Hip-Hop Violinist, The (Parental Advisory/+DVD) [ECD] [PA] - Miri Ben-Ari

Advantages: nas at his lyrical best
Disadvantages: some weak production

...Hip-hop is dead is nas at his lyrical best this man is a genius with delivery more potent than a 12 hour drink session at your local bar. It has some great tracks such as "hip-hop is dead" "carry on tradition" and the song with nas former enemy jay-z "black republican" It also features a track "blunt ashes" produced by nba star Chris Webber my only criticism of this album is that in some places a couple of tracks "were are they now and "who killed it" suffer from bad producing and on the track who killed it nas puts on an accent and just makes a mess of the track Apart from these flaws this is one of my contenders for the best 06 album If you haven't already go cop it!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Comprehensive, diverse, good songs
Disadvantages: Why was Nelly's "Hot in Herre" on this!?

...As a bboy, I pride myself on being a dignitary as well as a student of Hip Hop culture. This 3 CD set is comprised of some of the most influential artists and songs in the history of hip hop. Not all of the songs were Top 40 songs during their time (thus not many people in mainstream culture have heard them), but they were still VERY influential in the underground hip hop movement. Everything from Big Daddy Kane, A Tribe Called Quest, Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and the Furious 5, Afrika Bambaataa, NaS, N.W.A., The 45 King, O.D.B., etc. are on here. This is an EXCELLENT collection of the songs that were an integral part of spreading the influence of hip hop, changing it's style, and bringing it to its present status. Hip Hop now has become too over-produced and has lost sight of its roots. No longer "dropping knowledge" to educate... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: In depth, some fabulous, essential tracks
Disadvantages: Some tracks even the purists won't have heard of

...An eclectic mix, unjustifiably called a history of Hip Hop but entertaining anyway. Tracks seem to be categorised, with raps such as "It was a Good Day" and "Regulate"; hip hop classics such as "Rappers' Delight"; 80s hip hop such as "Humpty Dance", and relatively modern hip hop, seen in "OPP". However, some tracks are real head scratchers, fillers to make the album seem more dense. However, several surprised me, having never heard them before, namely "Wild Thing" and this made listening to the album a worthwhile experience. There seems to be no real progression of tracks, which is slightly disappointing, although for the tracks themselves, there is little left to quiblle with. Overall, this comprehensive album is a good buy for lovers of the genre on the whole, and at 50 tracks, under £20 ain't bad value... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful