I'm trying this elsewhere, so I may just post some of the feedback that I get there in this forum. Basically, what I'm trying to do is see if we can establish some consensus about local rap songs released between 1990 and 2005 that we think would be representative of both popular tastes and musical advancement in the last fifteen years.
One catch: We're limited to 18 tracks, or rather we have have find 18 tracks that qualify. This all depends on whether you see the local scene as half deep, half empty ;)
I think it's okay for folks to just throw in as many titles as they want, but it's really important that they can also back that shit up. We can then tussle over the legitimacy of those songs.
Some of the songs I think should make it are:
Prophets Of da City's Our World. Looking back, many would consider the lyrics a little suspect, but I like the production and its infusion of local sounds. I also think the track reps African and South African hip-hop in a big way, and addresses the problems of pandering to American rap aesthetics.
Black Noise's Black Facts. I really use to give that Rebirth CD a lot of burn. Going back to it now, it doesn't stand up as well as it used to. But this track, with it's laidback production and KRS-One-style history lessons, is worth noting. It's not the most political song they've done, but it's Black Noise at its most balanced - decent production, decent lyrics. I don't know if that will do enough to qualify it as one of SA's best.
Bra**e Vannie Kaap's FNTB. This was quite big, although probably in Cape Town only. Not my favourite song by BVK, but I suspect their most popular and, possibly, their most influential.
I want to motivate for Mizchif's All The Areas, but I haven't heard that in a while, and some people feel 'Place For A Wife' was the bigger tune.
Add on.
It's the Supa!
