Eazy-E) extensively interviewed about the evolution of West Coast Hip Hop as seen in the movie. But perhaps the moment everything really came together was when Kendrick Lamar got involved with the production of ‘Straight Outta Compton’, the motion picture narrating the lives of the former NWA members who Kenny, being some twenty years their minor, all together (R.I.P. It features tracks with actual West Coast hard hitters to the likes of MC Eiht and Dr. Lamar’s debut album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, rides on g-funk beats as Kenny graphically describes growing up in the very same Compton where OG groups such as NWA find their roots. Since then, he has used his rapidly built platform not only to inspire new-wave rappers to pay more attention to the complexity of their writing but also to give due respect to the West Coast Hip Hop legends and Hip Hop culture in general. And that alone is why he should be on this list.Īn extremely humble and likable guy, Kendrick – within the timespan of a few years – has built a fan base of many millions through his lyrically thoughtful and mellow, yet politically controversial music releases. But ask yourself what would’ve happened to today’s mainstream lyrical rap, if Kendrick wouldn’t have had stepped up at a time where Lil Wayne was swinging the scepter? Kendrick Lamar made lyrically meaningful Hip Hop hot again, at a time where it could’ve very possibly died a silent dead in the midst of mumble rap. And for a kid that realistically just started out 8 years ago, I feel you. And from there on, iconic tracks like ‘Dead Presidents” and ‘The Takeover’ (Jay’s attack on Nas in what would become one of the biggest beefs in Hip Hop history) all the way to recent bangers such as ‘Empire State of Mind’ and ‘The Story of OJ’ have all carried that distinct lyrical trademark that allowed Jay-Z to put himself in the sweet spot right between commercial appeal and keeping it real.ĭespite his own work, Jay-Z has indirectly (insert list of new school rappers that mention Hov as their greatest inspiration here) as well as directly (Still D.R.E., anyone?) influenced the lyrics of many great Hip Hop songs we love and listen to today.Īlright, you probably think that Kung-fu Kenny’s body of work thus far is definitely dope, but way too light to be mentioned in the same list as some of the all-time lyrical greats. Jay’s debut album Reasonable Doubt alone is by many considered a timeless lyrical masterpiece. This allowed him to earn millions of dollars off of his many mainstream hits, whilst still largely retaining the respect of real Hip Hop heads. Jay-Z might not be the best or most respected lyricist of all time, but he was the first to capitalize on that fine line between producing almost pop-like club anthems and still paying his lyrical dues to the street. Apart from being probably the most successful Hip Hop artist of all time (in terms of wealth accumulation it’s either him, Dre or Diddy), Jay-Z has published a great array of critically acclaimed lyrical masterpieces, that definitely changed the game for every rapper that co-existed in Jay’s prime or came ‘after’ (cause despite turning 50 this year, Hov is still dropping new hits on the regular). He’s not just a businessman, he’s a business, man.
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