Hip Hop not Hip Pop

[AmazoniaBelly]

Anybody out there who listens to political or undergroung hip hop....hip hop that inspires? I think it is the most culturally and politically relevant music in this moment. I would like to exchange MC names or group names because I want to expand my collection and have a fun discussion.

Hope to hear from you!

Rachel

[SirPentor]

I'm out of the loop--haven't really picked up any new groups since highschool, but Public Enemy, KRS-One and Ice Cube pretty much ruled as far as that goes back in the day.

To my knowledge, PE and KRS are still making that type of record, Ice Cube has gone more "club."

"Hip-hop turned into Hit-Pop the second a record made number one on the pop charts."--3rd Base

[weetzie]

I do listen to some independent hip hop a la Immortal Technique and others. Is that the kind of music you are referring to?

[mama ganoush]

lyrics born
michael frante
mos def
eminem (yes, much of his work IS social and political exploration)

[guerrillamama]

lyrics born! *swoon*

talib kweli is my all time favorite

medusa
bahamadia
mystic
blackalicious
aceyalone
abstract rude
common

anybody out there know denizen kane / i was born with 2 tongues / typical cats?

[weetzie]

Ah yes, Michael Frante and eminem are both part of our cd collection. I don't know lyrics born--what do he/she/they sound like?

[whatever]

I like k-os. His stuff seems kind of lite, but it is rooted in real life.

[AmazoniaBelly]

I really like:

Common
Talib Kweli
KRS one
C Rayz Walz
Denizen kane
Dead Prez
Bahamadia
And for Spoken Word Saul Williams is Amazing!!!!!I saw him live in Austin, it was really beautiful ...
And many, many more.....
I live in East Germany, though I am from Texas. Bahamadia plays here about twice a year...also Lee Scratch Perry plays here about once a year...both in small venues. I think I really like the MC's that I listed because they address not only racism and capitalism..but they all address sexism. That is one reason why I can't say that I respect Eminem's music...plus he is marketed for the wallets of tweenies.

Has anyone seen Common live?

[Moss's Mommy]

I third Michael Frante...obsessed right now!
Have to say this..(off topic)....
I saw Lee Scratch Perry a few years ago.... He kept saying...Show me your Powa...Show me your powa...and I let me figure out how to say this.... he pulled out his..... PENIS... and let it hang there for the rest of the 5 minute song. It was entertaining to say the least.

[lynsage]

well, it looks like most of these have already been named, but i love:

dead prez
common
cannibal ox
the coup
mike ladd
the roots
michael franti
mos def
talib kweli
el-p

and from the old school:

tribe called quest
de la soul
the pharcyde
erik b and rakim
public enemy