Ya I would agree with the east having more high quality artists (specially lyricists) and I have heard a lot of west coast artists too (growing up in area).
It is also interesting to realize the influence of weather and location on the produced music from these artists. NY is fast-paced, high-rise buildings and public transportation, and the weather can get really cold. The West Coast is always sunny, dominated by car culture due to how spread out the city is, and chilling/BBQ's in the hot sun, etc
Keeping with the 90's and forr some LA street cred, make sure you know about black superman. + Show Spoiler +
I'm gonna go on a west-coast posting-spree now on here =P, but just know that: + Show Spoiler +
But a lot of the WC artists' vibe was about just chilling on a sunday afternoon (1990). + Show Spoiler +
It is fair to say though that the 90s, specially after Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, then JayZ, was dominated by east coast artists. Once the 2002's hit, west coast hip-hop was pretty much gone. Except for Chronic 2001 (which I even remember hearing at lunch over my high school's speakers my freshmen year =P ).
But in the 2000's is when the south-crunk style had its rise too and west coast artists went into more club-type like another poster before me mentioned. Backpack/indie rappers like mos def, talib, and common, etc had somewhat of a rise too though (my time/era).
Hate to make a third post in a row about cali music but gonna post a song I used to hear a lot. Illusions. + Show Spoiler +
Cypress Hill had some good albums if you are into their style too (rock influenced) Their best album to start with might be Ill Temples of Boom (1995). DJ Muggs is a somewhat underrated producer.
I remember when I first heard Tequila Sunrise too (get original version if possible). + Show Spoiler +
One of the albums I used to hear the most years ago was Psycho Realm - 1997 though they are not for everyone as they can be pretty dark (crazy times back then =P). I could only hear them for bits at a time even then but they do have some sick songs (the whole album I linked is pretty much good). B-Real is only on their first album, the best one. + Show Spoiler +
They were that group I was never sure if I wanted to share haha.
Last but not least an LA classic-treat for you. I am not into this kind of chicano rap by any means but a good song is a good song and Kid Frost is known by most people who know hip-hop (1990). + Show Spoiler +
Last but not least an LA classic-treat for you. I am not into this kind of chicano rap by any means but a good song is a good song and Kid Frost is known by most people who know hip-hop (1990). + Show Spoiler +
There is a Starcraft II reference in the new Killer Mike & E.P album that just came out a few days ago. Thought you guys might be some of the few people who would actually appreciate it.
It's at 2:22. "Medivac terran, earthbound hellion"
Pretty cool stuff. Also, from what I've listened to of the album it's quite good.
Didn't listen to the track, because a mention of Starcraft in a rap song is pretty pathetic (which is the answer to your question "Why not?"). Just listened to it and he doesn't say "medivac terran, earthbound hellion", he says "been a veteran, earthboud hellion". Hellion's a normal word in case you forgot. I think some Eminem line goes like this "little hellions, feeling rebellious, embarrassed their parents still listen to Elvis" or something along those lines - it isn't a SC reference neither.
EPT
