May 28, 2012. Conscious Rap.

May 28, 2012. Conscious rap.

This week's selection is conscious rap or political hip hop. This genre is not specific to a certain sound but rather thoughtful rhymes and social awareness.

Nate:
A great tune. Very thoughtful with a good hook and message. -Nate
Sounds good. -Frank
Murs: And This Is For.


This group is out of Detroit and I found them today. -Nate
Nice, and local. Hearing new stuff every week. -Frank
Clear Soul Forces: Strangers in the Night.


This group is out of Harlem. Their hard hittin' no-nonsense sound and lyrics make them stand out in their genre. -Nate
Immortal Technique: Point of No Return.


Another one I picked up this week I love doing this show. -Nate
Very good. Another new track I'll remember after the show. -Frank
Rhymefest: Familiar Faces.


Frank:
I've been a fan of conscious hip hop for quite a while even though I didn't refer to it by that name. This is xReign of Terrorx with a great track from his full length. -Frank
Damn good. -Nate 
xReign of Terrorx: Mo' Money Mo' Problems.


I've been a big fan of Dead Prez since I heard their pro-vegan track 'Be Healthy'. -Frank
I almost did these guys but I vaguely remember you talking about them so I figured you'd do it. -Nate
I was hoping I'd get to post this before you did. -Frank  
Dead Prez: Hip Hop.


I knew him as an actor before I knew him as a rapper, but he is great at both. He has done plenty of intelligent hip hop tracks. -Frank
Another one I almost did. -Nate  
Mos Def: Close Edge.


Finishing up with Naj One. Originally known as Foekus, Naj One was a junkie and a whore monger by his own admission. He was dying as an HIV positive heroin addict when we went straight edge and cleaned up. Many of his rhymes as Naj One refer to his former life as Foekus and the things he regrets doing. -Frank
You hit the nail right on the head with this one call I haven't heard this one. -Nate
Naj One: No Compromise


Frank and Nate:
I saw The Roots live years ago with Beck and Atari Teenage Riot. Great show all around, with The Roots performing particularly well. They are now the house band on Jimmy Fallon's show. -Frank
Wanted a strong finish and this group out of Philly is a throwback to old funk and soul great band. -Nate
Yes. It is. Too bad I didn't think to do it first. Ha! -Frank  
Hahhahaaha we picked the same band and song. -Nate
The Roots: How I Got Over (uncensored).


The Roots: How I Got Over (official video).