![]() ![]() ![]() The greatest underground hip hop album ever ![]() One of Madlib’s most celebrated projects is his collaboration with the late, great MF DOOM on the seminal album Whether he’s flipping a rare jazz record into a head-nodding beat or playing instruments live in the studio, Madlib’s deep appreciation for the genre is evident in every note. A true musical chameleon, Madlib has never been afraid to experiment with different genres and styles, but it’s his love for jazz that has consistently shone through in his work. As a producer, rapper, and DJ, Madlib’s innovative and eclectic approach to sampling and beat-making has earned him a reputation as one of the most creative and boundary-pushing artists in the game. Hailing from Oxnard, California, Madlib has long been an influential figure in the jazz rap and underground hip hop scenes. Lyrically, the trio delved deeper into their socially conscious messages, addressing topics such as gentrification, the Black Panther Party, and the importance of self-reliance. The album boasted a denser, more organic sound, with live instrumentation and a stronger emphasis on jazz and funk influences. Not content to rest on their laurels, the group took their sound and message to new heights with their sophomore album, Their smash hit single “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” catapulted them into the spotlight, earning them a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994, with the track’s infectious groove and intricate wordplay capturing the very essence of Digable Planets’ eclectic approach to jazz rap. The trio tackled issues such as politics, race, and environmentalism with a deft touch, never shying away from pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Digable Planets sampled jazz legends like Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, and Curtis Mayfield, creating a warm, laid-back atmosphere that provided the perfect backdrop for their smooth, intelligent lyrics. Was a breath of fresh air in the hip hop community. Fusing elements of jazz, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, Digable Planets crafted a sonic universe that resonated with rap aficionados and music lovers alike. This Grammy-winning trio, comprised of Butterfly (Ishmael “Ish” Butler), Ladybug Mecca (Mary Ann Vieira), and Doodlebug (Craig “Doodle” Irving), first burst onto the scene in 1993 with their groundbreaking debut album Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) ![]() Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat have all paid homage to the genre, incorporating its signature elements into their work and building upon the foundation laid by the pioneers who came before them.įrom Digable Planets, Nujabes and Flying Lotus, to Gang Starr, Pete Rock and J Dilla, here are the top 10 greatest jazz rap artists of all time. The warm, organic tones of these classic instrumentals provided a perfect backdrop for rappers to showcase their dope punchlines and creative storytelling.įrom the pioneering sampling techniques of Gang Starr and A Tribe Called Quest to the live instrumentation of Guru’s Jazzmatazz series and the innovative production of J Dilla and Madlib, jazz has played an integral role in shaping the sound and identity of hip-hop.As hip hop continues to evolve and grow, the role of jazz within the genre remains significant. In the early years of hip-hop, artists often turned to jazz records as a source of inspiration and a treasure trove of samples. With both genres rooted in Black culture and tradition, the marriage of jazz and hip-hop has given birth to a unique sound that has captivated music lovers worldwide. Hip-hop and jazz have enjoyed a long-standing and symbiotic relationship since the inception of hip-hop in the late 1970s. ![]()
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