OT: What Are You Listening to Now?

[fatlever]

OK hip hop fans, I need your help. I am in the process of making an old school hip hop mix on Spotify. I need some suggestions. If you guys have been paying attention over the years, you'll know I am not a huge rap/hip hop fan. That being said, the few things I like, I really like. Some of the stuff I do like for reference include songs from: Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Talib, Pharcyde, Dangermouse, Fort Knox Five, Brand New Heavies, older Snoop, late 80s, early 90s, even some of the early gangsta stuff. Songs with a melody, funny lyrics or smart lyrics or lyrics that tell a story. I get annoyed by idiot lyrics about bragging, guns and money. Real instruments are always a plus, but not required. Melody and hooks. OK, so if you could recommend one or two songs that I just must include on this mix, what would you suggest? Give me the best of the best suggestions, not a list of 10 songs. Doesn't have to be super underground stuff, I might like well known classics just as much as the obscure stuff. Just assumed I have been living in a cave for the past 30 years and know nothing.

OK go...

Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ubKHzujy8
De La Soul - Eye Know (samples your fave Steely Dan's Peg) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1CaN4thI5w&list=RDz1CaN4thI5w#t=28
Mos Def - Mathematics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5vw4ajnWGA
Guru - Take A Look At Yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cwjkn4VSqU

thanks, I will check these out.

[countryboi]

OK hip hop fans, I need your help. I am in the process of making an old school hip hop mix on Spotify. I need some suggestions. If you guys have been paying attention over the years, you'll know I am not a huge rap/hip hop fan. That being said, the few things I like, I really like. Some of the stuff I do like for reference include songs from: Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Talib, Pharcyde, Dangermouse, Fort Knox Five, Brand New Heavies, older Snoop, late 80s, early 90s, even some of the early gangsta stuff. Songs with a melody, funny lyrics or smart lyrics or lyrics that tell a story. I get annoyed by idiot lyrics about bragging, guns and money. Real instruments are always a plus, but not required. Melody and hooks. OK, so if you could recommend one or two songs that I just must include on this mix, what would you suggest? Give me the best of the best suggestions, not a list of 10 songs. Doesn't have to be super underground stuff, I might like well known classics just as much as the obscure stuff. Just assumed I have been living in a cave for the past 30 years and know nothing.

OK go...

this question would not complete with out The Roots

is there a particular Roots song that you like above all else?

their most popular songs are The Next Movement, You got me, and what they do...the roots use a live band and its amazing...you may have seen them on jimmy fallon. they are the house band

[Snidely FC]

OK hip hop fans, I need your help. I am in the process of making an old school hip hop mix on Spotify. I need some suggestions. If you guys have been paying attention over the years, you'll know I am not a huge rap/hip hop fan. That being said, the few things I like, I really like. Some of the stuff I do like for reference include songs from: Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Talib, Pharcyde, Dangermouse, Fort Knox Five, Brand New Heavies, older Snoop, late 80s, early 90s, even some of the early gangsta stuff. Songs with a melody, funny lyrics or smart lyrics or lyrics that tell a story. I get annoyed by idiot lyrics about bragging, guns and money. Real instruments are always a plus, but not required. Melody and hooks. OK, so if you could recommend one or two songs that I just must include on this mix, what would you suggest? Give me the best of the best suggestions, not a list of 10 songs. Doesn't have to be super underground stuff, I might like well known classics just as much as the obscure stuff. Just assumed I have been living in a cave for the past 30 years and know nothing.

OK go...

Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ubKHzujy8
De La Soul - Eye Know (samples your fave Steely Dan's Peg) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1CaN4thI5w&list=RDz1CaN4thI5w#t=28
Mos Def - Mathematics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5vw4ajnWGA
Guru - Take A Look At Yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cwjkn4VSqU

thanks, I will check these out.

BTW with your interest in jazz and extended jams in addition to Guru's Jazzmatazz you should also check out Madlib's disc Shades of Blue. Lamar posted vid from the album on pg 19 of this thread. Which reminded me there are a lot of Old School tunes already posted in this thread. I know you only wanted a few tune names, but I got inspired to make a list for you, "Mr. List," of the old school vids already posted herein. Starred a few of the jazzier beats for you, but you could dip into this list at just about any point and find great stuff (thread page in parentheses):

Outkast - SpottieOllieDopaliscious, Da Art of Storytellin (1)
Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation (2)
Goodie Mob feat Outkast - Black Ice (2)
Cool Breeze - Watch For the Hook (2)
Ultramagnetic MCs - Ego Trippin (2)
*Grand Puba - I like it (8)
US3 - Cantaloop (8)
Hard to Obtain - LI Groove (10)
Tucka Da Huntaman - Da Hunt Is On (10)
Pete Rock & CL - Smooth In the Flesh (10)
*MF Doom - Mr. Clean (10)
Outkast - Git Up git Out (10), Chonkyfire (12), Return of the G (12)
Cunninglinguists - Caved In, Enemies with Benefits (11)
Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way (11)
Guru - Loungin, Take A Look At yourself (12)
Pete Rock & INI - Step Up (13)
Pete Rock & DeDa - How I'm Livin(13)
Master Ace - Take A look Around (13)
Da King & I - tears (14)
Pharcyde - Y (15)
Roots - Guns Are Drawn (15)
*Hieroglyphics - The Who (16)
Wu Tang Clan Heart Gently Weeps (17)
Blackalicious - Sleep, Shallow Days (18)
Arrested Development - Ease My Mind (19)
Slick Rick - Behind Bars (19)
Boogie Down Productions - My Philosophy (19)
*Madlib - Shades of Blue (19)
MF Grimm - Stars & Memories (19)
Pharcyde - Running (20)
*Black Star - Respiration (20)
Brand Nubian - Slow Down (21)
Nas - Get Down (21)
Lords of the Underground - Flow (21)
Public Enemy - Shut Em Down (21)
*Puppets of Chaos - Tru Dat (22)
House of Pain - Jump Araound (23)
Talib Kweli - Shock body (23)
Black Moon - **** Iz Real (24)

[fatlever]

this question would not complete with out The Roots

is there a particular Roots song that you like above all else?

their most popular songs are The Next Movement, You got me, and what they do...the roots use a live band and its amazing...you may have seen them on jimmy fallon. they are the house band

yeah, I'm fairly familiar with their stuff. Have one album, but just wasn't sure if there was a singular song or two that is head and shoulders above the rest. I will check out the ones you suggested.

[fatlever]

Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ubKHzujy8
De La Soul - Eye Know (samples your fave Steely Dan's Peg) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1CaN4thI5w&list=RDz1CaN4thI5w#t=28
Mos Def - Mathematics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5vw4ajnWGA
Guru - Take A Look At Yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cwjkn4VSqU

thanks, I will check these out.

BTW with your interest in jazz and extended jams in addition to Guru's Jazzmatazz you should also check out Madlib's disc Shades of Blue. Lamar posted vid from the album on pg 19 of this thread. Which reminded me there are a lot of Old School tunes already posted in this thread. I know you only wanted a few tune names, but I got inspired to make a list for you, "Mr. List," of the old school vids already posted herein. Starred a few of the jazzier beats for you, but you could dip into this list at just about any point and find great stuff (thread page in parentheses):

Outkast - SpottieOllieDopaliscious, Da Art of Storytellin (1)
Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation (2)
Goodie Mob feat Outkast - Black Ice (2)
Cool Breeze - Watch For the Hook (2)
Ultramagnetic MCs - Ego Trippin (2)
*Grand Puba - I like it (8)
US3 - Cantaloop (8)
Hard to Obtain - LI Groove (10)
Tucka Da Huntaman - Da Hunt Is On (10)
Pete Rock & CL - Smooth In the Flesh (10)
*MF Doom - Mr. Clean (10)
Outkast - Git Up git Out (10), Chonkyfire (12), Return of the G (12)
Cunninglinguists - Caved In, Enemies with Benefits (11)
Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way (11)
Guru - Loungin, Take A Look At yourself (12)
Pete Rock & INI - Step Up (13)
Pete Rock & DeDa - How I'm Livin(13)
Master Ace - Take A look Around (13)
Da King & I - tears (14)
Pharcyde - Y (15)
Roots - Guns Are Drawn (15)
*Hieroglyphics - The Who (16)
Wu Tang Clan Heart Gently Weeps (17)
Blackalicious - Sleep, Shallow Days (18)
Arrested Development - Ease My Mind (19)
Slick Rick - Behind Bars (19)
Boogie Down Productions - My Philosophy (19)
*Madlib - Shades of Blue (19)
MF Grimm - Stars & Memories (19)
Pharcyde - Running (20)
*Black Star - Respiration (20)
Brand Nubian - Slow Down (21)
Nas - Get Down (21)
Lords of the Underground - Flow (21)
Public Enemy - Shut Em Down (21)
*Puppets of Chaos - Tru Dat (22)
House of Pain - Jump Araound (23)
Talib Kweli - Shock body (23)
Black Moon - **** Iz Real (24)

Good idea. Thanks.

[countryboi]

is there a particular Roots song that you like above all else?

their most popular songs are The Next Movement, You got me, and what they do...the roots use a live band and its amazing...you may have seen them on jimmy fallon. they are the house band

yeah, I'm fairly familiar with their stuff. Have one album, but just wasn't sure if there was a singular song or two that is head and shoulders above the rest. I will check out the ones you suggested.

is it "things fall apart"? its a classic

[yosemiteben]

Just recently discovered Mandolin Orange and I'm thoroughly addicted.

Example of their sound:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7PvgY65OxA[/youtube]

[LamarMatic7]

OK hip hop fans, I need your help. I am in the process of making an old school hip hop mix on Spotify. I need some suggestions. If you guys have been paying attention over the years, you'll know I am not a huge rap/hip hop fan. That being said, the few things I like, I really like. Some of the stuff I do like for reference include songs from: Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Talib, Pharcyde, Dangermouse, Fort Knox Five, Brand New Heavies, older Snoop, late 80s, early 90s, even some of the early gangsta stuff. Songs with a melody, funny lyrics or smart lyrics or lyrics that tell a story. I get annoyed by idiot lyrics about bragging, guns and money. Real instruments are always a plus, but not required. Melody and hooks. OK, so if you could recommend one or two songs that I just must include on this mix, what would you suggest? Give me the best of the best suggestions, not a list of 10 songs. Doesn't have to be super underground stuff, I might like well known classics just as much as the obscure stuff. Just assumed I have been living in a cave for the past 30 years and know nothing.

OK go...

actually, just a few months ago I made almost the exact playlist for a friend who wanted to find out more about classic hip hop. he also is more fond of songs that contain a nice melody or have a catchy beat so it isn't necessarily "Hip Hop Classics 101". yes, I included ignorant Dr. Dre songs of the 90s that just should be on the list but I tried to be versatile with it. Included some early, early 80s stuff, some experimental hip hop, used my personal bias to include some unsung artists, some more depressive hip hop, etc.

so if you're interested in a massive list (around 700 songs) I could send you the tracklist to that one.

but if you don't want to be over-whelmed, here's my shot at giving four best of the best suggestions that fit the description of smart and melodic songs.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHJUccn8aiY[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI6iZJOntY8[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JlCkrWM9EM[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J0KiMnByPY[/youtube]

[Diop]

I posted this on the off topic board the other day and now I can't get it out of my head.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJW67QN24SA[/youtube]

[Diop]

saying that I also get this crap stuck in my head

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsJhXez42Ko[/youtube]

[Benjamin Linus]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHaln2drAdc[/youtube]

[fatlever]

I posted this on the off topic board the other day and now I can't get it out of my head.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJW67QN24SA[/youtube]

So funny you posted this. I love this song. I always said (in my head) that If i have a cover band, this song would definitely be on my list of tunes to cover. I love "Up In Smoke".

[fatlever]

And thanks Lamar for the hip hop suggestions. I haven't had a chance to get back to working my my play list, but when I do, I will hit up those tunes for sure. I got totally sidetracked by the Grateful Dead "Fare Thee Well" tour, that I have been in a Grateful Dead rabbit hole the past two weeks. Not sure when I am coming out of that one.

[LamarMatic7]

And thanks Lamar for the hip hop suggestions. I haven't had a chance to get back to working my my play list, but when I do, I will hit up those tunes for sure. I got totally sidetracked by the Grateful Dead "Fare Thee Well" tour, that I have been in a Grateful Dead rabbit hole the past two weeks. Not sure when I am coming out of that one.

alright. and if you are interested in that playlist of mine, just hit me up.

[Diop]

I posted this on the off topic board the other day and now I can't get it out of my head.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJW67QN24SA[/youtube]

So funny you posted this. I love this song. I always said (in my head) that If i have a cover band, this song would definitely be on my list of tunes to cover. I love "Up In Smoke".

I only just found out that Korn did a cover. Its pretty much a metal version, so you wouldn't like it

[Braggins]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eahgkn5Qopc[/youtube]

[Benjamin Linus]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYR3KYF97OQ[/youtube]

[Braggins]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5MDxiPda2k[/youtube]

[Snidely FC]

By the way, I don't know if I'm allowed to share this and maybe people already know, but my son just taught me how to convert a youtube video to mp3 so you can add the song to your itunes music library.
copy the url of the youtube video you want.
Go to: http://www.youtube-mp3.org/
paste url
Convert video.
save to your computer music library
From itunes Import from your computer into itunes.
the song will appear at the very bottom of your songs library (cuz itunes has no info on it yet).
right click on the song, convert to AAC - this is Apple format and allows all the apple functions like autoplay in a playlist.
right click on the song, click get info and manually enter artist name, etc.

[LamarMatic7]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6oi5vBYsqA[/youtube]