SUNDAY SNAFU: WEST COAST RAP
Hip-hop comes in many forms. Old school, new school, gangster rap, revolutionary, conscious rap, emo rap, indie, horrorcore, hyphy, backpack rap, hardcore, hipster, etc., etc. Beyond the labels hip-hop has received or earned over the years, it’s undeniable that from coast to coast, the sound of hip-hop has bloomed many varieties of itself. Each region has its own slang, production and overall culture that make it unique to that specific area. Can a region’s hip-hop be understood by someone who’s not from that area? Maybe not completely, but to a degree I believe it is definitely possible! It might seem weird that I, a Mid-westerner have decided to write about West Coast hip-hop essentials but, I have experienced ears and opinions you can trust! Don’t expect to see certified classics like “The Chronic”, “Doggystyle” or “All Eyez On Me” on this list. I assume if you value hip-hop, you already own those or at least know you should! Without further ado, I now present to you… 5 Must-Own West Coast Hip Hop Albums:
#1. Murs & 9th Wonder – “Murs 3:16”
If you don’t own a Murs album already or have never heard of him, I strongly suggest you get right on that! This is my personal favorite in his lengthy catalog of solid albums. 9th Wonder took the formula he perfected with Little Brother and supplied Murs with soulful beats that compliment Murs’ knack for making music everyone experiencing this thing we call life, can relate to. His storytelling ability is virtually unmatched in the current hip-hop landscape and he can make the most mundane subject seem like the most interesting thing you’ve ever heard! Get this album!
#2. Hieroglyphics – “3rd Eye Vision”
First off, let me fill you in on the fact that Del tha Funkee Homosapien is one of my favorite West coast emcees, which is one of the main reasons why I HAD to include this album. Del formed this group in the early 90’s along with other Bay Area natives- Souls of Mischief, Pep Love, Casual and Domino. Since then, they’ve released several great group albums and their solo careers are of similar quality. After hearing this album, your ears will thank you!
#3. Deltron 3030 – “Deltron 3030”
As you can possibly assume from the title that Del was involved in this album as well. Del tha Funkee Homosapien joined forces with producers Dan the Automator and Kid Koala to create a vision of the future unlike any you’ve ever seen, heard or imagined! The descriptions that Del gives throughout this album are guaranteed to supply you with mental pictures worthy of a top-notch sci-fi movie. Spacey, trippy or however you want to describe this album, it is surely one you’ll not soon forget!
#4. Souls of Mischief – “93 ‘Til Infinity”
Yet another branch of the Hieroglyphics crew, Souls of Mischief prove here that a group within a group is actually something that can work. “93 ‘Til Infinity” is their first album and in my opinion, their best!
#5. Zion I – “True & Livin’”
Yet another Bay Area group to make sure you have in your radar. I apologize for only including one L.A. artist (Murs), but I promise it wasn’t intentional! With their 3rd album, Zion I created what I believe to be their best album yet! With guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Gift of Gab, Del and Aesop Rock among others, they embraced the underground from where they came but greeted new listeners with open arms, having a phenomenal production line-up and consistent verse quality! Many rappers have a hard time achieving one of the two, but they managed both!
Again, these albums aren;t a definitive list but they do represent a solid foundation of what the West Coast has to offer. Thanks for your time. Buy these ASAP and enjoy!
-Money
GENUIS: MacBook CASE DECALS
There are some things that when invented or built they hit me with a certain sense of relief. Not really in the sense of a fantastic life altering revelation but more of a subtle but sincere sense of comfortability and security. In short, certain things are simply meant to be and they make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. However, in the same breathe there are instances where this new “thing”, upon it’s inception, seems so retardedly obvious that I am genuinely stunned that it hadn’t been thought of before. It’s during these moments that, for a lack of self control, I could kick myself in the head (Wee-man style) for not thinking of it first.
Such is the case with the Snow White, Ironman & Steve Jobs MacBook case decals below. I’m literally so upset that I didn’t think of these MacBook case decals that I’ve lost sleep over it. How much more obvious and/or simple could it have been (especially the Steve Jobs decal). Come on!
But let’s be honest. Im mad because I know whatever joker thought of it is probably going to sell thousands of them for an over inflated price and because of the exposure get other gigs/collaborations, etc. and be famous/rich, blah, blah, whatever. I think like that because Im looking to make a substantial amount of money on one good idea and retire to a remote island. But that’s just me.
Good thing there are people out there, like the good folks I work with here at The Forest Lab or the guys who came up with these MacBook case decals who care about the art and culture and quality products who keep the world moving positively forward. God bless them for what they do.
Sincerely though – mad props to the dudes who came up with these MacBook decals. They’re freaking sweet. I cant wait to see what they come up with next. I just hope it’s not for a few days. I need some sleep.
You can find the original posts about these decals where I found them by clicking on the links below:
Snow White
Ironman
Steve Jobs
