Speaking of jazzy beats and smooth lyrical content:
Our next entry takes us to the early 90s… about 25 years ago to make you feel old. I don’t have a lot to say about these guys that isn’t relatively obscure. Pete Rock is still in the game as a big-time producer. CL Smooth… not so much. He should be with his voice and lyrics.
This song is about remembering a fallen brother. It’s got a good message overall.
Yoyoyo Old School Heads,
Here we go with this week’s entry. This is from one of the favorite Emcee / DJ duos of the 80s. It’s not everyone’s favorite group, but they are credited with being extremely influential. “The God Emcee” Rakim and his DJ Eric B! Rakim is constantly listed in the top 5 all-time for lyricists. Enjoy!
I may have taken a week or two off, but I’m back baby!
This track comes in hot from the Blastmaster KRS-ONE when he was still a part of Boogie Down Productions (before the unfortunate demise of their DJ Scott LeRock spelled the end of the group). This is one of my favorites from the group. It’s a good example of a positive message and influence within the hip-hop culture even in a time where gangsta rap dominated the airwaves. KRS-ONE has taught at Yale since then and is still massively respected in the hip-hop world. Enjoy!
“It’s been 4 weeks and you haven’t done a Run DMC song?!”
That’s right. And now you’re going to have to wait longer for mentioning it. Next time you’ll be more patient.
Anyway, from the same era comes a man who is considered one of the top 10 emcees of all time. This somehow still current star used to ghost write songs for Run DMC at age 15 in the 1980s! Are you kidding me?! He went on to have a very successful music, TV, and movie (somewhat) career.
Ladies and gentlemen: LL Cool J
Here we go with another from the 90s. This group is lesser known than the Beasties or Tribe, but they had a few notable hits. The Pharcyde had a smooth flow with laid back beats. I had to choose between this one and Passin’ Me By. I like this beat better right now, so here ya go!
Howdy.
I hope you people enjoyed the Beasties last week. This week we have a group very close to the boys. They would even guest on each other’s work! I’m not as verbose as Bex with a history of the group or anything (although her stories and recollections are always fun to read!), but here’s the song with that smoothed-out NY sound:
For the first installment of the Old School Rap Song of the Week we have a cut from what I feel is the best album of my favorite rap group. I hope you take a listen and enjoy!
Comment with any thoughts you have – if you have any.
