Noj

I have that record, it's funky!

Sounds about right to me, SS1. The Lakers don't have much to work with. I like the selection of Bynum, he's already got NBA size. I read an article that described him as having a very good attitude, which is great news.

Agreed. KRS is hit and miss for me too. Even on this track, I think he fumbles a few of the ideas. His heart was in the right place, though.

Definitely correct for the most part John, though a few are from the 00s. My main rap collecting days were the early 90s, so the majority are from that timeframe.

Chandra, in my opinion Eminem is the best at making the most offensive raps possible. He's the antithesis of political correctness. Personally, I can't listen to him. He's clever, and funny from a "bullshitting with your boys" perspective. It's rap that is all about being the "most wrong" and its history has often involved Dr. Dre. When I was a kid, this style was being popularized by groups such as 2Live Crew, Too Short, and Dr. Dre-produced acts such as NWA and Eazy-E. One of the most interesting rappers is Kool Keith, who makes a parody of the whole "offensive rap" thing by REALLY going over the top. He made a whole album that was entirely about sex (Keith might be genuinely disturbed). In one song Keith mocks the so-called hardcore acts and their popularity with the chorus, "little girls think you're hardcore." There are many different creative approaches to "flowing" over the beat. Take a rapper such as Aceyalone and compare his delivery to Mos Def, or even compare Mos Def to his partner Talib Kweli, then listen to KRS-One and Posdnuos...it's all very individual. All four of these rappers are often very positive in their message and intent. Another aspect of rap which makes it offensive is the notion of "battling," which is basically a cutting contest of insults between rappers (Eminem kicks ass at this). A lot of raps are addressed to a supposed opposing rapper, so you'll hear a lot of "I'm this, you're that" sort of raps. They are my least favorite raps. There's also raps that are all about rap itself, those can get on my nerves too just because it is a tired topic. Tough to find the diamonds in the rough, but I think there is genuine creativity to be found in rap. One new band I've really been liking is the Youngblood Brass Band, who actually have a live horn section and a tuba running their basslines. It comes off like some sort of funky school marching band, but man they've got some cool things happening! I've got a new thread going in which some of the organissimo board members have agreed to listen to some rap compilations I put together. The thread is called Noj's Rap Blindfold Test, and I'm hoping for responses to start rolling in in a week or so.

That's not right, at least not imo. It's a common position these days, and there's plenty of truth in it, but it's not the whole truth. ← Is improv the defining characteristic of jazz, or swing? I find the jazz I like best has a healthy balance of both. But by all means sacrifice both or either one if necessary to facilitate creativity.

Sorry, I find this condescending. I might have spent time with all of these musics and made a judgement. ← I didn't intend to condescend or be rude, so I'm sorry I came across that way Chuck. You've made brief, dismissive comments about rap in a few threads, but I have not read your whole take on things. Perhaps I rush to judge too quickly. I was barely an itch in my daddy's pants in '75. I've noticed the people I know who like rap are also into other rhythm-heavy genres. I think there is some truth there. The repetitive nature of rap is a very common complaint. My compliments are sincere, Chuck. I truly appreciate the knowledge you bring to the board and have enjoyed your posts for years (even the funny barbs directed at me recently). Hope there's no hard feelings. I intended it as more of a "to each his own" comment.

Rap CAN be that boring and uncreative and sell. The best rap isn't what sells, just like Kenny G isn't good jazz yet he's famous and sells records. I would argue against the idea that just anyone can rap. I can't rap. Your first statement CAN be far from the truth. Contrary to popular belief among rap haters, rap is not best represented by all of its worst qualities. I don't know about street cred either, since I'm from the suburbs. I enjoy listening to rappers who have a few good things to say and find creative ways to get them across. Kanye has original beats (yes, original), and a good perspective on things, I gather. There are actually rappers who aren't thugs that used to slang drugs. True story. I'd say people who don't like beats, who don't like reggae or dub, who don't like funk, who don't like beat machines at all, who don't like the sound of turntables scratching or the idea of sampling...rap isn't for you. Unless you're interested enough to take the time to investigate it thoroughly, you'll never understand what makes for a good rap song or a good beat. Chuck will never care about rap. Good for Chuck, I wouldn't ask him to. Chuck knows more about jazz than I ever will, and I am thankful he's out there posting about it so I can learn.

I have 22. Some Prestige, some Blue Note, a bunch of the Columbia stuff, and that Ascenseur Pour L'Echefaud.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

RDK:

Count Basie "Open The Door, Richard" as provided by RDK on BFT#11 Bonus Disc. Am I confused and it isn't Sweets? I'll go back in the Blindfold Test threads and have a look...

Joe Williams and Slim Gaillard are early favorites in a realm I've scarcely peeked into. I've got a few scattered albums, the Coltrane/Johnny Hartman and some Pops and some Ella. Just more to explore. Andy Bey I've enjoyed in a funkier context with Gary Bartz, but I wasn't feeling him elsewhere. But hell, I like all types of singing/talking genres from rock to soul to reggae to rap to Cuban traditional... I'm a fan of odd speaking moments like Sweets' hilarious voice on "Open The Door, Richard." 'Sweets, did you hear what the lady said? She said you sure look common out there in the street.' 'Common? Man, I got class I ain't even used yet.'

I didn't start collecting Miles Davis until I had loads of other jazz. He's great, but not my favorite.

Chili and cornbread, salad w/carmelized almonds and blue cheese.

Sal and Martyjazz have received their copies of the Rap BFT, so I thought I'd start a new thread for everyone to post their responses. Rap doesn't really work for a blindfold test, since rappers very often mention their own names at least once per song. I have taken a few measures here and there to disguise songs, but for the most part I left them alone. That said, I do think listening to the songs without a track list will help draw less pre-determined responses. Three discs total. Two with rap, one without. The first disc I titled "The Bright Side" and the focus is on rap which is lighthearted and displays the best qualities one can hope for from rap. The most offensive lyrics on "The Bright Side" are certainly not delivered with the most serious attitude, rather they are juvenile and silly on purpose. The second disc I titled "The Dark Side" and its focus is more to show some of the ugly side of rap and the rap which can easily be misinterpreted. I included a few tracks on this disc which actually offend me, which is saying something (one track, as I mentioned before, has lyrics that should offend just about everyone). Throughout, I have included many of the most widely recognized and recommended rappers. I have chosen rap songs with beats I think are cool. I think the first disc is very listenable throughout. The third disc contains no rap, and is just a funkin' good time. Enjoy!

I've yet to pick up any of the Kanye West stuff, though I did dig a song I heard a while back on an MTV video. If even Rainy approves, then he's surely the sort of rapper I like to listen to. Kanye produced one of the best tracks on the second Mos Def album.

Rainy, I'm shocked. SHOCKED, I say!

Here come the Lakers! We got...um...uh...Aaron McKie. Maybe. I hope this Bynum kid develops fast. I hope Phil's got some miracles up his sleeve. I think the Heat will be improved this year, and I don't think Shaq's done. Shaq is not a run-of-the-mill rickety center. He's a freak of nature, and he's going to be motivated since Duncan now has the same number of rings. I'm interested to see how well Flip Saunders can coach a team with all the necessary parts. My guess is he'll succeed with flying colors and the Pistons will be tough to handle. Big Fundamentals, Lightnin' Parker, Scrappy Ginobili, and Bob Friggin' Horry will have the Spurs right there again. Love to hate them.

Yep, Bradley's a jackass.

They closed the Virgin Megastore near my house and none of the other dumps in Burbank have good jazz sections. The worst offender is Best Buy, no jazz section at all! I have to drive all the way to Hollywood to Amoeba or Aron's or Tower for a decent selection, what a drag. I'll probably end up buying most of my music on line.

All packages have been mailed.

It's "Smoking Section," and it's definitely smokin'. My favorite is "Brother Ray."