Those past few weeks I have been on an on-going rap music listening spree. I have always been a fan of diverse music genres, I truly love exploring new artists and styles and I have been actively listening to my music guru friends’ recommendations. This lead to me discovering some really amazing rap tunes, which some of you might be familiar with but I feel that it is my duty to spread the word. I hope you enjoy it and find some good artists to follow.

I will say a few words about the three artists that have been dominating my playlists recently and post some of my favorite examples of their art. So let’s get to it, hopefully, you find something of your liking!

1. Anderson .Paak

Ashamed to say this boy escaped my sights way too long. Happy to say he is gaining steam and making songs with Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, and other legends.

Paak is one of those artists who cannot be described with mere words. You just need to hear, see, and experience his art. I have no idea how he managed to slip my sights for so long (once again I own getting to immerse in his art to an amazing friend of mine – eternally grateful brother!),  but I am happy to say he is gaining steam and getting more and more creative while making himself known. His music is extremely groovy and dancy, it will make you smile and fill you up with energy and at the same time if you listen to his lyrics they will make you think and reevaluate important matters and life experiences. His storytelling is on a new level and the combination of meaning, playful lyrics, and groovy tunes is just amazing. And the thing I love most about him – listening to a song on it’s own and then watching the video accompanying it gives you a totally different perspective. You just have to see for yourself. 

I am still exploring the eternity of his art but here are some of my favorite records so far. I truly recommend getting into his full discography.

Definitely one of my favorites – an example of a song which gives you a new perspective after watching the video. Super funky and addictive as well as thought-provoking.

Probably my favorite so far – an even better example of a song the video of which enhances the meaning drastically. Art at its best.

The storytelling on this one just makes me fking excited honestly.

2. NF

NF has some distinguishable energy to spread and his flows and lyrics are something the rap world should be proud of.

I have heard people talk about this guy several times, but I never came across his songs until a week or two ago. And I immediately realized I have made a big mistake by not checking him out earlier. Nathan Feuerstein, more popular with his stage name NF, has incredible energy and an amazing way of delivering his messages. As he himself says his music is like a therapy session for himself and is therefore absolutely honest and real in terms of lyrics and flow. And this makes you addicted. Coping with various problems, life stories, passion, struggle, love, pure anger, and aggression, or heartfelt lyrics – NF has it. I have to say he strongly reminds me of Eminem but Nathan has something different and unique in his art and this makes me super hyped to see what he is preparing next. Similarly to Paak, I am still exploring his discography but I have to say so far I am impressed and he has earned a new fan. Here are some of my favorites.

This song got me hooked – the first one I heard and even though it is quite different from his usual fast flows and rapping it is definitely my favorite so far. The emotion and realness got me.

This is where NF gets aggressive and brutally honest and this is just badass. His lyrics are on-point and his flow is even better.

A collab with great storytelling and a real story behind it. Standing somewhere in the middle of the slow and heartfelt and fast and aggressive songs I think it shows the potential of the artist quite well.

3.Macklemore

Macklemore is an impressively diverse artist, who I feel is too underestimated (by me as well). He has songs for each and every occasion and they often make me think about the rap scene in general. Definitely one of my favorite artists at the moment.

Macklemore… I’m feeling ashamed the entire time I am writing this blog, but truth be told I have been ignorant of this particular artist’s music and I really feel bad about it. I totally underestimated him as an artist and now I have to say that his discography is a definition of diversity and passion for songwriting and rap music. He has amazing lyrics which will make you think, he has songs which will help you relax, songs which will make you dance and escape the real world, songs telling stories, and basically everything a rap artist should have in his repertoire. I honestly don’t have the right words to describe his creativity and amazing artistry so I just want to sincerely ask you to check his stuff out in case you have been ignorant like I was.

No matter what mood you are in Macklemore has got you covered for sure. I have been listening to his albums for the past three days and I am honestly blown away, here are some of my favorites so far.

Okay, I have to tell a short story here. This song opened my eyes for lots of things I have said about the music industry in the past and for rap artists in general (MGK, if I have to be specific). I really didn’t think about it enough but this song says everything in a great way – everyone has a way of expressing him/herself, a way of enjoying him/herself and music is done the way it is felt. The song is amazing in terms of sound and lyrics and I often listen to it so I don’t forget to be more open-minded and less judgemental.

This needs no words.

And let’s get groovy once again with this gem.

Honestly, it is really hard to pick just a few songs from each artist. Those were the three rappers that have been dominating my music world recently and I really wanted to share my impressions with you all. I am also working on a personal playlist of “Essential Rap” I believe everyone should hear, it includes songs of the above-mentioned artists as well as other amazing musicians. I will share it as soon as it is ready, but I prefer to take my time and choose the songs and order carefully. My point is – stay tuned for more music-related content! I am ending this post with two more rap songs I believe deserve some attention – check them out and thanks for reading!

A classic rap artist and rap song which need no introduction, just enjoy the masterpiece.

I have talked about Merk a while ago (reminder) and as I thought he is getting better and better. This song just has to be shared – fast and ruthless lyrics and flow, an amazing collab between to hard-working artists.

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