Music: My Personal Collection - Part 1

I love music. I love to read. I love to write. The point is I love a lot of things, and music definitely has to be one of them. I don't discriminate against any kind of genre of music, age, artist - I find all of the sounds unique and intricate. The lyrics can be quite emotional, or maybe they're just there for laughter, maybe a hidden message.

Something in American society I think is quite often overlooked and looked down upon would have to be.. Rap. The garbage junky music that leads kids to do drugs, drop their pants to their knees, pass around STDs, commit violent crimes - whatever else poor parenting is actually responsible for.

Rap is an intricate music process, that deals with the flow of music, the flow of the artist, the complexity or simplicity - it has so many properties to it that makes it one of a kind. Although rappers don't exactly make their own beats, they do have to create lyrical content that flows to it and creates harmony. Each beat can capture an emotion or a different feel. Since the rap genre has changed the content is more geared towards party/club music, a lot of people are forgetting the roots. To be honest, today's rap is nowhere near as good as the 70's, 80's, and 90's rap - but it still shouldn't be discredited and labeled as "garbage music".

Try listening to any rap instrumental, maybe something by Dr. Dre?
Now try writing lyrics that flow to it consistently, with lyrical content, that are actually coherent thoughts, for at least 30 seconds.

Not a walk in the park, eh?

All the Lil' Waynes and Souljah Boy's aside, let's take a look at some of the lost and forgotten classics, shall we?

Big L
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_L

Probably one of the most underrated and unknown rappers in today's society. A rough, raw and gritty east coast rapper. Comparable to the likes of Notorious B.I.G., Pac, Big Pun - and so many other legends. Listening to L spit, is just amazing. He can create such a rhythm, that entices you to listen without much of a struggle.

Some of the my favorite songs off of Big L would have to be:
Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
I Don't Understand It

Both songs just capture his skills so perfectly.

Torrent Link: http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4133077/Big_L_-_Lifestylez_Ov_Da_Poor__amp__Dangerous_%281995%29_%5B320_kbps%5D

Enter: The Wu-Tang
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu-Tang_Clan

Each member of the clan hailing from Shaolin brings something unique to the table. With lyrical flows from each member, their music never really gets old. With the signature gritty east coast style, Wu-Tang never fails to deliver songs that are of classic quality. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) probably has to be one of the best rap albums of all time. Seriously, I feel sorry for people who have never given this album a listen at all. They had quite a bit of commercial success when they first hit the scene, but, for some reason or another - they didn't reach the status they so rightfully deserved. Give it a shot, you can't regret it. So ya better watch ya step kid.

Notable songs:
Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'
C.R.E.A.M
Protect Ya Neck
Method Man

Torrent Link: http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4941727/Wu-Tang_Clan_-_Enter_The_Wu-Tang_%2836_Chambers%29

GZA (The Genius)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GZA

Probably one of the best rappers of all time. GZA is a member of the legendary Wu-Tang clan. His style is really unique, with near-unparalleled story telling skills and lyrical content. He released an instant classic album "Liquid Swords", that really needs to be listened to. Any rap enthusiast, or really, any fan of music will love this album. His dark, gritty style, with his piercing lyrics creates such an atmosphere. He really captures the heart and soul of the beats, bringing them to life so skillfully.

Notable Songs:
Liquid Swords
Swordsmen
Cold World
Shadowboxing
Gold
(Pretty much the entire Liquid Swords album)

Download Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K0MBLGN5

Big Pun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Pun

One of the greatest rappers of all time, who was quite promising until his tragic death. Big Pun brought some flavor back to the scene during the late 90's. His unique flow and skill brought him from the streets into the rap group Terror Squad. His quick vicious flow, coupled with his up-beat style really makes him one of Raps legends. Releasing a rap classic, his album Capital Punishment has to be one of the sickest records around.

Notable Songs:
Capital Punishment
Still Not A Player
It's So Hard

Torrent: http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/3439281/Big_Pun___Big_Punisher_-_Capital_Punishment

To be honest, I don't know why I took the time out to share my musical interests. Maybe someday though, in like, the year 2020 this will help out some rap newbie and let him know the real deal. Oh well, here - there - everywhere.