If you like Ping Pong, Arrhythmia's worth the purchase. Just avoid the
"vs." album with Matthew Shipp. Shipp is amazing, but Antipop sounds like
they're taking a shit on these tracks.
Some indie picks:
cLOUDDEAD - (self title)
Dose One, Why?, Odd Nosdam and friends make some of the best music I've
ever heard. This music has amazing depth. I've heard them compared to
Boards of Canada, and can easily see why. Their last EP (The Sound of a
Handshake / This About a City) is even better, but vinyl only.
Dilated Peoples - The Platform
I don't know if these guys are still considered "underground," but this is
one of my favorite "no bullshit," straight up hip hop records.
Restiform Bodies - (self title)
This record is all over the place. From ambient drones, to new wave, to
drum 'n bass, to old school hip hop, they cover it all and manage to make
it work. Fantastic lyrics on this one, too. No battle raps here.
Classics:
Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Adam, Adam, and Mike make some incredibly forward looking hip hop with the
Dust Brothers. I can't believe this record is 14 years old.
Deltron 3030 - (self title)
Dan, Del, and Kid Koala make space age hip hop before that whole "Gorillaz"
thing.
De La Soul - Three Feet High and Rising
Despite popularizing the "hip hop skit," this is one of the greats. Their
sophomore effort (De La Soul is Dead) is also quite good.
DJ Shadow - Endtroducing...
Absolutely fantastic, if you're into the instrumental hip hop thing. If
you're into RJD2, this is essential listening (the reverse also
applies). See also: El Stew.
Wu Tang Clan - 36 Chambers
I keep waiting for them to top this. The Ghost Dog score (not the
"soundtrack") comes close.
Proceed with caution... your mileage my vary.
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