Frownland

I'm sure we can be civil.

He's not the fastest emcee, but his flow is spot on IMO. Lyrically he's intelligent and I love how reference heavy he is and how his utilization of those references distorts what he's referencing and paints a unique picture. I like how much there is to take in, even if sometimes I need Wikipedia ready. There's just a lot to his rhymes I guess, it's a very unique approach. Plus his beats are great, IMO. His second album, Dour Candy, is his low point in terms of beats, but they're still great. I actually prefer his work with Armand Hammer to his solo stuff. Check out this verse, it's one of my favourites of his (even though it's not as reference heavy as I was just discussing):

Sold it
Rash moment
Those beans better've been magic homie
"Gotta have hope jack!"
Go head and quote it
Smile broken when they broke in
Blind how they stole him
Rip un-woken
Fog rolling off the ocean
Wandering ronin lay down prepared to meet that fine little pony
Looping saharan cellphone music
Greets the retreating Romans
Rope and limb, woods dark
Trees groaning
Then he rose and wept without knowing


He really paints a powerful image.

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Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

John Wilkes Booth

damn wasn't trying to be insulting i guess it just comes naturally.. i don't mind that you don't like illmatic but there's a reason it put nas on the map

Frownland

I can see why people would like it. Like I said, I thought it was above average lyrically, it's just the musical element that bores me.

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Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

Goofle

You weren't insulting dude, more patronizing.

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John Wilkes Booth

yea i know and that's what i thought the first couple times i heard it too so i understand why you'd find it boring.

John Wilkes Booth

i can see that... my bad. i'm honestly more used to rap forums where nobody would question that illmatic is great except that one annoying kid who only wants to bump the latest mainstream ****.

14232949

I mean, it's not a 5*, but how many of the acknowledged 'classics' are.
I think it's good that people here are able to intelligently look beyond what they're supposed to believe about certain artists and albums.
There's a number of 'classic' hip-hop albums that I don't care for, this doesn't make me wrong for feeling that way.

I think the best hip-hop has come this side of the millenium, but hey that's just me.

John Wilkes Booth

lol i know there are a lot of tryhards who pretend to like old school hip hop but i genuinely think illmatic is easily nas's best album if not a 5* or whatever you put it. and @ goofle god's son >>> stillmatic as well i dunno what you think is so great about that album. i genuinely think 36 chambers is hip hop production at its best. honestly when whoever said liquid swords is better i'd like to smack them. liquid swords is great but 36 chambers is a masterpiece. i don't actually care for most of the pre 90's rap... like eric b and rakim, kool moe dee, krs, etc. i respect it for what it is but i don't really listen to it. but i'd disagree with your last comment for sure.

Goofle

Liquid Swords is way better than 36 Chambers though.

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John Wilkes Booth

nah. even cuban linx is better than liquid swords tbh.