[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
Hip-hop hadn’t been very popular in Japan for a long time, but it’s recently started getting attention, thanks in part to the spread of MC battles.
That said, even if people know recent tracks, many might not be familiar with the older ones.
So this time, we’ve picked out some classic hip-hop tracks recommended for those listeners.
We’ve mainly chosen songs from the 1980s to the 2000s, so you can also get a sense of hip-hop’s history.
Please take your time and enjoy.
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[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP: Timeless Masterpieces (1–10)
They Reminisce Over YouPete Rock & CL Smooth
Pete Rock & CL Smooth, a hip-hop duo representing New York.
They emerged during the golden age of rap, and they also excel at jazz rap, effortlessly handling everything from classic, straight-ahead rap to more melodic styles.
Among their works, the renowned classic is “They Reminisce Over You.” The track, infused with a jazzy vibe, pairs perfectly with their laid-back yet tightly rhymed delivery, offering exceptional stability and groove.
Overnight CelebrityTwista
In today’s hip-hop scene, trap music is the trend, and skills like flow and rhyming sometimes get neglected.
In the 2000s, it was the opposite, with many highly skilled rappers led by Eminem.
Among the most famous is Twista, who performs “Overnight Celebrity.” This track is one of his signature works and showcases incredibly fast rap.
If you’re looking for skillful rap, this is a must-check.
ATliensOutKast
Outkast are a hip-hop crew from Atlanta, Georgia, who gained popularity with a sound rooted in funk and soul.
The raps crafted by the duo of the so-called genius André 3000 and Big Boi became beloved as a quintessential example of Southern hip-hop.
Among their works, the one I especially recommend is ATLiens.
It’s a classic distinguished by its stylish, analog-inflected production and skillful flows.
Be sure to check it out.
[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP: Timeless Masterpieces (11–20)
Nas Is LikeNas
Nas, a legendary rapper who rose from being recognized as a representative of New York to a representative of the entire hip-hop scene.
Though he’s 100% hardcore from head to toe, his novel-like, literary lyrics have given immense influence and hope to many rappers who followed.
When you listen to Nas Is Like, I think you’ll find common ground between Nas’s music and today’s drill music, which is characterized by hardcore lyrics.
Shook Ones, Pt. IIMobb Deep
Mobb Deep, the hip-hop crew repping Queens, New York.
With their heavy, low-end, and dope tracks that embody the stark atmosphere of hip-hop, their presence is undeniably crucial in the long and storied history of the genre.
One of their classic tracks is Shook Ones, Pt.
II.
This authentic East Coast rap carries a blazing vibe and message that still hit hard in today’s hip-hop scene, even as styles have evolved.
If you’re a head who hasn’t heard it yet, just give it a listen and prepare to be blown away.
California Love2Pac ft. Dr. Dre
When it comes to songs that symbolize the West Coast, many people probably think of California Love.
Created by West Coast icons 2Pac and Dr.
Dre, this track was released in 1995 and received worldwide acclaim.
Naturally, it’s a highly polished piece that packs in all the best elements of West Coast rap.
If you want to dig deeper into West Coast hip-hop, be sure to check it out.
It Was A Good DayIce Cube
Compton, a city located in Southern California, is notorious as a very high-crime area.
Ice Cube is a central figure of N.
W.
A, the legendary hip-hop group that represents Compton, and he is now also active as an actor and film director.
One of his signature tracks is It Was a Good Day.
The lyrics—saying it was a good day because nobody died around him—reflect the situation in Compton at the time.
Though the subject matter is serious, it’s a classic distinguished by its mellow, comfortable, funk-tinged beat and vibe, paired with a passionate rap performance.