It is so hard to write about the best hip-hop of all time without making an entire book out of it. In just 30 years, hip-hop has produced dozens of legendary artists who will never be forgotten by rap fans. Some made their mark with dazzling lyricism (Rakim, Nas, Eminem), and others left us with an unforgettably heavy-hitting flow (Biggie Smalls, DMX, Ice Cube). A few combined both flow and lyricism to the point of perfection.
When we talk about the best hip hop music, we have to remember—it is completely subjective. Some people are probably already pissed off that I didn’t mention their favorite rapper in the first paragraph (relax, it’s just an intro). There is no single “best rapper” or a universal top 10. Everyone has their own opinion, and that is legitimate for them. So what I’m giving you here is my opinion of some of the best hip-hop of all time. This is Part 1 in a series of posts I will do.
Here’s a quick list of some of the greatest to ever hold a mic (not in any order):
Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Rakim, Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Ice Cube, KRS-One, Common, Big L, Big Pun, Eminem, Andre 3000 (from OutKast), Jay-Z, and [NOT Lil’ Wayne].
It’s impossible to condense this into a short article without leaving out some classics, but here it is. Scroll down to hear some of the best hip-hop ever released.
Also be sure to read Best Hip-Hop part 2.
Common – Be (Intro)
I start with this because I think it’s one of the coolest intros to any hip-hop album. He doesn’t start rapping until 1:13, but make sure you let that ENTIRE instrumental ride out.
Nas – I Gave You Power
I get chills every time I listen to this one. Nas is such a good storyteller. This song tells the perspective of a gun that eventually gets fed up with murder and jams in its owner’s hand.
“I seen some cold nights and bloody days,
They grab and me bullets spray,
They use me wrong so I sing this song 'til this day,
…
I'm seven inches four pounds, been through so many towns,
Ohio to Little Rock to Canarsie, livin’ harshly,
Beat up and battered, they pull me out
I watch as niggas scattered, makin’ me kill,
But what I feel it never mattered”
Nas – Rewind
The entire story is told backwards. Listen to this song at least three times, cause it’s hard to understand. But once you get it it’s crazy.
I could go on all day sharing Nas songs…he actually might be the best rapper of all time. But there’s so much else to cover, so I’ll stop at two songs. You have to hear Immortal Technique right now.
Immortal Technique – The 4th Branch
Immortal Technique is one of the smartest rappers alive. I’ve learned a lot about history through his songs, and he’s a ridiculous lyricist. Seriously. Most of his songs are very politically and/or emotionally charged. “The 4th Branch” is a critical perspective on how our view of world events as Americans is shaped by the media (the 4th branch of the government) to hide the evils of our government. And when I say “critical perspective,” I mean he goes at them hard, straight for the neck. Check out the funny image of “terrorist” Georgie W. at 00:46.
WARNING: This shit is heavy.
“How could this be, the land of the free, home of the brave?
Indigenous holocaust, and the home of the slaves,
Corporate America, dancin' offbeat to the rhythm,
You really think this country never sponsored terrorism?
Human rights violations, we continue the saga,
El Savador and the contras in Nicaragua,
And on top of that, you still wanna take me to prison,
Just cause I won't trade humanity for patriotism”
Mos Def – Priority
I have to come back with something positive, cause Immortal Technique will wear you out after just five minutes of listening. But if you liked that song and you wanna hear a really insane song by Technique, listen to “Dance With The Devil” (but it might make you cry). So anyway, Mos Def will never make you cry. He’s a truly awesome artist with a lot of soul and meaningful lyrics. His first album (Black On Both Sides, 1999) is widely considered one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, and his collaboration with Talib Kweli (Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, 1998) is another great album to check out. Here’s “Priority” from his latest album, The Ecstatic (2009).
“Peace before anything,
God before everything,
Love before anything,
Real before everything,
Home before anyplace,
Shoot before anything,
Style and state radiate,
Love power slay the hate, priority”
Tupac ft. Nas – Thug’s Mansion (acoustic)
Tupac is kindof essential. He brought a new, more aggressive style to the rap game in the early 90s that hundreds of rappers borrowed to form their own style. You might think he’s overrated just because he’s so popular. You are wrong. He has an amazing catalogue of songs that show off his talent as an incredibly engaging storyteller and his dynamic flow on the mic. Listen to “Life Goes On,” “Keep Ya Head Up,” “Dear Mama,” “To Live & Die In L.A.,” and “Hail Mary” for some other great Pac tracks.
Okay, I cheated and snuck in Nas on a third song. But it’s only cause this song is so good. The guitar and lyrics are both beautiful.
Tupac – Me Against The World
Another classic Tupac track. His first verse talks about street life ("But will they last or be blasted? Hard headed bastard - Maybe he'll listen in his casket"), and the third verse is more philosophical and enlightening. You'll notice his tendency to be both questioning and dismissive. That's a part of his always-entertaining character.
Note: this is one of the few songs where Tupac doesn't use the word "adversaries."
That's it for today! In the next few days I'll put up my second post on the best hip-hop music of all time, with songs from Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, and more. Peace.
...and here's part two: Best Hip-Hop part 2.
