36phonenix
2009-03-31 16:24:06 UTC
There have been several MCs in the last 30-someodd years, that have began, molded, refined, innovated and updated the rhyme styles found in hip hop. They are almost too many too mention. There are at least five MCs though, that stand out in my mind, for having taken rhyme styles to the outer limits though, with both odd/unique rhyme patterns and devastating flow. They were completely different than their contemporaries and often tackled hip hop from an avant-garde, yet structured approach. Some of the things I looked for when placing them, is 1) The type of rhyme patterns they were using, and 2) If (or how) their contemporaries used them.
5)GZA/Raekwon: Tie here. Raekwon made more use of his internals, (especially w/ his verses on the 1st Cuban Linx album) but his rhymes were not quite as abstract/adventerous as GZA's. To me him and GZA were, lyrically in the same level. Both reminded me of KRS-1's Brave rhyming patterns back in '87.
4) Melle Mel: What can be said here about Mel? He was one of the first MCs of hip hop. He also took the (then) infant genre to infinite bounds. He employed many rap patterns that are still being used today. If you ever get a chance, listen to Mel's recordings done back in ' 77-78 (at shows performed around the Bronx and outlaying boroughs) and you'll see what I mean. He even used the repeating pattern, that Kool G. Rap would update and refine, later on. While there were many excellent MCs at that time, few were as intricate as Mel. _ricaluo
3) Guru: No one was as adventurous with intricate rhyme patterns and world play, than Guru. Both "No More Mr. Nice Guy," and "step In The Arena," were perfect examples of this and showcased his mind-boggling style. It's like he took a page out of Rakim's playbook and Took it too new heights. Although not as smooth as Rakim, Guru is a pioneer in his own right.
2) KRS-1: The years 1985-1987 were pivotal years in hip hop. Besides the advent of sampling first occurring in this era, this was the time that rhymes started transitioning from Run D.M.C.'s hard hitting (yet still old school) rhyming styles, and those found on Eric B. & Rakim's "Paid in full." The first track on the groundbreaking "Criminal Minded" album, called "Poetry," is nothing short of amazing to hear. He was using rhyme patterns never heard of before. While style employing an old-school cadence, he helped to transition the styles. He would rhyme a line one way, and rhyme the second line completely different:
"But what a pity, I'm rockin New York City/
And everywhere else, you put the jams on the shelf." He also used a rapid fire almost-swinging line (who's influence is apparent in both Big Daddy Kane and G. Rap lyrics). Example:
KRS-One will have to show another MC/
or self-proclaimed king-or-queen-or-gang/
-or-crew-or-solo-or-team-that I mean.
1) Rakim: No matter who may come along in the future, they will NEVER be as revolutionary to hip hop as Rakim. His rhyme patterns were completely different. He changed the flow of hip hop as well. Before that, everyone used an almost "marching" type cadence. He smoothed out the flow. He was light years ahead of his time. An example of Rakim's devastating style, can be found on songs like "my melody" Example:
Turn up the base, check out my melody hand out a cigar/
I'm lettin' knowledge be born cause my name is the R/
A-K-I-M" not like the rest of them, I won't miss/
That's what I'm saying I drop rhymes like a scientist/.
He also stepped up his speed, on "Follow the Leader" while challenging Big Daddy Kane's ultra-fast rhyme style.
That's my opinion anyway. How does everyone else feel? Who do you think should be in the top 5, for adventurous rhyme patterns/flow?