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[US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
Hip-hop is becoming a mainstream genre in Japan now.
I think many people started getting interested in hip-hop through things like MC battles.
However, some of you might feel that U.
S.
hip-hop has a high barrier to entry.
Even though it’s a relatively young genre, the history—like past beefs and lineages—is vast, making it hard to grasp.
So for those who want to understand the landscape of U.
S.
hip-hop, I’ll introduce the supreme masterpieces of American hip-hop, along with historical context and explanations.
[United States] Greatest Hip-Hop Classics (1–10)
N.Y. State of MindNas
Among the tracks selected for the Hip-Hop Top 100 is “N.
Y.
State of Mind.” This is a song released by Nas in 1992, and it showcases his skills.
However, rather than doing so in a straightforward way, it’s delivered in a narrative style, using the state of New York as an example.
Its abundant use of figurative expressions sparks the listener’s imagination—that’s part of its appeal.
I should also add that the lyrics of this song are frequently quoted in contemporary Japanese hip-hop.
StrongerKanye West
Kanye West’s “Stronger” shook the scene in three ways.
First, the futuristic track that makes full use of synthesizers.
Combined with the processed vocals, it results in a mysterious sound.
Second, the powerful lyrics, which feel like they affirm every experience in life.
And lastly, the music video with a sci-fi-like world.
It’s actually inspired by anime and was filmed in Japan! For Japanese music fans, that’s something to feel proud of.
Lose YourselfEminem
Eminem, known for his rise from the streets and his profound lyrics, is hugely popular in Japan as well.
The theme song he wrote for his biographical film 8 Mile is Lose Yourself.
The song depicts Eminem at rock bottom, repeatedly failing yet drawing closer to success.
In a sense, it condenses the film’s storyline into a single track.
When things aren’t going well, it can serve as an uplifting anthem.
Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre
Since his debut in 1992, Dr.
Dre has been at the forefront of the scene.
His collaboration with the leading figure of G-funk, Snoop Dogg, is “Still D.
R.
E.
ft.
Snoop Dogg.” Until this track, Dr.
Dre had been moving away from G-funk, so his return to his roots became a major topic.
Also, there’s another heavyweight rapper involved in this song: Jay-Z.
He wrote the lyrics.
It’s truly a dream collaboration, and the powerful lyrics are a highlight.
The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre
The collaboration between Dr.
Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt is the 2000 release “The Next Episode.” This track is crafted as an expression of their shared passion for music.
By the way, some of you might be curious about the catchy title.
In fact, this song is positioned as a sequel to the 1993 release “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.” Be sure to listen to them back-to-back.
Big PoppaThe Notorious B.I.G.
Notorious B.
I.
G.
burst onto the East Coast hip-hop scene and earned fame with his overwhelming flow skills.
He’s also credited as a catalyst for modern G-funk and is known for being widely respected by many rappers for his charisma.
One of the tracks on his debut album is “Big Poppa.” In a sharp turn from G-funk, it became a historic hit with its smooth vocals and romantic lyrics.
If you listen to it alongside his other songs, the contrast is easy to hear.
In Da Club50 Cent
50 Cent, whose Super Bowl 2022 performance still feels fresh in our memories, is inseparable from the track In Da Club when talking about his career.
It’s a song included on his 2003 debut album, in which he sings about the success that’s about to build from there.
True to the lyrics, the track was nominated for a Grammy and became a historic hit.
By the way, the lyrics include slang and movie references, so it’s easier to understand if you look them up before listening.