Your top five most underrated and overrated albums OR artists.

[Big 3rd]

It took a lot of soul searching, but I have come up with some just candidates. I really couldn't come up with the most overrated albums, but the rest are there.
After your done reading my picks, add yours.

My top 5 most underrated albums
5. The Last Meal- Snoop Dogg
To me, this album was the closest, in greatness, to Doggystyle over any other EP he put out. Funny how important it is to have "Executive Producer: Dr. Dre" on the back.

4. Aquemini- Outkast
Once again, to me, this album was not only Outkast's best album, but it is probably one of the top 5 greatest rap albums of all time. The soul that was put into this EP made it clearly surpass the classic "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik." Even though it got 5 mics in the Source and national publicity for Rosa Parks, the sales and street credit didn't match its greatness. Many of you were more concerned with how they looked instead of how much more advanced their music had become. It was this EP that I know they were growing as artists. This was one that they will NEVER top.

3. cee-lo green and his perfect imperfections- Cee-lo
When I first heard the album, it had been out 2 months already. So obviously, I'd heard no word of mouth. I was totally blew back to the point of being upset because of all the BS that is and was out at that time, I saw no reason why this album did not reach the #1 spot. To this day, many of you haven't heard it. A truly great thought provoking album. A must have.

2. Adrenaline Rush- Twista
Instant classic. This one didn't receive its just props until years later. Remember, you have to take account the greatness of the artist and the album vs. the publicity and the sales. When you take that into consideration, this one has to be included somewhere on this list because if Twista ain't a phenomenon...then who the f**k is?

1. Lost- Eightball
Oh my God! A triple CD featuring Psycho Drama, MJG, Goodie Mob, Redman, Crucial Conflict, Canibus, TooShort, Spice 1, E-40, Mystikal, Bun-B, and Busta Rhymes, produced by Tony Draper, starring Eightball!!! Are you f**kin serious?
This triple cd album, with no serious mainstream publicity, went triple platinum very, very, extremely QUIETLY!!!
Honestly it should've went 10x platinum at least. The only thing missing was Pac and Big. But, you could just press play and let both cds play without hitting the skip button once. To me, this was the GREATEST multi-cd rap album of all time. Yes, even over All Eyes on Me and Life After Death.

My top 5 most underrated rap artists
5. Yukmouth
Great MC whos lyrics and albums get overlooked all the time.

4. Bun-B
Why the hell ain't this guy in 50s place? He should've been blown up a lot larger than what he has. I mean... every time he is featured on an other artists song, he murders them. I think his unwillingness to do go solo and get bigger and better producers on his team is what has held him from his potential success.

3. Busta Rhymes
He is the TRUE definition of hip hop.
Delivery: Cold....
Lyrics:Colder...
Performance and presence:probably the Coldest
A complete warrior at the mic yet his hits have no staying power. IMO he gets overlooked way too much. Top 10 Greatest, baby.

2. Canibus
Yes, his beats, albums, and even sometimes hooks suck open ass. But his lyrical skill is virtually...............UNMATCHABLE. He's not the strongest at song topics or even making hits that make the women wanna shake that ass but with all those flaws as an artist, he has to be something special to make it to #2 on my list.
Some of the lines he come up with are just unreal. I just wished he had hooked up with one of the top producers. Maybe they could have made the most out of his talent.

1. Cee-lo
The complete artist. Dominant lyrically, extremely creative vocally, and his best virtue is his versatility. He goes places none would dare to go and even if they did, they still couldn't match his greatness. He really made it hard for the industry to market him properly. His image is one of kind and he is far ahead of his time. When the industry decide to present more versatile, complete, and extremely talented artists like Cee-lo, the industry will surely be on a fast recovery.

My top 5 most overrated artists
5. P. Diddy
No Biggie.....Who's Puffy? It's kinda like Emmitt Smith being the all time rushing champ...Ok..but would that be the case if Barry Sanders stayed in the game? You can't even say "most likely not." No. Definitely NOT. It's a fact. Nuff said.

4. dfegad Nelly
Can someone tell me how this wack ass SOB have the nerve to have beef with KRS1? He is definitely on my top 10 wackest rappers list. No disrespect intended but if you like Nelly you should start buying boxers instead of panties.

3. 50 Cent
First, imagine you never heard of 50 cent and you don't know any of his songs.
Ok... imagine 50 in front of you with no music, no Eminem, no Dr. Dre, no G-Unit.
Ok... now imagine him rappin some of his verses to you.
Now....honestly.....Do you still think he is sweet?
Nuff Said!!!

2. Tupac
Alright, before you have a heart attack, hear me out.
After Pacs death many claimed him to be the greatest rapper of all time.
Now think about all the greats. Now of all those greats, don't you think the GREATEST OF ALL should not continuously contridict himself; should he continuously use the same phrases and rotate the same topics; should he only rap in one style, tone, speed, and type of delivery? No, well Tupac did all these things very often. Honestly, I was all Tupaced out by Makevali. I eventually started listening to his albums for the different beats. I mean how many times can you hear about him thinkin death is near and the words " Henessyeee, and cemetaryeee and my enemyeeee!" Damn, it's like it's one long song. Now don't get me wrong he did versatile things here and there but he recycled a lot of his lyrics. So to sum it up....Tupa Shakur was great BUT NOT THE GREATEST!!!

1. Master P
Only thing I can say about this is ...........SHAME ON YALL!!!
If you really want the true breakdown of this guy, read my thread http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php3?t=40022

Can't wait to read your lists. Holla back.

[deuc647]

5 most overrated artists:

5) Fat Joe
4)50 Cent
3)mike jones
2)lil flip
1)KANYE WEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 most underrated artists:

5) Rass Kass
4)Chino XL
3) Xzibit
2)AZ
1) tha clipse

[rickrock305]

# 1 most overated album...Kanye west-Late Registration.

#1 most underated album...Big L-The Big Picture

[littledoodler]

Digable Planets Blowout Comb stands as the most underrated to me.

[djui5]

Originally Posted by Captain Jack

Okay so why are almost all underrated/over rated artist HipHop artists? Whatcha trying to say?

Captain,
If you're going to fly this ship...you outta know your bearings correct?

This is the hip/hop forum of the site.....


"Dammit Jim, I'm giving her all she's got"

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

# 1 most overated album...Kanye west-Late Registration.

#1 most underated album...Big L-The Big Picture

you know... I've never heard that Big L album, but I've heard many say that it was a great piece of work.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by deuc647

5 most overrated artists:

5) Fat Joe
4)50 Cent
3)mike jones
2)lil flip
1)KANYE WEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 most underrated artists:

5) Rass Kass
4)Chino XL
3) Xzibit
2)AZ
1) tha clipse

THE CLIPSE? Are you talking about the "all we talk about is sellin dope" Clipse?
With their lack of topic versatility, there is no way in hell The Clipse should be #1.

Xzibit can rap, that's for sure. I think his voice is tight but he uses it as a crutch...meaning... his style and format of his verses rarely changes... no matter the topic, he still sounds like he's going to rip somebody's head off.
Deuc647, ya gotta take these things into account.

Kanye is a good one. Mmmm...considering the hype he's getting vs his actual greatness...mmmmmm...uses samples all the time...mmm... raps FAIRLY well... mmm...makes GREAT songs...a very, very, very good producer, yet not GREAT, yet...mmm.. but his publicity makes it seem like he's the new Quincy Jones or Dre, I guess he belongs on this list. I don't know about #1 though.

[jonnyclueless]

The fact that 2pac would even be in a top 5 of over rated hiphop artists is just sad. Sure he had predictability, but he had one thing pretty much no commercial rappers have today. Talent. God forbid should any of em have any timing or have anything to say other than advertisements for marketers. Evenin the underground scene he is well respected.

No offense meant, even thought there is no non-offensive way to show it. I just think there are at least 1000 others I can think of who are way more over rated than him. He was one of the few who's hype (which started long before he died) was somewhat justified. A rarety these days.

[AnthonyV]

I have a vote for most underrated - Tech9

[ttauri]

I'll just put my underrated vote behind Devin The Dude, especially the first solo LP.

Peece,
T. Tauri

[Stoneface]

8 Ball-Lost....couldn't agree more. This record you could re-release today and it would still go platinum. GREAT RECORD! One of the best records of ALL TIME! (Wish he could do it again )

Tupac, overrated? I don't even know how to respond to a comment like that. Not to start any silly fueds but I've always believed BIG was overrated. First album classic..second album...well...it was ok. Wish he'd been here long enough to find out if he could match the hype.

TechN9ne? He's not underrated....I think he's rated right where he should be. No where! If he had stayed true to how they all started out he might have had a worthy fan base to build from. Now all he's got are the skateboarders and the little highschool chicks. He did it to himself...but with all that said...he'll remain a KC legend forever. Props for opening many doors to us.

Devin the Dude....hella underated. Can't understand how he's not a megastar by now with his sharp tounge, clever delivery and great story telling abilities.

To me, most over rated of all time.....The Wu Tang Clan.
Most underated.....Twista Lyrically the illest MC ever. Noone can compete.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by jonnyclueless

The fact that 2pac would even be in a top 5 of over rated hiphop artists is just sad. Sure he had predictability, but he had one thing pretty much no commercial rappers have today. Talent. God forbid should any of em have any timing or have anything to say other than advertisements for marketers. Evenin the underground scene he is well respected.

No offense meant, even thought there is no non-offensive way to show it. I just think there are at least 1000 others I can think of who are way more over rated than him. He was one of the few who's hype (which started long before he died) was somewhat justified. A rarety these days.

I knew it was coming....

First off, Pac was great. Pac had much talent. Yes, I completely and totally agree.
I never said he didn't . But here is where you are going wrong and moreover, confusing yourself.
First, if we are strictly talking about being the greatest of all time then we are ONLY considering the greats. Now watch this..WE ARE NOT COMPARING THE GREATS WITH THE WACK AND UNTALENTED ARTISTS THAT HAVE SEEM TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE CRACKS. OK!!!

Good... now...
Since we understand that we are ONLY comparing 2pac to the other greats of hip hop, we have to recognize that many, many, many people claimed him to be the greatest of all time. I will give Pac this... He was the REALEST rap artist of all time. He spoke, rapped, screamed, expressed, and acted upon WHAT HE TRULY FELT IN HIS HEART, with no hesitations or second thoughts. Real shit. Even if he felt he was wrong about what he spoke, rapped, and screamed about, he would express that too. Yes, that is greatness.
As far as his cleverness, delivery, metaphors, style, tone, versatility, performance, topics, hooks, ability to rap at various speeds, and all out way with words, HE WAS NOT THE GREATEST. Nas, Eminem, and Biggie had more cleverness. Andre and Cee-lo had more versatility. Hell Busta Rhymes, alone, has much more performance, style, AND delivery. Even you said Pac was predictable.
So how the hell can he be the greatest if he fails one of the most crucial aspects of being greatest at his art. Well it goes back to the question: why did I put Pac on this list? BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN OVER 7 YEARS SINCE HIS DEATH, AND HE IS STILL CLAIMED TO BE THE GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME.
This is an extreme case. His face is STILL everywhere. He sold millions AFTER his death, more than he sold when he was alive. So yes there are many that I could have put in Pacs place, but IMHO the publicity he gets vs. his actual skill and talent as a rap artist is EXTREMELY OVERRATED and probably should be in the #1 spot.

Nuff Said.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by ttauri

I'll just put my underrated vote behind Devin The Dude, especially the first solo LP.

Peece,
T. Tauri

DEFINITELY.
I'm with you on that. I almost put him on my list.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by Stoneface

8 Ball-Lost....couldn't agree more. This record you could re-release today and it would still go platinum. GREAT RECORD! One of the best records of ALL TIME! (Wish he could do it again )

Tupac, overrated? I don't even know how to respond to a comment like that. Not to start any silly fueds but I've always believed BIG was overrated. First album classic..second album...well...it was ok. Wish he'd been here long enough to find out if he could match the hype.

TechN9ne? He's not underrated....I think he's rated right where he should be. No where! If he had stayed true to how they all started out he might have had a worthy fan base to build from. Now all he's got are the skateboarders and the little highschool chicks. He did it to himself...but with all that said...he'll remain a KC legend forever. Props for opening many doors to us.

Devin the Dude....hella underated. Can't understand how he's not a megastar by now with his sharp tounge, clever delivery and great story telling abilities.


To me, most over rated of all time.....The Wu Tang Clan.
Most underated.....Twista Lyrically the illest MC ever. Noone can compete.

WuTang? ABSOLUTELY. They almost made it on my list but the money and publicity that Master P got was out the gate.

Twist is another good one.

[Offender]

Originally Posted by Stoneface

To me, most over rated of all time.....The Wu Tang Clan.
Most underated.....Twista Lyrically the illest MC ever. Noone can compete.

A very stupid comment. Twista 'lyrically' is the not the 'illest' MC ever. He is not even the type of MC you'd go to for lyrics. His lyrical content is hidden by his crazy flow. Flow wise...yes he is one of the illest....but not my cup fo tea at all. A one trick pony.

If we are talking about the most underated 'ill' MC, it would have to be Ill Bill. Standard!

[AnthonyV]

Originally Posted by Stoneface

TechN9ne? He's not underrated....I think he's rated right where he should be. No where! If he had stayed true to how they all started out he might have had a worthy fan base to build from. Now all he's got are the skateboarders and the little highschool chicks. He did it to himself...but with all that said...he'll remain a KC legend forever. Props for opening many doors to us.

Do you mean "If he had stayed true to how they all started out" from a musical/artistic standpoint? Or you mean his attitude or whatever?

Just curious is all. I'm no hip-hop aficionado myself and don't claim to be, I'm an old school metal-head actually. But I loved Anghellic (Absolute power was decent) and thought he was one of the more creative and imaginative rappers out there who is not affraid to try new things. And the dude can straight flow. Also, one of the few rappers I've seen live that could actually "wow" an audience with his flows. He brought a lot to the stage, huge presence vs. say Eminem who can flow like a madman but he was boring live and had little stage presence. Great songwriter though, except for his last CD.

peace,
Ants

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by Offender

A very stupid comment. Twista 'lyrically' is the not the 'illest' MC ever. He is not even the type of MC you'd go to for lyrics. His lyrical content is hidden by his crazy flow. Flow wise...yes he is one of the illest....but not my cup fo tea at all. A one trick pony.

I kinda feel you Offender. However... Twista's ONE skill is so over the top that no one can touch him. Kinda like Shaq.
But I agree, he is not the illest lyricist but he is the ILLEST at the flow.

[rickrock305]

Originally Posted by Big 3rd

you know... I've never heard that Big L album, but I've heard many say that it was a great piece of work.

go buy it RIGHT NOW!!!! You won't be disappointed.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

go buy it RIGHT NOW!!!! You won't be disappointed.

Alright! I gotta check it out now. Thanks man. I'm hit you back personally if it's the shit.

[rickrock305]

Originally Posted by Big 3rd

Alright! I gotta check it out now. Thanks man. I'm hit you back personally if it's the shit.

let me know what you think either way.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

let me know what you think either way.

Hey man I checked it out briefly on msn/entertainment/music.
He definitely could rap. The beats were just ok for me, too east coasty. I like my beats a little more musical and less sampled. But I do have to take in consideration that fact that I skimmed through it. I did give each song about a good 90 sec.
But from what I heard, I probably wouldn't buy that album.

[ghosttt]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

# 1 most overated album...Kanye west-Late Registration.

#1 most underated album...Big L-The Big Picture

i agree kanyes album. was blah...

sean price for underated... boot camp is nuts.

i think tupac is still one of the nicest. you felt him. i mean you could listen to him
and feel the pain or joy he was going thru. there is far and few between you can say that about today. skill wise he was him, he wasn't someone who had mad flows but he got his point across like no one in the game still to this day.

wu tang underated thought they kinda strayed from there original sound, and got a little too crazy at times for my taste.

buckshot highly underated.
imortal technique also underated
dead prez underated.

50 is garbage. so is most of this shit they play on the radio these days.
i think this chingy charecters gotta go.
its sad to see people making money and ltos of it off this garbage. (dont flame me theres are my opinions) got come on, right thur??! come on.. what happened to actually thinking about lyrics. like wow you believe he just said that?! figurin the shit out for a day or 2.. today hip hop leaves nothing to the imagination. or just plain dumbs down. its wack. cats better start thinking of a new way to get radio play more broad or this love of ours is going to become the next disco...done. after the corporates get there hands on it and wring it for what its worth, kill the vibe and creativity make cookie cutter music and pretty soon everyones done. thats what corporations do, they eat up the profits and spit out the bones..

although i gotta admit i like young jeezys voice alot.

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by Offender

A very stupid comment. Twista 'lyrically' is the not the 'illest' MC ever. He is not even the type of MC you'd go to for lyrics. His lyrical content is hidden by his crazy flow. Flow wise...yes he is one of the illest....but not my cup fo tea at all. A one trick pony.

If we are talking about the most underated 'ill' MC, it would have to be Ill Bill. Standard!

The only "stupid" comment here is you calling someone elses opinion stupid. You're probably just a little slow so it's probably hard for you to decipher the content of the lyrics. It's ok, I hear Hooked On Phonics actually works. Maybe you should give it a try.

Do you mean "If he had stayed true to how they all started out" from a musical/artistic standpoint? Or you mean his attitude or whatever?

Just curious is all. I'm no hip-hop aficionado myself and don't claim to be, I'm an old school metal-head actually. But I loved Anghellic (Absolute power was decent) and thought he was one of the more creative and imaginative rappers out there who is not affraid to try new things. And the dude can straight flow. Also, one of the few rappers I've seen live that could actually "wow" an audience with his flows. He brought a lot to the stage, huge presence vs. say Eminem who can flow like a madman but he was boring live and had little stage presence. Great songwriter though, except for his last CD.

I'm not saying he hasen't laced some nice tracks from time to time but he got a taste of the "techno" type fans and left all the KC street stuff behind. As far as KC is concerned (at least those I talk to) he sold out, tryed to change his whole formula to be something he wasen't and now he's screwed. You can't ever get that back. Besides, anyone who can work with someone like Quincy Jones and not create a hit...sorry bro...you don't got what it takes. It's kind of a double edge sword for me...he has talent, no doubt...and as I said, he will always be a legend in KC but I think he's just misguided or something. Maybe if he would just put the REAL techn9ne on wax and drop all the pretending, he could have a chance. Through all my shit talk, I still wish him the best...after all, he's still from the Midwest.

[jonnyclueless]

I certianly wouldn't say eminem and Biggie are better than 2pac. Maybe in the same ball game though. Eminem and 2Pac are pretty much the same in a way. They both came out with an original style and a forumla that was awsome. However, Eminem was worn out his formula just like 2pac did. I would say that back when 2pac was at his peak, he was overrated. but now on the grand scheme of things, I would not. I would sooner say Eminem is now over rated. Even though I would much rather hear his over used formula over 99% of all the other current commercial rappers.

And don't think you can scare me with those big fonts! (joke)

[XHipHop]

Pharoah Monch = underrated.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by jonnyclueless

I certianly wouldn't say eminem and Biggie are better than 2pac. Maybe in the same ball game though. Eminem and 2Pac are pretty much the same in a way. They both came out with an original style and a forumla that was awsome. However, Eminem was worn out his formula just like 2pac did. I would say that back when 2pac was at his peak, he was overrated. but now on the grand scheme of things, I would not. I would sooner say Eminem is now over rated. Even though I would much rather hear his over used formula over 99% of all the other current commercial rappers.

And don't think you can scare me with those big fonts! (joke)

Read what I wrote over again. You are completely misinterpreting me.
I never said Em and Biggie were better than Pac. I said and I quote, "Nas, Eminem, and Biggie had more cleverness. Andre and Cee-lo had more versatility. Hell Busta Rhymes, alone, has much more performance, style, AND delivery."
Does that sound familiar?Great.
I disagree with the Em and Pac comparison. Pac was not great when he first entered the national scene. He eventually grew into his greatness. Em was great out the gate. But he had to be. He was white in a black founded and dominated art. I do agree with you though on one thing. Ems formula has been cracked, figured out, and becoming a little tiresome now. I think it's time for him to reinvent himself.

[3rd world order]

36 chambers is excellent.. Iron Flag is good.. gotta love RZA, Meth, & ODB and I also like dancehall quite a bit.. Bounty Killer and Ninjaman. I also like old Ice Cube.. Down for Whatever.. Wicked.. Had to tear this Mutha****a up.. One Nation Under a Groove

you cats ever heard of a NY band called Hawd Gangsta Rappers MCs wit Ghats? it's kinda like the illest Beastie Boy nightmare on crack.. Hello, don't be afraid..

If you can't afford the hard stuff, this'll make up for it..

overrated??? Usher & R.Kelly.

[Big 3rd]

Originally Posted by 3rd world order

36 chambers is excellent.. Iron Flag is good.. gotta love RZA, Meth, & ODB and I also like dancehall quite a bit.. Bounty Killer and Ninjaman. I also like old Ice Cube.. Down for Whatever.. Wicked.. Had to tear this Mutha****a up.. One Nation Under a Groove

you cats ever heard of a NY band called Hawd Gangsta Rappers MCs wit Ghats? it's kinda like the illest Beastie Boy nightmare on crack.. Hello, don't be afraid..

If you can't afford the hard stuff, this'll make up for it..

overrated??? Usher & R.Kelly.

Usher? questionable

R. Kelly? singing, maybe, but as a producer...he is one of the best.

[ozzborn]

hear me out

to me there is no one best, just best of.

im not saying that 50 is the best lyrical m.c. but he has the best hooks in the industry.

again what the hell was nelly thinking when he dissed the teacher.

as a producer my job is to put together the best song. if the track is fire,and the hook is fire,and the m.c. has a nice flow in my opinion thats 85% of the song.

imo a great verse does not equal a great song.

[Offender]

Originally Posted by Stoneface

The only "stupid" comment here is you calling someone elses opinion stupid. You're probably just a little slow so it's probably hard for you to decipher the content of the lyrics. It's ok, I hear Hooked On Phonics actually works. Maybe you should give it a try.

I don't even think you listen to Hip Hop. You know jack shit about the MC side of the music. Being a good 'lyricist' is also about how you EXPRESS the message your trying to get across. I can't hear alot of what twistas says...mainly because I have no interest in taking the time to listen to what he says. So basically, If you express your lyrics in a way people can connect with and relate to, you become a good lyricist. A true 'ill' poetic-lyricist doesnt only think about the words he's writting...but the way he's going to perform them. This is why so many people hail 2pac as one of the greatest.

Sure twista might have great lyrical content...but even twist himself would tell you he's no poetry rapper. He writes lyrics with the FLOW and rhythem in the front of his mind. His aim is to get you hyped up and hypnotised by the rhythem. The dude has serious talent.

So by the looks of things, you are the Stupid one.....and rightfully so.