As some of you know, I'm a teacher struggling with my new teaching situation, but slowly coming to grips with it.
Anyway, the vast majority of my students love rap music. Now, I have no illusions of becoming cool or anything silly like that, but I figure I should at least have a sense of what is going on in my students' world. If you were to suggest 3 rap albums for a person who knows next to nothing about rap music to buy, what would they be? Any that have particular poetic merit would probably grab my interest. Anything too hard core would probably turn me off, so if you suggest something along those lines, at least let me know what I'd be getting into if I buy the album. Ideas?
P.S. Artists that a number of my students like are Tupac, 50 cent, and Eminem. Which of their albums are best?
Posts: 2241 | Location: In between | Registered: 06-03-02
Hmm, what do you mean by having a sense of what's going on in your student's world? Do you mean you want to learn about why they like rap, or do you want to learn about what they're listening to in particular? I think it'd be better if you work your way up to what they're listening to. I'd start with albums that are more respectable as a whole. 50 Cent and Tupac's albums certainly aren't bad, and taken as a whole, I think they're respectable. But I think there might be a number of songs that'll turn you off as well. When listening to a talented rapper, you need to pay attention to the lyrics. That's where half the talent is. The problem though is that a lot of stuff doesn't make sense to the novice listener. There's a lot of references that might not be clear. Anyway, try starting with these three.
Here's what I'd suggest to represent a variety of the rap that your students listen to Follow the Leader by Eric B. & Rakim Illmatic by Nas The Black Album by Jay-Z
If you'd like to try Tupac, 50 Cent, or Eminem, you could do that too, but you need a really open mind as to the album and artist as a whole. Only judge the album for rapping ability and word expression. (Anybody can judge rapping ability. Just think about how well you think his rapping sounds; his flow, the way he works with the lyrics, etc.) And most importantly probably, think about the album as a whole. One song may be too over the top with violent content, but for any talented and respectable rapper, it'll lighten up considerably.
So for the artists you mention, I'd try (with you in mind) Tupac's Greatest Hits The Massacre by 50 Cent The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Tupac's singles would probably be more appreciated than an album. And I haven't heard all of Get Rich by 50, but I thought The Massacre was really solid and each song was pretty strong, so it should be good enough to listen to. Eminem Show and Encore aren't a good enough display of his talent. I'd go with The Slim Shady LP.
Or even better maybe, pick three out of these six. If you have any questions about what you're listening to, just post.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: jusork,
Posts: 6516 | Location: Grayson, Georgia, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Originally posted by jusork: Hmm, what do you mean by having a sense of what's going on in your student's world? Do you mean you want to learn about why they like rap, or do you want to learn about what they're listening to in particular?
I mean the second one. Every now and then a student breaks out with a lyric from a rap song, and the rest of the class seems to get some secret message that I don't get. I think I need to get in on this at least a little.
Posts: 2241 | Location: In between | Registered: 06-03-02
Originally posted by jusork: When listening to a talented rapper, you need to pay attention to the lyrics. That's where half the talent is.
That won't be difficult for me. The lyrics of a song are always the most important part to me.
quote:
The problem though is that a lot of stuff doesn't make sense to the novice listener. There's a lot of references that might not be clear.
Well, that's what Jusork is for, no?
Thanks for the suggestions. If I were to insist on a 50 cent or Tupac album against my better judgment, what would you suggest? I have one student who lives (and probably will die ) by Tupac's albums. I'd really like to get a sense of what it is he is so obsessed with.
Posts: 2241 | Location: In between | Registered: 06-03-02
Ah ok. I was still editing in the three other suggestions when you posted. Knowing that you're trying to hear what they're hearing, you might try a newer album of Eminem's instead of his debut since those are the one's they probably reference.
What would actually be best would be to actually keep up with new songs in rap. Popular phrases and terms are always changing. The best place would probably be the radio since all the big new stuff is played on there. Don't expect to find the best rap songs on there though. Maybe listen and watch music on BET music. I can't think of any better place that only has what's popular. You could also look out for rap on here. Right now on there is The Game's new album, Akon's new one, and Fat Joe. All likely albums that your students might be talking about. And you can hear their whole albums for free. Especially The Game. Oh and I'd be interested to hear your response in hearing whatever you choose to listen to.
For your Tupac obsessed student, watch the documentary Tupac: Resurrection and you'll get it. It's a really good look at his life and how he got to be so loved.
Posts: 6516 | Location: Grayson, Georgia, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Sure have. And he sure is. I've heard some good beatboxers, but he's probably the best famous one. For some other good beatboxers, check out Kenny Muhammad and D.R.E.S. the Beatnik (he's from Atlanta).
Posts: 6516 | Location: Grayson, Georgia, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
) by Tupac's albums. I'd really like to get a sense of what it is he is so obsessed with.
