Illmatic - is it worth the hype?

anticipation · 01-01-2013, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Do what you want.

Can I just ask how long you have been seriously listening to hip hop? Not in a condescending way, I'm just curious.

**Goofle** · 01-01-2013, 07:30 AM

Around late 2009 probably.

SGR · 01-01-2013, 08:57 AM

So I'm the only one who thinks Reasonable Doubt is better than Illmatic? :p

I seriously enjoy Enter the Wu-Tang more than Illmatic though, no question. The production has aged better, the emotions are more tangible, and the charisma of the 9 MCs is just over the top.

Ghostface's "Ironman" is nearly as good as Illmatic, I'd say.

**Goofle** · 01-01-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoundgardenRocks

So I'm the only one who thinks Reasonable Doubt is better than Illmatic? :p

I seriously enjoy Enter the Wu-Tang more than Illmatic though, no question. The production has aged better, the emotions are more tangible, and the charisma of the 9 MCs is just over the top.

Ghostface's "Ironman" is nearly as good as Illmatic, I'd say.

I rate all three of those around the same level. Ironman is better than all of them for me.

SGR · 01-01-2013, 09:14 AM

^Nice, someone who agrees! Is that your favorite Wu Tang solo endeavor?

**Goofle** · 01-01-2013, 09:15 AM

Nope. Liquid Swords then OB4CL.

SGR · 01-01-2013, 02:05 PM

theeeeen Ironman?

**Goofle** · 01-01-2013, 02:26 PM

Maybe, probably.

Surell · 01-01-2013, 03:58 PM

The production itself bores me on this album. It's so dry.

anticipation · 01-01-2013, 06:21 PM

I think the disconnect here is between hip hop fans who favor sparse, minimalistic production a la RZA, Large Professor and elevated lyricism and those who prefer lush, grandiose beats that evolved from De La, Tribe, Pete Rock, etc. If you are more into "backpacker"/new school beats that combine complex sampling and experimental influences, then it's hard to see how Illmatic had a direct impact on your experience with hip hop, just as it would be if we were talking about a Big L or AZ album's beats. Styles that come from the South (Memphis, Houston, NOLA, Atlanta) or the Bay are both rich in a diverse range of sampling and are known for emphasis on the "feeling" you get when you listen to them. By this I mean rappers from these areas are much more aware of their image, their persona, and what they are projecting to their audience more than storytellers or "gangster" rappers.

01-01-2013, 08:57 AM	#33 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,326	So I'm the only one who thinks Reasonable Doubt is better than Illmatic? :p I seriously enjoy Enter the Wu-Tang more than Illmatic though, no question. The production has aged better, the emotions are more tangible, and the charisma of the 9 MCs is just over the top. Ghostface's "Ironman" is nearly as good as Illmatic, I'd say.

01-01-2013, 09:14 AM	#35 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,326	^Nice, someone who agrees! Is that your favorite Wu Tang solo endeavor?

01-01-2013, 02:05 PM	#37 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,326	theeeeen Ironman?

01-01-2013, 06:21 PM	#40 (permalink)
anticipation Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,565	I think the disconnect here is between hip hop fans who favor sparse, minimalistic production a la RZA, Large Professor and elevated lyricism and those who prefer lush, grandiose beats that evolved from De La, Tribe, Pete Rock, etc. If you are more into "backpacker"/new school beats that combine complex sampling and experimental influences, then it's hard to see how Illmatic had a direct impact on your experience with hip hop, just as it would be if we were talking about a Big L or AZ album's beats. Styles that come from the South (Memphis, Houston, NOLA, Atlanta) or the Bay are both rich in a diverse range of sampling and are known for emphasis on the "feeling" you get when you listen to them. By this I mean rappers from these areas are much more aware of their image, their persona, and what they are projecting to their audience more than storytellers or "gangster" rappers.