The best thing about rap is the instrumentals. Of course most rappers sample from artists in other genres.
BobFinn*: That's all fair enough and the facts are straight to be sure. I disagree with the relative impact they had on him (I'd put it just above Peter, Paul and Mary as far as exposing him to a broader audience), but we're both guessing. My point was that it was folly to ascribe any major influence to them unless we heard it from Dylan -- he's arguably the most influenced of all popular musicians, even while being among the most influential. And the fact that he gave them an unreleased song is kind of a non-starter. Dylan was giving unreleased songs to everybody then and continued to do so, to a lesser degree, throughout his career. Regardless, I admit I'm biased. Even while I love The Byrds (and I actually do), I resent the way they cleaned up Dylan's songs. I'll even admit to liking some of those covers on their own, but they play into the whole idea that Dylan's more a poet than a singer or a musician, which I think is flat wrong. As for the Budokan thing, I rarely listen to that record and don't currently own it (I keep giving away my Dylan stuff to people who are just starting to turn on to it), but I'll take your word for that. Dylan had lost his mind at that point. There were freaking reggae tracks on that album, so all bets were off. rimbaud: What a very weird collection of songs. I can't tie them together for you (I also can't put my finger on what specifically you don't like -- Masters of War is as affected a vocal as the rest of Freewheelin' if you ask me), but I can suggest there are probably plenty more where they came from. Dylan's voice changes radically through the course of his career. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and recommend Planet Waves for your next listen, but I could be way off.
Batman, Found this Dylan quote online on Neil Young (similar to one I read about the Byrds) Dylan commented on Young's 1972 hit song "Heart of Gold" at the time (as recounted in a Uncut Magazine interview): DYLAN: "I used to hate it when it came on the radio. I always liked Neil Young but it bothered me every time I listened to "Heart Of Gold". I'd say, `****, that's me. If it sounds like me, it should as well be me.' I needed to lay back for awhile, forget about things, myself included, and I'd get so far away and turn on the radio and there I am. But it's not me. It seemed to me somebody else had taken my thing and had run away with it and, you know, I never got over it." http://www.thrasherswheat.org/jammin/dylan.htm
I appreciate that and I agree, it is an odd grouping. I guess I am just a song by song Dylan person because he does change his style. Even within the styles I suppose I have likes and dislikes. Again, though, I appreciate the suggestion.
I am not a Rap aficionado, but my collection albums include those from BPD, Easy-E, PE, NWA, Ice-T, and Eminem, among others. Of these Eminem's is the only one of the group I only listened to a couple of times and mainly has collected dust since. Take that for what it is worth (not much just 1 person’s opinion like everyone else here, we are talking about art aren’t we). I do wonder if Eminem and Madonna are kindred spirits (never thought about it, but isn't she from Detriot too?). Hell, Madonna will also stand the test of time for being a brilliant marketer as well as being brilliant in surrounding herself with talented musicians/mixers (result = some high quality songs). Does not make her a musical genius, but surely means something more than being a production team’s byproduct (Brittany, New Kids, etc).
as or RIGHT NOW the best is not Eminem not 50 not J-z the best rapper out now . . . .for PURE ENTERTAINMENT VALUE is LUDA!!!! His videos are hylarious and his rhymes are supatight LUDACRIS . . . the BEST OF NOW Rocket River South side representin'
Great point, Ludacris is a great entertainer, but you don`t think Eminem is entertaining millions of white suburban kids across the country... ?
I think they are both entertaining millions of kids (white, black, etc.) across the country ~ which is what it's really all about anyways.
