Podcast 6 - Hip Hop

Hip hop, rap, whatever you wanna call it, refers to a huge body of music. Really, calling something rap is about as descriptive as calling something rock. A good portion of people however, seem to be unaware of the manifold styles which make up this form. Whenever I listen to rap there are basically three main components that go into making a song I like. For me personally, the beat is probably the most important. Most of the time when we think of a rap song we only think of the emcee (MC - master of ceremonies) in the same way we only think of the lead singer or lead guitarist in a rock band. I'm no different. I don't know the names of basically any of the guys that make the beats for songs I love. It's a shame but it's just the way it is and it doesn't mean I love their beats any less. The second part is the rhyme. The rhyme is all about delivery and is much more than just the lyrics. Lyrics are the third part. If the cadence, rhythm, speed, and creativity of word melding is right, it can make up for the most banal lyrics about the most prosaic topics. This is why party rap can be so good.

So with that in mind check out the podcast, especially if you're someone that thinks you don't like hip hop. I've tried to put a good variety in there and would be really surprised if you can't find at least one track that you are really into. And for those hip hop heads out there, well, you're in for a treat. This podcast will remind you of some of the greats you maybe haven't listened to in a while and I'm sure there's something new on there for you too. Enjoy.

One last thing, in the podcast I reference a website for Zeale. The url is http://www.zealerapz.com. He's playing this Friday at Lambert's. If I were you, I'd go.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron

Tracklist:

1. Return of the "G" by Outkast on Aquemeni

2. Speed Law by Mos Def on Black on Both Sides

3. Deception by Blackalicious on Nia

4. Stop Complaining (Morcheba/Capricorn II Mix) by Lyrics Born on Same !@#$ Different Day

5. ...And I'm Out by Galactic ft. Mr. Lif on From the Corner to the Block

6. Thynk Eye Can (Haiku D'Etat Mix) by Abstract Rude on Rejuvenation

7. Classic by Hieroglyphics on Full Circle

8. After Hours (Extended Euro Mix) by Living Legends on The Gathering

9. 1st Class by Zeale on Microphone of Time

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.