Quote:
Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
I am not a hip hop head like some of you are but a lot of what made this list look the way it does can be attributed to 2 things:
1. RECORD SALES
&
2. Crossover appeal
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This is probably so. I want to scream at VH1, THESE TWO ELEMENTS DO NOT A HIP HOP ARTIST MAKE!!!
The only things these two elemets make is a manufactured pop machine. ANYONE can make a popular record. All it takes is hot production (which has little to do with the artists themselves, unless they produce), and a gimmick (which is the repsonsibility of record execs and image consultants).
HIP HOP artists are people who have somethign conscious and meaningful to say. Sure the beats matter, but LYRICS are also important. And IMAGE is minimal.
IMO, the top ten would have to include:
Nas, Biggie, Grandmaster Flash/ Furious Five, Common, Sugarhill Gang, Eric B./Rakim, De La Soul, ATCQ, Salt N Pepa, The Roots.
To me, each of those has made an indelible mark on hip hop, and/or has shown consistency and longevity.
Blackwatch, the only reason I woudl disagree about LL is his content. The man is fluff. Sure he sells, sure he has been around for a minute, but if he didn't look like he did, do you think he would be as successful? I don't know.
Hybrid Mode
