I'm very particular about hip hop, and I've got somewhat of a bias because I was introduced to the genre at such a great time with the late 80s, early 90s. My first rap CD was Beastie Boys "Paul's Boutique", which to me IS the greatest rap CD of all time without question. Other groups I followed religiously were of course those three Jewish guys from NYC, A Tribe Called Quest, and Public Enemy. Jay Z and more current artists came later. I could get into a huge rant right about now, but I'll save the debate for another time, I just wanted to showcase a little of my hip hop knowledge (and believe me there's a lot).
One of the nice things about being a genre aficianado (for any type of music) is discovering new artists. Going through some "Spin" magazines (before it became unreadable) I listenend to and really enjoyed a hip hop scene called "grime". Songs came out through pirate radio stations and usually involved very DIY beats (sometimes made on Playstations). What's really particular about the scene too is that all of the artists are British. Yes, they gave us the best rock 'n' roll, and now their ready to storm the rap charts as well. Time to broaden your horizons with the two premier grime artists of British hip hop Dizzee Rascal and The Streets.
First is Dizzee who has three albums out (all big sellers across the pone). His debut CD "Boy In Da Corner" won the Mercury Prize and was named on many top ten lists at the time. His words twist and his pronunciations can get difficult at times, but follow along and you can see the talent. For more club bangers, go for his latest in "Maths and English". This tune is slower than his others, but its a great introduction to his lifestyle and his burb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykKFDMx9l7o
Choice Tracks: "Fix Up, Look Sharp", "Stand Up Tall", "Hold Ya Mouf", "Pu***hole", "Sirens"
The Streets (AKA Mike Skinner) was originally called the British Eminem, but he's more like their Beck. Don't knock his hip hop skills, but where he really exceeds is his storytelling. Each song is a chapter to his lifestyle, and each album their own motif (stoner, sad bastard, fame, and love). His debut CD "Original Pirate Material" kicked off the grime movement with homemade beats and goofy lyrics. His follow-up "A Grand Don't Come For Free" tells the story of a single day in his life involving losing money, multiple break-ups, one night stands, psychadelics, and backstabbing friends; this album remains the most highly acclaimed of his four in the catalogue. If anything, call Mike Skinner the rapping Johnny Cash. This tune talks about the morning after a night out, and resisting that urge of calling that chick you just met.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veAIHDGghP4
Choice Tracks: "Turn the Page", "Dry Your Eyes", "Blinded By the Lights", "Fit But You Know It", "When You Wasn't Famous", "Prangin' Out"