So I've had this on my radar since it came out, but I haven't had the time to listen and digest it until just recently. In my opinion, this album is great. For one, it sounds so different than a lot of stuff that is out right now. To be 40 years into it and be releasing stuff like this is pretty insane. I mean, honestly, if I didn't know this was an LL Cool J album, I would assume it's a new-ish rapper.

There are some skips though. Not every song is a banger, but I give it a pass for the reasons stated above. This is an almost 60 year old that's been doing this for 40 years. I didn't expect it to even be as good as it is to be honest with you. What did you all think about it?

just listened to mona lisa from TCV for the first time and i’ve never heard him have a flow like this. any suggestions of songs where rappers go harder than their usual flow?

It doesn’t have to be a single.

1. EPMD- you gots to chill (if you’re tired, then go take a nap)

2. Killah priest- do the damn thing (Name your favorite rapper, well, he's fake, and you fake, that's why you f*** with his tape)

3. Jakki the motta mouth- FHH (some say they’re lyrically this, and lyrically that, throwing lyrical in every rap when they lyrically wack)

4. Akrobatic- balance (There's no balance in rap, you either nerd or a thug, you either got too many big words or bust too many slugs)

5. Kazi- AVERAGE (through your vocals you’re delivery be so so, a verbal chokehold, upon your crew because you’re awful)

6. Mr. Lif- be out (You showed up at the venue wasn't nobody there, except me, hoodie down and deadly, ready, to end you with the murderous medley)

7. K OS- freeze (The time is essential when you play with the lives of the youth, they want the truth but you want loot)

8. Defari- killing spree (I’m on a killing spree, murder soundbwoy constantly, constantly murder wack emcees)

9. Dr dooom- no chorus (when you come off stage, ninety percent of the people in your guest list ain’t going to be there)

10. Poor righteous teachers- none can test ( who in the place do I have to shoot down to prove that I’m the best around, none of you n**** can give me trouble)

11. Big L- I don’t understand it (your technique and everything you speak is weak, you got a little airplay because of your beats)

12. Matrix and A butta- keep pouring (I slam these clowns permanently and leave competition on the hush like a suburban library)

13. Binary star- honest expressions (this is dedicated to you hip hop hypocrites, dropping wack songs like you don’t give a sh**)

14. Paranorml- I wish I was a fish ( I wish I was a fish swimming through the sea, away from all these wack emcees and wannabes)

15. Masta ace- last bref (I honestly hate these rappers, most of them great actors, with songs that couldn’t turn me on with eight clappers)

16. Pumpkinhead- wack emcees (Catastrophic proportions, dropping emcees like abortions)

17. Extended famm- FYIRB (while you pushing lex, we roll in escorts and jettas, all I gotta say is f*** you I rhyme better)

18. GZA- liquid swords (lyrics are weak, like clock radio speakers)

19. Substantial and pase rock- blessing it (disrespect hip hop and I’ll spit in your face)

20. K Otix- 7 MCs (n**** think he dope, but he needs to leave that weed alone)

21. Cali agents- f*** what you heard (Like Jack the Ripper murdering emcee's late night with stolen styles)

22. Copywrite- holier than thou (you’ve never dropped science in your life, except in your freshman year)

23. Sean price- hush (scrape shake weight in a baggie, you hating, waiting with jake in the alley)

24. Sparrow the movement- rhyme impotence (Quotes that hit you like the vapours from a Vicks)

25. Gang starr- mass appeal (cutting off wack kids, pulling their trump cards, I thump hard, and make them say that I’m god)

26. Scribbling idiots- old heads (see lil Wayne is busta rhymes with half the skill and twice the pay, T pain is biz markie without a limit to his shame)

27. A June and j beat- what’s the drill (Let me take you to school now here's your first lesson, if you front then don't make rap your profession)

28. bumpy knuckles- for you (for n**** who use hip hop to build their rep, but don’t use their rep to build hip hop steps)

29. Typical cats- cliche (Ask if I'll kill your career with one verse, you couldn't beat me to death if I let you jump first)

30. Canibus- lost at C (tell em how I’m tired of the state rap is in, ninety percent of the sh** that rappers kick is subject matterless)

Went back and listened to their stuff and it’s still pretty solid in my opinion.

It’s been a 17 years when NYG’z first album “Welcome 2 G-Dom” was released back in 2007. I was reading a lot about their second (unreleased) album called “Hustlaz Union: Local NYG” and I’m trying to figure out what happened with this album. For those who don’t know, NYG’z are hip hop duo from Bronx, NY, which is consisted of two mc’s: Panchi and Shabenno (known as Shiggy Sha or just Sha). They started career in 90s as a Operation Ratification and they were part of Gang Starr’s Gang Starr Foundation. Later, they changed name to NYG’z (short of New York Giantz). They have also signed to DJ Premier’s label Year Round Records in 2000s. Their album “Hustlaz Union: Local NYG” is fully produced by DJ Premier and it was recored after release of “Welcome 2 G-Dom” (possibly between 2008 and 2010). “Hustlaz Union” features some guest artists that were mentioned by Preemo. Guests on album are: Ice Cube, Lil Fame, Young Maylay, H. Stax, K-Rino, G. Dep, Khaleel and Rave Roulette. Here is an album tracklist which was leaked by Evidence of Dilated Peoples:

TRACKLIST:

1. Orientation
2. Ready?
3. Policy
4. My Influences
5. A Tear 4 A Year
6. Drama Time
7. The Gospel According To G'z
8. Once Upon A Time On A Bronx Set (feat. Ice Cube)
9. Wat Id Iz
10. YRG'z (feat. Khaleel, Rave Roulette)
11. Clown Music (feat. G-Dep)
12. Testosterone
13. Introduction To Manhood (feat. K-Rino, Lil' Fame) / Hazen St. (feat. H. Stax)
14. Education of Money Larcin (feat. Young Maylay)
15. 183rd of Dyckman
16. Evaso...
17. In The Event That I Live

There are also two tracks “Last Night” and “G. Electronica”, but it’s not mentioned that these tracks are going to appear on album.

According to fact that all beats were made by Premier and guest appearances features some dope rappers and mc’s, this album looks like a must have for any person who likes real hip hop. For me, this looks like a masterpiece. The only problem is that this album is still unreleased till this day. It was supposed to be released in 2010 or 2011 on Year Round Records. Tracks like “Ready?” and “Policy” were released as singles and track “My Influences” has appeared on DJ Premier’s Serato vinyl from 2014. Also, parts of some tracks were leaked on YouTube.

In 2016, Preem said that he is going to release “Hustlaz Union”, along with MC Eiht’s album “Which Way Iz West”. He has only released “Which Way Iz West” later next year. What happened with “Hustlaz Union” that year? Does Preem just don’t want to release this album or is there any other reason why he hasn't released it? In 2013, he started to work with his current manager Ian Schwartzman and later, they have announced their label ToTheTop Records (TTT).

Even if Premier has released Prhyme albums and “Flow Riiot” by Torii Wolf, he was also releasing tracks with a lot of boom bap artists like Big Shug, Bumpy Knuckles, Apathy, Termanology and many others. As a proof that Preem is still real till this day, he is about to drop two albums, one with Big Shug called “Undefeated” and one with Nas. He has recently released Gang Starr track “Finishem” which features vocals from Guru.

On Instagram, one person asked Preem is he going to drop NYG’z album and he answered with “Sooner than you think…real talk”. In my opinion, this is the sign that he still want to release this album. Maybe, we could get “Hustlaz Union: Local NYG” in 2025? I want to know what do you think about all this.

These artist go against the notion that hip hop is dead. They aren’t Kendrick, KRIT, Cole, Drake, Future etc, but they hold their own well and I think new listeners and old listeners can enjoy them.

Westside Boogie - consistently great bars, Beautiful Melodies, and nice flow

Tee Grizzley - raw Bars, unexpectedly great ability to story-tell, and energetic powerhouse

LaRussell - can make a meaningful track, can make some ignorant hyphy shit, and always set the tone from the start of a track

Gunna - smooth but energetic tracks, Atlanta’s light heavy weight champion, and has great tracks to ride through midnight highway traffic

Smino - cool as hell, saturates the track with smooth vocals and a stutter flow that’s fluid, and can set the tone at a kickback

So we got Might Delete Later, Auditorium Vol. 1, Alligator bites never heal, Death of Slim Shady, and We don't trust you.

Yeah Em's gonna win. But hey, at least Kendrick has 5 nominations including song of the year.

I have to say, listening to old school (early 80s) Hip hop is strangely and surprising therapeutic.

The simple depression free lyrical content, the bouncy, light, and fluffy beats maaan!

I've made several attempts to listen to "Blunted on Reality" by The Fugees, but I find it difficult to connect with the music. I guess it's just not my cup of tea.

this year is such a toss for this category it honestly could go to any one, but I have lil theory/prediction. I believe J Cole will win because of why Killer Mike won last year and why Nas won in 2020. might've not been the best album of the year but we'll reward you because you're long overdue for one. thats my prediction but I could end up being wrong

sidenote: I would hate too see Eminem win again since tdoss was so underwhelming and the worst album on the list of nominees

My pick is sickfit by MFDOOM

My Top 5 Greatest Rappers Of All Time 2Pac Biggie Nas Eminem DMX

Edit: only built 4 Cuban Linx*

What were they arguing about in the beginning of Knuckleheadz?

It seems Raekwon is distributing things equally, why did Ghostface get so upset?

1 for you, 1 for me

2 for you, 1,2 for me (that’s 3)

3 for you

Lloyd Banks drop another BANGER. This is what hip hop needs and the direction. It needs to go back to this and my god! I’ve been loving all these banks mixtapes and albums coming out lately. He feels rejuvenated.

Now that the discussion started, What tracks are your favorite off from it???

Crime Mob - Knuck If You Buck for me 😭

Looking for songs or artists that sound similar to Deliquent Habits or Cypress Hill. 90s only

God Loves Ugly - Atmosphere

First Born - Eyedea

Skelethon - Aesop Rock

Mm..Food - MF DOOM

Malibu Ken - Aesop Roco & TOBACCO

Are my top 5.

I would say: U my Everything by Sexyy Red and drake…

The beat is so damn good

Which songs have the hardest entrance to them, when the beat drops, whether instantly or after slight anticipation? Songs that make you go crazy and fuck shit up when they start, songs that put you in the zone that people around you start to question your sanity.

My personal favorites that first come to my mind (I will post top 10):

• M.O.P. - Cold As Ice (absolutely undisputed number 1)
• Pharoahe Monch - Simon Says
• Biggie ft. Eminem - Dead Wrong
• DMX - Ruff Ryders Anthem
• Onyx - Slam
• Onyx - Throw Ya Gunz
• Public Enemy - Rebel Without A Pause
• Heather B ft. M.O.P. - My Kinda N***a
• Raekwon - Glaciers Of Ice
• Dr. Dre & Ice Cube - Natural Born Killaz

Honorable mention to Das EFX and their songs like Beknaffek or Kaught In Da AK, that ticking sound before hardcore boom bap beat drops, I love that shit so much, it's legendary.

My list is mostly old school because that's what I prefer, but everything is welcomed.

So I turned 20 this past August and I started my like “music listening journey” in 2021. Before that I had been listening to like EDM, dubstep, all those other dramatic genres (they still hold a special place in my heart somewhere). Anyways, I call it journey bc 2021 was the year I started listening to albums as a whole. Kanye, Tyler, asap rocky, Drake, The Weeknd, Travis Scott (I was already a fan before that), j Cole, Kendrick, etc etc etc.

As of now I’ve heard almost 500 albums (a good portion of them rap, not all though), but I never checked out the “less popular ones”? Like I’ve been into Griselda for a while and recently REALLY started to go through their discography, but I’m talking about rappers that people over 25 talk about. Black thought, RZA, NWA, Lupe fiasco, big krit etc etc. I wanna know which rappers I NEED to check out so I can get a bigger picture of the genre and get familiar. I’d also ask if you guys could tell me albums from them, specially? Like where to start etc etc. Any suggestions are welcome :)

Here’s my list of all the albums I’ve heard if anybody cares: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kh92MBZy4pj8bcxDfvq3GVJAODxoGXFBuWQyoHOazqg/edit

I'm just sayin' 🤷🏿‍♂️

Between "Little Ghetto Boys" by Wu Tang and "Lil' Ghetto Boy" by Dre, which song do you prefer? I personally prefer the Wu Tang version, because of it's crisp production and strong beat and bass, great verses too.

Both songs are great, but that's what I think

An example:

A hypothetical RZA-produced Big Pun album would be an intriguing blend of Pun’s complex, rapid-fire lyricism and RZA’s dark, cinematic soundscapes. This collaboration would have combined the raw power and storytelling prowess of Pun with RZA’s experimental, layered production style. The result would likely be a highly lyrical, gritty album that fused the aggression of East Coast hardcore rap with the intricate sonic textures characteristic of RZA’s production during the late 1990s.

Overall Concept and Themes

1. Urban Crime Epics: The album would be filled with vivid street narratives, portraying life in the Bronx through Pun’s eyes. Themes of power struggles, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition would drive the lyrics, while RZA’s dramatic beats would create a cinematic backdrop.
2. Mafioso Elements: Both artists shared an affinity for crime-inspired tales. Pun would inject his Latin heritage into these stories, making references to cartels, capos, and a life of high stakes.
3. Dark Humor and Wordplay: Pun’s witty, sometimes tongue-in-cheek style would play off RZA’s unconventional sample choices and skit placement, adding a layer of dark humor to the album.
4. Philosophical Depth: RZA’s influence would add philosophical undertones, with introspective tracks examining the price of ambition, fame, and inner demons.

Production Style

• Grimy, Lo-Fi Beats: RZA’s trademark use of lo-fi, chopped samples, and hard-hitting drums would dominate the album, bringing a raw texture to match Pun’s aggressive flow.
• Orchestral and Soul Samples: Strings, piano riffs, and deep bass lines layered with vocal samples from old soul records would create an epic, moody soundscape.
• Unorthodox Song Structures: RZA’s penchant for unconventional arrangements would allow Pun to flex his lyrical creativity, with shifting beats and surprise transitions.
• Kung-Fu Film Samples: There might be subtle nods to RZA’s love for martial arts, blending in movie dialogue or instrumental pieces from classic kung-fu soundtracks to add an atmospheric touch.

Potential Track Titles and Themes

1. “Iron Tongue Assassin”

   • Theme: A showcase of lyrical prowess with rapid-fire verses that mix battle rap bravado with intricate storytelling.
   • Sound: Fast-paced strings and chopped-up samples over pounding drums, giving a sense of urgency.

2. “King of the Underworld”

   • Theme: A Mafioso narrative about rising to power and ruling the streets. The song would detail Pun’s journey from a street hustler to an untouchable figure in the game.
   • Sound: Dramatic horns and haunting choral samples for a regal yet menacing atmosphere.

3. “The Bronx Syndicate”

   • Theme: An anthem celebrating the unity and power of the Bronx with shout-outs to notable figures and stories from the neighborhood.
   • Sound: A classic boom-bap beat with layered soul samples, creating a nostalgic yet powerful sound.

4. “Seven Chambers of Pun”

   • Theme: A metaphorical track comparing Pun’s rise and the struggles he overcame to a series of trials, akin to moving through the chambers of Shaolin.
   • Sound: Kung-fu movie samples blended with a minimalist beat and suspenseful strings.

5. “Echoes of War”

   • Theme: An introspective song that dives into the emotional and psychological toll of street life, touching on regret, loss, and loyalty.
   • Sound: Slower, melancholy samples with vocal snippets that evoke a sense of yearning and reflection.

6. “Blood & Ink”

   • Theme: A lyrical flex with Pun illustrating the power of his pen and storytelling, interwoven with imagery of violence and street wisdom.
   • Sound: A gritty, almost off-beat loop with a subtle flute sample and heavy bassline.

7. “Concrete Proverbs”

   • Theme: Wisdom and lessons learned from life on the streets, styled as a series of rapid-fire proverbs and sayings woven into the verses.
   • Sound: Jazzy piano samples and deep, thumping drums with a hypnotic bassline.

Guest Features

1. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah: Their cinematic and highly descriptive storytelling would match seamlessly with Pun’s lyrical ability.
2. Method Man: His charismatic flow and versatility would shine on a high-energy track with back-and-forth verses.
3. Nas: His introspective and poetic approach would blend well on a track reflecting on fame and the pitfalls of success.
4. Prodigy (Mobb Deep): For a dark, grimy track centered around street life, Prodigy’s haunting style would pair perfectly with Pun.
5. Inspectah Deck: Known for his intricate and sharp bars, Deck would add another layer of lyrical complexity.
6. Fat Joe: Pun’s close collaborator would be featured on a track celebrating their connection and shared Bronx roots.

Sample Ideas for RZA’s Production

1. “Oblighetto” by Brother Jack McDuff: The funky jazz sample could be used as the foundation for a braggadocious track.
2. “Alfie’s Theme” by Sonny Rollins: The playful yet complex saxophone could be chopped and looped into a beat that challenges Pun’s lyrical acrobatics.
3. “Sinnerman” by Nina Simone: The climactic piano sections and powerful vocals would create an epic backdrop for a high-stakes narrative.
4. “I’m Going Down” by Rose Royce: The haunting intro could be flipped to set a somber tone for a reflective song.
5. “Theme from King Kong” by Les Baxter: A dramatic, orchestral piece that RZA could use to create an atmosphere of power and majesty.

Skits and Interludes

• Movie Dialogue: Snippets from classic gangster or martial arts movies would be sprinkled throughout, adding drama and context to the songs.
• Narrative Segments: Skits could involve Pun interacting with RZA, talking about ambition, life, and making it out of the streets.
• Sounds of the Bronx: Audio snippets of the Bronx’s street life—bustling streets, voices, and subway sounds—would ground the album in its setting.

Album Vibe

This album would have felt like a classic crime saga set to music, balancing high-energy, battle-ready anthems with introspective, philosophical tracks. Pun’s wit, dense lyricism, and street-hardened voice would have been perfectly complemented by RZA’s production, creating an album that was gritty, raw, and deeply cinematic—a timeless piece for hip-hop purists.

ws

1. OutKast (Wheelz of steel)- you went behind my back like Bluto when he cut up Olive Oyl.

2. Canibus (I’ll buss em, you punish em)- wacker than Blinky Blink on the back of the Raptor Wagon babblin about nothing, f*** that, real Rugrats can get it on black.

3. LISA FROM BLACKPINK (LALISA)- rocks in my wrist so I call them Flintstones.

4. Heltah Skeltah (Triple R)- like that instructor from that Bart Simpson commercial, I hurt you.

5. De la soul (my brother is a basehead)- from our parents your name was froged, I was the Beaver, you curious George.

6. Young MC (my name is young)- it isn’t about Pinnochio or Alice in Wonderland,

It's all about the funky rapper who's the greater man.

7. Gang Starr (Mass appeal)- you’re paranoid cause you’re a son like Elroy.

8. AC chill (overdose)- just like the Tasmanian devil, I f*** around and go into a killing spin.

9. MF DOOM (Accordion)- Dick Dastardly and Mutley with sick laughter.

10. Cappadona (Winter wars)- Discombumberate your technique and your scheme.

11. Eminem (Berzerk)- the art of emceeing mixed with DaVinci and MC Ren, and I don’t mean Stimpy’s friend b****.

12. A tribe called quest (Award tour)- Phife Dawg’s my name but on stage call me Dynomutt.

13. Pumpkinhead (Rock on)- I can only wish but I don’t have a genie and my names not Aladdin.

14. Ram squad (ballers)- from here to Pluto, we like Popeye and Bluto.

15. Latyrx (Lady don’t tek no)- she ain’t no innocent Hello Kitty dream, she’s committed sins, and ain’t finished yet.

16. Dirty earthling (intro)- writers call me their master like Igor.

17. Craig Mack (Flava in your ear)- kick that old robotic, futuristic, George Jetson crazy joint.

18. Method man (method mad)- bad, I be Sam, Sam I am, and I don’t like green eggs and ham.

19. Kokane (don’t bite the phunk)- like the peanuts gang I took your house off your snoopy.

20. Binary star (Conquistadores)- Binary Star battle your villainous characters to the end with poet heroics like Super Friends.

21. Ocean (freestyle)- yall are here losing your heads like ichabod crane.

22. Papoose (bucket hat low)- cold nights moving that Snow White, no seven dwarves.

23. Camp lo (Krystal karrington)- gifted caramela Cinderella hold a fella tight.

24. Cunninlyguists (old school)- guess who rescued rapunzel, climbing up her gold weave, then made her braid her like Alicia keys.

25. RZA (4th chamber)- chickenheads getting slim like olive oyl.

26. Rass kass (riiot)- at first the buzz was local, but now the nose grows like Pinocchio.

27. Dr octagon (dr octagon)- Thinking more of what they can't explore, like the cartoon Donald Duck is giving fellatio on the floor (I wish I never heard this😭🤢☹️)

28. Das EFX- I'm swinging them with the Krayz and I'm swayz like the Jetsons.

29. Suns of man (natural high)- The maze, I’m the mouse, I figured my way out, Pinky and the brain had to find another house.

30. 421 (set it)- you better duck like Daffy.

31. Maestro fresh Wes (let your backbone slide)- better yet I’ll call you Curious George, cause curiosity called killed the cat.

32. Asta (dynamite)- you’re lying on the roof of your house like snoopy.

33. Pete rock and CL smooth (ghettos of the mind)- Listen to cats and rough rats war under the window, when the ghetto forts flurry, never was a Tom and Jerry.

34. Jean Grae (you don’t know)- leave you stitched up like eeyore with your teeth all gums.

35. Organized Konfusion (Fudge Pudge)- kick slick rhymes out of the mouth, tricky in a joust, plus I’m down with Mickey Mouse.

When did the buzz start? Who were the first rappers or producers that started to use it?

Ps: grammar/typo.

Even though he wasn't serious when he said it, that "Dead in the middle of Little Italy" line by Pun has always been fire to me

I know Nas never ever declined lyrically even tho his discography was inconsistent, but did anyone maintain cultural relevance for as long as Hov did? Not even considering pre-Reasonable Doubt cause it’s kinda scary that Jay-Z’s been around since the Golden Age of hip hop. To be competing with the best of the best from ‘96 all the way to like mid ‘10s? Most of the goat rappers always discussed had a 2-4 album run where they were at their most prominent, but then things just happen and they lose their stride, or just become unlistenable. Jay-Z never had a dip in quality in my opinion. Even some of his most hated albums still had hit songs and classic moments. He was never not in the conversation. Outlasted a huge list of rappers that came after him. His first number 1 single coming 15 years after his debut is like the cherry on top. idk. what y’all think?

Around 1:40 there’s this little stylophone sounding instrument playing that sounds like maybe a Nate Dogg verse. Been tryna figure out what it is, maybe Shake That by Eminem? What are your thoughts?

Also I know the bassline is from Hit Em Up/ Get Money/ Don’t Look Any Further.