Boom Bap Hip Hop

Remember when hip hop beats used to be simple, we all know that one “boom bap,” beat. Yeah, I do too when these simple beats I lead to some of the most complex rhymes and most memorable songs. Those songs still reside in the hearts of all the true hip hop heads and purists. Songs like, “The Bridge is Over,” to an instant classic, “Chief Rocka.”  What makes these songs work are two important elements. The simple catchy beat and the powerful lyrics that are stating something of substance.  These were the songs that made up the soundtrack to the eighties and nineties. Even as the artists got grittier and the positivity of the eithers got replaced with the coke rhymes of the nineties. The songs like “Keep it Thoro,” to the “Grindin’s.” Some may even say (and one of my favorite Wu tracks) “Ice Cream.”

 

These songs were simple enough to hit the masses to get them to enjoy. Yet lyrical enough that the true hip hop heads would respect them.

 

I have included links to the songs throughout this post so give it a listen and give me some feedback….

Sir Michael Rocks Review

Lately mixtapes have been in a pretty legit place. There have been a pretty good amount of solid tapes dropping at a fairly steady rate. They are making me and my Sony studio headphones smile ear to ear. One of my recent favorites has been the Sir Michael Rocks presents “The Rocks Report.” When one half of the Cool Kids drops a tape, you have to listen to it. The production is quite solid in my opinion. THe instrumentals that he has are solid. They are in the same league just like the majority of the Cool Kids beats. They will having you going, “I want that beat like now.” One of my top tracks on this cd would be the songs “Stagelights.” For most, it is a simple beat. For others they will notice that the sample is from Final Fantasy 7. (The sample is from the saving music found HERE)

Now to some this mixtape is just a “Cool Kid’s Light.” Yet Mikey (as some call him and yes he rocks)shows how he can hold his own. Some songs I will say make you wish that Chuck Inglish was right there with him on some of tracks. Even though it does not really happen, Sir Michael Rocks provides some quality lyrics. It is just a good tape to play when you are riding down the block.

 

4/5 stars