip hop with acoustic guitars and all. Its dope.
eh i dont know then haha. i have a very very perticular taste when it comes to hip hop. here is some stuff i DONT like and will give you an example.

-POS
-Wale
-MOST of Slug's stuff
-MOST of Murs' stuff
-MOST of Aesop's stuff

[Sensez Fail]

What is it about their stuff you dont like? I dont like a ton of Aes Rock or Murs myself but LOVE POS & Slug is a sick MC not a fan of the newer stuff but appreciate him.

I noticed you said Grieves tho. Props for days that kid is the truth.

[deadkidsean]

Atmosphere/Slug SUCKS. Most overrated shit ever.

[Sensez Fail]

Atmosphere/Slug SUCKS. Most overrated shit ever.

Top 5 UG artists, go...

[dungeonwitch]

Atmosphere/Slug SUCKS. Most overrated shit ever.
Its not so much hes overrated IMO.

i guess it has to do with his voice, or his lyrical content. the only time i like him is when he was in FELT, NOT the new cd, screw that, aesop producing it made it the biggest POS(pun intended) they've released. Ant should have been there.

as far as Murs, i only like 3:16, that album is really good. But hes a bit too perverted at times, plus he turned all political for some reason.

POS/WALE are mainstream, plus their beats, flows suck.

[deadkidsean]

Top 5 UG artists, go...
Right now or all-time?

[poppa Q]

POS/WALE are mainstream, plus their beats, flows suck.
This is just not true.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

haha the fuck is this dude talking about?

[dungeonwitch]

This is just not true.
which part?

late night guest spots, warped tour, videos on mtv/fuse = mainstream

them sucking, purely my opinion.

look at my list of what i like, MOST is laid back hip hop.

[dungeonwitch]

haha the fuck is this dude talking about?
who?

[Sensez Fail]

Right now or all-time?

both.

[deadkidsean]

I gotta staunchly disagree with anyone that says P.O.S. has shitty beats. Lazerbeak is the most talented cat producing right now.

[dungeonwitch]

I gotta staunchly disagree with anyone that says P.O.S. has shitty beats. Lazerbeak is the most talented cat producing right now.

i dunno, that was all MO, im not a fan of the fast sparatic beats. well, not entirely. Ant is a great producer, and mostly fast.

[Sensez Fail]

Its not so much hes overrated IMO.

i guess it has to do with his voice, or his lyrical content. the only time i like him is when he was in FELT, NOT the new cd, screw that, aesop producing it made it the biggest POS(pun intended) they've released. Ant should have been there.

as far as Murs, i only like 3:16, that album is really good. But hes a bit too perverted at times, plus he turned all political for some reason.

POS/WALE are mainstream, plus their beats, flows suck.

POS before Never Better only had a handful of good songs but I think Never Better is a CLASSIC. His flow and delivery is a lot more polished & I love the production on it for the most part.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

who?

No, that's cool, it is purely opinion. Still don't get how if they frequent any of those main stream acts they suck. Each their own, obviously.

[poppa Q]

which part?

late night guest spots, warped tour, videos on mtv/fuse = mainstream

them sucking, purely my opinion.

look at my list of what i like, MOST is laid back hip hop.

Yeah, sorry, wasn't referring to the "mainstream" part of the post. I think few people have better flow than Wale right now and POS at least has some unique production that doesn't play it safe at all.

[dungeonwitch]

No, that's cool, it is purely opinion. Still don't get how if they frequent any of those main stream acts they suck. Each their own, obviously.
This goes for every medium of entertainment...

Just because you're mainstream doesnt mean your good.

Alot of unsigned bands/artists, and independently released movies are way better than stuff that gets released by some big label or distributor.

[poppa Q]

^ Not trying to be an ass, but that's probably the biggest "DUH" statement I've heard all year.

[ThisIsNotDan]

any fans of Blue Scholars in here? I know Sean and Trevor helped get me into them, but anyone else? I need some new material, still haven't gotten the OOF ep

[HangsLikeHeaven]

This goes for every medium of entertainment...

Just because you're mainstream doesnt mean your good.

Alot of unsigned bands/artists, and independently released movies are way better than stuff that gets released by some big label or distributor.

Again, you're right, but it can be flipped around. I adore some (if not most) mainstream music.

I realize there's more publicity/directed to radio (at times)/more money invested - but you can't collectively put all mainstream music together. This is a really silly argument haha. You get what I'm saying and vise versa.

[deadkidsean]

both.
Meh, I'll do a mix of my favorites now as well as all-time:

Theophilus London
One Be Lo/Binary Star
Cecil Otter
Blu
Naeem Juwan
Deltron 3030
Common Market
Blueprint
Black Thought/The Roots
CanOx
DJ Shadow
Paper Tiger
Kool Keith/Doc Oc/Black Elvis/Ultramagnetics
Dilla
Dead Prez
Little Brother
Guru/Gang Starr
Mictlan


I can keep going ....

[Sensez Fail]

Meh, I'll do a mix of my favorites now as well as all-time:

Theophilus London
One Be Lo/Binary Star
Cecil Otter
Blu
Naeem Juwan
Deltron 3030
Common Market
Blueprint
Black Thought/The Roots
CanOx
DJ Shadow
Paper Tiger
Kool Keith/Doc Oc/Black Elvis/Ultramagnetics
Dilla
Dead Prez
Little Brother
Guru/Gang Starr
Mictlan


I can keep going ....

Gangstarr is hardly underground. Dig the list for the most part tho.

[dungeonwitch]

^ Not trying to be an ass, but that's probably the biggest "DUH" statement I've heard all year.
haha i know.

But to each their own. Ya know im surprised i havent heard anyone, except for myself, talk about MF Doom.

[Sensez Fail]

http://www.myspace.com/grynchmusic

Another dope artist that I havent seen mentioned, has a song with One Be Lo who a few on here seem to dig.. check it.

[deadkidsean]

Gangstarr is hardly underground. Dig the list for the most part tho.
Neither are The Roots, but I couldn't make a list without both The Roots and Gang Starr, haha. Took all my might not to put Eric B. and Rakim.

[Sensez Fail]

Also, GDP is a beast. No mention of him.

[Sensez Fail]

Neither are The Roots, but I couldn't make a list without both The Roots and Gang Starr, haha. Took all my might not to put Eric B. and Rakim.

True enough, Roots are much less mainstream then Gangstarr tho, I guess just off the strength that Premiere is recognized as one of the most iconic producers of all time.

Black Thought might be the best emcee Ive ever heard. No Big L mention on the list is a little disappointing tho.

[deadkidsean]

You guys like Ninjasonik? Shit is hilarious. Here's their next album/EP cover - Strictly 4 My Hipstaz lol

http://i50.tinypic.com/11hwl82.jpg


WUhEQnkfn3g&feature=player_embedded
Qs6u3at4jTw&feature=player_embedded
cFnupeF6uvU&feature=player_embedded

[deadkidsean]

True enough, Roots are much less mainstream then Gangstarr tho, I guess just off the strength that Premiere is recognized as one of the most iconic producers of all time.

Black Thought might be the best emcee Ive ever heard. No Big L mention on the list is a little disappointing tho.
I love Big L but didn't think he was underground enough, either, though. lol


Yeah, Black Thought is my #2 emcee of all-time after Lo.

[dungeonwitch]

what about Brokencyde? haha

Let me say first that i DO NOT LIKE THEM

BUT

No one on this site gives them credit, they are the only group (that i know of) that is doing something like this. True, not all ideas are good ideas, but they got some balls for trying it and will make money off all the negative publicity they recieve!

[Getup and Dance]

any fans of Blue Scholars in here? I know Sean and Trevor helped get me into them, but anyone else? I need some new material, still haven't gotten the OOF ep

Common Markets new Material is a lot better than Blue Scholars new material in my opinion.

[dungeonwitch]

I love Big L but didn't think he was underground enough, either, though. lol


Yeah, Black Thought is my #2 emcee of all-time after Lo.
is it just me, or is One Be Lo a racist? he refers to white people as Peagan Faces.

[deadkidsean]

yeah there is something admirable about how much shit they get and how much they dont give a fuck lol

[deadkidsean]

is it just me, or is One Be Lo a racist? he refers to white people as Peagan Faces.
You talking about in "Wake Up" .. ? Because a pagan is someone that doesn't practice Judaism, Christianity, or Islam ...

[deadkidsean]

Common Markets new Material is a lot better than Blue Scholars new material in my opinion.
waaaaaaaay, yep

[Sensez Fail]

Common Markets new Material is a lot better than Blue Scholars new material in my opinion.

Yeah its really not even close, Common Market is amazing.


Nobody was into Spoon tho? I think hes dope as hell.

[dungeonwitch]

You talking about in "Wake Up" .. ? Because a pagan is someone that doesn't practice Judaism, Christianity, or Islam ...
No, Sleepwalking from the S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. album.

"Now the latest pagen faces be the flyest MC's."

Given the context of the song, its obviously towards white guys.

Besides that, he is the shit, Enecs Ent No Kcab is one of his best songs IMO.

oh oh, what about Cyne? Binary Star and Cyne seem to go hand in hand.

[deadkidsean]

No, Sleepwalking from the S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. album.

"Now the latest pagen faces be the flyest MC's."

Given the context of the song, its obviously towards white guys.

Besides that, he is the shit, Enecs Ent No Kcab is one of his best songs IMO.

oh oh, what about Cyne? Binary Star and Cyne seem to go hand in hand.
Yeah, we're talking about the same song lol it was originally called "Wake Up."

[dungeonwitch]

Yeah, we're talking about the same song lol it was originally called "Wake Up."
haha alright then! I dunno, i dont really dig that. I think One Be Lo is Islamic based on some of this lyrics....which would explain the racism!

But whatever, i'de like to see a white MC come out saying similar shit but flip it around. See how that plays out haha.

[deadkidsean]

yeah he's a muslim (coverted)

[Getup and Dance]

Eligh and The Grouch are also the two better MCs in Living Legends, their Solo Colab albums are better than most of MURS stuff.

[dungeonwitch]

what about Elzhi?

[pandasaurus151]

Any Jedi Mind Tricks fans here? if not check out I against I

[dungeonwitch]

Any Jedi Mind Tricks fans here? if not check out I against I
Naa, too much violent content for me haha. I feel the same way about Immortal Technique, Army of Pharoes or however you spell it.

Jus Allah on the other hand is pretty good.

[Sensez Fail]

Elzhi is awesome.

Jedi Mind Tricks is raw, I have to be in a certain mood to listen to them. Also a pretty big Ill Bill/Non Phixion fan at times.

[Sensez Fail]

Naa, too much violent content for me haha. I feel the same way about Immortal Technique, Army of Pharoes or however you spell it.

Jus Allah on the other hand is pretty good.

Could never get past Allah's pronunciation and his voice personally. His content is pretty reckless too though surprised you dig him but not Paz.

[dungeonwitch]

Could never get past Allah's pronunciation and his voice personally. His content is pretty reckless too though surprised you dig him but not Paz.
i think Vinnie's voice is what gets to me, its way over the top fake.

[bandrewes]

JAZZ LIBERATORZ
so sick

[kearn1tm]

Atmosphere/Slug SUCKS. Most overrated shit ever.

Atmosphere isn't that bad. You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having is a good album.

Its not so much hes overrated IMO.

i guess it has to do with his voice, or his lyrical content. the only time i like him is when he was in FELT, NOT the new cd, screw that, aesop producing it made it the biggest POS(pun intended) they've released. Ant should have been there.

as far as Murs, i only like 3:16, that album is really good. But hes a bit too perverted at times, plus he turned all political for some reason.

POS/WALE are mainstream, plus their beats, flows suck.

Ha. I find MURS very refreshing. From mindless hedonism to a budding sense of social awareness, he's a growing artist, and he works with some of the best producers. I'll admit MURS 3:16 is probably his best effort, but Good Music is bordering on great, and the most recent album is a "sell-out album" that ups the rapper's game considerably.

POS is one of the cats who makes solid music, but whose hype eclipses the efforts and makes them look worse as they're dwarfed by the expectations. He's the Animal Collective of crossover underground hip hop. Wale's not that great, unless he's working with 88-Keys.

[kearn1tm]

any fans of Blue Scholars in here? I know Sean and Trevor helped get me into them, but anyone else? I need some new material, still haven't gotten the OOF ep
I was a big fan when I heard the self-titled. Then they opened for Kanye and Immortal Technique and Sabzi starting producing like he was Kanye Fiasco. They sounded so derivative with Beyani.

[kearn1tm]

Any Jedi Mind Tricks fans here? if not check out I against I

I love Jus Allah on his own, and Violent by Design was great. The other stuff I'm not huge on, and they're far too homophobic for my liking.

[kearn1tm]

I'm really sweet on the two Haiku D'Etat albums. They're a great mix of spoken work/slam poetry and actual hip hop/lyricism. Great, minimalist stuff with an actual message. Mikah 9 is rad.

[dungeonwitch]

Atmosphere isn't that bad. You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having is a good album.



Ha. I find MURS very refreshing. From mindless hedonism to a budding sense of social awareness, he's a growing artist, and he works with some of the best producers. I'll admit MURS 3:16 is probably his best effort, but Good Music is bordering on great, and the most recent album is a "sell-out album" that ups the rapper's game considerably.

POS is one of the cats who makes solid music, but whose hype eclipses the efforts and makes them look worse as they're dwarfed by the expectations. He's the Animal Collective of crossover underground hip hop. Wale's not that great, unless he's working with 88-Keys.

I dont really see Murs as a growing artist, hes been around for a long ass time, similar to Slug, and you wouldnt call Slug "growing". more like "aging". Shit, they both started at around the same time and are very close in age.

But i do like the Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter EP's that slug put out, RFTC is a really good song.

i guess i dont really feel POS because Drumroll got on my nerves soooo much, as far as Wale, well he is simply too produced for my liking.

[deadkidsean]

I'm really sweet on the two Haiku D'Etat albums. They're a great mix of spoken work/slam poetry and actual hip hop/lyricism. Great, minimalist stuff with an actual message. Mikah 9 is rad.
Ace1 is one of my all-time favorites.

[deadkidsean]

and Elzhi is a fucking monster

[kearn1tm]

I dont really see Murs as a growing artist, hes been around for a long ass time, similar to Slug, and you wouldnt call Slug "growing". more like "aging". Shit, they both started at around the same time and are very close in age.

But i do like the Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter EP's that slug put out, RFTC is a really good song.

MURS' sound is certainly in a state of static (not necessarily a bad thing), but the fact that he's growing a greater sense of scope and cultural awareness is the sign of an artist who is growing. It doesn't matter if you've been recording since 1831, if you start to show signs of maturation, you're growing, and MURS for President sees him tackling an erratic western sociopolitical climate from a perspective that's completely different than the "altruistic" arena rock bands using it as a gimmick (and MURS does it from a micro perspective, keeping it firmly planted on individual, backyard scenarios).

i guess i dont really feel POS because Drumroll got on my nerves soooo much, as far as Wale, well he is simply too produced for my liking.

POS isn't great by any means, but dude has some decent stuff and yeah, Wale isn't particularly great, but he's done some producing with 88-Keys that masked his (many) weaknesses.

[kearn1tm]

Ace1 is one of my all-time favorites.

I like his work in Haiku, but never checked out anything he's done outside of that or the Freestyle Fellowship.

[deadkidsean]

I like his work in Haiku, but never checked out anything he's done outside of that or the Freestyle Fellowship.
Oh man, look into Accepted Eclectic (http://www.amazon.com/Accepted-Eclectic-Aceyalone/dp/B000056Q1Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263943136&sr=8-2) and Love & Hate (http://www.amazon.com/Love-Hate-Aceyalone/dp/B00009EIS4/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_3). He even dropped a jazzy (for lack of better term) album last year called Aceyalone and the Lonely Ones which was great.

[dungeonwitch]

MURS' sound is certainly in a state of static (not necessarily a bad thing), but the fact that he's growing a greater sense of scope and cultural awareness is the sign of an artist who is growing. It doesn't matter if you've been recording since 1831, if you start to show signs of maturation, you're growing, and MURS for President sees him tackling an erratic western sociopolitical climate from a perspective that's completely different than the "altruistic" arena rock bands using it as a gimmick (and MURS does it from a micro perspective, keeping it firmly planted on individual, backyard scenarios).



POS isn't great by any means, but dude has some decent stuff and yeah, Wale isn't particularly great, but he's done some producing with 88-Keys that masked his (many) weaknesses.
i guess i got annoyed by Murs because of all the praise he got due to his hair. i think it was on MTV, some girl was saying how its rare for a black man to have hair "naturally" grow that way, and how only prolific people can have this happen to them.

i dont know exactly what she said, it was a while ago, but holy shit it was like come on, its just hair!

[kearn1tm]

Oh man, look into Accepted Eclectic (http://www.amazon.com/Accepted-Eclectic-Aceyalone/dp/B000056Q1Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263943136&sr=8-2) and Love & Hate (http://www.amazon.com/Love-Hate-Aceyalone/dp/B00009EIS4/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_3). He even dropped a jazzy (for lack of better term) album last year called Aceyalone and the Lonely Ones which was great.

I'm getting some solid recs here. I'm headed to the shop this weekend. Good to know. Thanks, man. Do you dig Freestyle Fellowship?

[kearn1tm]

i guess i got annoyed by Murs because of all the praise he got due to his hair. i think it was on MTV, some girl was saying how its rare for a black man to have hair "naturally" grow that way, and how only prolific people can have this happen to them.

That's crazy. I never heard that. However, I wouldn't judge a guy's work on what one video jockey says about his hair.

[deadkidsean]

I'm getting some solid recs here. I'm headed to the shop this weekend. Good to know. Thanks, man. Do you dig Freestyle Fellowship?
For sure man, definitely. They're some of the only west-coast underground shit I can still rock with consistently (namely, Myka 9 and Ace). Most of the Living Legends don't do it for me anymore, with a few exceptions - and The Pharcyde aren't making music atm, sadly. But yeah, to answer your question: Yes. Haha.

[kearn1tm]

For sure man, definitely. They're some of the only west-coast underground shit I can still rock with consistently (namely, Myka 9 and Ace). Most of the Living Legends don't do it for me anymore, with a few exceptions - and The Pharcyde aren't making music atm, sadly. But yeah, to answer your question: Yes. Haha.

They definitely have a distinct, Jazz-infused, slam poetry style that can get cumbersome after a while. I adore the scene though. Great stuff. Anything off 4th and B'way is gold.

[dungeonwitch]

That's crazy. I never heard that. However, I wouldn't judge a guy's work on what one video jockey says about his hair.
haha i dont base it on that. and it wasnt a VJ, it was some psychologist that said that. its called something, im trying to look it up because i almost laughed at what she was talking about.

[kearn1tm]

haha i dont base it on that. and it wasnt a VJ, it was some psychologist that said that. its called something, im trying to look it up because i almost laughed at what she was talking about.

A psychologist was commenting on his "natural hair?" Ha. That sounds ridiculous.

[dungeonwitch]

damn its frustrating me that i cant find out what she was talking about haha. something about the way it was growing was specific only to certain types of people. not ethnicities, but rather personality traits, it was waaay out there. typical head case type shit. i thougth it was hilarious.

my whole point was that alot of MTV type fans who saw that would like Murs is some prolific icon, rather than a hip hop artist.

[kearn1tm]

damn its frustrating me that i cant find out what she was talking about haha. something about the way it was growing was specific only to certain types of people. not ethnicities, but rather personality traits, it was waaay out there. typical head case type shit. i thougth it was hilarious.

my whole point was that alot of MTV type fans who saw that would like Murs is some prolific icon, rather than a hip hop artist.

Well, they're not wrong about the "prolific" comment. He's put out or contributed to a lot of stuff in the last twelve-ish years.

I wouldn't call him an icon though.

[3eb23]

Speaking of things that are prolific, check out Prolyphic & Reanimator if ya'll missed this album from '08. I know Sean has listened to the record but I haven't seen anyone else mention it. I like it. Little on the depressing side of things but it's good.

bP5p2TSOy88

"I hate when crowds are easily impressed by double time"

[dungeonwitch]

Well, they're not wrong about the "prolific" comment. He's put out or contributed to a lot of stuff in the last twelve-ish years.

I wouldn't call him an icon though.
anywho, have you checked Moka?

[pandasaurus151]

atmosphere blue scholars living legends

[pandasaurus151]

That's crazy. I never heard that. However, I wouldn't judge a guy's work on what one video jockey says about his hair.


I Saw Murs live and was so unimpressed

[Sensez Fail]

Speaking of things that are prolific, check out Prolyphic & Reanimator if ya'll missed this album from '08. I know Sean has listened to the record but I haven't seen anyone else mention it. I like it. Little on the depressing side of things but it's good.

bP5p2TSOy88

"I hate when crowds are easily impressed by double time"

Sick. Good looking out, Im gonna DL some stuff.

[dungeonwitch]

^^wow the instruments in that youtube clip are very, very whack.

[kearn1tm]

I can't believe I haven't seen Breaking Atoms mentioned yet. Without a doubt, that LP was one of the most innovative and luminary works of the '90s. Main Source was the trio Large Professor was in and a frequent Nas collaborator.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5c/Breakingatoms.jpg

1TdZseXO7IE

TKmXiEqdz0c

[deadkidsean]

Top 10 all-time. Thing is, most haven't been talking about classic shit.

[kearn1tm]

^^wow the instruments in that youtube clip are very, very whack.

It's pretty solid, save for those ill-fitting keyboards.

[kearn1tm]

Top 10 all-time. Thing is, most haven't been talking about classic shit.

True, and on that note, Planet Rock, people. It's one of the best "starting points."

[kearn1tm]

I picked up Funcrusher Plus today. Damn good stuff.

[kearn1tm]

The Mr. Dibiase/P.U.D.G.E. split is truly inspired. Dibiase sprawls his sun-drunk funk-wonk all over the A-side with tracks loaded with film samples, neon electroid synthlines, and beats that fall somewhere between Ras G and Dilla. P.U.D.G.E.'s cut's are more quick and sparse, building his beats in a wickedly sloppy-jallopy style. It's just really good.

http://www.moovmnt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Dibiase-pudge-smoke.jpg

[Sensez Fail]

nWhx-CtPmBU

kCgA6D6KFoQ

7lJ3fgNc86M

2E-mZopw1-Q

MyifBL_r9nI



Macklemore is SICK.

[3eb23]

48tMJbuUxrk

[kearn1tm]

Bump

[kearn1tm]

Just a heads up, guys. I'm going to start twelve new underground/mainstream hip-hop threads, so milk this one while you have the chance!

[iSasquatchh]

This thread needs way more:

Cage
Tame One
Yak Ballz
Aesop Rock

[myplanforescape]

This thread needs way more:

Cage
Tame One
Yak Ballz
Aesop Rock

Def Jux much? Cage is good, but I don't really care for the rest of those. Also El-P is the best thing about Def Jux.

[kearn1tm]

Def Jux much? Cage is good, but I don't really care for the rest of those. Also El-P is the best thing about Def Jux.

Aesop Rock gets so much hype, it's astounding. Most do on that label, but especially him. He's a capable MC, but nothing more.

[ThisIsNotDan]

yeah from the few Aesop tunes I've heard, he's not my favorite

[myplanforescape]

Aesop Rock gets so much hype, it's astounding. Most do on that label, but especially him. He's a capable MC, but nothing more.

Yeah, I agree. I've enjoyed a few songs from him here and there but I've never been overly impressed by him.

[kearn1tm]

suiySjLrpnI

These two are Mr. Dibiase and P.U.D.G.E. They're fantastic mixers and producers. They recently released a new split. You can hear cuts from it here: http://smashcartel.com/?p=2908

It's really good.

[Pawan1993]

Ahhh... Thank god for underground hip hop. In an age of over saturated shitty hip hop, it's good we have artists like these. P.O.S. I think would count as a good underground rapper.
Just a question though, I dont get anything over the shit around Tupac. Is he really that good?
I always thought he was way overrated.

[iSasquatchh]

To deny this track is to deny everything that is good about hip-hop...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEBGCOCxLgA

[iSasquatchh]

Def Jux much? Cage is good, but I don't really care for the rest of those. Also El-P is the best thing about Def Jux.

I'm quite fond of the artists coming from Def Jux, although now most of them have strayed from it.

Aesop Rock gets so much hype, it's astounding. Most do on that label, but especially him. He's a capable MC, but nothing more.

I disagree. I think he deserves all the hype he gets (Which I actually don't see any of). I really like his style.

Yeah, I agree. I've enjoyed a few songs from him here and there but I've never been overly impressed by him.

Took me a few listens to really get into him but now I can't get enough.

[myplanforescape]

I'm quite fond of the artists coming from Def Jux, although now most of them have strayed from it.



I disagree. I think he deserves all the hype he gets (Which I actually don't see any of). I really like his style.



Took me a few listens to really get into him but now I can't get enough.

El-P is stepping down as head of the label to focus on producing and recording his own music, and Def Jux is actually going on Hiatus.

As for Aesop Rock, I've always thought he's had a pretty big following from the white kids who go around hating on most hip-hop saying shit like "oh I do like hip-hop just none of that mainstream stuff, I only like 'intelligent' stuff like Aesop Rock". Personally I've listened to Labor Days and None Shall Pass multiple times and it does nothing for me.

[iSasquatchh]

El-P is stepping down as head of the label to focus on producing and recording his own music, and Def Jux is actually going on Hiatus.

As for Aesop Rock, I've always thought he's had a pretty big following from the white kids who go around hating on most hip-hop saying shit like "oh I do like hip-hop just none of that mainstream stuff, I only like 'intelligent' stuff like Aesop Rock". Personally I've listened to Labor Days and None Shall Pass multiple times and it does nothing for me.


That's because most white kids don't give a rats ass about being "gangsta" and focus more on things they can relate to, and what's considerded mainstream in hip-hop is exactly that... I would definitely agree that he makes very intelligent music, being a mainly rock-music oriented white kid.

[kearn1tm]

That's because most white kids don't give a rats ass about being "gangsta" and focus more on things they can relate to, and what's considerded mainstream in hip-hop is exactly that... I would definitely agree that he makes very intelligent music, being a mainly rock-music oriented white kid.

This is so incredibly wrong and yes, white kids are very consumed with substanceless posturing which manifests itself in mainstream music, in addition to cultural co-opting of the afro-aesthetic by bored white kids. It happens often.

Also, this implies that African-American artists don't focus on making intelligent music.

Fun Fact: Aseop Rock has never recording anything remotely as "intelligent" as, say The Cold Vein or A Heap of Broken Images or The Listening.

[iSasquatchh]

This is so incredibly wrong and yes, white kids are very consumed with substanceless posturing which manifests itself in mainstream music, in addition to cultural co-opting of the afro-aesthetic by bored white kids. It happens often.

Also, this implies that African-American artists don't focus on making intelligent music.

Fun Fact: Aseop Rock has never recording anything remotely as "intelligent" as, say The Cold Vein or A Heap of Broken Images or The Listening.

I did not say that there are no African-American artists who desire to write exceptionally intelligent music. But, to claim that the artists I listed are unintelligent is a stretch by far.

Music is subjective.
Hip-hop is music.
Therefor, hip-hop is subjective.

It all rests on opinion. Hell... There are people out there who find Lil Wayne to be intelligent and or creative...

[kearn1tm]

That's because most white kids don't give a rats ass about being "gangsta" and focus more on things they can relate to, and what's considerded mainstream in hip-hop is exactly that...

Again, this is wrong on multiple levels, but it also explicitly states that mainstream hip hop is "bad" because it's comprised of African-Americans trying to fit that "gangsta" aesthetic. You bring the issue of race into the equation with a generalized statement that's entirely incorrect.

I would definitely agree that he makes very intelligent music, being a mainly rock-music oriented white kid.

So the fact that he's a "mainly rock-music oriented white kid" is the reason he makes intelligent music? You bring up his race as being part of the reason his music is intelligent. You may want to reassess your phrasing. Moreover, you may want to realize how this implies (indirectly or not) that Black artists made incredibly intelligence and nuanced pieces of music at the same time Aesop Rock was recording.



Music is subjective.
Hip-hop is music.
Therefor, hip-hop is subjective.

This is the most contrived aruging tool ever used. "Music is subjective! You like what you like!" Fine, whatever, but to discuss music in any meaningful way, there are times where we need to establish some objective criteria so that we can actually communicate. So, what is your definition of "intelligent?" Moreover, why is it that you attempt to introduce race into the equation of why Aesop Rock's form of Hip Hop is somehow superior to mainstream Hip Hop and that the "intelligence" from his music is, in part, a product of his race?

[iSasquatchh]

El-P is stepping down as head of the label to focus on producing and recording his own music, and Def Jux is actually going on Hiatus.

As for Aesop Rock, I've always thought he's had a pretty big following from the white kids who go around hating on most hip-hop saying shit like "oh I do like hip-hop just none of that mainstream stuff, I only like 'intelligent' stuff like Aesop Rock". Personally I've listened to Labor Days and None Shall Pass multiple times and it does nothing for me.

The only thing I said that had anything to do with race was to argue what he said here.

[myplanforescape]

That's because most white kids don't give a rats ass about being "gangsta" and focus more on things they can relate to, and what's considerded mainstream in hip-hop is exactly that... I would definitely agree that he makes very intelligent music, being a mainly rock-music oriented white kid.

I probably should have expounded my point more. I'm not the best with words though , but I'll try. I was trying to describe where I felt a lot of the hype for Aesop's music came from. And from my experience its from largely white kids who feel they are breaking from the mold, by listening to what they call "intelligent hip-hop" because they think it makes them better than the mainstream kids who have greater numbers. I'm not trying to say this couldn't happen among African-Americans, but to be honest I've grown up in an incredibly predominately white area.

As for your point that Aesop Rock makes intelligent music, it seems you are saying he makes intelligent music because he is a white kid with rock roots or that you agree from your perspective as a white kids with rock roots? Because that wording is a little confusing, but either way I would probably say it takes as much intellect to craft a successful mainstream song as it does for what Aesop Rock does.

There you go, I tried my best, but I really wasn't trying to make this a race thing, just more say what I've observed Aesop Rock's fan base to be.