Hip Hop: 10 Songs That Embody The Culture

So, the other day I received a text message with a link to a blog.  I opened the link and began reading the post titled “What Does Hip Hop Look Like to You?” on http://verysmartbrothas.com/.  The entry is one of the most creative posts I have seen in quite some time.  The basic premise of the post requires you to imagine that you have the opportunity to introduce an open-minded person to hip hop.  You are to assume that the person does not have pre-conceived notions about hip hop.  Basically, assume the person represents a blank canvas and you have the opportunity to paint a picture of what hip hop is to you. The post then poses a question: If given an opportunity to select ten songs that embody the hip hop spirit, what songs would you choose?  Please check out the post at http://verysmartbrothas.com/. 

After reading the post, I immediately sat down and selected my ten songs.  As you can imagine, choosing only ten songs out of thousands of songs is not easy.  I created a preliminary list, and then over the weekend, I discussed the topic with two of my friends.  We “round tabled” the topic and everyone chose their ten songs.  I am certain that if I choose a list in a few weeks, that list will be slightly, if not, dramatically different from the list posted below.  I will get back to that in a minute, but I have to discuss a hip hop documentary I watched over the weekend as well.

The documentary is titled “The Art of Rap” and it was directed by Ice-T.  He traveled to different cities across the country and interviewed legendary emcees and producers. The list of interviewees reads like a “who’s who” of hip hop. Some of the participants included: Q-Tip, Eminem, Nas, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, M.C. Lyte, Salt, Treach, Mos Def, Kool Moe Dee, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Raekwon, Common, D.J. Premier, and many others.  One of my favorite parts of the documents is when Ice-T asked the artists to rap a lyric, from any era, that was stuck in their head.  It was interesting to hear the lyrics each artist chose.  Also, it was even more interesting to hear their explanations as to why the song was included.  Dr. Dre had one of the more memorable moments in the documentary.  He said that during his 27 years in the business, he had never gone more than two weeks without being in the studio.  That is dedication to a craft!  Eminem’s responses were interesting as well; he discussed his thought process for making a song and for trying to make the best, most creative music possible.  If you have not seen the documentary, and you love hip hop, you should check it out. 

Back to the 10 songs I would choose (this list is in no particular order).

Pete Rock & CL Smooth—“T.R.O.Y” (They Reminisce Over You).  This song is the perfect combination of lyrics, timing and production.  If there has ever been a perfect song, this may be it.    

Nas—“Rewind.”  This song represents the creative element of hip hop.  Nas rapped an entire story from the end to the beginning.  Up until I heard that song, I had never heard anything like it.    

Eminem—“Lose Yourself.”  This song represents that moment in life when you get the opportunity to shine.  As an attorney, this song describes that feeling you have while preparing for an appearance in court.  You are nervous, anxious, and excited.

Tupac—“Dear Mama”  This song represents the sensitive side of hip hop.  It is an ode to mothers.  It was written by one of the greatest and most contradictory artists of all time.  Tupac was not afraid to say what was on his mind.  He would make an ode to mothers on Monday and by Friday, he would make a song like “Hit Em Up.” 

Ice Cube—“Today Was a Good Day” This song represents that perfect day when you wake up, the weather is perfect, and your spirits are high.  This is the ultimate “feel good” song. 

Wu Tang Clan—“C.R.E.A.M”  This song made my list because it epitomizes the mid-1990’s hip hop scene.  This song represents the grimey rap when everyone wore Timberland boots, skullies, gold chains and fronts.  This is the era right before Puffy’s infamous “shiny suit” era.  Wu-Tang Clan told a story about growing up in the United States while being an impoverished, African-American male.  Truly great song.

Slick Rick—“Children’s Story”  This song represents the storytelling component of hip hop.  Slick Rick is widely recognized as being the best story-teller in the history of hip hop.  In Children’s Story, he was at his best.

Mobb Deep—“Shook Ones”  This song represents the perfect beat for a rap battle.  It is also another song from the grimey era of hip hop that I appreciate so much.

Talib Kweli—“Expansion Outro”  This song represents the historical component of hip hop.  Talib tells the story about four women, which was inspired by Nina Simon’s song “Four Women.”  This song teaches so many lessons about respecting our elders.  If you have not heard it before, please check it out.

The Geto Boys—“Mind is Playing Tricks On Me”  This song represents the dark side of hip hop.  The Geto Boys discuss psychological issues.  It is kind of ironic that the Geto Boys made this song since one of its members; Bushwick Bill struggled with psychological problems.  Like many other seldom discussed topics, hip hop has always discussed the issues that other genres will not. 

Which ten songs would you choose?

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