[RATE ANNOUNCEMENT] The Inaugural HipHopHeads Rate - HHH’s Album of the Decade: Kendrick Lamar vs Kanye West vs Frank Ocean vs Travis Scott - HipHop | HipHop Channel

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[RATE ANNOUNCEMENT] The Inaugural HipHopHeads Rate - HHH’s Album of the Decade: Kendrick Lamar vs Kanye West vs Frank Ocean vs Travis Scott - HipHop

[RATE ANNOUNCEMENT] The Inaugural HipHopHeads Rate - HHH’s Album of the Decade: Kendrick Lamar vs Kanye West vs Frank Ocean vs Travis Scott - HipHop

[RATE ANNOUNCEMENT] The Inaugural HipHopHeads Rate - HHH’s Album of the Decade: Kendrick Lamar vs Kanye West vs Frank Ocean vs Travis Scott

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 09:06 AM PDT

Welcome to r/hiphopheads! A while ago, we held a special event where we decided on our favorite music of the decade. It received such wonderful praise like

  • more like the kanye/kendrick awards, pretty sure this is even less diverse than the yearly awards lol. not surprised though

  • kanye west and kendrick lamar

  • This shit sucks lol

  • I know it's a meme to dog on these awards but Jesus christ, this list is terrible

  • These are the worst award results ever

  • if it wasnt already obvious to this sub that it is dominating by kendrick and kanye fans

  • Happy about Little Simz' victories.

So what better way to kick off the first ever Rate than to sift through the Album of the Decade winners? Without further ado, I present to you, The Inaugural HipHopHeads Rate

If you haven't participated in a rate before, welcome! This is an event that I'm super excited to get going here, as they're super fun to do over on r/popheads and r/indieheads. What we do here is we pit a bunch of albums against each other, and everyone listens to them and scores each song out of 10, sending the scores to me. Then in about a month we'll be revealing how each song averaged in order of lowest to highest. Please join in! Whether or not you think Frank Ocean invented being sad, or if you feel that Kanye is the better artist but Kendrick is the better rapper, or if you really think that Travis Scott is the greatest live performer in history, there's bound to be something for all of you here!

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly | Wikipedia | RateYourMusic

Widely considered to be one of the best albums of all time, Kendrick Lamar's third studio album is a reflective masterpiece that touches on Lamar's experience as a Black man in America, grappling with his identity and relationship with the world and with hip-hop. It brilliantly and seamlessly blends elements of West Coast hip-hop, jazz rap, neo-soul, and funk to create the definitive album of the 2010s. Kendrick Lamar has to be the most important artist of the 2010s, and To Pimp a Butterfly is something that no one else could have done.

Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | Wikipedia | RateYourMusic

The man needs no introduction. Kanye West makes sure to try to put every ounce of effort into his art, and it sure shows here. In the wake of his mother's death, multiple breakups, and becoming America's biggest public enemy after upstaging Taylor Swift, Kanye West needed a retreat. He spent months holed up in Hawaii with his closest confidantes, working tirelessly to put together an album exploring his celebrity, insecurities, and the highs and lows of his life. The end result is an escapist's brilliant musings, an album that only someone like Kanye West could possibly put together.

Frank Ocean - Blonde | Wikipedia | RateYourMusic

For emotions so universal as love and heartbreak, very few albums have been able to translate them into words as well as Blonde does. What Blonde succeeds exceptionally well in is conveying the other complexities that come with it - masculinity, queer identity, loss, trauma, passion, and healing, just to name a few. Throughout an hour, Frank Ocean takes you on a pained and heavy journey with him that features some of the best songwriting seen not only in its decade, but in its millennium, and possibly in all of music. Today, you'll be hard-pressed to find a music fan who's experienced a heartbreak and will tell you that there wasn't a time when they felt a connection to Blonde. The hold Frank Ocean has on this generation is undeniable, and today's music scene is a million times better for it.

Travis Scott - Rodeo | Wikipedia | RateYourMusic

Creativity is in no short supply. But some people appear to be hogging it all. The 2010s was an outstanding decade for trap. The south flourished, and a whole slew of trap albums helped propel hip-hop into becoming the most popular music genre in America. Travis Scott was one of the key players in making that happen. After releasing two dynamic mixtapes, all eyes were on the Houston-bred Kanye West prodigy. And he more than met every expectation. Filled to the brim with elements of the trap, southern hip-hop, pop rap, and cloud rap that came before him, Scott put forth one of the most creatively produced albums hip-hop has seen in recent memory. Dark and moody beats, crooning auto tune, masterful hooks, and a star-studded feature list combine to create such a unique album that sounds like nothing else. In the second half of the decade, Travis Scott became one of the most popular artists in the world, and Rodeo catapulted him there.

Rules - READ ALL OF THESE BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR SCORES

  1. Listen to each song and assign each a score between 1 and 10. decimals are fine, but please refrain from giving decimal scores that have two decimal spots: giving a 7.2 is okay, but giving a 7.25 will give me a headache. This is because I'm using a computer program to parse the votes and print everything out (more on that later).

  2. Yes, you have to listen to every song. We're all in this together. I will not accept your ballot if you have a score missing, because it will crash the program (more on that later).

  3. Your scores should NOT be considered confidential. They aren't. Feel free to shitpost about them in the general discussion threads whenever you feel like it - users over at r/popheads and r/indieheads usually just talk about their averages of the albums and what 11 and 0 they gave (which I will explain on the next bullet point!)

  4. You may give ONE song a 0 and ONE song an 11. This is ONE song TOTAL. Please reserve these for your least favorite and most favorite tracks; excessive sabotage ruins rate results and generally makes things less fun.

  5. You can change your scores at any time! Feel free to PM me at any point after submission and I'll be happy to revise them for you.

  6. I am using a computer program that the great and wonderful /u/letsallpoo designed in order to parse these votes! While this will make things a lot more efficient and reduces errors on my part, this does mean that scores need to be sent in a very specific way. The easiest way to make sure your scores follow the necessary format is to use the pre-prepared link at the bottom of this post. PLEASE USE THAT. You can copy and paste it to a notepad file or something and fill in your scores there, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use that format to send in your scores.

  7. If you don't follow the format, I'll probably still accept your ballot, but you have to listen to Tom Macdonald - Deathreats with no distractions and write a 1,000-word review of it

I did a lot of copy and pasting here, so thank you thank you to the many many people in r/popheads and r/indieheads who have hosted rates before

Formatting

This is correct

Be Yourself: 10 I love being super productive during my smoke sessions simply just to prove Frank Ocean's mom wrong

These are incorrect:

Be Yourself: 10: I love being super productive during my smoke sessions simply just to prove Frank Ocean's mom wrong

Be Yourself:10 I love being super productive during my smoke sessions simply just to prove Frank Ocean's mom wrong

Be Yourself: I love being super productive during my smoke sessions simply just to prove Frank Ocean's mom wrong 10

Be Yourself - 10 I love being super productive during my smoke sessions simply just to prove Frank Ocean's mom wrong

Be Yourself: 10 (I love being super productive during my smoke sessions simply just to prove Frank Ocean's mom wrong)

You can also comment on the complete albums by adding a colon after the album name and then your comment, but don't leave a score, like so:

Blonde: Actually I have black hair

SUBMIT YOUR SCORES HERE

Scores will be due on October 24. The reveal will take place between October 29 and 31.

Going forward, all info about Rates and all Rate results and history will be kept in this Google Doc. Format shamelessly stolen from r/indieheads, big shoutout to them.

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME PARTICIPATING IN A RATE you are required to I strongly encourage you to check out the "Rate 101" tab on the above Google Doc. It contains everything you need to know about the process for a rate and should hopefully answer any questions that you have

submitted by /u/adamjm99
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[DISCUSSION] Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor (15 years later)

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 03:56 AM PDT

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor (commonly referred to as Food & Liquor) is the debut studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released on September 19, 2006, on 1st & 15th Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The album features production from The Neptunes, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, Craig Kallman, Prolyfic, Needlz, Soundtrakk, and Brandon Howard. Jay-Z, Chill, and Fiasco himself are credited as the executive producers for the album. Songs on the record discuss poverty, Islam, terrorism, racism, and individuality.

The album received four Grammy Award nominations, including Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 49th Grammy Awards. "Daydreamin'", featuring Jill Scott, won Best Urban/Alternative Song at the 50th Grammy Awards.

​

Real

Just Might Be Okay

Kick, Push

I Gotcha

The Instrumental

He Say She Say

Sunshine

Daydreamin'

The Cool

Hurt Me Soul

Pressure

American Terrorist

The Emperor's Soundtrack

Kick, Push II

​

https://open.spotify.com/album/0TDJRkEr2SrhWTetdkEzED?si=xeFuBgojRyOXis1ds8w2kA&nd=1

submitted by /u/TheRealAdil
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[FRESH ALBUM] Keith Ape - MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 09:12 PM PDT

Biz Markie To Have Street Named After Him in Long Island

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 04:52 AM PDT

https://www.blackenterprise.com/biz-markie-to-have-street-named-after-him-in-long-island/

Beloved hip-hop recording artist Biz Markie died unexpectedly over the summer, but his hometown is making sure he won't be forgotten.

In celebration of his art, his life, and his contributions to hip-hop, the late rapper is scheduled to have a street named after him in his hometown of Patchogue, Long Island. His widow, Tara Davis announced the good news via her Instagram account earlier this week.

The renaming of South Street to Biz Markie Way was spearheaded by Patchogue Villiage Mayor Paul Pontieri and the Greater Patchogue Foundation.

Here's the announcement via Instagram:

"HONORARY STREET NAMING DEDICATION!

In honor of the contributions, Biz has achieved as an actor, beatboxer, DJ and philanthropist, his hometown of Patchogue Long Island will honor him with the renaming of South Street to Biz Markie Way!

Saturday September 25 at 2pm

Location: Staging area behind the 6th District Court. 150 West Main Street, Patchogue , NY 11772 Southwest Parking lot.

All are welcome

Thank you.@ofcolorscollectiveartspace for spearheading this project, Patchogue Villiage Mayor, Paul Pontieri and The Greater Patchogue Foundation.

See you there📷

#keephislegacyalive #taradise #bizmarkie #hiphop #legend"

submitted by /u/deltron_zero_3030
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Machinedrum - 'Kane Train (feat. Freddie Gibbs)' (Official Audio)

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 12:47 PM PDT

Danny Brown - ODB

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 03:48 PM PDT

[FIRST IMPRESSIONS] ZillaKami - DOGBOY

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT

How do you feel about the album?

How does this compare to SosMula's solo album? To their City Morgue work?

What do you think of the nu-metal revival or whatever u wanna call it?

submitted by /u/HHHRobot
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EARTHGANG - Cocktail

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 05:58 PM PDT

MIKE - Babyvillain (in our veins)

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 06:22 PM PDT

Sunday General Thread - September 19, 2021

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 07:28 AM PDT

top 3 fx/fxx shows of all time?

best dish you've had in the last month

24th:

Release Calendar

If nobody posts [FIRST IMPRESSIONS] or [DISCUSSION] threads for these albums beforehand, they will posted on this schedule:

Artist Album Date Type
Mozzy Untreated Trauma 9/20 First Impressions
AZ Doe or Die 2 9/20 One Week Later
Moor Mother Black Encyclopedia of the Air 9/21 First Impressions
Armand Hammer Shrines 9/21 One Year Later
Tion Wayne Green With Envy 9/22 First Impressions
Injury Reserve By the Time I Get to Phoenix 9/22 One Week Later
p4rkr Drive-By Lullabies 9/23 First Impressions
Jazz Cartier The Fleur Print 9/23 One Week Later

Schedule will be modified if things are posted by users (which we welcome). I desperately want more album discussion threads to be posted and for those posts to have more engagement. Maybe the calendar can help idk.

Also, here are the anniversaries that are eligible to be posted

submitted by /u/HHHRobot
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A Guide To Lil' Kim: Brooklyn's Own "Queen Bee"

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 09:14 AM PDT

Intro - Lil' Kim: The Queen Bee, So You Best Take Heed!

Lil' Kim 1995

Before Beyoncé came to the music industry, there was only one Queen Bee people knew about. That was none other than Kimberly Denise Jones, also known as her stage name Lil' Kim, who was born July 11, 1976 in Brooklyn, New York (there's debate about the year she was born, but her mother confirms this in a documentary about the rapper). Expelled from her home as a child and being forced to live in the streets, things looked unwell for her, but little did she know that she was going to become one of the most impactful and influential female rappers of all time. Taking the sexual, suggestive rhymes of Hip-Hop group Salt-N-Pepa with the gangstress images of rapper MC Lyte, Kimberly made such themes into a unique and memorable style for herself throughout most of her career. Most people in this sub probably know her for many other reasons (Nicki Minaj feud, changes in physical appearance, Biggie Smalls affair), but I wish to divert from most of that and take a moment to simply give some appreciation to her music. Fair criticism is welcome, but please don't come here for the sole purpose of leaving a troll comment such as "She looks like [insert offensive term here] nowadays." or quoting Roman's Revenge.

Pre-Solo Debut Album

Lil' Kim with her Junior M.A.F.I.A. crew in 1995

I used to pack Macs in Cadillacs

Now I pimp gats in the Ac's, watch my niggas backs

- Player's Anthem

Meeting Biggie Smalls

Kim ended up meeting Christopher Wallace, AKA rapper Biggie Smalls or Notorious B.I.G. as a teenager. Biggie would take Kim under his wing as his mentor - later lover - and helped sign her under Bad Boy Records. On his Debut Album Ready To Die that was released September 13, 1994, widely considered one of the best Hip-Hop albums of the 90s, Kimberly would appear on Fuck Me (Interlude) and Friend of Mine. However, Kim didn't showcase her rapping skills until months later alongside other beginning rappers.

Junior M.A.F.I.A. (Masters At Finding Intelligent Attitudes)

Biggie got Kim to join a Hip-Hop group called "Junior M.A.F.I.A.", which was comprised of other members such as Lil' Cease, Trife, Larceny, Nino Brown, Chico Del Vec, MC Klepto, Capone, and Bugsy. The group later released their debut album Conspiracy released August 29, 1995, spawning the singles Player's Anthem, Get Money, and I Need You Tonight. The album debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 and sold 69,000 copies in its first week. Listeners commended Kim for being the only female member of the group and being able to go toe-to-toe with her male counterparts of the group with her sex-positive rhymes and confident delivery.

Foxy Brown X Lil' Kim Collaboration

With more traction and eyes on Lil' Kim as she was starting her solo career, she would record a handful of features before the release of her official debut single. One of her more notable guest appearances was on a remix of No One Else by R&B Group Total, rapper Da Brat, and finally rapper and childhood friend Foxy Brown that was released late 1995. To this day, the remix is the only existing collaboration between Foxy Brown and Lil' Kim. Foxy and Kim were initially friends when they came in the music industry, but the friendship eventually turned sour. They were also offered a deal to record a joint album titled "Thelma & Louise", but both rejected the offer. Many people speculated about how this feud kicked off, from beliefs of jealousy to constant comparisons between the two in the media, but no one knows the exact reason for the beef except for the two women involved.

Hard Core (Debut Album)

3 Words to describe this album: Lust, Riches, Style

After the success of Junior M.A.F.I.A., Kim started working on her solo career, releasing her debut album Hard Core on November 12, 1996. The critically acclaimed album sold 78,000 copies in its first week, peaked at #3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200, the highest debut for a female rapper at the time. Hard Core contains themes surrounding fashion, drugs, mafia, and as the album title suggests, sex. This record is one of the first mainstream records by a woman in Hip-Hop that have found such a notable amount of success with the amount of raunchiness and sex appeal that this album had. Kim's debut is now commended for helping carve a now-popular lane for multiple female rappers by taking the misogynistic sexuality of male rappers and turning it into an empowering sexuality for women in general, especially during a time when female hip-hop artists talking about sexuality was often frowned upon and not as widely accepted or common as today. Kim of course faced a large amount of backlash for the themes she would rap about on this record as well as how she presented herself. Although the criticism was present when she was rapping this way with Junior M.A.F.I.A., it magnified immensely when she started her solo career as the rapper began to sexualize her image more. Regardless, she still found a good amount of popularity and success. Referred to as a Hip-Hop Classic by many, Hard Core is part of what helped lay down the blueprint for many Female MC's today (Megan Thee Stallion, Cupcakke, Cardi B, City Girls, Saweetie, etc.), giving them the ability and courage to be just as sexually explicit as their male counterparts as they desire. This era also featured various amount of fashion styles and outfits that Kim wore in music videos, performances, and red carpets that would influence multiple fashion stylists and rappers in terms of overall image and presence. Despite accusations and rumors of Biggie Smalls allegedly ghostwriting the majority of Hard Core, the album is still praised today for its impact on Hip-Hop. If Kim's legacy could be summed down to a single album, Hard Core is most likely it.

Crush On You (Remix) [ft. Lil' Cease & Biggie Smalls]

Why you count your jewels thinkin' I'ma cheat you?

The only one thing I wanna do is freak you

The album version has only Lil' Cease rapping the verses due to Kim's pregnancy at the time, who later added in her vocals for the remix. The music video has the Female MC wearing various different outfits and fashion styles. This is Kim's most well-known video due to the many looks that she pulls off here. All of these outfits would later be recreated countless times and at the very least inspire many other different types of attire that would come afterwards. When someone who grew up in the mid-late 90's thinks of Lil' Kim, they most likely have the music video or one of these looks in mind.

Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix) [ft. Left Eye, Angie Martinez, Missy Elliott, & Da Brat]

I stay focused, in the dopest

Like a penny with a hole in it, y'all just hopeless

Included on a 1997 reissue as the final track, this aptly titled remix is filled with nothing but features from other female rappers. This version is a complete rework of the original Not Tonight on the album. It peaked at #6 on the Hot 100 and received a Nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1998 Grammys. The song is often seen as one of the first Feminist anthems for women in Hip-Hop, being noted as an action of Female Rap Unity.

Queen Bitch (ft. Biggie Smalls)

I am a diamond cluster hustler, queen bitch, supreme bitch

Kill a nigga for my nigga by any means bitch, murder scene bitch

Track 9 on Hard Core and my personal favorite Lil' Kim song of all time, Queen Bitch is what I believe encapsulates the rapper at her absolute best. From the confidence in the rapper's delivery, her captivating flow, and the effortless blend of Mafia and Sexual Rhymes as she most known for, Kimberly makes this song one her most well-executed tracks and a favorite amongst many fans. Many other artists have sampled this song one way or another, such as Drake, Mary J. Blige, Remy Ma, and Jay-Z. The song also ended up having a part 2 on Kim's second album.

Music Videos: No Time (ft. Puff Daddy) l Crush On You (Remix) [ft. Lil' Cease & Biggie Smalls] l Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix) [ft. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Angie Martinez, Missy Elliott, & Da Brat]

Album Links: Spotify l Apple Music

The Features Era (1997-1999)

Artwork for Kim's most well-known featured singles

Between the release of her debut album and her sophomore, Kim would record various features with other artists. Back then, she would often be seen as the female rapper that instead outshines the main artist(s) and makes the song her own. I'll mainly include her most notable features during this time. This era is where many people see is when she dropped some of the best verses of her career.

I Can Love You - Mary J. Blige

Under pressure, I lie for ya, die for ya

Ruger by the thigh for you, right hand high for ya

A song from Mary J. Blige's album Share My World released as a promo-single in May 6, 1997, the Hip-Hop/R&B song peaked at #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart and is the most well-known song today on the album. Many assumed Lil' Kim's verse was about - or at the very least inspired by - her relationship with Biggie Smalls, given that the song is essentially about breaking a couple up and Lil' Kim had an intimate relationship with Biggie while he was still married to R&B Singer Faith Evans.

It's All About the Benjamins - Puff Daddy, The Lox, & Biggie Smalls

All that bullshit you kick, player-hatin' from the sidelines

Get your own shit, why you ridin' mine?

A song from Puff Daddy's debut album released as a single August 12, 1997, the song peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 and was one of Diddy's most well known songs. The song received acclaim on all sides, with listeners commending each rapper that was involved in the track. This track is also the most sampled song in Kim's discography.

Quiet Storm (Remix) - Mobb Deep

I'm a leader, y'all on some followin shit

Comin in this game on some modelin shit

A single released October 5, 1999 for hip-hop duo Mobb Deep's Murda Muzik album, Lil' Kim's verse takes shots at other rappers currently in the game, claiming that they're trying to copy her style and that they fucked their way in the mainstream. This verse was long thought to be shots at Foxy Brown, due to their comparisons ever since they started their solo careers. Foxy didn't immediately respond until over a year later.

The Notorious K.I.M. (Sophomore Album)

3 words to describe this album: Aggressive, Adventurous, Boastful

The second album by Kim was released June 27, 2000. The visuals associated with The Notorious K.I.M. - from the photoshoots, music videos, performances, etc - are what many believe were the introduction to her signature "Black Barbie" Aesthetic. Similar to Hard Core, this is another album that influenced several women in hip-hop, especially in terms of aesthetic and overall image. The title and album cover was seen as paying homage to Biggie Smalls. Many also saw it as a very bold title and found it as Kim comparing herself to Biggie, who is often regarded one of the greatest rappers of all time. People were expecting to hear an album with the same producers that Biggie himself used for his own music, but the record instead had various moments of electronic and pop influences throughout the record. The Notorious K.I.M. - sonically speaking - is her most diverse album for the different sounds that she incorporates. Lil' Kim comes across as full of pride on this record, speaking on multiple tracks on how she is the "heavyweight champ female MC", often one-upping her male collaborators, and calling out her male counterparts. The Notorious K.I.M. , much like her debut, also contains themes of Mafia and Lust. Kim's sophomore effort is the most pop-oriented record in her discography. The album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, debuted at the top spot of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and sold 229,000 copies in its first week, achieving Lil' Kim's highest peak on both charts and biggest first-week sales. This also became the best-selling female rap album of 2000 as well as the fastest rap album by a woman to be certified platinum at the time.

How Many Licks? (ft. Sisqo)

I been a lot of places, seen a lot of faces

Ah hell, I even fucked with different races

Taking inspiration from the Tootsie Pop Commercial, the 4'11 rap dynamo continues with her signature raunchy rhymes and direct style in the second single of her sophomore album, arguably the most vulgar single in her discography. With her quick delivery and straightforward lyricism, Lil' Kim raps about all the guys she's had sex with, brings up her infamous Hard Core Poster, boasts about how just the sight of her turns other guys on, and much more. The music video for the song shows three different sex dolls of Kim being made. The song received very little airplay due to radio stations boycotting Kim's music for her often sexual and explicit content. The song peaked at #75 on the Hot 100, but is now recognised as one of Kim's most memorable songs and videos.

Notorious Kim (Title Track)

I'd bet on Lil' Cease before you and your Firm

If this was back in the days I would've been snatched you

While it has mostly been rumors/speculations about the ongoing feud between Foxy and Kim because some songs from Kim people thought to be aimed at Foxy, the first verse of this song where she makes it very direct on who she is talking about. Reminder that "The Firm" was a hip-hop group that Foxy Brown herself was involved in. Foxy then catches wind of the diss and responds to her with a feature of her own on Bang Bang with Capone-N-Noreaga. The feud escalates to gunshots on the streets with Foxy's and Kim's team engaging in a physical altercation. No one was shot dead, but injuries were involved in the incident. Both Kim and Foxy denied having any knowledge or involvement in the shooting. However, the court hearings would continue until 2005.

Hold On (ft. Mary J. Blige)

A lotta people eatin' off of one man's death

Don't You Worry B.I., Imma ride til' my last breath.

The penultimate track on the album, Kim dedicates this song to Biggie Smalls, who was killed by gunshot by unknown culprits, speaking about the relationship they had as well as what he did for the people around him. Since Biggie's death, Kim has constantly paid respects to Biggie in her music by referencing him in multiple songs, but this is the one song where she is paying full homage to the late rapper.

Music Videos: No Matter What They Say l How Many Licks? (ft. Sisqo)

Album Links: Spotify l Apple Music

Features: The Encore Era (2001-2003)

Artwork for Kim's most well-known features from 2001-2003

Similar to her last album gap, Kim would record a couple of notable features with other artists. Although not as consistently popular as her late 90s features, they are still appearances that are worthy of their appreciation and success.

Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera, Mýa, & P!nk

We independent women, some mistake us for whores.

I'm sayin', "Why spend mine when I can spend yours?"

This Missy-Elliott-produced cover of the song originally by Soul Group Labelle was released April 23, 2001 as part of the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack. Lil' Kim's verse is an original part that is added to the cover. During her guest appearance, Kim delivers one of the most well-known verses by a female rapper. The song peaked at #1 on the Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, earning Kim her 1st Grammy and highest charting song. This version is now hailed as a modern-day Pop Classic by many.

Kimnotyze - DJ Tomekk & Trooper Da Don

Gib's mir richtig, ganz egal wo!

Said, "Roll right or don't roll at all!"

This aptly titled track was released as an international single in September 30, 2002 for DJ Tomekk's Beat of Live Vol. 1 album, Kim showcases a bit of her German on this song. This single was Kim's third consecutive Top 10 hit in Germany, the other two being Lady Marmalade and In The Air Tonite.

Can't Hold Us Down - Christina Aguilera

He can even give her some head, then sex her raw

If a girl do the same, then she's a whore

The fourth single released July 8, 2003 from Christina Aguilera's Stripped album, Kim's subject matter in this song follows a similar pattern as her verse in Lady Marmalade criticizing double standards for genders on sexuality. The song peaked at #12 on the Hot 100 and was nominated at the 2004 Grammys for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

La Bella Mafia (Third Album)

3 words to describe this album: Mafia, Swag, Daring.

Approximately 2 years prior to her next studio album, Lil' Kim had allegedly severed ties with Junior M.A.F.I.A. and collaborator Puff Daddy in order to give herself more creative freedom for her next LP. La Bella Mafia (Italian for "The Beautiful Mafia") was released March 4, 2003, with the title being a reference to a 1997 film of the same name. This record is essentially her Mafioso Album. Mafioso rap is characterised by lavish, self-indulgent, and luxurious subject matter, with references to materialism, organized crime, drugs, and champagne. Although she's touched upon the theme of Mafioso Rap in her past music, this is the album where she embraces it the most. From the album cover, the title, and the vast majority of the songs containing mafia themes. Kim loves her skits, as there are multiple throughout the record that are meant to give listeners the impression that they're listening to a radio show while hearing the album. Fans and critics saw this project as a 'return to form' for Kim back during the days when she was still with Junior M.A.F.I.A. La Bella Mafia also tends to follow the braggadocious tone on riches and fashion as her past records did. Kim's third LP arguably focuses the most on hip-hop sounds and production out of all of her official albums. Releasing a Mafioso album during this time was more risky, considering that Mafioso Rap was starting to fade out of the mainstream when the genre was at its most popular during the 90's. However, the risk paid off as the album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart, peaked at #4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, sold 166,000 copies in its first week, and was certified platinum, becoming the second female rapper to have her first three albums certified platinum (Missy Elliott being the first).

Get In Touch With Us (ft. Styles P)

Biggie left me the torch, so I'm holdin it now

And you sick cause I'm a bitch and I'm holdin it down

Track 13 on the album and one of my personal favorites on the record. In my opinion, this is the song that encapsulates the rapper at her most combative. In this song, Kim showcases the aggressiveness in her delivery along with Styles P and reprimands those in the rap game not taking her seriously as an artist for her gender or for the controversies that have surrounded the Brooklyn rapper.

Magic Stick (ft. 50 Cent)

Lil' Kim not a whore

But I sex a nigga so good, he gotta tell his boys

While I did say this was mainly a Mafioso album, Kim definitely allows her straightforward raunchy rhymes take over for a song or two. This was originally supposed to be on 50 Cent's album Get Rich Or Die Trying, but ended up eventually going to Kim as the second single for her third album. This direct and vulgar single turned out to be the most successful song on the record peaking at #2 on the Hot 100 and was also nominated at the 2004 Grammys for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group despite not having a music video associated with the track.

Came Back For You

I'm very concerned with fashion ain't my fault y'all don't know how ta

Rock this Hollyhood thang, y'all need to let me style ya

The last song on the standard edition of the album, this track produced by Kanye West was never made an official single, but did receive the music video treatment as well as a nomination for Best Female Rap Solo Performance at the 2004 Grammys. It was the first Grammy Nomination for Kanye as well as the first Grammy-Nominated Diss Track. Kim rides on the backbeat, using this track as a response to rapper Eve, who threw shots at Kim on her songs Let Me Blow Ya Mind and (allegedly) Double R What.

Note: Kim and Eve seem to be doing better nowadays, as they collabed together on a remix with Missy Elliott in 2017.

Music Videos: The Jump Off l What's The Word/Came Back For You

Album Links: Spotify l Apple Music

The Naked Truth (Fourth Album)

3 words to describe this album: Angry, Confident, Self-Reflective

While Kim first said she had no knowledge or involvement in the shooting incident with Foxy, Damion Butler and Suif Jackson (two of Kim's close friends) pleaded guilty to gun charges. Camera footage was even found of the two friends being with Kim around the time the shooting happened. Additionally, Lil' Cease ended up testifying against Lil' Kim during the court hearing. Because of this, Kim was sentenced to a year in prison for lying to a federal grand jury. The events and outcomes surrounding the shooting is what helped inspire multiple songs on The Naked Truth. The confessional record and fourth studio album by the rapper was released September 27, 2005. This is arguably her most personal and emotional album lyrically, containing multiple jabs at Junior M.A.F.I.A. (as well as other fellow rappers), reflecting on her career, responding to some of the accusations that have been thrown her way, and much more. As the title suggests, Kim bares her whole truth, leaving little to no room for subtlety and being rather direct on who/what she is talking about. That being said, she still has her moments where the rapper decides to get more sexual and suggestive in some songs on the record as she's known for. The album received 5 Mics from The Source, which was an at-the-time popular and reputable Hip-Hop magazine that would often review Hip-Hop albums from 0-5 Mics. Receiving 5 Mics from this magazine was very rare. The Naked Truth became the first and only solo Rap Album by a woman to receive 5 mics from The Source. Because of Kim's prison sentence, the album received limited promotion. Despite that, The Naked Truth ended up debuting at #6 on the Billboard 200, peaked at #3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and sold 109,000 copies in its first week.

Small Note: Lil' Kim and Junior M.A.F.I.A. seem to be on much better terms now, with Kim performing with the crew for the 2019 BET Hip-Hop Awards and Lil' Cease apologizing to Kim when celebrating the late Biggie's birthday. However, Lil' Kim and Foxy still have yet to properly reconcile.

Lighters Up

Police stay on us like tattoos

Niggas only grind 'cause we have to

This lead single from the album and Kim's last solo hit peaked at #31 on the Hot 100. Kim essentially details the experiences one can have while living in Brooklyn, guiding them of what to be careful of and what to do to survive. Two versions of this song were released, one with the hook naming different parts of Brooklyn and another naming different parts of the US overall as well as overseas, the latter of which is on the actual album. Lauryn Hill was supposed to be on the song, but couldn't due to issues with her record label.

Quiet (ft. The Game)

I fought tooth and nail to keep them punks out of jail

But hoes wanna go to court 'til I pay them for their nails

This is probably the most aggressive that the rapper has sounded on a song. Track #12 on the album is full of several jabs at the various people that she has been involved with throughout her career, from her ongoing feud with Foxy Brown to her ex-group Junior M.A.F.I.A. for feeling betrayed about them testifying against her.

Last Day

I been hated on many times, adored and idolized

Check your stats, I'm all that, bottom line

The last song on the album and possibly the most self-reflective song in her discography, Kim details her legacy and what she's done in the music industry as well as how her name will continue to live on after her death. While some of the topics she talks about in the song itself may not have come to fruition, it still shows what Kim was hoping to accomplish were it not for issues with her Record Label at the time as well as getting sent to prison.

Music Videos: Shut Up/Lighters Up l Whoa/Spell Check

Album Links: Spotify l Apple Music

The Mixtapes

Artwork for Kim's Mixtapes

In 2008, Lil Kim decided to depart from Atlantic Records to go Independent. Between this time and the release of her next official album, she would release several mixtapes online.

Ms. G.O.A.T.

The first mixtape by Kim was released June 3, 2008. This project has features from Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, 50 Cent, and several others. Kim also pays homage to friend Lauryn Hill and influence MC Lyte, remixing their signature rap songs Lost Ones and Cha Cha Cha. This mixtape also includes Let It Go with Keyshia Cole and Missy Elliott, Kim's last hit song that peaked at #7 on the Hot 100 and nominated at the 2008 Grammys for best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Fair warning that this mixtape has plenty of loud producer tags throughout.

Favorite Song: Rock On Wit Yo Bad Self

Mixtape Link: YouTube

Black Friday

The most infamous project in her discography. Released February 14, 2011, the title and cover art is a reference to Nicki Minaj's debut album Pink Friday as part of an at-the-time feud between the two rappers. Despite the mixtape being marketed as a project "dedicated" to Nicki, the only songs on Black Friday that are direct disses/references to the rival are the Title Track and two other songs on the record.

Favorite Song: Black Friday (Title Track)

Mixtape Link: DatPiff

Note: While neither rapper have publicly declared that they've "buried the hatchet" on the feud by personally reconciling with each other, both have expressed that they're over the beef and simply wish to move on with their careers.

Hard Core 2K14

The third mixtape by Kim was released September 11, 2014, with the title and cover art being a reference to her classic debut album Hard Core. However, the mixtape is not meant to be a sequel to her debut, as Kim claims that the purpose of the project was to recreate a similar feeling that listeners got when they first listened to Hard Core. The sound here is completely different, so don't go into this mixtape expecting the same sound as her debut.

Favorite Song: Identity Theft

Mixtape Links: Spotify l Apple Music

Lil' Kim Season

Kim's fourth mixtape was released March 28, 2016. This project is mostly a compilation of remixes and/or freestyles of other songs, such as Rihanna's Work, Desiigner's Panda, Drake's Summer Sixteen, and more.

Favorite Song: Panda (Remix) [ft. Maino, TLz, & Dash]

Mixtape Link: DatPiff

These mixtapes all vary in quality, but most people would agree that Ms. G.O.A.T. is her best out of the four.

9 (Fifth Album)

https://preview.redd.it/71b7cfqriho71.png?width=1152&format=png&auto=webp&s=f11497166e5422abb9cd0ad207576a9efa8b37f0

"Fuck Lil' Kim", that's all I hear is people talkin' evil

"Fuck Lil' Kim", if you say that then, bitch, I better not see you

"Fuck Lil' Kim", bitch, watch your mouth before they can't ID you

- Auto Blanco

Her latest album was released October 11, 2019, 14 years after her last official album. The record has mostly trap influences and features from City Girls, Rick Ross, Musiq Soulchild, and more. Kim has said there was a sequel to this album intended for a 2020 release, but nothing from the alleged sequel has been released or said since its initial announcement. Despite the (standard edition of the) album coincidentally having nine songs, the rapper has said that there is a another meaning to the title of the album, saying how reocurring and powerful of a number "nine" has been for her: "My baby was born June 9th... Biggie passed away on March 9 and then it's 2019. And there were 9 members in Junior M.A.F.I.A.." Unfortunately, 9 was released to mixed/negative reception from listeners and infamously failed to chart on the Billboard 200. In my opinion, this album isn't as bad as most people made it out to be as it still has some decent moments. But I will say that I wouldn't really recommend this album to anyone who's not a fan of Trap or heavily autotuned rapping/singing.

Music Video: Go Awff

Album Links: Spotify l Apple Music

End

I wanted to write a little more, but since I'm about to reach the character limit, that's going to be all for today. Although Kim's discography can be flawed, she's more than proved herself as one of the more influential female rappers and fashion icons of her time. I appreciate those who took the time to read this. Just wanted to give a little introduction to those who don't have much knowledge of Kim's music and see a little bit of what she's done.

For the record, this would be my personal ranking on her overall discography:

  1. Hard Core
  2. La Bella Mafia
  3. The Notorious K.I.M.
  4. The Naked Truth
  5. Conspiracy
  6. Ms. G.O.A.T.
  7. Lil' Kim Season
  8. 9
  9. Hard Core 2K14
  10. Black Friday

Once again, thank you for those who read to the end and have a good day.

P.S. Because I know that people are going to bring up the surgery for the millionth time: She experienced a lot of abuse by a lot of the men she's been around. She didn't have too much of a choice due to all the men around her that would physically hurt her or make her feel less. Also, I encourage y'all to talk about more than just the Kim V. Nicki feud. I want this to be more of a discussion on Kim's influence and own music rather than just another discussion thread on the beef or plastic surgery.

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Sample Breakdown: Mos Def - Mathematics [Prod: DJ Premier]

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 09:05 PM PDT

Beastie Boys - Johnny Ryall [Hip-Hop]

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 12:26 PM PDT

[FIRST IMPRESSIONS] J Balvin - JOSE

Posted: 19 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT

J Balvin is weird because he's like a gigantic star but this album doesn't even have a wikipedia.

what did you think of the album? How does it compare to COLORES and VIBRAS? Best tracks?

If you're not well versed in Latin trap/rap/idk, what do you think of the sound?

This is J Balvin's _____

submitted by /u/HHHRobot
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[FRESH] Jazz Cartier: An Interview With The Artist Behind The Fleur Print, and Upcoming Chess TV Show Produced By Diddy

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