RAP
MUSIC WHEN IT MEANT SOMETHING
In
the mid 90’s hip hop music was a huge culture to kids and teenagers. I was in
my early teens and thought this music was the best thing around. I grew up in a
big city (Seattle) and hip hop music was not the first choice of sound to
listen too. I played a lot of sports and when we would be warming up before a
basketball game Tupac or Biggie Smalls would be playing on the loud speakers
and we would just get all hyped up and ready to play. I found that during this
time this was called gangster rap and for some reason it attracted me more to
the music. Hip Hop has come a long way
over the years, from Curtis Blow to Jay-Z. Founded in the 80’s, early hip hop
was seen as a fad that would soon pass. But during the 90’s, Hip Hop flourished
and was embraced by the mainstream. Lyrics were at a premium, old school
samples were frequently used, and some of the best hip-hop albums were
produced. As I was reading the way I
should try to word this blog to help people understand the way this music was I
thought I would just talk about the top 5 rappers that help me, my friends and
I am sue most of you (and I mean people over 30) get through what was one hell
of teenage years.
#
5
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) –
Wu-Tang Clan
Maybe
the best collection of MC’s in one group that we will ever see, Wu-Tang Clan
burst onto the scene in 1993. This Samurai Sunday inspired album was unlike any
other previous hip hop album, including samples from kung fu movies and old
school albums infused with gritty hip hop. A definitive album for its time, it
included the hit singles “Protect Ya Neck,” “Method Man,” and “C.R.E.A.M.” I
thought Method Man was the coolest guy ever to pick up a microphone and just
lay down lines like it was taking candy from a baby. Just smooth.
Wu-Tang Clan: C.R.E.A.M
#4
The
Chronic – Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre first had
showcased his talents for production with NWA. But after signing with Death Row
Records, his musical genius blossomed. With Dre as the director, he featured
multiple artists including Tha Dogg Pound, Lady of Rage & Snoop Dogg. The
album was a mega-success, launching the west-coast to forefront. Includes hit
singles “Nuthin but a G Thang, “and “Let Me Ride,” and “Dre Day.” This Cd made
me and my friends do nothing but bob our heads to all the beats in the record.
#3
Doggystyle
– Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg first
introduced himself to the world on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. This talented, then
18 yrs. Old, rapper captured everybody’s attention with his distinctive
flow. Backed by the Dogg Pound &
Mentored by Dr. Dre, the album was a mega success, selling over 800,000 the
first week, becoming the fastest selling hip hop album ever, for that time.
Inspired by 70’s groups like Parliament & The Stylistics, the album began a
new style of rap called G Funk. Includes hit singles “Gin & Juice,” “What’s
my Name,” and “Murder Was the Case. This Cd was what made me think that rap and
a bit of comedy was a good thing to go in hand and hand.
Snoop Dogg: Gin & Juice
#2
Ready
to Die – Notorious B.I.G.
Considered by many as
one of the best hip hop albums of all time, Ready to Die served as the debut
for both Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records. The hit single “Juicy”
introduced us to the big boy from Brooklyn. No one may have been as lyrically
gifted, or as good a story teller as Biggie was. The album was a success,
followed up with hits “Big Poppa,” “One more Chance,” and “Who Shot Ya,”
thrusting Biggie to the forefront of hip hop.
It is too bad that the whole Bad Boy vs Death row and feud with Tupac
took away the real talent this man had. One of the most natural rappers ever.
Biggie Smalls: Big Poppa
#1
All
Eyez On Me – 2Pac
The last, and
arguably greatest, studio album released by 2Pac. It was the first album upon
being bonded out of jail by Suge Knight. Freshly signed to Death Row, 2Pac had
a lot to say, releasing one of the first double disc hip hop albums. Less
political this time, “All Eyez on Me” was a celebration of the Thug Lifestyle.
Includes the hit singles “California Love,” “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” and “How Do
You Want It. All this man did was rap from the heart. He had a lot to say, and
was not afraid to say it. This to me was the best rap Cd to come out and was
the only one I ever skipped School to go buy. (Who remember those days?)
Tupac: California Love
This
music some people might not like or agree with, but I will say that these
albums right here made my teenage years fun and still to this day I listen to
the records because this type of music will never go away and to me it is when
music meant something.
.
