Jun 10, 2018 This is an album I think is generally slept on. You see it on some lists, when the 90s are brought-up, but barely mentioned as a whole, and I understand that's partly down to commercialism and the fact this wasn't a huge album, but even by knowledgeable hip-hop people... I think this should be mentioned over many albums I see in its place. -- This is an album... I like, and I would acknowledge as a classic, sure. But is not even my top 3 'Ye albums. I'd much rather listen to Graduation or even 'Dark Fantasy. I think he became more exciting musically and artistically. Some people like simplistic though, lots of people like to just 'chill'... that's never been me. I'm much more excited to see Kanye trying to tackle the establishment with punk-rap than a soul sample. This album is good, part of my childhood, but I never re-visit it and feels overrated compared to other great albums.
Jun 10, 2018 I think aeom could have been better if it was just one disc. To me it's like discussing black album vs blueprint: one is generally more consistent, but the other has better highs amidst lower quality songs. So to me the album is a classic considering cultural impact, but I stand by my statement regarding overall quality. Just to add, aeom material holds up way better today compared to matw though
Jun 10, 2018 Man I swear ugk don't get the love they deserve around here And in general as a matter of fact
Jun 10, 2018 To me that sounds like intensity or raw is the better word rather than authenticity really. Because, take the albums you just listed comes from a very real place with a very real personality, and to me, none of them really sound alike, and something that has its own sound and style is the very definition of authenticity, something you really can't replicate and if you did, you would see it in a heartbeat cause the sound is so distinctive
Jun 10, 2018 Says the guy with the biggie avi. Niggaz bleed not even a better story than gimme the loot
Jun 10, 2018 I'm not really talking about the albums though. I'm more talking about the artists (which then obviously affects the albums). Authenticity in people is about being true to yourself and genuine. It's a complicated topic though and more about psychology than it is music.
Jun 10, 2018 so how is q tip not true to himself and his personality? how are outkast not true to themselves? explain
Jun 10, 2018 Well that's where the application of the word can get arbitrary. I can't prove anything. However, I'd argue 2Pac and DMX are far more authentic than a Jay-Z is. It's not something I really want to argue though as it's a difficult argument to make considering I like to base arguments on facts. It's more about feeling. That said, their actions and the way their lives played out can be used as evidence too. Like 2Pac shooting at those two dirty cops, as well as going to an arts school. And DMX robbing people and having a history of violence, as well as drug addiction and mental issues. I'm not even sure TRUE 100% authenticity exists at this point in my life or what exactly that would look like. I just strongly believe DMX and 2Pac were two of the most authentic rappers out there.
Jun 10, 2018 So? For one, jay z has never claimed having a g--- related past, only thing he claims is the d--- dealing, which is kind of documented. My point is, there are plenty of rappers that are not g--- related or associated with violence that are true to themselves. Your argument comes across as rappers needing to be thugs and represent it to mach your authenticity criteria. That's why I asked q tip and outkast.
Jun 10, 2018 That's why I included Kanye. DMX and 2Pac are just more interesting/compelling examples to me because they're such diverse characters on the emotional spectrum. I will give you that it's possible that them being so diverse emotionally can give off the illusion that they're more authentic than others. That said, you can also argue we're all pretty f---ing complicated emotionally and that they just express that range better and more honestly than others (which I believe to be the case).
Jun 10, 2018 Reality is it's probably in between the two arguments I mentioned above. There are definitely a lot of people in society who hold back on expressing the strong feelings they have in such an unfiltered way due to fear/consequences though. And these two just didn't have much of that at all. They're very much their own people. Didn't mean to turn this into what it's turned into but you kept asking lol. I enjoy discussing it though.
Jun 10, 2018 I strongly reccomemd listening to ugk- ridin dirty then. Somebody already mentioned it in this thread and to me p---- and bun really showed these conflicting emotions you are talking about. They have a good discography in general
Jun 10, 2018 Speaking of “influence” @Charlie Work is seriously all of @wpg’s worst contrarian impulses, and pathological eminem dismissals, manifested into one poster. Like how bono was just a giant piece of s--- in that one episode of South Park Mmlp is dated but to try to strip it of it’s entire reputation? Or to not see em’s influence on Kendrick (or id say pop meltdown kanye). Or to deny St. Louis is in the Midwest. Jesus...
Jun 10, 2018 Lol, I gave Eminem many props, said he was a Kendrick influence just not a defining one (didn't find Paul's vague arguments persuasive either), and even bent on the St. Louis stuff which wasn't really a big deal. Stop being such a sycophantic dweeb. Paul is def the Batman to your Robin and you @ him for validation way too often lol.
Jun 10, 2018 “Sycophantic dweeb” says the guy parroting him, doing a terrible job at it, and being rightfully ridiculed. Take another L, cuck. And pls Batman would never ask robin for patreon donations...b----
Jun 10, 2018 And another thing: what’s with the “Paul” talk? You guys get brunch? Stick to @WPG weirdo
Jun 10, 2018 oh f--- off you geek, lol. “paul’s vague arguments.” kendrick is one of the most over-exposed/endlessly studied rappers in the world. that eminem was a huge influence on his vocal style is blindingly obvious.
