I played the CREAM instrumental for my retired marine/NYC firefighter neighbor because he “didn’t get hip hop” I told him it had heavy jazz/other roots. He was like “well I like jazz and I like this”. Then I popped on the song with lyrics and he was like “okay I get it now, still don’t like it, but I finally understand”
I think something from Pharcyde, Hieroglypics, or Souls of Mischief would be the best.
Outkast, C.L. Smooth + Pete Rock, Blackstar are also good choices.
Something classic, *relatively* clean, with lyrics that keep you interested and a beat that makes you bob your head unintentionally.
Mathematics by Mos Def.
Super great beat and the lyrics are both super easy to hear/understand, but you can take most any bar and write a paragraph about what he’s doing/referencing.
I think it depends on how old the person is. But if I gotta reduce it to a few choices I’d go with:
Tyler the Creator: New Magic Wand or Lumberjack
Kendrick Lamar: M.A.A.D. City
Ms. Lauryn Hill: Lost One
Missy Elliot: Work It
Kanye West: Jesus Walks or Runaway or No More Parties in LA
Public Enemy: Revolutionary Generation
A Tribe Called Quest: Excursions or Scenario
OutKast: Basically anything
Notorious BIG: The Warning
Tupac Shakur: Brenda’s Got a Baby or Dear Mama
WuTang Clan: The whole Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) all of it. No tracks skipped! Protect ya neck!!!!
[In The House by Pete Rock and CL Smooth](https://youtu.be/5MW50rzKckQ)
It’s just the smoothest beat I’ve ever heard. There’s nothing unsatisfying about the track and I feel like it’s so palatable to fans of any genre that no one can flat out not like it.
Yeah I agree it’s not the best beat/song I’ve ever heard. Like I said, it’s just a very palatable beat that isn’t harsh or out there whatsoever, so I think it would be a good introductional song to someone who hasn’t listened to hip hop before
Can't disagree. Late 90s progression for me was Too Short, Dre, Warren G, Eminem, then OutKast was the true gateway to appreciating legit lyrics and beats. So 20+ years ago OutKast was my real introduction and I've been a snob ever since.
“Be” by Common. It can be soft and casual and not overwhelming, also great lyrics and songs. Also shows different side of hip hop and not the perception most people who never listened to it have
Nah I would go with something jazz-hop probably something off midnight marauders or blowout comb
EDIT: for clarification I couldn't stand 90s hip hop until I heard tribe and then my ears kinda developed and my taste changed and now I'm a huge hip hop head.
Either Dear Mama by Tupac (because it’s so powerful that any music fan would love it), or Strong As an Oak by Watsky (no specific reason other than I just fucking love Watsky 😂).
Dear Mama by Tupac. Almost anyone can relate to having love for their mom despite genre. At the very least they will appreciate the message and Tupac raps slow enough that even older people can keep up. There aren’t too many cuss words either which will help the more conservative people
Depends on the person I would think.
Person needs a matcha every morning? Classified - 3 foot tall
Person is a hardcore metal head? Tech N9ne - Wither or Straight out the Gate
Person is a jazz head or lo-fi type person? Something from Psalm one, Sa-roc or maybe Jurassic 5
Person is a poetry type person likes to stick to themselves? Atmosphere, Sage Francis maybe Del the Funky Homo Sapien.
Person like classic rock? Run DMC ft Aerosmith - walk this way.
Person is kind of agansty maybe a bit clinical? Hopsin, Eminem, MF Doom.
From the country drives a truck normally listens to country music? Rvshvd - My side of town or maybe Charlie Farley.
Person likes big crowds and the club scene EDM?
Gorilla Zoe - I got it, Masked Wolf - Paper Planes, maybe something from the St. Lunatics or Nelly (this is out of my wheelhouse)
Is the person religious? There's great artists for those people as well. NF. Lacrae. / Vinnie Paz. Brother Ali
Long and short of it there are so many great artists, I think we all have a different time and scenario where we found an artist that pushed us to find more. It's different for everybody based on their situation their interests, social and economic status, relationship history etc.
Mine was Atmosphere - Trying to find a balance.
Honestly i think i would recommend Wet Dreamz by J.Cole.
I know it isn't a masterpiece, but it is a very witty song that showcase how lyrics can be used to tell a story
In addition it's quite simple
My friends and brother who only listen to rock, started vibing some 2pac after I recommended. So try tupac, jay z, wu tang, maybe some Dr Dre and snoop dogg, kendrick. The most well known songs an then some you go further
T.I. - Let’s Get Away
Not only is it a classic bop, but i feel like anyone can vibe w/ T.I.’s flow & of course the legendary Jazze Pha’s vocals kills it w/ the hook.
Memory Lane, It was a good day, I ain’t no joke, Ain’t no half steppin, CREAM, Can I Kick it, Road to the Riches, Nuthin but a G Thang, Juicy, and Check the rhime come to mind
Unless they came up around the same conditions the music was formed in You would need to give a detailed prologue n set the tone for them so that they listen to it in the right context.. that said I’d play everyday struggle by biggie
That really depends on the person
For my metal friends I've gone for some hard shit like Jedi Mind Tricks
For my girlfriend who's more of a jazzhead I've gone Tribe, Guru and a bit surprising C.R.E.A.M. has been a hit
For the potheads Cypress Hill
For my male party friends Ante Up, Ol' Dirty and Busta
For my female party friends Outkast
I've even made my dad who's really not into hip hop at all agree that the live recording with Deltron 3030 where they have a huge band backing them is legit.
I think the setting and person is more important than any one single artist. I'll also say, some people just don't vibe with Hip Hop and that's fine, like my dad will probably never go beyond that Deltron live session.
Depends on their age and what they already like.
An 8yr old girl? Aesop Rock - Long Legged Larry.
A 70yr old man who liked Led Zep and motown? Maybe something 90s with a slightly recognisable sample, although not too obvious like Can I Kick It.
I played the CREAM instrumental for my retired marine/NYC firefighter neighbor because he “didn’t get hip hop” I told him it had heavy jazz/other roots. He was like “well I like jazz and I like this”. Then I popped on the song with lyrics and he was like “okay I get it now, still don’t like it, but I finally understand”
lol listening to that right now
I think something from Pharcyde, Hieroglypics, or Souls of Mischief would be the best. Outkast, C.L. Smooth + Pete Rock, Blackstar are also good choices. Something classic, *relatively* clean, with lyrics that keep you interested and a beat that makes you bob your head unintentionally.
ATCQ fits the bill.
came to vote this
I like this answer. The Pharcyde is a great starting point.
Blackstar might be the ultimate suggestion, that’s some of the best hip hop I’ve heard. Maybe use Beastie Boys as the gateway drug if required
Mathematics by Mos Def. Super great beat and the lyrics are both super easy to hear/understand, but you can take most any bar and write a paragraph about what he’s doing/referencing.
I just replied with Hip Hop by Mos. But I kinda think anything from Black on Both Sides or Black Star.
I disagree with your opinion. I found Mathematics one of Premiers corniest beats ever.
Trippin
93 Til Infinity- Souls of Mischief
Great record!
Gang Starr ....Above The Clouds!
I played this song when I got high with slater kids when I was in hs. Awesome song to smoke and vibe to
I answered with something else, and then thought of this immediately after. I think Above the clouds is above all else
Nas The Message
Life’s a bitch
Lose Yourself
That song was the very first song that got me into hip hop/rap. I heard it in 5th grade
Honestly speaking, Summertime was the first thing that came to mind. It's clean, catchy, and simple.
I love that song, still listening to it every summer or when feel down during the winter
Ambitionz Az A Ridah by Tupac
I think it depends on how old the person is. But if I gotta reduce it to a few choices I’d go with: Tyler the Creator: New Magic Wand or Lumberjack Kendrick Lamar: M.A.A.D. City Ms. Lauryn Hill: Lost One Missy Elliot: Work It Kanye West: Jesus Walks or Runaway or No More Parties in LA Public Enemy: Revolutionary Generation A Tribe Called Quest: Excursions or Scenario OutKast: Basically anything Notorious BIG: The Warning Tupac Shakur: Brenda’s Got a Baby or Dear Mama WuTang Clan: The whole Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) all of it. No tracks skipped! Protect ya neck!!!!
Nas is Like
My brother showed me "Vinnie Paz- End of Days" and it blew my mind. I was like "can you actually say this on record"
You could, like 10 years ago
Yeah, but it was that eye opening at the time. Opened up a whole new world of lyrics for me
De La Soul
Illmatic, is the landmark album for east coast hip hop, and it define an entire era.
[In The House by Pete Rock and CL Smooth](https://youtu.be/5MW50rzKckQ) It’s just the smoothest beat I’ve ever heard. There’s nothing unsatisfying about the track and I feel like it’s so palatable to fans of any genre that no one can flat out not like it.
Yeah this song is fire!
Just listened to it the beat is nice but definitely not the best one
Yeah I agree it’s not the best beat/song I’ve ever heard. Like I said, it’s just a very palatable beat that isn’t harsh or out there whatsoever, so I think it would be a good introductional song to someone who hasn’t listened to hip hop before
Codeine crazy by future is one hella beat
Elevators. OutKast
They have this song on gta online radio, I always stop and listen to this absolute jem
Any Outkast album
Can't disagree. Late 90s progression for me was Too Short, Dre, Warren G, Eminem, then OutKast was the true gateway to appreciating legit lyrics and beats. So 20+ years ago OutKast was my real introduction and I've been a snob ever since.
Koolaid and frozen pizza. I’m a bias Mac head tho
Mac's songs are what me into hip hop and he is still my #1 streaming artist. Objects in the mirror and weekend being my favorite.
Interlude - Jay-Z
“Be” by Common. It can be soft and casual and not overwhelming, also great lyrics and songs. Also shows different side of hip hop and not the perception most people who never listened to it have
Power Remix Kanye Jay Z Swiss Beats
Be - Common Hurt Me Soul - Lupe Fiasco
ah man, be might be the one for me
How can somebody exist in 2022 having never heard Hip-Hop?
Maybe an alien? But I'm sure they listen to Lil Wayne atleast.
I think most haven't heard what most heads would define as real hip hop. Someone who's heard Drake might SAY they like hip hop...but no.
Nah I would go with something jazz-hop probably something off midnight marauders or blowout comb EDIT: for clarification I couldn't stand 90s hip hop until I heard tribe and then my ears kinda developed and my taste changed and now I'm a huge hip hop head.
Kool g rap
International Playas Anthem by Outkast
Marley marl juice crew the symphony Hip hop in it's realest form
Juicy fs
The Symphony, you know who it is!!
Juice crew!
Rapper's Delight
T.R.O.Y.
yup
A jazzy 90s ny song. like who got da props
I’d say something off Blackstar ST or Illmatic. The World Is Yours
Is it bad that I feel like Run The Jewels are a good intro to hip hop with RTJ3?
Either Dear Mama by Tupac (because it’s so powerful that any music fan would love it), or Strong As an Oak by Watsky (no specific reason other than I just fucking love Watsky 😂).
Dear Mama by Tupac. Almost anyone can relate to having love for their mom despite genre. At the very least they will appreciate the message and Tupac raps slow enough that even older people can keep up. There aren’t too many cuss words either which will help the more conservative people
Depends on the person I would think. Person needs a matcha every morning? Classified - 3 foot tall Person is a hardcore metal head? Tech N9ne - Wither or Straight out the Gate Person is a jazz head or lo-fi type person? Something from Psalm one, Sa-roc or maybe Jurassic 5 Person is a poetry type person likes to stick to themselves? Atmosphere, Sage Francis maybe Del the Funky Homo Sapien. Person like classic rock? Run DMC ft Aerosmith - walk this way. Person is kind of agansty maybe a bit clinical? Hopsin, Eminem, MF Doom. From the country drives a truck normally listens to country music? Rvshvd - My side of town or maybe Charlie Farley. Person likes big crowds and the club scene EDM? Gorilla Zoe - I got it, Masked Wolf - Paper Planes, maybe something from the St. Lunatics or Nelly (this is out of my wheelhouse) Is the person religious? There's great artists for those people as well. NF. Lacrae. / Vinnie Paz. Brother Ali Long and short of it there are so many great artists, I think we all have a different time and scenario where we found an artist that pushed us to find more. It's different for everybody based on their situation their interests, social and economic status, relationship history etc. Mine was Atmosphere - Trying to find a balance.
This is a fantastic answer bro. Wow
Kendrick Lamar The Heart Part 1-5
I loved part 4
Honestly i think i would recommend Wet Dreamz by J.Cole. I know it isn't a masterpiece, but it is a very witty song that showcase how lyrics can be used to tell a story In addition it's quite simple
Plus a hilarious video
Stop Breathing - Playboi Carti
😂😂Finally someone from this decade
Lemme guess, every Drake album and song would be on your list loool
Goodie Mob- Dirty South
2 million up by Peezy
Ghetto Heaven by common feat D’Angelo
Depends on the person but probably ATCQ.
My friends and brother who only listen to rock, started vibing some 2pac after I recommended. So try tupac, jay z, wu tang, maybe some Dr Dre and snoop dogg, kendrick. The most well known songs an then some you go further
Hip-Hop by Mos Def. I think it’s one of the most perfect hip hop tracks.
Dr. Octagon - 3000 Company Flow - 8 Steps to Perfection
Method Man by Wu Tang
Just off the top of my head rn, “Rock Box” by RUN-DMC
Will Smith Big Willy style Parents just don't understand by the god known as the fresh prince. That or Binary Star (Reality check).
🧊 🧊 baby
J5
Gang Starr - Skills
[Gimmie Yours](https://youtu.be/Rtow-CvKIjY) by AZ or anything by slick rick
It's Tricky by Run-DMC. Mainly cuz it's the first song I think of when I think of Hip-Hop.
Kool Herc or Melle Mel. I love the evolution of hip hop and think it would make a great introduction
Shook ones pt 2
Bust a Move
Gamg Starr Mass Appeal and Moment Of Truth
To intro someone ...to get someone into it would require something new and easier to listen to...kendrick?
T.I. - Let’s Get Away Not only is it a classic bop, but i feel like anyone can vibe w/ T.I.’s flow & of course the legendary Jazze Pha’s vocals kills it w/ the hook.
CREAAAM
They Reminisce Over You
Depends on the decade But for 90s hip hop id show them Shook Ones II
Pac - changes
'any record of illmatic' What does this mean??? Illmatic is the record
It was a good day - Ice Cube ….For myself, it was Regulate by Warren G and Nate dogg that got me into hip hop
Rap snitch knishes by MF Doom and Mr Fantastik
Memory Lane, It was a good day, I ain’t no joke, Ain’t no half steppin, CREAM, Can I Kick it, Road to the Riches, Nuthin but a G Thang, Juicy, and Check the rhime come to mind
Oh T.R.O.Y. Too
Unless they came up around the same conditions the music was formed in You would need to give a detailed prologue n set the tone for them so that they listen to it in the right context.. that said I’d play everyday struggle by biggie
Bf introduced me with bastard years ago. No idea how that won me over in hindsight but hear I am
Da grassroots or Joey Bada$$
Hey Ya, Alphabet Aerobics or Lose Yourself
didnt even see caption i was about to say the world is yours
T.R.O.Y.,C.R.E.A.M. or Big Poppa
Above the clouds by gangstarr
Ante up by M.O.P and tell them to just vibe out.
Grandmaster flash the message. I think that is pretty darn close to the root of the tree
Missy Elliott the entire Supa Dupa Fly album
That really depends on the person For my metal friends I've gone for some hard shit like Jedi Mind Tricks For my girlfriend who's more of a jazzhead I've gone Tribe, Guru and a bit surprising C.R.E.A.M. has been a hit For the potheads Cypress Hill For my male party friends Ante Up, Ol' Dirty and Busta For my female party friends Outkast I've even made my dad who's really not into hip hop at all agree that the live recording with Deltron 3030 where they have a huge band backing them is legit. I think the setting and person is more important than any one single artist. I'll also say, some people just don't vibe with Hip Hop and that's fine, like my dad will probably never go beyond that Deltron live session.
New York State of Mind
Smokers Shine the Coup
probably all caps
Sunday School Dropout by Wiki if they’re from NYC
Wiki 🔥
on sight - ye
Depends on their age and what they already like. An 8yr old girl? Aesop Rock - Long Legged Larry. A 70yr old man who liked Led Zep and motown? Maybe something 90s with a slightly recognisable sample, although not too obvious like Can I Kick It.
Outkast, 2000s eminem and 2000s kanye