I haven't been listening to much hip-hop recently because well it's been terrible of late. For the majority of the last 15 years hip-hop has been my music, my first choice in any and all occasions. Then something changed, not sure what but really the only two rappers that get me excited in any way are Lil Wayne and TI and that is just embarrassing. There was a time when hip-hop had something to say, it was culturally important, it mattered. I'm afraid that has passed. For me the golden age of hip-hop was the mid 90's, say 93-97, and the song below is the pinnacle. This 7 minute gem from a then not well known rapper named Jay-Z and a more well known MC named Big L on Stretch and Bobbito's show is damn near perfect. Big L had the best delivery of all time, period.

Artist: Big L and Jay Z
Song: Jay Z & Big L Freestyle 1995 (right click song title and then click "Save Link As..." to download track)

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Speaking of Stretch and Bobbito, here is a little nugget from the Farewell Fondle 'em Fossils compilation released in 2001. Fondle 'em was Bobbito's label that went the way of the dinosaur but not before delivering some serious heat. MF Doom is perhaps Fondle 'Ems most famous alum and he appears on this track.

Artist: Breezly Brewin, DJ Eli, Godfather Don, J-Treds, MF Doom, Q-Unique
Song: Fondle 'Em Fossils
Label: Fondle 'Em Fossils

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Yes that is Jason Schwartzmen. Jason recently released an album under the name Coconut Records and it happens to be very good. I believe he played all the intruments and sang, so not only is he funny as shit he is also a pretty solid musician. Jason used to be the drummer for that band Phantom Planet best known for that OC song, California.

Artist: Coconut Records
Song: West Coast
Album: Nighttiming
Label: Young Baby Records

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Celebration, a Baltimore based band, has recently release their second album The Modern Tribe and it is beyond good. Listen and enjoy.

Artist: Celebration
Song: In This Land
Album: The Modern Tribe
Label: 4AD Records