I'm tired of the old Legendary rappers gettin way more credit than they deserve...!

[coolchris1914]

Its fucking ridiculous how much more love rappers like Rakim, Kool Mo Dee, KRs1, BDK, Big Pun (wack!), Biggie (overrated)!, RUN DMC (....wiggedy wack), even Sugar Hill Gang & niggas like that who really weren't even that nice get mad props for GOAT status... over Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Kanye, even a T.I. or Wayne who have dominated this era of true competition and revolutionized Rap music as much if not more than any of them niggas... I don't want to hurt any of yall old heads but its truth almost all them niggas couldn't hang in today's rap or have even made as much quality music as a Jay or Kanye.. But its like hip hop fans never wanna give just due to our rappers which is just unfair...

Half them old niggas (or Dead niggas) are still tryna rap and aint been looked out for about 15 years... but people have the nerve to say Jay-Z or Em has to do more to pass them niggas when if you compare lyric wise and what not are killing off them old heads... I'm sure yall understand where I'm getting at... Its cool if you a legend and u were here first but that shyt don't mean players who have shown and proved consistently haven't passed up them niggas... The old and the dead are getting way too much credit now and it needs to end!

*********************************************************************************************************************

Dude, you sound like fool. If not for the likes of Biggie, Big Daddy Kane and the rest of the original cats, these bum ass so called rappers would be locked up or still on somebody's corner. Learn you history young man. That's like saying lebron and wade are better than Jordan and DR J. See young dude, and I know you're young, All the cats you are referring to were MCs and not rappers. And to let you know, Big Daay Kane Schooled Jay Z in the game and let him tour and open up for him and Jay Idolized Biggie. Learn your history.

 

[brklynbread]

I like to compare the rap/hip-hop game to the NBA because i think the comparisons are very similar. The thread starter did have a point in that just because you were an originator doesn't mean you’re nicer than everyone. but, the most talented innovators deserve honors and mentions above all they had to put a new genre on the map, be considered nice in said genre, and had no template to work with no one else can say they did that.

(Hip hop in the early 80's = NBA pre-1970s) - The innovators, originators, and first pioneers of basketball (rap) where dabbling in a new game (genre). While the participants in this era can be transported to any other era and still play (rap against or with) anyone in any other era, they aren't as talented as the later generations. Still they deserve respect for carving out a space for everyone to follow. This is a feat that no one can take from them and no other generation can claim.

(Hip hop in the late 80s-early 1990s = NBA 1978-1986)- The game gets refined and the balance between talent and technique (flow/ lyricism/ and good ass beats) is nearing. The best from this era have more talent than the previous generation. These players (rappers and producers) like Dr. Dre and the whole west coast are typically the guys who brought the craft to a true mainstream level and brought the game into the hearts and homes of millions.

(Hip hop in the mid-late 90s = NBA 1987-1998)- Era with the most talent, competition, and most of the typical GOAT candidates participated during this time. Rappers (players) from the previous era participate in this era as well. Jordan, magic, bird= jay, 2pac, nas, BIG, you could say early Eminem as well. While those guys dominated the whole league, the (rap game) was filled with talent: DMX, the fugees, missy Elliot, Pun, etc. this is the perfect era for talent/ creative artist freedom/ impact/ etc. Most of all, because of these guys the genre of rap has finally seen enough talent, technique, and exposure to produce a diverse and balanced hip-hop landscape. By theory, any newcomer who comes into the game should borrow from this era and become the most gifted and successful MC's but, that is apparently not the case.

(hip hop in the early 2000's = NBA 1999-2005) - the game slowed down, a lot of busts, a few moments of greatness. But, most artist originating from this era usually don’t measure up to the previous gen. Standouts include Eminem who commercially shines during this time. you got your d-wades, LeBron’s and mello's (Kanye, luda, lupe) guys who're technically better than most of the early guys and have excelled at their craft but, their resumes at this point need time to put their accomplishments into proper context

(Note: By my metaphor, Weezy is a dude from the late 90's generation but, he obviously blows up during this time. i guess he's like that bench player who became a star player after he finally got to lead his team. whats crazy is that by years in the industry, Wayne is ancient.)

(Hip hop now = NBA 2005- NBA now) - too many rappers drawing LeBron comparisons lol. The rappers now may have talent but, have to prove to us they can have an impact. we got Wale, Cole, B.O.B, etc. and they show promise. but, the rest is to be seen. the previous generation also participates in this era and seems to be outshining any newcomers. The rap game is too crazy to even do your own thing now. too bad, should’ve been a rapper in the 90s lol.

 

[dade county 305]

Subliminal @ new york

You might be right lol

 

[Fazeem_Blackall]

TS is buggin!!! the ol heads you speak of are what the new artist eat off of. you can say anyone is wack cause thats your opinion, but any artist you named who is gettin it now will say run-dmc, pun, ect. are the reason they rap, or why they are in this game. you sound like a rap fan. someone who knows next to nothing about hiphop. 20 years ago you would buy a Hammer tape over gangstar. kriss-kross over Kool G Rap.
your sick.

true talk...

 

[supersub]

this is a crazy thread..i give props 2 all generations because the culture dictates whats hot..i lived in different parts of the country which also dictate whats hot..in the 80-90s it was cool 2 be a newyork or l.a. cat..2000s it was cool 2 be a southern cat..now the game startin 2 spread around again...old or new these rappers couldnt dictate trends no matter how much we thought they did..the labels did..i worked at one trust me i know..dont get sucked into the mainstream but so hard because the labels let u hear what they want..in the 80s and 90s it made sense to market a new york mc as the kingpin because thats where the game originated..once the game spreaded then it made sense to anoint snoop, then T.I. and Wayne..all part of the gimmick that rap is heavy everywhere when in all reality rap was always heavy everywhere..the good ol boys picked and chose where and who they wanted 2 market..look at drake from toronto?? cmon son..not a coincidence universal put him w/Young Money..10 years ago it would been the Roc or alongside Nas..the best thing i could tell yall is 2 have the same respect 4 the business angle as the lyrics, beats, rhymes, delivery,etc..cuz it'll help u put the game in it proper perspective..

 

[blackinla]

Its fucking ridiculous how much more love rappers like Rakim, Kool Mo Dee, KRs1, BDK, Big Pun (wack!), Biggie (overrated)!, RUN DMC (....wiggedy wack), even Sugar Hill Gang & niggas like that who really weren't even that nice get mad props for GOAT status... over Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Kanye, even a T.I. or Wayne who have dominated this era of true competition and revolutionized Rap music as much if not more than any of them niggas... I don't want to hurt any of yall old heads but its truth almost all them niggas couldn't hang in today's rap or have even made as much quality music as a Jay or Kanye.. But its like hip hop fans never wanna give just due to our rappers which is just unfair...

Half them old niggas (or Dead niggas) are still tryna rap and aint been looked out for about 15 years... but people have the nerve to say Jay-Z or Em has to do more to pass them niggas when if you compare lyric wise and what not are killing off them old heads... I'm sure yall understand where I'm getting at... Its cool if you a legend and u were here first but that shyt don't mean players who have shown and proved consistently haven't passed up them niggas... The old and the dead are getting way too much credit now and it needs to end!

I agree my Nig!! Just like in basketball, Micheal Jordan (overrated), Magic Johnson (wack!), Dr. J, Charles Barkley, Wlit Chamberlain, Larry Bird were straight trash! #GTFOH

 

[BillyBoi]

Here's the problem with that though....let's say Jay couldn't compete with the 80's era.....that's not a big hit becasue when he did arrive on the scene he delivered lyrically verses that could compete and outshine some of their best (it's opinion at that level though) and they weren't competing...now if you gonna say Jay COULDN"t and not Jay WOULDN"T then anybody and their mother can scream that THEY COULDN"T TOUCH HIM in HIS era.....which would have been 98-03....Jay would swear it was 96-03 but we know BAD Boy and the FUGEES had the game tied up till 98.........then to add to that JAY is competing with a Lil Wayne, T.I, Kanye.....hell Em and HIM are the still considered the best in the game by anyone that has listened to hip hop for more than before 2004......I feel you on the fact that were creative but nobody says MJ created the dunk or the fade away....but they say he is the best to ever do it.....Jay has called himself MJ for years, for a good reason.....the dude arrive at a pivotal time in the game and has done what was necessary to move the genre of hip hop(culturally you may have another argument) to another level.....beyond a Rakim, Kane, or LL ( cool G wasn't consider the best in his era so he really doesn't qualify for this level of a conversation, doesn't mean he ain't ill tho) .....the TS has a point that those of us who appreciate the accomplishments of the 86-89 or 92-95 of hip hop give those guys too much credit....before 99 you could have been the greatest by being the illest rapper.....in the 21st century you need to be greater....you need to be an artist....when the conversation goes there.....Jay, Em, Nas (his catologue is just too nice to be ignored even though he is more rapper than artist most of the time), Kanye, LL (catalogue....plus you don't last as long as he did just being a rapper, look at the Ra, "if rap skills sold truthfully, i'd be talib kweli") and Outkast have a clear shot at being Goat's regardles of when they started

sales and the commercial side alone ain't gonna put you in the goat position regardless.......take em's sales away and he is royce 5'9 and a more relevant Redman and Luda.....but commercial success does reveal what level of influence you have.....Jay has influenced the game since 96 but obviously a Biggie or Mase or Wyclef had more influence in the sound of 96 and 97.........everytime i listen to lil wayne i feel like i am listening to an updated version of Hard Knock life...(jay's worse album).....look at Nas....that is so ill lyrically he can't be touch by almost nobody....but then again that means he influences guys like a lupe who don't sale consistently and end up shelved cause they don't have the clout he does cause of when they came in the game....be real......wu tang was hot for a min but they ain't influential anymore....those in the know rock em...everybody else forget they mc....if you are gonna say you are the greatest and there exist an MC who has never had that happened to them ( *cough* Jay-z*......clears throat...oh yea Nas?...goes to sleep and wakes up....maybe Eminem) you are gonna be laughed at be even those who were rocking your hits in the 80s and 90s

Jay couldn't hang with them in their primes. He studied them and they had to fall off before he could shine. JayZ's style couldnt compete with greats in that era (86-94). When rap from being about creativity and turned commerical thats when the golden age rapper became obsolete. But KRS BDK Rakim Moe Dee all went gold in their prime which is like platinum in the 90's-2000s. They great because they evolved rap like 2 years for every year in my opinion. Every year between 86-94 was advancing rap by like 2 years with subjects flows and production. Since 96, shit has basically stayed the same. Because them old niggas and early 90 niggas had already invented most everything and niggas were just coasting and recycling ideas afterward.

and you can hear how great the best pioneers really was. making jay z the goat is like obama being president, that dude is doing well, but it dont really mean nothing for hip hop overall lol. just the commercial side. the rock analogy is real, no one would say having the rolling stones or the beatles as the greatest bands ever makes that genre take a loss. only thing newer niggas added was certain subject matter. the flows come from ra krs g rap kane slick rick niggas use to this day. niggas dip into that shit all the time. them niggas delivery so much a part of rappin that people forget i guess.

 

[1LLMAT1K]

Its fucking ridiculous how much more love rappers like Rakim, Kool Mo Dee, KRs1, BDK, Big Pun (wack!), Biggie (overrated)!, RUN DMC (....wiggedy wack), even Sugar Hill Gang & niggas like that who really weren't even that nice get mad props for GOAT status... over Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Kanye, even a T.I. or Wayne who have dominated this era of true competition and revolutionized Rap music as much if not more than any of them niggas... I don't want to hurt any of yall old heads but its truth almost all them niggas couldn't hang in today's rap or have even made as much quality music as a Jay or Kanye.. But its like hip hop fans never wanna give just due to our rappers which is just unfair...

Half them old niggas (or Dead niggas) are still tryna rap and aint been looked out for about 15 years... but people have the nerve to say Jay-Z or Em has to do more to pass them niggas when if you compare lyric wise and what not are killing off them old heads... I'm sure yall understand where I'm getting at... Its cool if you a legend and u were here first but that shyt don't mean players who have shown and proved consistently haven't passed up them niggas... The old and the dead are getting way too much credit now and it needs to end!

i turn to all hip hop for some news and somehow your thread made it in the main headlines. all i read is your first post and thought i should register to let you know how wack your opinion is. whoever is down with what you gotta say.. fuck them too. Im out

 

[Ampichino2]

The only thing about his whole topic is that three of the biggest names he named r old school rappers. Jay z was Rapping back in 1987 88, Nas was on Main Sources album in 92' and came out 94 and em been putting out shit since like 1990 so that makes your whole argument irrelevant, cause I feel like yeah my old school nigga jay z shitting on all these new school niggas period. it would make since if u didnt put no old school rappers on yo new school list. shit even lil wayne dropped his first shit in 1995 so he not no new school rapper ether. it just dont make since.

 

[kgthavillain]

Krs-one would kill most niggas today. He still get respect cause he will still take it from you. I do agree some old dudes are over rated. I always thought biggie was, not to see he wasn't a great artist but a lot of his work doesn't stand the test of time. But I still respect what he did during that time.

 

[hiphopgrown]

Run DMC set off a movement and put a brick in the house of Hip Hop. They made whites and major record labels take a look at Hip Hop and would it could do. They played off each other lyrically, they talk about real life, Raising Hell is a Classic and to this day their stage show is probably better than any rapper of today. And they are overrated! Not just Run DMC but Whodini, Public Enemy, EPMD, Busta Rhymes and Leaders of The New School, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, KRS, Kurtis Blow, Ice Cube, Will Smith. It is actually just too many to name and I would be doing too many artist a disservice. The Message is probably one of the best rap songs ever! Just go back with an open mind dig into your uncles crates and then come back.

Not saying the guys of today are not talented but the lyrical content is not there for the most part. The diversity is not there. Everyone is pretty much saying and doing the same thing. Em sales because he is very skillful and has content that the masses relate to. Everyone wants to be Jay-Z who is a child of the generation you are calling overrated. Biggie and Tupac death opened up a lane for Jay-Z and he did and still doing his thing a long with Snoop, OutKast and others. I love Nas, Lupe, TI, BoB, Luda and a lot of the guys today who are keeping the lyric and content alive.

Most of Wayne songs are not inspiring but he does have skills and the ability to go that route but he is buttering his bread so I am not mad at him.

 

[son of 1973]

Here's the problem with that though....let's say Jay couldn't compete with the 80's era.....that's not a big hit becasue when he did arrive on the scene he delivered lyrically verses that could compete and outshine some of their best (it's opinion at that level though) and they weren't competing...now if you gonna say Jay COULDN"t and not Jay WOULDN"T then anybody and their mother can scream that THEY COULDN"T TOUCH HIM in HIS era.....which would have been 98-03....Jay would swear it was 96-03 but we know BAD Boy and the FUGEES had the game tied up till 98.........then to add to that JAY is competing with a Lil Wayne, T.I, Kanye.....hell Em and HIM are the still considered the best in the game by anyone that has listened to hip hop for more than before 2004......I feel you on the fact that were creative but nobody says MJ created the dunk or the fade away....but they say he is the best to ever do it.....Jay has called himself MJ for years, for a good reason.....the dude arrive at a pivotal time in the game and has done what was necessary to move the genre of hip hop(culturally you may have another argument) to another level.....beyond a Rakim, Kane, or LL ( cool G wasn't consider the best in his era so he really doesn't qualify for this level of a conversation, doesn't mean he ain't ill tho) .....the TS has a point that those of us who appreciate the accomplishments of the 86-89 or 92-95 of hip hop give those guys too much credit....before 99 you could have been the greatest by being the illest rapper.....in the 21st century you need to be greater....you need to be an artist....when the conversation goes there.....Jay, Em, Nas (his catologue is just too nice to be ignored even though he is more rapper than artist most of the time), Kanye, LL (catalogue....plus you don't last as long as he did just being a rapper, look at the Ra, "if rap skills sold truthfully, i'd be talib kweli") and Outkast have a clear shot at being Goat's regardles of when they started

sales and the commercial side alone ain't gonna put you in the goat position regardless.......take em's sales away and he is royce 5'9 and a more relevant Redman and Luda.....but commercial success does reveal what level of influence you have.....Jay has influenced the game since 96 but obviously a Biggie or Mase or Wyclef had more influence in the sound of 96 and 97.........everytime i listen to lil wayne i feel like i am listening to an updated version of Hard Knock life...(jay's worse album).....look at Nas....that is so ill lyrically he can't be touch by almost nobody....but then again that means he influences guys like a lupe who don't sale consistently and end up shelved cause they don't have the clout he does cause of when they came in the game....be real......wu tang was hot for a min but they ain't influential anymore....those in the know rock em...everybody else forget they mc....if you are gonna say you are the greatest and there exist an MC who has never had that happened to them ( *cough* Jay-z*......clears throat...oh yea Nas?...goes to sleep and wakes up....maybe Eminem) you are gonna be laughed at be even those who were rocking your hits in the 80s and 90s

I feel u. But for me me being the artist without a blueprint that creates something that becomes a part of the dna of rap technique and subject matter is real important. i mean i dont think we overrate them cause ra krs slick rick kane g rap changed hip hop like how bebop changed jazz forever. years later you still hear bebop riffs in jazz. artists have expanded commercially since then i agree and its a good thing in a sense but it kinda killed what made hip hop such a creative force. the rawness, the diversity of subject matter and production. a lot of it is just another part of pop music now.

 

[wu tang forever]

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww..are you serious dude?big pun first album is a classic.lyricly you cant compare these younger dudes to nothing from the 90s because the talk about nothing.theres no creativity at all.everybody is using the same style and flow.the only way you could tell whos who is by they names.you need to do some serious reserch on on hip hip before you post another stupid thread like this.go listen to some underground music and you will see the difference.look up mf doom.prime example.

 

[chillg]

hustla musik before hustla musik was popular. bow down to the originator

[video=youtube;hNqTz2mMwNE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNqTz2mMwNE[/video]

[/I][/QUote

I see what u tried to say... that shyt was wack tho maybe back then i would be high toppin to that.. I respect dude for being a trailblazer and what not, but its not happening for me.. I got respect but them niggas was on A-B-C ass rhymes, i know thats where it originated but these dudes dont deserve to be in the same breathe as one of the current greats

Dude said road to riches is wack smack this yungin for his ignornance

 

[joeyfkncrakk]

Aren't Jay Z, Nas, and Em old school though?
I was a teenager when they were just blowing up...
also, show me where the old old school gets all this praise and undue respect...
aint no Rakim, Krs, RunDMC, Kool Moe Dee, Fat Boys, etc threads on the first page...
the hottest thread is about an RnB dude and a punchline dude having a sissy fight...

I'm tired of explaining what I'm saying when yall hear where I'm coming from... Jay-Z is the GOAT rapper and has out shined all competition and he gets no props for it and people claim to not have him in the top 5 even which is ludicrous... Jay has overlapped all compp but people say he hasnt done nor proved enough, which makes no sense... but claim to have old legendary dudes ahead of him... Kanye isnt a top 10 rap artists nor top 20?!?!? when a nigga has dominated a whole decade w/ originality and classics... still gets no respect over the old heads... I cant even get in depth anymore on this situation.. yall know what Im sayin and see where Im coming from

Jay-Z is GOAT

 

[Disciplined InSight]

Nigga seriously...FUCK your thread and the opinion you brought to it.

 

[booty-gif-dot-com]

ive seen some ignorant post on this board but this is probably one of the most uniformed and ignorant of them all!

remember the post called "just because you young" in which a young poster tried to defend young hip hop lovers that get there opinions pushed aside because they too green to know what they talk about? this type of post just adds to that stereotype. Its a 100% chance that the poster is younger than 25. so discussing something you werent even alive to properly judge is gotta one of the most idiotic things ive ever seen here.

GOOD THING sports fans dont have this type of stupid tunnel vision and short sighted world view

NBA players are in Awe of Players like DR J Julius Earving and especially Bill Russell (who won 11 rings in 13 seasons) and Bill aint played since the 60's

NFL players are in awe of Jim Brown he aint played a pro football game since 1965

and why do they get so much praise 20, 30, 40 years laters because they are the legends who BUILT the foundation that future generations used a catapult to get paid with!
Only In Hip Hop do you hear stuff so incredibly trifling!!

The posters positions would be Like Michael Jordan pissing on the grave of Dr James Naismith! but if the poster is happy with Gay Ass Swag Rap and skinny jeans rappers of his era then have it!!

Its fucking ridiculous how much more love rappers like Rakim, Kool Mo Dee, KRs1, BDK, Big Pun (wack!), Biggie (overrated)!, RUN DMC (....wiggedy wack), even Sugar Hill Gang & niggas like that who really weren't even that nice get mad props for GOAT status... over Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Kanye, even a T.I. or Wayne who have dominated this era of true competition and revolutionized Rap music as much if not more than any of them niggas... I don't want to hurt any of yall old heads but its truth almost all them niggas couldn't hang in today's rap or have even made as much quality music as a Jay or Kanye.. But its like hip hop fans never wanna give just due to our rappers which is just unfair...

Half them old niggas (or Dead niggas) are still tryna rap and aint been looked out for about 15 years... but people have the nerve to say Jay-Z or Em has to do more to pass them niggas when if you compare lyric wise and what not are killing off them old heads... I'm sure yall understand where I'm getting at... Its cool if you a legend and u were here first but that shyt don't mean players who have shown and proved consistently haven't passed up them niggas... The old and the dead are getting way too much credit now and it needs to end!

 

[b.c.o.dcru]

I could quote almost all the post but I'm a dead yall one time while I'm on my 15 minute pussy break (sumn half yall squares know anything about... I get that!)...

I have no problems with paying homage and being grateful for those who came up with this thing called rap music and those who've pioneered from the beginning.. But like I said that don't make you any better of an artists... The artists back then couldnt have transcended hip hop music like a Jay-Z, Eminem , numerous names I can say blah blah blah... Jay-Z has changed the whole landscape of hip hop on and off the record.. I only name drop to say that these rappers deserve just due.. I'm not saying Lil Wayne nor T.I. or the greatest but you cant deny what they have brought to the game..

Sure Rakim or whoever the hell began spitting a certain way where the young Jay's Ye's Em's Nas' grew up on first but the guys I said took the shyt to a whole other level where most you fool dont want to recognize... I always wondered if Rakim or them other dudes was so great how did they basically get booted outta hip hop and just became legendary names... Like these niggas never made it where Jay or Ye made it while rappers in that realm made classic material along the way... Like what do our rappers have to prove to them old niggas who really werent much of nothing.. Sorry if it sounds like a diss but its the truth... Jay has surpassed all them fools but no1 wants to admit the shyt because personal hatred or biasness..

I dont want to run the Jay thing in the ground but he is the prime example... Longevity has always been key in hip hop but for some reason its like his bar is higher than the heaven skies just because he didnt make rap music, like Jay hasnt already over exceeded all expectations of all rappers.. Even Nas or Eminem, and I'm not the hugest of fans but our generation has killed off the beginning era of rap... I respect all parts and eras of hip hop and pay homage but I cant suck they cock like yall cuz they did it first... The newer generation ( mid to late 90's til now) is far more full of better rappers than the old skool...

(Back to good pussy... hate if you want IC, all yall do is make me laugh anyway .... I, I, I get it)

This is the smartest dumb shit i have ever seen!

You coppin duce to make a point. Jay-Z could barely get a deal before 95'

if you want to say this era has better "Artist" you should have said that from the jump.

but then in the statement above you say this era has better rappers. pick an argument!

in your list of rappers like BDK, Rakim, and even BIG you say they dont deserve the credit they get for being greats.

now you say they not better artist than thees rappers who basicly are doing an early 80's style or rap.

for the past five years its a small handful of rappers who have been consistent with they craft of rhyming.

the other 90% have been biters, recycling, and trash!

I can say from 85 to 97 was the best time for rappers to come out.

you wanna talk about Artist and takein it to another level RunDmc was the first rap group on MTV

BDK was probably the first rapper in a magazine outside of hiphop...Playgirl, but thats takein it to another level

LL help push that fubu garbage before any of them niggas Jay, Nelly, em, ever had clothing lines.

It is a different time, you could never erase the past when it comes to hiphop.

you shittin on the progression that got the dudes who are taking hiphop to new heights where they are

freshness is always needed you always posed to take it to the next level

Jay is a better rapper than Rakim. Rakim only got two classic albums in my eyes, but he changed the landscape of rap and even how you look in hiphop. he, along with BDK, KRS-One, Kool G Rap set the bar for rhyming that many couldn't touch untill nas, wu tang, jay, pac, and BIG came along. no internet, cheap videos, one or two hip hop radio stations(per coast), and touring.

Kanye had a hard way to go, but sun had it easy compared to the mid 80's/early-mid 90's including Jay-Z

 

[Jimi Swaggart]

I like to compare the rap/hip-hop game to the NBA because i think the comparisons are very similar. The thread starter did have a point in that just because you were an originator doesn't mean you’re nicer than everyone. but, the most talented innovators deserve honors and mentions above all they had to put a new genre on the map, be considered nice in said genre, and had no template to work with no one else can say they did that.

(Hip hop in the early 80's = NBA pre-1970s) - The innovators, originators, and first pioneers of basketball (rap) where dabbling in a new game (genre). While the participants in this era can be transported to any other era and still play (rap against or with) anyone in any other era, they aren't as talented as the later generations. Still they deserve respect for carving out a space for everyone to follow. This is a feat that no one can take from them and no other generation can claim.

(Hip hop in the late 80s-early 1990s = NBA 1978-1986)- The game gets refined and the balance between talent and technique (flow/ lyricism/ and good ass beats) is nearing. The best from this era have more talent than the previous generation. These players (rappers and producers) like Dr. Dre and the whole west coast are typically the guys who brought the craft to a true mainstream level and brought the game into the hearts and homes of millions.

(Hip hop in the mid-late 90s = NBA 1987-1998)- Era with the most talent, competition, and most of the typical GOAT candidates participated during this time. Rappers (players) from the previous era participate in this era as well. Jordan, magic, bird= jay, 2pac, nas, BIG, you could say early Eminem as well. While those guys dominated the whole league, the (rap game) was filled with talent: DMX, the fugees, missy Elliot, Pun, etc. this is the perfect era for talent/ creative artist freedom/ impact/ etc. Most of all, because of these guys the genre of rap has finally seen enough talent, technique, and exposure to produce a diverse and balanced hip-hop landscape. By theory, any newcomer who comes into the game should borrow from this era and become the most gifted and successful MC's but, that is apparently not the case.

(hip hop in the early 2000's = NBA 1999-2005) - the game slowed down, a lot of busts, a few moments of greatness. But, most artist originating from this era usually don’t measure up to the previous gen. Standouts include Eminem who commercially shines during this time. you got your d-wades, LeBron’s and mello's (Kanye, luda, lupe) guys who're technically better than most of the early guys and have excelled at their craft but, their resumes at this point need time to put their accomplishments into proper context

(Note: By my metaphor, Weezy is a dude from the late 90's generation but, he obviously blows up during this time. i guess he's like that bench player who became a star player after he finally got to lead his team. whats crazy is that by years in the industry, Wayne is ancient.)

(Hip hop now = NBA 2005- NBA now) - too many rappers drawing LeBron comparisons lol. The rappers now may have talent but, have to prove to us they can have an impact. we got Wale, Cole, B.O.B, etc. and they show promise. but, the rest is to be seen. the previous generation also participates in this era and seems to be outshining any newcomers. The rap game is too crazy to even do your own thing now. too bad, should’ve been a rapper in the 90s lol.

Well done. I use NBA & other sports comparisons for hip hop all the time.

It's pretty simple though. If young cats want respect they gotta take it. Once they take it, they gotta sustain it. Then they become legends themselves & even younger kids try to take it from them. Tired of legends getting too much credit? Cool, either invent something of your own or contribute something to the art so undeniable that the world can't front on you any longer. Until then you just sound like whining kids with no context for discussion. This rap shit didn't just happen. It took generations to build. The landmark moments and persons behind them mean something. Instead of complaining about another niggas stripes, earn your own.

 

[BillyBoi]

Big was Ill..one of the illiest...if you had to limit all great emcees to only two albums to compare greatness Big would be top 10 or 15.....in 97 he was top 3 or 5......but his contribution to the genre is more and more diminished as we see Snoop, Nas, and Jay's longevity....and what a Common, Nas, Jay, Em, and more have done in hip hop rivals what he had done.....one day....and probably soon since Jay no longer raises awareness of his greatness by quoting him (biting to those who choose to remember it as that).....example dating a chick for 2 yrs is a big deal when you are 26.....but date a chick for 15 years and thats a commenwealth marriage in some states....you can't just disown her.....only a few emcees can claim 16 yrs of relevancy now....before big died no one could......so as time goes on he'll fade....just like a 50 yr old crying over a 2yr girlfriend, one day it won't make sense for hip hop to promote a big over what a Jay-z, Em, or heck a Kanye (though i don't co-sign it yet, at the rate he is going he'll be in the discussion)

He put out Ready to Die, The Conspiracy Album, Wrote a good chunk of Hardcore, put out Life After Death which was a double LP, maybe the only double lp in hiphop history that shouldn't have been cut down to one album(cough cough all eyez on me cough) Not to mention many dope verses. Biggie's popularity ain't going anywhere. Pac was mostly famous for everything but his music which in all honesty was hella inconsistent.