On occasion I like to get down with a bit of ye olde Hip Hop. Here is a modest selection of the choice beats and rhymes in which I like to utilize for the aforementioned getting down. Now in Apple Music playlist form as well: Listen to TTTT Vol 4 – Hip Hop by Packy on @AppleMusic
- Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five – It’s Nasty (Genius of Love). A classic track with fantastic samples and super tight rhymes – this is the definition of Old School. This track, and a lot of the classics are why I have a hard time getting in to the modern rap scene. These guys were having fun, the modern set is so serious, or depressing, or thuggish, or woefully misogynistic. Even though these old raps could be crass, but they never felt rude or demeaning – they were just a damn good jam
- The Sugar Hill Gang – Rapper’s Delight. Which is quite possibly the longest song that you never skip past, no matter how many times you’ve heard it. Again, a classic that set the bar ridiculously way too high.
- Rahzel – All I Know. Fast forward a few years to one of the greatest beat boxers on the planet. Also, he’s dope at rapping. Enjoy!
- Busdriver – Imaginary Places. From the best in beat boxing to the best in speed rapping. I hope you like it fast, cuz the Busdriver doesn’t slow down for anyone.
- Pigeon John – The Bomb. I like ironic and self indulgent work, which is quite possibly why I love this track from Pigeon John (which yes, I know doesn’t qualify as classic Hip Hop, but he’s having fun and I like it. Rules are bendy, dammit!). It sounds like something I would write…
- The Beastie Boys – Intergalactic. You didn’t think I could do a Hip Hop list and leave the B-Boys out, did ya? Yeah, me neither. This song was kind of the beginning of the end of their reign, but what a track to go out on. Good stuff.
- Kool Moe Dee – Wild Wild West. Since Mike D of the Beastie Boys was a huge fan of Kool Moe Dee, I figured it was only fitting to add this iconic track to the playlist. A brilliant classic.
- Public Enemy – Don’t Believe the Hype. Chuck D in da house. ‘Nuff said.
- Geto Boys – Still. This is obligatory. Either you get it, or you don’t. I can’t help you if you don’t.
- Digital Underground – the Humpty Dance. Yeah, I brought it down a notch with the Geto Boys, but now it’s time for you to get your body movin’ with good ol’ Humpty Hump. Don’t act like you don’t know all the words, because lying is shallow and it cheapens the soul. Rap along with pride while you shake your hips from side to side.
