Like for example, in their prime era they could spit mad heat, but as time change and musical fashions change they couldn't keep up and they ended up sounding like your Uncle trying to rap.


I'll kick it off with Ice Cube on Real People with Common.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmCON58tOLo







**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

He's had several flashes of his prior brilliance here and there, but sometime in the late 90s/early 00s he totally forgot how to rhyme more often than not.

When he first came out he was one of the most potent, fierce MCs in the game. He never really *said* anything but his flow, wordplay, and mic presence were hard to match.

I argue to this day that he quietly stole the show on The Chronic even though Snoop emerged as the star.

Then he started rhyming "bitch" with "bitch" and it was like ... wait, this is the same dude who did "Doggz Day Afternoon" ?!?!

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"Fuck aliens." © WarriorPoet415

Last thing that he was even decent on was that collabo album with Quik. But his "verses" on the Schoolboy Q and the MC Eiht albums? Yuck.

-----------------

www.albumism.com

Checkin' Our Style, Return To Zero:

https://www.mixcloud.com/returntozero/

Not that I followed him like that but thought he was dude immediately behind and sometimes better than Snoop during their glory days.

Yall need to give some examples.


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

... against some of the best examples of his early-career brilliance, just for reference. I mean I'm sure you know a lot of what I'll post from his early days but the cliff he fell off is all the more glaring when you listen to a bad track immediately after listening to one of his better tracks.

----------------------------------------

"Fuck aliens." © WarriorPoet415

Kurupt sounds drunk or something on this, Big and Killer Mike do their thing as usual tho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q3S86uEyQc

...considering that Big has another whole LP worth of material I wish this hadn't even made it.

phemom's the name, all-star writer/
searching 4 journalistic fame, mindframe igniter....www.twitter.com/hayabusaage

I'd say he did his thing on half the tracks, and did his new "I don't know what rap is anymore" thing on the other half. Maybe 60/40. Either way, it's sad. He MURDERED everything from The Chronic through Dogg Food, had a brief renaissance period on the majority of Streetz Is A Mutha ... then resorted to just flow-less, intentionally ignorant, witless rhymes for most of the rest of his career, with a few exceptions as previously mentioned.

It makes me sad because he has been a personal favorite since I first heard him on "Lyrical Gangbang" and I kept rooting for him to get back to spitting that fire but besides those few exceptions he just seems uninterested. Or the drugs (?) got the best of him. Either way, I miss his mid-90s potency.

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"Fuck aliens." © WarriorPoet415

When he left and went back to Death Row, he declined for sure. But he actually made a decent adjustment from being a strong lyricist to making actual great songs, especially to L.A. heads. Shockingly, over half of the L.A. natives I know prefer Streetz is a mutha over Dre 2001.

------------------------------

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Twitter and Instagram - @DJ_RTistic

>When he left and went back to Death Row, he declined for
>sure.

I agree that was when the steepest decline happened, but he was still more hit or miss in the late 90s than he was when he started. Every Kurupt verse from 92 to like, 96 or so was must hear. From that point on it's been a rollercoaster IMO.


>But he actually made a decent adjustment from being a
>strong lyricist to making actual great songs, especially to
>L.A. heads.

Yea that's totally fair. I've liked a ton of his music throughout his career, I didn't mean to imply that he hasn't made any good songs, he has ... and I still check for all his work (was just listening to "Yessir" with Pete Rock this past weekend, in fact). Was strictly talking about his lyricism.


>Shockingly, over half of the L.A. natives I know
>prefer Streetz is a mutha over Dre 2001.

You'd obviously know better than me, but I'm actually *not* shocked to hear this haha. Chronic 2001 is an incredible album, a classic, no doubt about it. But I'd argue that a good chunk of the tracks, specifically the singles, were sort of multi-regional in terms of the production; the beats had a more universally appealing sound, rather than a strong, obvious West Coast/g-funk feel throughout, if that makes sense. Obviously that doesn't apply to the entire album, there's several beats with a more West Coast feel (Let's Get High, Fuck You, Some LA ******, etc.) but it certainly meanders in and out of other sounds (which is a good thing). Meanwhile, Streetz was an unapologetically West Coast album with front to back, prototypical West Coast production IMO. So it's fitting, at least from where I sit, that your folks in LA would have a soft spot/preference for Streetz over 2001.

----------------------------------------

"Fuck aliens." © WarriorPoet415

>>When he left and went back to Death Row, he declined for
>>sure.
>
>I agree that was when the steepest decline happened, but he
>was still more hit or miss in the late 90s than he was when he
>started. Every Kurupt verse from 92 to like, 96 or so was must
>hear. From that point on it's been a rollercoaster IMO.
>
>
>>But he actually made a decent adjustment from being a
>>strong lyricist to making actual great songs, especially to
>>L.A. heads.
>
>Yea that's totally fair. I've liked a ton of his music
>throughout his career, I didn't mean to imply that he hasn't
>made any good songs, he has ... and I still check for all his
>work (was just listening to "Yessir" with Pete Rock this past
>weekend, in fact). Was strictly talking about his lyricism.

Yea, basically he's had flashes, but his lyrical dominance definitely came to a cease right before his solo career started.

>>Shockingly, over half of the L.A. natives I know
>>prefer Streetz is a mutha over Dre 2001.
>
>You'd obviously know better than me, but I'm actually *not*
>shocked to hear this haha. Chronic 2001 is an incredible
>album, a classic, no doubt about it. But I'd argue that a good
>chunk of the tracks, specifically the singles, were sort of
>multi-regional in terms of the production; the beats had a
>more universally appealing sound, rather than a strong,
>obvious West Coast/g-funk feel throughout, if that makes
>sense. Obviously that doesn't apply to the entire album,
>there's several beats with a more West Coast feel (Let's Get
>High, Fuck You, Some LA ******, etc.) but it certainly
>meanders in and out of other sounds (which is a good thing).
>Meanwhile, Streetz was an unapologetically West Coast album
>with front to back, prototypical West Coast production IMO. So
>it's fitting, at least from where I sit, that your folks in LA
>would have a soft spot/preference for Streetz over 2001.

Yep, that's EXACTLY what it is. And you know what's funny? The song that gets the biggest reaction with a Black L.A. native crowd from 2001 is NOT Next episode at all...it's "Let's get high." We loved the album for sure, but it was meant to be a bit more transformative than truly L.A. like Chronic.

------------------------------

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Twitter and Instagram - @DJ_RTistic

but I agree, very inconsistent in his later career. there was a time where he was one of my favorites.

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

He and Snoop are similar in that regard. They can say nothing but make it sound damn good.

But I like lyrics so I'd still rather see him tear a beat apart. You can both have a good voice AND spit good lyrics. Haha.

----------------------------------------

"Fuck aliens." © WarriorPoet415

One of the worst I've ever heard in my entire life.

------------------------------

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Twitter and Instagram - @DJ_RTistic

It wasn't a terrible verse but he seemed out of place

R.I.P. Loud But Wrong Guy
Dec 29th 2009 - Dec 17th 2017

____________
Twitter & IG: @rulerofmyself
SC: rulerofmyself17

Yes! She's on the drugs. (c) BoHagon

maybe the content was a lil corny, preachy, but his rapping was fine otherwise.

Y'all buy those labels, I was born supreme

Canibus...

Integrity is the Cornerstone of Artistry...

And came to the same conclusion.

----------------------------------------

"Fuck aliens." © WarriorPoet415

Just need some context.


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMGCsREfTRc



Even though we all know what this is, and what it aint...his lines are STILL gahbage




Bottoms up....and the devil laughs..




http://soundcloud.com/rayandersonjr

Too many joints to name, but here is one example. Type of track that I feel like I have heard 75 times before from him. Production is pretty weak, whole thing sounds amateur to me....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihVeldm3Boo

Integrity is the Cornerstone of Artistry...

becoming the "f****t n***a trying to make a living off of dissing" he used to accuse others of being with his random beefs.

Rest In Peace, Bad News Brown

HNIC was the start of it. He kinda settled into what he was doing when he started doing the collabs with Alchemist and I came back around.

Dude just gave up at some point

Hurts to say, but yeah, I agree...still a legend though...

Integrity is the Cornerstone of Artistry...

----------
https://93millionmilesabove.blogspot.com/
https://rateyourmusic.com/~Kosa12

So my first time even paying attention to him was HNIC...when he had that super lazy flow. "Keep it thoro" was a banger, but he was nothing special.

After that, I kept hearing people say how dope he was, and how he was one of the best ever, and I was completely lost. I had to go back and listen to Mobb's 90's songs, and realized that he was a monster back then, but his style just turned lazy as hell in the 00's.

I was so out of touch, I used to think that was actually Havoc on most of their first songs, because Havoc's delivery was more energetic in their 00's material...I was lost. I get it now, though.

------------------------------

50+ FREE Mixes on www.DJR-Tistic.com!

Twitter and Instagram - @DJ_RTistic

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

tho I HATED it at the time, but In retrospect I can seewhy he switched up his flow..

Rap lyricism circa 2000 was getting more conversational and less confrontational, so it was necessary to survive the times

Rappity rap was already obsolete in the mainstream. He couldve stuck with the old flow and catered to the "heads", but they were going for mainstream success while still maintaining some semblance of authenticity, so I understand. Besides, the ladies and the casual fan aint trying to hear your rapid fire hard bars

On the original EPMD albums he was so sick, could do it with ease. But once he went solo and he chopped up the flow it all changed. He still has moments but I don't think his flow ever recovered. It sounds labored to me.

Some slippage started with Business Never Personal, but after that it was a rap.

Too bad.

He was really good before that.

I'd never seen such a huge fall from grace. He went from having Source rhyme of the month to straight TRASH.

This post was paid for by the following.

www.twitter.com/13Rose
www.debunkthemyth.org
http://dashaunworld.wordpress.com/
www.mothergreen.com

Remember MJ The Great!
PSN: ThirteenRose

He wasn't a lyrical beast or nothing, but his Dipset flow was way better than the way he raps now.

www.twitter.com/seandammit

Deltron Event II was a step up from the last several years, imo. Not quite a revival, but it was much better.
______________________________
http://i.imgur.com/v2ye7l2.jpg

I always wish he'd ride a beat like he did on
"Poppa Large" or "Make Up Your Mind" on just
one more full album for old times' sake.

~
~
~
~
~
Days like this I miss Sha Mecca

the Personal Album
The Ray West album
L'Orange

R.I.P. Loud But Wrong Guy
Dec 29th 2009 - Dec 17th 2017

Ghostface...

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

i think you might be right. Ghost always came with it...
from "12 reasons to die" on (i think) the decline has been steep

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://vintagesoulmusic.tumblr.com
http://vintagehiphopmusic.tumblr.com
http://onetwann.tumblr.com

haven't heard it in a while..

a lot of stuff just sounds like he reading off a sheet of paper now.
rapping, but no real style to it. not like the ghostface we all know and love.

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

...so was Action Bronson far off when he said what he said? And JUST so you know, HUGE fan of Ghost...him and GZA neck and neck for best in the crew...

Integrity is the Cornerstone of Artistry...

last really incredible project was Fishscale.

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

One of my favourites too and I also think Fishscales was the last time he truly had that spark.

Lurk everyday.. Post once a month..

>i think you might be right. Ghost always came with it...
>from "12 reasons to die" on (i think) the decline has been
>steep

He could rap on both "Sour Soul" and "36 Seasons." He didn't sound like he was trying at all on "Twelve Reasons To Die Pt. 2," but that seems to be the exception, rather than the rule.

-----------------

www.albumism.com

Checkin' Our Style, Return To Zero:

https://www.mixcloud.com/returntozero/

but naw - was disappointing.

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

i will ride for ghost all day everyday, he is cemented in my top10, but on those albums he's a shell of his former self. his voice is shot and his bars are forced.

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http://vintagesoulmusic.tumblr.com
http://vintagehiphopmusic.tumblr.com
http://onetwann.tumblr.com

what do we think about this?
since we talking about him.

http://www.adultswim.com/music/dabrye/

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

Flames...ish like this from Ghost though is few and far between these days...

Integrity is the Cornerstone of Artistry...

even on this.. he's trying to get there but something a bit off.

though still kind of playful ghost, some word play and colorful bars.

beat is so left field, it sort of forces him to take it take.
more of that, please.

-----
Cameo
Soundshape Records

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

would disagree with you, those were 3 dope projects.

now that FIRST 12 Reasons to Die had him sounding pretty wooden, and his contributions to that Mathmatics compilation was underwhelming

R.I.P. Loud But Wrong Guy
Dec 29th 2009 - Dec 17th 2017

I've been on a little Kool Keith/ Ultramag binge lately. Say what you will about Kool Keith, he definitely has some duds in his long career but he's still putting out some good shit.

Ced Gee on the other hand? Yeeeesh.

The first two Ultramag albums, he sounds great. Compliments Keith perfectly. I thought he was better on Funk Your Head Up.

On The Four Horsemen, he switches it up for that robot flow on every single song (YO MONEY GRIP MONEY GRIP). Now, since Four Horsemen was the first Ultramag album I ever heard, I thought that was his thing, and I actually think it's dope in its own weird way. It helps that the beats on that album were stellar.

Now, out of curiosity, I listened to Best Kept Secret (thanks spotify) and holy fuck... He sounds like Jay-Z after a massive concussion. It's hilarisad how bad it is. If you want to laugh and/or be depressed, listen to it. Keith sounds like shit on it too. I dunno wtf they were thinking releasing that piece of shit.

<-------------------
Represent the city that I'm from- Dum diddy dum

Ultramag CDs

I hears some of the more recent UMCs stuff from the last 12 years or so and dude sounds pretty horrible.

R.I.P. Loud But Wrong Guy
Dec 29th 2009 - Dec 17th 2017

I think he sounds GREAT on "critical..." and fine on "Funk.." but I have to zone out evrytime he raps on "four horsemen" which is a shame because Keith and the production is ace on that record. "best kept secret" was so bad I couldn't even listen to it; had to turn it off. That said, those semi-official archive Ultramagnetic releases on Tuff City have some cool Ced Gee verses including some later (like early-mid 90's) ones if I remember correctly; haven't heard them in years...

switching up to that weak ass slow flow on them singles killed his career before it even took off.

Yeah man, I remember cats comparing him to the R when he first came out...fell off hard...few nice lines here and there on certain projects, but expected more from him...

Integrity is the Cornerstone of Artistry...

cmon b

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