Post by @nwbt@nearerandfarther.com
So who is young and making smart ("conscious") hip-hop right now? Like, who is the modern equivalent of Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and that crowd? (If that's even a reasonable question)
@alisynthesis There's a lot of vibrancy in hip hop today. I think the "conscious"/smart label is tricky, and so is age... so I'll just focus on folks who debut'd in the late '00s or later who might have some of that lyrical quality you might want to check for along with nods to a more throwback/boom bap sound...
Saba (check his album w/No ID)
Rapsody
Skyzoo draws from and reminds me a lot of that scene
Open Mike Eagle (maybe the oldest on this list but seminal)
RAP Ferreira (fka milo -- i love Purple Moonlight Pages so much)
Defcee
Denzel Curry (his sound varies, see esp. Melt Your Eyes...)
some JID fits this bill, imo
Little Simz
noname
@nwbt YES, thank you!! Just before you posted this, I became obsessed w/ both Little Simz and Rapsody, so I can't wait to check out the rest of this list.
@alisynthesis let me know if you want album recommendations or another 10! there are also a number of folks from that period who are still really active, dropping legit late-career classics (Common, De La, Black Thought, Brother Ali, Aesop Rock)
@nwbt yeah, I definitely love all those artists and need to explore more of their recent music.
I'm definitely up for album recommendations and/or more artists if you're game! I mostly like to listen to whole albums.
@nwbt rn I'm listening to this new Rapsody album: God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops
It is SO freaking good. If you haven't heard it yet, check it out!
@nwbt also not sure if this is ultra-known, but check out what someone else in this thread just sent, it's incredible
For the above list, I'd recommend the following. hope this helps!
Saba -- From the Private Collection (w/No ID)
Skyzoo -- he has one of the best catalogs for lyrical contemporary rappers. my favorite is his "Retropolitan" with Pete Rock.
Open Mike Eagle -- his classic is often considered "Brick Body Kids..." but I really love his last few albums. Check last year's "Neighborhood Gods Unlimited" & his recent collaborative project under Previous Industries
RAP Ferreira -- fka known as milo, I'd start with Purple Moonlight Pages, then "Five to the Eye with Stars" which is almost as good (and more slept on).
Defcee -- his sound is varied. for a bit harder, go with "For All Debts..." Last year's "Other Blues" might fit your sound just a bit more, and is really really good. I wish more people knew about him.
Denzel Curry -- "Melt Your Eyes" is clearly influenced by the period you're describing, but check the Unlocked series, too
JID -- Forever Story (Mos Def/Yasiin Bey is actually on this)
noname -- Telefone and Room 25 both draw deep from the Soulquarians period
@nwbt amazing, thank you for taking the time to put these together! Can't wait to check them out next time I'm having a listening session.