₦airaland Forum

walttt:
Common, Jada hardcore rappers Negro please!

So what are they? [i]Soft[/i]core rappers?

Can you mention East-Coast Variety of Hardcore Rap without mentioning Jadakiss?

Need I mention his confrontational and aggressive style? His gangsterism and braggadocio raps? His menacing voice and thunderous/noisy production? The hard, driving beats?

Listen to his fiery bars on cuts such as Notorious B.I.G's "Last Days," Jay-Z's "Reservoir Dogs" and Noreaga's "Banned From TV."

Did he sound soft[/b]core?

Listen to "Air It Out" and "Kiss of Death"

Listen to "Why" where he goes political, asking "Why did Bush knock down the towers"



Check out a part of his biography:

"Despite their success with Bad Boy Records, the group (LOX) was dissatisfied with the way they were marketed by the label, as well as by the financial structure of their recording deal. [b]The group felt that their hardcore rap sound was obscured by Bad Boy's highly commercial, radio-friendly pop sound. After a public struggle that included the group wearing "Free The LOX" t-shirts in concerts and publicity appearances, the group was signed by the Ruff Ryders label, which also housed their former mentor DMX. In addition to scoring a better financial deal, the group felt more comfortable with the label's hardcore orientation. "We just needed to be with a rougher label," Jadakiss told the Sing365 website".

You might be quick to say he entered hip-hop's mainstream with his sophomore album (Kiss of Death). What with his collabos with acts such as Pharell Williams, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Eminem, Snoop Dogg. But he mos' def still retained his hardcore sound.

What's your definition of a hardcore rapper?

And now, Common. Which associated MCs come to your mind when Common's name is mentioned? Is it not Mos Def? Or Talib Kweli? Common is commonly referred to as "the rapper with a smooth underground delivery". The opening part of his biography reads:

"Common (originally Common Sense) was a highly influential figure in rap's underground during the '90s, keeping the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive in an era when commercial gangsta rap was threatening to obliterate everything in its path" . . .

Another part reads:

". . .singles "Breaker 1/9" and "Soul by the Pound" helped establish his reputation in the hip-hop underground"

And another:

"Common Sense subsequently wound up on Ruthless Records for his 1994 follow-up, Resurrection, which crystallized his reputation as one of the underground's best (and wordiest) lyricists"

If in doubt, go to Google and check for their biographies.

So, what are you talking about?

@Hannibal Sauron
Not sure what makes a rapper the best is a freestyle battle.

That aside, your idol Em has lost some rap battles quite alright.

FYI, in the 1997 Scribble Jam MC Battle, Em was defeated by both Rhymefest and Juice. Em was even criticized for using the same "freestyle" punch lines in both the 1997 Rap Olympics and the 1997 Scribble Jam competition.

Your idol Em atimes pre-writes his so-called freestyle battle lines.

Me even thinks Jin would win Em in a rap battle. Too sad the guy retired too early. In his prime, Jin was is the best on-the-spur-of-the-moment freestylist. He freestyles on da spot. Irked, he would rip your idol Em to shreds and make him look like a roasted chicken.

Most of Em's best comebacks are when brothers diss him on being white _{*The redneck *}

Forget rap battles.

We're talking rap in its true context here - the lyrics, flows, poetry, punchlines, metaphors, rhymes, etc. And you think Em beats Nas on all these? Em is good but mos' def not the best.

Wordsmith has laid it all bare for you. He's said most of the thangs I'd have loved to say. And for emphasis sake, I'll repeat some:

1. Eminem hasn't been as consistent as you say he is

2. Eminem has never won any real heavy weight freestyle battle _{*Talk about him dissing Insane Clown Posse, even George Bush, Michael Jackson *}

3. Eminem has only one classical album, The Marshall Matthers LP, the rest, even by his fans' evaluation, are not classics.

And imagine you saying Stillmatic and Illmatic are Nas' only classical albums. Even the Untitled album is gaining mass acclaim.

Last time you heard Nas must have been 10 years ago.

Before y'all become "wonderers", stress yourselves wondering what a curious decision Vibe reached, y'all need to stop and imagine what the criteria for that choice could have been. Take note that the poster used the word "vote". First question that quickly pops in ma mind is "Who voted?" If you ask me, certainly not core rap fanatics on this forum or anywhere in the world. Seems to me that anybody would have voted.

And mind you, "anybody" as used in that context implies any music lover who would, irrespective of his/her taste for other music genres also love Eminem's style - from the rock fans to R & B, Soul, Funk, name it.

Mos' def not hardcore rap fans.

Tell me, who doesn't 'love' Em's style? From the wordplays to the rhymes, the humour, the sarcasm in his flows/lyrics? He's got mass appeal - to the old and young, male and female, rap fan and rap hater, just anybody.

And, let's admit it, Em is good.

But I doubt hardcore rap fans had time to vote.

I'm sure mainstream rap fans must have voted.

Eminem is a mainstream rapper.

Rappers like Canibus, Kweli, Common, Jadakiss, Rakim as mentioned are hardcore, underground and even though their track records submerge Em's, they wouldn't have been voted _{by the mainstream rap fans}.

Someone mentioned album sales. Yes I agree that must have been one of the parameters for the voters'/Vibe's choice.

And, wait a minute, who blurted out that "Nas is next to Em" stuff?

Nas?

That's the best rapper alive.

Very apt Eldee. And I urge everyone not to see it as a letter to any particular person. It's for us all. ^{'member topic says "Re: Open Letter To All Members Of The Music Section"}

Javalove, let me try and explain my point better. Maybe you'll understand.

Let's refer to Nas whom I have come to accept as Mode's prototype. You would agree with me that Nas does not have many club bangers. In fact, the one that easily comes to mind is Hate Me Now. But when you listen to Nas, even as deep and introspective as he sounds, you would agree that he is still entertaining. One Mic is an example of this. Nas maintains a tempo and a rhythm in his raps that keep his listeners fascinated to the last word.

My point, Entertainment does not necessarily mean the same thing as Club Banger.

IMO, Nas sounds better when he does not do club bangers. He is an introverted artiste. No matter how hard you try, you can't change your nature. It's like trying to re-write destiny. You can only improve on your personality - you are who you are. I still listened to Hate Me Now recently. And in fact, the more I listen to it, the more I'm convinced that Nas sounds better on slower beats.

There are some songs I listen to and though I don't dance to them, they still move me (for want of a better word). Good music must be good for the ears, mind, soul and atimes feet. And as contradictory as it may sound, it does not have to be danceable.

Most of the artistes I admire are not alujo or tungba artistes i.e. they don't make danceable music. But they make good music. The point I'm trying to make here is not so straightforward - it sounds contradictory but I know that deep minds would comprehend it. Let's leave rap music awhile. Study Bob Marley, Fela, Pac - these artistes didn't really make dance music but they made good music. So what was it they had going for them?

For me, I've always said I don't hate Modenine. I have his albums. And I want to believe a lot (though not all) of his critics don't hate him. I, like other constructive critics, just expect more from him. For an artiste that has been around for so long and who should by now have obtained an unarguably iconic status, I just feel he's not doing certain things right. I can personally mention some of his songs I like - Contradiction is ma favourite, Fellow Nigerians is another. Some other songs like Spasmodic et al are also above average. But when you listen well to Mode's songs, you would realise something is missing somewhere.

Finally, to the issue of Naija (cos everything I've discussed up there is meant for the global scene). Rugged may not be anywhere near Mode lyrically. But he catches Nigerians' attention faster than Mode. I've watched the two of 'em perform live before. And believe me, peops generally applauded Rugged more than Mode.

Yes you might be good. But of what use is your goodness if you can't make people, in fact, your immediate constituency, feel that goodness? Nigerians and all Africans are peops who love to either dance or be entertained. Mode needs to step up his game. He needs to be entertaining. Believe me he is good but he can be too boring atimes. I am an ardent fanatic of Lyrics. But definitely not a sucka for boredom. And in music, dry beats, flows, etc. are not it for me.

Much more is atimes said in silence than in actual speaking. I pray you get ma point.

Anytime this topic of Mode V. Rugged comes up, I'm always at a loss for words. I really don't know what to say. But I'll try and say sumtn now.

Both MCs are trying. But both of 'em have a lot of work to do to take things to the next level.

Coming from Eldee's Nas V. Jay-Z angle, yes one can compare Nas and Mode. And yes one can say Jay-Z and Rugged. And honestly though I like Jay-Z, I rate Nas way above him. I love meaningful rap lyrics.

Based on that, I should easily rate Mode above Rugged. But I don't.

Just like Nas, Mode has the lyrics. Like Nas, Mode is poetic. And like Nas, Mode is deep. But unlike Nas, Mode has no flows. Unlike Nas, Mode can be very boring. Unlike Nas, Mode is not entertaining.

Look, let's even forget the Nigerian thingy for a while. All over the world, you need to be engrossing, captivating, somewhat entertaining to be a good public speaker. Forget what you say, entertaining nonsense can atimes be better than boring sense.

If you're trying to follow a prototype of something, best you capture every aspect of that thing.

Why do you think Nas is globally accepted? Or Pac? And some other great lyricists? Spitting meaningful but boring lyrics on equally boring beats? Nah!

And for Rugged. Like Jay-Z, Rugged is entertaining. Like Jay-Z, Rugged has got club bangers et radio-friendly songs. Like Jay-Z, Rugged has flows. And yes Rugged has no lyrics. But does Jay-Z have lyrics?

My point, I daresay Rugged fully represents his prototype - the radio-friendly, commercial MC. Exactly like Jay-Z.

But for Mode, he lacks one thing that MCs in his class (like Nas) have - flows. He also lacks that entertaining edge. He needs to work on this. And I think Javalove would help him by slowing down on his Mode hype. And his anti-Rugged campaign. Mode is not all that. Mode does not captivate the listening public. He needs to step up his game. Although Rugged needs to improve on his lyrics, Mode has much more work to do. Many times, I'm tempted to rate him above Rugged. But each time, I'm forced to hesitate. He's a good rapper no doubt. But anytime I listen to him, I always have this feeling that something somewhere is missing. Something is conspicuously amiss.

You can't be a good MC without that entertaining thingy. That's why even if Biggie can't be listed in the Class of Lyricists, people still consider him equal to the raplord Pac. Imagine a cross-breed between Pac & Biggie. Or Nas & Jay-Z.

My Verdict? None. _{Left to your judgment}.

I'm with Eldee on this one.

Oh, I get your point.

let's just hope Mode replies and we keep enjoying Naija's version of Nas Vs Jay

Huh?

You mean -

Yung Berg V. Bow Wow?

Ice-T V. Soulja Boy?

Yung Berg V. Tyga?

Lil Flip V. T.I?

Bow Wow V. Lil Romeo?


Not saying both MCs ain't trying but they're Lightweight MCs!

Not surprised. Anyone remember the nitwit Dejo of Yoruba home videos? His surname is Tumfulu

@Eldee

Are you guys not even tired of all the catwalking and same ol' booty shaking?? ?? ??

I AM

eldee:
Beyonce received this same reaction when she did Ring the Alarm and Dejavu too
Apparently, people were not used to artistes risking their red-carpet smiley-face status but we all know what versatility did for her

Now, pushing it too hard?? It's a themed song . . . it's not her, she's just playing a character
You know, like Wacko Jacko in Thriller and Madonna??

Co-signed.

^{*Reminds me of Ruggedman*}

And I forgot,

4 BIG ( if Jay-z's there then BIGGIE shuld be he has very tight flows)

What does that mean? Hope it's not what I'm thinking cos Biggie ain't Gay-Z's mate at all.

Please tell him . . .

And imagine him saying Nas spits better than Pac. Based on what criteria? Go listen to "Thugz Mansion" remix Pac feat. Nas and compare their lines. Nas rates high IMO but comparing him to Pac is drudgery.

Best two alive:

NAS

EMINEM

@fastmoney

EMINEM IS THE GREATEST EVER. PAC AND BIGGIE ARE OVERRATED.

That sounds like a spontaneous vomit. I'm sure you didn't say that.

Whoa! Who overrated them?

Get your i-pod or whatever music device you got and listen to these 3 cats. Use a good head/ear phone. Let their lyrics, rhymes, flows, style touch the innermost parts of your being.

Then come back and lick your vomit - it smells really foul.

"The Entertainer" is a wonderful album. But don't push D'banj's luck too far by elevating it above 9ice's "Gongo Aso".

For me, I'll do the rating/comparison this way. Production-wise, "The Entertainer" is very very good. All the tracks in that album are very well produced. Said it before and I still feel Don Jazzy is a better producer than ID Cabasa. But singing-wise, "Gongo Aso" is better. 9ice is a better singer than D'banj. Fact is D'banj has boldly declared that he is an entertainer. 9ice is a singer.

And poster, your list of hit songs in both albums is faulty. Hit songs in "The Entertainer" include Mo Gbonafelifeli, Olorunmaje, Suddenly, Igwe and Fall In Love. Kimon and If U Dey Craze are good but not hits (yet). In Gongo Aso, we have Photocopy, Gongo Aso, Street Credibility, Kasa Final, Bachelor, Wedding Day, Party Rider.

It depends on which side of the divide you're judging from. If you're a production fanatic, you'll prefer "The Entertainer". If it's singing/vocal renditions, "Gongo Aso" would mos' def tickle your fancy.

Yes my man, he does it. I also used ta rate him very high. But they do it on a coded level at Rhythm. At Eko FM, those boys are so razz they could carry placards asking for money. But at Rhythm, they do it on a corporate level. Their charges are even some of the highest from what I heard.

They'll give birth to a black Ronaldhino

^{*Dear LORD, please forgive me for saying that!!!*}

Agreed. He was better back in those days. I wonder what's wrong with him now. As someone noted, too much pseudo-fuji a la juju in his tracks nowadays. ^{*you can't compare his raps in a joint like "Shake Bodi" to what he's doing now*}

This issue keeps rearing its ugly head. All these stupid DJs and VJs are just so terrible. That's why half of what we see and hear on TV & radio these days are mediocre songs with plenty dough to promote 'em. I also know folks who complain 'bout these stuffs. In fact, the annoying thing is DJs I used ta respect and have love for also do these things. Examples are DJ Humiliated Humility, DJ Tommy, DJ Midas - all of Rhythm FM. Also some presenters idiots at Cool FM, all those hungry DJs at Eko FM, etc. There's no way this industry's gonna grow with all these crooks. They're the cankerworms of the media.

Whatever happened to Good Name over Riches? ^{*and where even are the riches? Does anyone get rich through exploitation?*}

Still not a fan, just analyzing. As much as I can, I try to be constructive in my criticism (I got no beef for any artiste but let the truth be said always). If my favourite artiste messes up at any point in time, I won't hesitate to lash out. I kind of see the good in bad and the bad in good. I saw a bit of improvement in D'banj's latest album. And more kudos to Don Jazzy anyway - he's a good producer.

lol. . .

Though not really a fan of D'banj, I must say he somewhat sounded more mature in his latest album "The Entertainer". I think we should all accept D'banj for who he really is - an entertainer. He made a clear statement about himself with the title of that album.

On the maturity thingy, the track Suddenly reminds me of his earlier track Mobolowowon. Although with a more funky beat, he regales us with his story-telling abilities on "Suddenly". On that track, he recalls his days of obscurity before coming to limelight. For me, I must say that is D'banj at his emotional best. Don Jazzy spices up the emotional feel of that song with his soulful ad-libs. That track is wonderful - remains my best on that album.

Then, Igwe. Some bit of story-telling. But most importantly, this track brings me to one very important ingredient D'banj utilises in his music much more than any other Nigerian artiste. Marketability (or call it "being commercial".

I've come to realise that D'banj is one artiste who has studied very well the music audience in Nigeria. He has also mastered the marketability factor of Nigerian songs. He was business-wise enough to do something for our Igbo peops. Aside the danceable beat, Igbo folks would be crazy for that song. And Don Jazzy came on strong again.

Putting aside the technical factor of music, he's doing well for himself in this area. He may not last for donkey years in his music career but he lives for today and that's not too bad.

In general, D'banj may not be so technically good at music but he does it for the Nigerian market (we all know how it is in Nigeria now). He sounds more mature and grown up especially on those two tracks above mentioned. Methinks he would do better for himself by slowing down on all those koko, kokolets & mamalets et al stuffs anyway.

He's growing up. And like Dr. Dre said:

I'M WATCHING.

@poster
You're blessed for bringing up this topic. I started comparing both of 'em exactly two days ago and was contemplating posting a topic like this. Before D'banj's latest album (The Entertainer), I would have rated ID Cabasa higher. But when I listened to that album, my thinking changed. If Don Jazzy produced the following tracks in that album, he's a demi-god in the class of great Nigerian producers:

Suddenly
Igwe
Mo Gbona Feli Feli

My days, the first two tracks listed above particularly convince me of Don Jazzy's deft production skills.

konkocious:
but am still in need of the CD of Kunle Ajayi of Ibadan i ve been searching for it since but i can't get any of it

Visit Ibadan (maybe Mokola Roundabout) - you'll get it there.

Very sad. May God grant DRE the fortitude to bear such an irrepairable loss.

Please don't start.

Would be brainstorming. . .

Kunle Ibadan is more technical on the sax. But if you want a spiritual taste of the sax/jazz, go for Kunle Lagos.

Very kolo.

Kemistry is now a model too

Huh? Where?

Cholerik, which kain Cholera talk be dis

@poster

HE WILL RUNDOWN NICE'S ALBUM

Greenjohnny committed a typographical error. He wanted to say "He will run down under the weight of 9ice's album"

@Phenomenal

Yeah this is another facet that exposes the decay in mentality of some Nigerians. It's the same with those that collect 100 naira and even bread to vote for intending political office holders. The Djs that collect gratifification don't realise that they are shooting themselves in the foot because if they force songs on people rather than carefully watching the song and the reaction to it,they are killing the industry where they feed from
It's just the area boy syndrome coming to fore. 'I will collect what I can from you because when u make it u'll forget me'. That's the thinking. If only the media houses are paying royalties on played songs then less mediocre songs will be played

You're on point.

Both songs are great but I prefer Chinwe Ike.