# What is the Best Rap Song and Group(even though I don't like rap) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 9, 2000, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480 "2000-11-09T17:14:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Zoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/6de8d8/32.png) [@Zoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoff)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/21 "2000-11-10T00:50:04Z")
I’m not a big rap fan, but my college roommate listened to it a lot. Public Enemy is good, but I also like NWA’s album “Straight Outta Compton” and the songs “Straight Outta Compton” and “Fuck Tha Police” ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/22 "2000-11-10T02:23:55Z")
All the old 1988ish NWA/Eazy E is really good. “Annie Mae” by Warren G and Nate Dogg is a really good song. “Life Goes On” and several other Tupac songs are really really good (i told a story about life goes on in another thread…) “Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangster” by the Geto Boys is good. thats just to name a few… But seriously, i cant believe no one has mentioned **KRS-ONE** , he’s probably the best MC there ever was… ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/23 "2000-11-10T02:33:53Z")
Naughty By Nature! **Wildest Bill** , I like your picks! ---
**Author:** ![Kilgore\_Trout\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6de8d8/32.png) [@Kilgore\_Trout\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilgore_Trout_1)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/24 "2000-11-10T02:48:37Z")
haha. the number of public enemy responses is not surprising. i have been listening to **know that** by mos def more than i probably should as of late. ---
**Author:** ![Rasa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rasa/32/3578_2.png) [@Rasa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rasa)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/25 "2000-11-10T03:00:33Z")
Yeah, thanks a lot, Kilgore, so have I! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![oldscratch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ed655f/32.png) [@oldscratch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oldscratch)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/26 "2000-11-10T03:07:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Blunt \* > \*\* > Most underrated rapper/group: Kool Keith, and anything by Ultramagnetic MC’s or Dr. Octagon > > Best producer: either the RZA or Dr. Dre \*\* Kick ass Blunt. Absolutely. Kool Keith is one of the best. Spectre is also up there. RZA definetly best producer. anyone who can do this Frying Gorilla’s with Tortilla Chips, My pant’s rip Clam Dip as well as combining the themes of ringworm, abe lincoln, don cornelius, and vinny testaverde is trully a great rapper ---
**Author:** ![Satan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Satan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satan)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/27 "2000-11-10T03:11:49Z")
Best rap single ever hands down is the “The Show” backed with “Lodi Dodi” by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. Everyone and their brother sampled this one… And it still stands up from 1985. Hell, I’m listening to the MP3 of the tracks now… * * * Yer pal, [Satan](http://www.members.tripod.com/jmspoofe/sdmb/satan.jpg) \*TIME ELAPSED SINCE I QUIT SMOKING: Seven months, one day, 13 minutes and 20 seconds. 8600 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,075.25. Extra time with Drain Bead: 4 weeks, 1 day, 20 hours, 40 minutes. **David B used me as a cite!** \* ---
**Author:** ![Grendel69](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7bcc69/32.png) [@Grendel69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grendel69)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/28 "2000-11-10T04:45:09Z")
PE and Ice T are probably two of the most important rap entities ever, but the interesting thing is that they (Chuck D and Ice T) were both writers more than freestylers. Right now the Roots, Outkast, and Black Star are probably the best things that you can find out there. I suggest that you check out an album by one of these three groups. Or preferably see them live. Especially the Roots. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/29 "2000-11-10T04:55:50Z")
The Sugar Hill Gang Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five The Fat Boys Run D MC LL Cool J Am I showing my age? ---
**Author:** ![Eo\_Echo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ebca7d/32.png) [@Eo\_Echo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eo_Echo)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/30 "2000-11-10T05:43:06Z")
My favorite rap track: DMX’s “Party Up.” I’m currently working on an acoustic version of this in a similar vein to Dynamite Hack’s cover of Eazy E’s “Boys N The Hood.” Fave rap album: NWA “Straight Outta Compton,” Nothing can touch this, IMO. It’s just awesome. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/31 "2000-11-10T05:50:57Z")
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince ---
**Author:** ![capacitor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@capacitor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capacitor)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/32 "2000-11-10T07:38:39Z")
It’s so funny that when the never-cursing Wil Smith started to use his real name and doing movies, his rap songs and albums hit #1. He could be considered the Frank Sinatra of rap (being sucessful in movies, TV as well as in the recording industry), although he is in a little movie slump lately. Busta Rhymes, KRS-One, PE gets my votes. ---
**Author:** ![Obvious\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Obvious\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obvious_Guy)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/33 "2000-11-10T07:49:01Z")
Definatley the Geto Boys even tho they broke up a long time ago. Still the best old school rap group. ---
**Author:** ![Smitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/34 "2000-11-10T13:23:49Z")
Best group: Run-DMC Best Album: Paid in Full - Eric B. and Rakim Best single: The Message - Grandmaster Flash ---
**Author:** ![c\_goat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@c\_goat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/c_goat)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/35 "2000-11-10T14:33:54Z")
“Rapper’s Delight” - The Sugar Hill Gang (The full 14 minute version, not the crappy old lady version) I can’t believe nobody mentioned it… ---
**Author:** ![Amok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f17d59/32.png) [@Amok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amok)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/36 "2000-11-10T18:42:44Z")
Hmm… Best Rap song ever? Maybe Eric B & Rakim’s Microphone Fiend. Best Album Ever? Tough one, but… Hmm, I’ll go with Nas’s Illmatic. (The apparent favorite here, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”, is a good album, but personally I prefer Public Enemy’s “Yo! Bum Rush The Show” over it, and Illmatic closely edges out that.) Best Group Ever? NWA before Ice Cube left, I guess (they was still good without him, but not as good). For something more current, I’d say it’s a toss up between Outkast, The Roots, Wu-Tang Clan, and The Alkaholiks. ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2000, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/37 "2000-11-10T19:14:10Z")
Not sure I can list a best rap song. I luv hip hop/rap! However, I can say with all certainty that KRS-ONE is the _best_ artist out there. He always brings the knowledge with a phat beat to boot! As far as my ‘flava of the moment’, I’m gonna have to go with The Lox. They have creative lyrics with a dope flow! Juanita ---
**Author:** ![HerMajestyLorna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7cd45c/32.png) [@HerMajestyLorna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HerMajestyLorna)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2000, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/38 "2000-11-11T15:59:56Z")
dr dre and the ruff ryders get my vote. i love eve, one of the great women rappers out there. ---
**Author:** ![Milossarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Milossarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Milossarian)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2000, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/39 "2000-11-11T17:55:03Z")
Another song that was rather commercial but I never tire of is “Ain’t Nothin’ But a G Thang” by Dre and Snoop. One of the most before-its-time, amazing albums ever is the Beastie Boys’ “Paul’s Boutique.” The fact that this album was never popular, and can be purchased in the bargain bin at many record stores, never ceases to amaze me. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2000, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480/40 "2000-11-12T03:13:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Wildest Bill \* > \*\*I would have to say it is between Cypress Hill’s “Insane in the Membrane”, Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing” or my new favorite (that I love to hear when I am working out) House of Pain’s “Jump Around”. > > Well what are your picks or do you agree mine are the best. 😉 \*\* It’s weird, those are the two rap songs I like. I do agree!! 😛 And even though I think rap is a lower form of music, those are cool songs. Cypress Hill is somewhat absolved because they guest starred on the Simpsons. Limp Bizkit isn’t so bad (that is, Nookie or Faith or…thats it, I guess) if you’re dancing at a party, not as in you actually go out of your way to buy one of their CDs. Please don’t tell anyone I said this. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-rap-song-and-group-even-though-i-dont-like-rap/40480.md?page=3)