The countdown begins. I’ll start by stating the obvious: this was not an easy task. A lot of artists and songs that I love didn’t make the list. At the same time, I’ve given it some careful thought, and I picked what I really consider to be the most personally compelling hip-hop music that I’ve experienced. Do you agree? Am I leaving your favorite out? Let me know.
In lane #1, we have one half of Outkast, the eccentric, eclectic and exceedingly talented Andre 3000. After the release of Stankonia from Outkast back in 2000, a rap verse from 3 Stacks has been a rare and blessed occasion, but his mantra of quality over quantity has only improved his pedigree.
7. “Babylon” (from ATLiens)
Unorthodox verses containing musings on the vices of youth – drugs, lust and love… “They call it horny because it’s devilish…” classic.
6. “Return of the ‘G’” (from Aquemini)
This is the hardest opener from any of the 'Kast albums; you could tell ‘Dre was getting tired of people talking sh!t about his life choices… he clears the air emphatically.
5. “Int’l Players Anthem” (from UGK album Underground Kingz)
The hit song that everybody learned the lyrics to, even non-rap fans, because the metaphors were so cold and the emotions were those we all could relate to.
4. “ATLiens” (from ATLiens)
You have to listen to both of his verses on this song, couldn’t pick just one… this song marks the first major growth spurt in his artistic evolution. One of the best beats in the ONP catalog too, in my opinion.
3. “The Art of Storytellin’ Part 4” (from DJ Drama album Gangsta Grillz: The Album)
Another one of his great stories about a romantic encounter with a woman that leads to a moment of enlightenment, but this one is packed with crazy metaphors.
2. “Gangsta Sh!t” (from Stankonia)
I feel very confident in saying that this is his hardest verse ever. Lyrical, aggressive, metaphorical with a message… purely DOPE.
1. “What a Job” (from Devin the Dude album Waiting to Inhale)
I have a feeling this is gonna be a controversy-starter because I put it in the top position. To be fair, I will admit this is not ‘Dre’s hardest or most lyrical verse, but this is my favorite verse by him because it’s a genuine love letter to both his fans and to hip-hop. Because of this verse, I am cool if he never puts out a solo album or another ‘Kast album – I believe he’s given us his best EVERY TIME he spits, and you can’t ask for more than that.
Dope 7 man! damn man you are brave to bring up something like Dre's top 7 verses....wow. The thing about Dre is he is great at every aspect of rapping from pure song writing, to finding unique rhymes, to coming up with clever metaphors and similies without using a east coast punchline techniqe, his story telling ability, to his strongest ability coming up with absolutely incredible cadences. Ill give it a shot.
ReplyDelete7. Myintrotoletuknow. I feel like this is when we first get to know Dre. I loved this verse in highschool cuz it shows Dre as a struggling young person. Time is slipping slowly but surely, people I use to hang wit wants to act like they dont know me, and he talking bout selling weed so we get to know Andre from highschool
6. Black Ice off Goodie Mob Still Standing - As much as everybody wants to put Dre in a class by himself he definitely can go to the regular emcee glass with jayz and eminem and ace tests as wells. Round this time the multi syllable rhyme patterns were really in full effect thanks to the east coast running things. Dre came in and used a 4 syllable pattern but still kept it Andre poetic Cause old man winter‘s arrived, the temperature dived, November just died, December’s alive
Thus it ain’t no typical ride - also noteworthy this was the first time, and I could be wrong, that I personally heard someone use a piano as a metaphor for a killo
5. agreed - Atliens - Or will it feel that if we tune it, it just might get picked on
4. da art of storytelling 2 - his cadence on this is amazing...he uses the off beats mixed in with going back on beat incredibly...and his writing is crazy...touching on the end of the world? IFO's have landed in Decatur hope im not over your head but if so you will catch on later - crazy
3. Both verses off Aquemini - the first verse is just such good writing....the deep breath before he starts blew my mind back in high school - I am a huge fan of multi syllable rhyming I think that is my favorite thing in hiphop but dre came through and rhymed one syllable the whole way through the second verse and kept everything relevant and rhymed in the most unexpected places...best one syllable rhyme pattern of all time
2. B.O.B this cadence is impossible. big boi killed it using the standard cadence to a beat like this. always something to be said for doing something traditionally correct like big boi did.....but Dre probably came up with the best cadence in history when he controlled this beat. and still wrote his ass off....nuts
1. personal favorite of all time E.T.(Extraterrestrial). What drew me to dre was the atliens period where he basically was tryin to find himself. like he was trying to break out of the old him and find the new him which causes insecurity which allows for some great art. See we all be kind of fly
Just can't be scared to spread your wings
Head to better things
Maybe the mockingbird and nightengale
they want to sing--keeping this thing alive
To the table's what we bring
We like hailstorms and blizzards in the middle of the spring
Extraterrestrial!
yes we done came a long way like them slim ass cigarrettes form virginia this aint goin stop so we just goin continue.
Much Love to Big Boi as all his verses on these songs were absolutely incredible as well. Barbecuing every meal do for real bro