Let me first congratulate Jay-Z on his ascension to the position of President of Def Jam. Not only am I excited as a Jay-Z fan, but I also hope that Jay can work some magic to make Ghostface, Joe Budden and some of Def Jam’s other struggling artists move units.
Secondly let me chastise Jay-Z on being a bully. We get it; you are sick on the mic. You were “King of NY” before you “retired.” But releasing yet another rehash of your hits on the same day as a Nas album drops is beyond ruthless, it’s mean. Again, we get it; Nas may have “won” the lyrical battle between the two of you, but you win the sales battle. Let Nas live!
Now suppose you have a friend that hates Hip Hop; they think it’s a useless form of music with no redeeming aspects. However you really want them to see what Hip Hop has to offer.
You want to pick the album with the best possible chance of making them see the true greatness in the genre, but you don’t know what that album is. Allow me to try to offer my assistance, because, y’know I’ve got to fill this column with something.
Mathan’s “Probably Not” Annual Gift Getting Guide
Now clearly this isn’t going to be an exhaustive list; I do have a deadline y’know.
Now suppose that your friend really digs the dark brooding sounds of Radiohead, I would suggest Madvillain – Madvillainy which has an equally moody sound and also has some political undertones. It also happens to be of the best albums of the year.
If the person you’re trying to convert enjoys Green Day I’d offer up De La Soul – The Grind Date. Both groups have grown as artists and both albums deal with more mature themes expanding on the fun filled earlier releases.
Now should your friend misses the political stylings of Rage Against The Machine, the clear album for them would be The Goats – Tricks of the Shade. Sure it’s over a decade old, but if you give it a spin it holds up remarkably well, in a frightening way.
Some folks like Kenny G, for them I’d offer up Nelly – Suit. Both seem designed to appeal to the masses.
The Foo Fighters are a pretty popular band. Similar in vein is The Roots – The Tipping Point. Both groups excel at providing music in a variety of different styles. Both groups try to buck expectations every go out. And both groups do amazing covers.
If your friend enjoys the raucous joy of Blink 182 then The Liks – X.O. Expirence is the album for them. Both groups often get written off as “jokesters” yet both have more to offer than meets the eye.
Matchbox Twenty is a band that had some controversy when they began, but a collaboration with a 70’s superstar cooled the flames and made them and their music much more acceptable. The same could be said for a certain MC. Eminem – Encore would the a great selection for the fan of that bad.
Ryan Adams is a guy known for being a workhorse and being a prolific songwriter. His music ranges from touching to entertaining. Jay-Z – The Blueprint matches up with Adam’s pedigree rather well. Jay is also a workhorse prolific songwriter. The guy’s supposed to be retired and he’s still at the top of the charts.
If you want something that pretends to be threatening and is actuality more of a joke than not, like Good Charlotte I suggest G-Unit – Beg for Mercy.
Johnny Cash was a great storyteller who didn’t mind telling it like it was. His spiritual heir can be found with Nas – Street’s Disciple. Nas plays the rebel and speaker of truths. He also provides some amazing stories.
Are you looking for something by an artist who flaunts his libido every chance he gets, like Lenny Kravitz? Look no further than LL Cool J – . You can actually pick up any of his albums. Both artists catalogues mirror each other, in how their product has been diluted in order to appeal to the masses.
Andrew WK is a powder keg of energy. Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version has much of that same raw power that’s found in WK’s work.
If you’re looking for the something like the dark and mysterious Nine Inch Nails Gravediggaz – 6 Feet Deep is the album for you. “Horrorcore” never really caught on but this was a shining moment in that genre.
Sheryl Crow is a respected voice among peers and critics, who isn’t afraid to touch on personal subjects. Common – One Day It’ll All Make Sense matches up with Crow very nicely. He can be introspective on one song and thoroughly entertaining on the next.
Jimmy Eat World makes music without bitterness and with a youthful exuberance. Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde exhibits both qualities, equally.
Modest Mouse has a quirky unique sound that makes their albums irresistible. Quasimoto – The Unseen may not hit you on the first spin, but it will linger and bring you back for more.
If the friend in question digs Yellowcard than the album for them is Murs 3:16 – The 9th Edition. Both Yellowcard and Murs address serious issues without getting all preachy. They also both share an earnest quality in their sounds.
Bowling For Soup appear to be a band that’s not too serious but there’s more than meets the eye. This is also true The Beatnuts – Street Level. The Beatnuts often get criticized for their lack of growth. While they do deal with other topics, what’s wrong with songs about sex and hedonism?
Probot was a project that featured a bevy of frontmen with Dave Grohl behind them. Alchemist – 1st Infantry features many MC’s over Alchemist’s beats.
Looking for something that blurs the line between Rock and Hip Hop, like Kid Rock? Mos Def – The New Danger has been criticized for having too much Rock, and not enough Hip Hop. That should just the right amount for you friend.
Metallica is hardcore, and have a history of high profile beefs. Mobb Deep – The Infamous is the obvious Hip Hop match. Mobb Deep’s history with being hard, actually got them into beefs.
I actually don’t have enough room to cover all of Jazz, but you can’t go wrong with A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory. It’s almost universally recognized as one of the best examples of Jazz inspired Hip Hop.
I’ll even dip my toe into the river of Country. Little Brother – The Listening deals with rocky relationships, and the trials and tribulations of daily life, to reoccurring themes in Country music.
But suppose your friend digs Concept Albums? Deltron 3030 is one of Hip Hop’s best concept albums. Del and The Automator take the listener on a trip into the future. It’s a feast for the ears.
Wasn’t that fun? I know, I know it was long and pretentious. But these won’t be;
You Know My Style
Nick is also diggin’ Nas. Nick is surrounded by Aaron’s Goodnessâ„¢. Among other things Dudley and Paul Pfeifer make appearances. There’s also a ceiling fan involved.
Jeff has Gordi’s only appearance this week (and it’s still great!). He’s also introduced a visual element into The Swindle Sheet. Thus we lose 50, but gain pictures.
Micheal Chadwick makes is InsidePulse debut. It’s a great read, even if the talk of the cyclical nature of trends made me dizzy.
Gloomchen tears into Christmas music. She’s right as rain. Also, I actually have that Angelfish album, so I appreciated your mention.
Tom rants about the Grammy Nods. I’m actually pleasantly surprised this year. I see more names that I agree with, than I disagree with. But I completely feel Tom’s points.
No One Else In The Room
Phil covers the downside to “Growth and Maturity.”
Wait a minute, you’re not Tayo
Ari covers Sheryl Crow, who incidentally is both “highly shagable” and a “guilty pleasure.”
Jim is tardy, but worth the wait.
Double M debuts a new feature. Personally I hope it stays, that column is looking mighty brief.
Ian’s got the most clever line about the emerging beef between Stevie Wonder and Eminem. That’s got my vote for “line of the week.”
Five Other Topics This Column Could Have Featured
1. My Coolest Years: The Mathan Edition
2. Nas: The New King of NY
3. Mathan’s Inevitable Response to Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs List
4. Mathan Tries To Convince Joe Reid To Buy “X-Y-Z”
5. Why I Hate Christmas Music”¦Again!
Five CD’s I Heartedly Recommend Joe Reid Cop
1. PJ Harvey – Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever To Burn
3. Bjork – Selmasongs
4. The Cardigans – Long Gone Before Daylight
5. Cody ChesnuTT – The Headphone Masterpiece
