I’ve decided to throw up some old classics from the UK/US that I feel have had a notable influence on the Hip Hop Scene over the past couple of decades. I plan on doing this all through February and we’ll see how often it appears after?! Some you’ll know – some you won’t but I’m sure you’ll enjoy them…
First up it wouldn’t be J. Dilla’s birthday if we didn’t honour the great man… The Pharcyde – Runnin’ (Prod. Jay Dee) from their 1995 Delicious Vinyl album, Labcabincalifornia.
The song samples popular jazz artist Stan Getz’s “Saudade Vem Correndo”, from his 1963 album “Jazz Samba Encore”. The sample loops a small section of the track’s bridge, layering on additions from other sections of Getz’ song. Runnin’ is one of Pharcyde’s most remembered songs.
Second, we have Blackstar (Mos Def & Talib Kweli) – Definition is a response to hip hop’s fascination with death, and a dedication to slain emcees Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G..
As the chorus goes, “One two three/Mos Def and Talib Kweli/We came to rock it on to the tip-top/Best alliance in hip-hop, Y-O/I said, one two three/It’s kind of dangerous to be an emcee/They shot Tupac and Biggie/Too much violence in hip-hop, Y-O” – The chorus is also a play on Boogie Down Productions’ anti-gun song “Stop the Violence”. Big track from 1998…
Finally we have to pay homage to the Leeds legend and all round Mr Nice (Things) Guy – Breaking the Illusion, I can’t believe this track is 18 years old, I still have this on vinyl (a little tatty – but still plays very well). The main reason I chose this release is the significance it has for all UK heads – no only was this the most important release for Leeds but for the UK – “Where Will It End?” is Lowlife Records first ever release! Without this record Low Life records may never have being born and lot of the underground artists we take for granted today – well…..?
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