# New to Rap: What Should I Listen To?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377
**Category:** Cafe Society
**Created:** [July 31, 2008, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377 "2008-07-31T16:55:17Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/1 "2008-07-31T16:55:17Z")
I like a lot of different kinds of musical artists, from _Rush_ to _Madonna_ to _George Straight_, so I like to consider myself openminded. But one thing I’ve never really got around to doing is listening to good rap. I’m aware that it exists out there somewhere, but the average stuff that’s been topping the charts from the 90s to the present really alienates me. Put simply, I can’t relate to it and I can’t feel it. I am a 25-year-old white girl from the Midwest who doesn’t put an especially large amount of value on money OR sex. I could give a shit less about how Jay-Z feels about pimping all over the world, how many rubbers are in _Snoop Dog_’s pocket or where _Humpty_ once got busy.
So far the only actual rap albums I own, or have listened to with enthusiasm, is Will Smith’s _Big Willie Style_ (ok, I was in high school, so sue me) and Eminem’s ‘‘The Eminem Show’’ which is a masterpiece in my opinion. A lot of the stuff from his _Slim Shady_ LP is just a little too blatantly offensive (though I enjoy its singles), but ‘‘The Eminem Show’’ had a nice balance between pissing people off just for the sake of pissing them off and actually trying to prove a point. Also the man is a lyrical and musical god.
The only other actual rappish stuff I get into is the Spanish stylings of the _reggaetón_-influenced Puerto Rican band _[Calle 13](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn04AqnvuCM)_. My god I love this sound. They first gained influence with a song called ''[Querido FBI](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Querido_FBI) ‘’. Now they sing predominantly about music and sex (maybe it’s deeper than that; I don’t get a lot of Puerto Rican slang), but they are educated men and the sheer lyrical genius of their songs overcomes any objections I might otherwise have to the content. However I really can’t get into anything else labeled ‘‘_reggaetón_’’ and there’s a lot of people who don’t think _Calle 13_ qualifies as _reggaetón_.
I like controversial art that sparks social change, but I don’t like misogyny, racism, pointless violence and a lot of other lame stuff that tends to crop up in the rap genre.
So I say unto you, where does one start with rap? What’s good? I would like recommendations for artists who are the best in the field lyrically, who represent (in my mind) what is the rap ideal: using art for social change. Have at it.
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### Author:  [@villa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/villa)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/2 "2008-07-31T16:58:43Z")
Public Enemy. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.
Gil Scott-Heron.
Those should count under your “art for social change” prong.
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### Author:  [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/3 "2008-07-31T17:03:08Z")
[QUOTE=olivesmarch4th]
I am a 25-year-old white girl from the Midwest who doesn’t put an especially large amount of value on money OR sex.
[/QUOTE]
That’s 90% of rap ruled out right there! 🙂
Try Dr Dre, I’ve always found him a cut above most.
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### Author:  [@Amp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amp)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/4 "2008-07-31T17:10:47Z")
Don’t listen to anything from after 1995. It’s been downhill ever since. Except for Kanye West. Yeah he’s a little crazy but his CD’s are good.
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### Author:  [@mshar253](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mshar253)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/5 "2008-07-31T17:31:45Z")
Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers
Notorious B.I.G, Ready to Die
Snoop Doggy Dogg, Doggystyle
Nas, Illmatic
Jay-Z, Reasonable Doubt
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### Author:  [@mshar253](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mshar253)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/6 "2008-07-31T17:33:37Z")
[QUOTE=Amp]
Don’t listen to anything from after 1995. It’s been downhill ever since. Except for Kanye West. Yeah he’s a little crazy but his CD’s are good.
[/QUOTE]
Wu-Tang Forever
Ghostface Killah, Ironman
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### Author:  [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/7 "2008-07-31T17:36:06Z")
I like a CD my 14 year old son has. It is based loosely on The Wizard of Oz. Anybody know it? OK, [found it.](http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6080691/a/Wizard+Of+The+Hood.htm) It does have explicit lyrics, I’m afraid.
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### Author:  [@gallows\_fodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallows_fodder)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/8 "2008-07-31T17:43:21Z")
[QUOTE=olivesmarch4th]
I like controversial art that sparks social change, but I don’t like misogyny, racism, pointless violence and a lot of other lame stuff that tends to crop up in the rap genre.
So I say unto you, where does one start with rap? What’s good? I would like recommendations for artists who are the best in the field lyrically, who represent (in my mind) what is the rap ideal: using art for social change. Have at it.
[/QUOTE]
I like [Aesop Rock](http://www.last.fm/music/Aesop+Rock) – [“Daylight,”](http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=101812) [“Save Yourself,”](http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=3530822107858500689) and [“None Shall Pass”](http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=3530822107858663246) are good tracks to start with.
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### Author:  [@gallows\_fodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallows_fodder)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/9 "2008-07-31T17:54:34Z")
Missed the edit window:
And [“No Regrets”](http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=101815) is straight-up good storytelling.
The samples he uses are worth listening to in their own right – unusual and really pretty.
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### Author:  [@tripletaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tripletaker)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/10 "2008-07-31T17:58:07Z")
I used to listen to a lot of rap/hiphop. These days I can’t stand a lot of swearing, violence, sex, etc. so I’ve cut a lot of music out. Some of these good but offending artists are Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Eminem, and Dr. Dre. They have a lot of talent, but their music turns me off now. Here are some artists that amaze me and some recommendations on what to listen to:
Atmosphere’s [Lucy Ford EP](http://www.amazon.com/Lucy-Ford-Atmosphere/dp/B00005ASHL/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217525704&sr=8-1). If you like it, check out some of their other albums. I like his [Sad Clown EP’s](http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m/104-3009716-7178341?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=atmosphere+sad+clown&x=0&y=0) and their [newest album](http://www.amazon.com/When-Life-Gives-Lemons-Paint/dp/B0013LNDY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217525859&sr=1-1).
Blackalicious’s [Blazing Arrow](http://www.amazon.com/Blazing-Arrow-Blackalicious/dp/B000065DJ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217525953&sr=1-1) album is a great introduction to them.
If you can find The Last Emperor, get anything by him. His Legend of Bigfoot album is the best.
Sage Francis - although I don’t listen to much of him anymore. Try his [Personal Journals](http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Journals-Sage-Francis/dp/B000063Y38/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_img_in) album.
You might also want to check out - if you like the above - Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Aesop Rock, Gang Starr, The Roots, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, The Pharcyde, and Rakim.
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### Author:  [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/11 "2008-07-31T18:11:45Z")
I like [Outkast](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OutKast) (Stankonia is a good one) and [Cee Lo Green’s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cee-Lo_Green) work with Goodie Mob and solo efforts (as well as his new band, Gnarls Barkley). But I guess they are more Hip Hop/R&B than rap… never been a big fan of rap, guess I’m just more melody oriented, than into pointless beat and talking.
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### Author:  [@SuntanTigerTamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanTigerTamer)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/12 "2008-07-31T18:13:34Z")
Ok, for music with a message, try this
Killer Mike - That’s Life
[![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt9X1gvz728)
For feel good, old school style rap (they rap about pagers and gold chains and boomboxes, but it works) try this
The Cool Kids - Gold and A Pager
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovmP5XvjrMY)
and for some good ole fashioned ignorant ass rap music that gets your blood up, try this
Lil Wayne - Amillie
[![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_Dei5srfM)
Also, Santogold and MIA might make for an easy transition. Try
Mia - Paper Planes
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g)
and this
Santogold - Creator
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXpZi4I4G7k)
and especially THIS-
Gorilla Zoe ft Santogold and MIA - Get It Up (RADIOCLIT Remix)
(how can you not love a song that samples some amazing native chanting, Street Fighter, AND an elephant. That’s right, it samples an elephant…)
> **[RADIOCLIT | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos](https://myspace.com/radioclit)**
>
> RADIOCLIT's profile including the latest music, albums, songs, music videos and more updates.
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### Author:  [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/13 "2008-07-31T18:13:49Z")
The only rap I ever got into was **Bone: Thugs-n-Harmony**. My favorite album, which was also my introductory album, is **E 1999 Eternal**.
And the three songs that got me hooked on them are **Tha Crossroads** , **1st of the Month** and **Mo’ Murder**.
At amazon you can listen to samples of all the songs off of the album.
> **[Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - E. 1999 ETERNAL - Amazon.com Music](https://www.amazon.com/1999-ETERNAL-Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony/dp/B00000DHSE)**
>
> E. 1999 Eternal - which sold platinum 5 times over - garnered the group a Grammy and a Soul Train award, shooting Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to superstar status. The 1st single off the album, "1st of Tha Month," reached gold status and was soon followed up...
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### Author:  [@Mahna\_Mahna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahna_Mahna)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/14 "2008-07-31T18:14:16Z")
Lots of good suggestions so far. In fact, **tripletaker** pretty much covered everything I was about to say. 🙂
Sooo… that leaves me with just a couple of suggestions:
If you’re into the Spanish-language rap, then you may want to check out **Control Machete**. You’ll might recognize one of their tracks, Si Senor, from the late-90’s Levis ads for twisted jeans.
I also very much enjoy \*\*J-Live \*\* - IIRC, he is or was a teacher at some point in his life, and it shows. His lyrics are clean, socially conscious, and he’s got a keen sense of wordplay. His style is similar to Jurassic 5, so check him out if that turns out to be your bag.
Oh, and if you enjoy both Mos Def and Talib Kweli, then you may want to look into their collaborative project, **Black Star**.
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### Author:  [@SuntanTigerTamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanTigerTamer)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/15 "2008-07-31T18:21:56Z")
Sorry, newbie doesnt know how to edit…
Atmosphere was a great suggestion; even my inde friends who are convinced that the proliferation of rap music is worse than that of nuclear weapons agree that this song is full of win…
Atmosphere - The Things That Hate Us
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seYzgXyAK1Q)
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### Author:  [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/16 "2008-07-31T18:25:33Z")
I haven’t listened to them in a long time but, but I can recommend the rap/Hip hop group [**Jedi Mind Tricks**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi_Mind_Tricks), if for nothing else, their musical vision and concept.
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### Author:  [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/17 "2008-07-31T18:38:05Z")
.
“Paul’s Boutique” from the Beastie Boys remains absolutely brilliant.
Slightly off the beaten path:
Digital Underground
Mos Def
Eric B and Rakim
Morcheeba (for a change of pace)
.
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### Author:  [@MrBelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrBelding)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/18 "2008-07-31T18:46:00Z")
[QUOTE=devilsknew]
I haven’t listened to them in a long time but, but I can recommend the rap/Hip hop group [**Jedi Mind Tricks**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi_Mind_Tricks), if for nothing else, their musical vision and concept.
[/QUOTE]
I agree. Try also Immortal Technique. Although not widely known they are some of my favorite rappers/groups and their rhymes are pretty amazing
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### Author:  [@myskepticsight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/myskepticsight)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/19 "2008-07-31T18:53:29Z")
Jurassic 5 is pretty cool. I always really liked the song ‘Quality Control’
But the only other rap I hear is radio faux-gangsta/club rap. Soulja Boy, Ludacris, Lil Jon, etc. I do like at least one MIA (Paper Planes) and one Santogold song I’ve heard but that’s about it.
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### Author:  [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)
#### Post date: [July 31, 2008, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-rap-what-should-i-listen-to/458377/20 "2008-07-31T19:12:14Z")
A Tribe Called Quest
Del tha Funkee Homosapien
Hieroglyphics
Handsome Boy Modeling School
DJ Cam
DJ Shadow
Talib Kweli - the new album is sick
Nas (his new untitled album is more about politics than money or sex, although there’s a little of that too - I’ve been playing “Sly Fox” and “Black President” over and over the last couple of days)
Aesop Rock
DJ Yoda
Wagon Christ
Jurassic 5
Mos Def
Dilated Peoples
Immortal Technique - a black Cuban who has a lot to say about all the fucked-up shit the world has to offer, in English and Spanish
Gorillaz (especially the first album)
J-Live
Granted, a couple of these are not strictly rap since they’re mostly instrumental, but work your way down the list and I think you’ll find a lot of stuff worth listening to. There’s still a lot of great rap out there, but most of it is way off the Top 40 charts. The popular stuff is almost all vapid, pointless and irritating, IMO.
Also, check out the new movie The Wackness.
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