Illmatic - is it worth the hype?

Engine · 01-02-2013, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anticipation

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.

I'm not entirely sure what you're saying here. Do you mean that the bolded part is who Illmatic will appeal to?
And if so, are you proposing that the perception of those hip-hop fans is naturally different than those who have only ever been interested in new school beats? And that these fans will have a normal aversion to Illmatic?

P.S. I didn't intend to simply condescend to Goofle. I was trying to make the point that deep immersion in all hip-hop music would naturally result in an appreciation of Illmatic (which I do believe).

P.P.S. For the record, I think that Nas's post-Illmatic music pretty much sucks. It's just one of those 'perfect storm' type albums where everything came together just right and made it a classic.

**Goofle** · 01-02-2013, 03:53 AM

Both of you could be right in general, but certainly not in my case. Yeah, I prefer out-there Hip Hop, but I also like boom bap and most of the artists used as an example.

And I simply don't rate Illmatic that highly. In fact, repeated listens lessens the impact. I don't think this would change if I were to immerse myself more into the culture as I don't think that makes any difference whatsoever. Adding artificial meaning to what should essentially be your opinion on the music and nothing else.

Engine · 01-02-2013, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Both of you could be right in general, but certainly not in my case. Yeah, I prefer out-there Hip Hop, but I also like boom bap and most of the artists used as an example.

And I simply don't rate Illmatic that highly. In fact, repeated listens lessens the impact. I don't think this would change if I were to immerse myself more into the culture as I don't think that makes any difference whatsoever. Adding artificial meaning to what should essentially be your opinion on the music and nothing else.

I don't think it's fair to say that any opinions are based on artificial meaning.
Of course, we all simply like what sounds good to us, however our opinions are informed, but I think that personal experiences at least possibly informs our opinions.
Perhaps levels of immersion in a certain genre of music does matter and if you had been listening to hip hop for about 20 years you'd feel like I do about Illmatic, and likewise, maybe if I had been listening to hip hop for about 3 years I may feel like you do about it.
Or maybe you're correct that it doesn't matter at all what either of us knows about hip hop and we would both feel the exact same way that we do now regardless of our experiences.
Obviously, we'll never know.

**Goofle** · 01-02-2013, 05:55 AM

When I say I have only been listening to Hip Hop for three years I mean I have only been actively interested in seeking out underground artists for that time (two years more likely). I have listened to mainstream/well known Hip Hop for much longer, including NaS.

Engine · 01-02-2013, 06:02 AM

I'm not trying to make it a contest about who has listened to Nas the most. In fact, you've probably listened to him a lot more than me because I can't even remember any of his non-Illmatic material because it bored me so much.

Just sayin' that opinions aren't necessarily formed in a vacuum.

SGR · 01-02-2013, 06:15 AM

Nas's storytelling ability in pertinence to the Projects is second to none though.

**Goofle** · 01-02-2013, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine

I can't even remember any of his non-Illmatic material because it bored me so much.

I maintain that Stillmatic is his best album, but even that is wearing thin.

~~Cuthbert~~ · 01-02-2013, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

I maintain that Stillmatic is his best album, but even that is wearing thin.

How?

**Goofle** · 01-02-2013, 10:57 AM

I assume you mean "How is it his best album"? If so, I just think he's more aggressive, has more interesting things to say, the production is darker and I just prefer it.

Nas isn't an MC that has longevity for me so maybe it is just a matter of listening to it less?

~~Cuthbert~~ · 01-02-2013, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

I assume you mean "How is it his best album"? If so, I just think he's more aggressive, has more interesting things to say, the production is darker and I just prefer it.

Nas isn't an MC that has longevity for me so maybe it is just a matter of listening to it less?

Fair enough. Just out of interest what Nas albums are in your opinion 'good'? They don't have to be great just good.

01-02-2013, 06:02 AM	#45 (permalink)
Engine air quote Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pollen & mold Posts: 3,108	I'm not trying to make it a contest about who has listened to Nas the most. In fact, you've probably listened to him a lot more than me because I can't even remember any of his non-Illmatic material because it bored me so much. Just sayin' that opinions aren't necessarily formed in a vacuum. __________________ Like an arrow, I was only passing through.

01-02-2013, 06:15 AM	#46 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,326	Nas's storytelling ability in pertinence to the Projects is second to none though.