There’s plenty of great hip-hop out there. Unfortunately it can get lost amid the trash from Young Money and Flo-Rida. I did’t get a chance to mention some of the best rap out there that I like. Without further ado, here are five more songs that showcase the best of hip-hop
1) The Cool, Lupe Fiasco, Food and Liquor
Not all hip-hop has to be about big booties and blunt blowing. Some raps can have a really interesting back story. The Cool is one such song. I remember where I was the first time I listened to this song, it’s one of those songs that takes me back to a place, and the story behind the lyrics is really cool. Not only is it basically a gangsta zombie story, but has a deeper message. Definitely worth a listen.
2) Heartbeat, Childish Gambino, Camp
Not only is Donald Glover hilarious on NBC’s Community, he’s a very talented rapper. I’m not sure why this song in particular is so great for me. Maybe I’m really digging the message and situation he raps about, or maybe I really love the intensity the can show in his lyrics and his voice at the most important parts of the song. Anyways, check this song out, it’s really good. And not the edited version either, they cut the best stuff out of that.
3) You Say (Puppy Love), Brother Ali, Us
It’s a song gorgeous beat, an emotional melody, and words that echos with emotion. I don’t ever listen to this song when other people are around, because every single time I listen to this song, including now, I start bawling. Songs like this really talk about what love is, and I’m convinced Brother Ali knows what that is. Maybe I’m being overly emotional over one random song, but there’s something deep he talks about that I can’t even put to words. It’s beautiful. If you even bother to listen to one song I suggest, consider choosing this one.
4) Rise and Shine, Big K.R.I.T., Return of 4eva
Once upon a time, this was the melody I would wake up to in the morning. Maybe listening to it while half awake burned itself into my brain permanently, because I always feel like I’m waking up when I hear this song. It’s a nice little motivational melody, and Big K.R.I.T. does a great job with it.
5) Yesterday, Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
Atmosphere is a great rapper, and this song really showcases his skill, and his storytelling skill. It took me a while of listening to this song to realize who he was talking to in this song, perhaps as a result of my own blondeness. Once it clicked, the song took on a whole new meaning. Worth a listen.