2013, A helluva year for Hip Hop, Part one. 2013년의 힙합을 말한다

Text by John Glynn

This is an article about the best 20 rappers and hiphop songs in 2013 by contributor John Glynn. This article will post 2 more times on CultureM Magazine in this week with videos and simple English texts.

2013 was an immense year for hip-hop, with so many of the younger stars superseding the old timers, in terms of both artistic and financial merit. Internationally, 2013 was a year consisting of relentless releases, quality as much as quantity. From wordsmiths to studio producers, these hip hop pros have pushed the boundaries of their beats, and sometimes promotion tactics went a little too far, step forward Mr. West. Perhaps 2013 will be known as the year dedicated to twerking, the year of Miley Cyrus(cringe), perhaps not, but one thing is for sure, the past year was inventively boundless, extravagant and comprehensively exhilarating.
From Eminem and Lupe Fiasco to Chance The Rapper and J. Cole, the “old timers” and more fresh faced artists treated us to a feast of lyrical masterpieces. Even in this time of hip-hop transition, the popularity of tracks are, habitually, determined by chart performance, air play and general club rotation, all the aspects that are allegedly smothering hip-hop. Basically, what’s “more popular” eventually overshadows what is “superior.” Sure, there are some blatantly apparent picks here, but that’s not to say that these artists and their tracks aren’t deserving of their positioning on this list, When it came to chart sales, both Kanye and Drake dictated the flow, while 2Chainz and Chris Brown set the clubs alight(not literally).
However, Earl Sweatshirt and Childish Gambino stayed true to their roots, serving up old school tracks that left old school fans with a sense of righteousness. At the end of the day, sales and sheer demand never really stray far from legitimacy Anyway, time to wrap up this nostalgic rant, and look at 20 of 2013s finest hip-hop tracks. It is vital to remember that so many “best of” lists are extremely divisive, so please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions, feedback is both welcomed and encouraged.

1. Kanye West feat Frank Ocean: New Slaves
Unreservedly fierce and belligerent, Yeezus was, is and will always be known as 2013s true masterpiece. Love him or hate him, a slice of Kanye’s I don’t give a damn attitude is almost always welcome, and this very track is an idyllic recognition of that mind-set. Sonically charged by sheer anger and nostalgia, it’s a musical tour de force that sees cognisant Kanye battle against the more renowned Kanye, yes, the shallow Kanye. However, it is this very struggle of consciousness that creates a near perfect equilibrium. I think many will agree that this was both the most significant and most contentious track of 2013. Combine these two elements and you’ve got the ingredients for mass media hype.

 

2. Eminem: Rap God
Back in the second week of October, Eminem dropped the third and greatest track from his delectable Marshall Mathers LP 2. A striking sounding piano kicks off this slickly produced track, while ill-omened overdubs set the tone, a tone which is as aggressive as it is unapologetic. Marshall readies himself by declaring: “Look, I was goanna go easy on you, not to hurt your feelings,” before we hear the “Six minutes — you’re on,” the all too memorable line from Slick Rick’s infamous 80s rap hit “The Show.”
Just before he decides to kick the verses into overdrive, Em spits a self-assured, measured hook. “I’m beginning to feel like a rap god (rap god)/ All the people from the front to the back, nod,” he recites in a slow, measured pace.
As always, there is no shortage of controversy and enigmatic allusions. From a witty Monica Lewinsky jibe to a cocky reference involving comic book protagonist Thor, Em ensures that there is an element of humour mixed into this verbal tirade. The icing on this musical masterpiece comes when the Detroit native raps about his musical influences: “Me, I’m a product of Rakim, Lakim/Shabazz, Tupac N/ W.A., Cube, hey Doc, Ren/ Yella, Eazy, thank you, they got Slim/ Inspired enough to one day grow up, blow up, and be in a position/ To meet Run-DMC induct them into the mother—in’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.” “Rap God” is just one of the few real gems from an album of amazing depth.

 

3. Drake: Started From The Bottom
In all honesty, two or three other Drake tracks could have made it on to this list, but, “Started From the Bottom,” a truly sumptuous track, was his most popular and infectious track of last year. As always, fans were treated to a magnanimous lyrical display from the 27 year old Canadian. With Mike Zombie’s beat bursting through the speakers, Drake’s verses were both harmonious and audaciously egotistical, and don’t even get me started on the hook. ‘Started From the Bottom’ was more than just an authoritative smash-hit, it was a reply to the haters and critics who try and substantiate every lyric that Drake spews, When Drake refers to “the bottom,” he isn’t talking about achieving success while escaping the merciless ‘hood life, because we know that he comes from a relatively well respected background. Drake is rapping about exceeding expectations; let’s not forget that he started out as teen actor on Degrassi. When he made the bold move into the unforgiving world of rap, the naysayers were ready, guns loaded, ready to spray bullets of criticism. I think it is safe to say that Drake dodged the firing squad impressively and is now most definitely at the top… just not at the top of this list.

 

4. Eminem feat. Rihanna: The Monster
Recruiting Rihanna for their fourth musical collaboration, Eminem and the beauty from Barbados rhyme back and forth about the pressure that comes with living in the media spotlight 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Detroit born rapper angrily rants about the constant battle with this insufferable “Monster,” while Rihanna takes control of the hook and embraces the beast: Being one of the most famous females in the world, Rihanna seems all too comfortable with the media’s attention: “I’m friends with the monster that’s under my bed/ Get along with the voices inside of my head.” On his last four albums, Em is renowned for delivering at least one track “responsive” to radio’s demands, and this single most definitely answered the call.

 

5. Busta Rhymes feat. Q-Tip, Kanye West & Lil Wayne: Thank You
The unrivalled Busta Rhymes teamed up with fellow hip-hop experts Q-Tip, Kanye & Weezy on this unforgettable hit single “Thank You”. Over a hefty looping guitar loop, the quartet supports each other in a magnificent manner. Exchanging rapid wordplay like UFC stars exchanging blows, the distinguished artists (Especially Busta and Q) rampage through six of the slickest verses heard in 2013. The gold medal for most memorable moment must go to Busta. In as little as three bars, the old guard steals the show by spurting: “See how we push sometimes man forget cuff, beat him the head / Boop-be-de-de-boff, zippity-boof / Beat him in the head again, stop killing me, Wolf!”

 

6. Kanye West: Black Skinhead
“Black Skinhead,” a track which is as shocking as it is stylistic, threw Kanye right back into the media spotlight, not that he shies away from the attention very often. Many critics saw this as a political rant, a phase in Kanye’s turbulent life, however, this is much more significant than any “political phase.” It’s an artist with enough of an ego and knowledge to openly express his frustration with modern society. Quite possibly the most controversial name in rap, nonetheless, he is quite possibly the greatest rapper alive today. Expect to see his name further up the list. Let’s not forget Yeezus was in fact one of the very best album’s of 2013. Its greatness stemmed from West urging listeners to sit up and recognize the profoundly flawed system that moulded him as an artist.

 

Contributor, John Glynn

As a contributor of CultureM Magazine, he is writing about global culture, for example, movie, music so on. And he has a PhD in Psychology.

영국 출신의 컬쳐엠매거진 컨트리뷰터 존 그린은 영화, 음악 등 문화 관련 컨텐츠에서 날카로운 분석을 통한 심도 깊은 이야기를 전해주고 있다.