My 10 Favorite Hip-Hop Artists

I've been in a listing mood lately. For whatever reason, people love lists. They can help bring order to chaos and quantify what is otherwise uncountable. Myself, I love allowing my big mouth to throw my opinions out there, at least when it comes to what I know (or what I think I know).

Before I start, I'll throw out my Honorable Mentions. I wouldn't feel right not giving a shout out to these great artists: KRS-One. Rakim. Outkast. Chuck D. The Roots. Common. Lauryn Hill. Black Star. Redman & Method Man. The Wu-Tang Clan. Kanye West.

Now without further ado, and in no particular order, my 10 favorite Hip-Hop Artists.

10. Lupe Fiasco

09. Big Pun

08. Big L

07. Joe Budden

06. Busta Rhymes

05. Nas

04. Jay-Z

03. Eminem

02. The Notorious B.I.G. /Biggie Smalls

01. Tupac Shakur / 2Pac

I'll cover each one in individual postings. Just wanted to give a little taste of where my mind's at right now.

Hip-Hop Thursday

" Til I Collapse" - Eminem feat. Nate Dogg

This Hip-Hop Thursday is dedicated to the recent loss of Nate Dogg, who appears to have died from complications of yet another stroke. Nate Dogg was a West Coast Legend, with a smooth flow and a voice that was just made for making hooks (see Ludacris, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Dr.Dre and Eminem for further evidence).

With all due respect to Eminem's execution and lyricism on this track, and to the epic beat that gives the song its powerful atmosphere, it is Nate Dogg's voice that made this song for me. Its the backbone of the track and his contribution could be overlooked. But here, I can't imagine the song being anywhere near as dynamic without him supplying the hook.

New Hip-Hop

Couldn't wait 'til tomorrow. Had to share a crop of new music brought to my attention today (2 released today, 1 a few days ago). Don't worry, I have one more in store for the regular edition of Hip-Hop Thursdays tomorrow.

"2.0 Boys"- Eminem, Slaughterhouse, YelaWolf.

Well it didn't take long for Shady to hop on a track with his latest recruits- the Voltron that is Slaughterhouse and the Alabama Up-And-Comer YelaWolf. It doesn't disappoint. I will say, Crooked went in HARD. I think he gave the best verse, which doesn't surprise me anymore, because he's done it time and time again.

For those who don't know about Slaughterhouse and need help IDing whose who- the order is Royce da 5'9", Eminem, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, YelaWolf.

"Young, Wild & Free" - Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg

Obviously not here for the lyrical prowess that "2.0 Boys" flaunts. But for what it is (A Chill Weed Song- shocking new ground for Snoop and Wiz to be treading), it is a nice track to throw on if you want a smooth vibe and don't feel like thinking too hard.

"6 for 6 (Get Gully)"- 50 Cent.

What the fuck got into Fifty? Like seriously. Dude was phoning it in for years and he turned it back on for 2011. He's slugging like 3.000 right now, with 6 solid tracks in 2 months. Here's the latest. Hope he keeps this up-- would be awesome to see him put out another Classic.

Hip-Hop Thursday

I didn't forget today- I just had what might have been the longest Academic Day at UNH. Regardless, the time it took me to sit down to write this allowed for the release of the music video I'm about to share with you. (Also in that time frame, the Boston Celtics did a bunch of shit that I'm not 100% behind, but I'll likely address that tomorrow).

Dre announcing Detox "Coming this Winter," several winters ago.

"I Need A Doctor" - Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey.

The visuals for this video are pretty awesome-- that's why I picked it (I was initially leaning towards an all Slaughterhouse Thursday, but...). I tried to find the video footage of Dr. Dre saying "Detox" is coming back in 2009. And 2008. And again in 2005. And again on The Game's debut album. However I came up empty handed on the interwebs of YouTube. But it appears as though "Detox" may actually come out this decade-- which is good because 30-something's get more close-minded music-wise and long for those olden days.

Me, about 3 years after Detox was originally announced.

So after countless mis-leaks, release dates, and a whole lotta B.S. here's the second single off the mythical album. Em's right-- We Need You Dre.

Dr. Dre - New Music - More Music Videos

The Original Nicki Minaj > Nicki Minaj

If you seriously think Nicki Minaj is the best female emcee alive, you're an idiot. No disrespect. I like Nicki- "I'm the Best" from Pink Friday still gets some play on my iPod months after its release and I never would have guessed it would.

That said, people always have the tendency to crown the latest thing to be the greatest, best, most amazing thing to ever happen. I partially blame the "Now" Age we live in-- dominated by endless television channels, websites and twitter updates. And I blame young people for not knowing their history. LeBron isn't the greatest basketball player alive. Lil' Wayne isn't the best rapper alive- though a lot of people out there believed it circa Summer 2008 when he said so. (Until Eminem decided to comeback

and repeatedly destroy him on tracks).

And Nicki Minaj isn't the best Lady on the Mic alive. She's not even close. MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah are all way our of Nicki's league. So is the Nicki-Blueprint, original Bad Girl Lil' Kim. I'm so happy that Lil' Kim released Black Friday, waking up from wherever the hell she's been at. Of course, who knows if the public will realize Lil' Kim is the orignator of Nicki's style and the superior style (See KRS-One/Nelly and Canibus/LL Cool Jay Beefs). But if it means better work from both artists, we all win.

Eminem- Love The Way You Lie

My Last post before the Celtics Game. I just love Eminem when he gets emotional because that's when he's at his best. If this track is any indication, "Recovery" will be the Eminem I missed on "Relapse." And Rhianna delivers my favorite guest feature with Eminem since Dido on "Stan" back in the day.

"It's the rage that took over
It controls you both
So they say it's best
To go your separate ways
Guess that they don't know ya
Cause today
That was yesterday
Yesterday is over
It's a different day
Sound like broken records
Playin' over
But you promised her
Next time you'll show restraint
You don't get another chance
Life is no Nintendo game
But you lied again
Now you get to watch her leave
Out the window
Guess that's why they call it window pane"