Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with music and hiphop

Need inspiration for hip hop dance moves and music.

AV — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:51:09 -0800

Help me win a dance-off at my hip hop class next week - or at least not make a fool of myself. Need inspiration for dance moves and music. I’m taking a beginner’s hip hop class and the instructor announced that we will be having a dance-off next week. We’ve been given choreography up to a point and we’re supposed to come up with our own ending. We can pick our own music.

I’m quite up to the challenge, but as my dance background is in ballet I’m needing some inspiration for finishing the routine. Also, scrolling through my mp3s it occurs to me that all my hip hop is at least five years old. I’m hoping you can point me to videos (music videos, tutorials, whatever) of some good dance moves and to some hip hop music to do the routine to that isn’t as outdated as what I’ve got now. Or anything really.

Make me a comprehensive rap music mixtape, 1986 to 2009.

kensington314 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:37:25 -0800

If you could pick one rap song for every year, what would those songs be? I'll take individuals suggestions or entire lists. I'm looking at 1986 to 2009. A friend wants an "introduction to rap music" sort of mix CD. I was just going to copy a James Brown album for her, but I decided the best survey would be to pick one song for each year, and make sure I got all the regional diversity in there. Mainstream rap, indie rap, whatever.

I've got my ideas but thought you all might have better ones.

Bonus question: what is an iconic rap album cover or other image that you would use for a mixtape cover? Something that really sums up the music in some way.

Just for a minute, how do you think I feel about what's been going on?

cashman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:21:20 -0800

Looking for rap songs with repeating sped up vocal samples from almost an entire verse or multiple verses of a song. That don't involve Kanye West. I'm looking for raps like these, where artists use a sped up sample (a couple of sentences or different spliced in verses from a song) early and often throughout a track, with great success.

-Royce 5'9 - Give up the guns employs entire verses from The Buoys - Give up your guns.
-Black Milk - Losing Out samples big chunks of verses from The Alan Parsons Project - Let's Talk About Me.
-Tanya Morgan - Stay Tuned uses a lot of sections from Barbra Steisand & Barry Gibb - Guilty again and again.

I love the recontextualizing, and I'm looking to make a mixtape of these. It's those rap songs where you listen to it so many times and its so well done that finally you have to find and listen to the song was sampled. Then playing the original song has some kind of audio stereoscopic effect where you hear the original in real life while the new creation plays along in your head. Then eventually you make playlists with the original followed by the recreation.

No Kanye please, I am familiar with his work.

It's Business Time

kathrineg — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:20:31 -0800

Most interesting hip-hop, country, and pop of the 2000s? Songs that made you say whaaa? In a good way or a bad way.

Innovative or just weird.

EXTRA BONUS if they have associated dances! Because I like to dance.

(I am asking this question because I have been really out of touch with the zeitgeist since I graduated from high school in 2001 and there has been another thread recently that covered the other genres I like)

Ironic R&B/hip-hop?

miriam — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:47:22 -0800

I'm preparing a lesson on irony and I'd like to illustrate the concept with a song. Problem is, my students are more interested in R&B and hip-hop than in my boring old-person rock and roll. Can you name some (fairly current) R&B/hip-hop songs that use irony? I'm thinking, like, "Born in the USA"-style irony -- nothing too subtle.

Anyone know of a hiphop song that goes "I smoke marijuana, listen to Nirvana"?

ascetic — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:05:12 -0800

I heard a song on the radio, and I only remember two lines. The lines are "I smoke marijuana, listen to Nirvana." It was a hip-hop song, I'm pretty sure the artist is unsigned. Anyone know?

Listen to the album, cuz it's bangin'

orville sash — Sat, 30 May 2009 09:28:10 -0800

Where can I get ahold of hip hop mixtapes? I'm a reasonably knowledgeable hip hop fan, but every time I read about a new album, the reviewers say something to the effect of "this album is a lot better/worse than the mix tape they put out 6 months ago." How/where do I find these mix tapes? Where do I need to look?

Looking for Country and Rap/Hip Hop songs NOT in 3/4 or 4/4 time...

querty — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:18:50 -0800

Looking for Country and Rap/Hip Hop songs NOT in 3/4 or 4/4 time... Bonus points if you can find me a Gangsta-Rap song in crazy time signatures. Is there such thing?

Intense breaks + soft music = ???

azarbayejani — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:02:13 -0800

Breakfilter: Help me find songs that have similar drum breaks to You Got Me by The Roots. I've kind of been obsessed with this song for a few days. I'm talking about the drums that come in at around 3:30. To be more specific, it's not just the drums that attract me, but the drums set in such a laid back, jazzy background.

So basically I'm looking for some chill, jazzy hip-hop or trip-hop music that has some intense breaks in it. I like that contrast.

Side Question: What other hip hop groups use live instrumentals?

Help me find widely ranging podcasts

reenum — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:22:05 -0800

Looking for variety of different podcasts or radio shows to listen to. Please give me many recommendations. After a lot of experimentation, I've found out what I like in a podcast.

1. Documentary podcast: A podcast where people tell stories to give more insight into the news or culture, a la This American Life, BBC Documentaries, and to a lesser extent, B-Side Radio. I'm not really into podcasts that primarily do reporting, such The World or 60 Minutes.

2. Music podcasts: I like percussive, drum based music like afrobeat and hip hop. I also like gentle low-key music like bossa nova and chillout. I loved Radio Freetown, but it seems to be on hiatus or off the air. I also like WEFUNK.

3. Comedy podcasts that touch on many topics: I love You Look Nice Today and Widely Ranging Interests. Need more like these.

Any suggestions as to what I need to add to my playlist?

Something To Ride To

cashman — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 08:34:51 -0800

Trying to find good music with end-of-the-song refrain loops. I'm trying to find good songs like Tupac's "Lost Souls" where at the end of the song the refrain gets repeated again and again. Scarface & The Product also have a song called "G Type" that is an ideal type of this. The last 45 seconds of the song is the music playing and the repeat of the refrain and it sounds like it could go on forever.

Sia's "Where I Belong" does this as well - the last 1:42 is the refrain repeated again and again, sung in different ways.

I might loop the file so it goes on for a half hour, I'm not sure yet, but I'm looking for good songs like this.

I'm wanting to avoid metal, country or r&b if possible. Whatcha got for me hive mind?

Bassy rap music plz

oxala — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:31:41 -0800

Recommendations for upbeat 90's rap music driven by strong, prominent bass lines? Stuff like this and this. I'd prefer mainstream sounding 90's stuff with similar production to the two linked tracks, but modern or older examples are fine. Must be high tempo and the lesser known the better - one hit wonders and obscure stuff are great. Cheers!

Give me knowledge with a side of head nodding

reenum — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:48:06 -0800

I need intelligent hiphop/rap with good beats. Any recommendations? I was a huge hip hop head back in the day. I love a lot of '90s west coast rap with phat beats. The misogyny and gunplay is a bit much for someone my age though. Some of my favorites in terms of good beat/bad content artists are Snoop, Dre, Nelly, DJ Quik, E-40, Ice Cube, Mack 10, WC.

The problem I have with a lot of underground or intelligent hiphop is the lack of good beats. Some lyricists I love who often have horrible beats are Ras Kass, Saafir, and Aceyalone.

Yesterday, I picked up Talib Kweli's "Eardrum" and it was exactly the sort of thing I love. Intelligent lyrics with slammin' beats. I also liked Hieroglyphics back in the day. Blackalicious and the rest of Quannum are awesome too. I'm not a big Jurassic 5 fan, and I've seen them mentioned a lot in previous threads.

I've checked the other hip hop related threads and none of them seemed to directly ask this question. I'm open to all styles of hip hop as long as it meets the preceding criteria.

Thanks!

Where'd Bam go?

cachondeo45 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:16:10 -0800

Where in Africa did Afrika Bambaataa go in the 1970s after he left the Black Spades? All I can find is that he went to "Africa." As a continent with 53 countries on it, I suspect that he didn't visit each nation. I need to know where exactly he went, in what year, and for how long. Thanks in advance!

No canto por cantar, canto por no llorar/salud y suerte y que la vida les da mas

Soulbee — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:09:01 -0800

I've been digging on the cuban hip hop lately. I've seen the doc East of Havana. I listen to las Orishas, and I have the soundtrack/related album to East of Havana by El Cartel. I do like the artists featured there, but I enjoy las Orishas more because it feels a bit more infused with traditional Cuban music. Any recommendations of what else I can listen to? I'm already all about non-hiphop Cuban music like Buenavista Social Club and most of its individual members who produce(d) independently, Afrocuban Allstars, music from Before Night Falls (movie) etc. I'd be happy to take additional recommendations on other Cuban music but especially interested in hip hop right now. Other spanish language hip hop would also be welcome.

Hoppin over to hip hop

Geppp — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:20:57 -0800

Hip-hop filter: I recently fell in love with A Tribe Called Quest. Who else should I try out? I never thought I'd ever be into hip hop, but this stuff is just amazing. I'm a straight up punk/ska kind of person, but ever since I came into contact with A Tribe Called Quest, I've been totally enamored. What other collectives/bands/groups/artists should I check out that have a similar style (kinda laid back hip hop, non-rap)?

I'd ask my friends, but most of them would never even consider listening to hip hop.

Rap Emcee Drills and Freestyles

cashman — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:06:51 -0800

Best live rap freestyles or cyphers with multiple rappers? NOT BATTLES I'm looking for the best live show rap freestyles (not battles) featuring multiple rappers. One of the best is Mr. Lif's 12:44 long "Freestyle Session" (featuring Akbar and Akrobatik). Stuff like Supernat's performances on the Wake Up Show is great, but I'm looking for the best of groups of rappers freestyling live.

Passing the mic back and forth at a live show, doing themes, or even kicking the occasional written verse on stage - I just want to hear some incredible rap freestyles performed live.

Rappin' to the choir

jammy — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:50:40 -0800

Tell me of your favorite hip hop joints that feature a gospel style chorus. I'm not interested in Christian hip hop per se. What I am interested in is hip hop artists who have used upbeat, hand-clappin', foot-stompin', multi-voice, gospel choir-style refrains in their songs.

Held Down by De La Soul & Get By by Talib Kweli are pretty much perfect examples of what I'm looking for.

hip hop roun' da world

jammy — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:17:37 -0800

Being the ever-spreading global phenomenon that it is, it gets harder & harder to stay on top of all the amazing hiphop music that is coming out from all corners of the globe. Please to tell me about your recent favorite international hiphop acts. some qualifications

:: Here's some folks i'm already familiar with-- MC Solaar, IAM, K'naan, Control Machete, Tang Ren Ti, DJ Krush, Asian Dub Foundation, Nesian Mystik, La Mala Rodriguez, Telmary Diaz, Freedom, Zimbabwe Legit, Wakimbizi, ...

:: I'm particularly interested in acts that incorporate indigenous musical traditions into their hiphop, a la K'naan or Freedom.

:: I really don't care how hiphop they are... a little thrown in for some extra flava is fine, a full-blown purist is also good.

:: I'm mostly interested in stuff from places outside the US or UK.

:: Yah, I know that there's some good threads earlier (e.g. on French & Spanish hiphop, but they're a couple years old & I'm hoping to catch some fresh acts.

Thanks y'all!

What song did I hear?

swiffa — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:56:00 -0800

Name of rap song that imagines if other genres of music had beef like hip hop? Very clever lines, all I remember is a few lines about Johnny Cash fighting Willie Nelson and Paris getting stitches and Bon Jovi telling Springsteen NJ ain't big enough for them both. It ends with "they laughing at us..."

What's with the cursing on Aceyalone's Magnificent City? Not a question about quantity or quality...

chesty_a_arthur — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:48:35 -0800

What's with the cursing on Aceyalone's Magnificent City? Not a question about quantity or quality... There are plenty of Aceyalone recommendations in the history of Ask Mefi, apparently, so I'm hoping one of you Acey recommenders can help me out here. I bought a copy of Magnificent City and for some reason, all the curses are edited. I learned from my Googling that there was a rule against cursing at the Good Life Health Food Centre's weekly open-mic night, which was an early influencer, but that doesn't really help me understand why "motherf er" is edited just like that all over this 2006 record. It's really distracting and annoying.

I've looked at reviews of MC and I've looked at the Wikipedia page on Aceyalone and I can't find any reference to this.

Is there an unedited version of this record?
Does anyone know why this was done in the first place (given that Aceyalone is not a staple of commercial radio)?

Next stop is actually emailing the record label to find out but thought I would ask y'all first.

Unhip to the hip hip hop

carbide — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:45:43 -0800

A rap education for an picky atheist feminist weaned on indie, punk and new wave - primarily music but books/essays would be good too. I'm finding lately that I really like listening to rap while working, but I know so little about it and could do with some recommendations. I'd love to have some kind of broad knowledge, and also to find some avenues worth exploring that might lead to stuff I love. Discovery by myself is fun but it's a bit aimless right now and it's too broad a question to be finding much help via Google - I didn't find a past question with the same scope, either.

Here's a bunch of background information:

- I really, really like Run DMC (especially 'It's Tricky') and Public Enemy, and have always loved how 'Rappers' Delight' sounds
- I know the Beastie Boys are typical overlap territory here but they irritate me
- Slick production doesn't do a whole lot for me
- I listen to indie, punk (hardcore and folk-punk), 60s garage, some country, some blues and bluegrass, and I'm tiptoeing into electronica. For reference, here's a recent muxtape.
- Crossover with those genres isn't really what I'm looking for, though
- I don't like reggae, smooth jazz, r&b, anything with slick female singing vocals
- I don't need it to line up idealogically 100% with me at all
- That said, proselytising or new ageyness reeeally turn me off

Thanks!

Satirical hip hop / rap?

mr. creosote — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:45:51 -0800

Is there any hip hop / rap music out there that makes fun of itself or goes completely off the wall in some way? I realize that the tragedy of the inner city is not really a humorous topic, but then there's all the misogyny, womanizing, consumerism, and wannabe-thug themes. Has anyone tried to satirize the genre itself, aside from the usual "nerdy white guys being gangstas" angles? What's out there?

white boy electric blues

es_de_bah — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:40:25 -0800

Looking for female hiphop and rap artists to listen to. mok. i now missy elliot, lil kim, eryka badu, queen latifa, and beyonce.
who else should i give a good hard listen too?

help me find this awesome band i heard in a coffee shop in Johannesburg

allkindsoftime — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:47:39 -0800

Name-that-music-artist-filter (South Africa style)... This is a long shot, but...

I was in a very chill coffee shop in Johannesburg a few weeks back and they had some very laid back music playing - something about half-way between hip-hop and techno. Not too Kanye, not too Moby.

I asked them who it was, and he said "______ & Justice" - or at least that's what it sounded like to me through his thick accent (second name might have been "Justas" or some other variation). Problem is I couldn't understand the first name very well and I promptly forgot it.

So that's about all I have to go on. I figure there's a 50% chance the artist is South African, but googling with that as a context or without has yielded nothing so far...

Thanks!