Raps Greatest Top 3 f/ Mr. Miranda

 

Mr. Miranda goes way back when it comes to emceeing and being a huge part of Phoenix rap culture. When he's not traveling the world or rockin stages, he's hosting his Youtube show, "Just Give Me Five" where he interviews some of the most inspiring individuals form Phoenix and beyond. His history in the rap game made it a must for him to reveal his top 3 favorite rap songs of all time.

2Pac - Dear Mama

This record hits home and always makes me emotional cuz you can feel the love, pain, and appreciation  he had for his mother. Most importantly the forgiveness. Plus the production is amazing and fits the vocals perfectly.

A Tribe Called Quest - Stressed Out remix

The remix version produced by Raphael Saadiq is timeless and is one of the best Tribe joints ever! Tip and Consequence have a great back-and-forth chemistry and then Phife delivers beautifully at the end.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You

This is the ultimate hip hop anthem track and is simply perfect. From CL's bars to Pete's production,

timeless record.

 

 

Raps Greatest Top 3 f/ Jimi the Mantis Claw

 

Jimi is a man of many talents. I met this dj, producer, performer, naturalist, & hip hop connoisseur soon after I moved to Arizona in the late 90's.  I've seen Jimi get busy on many stages and he never backs down from a stimulating conversation so it was a must for us to discuss his top 3 rap songs of all time.

I've never thought about it before and it's pretty hard to choose. But off the top, I would go with.....

Gangstarr - Step In The Arena

I love the Ballin Jack sample over the Fred Wesley groove. Premier's cuts and Guru's lyrical cadence are perfect together.

MC Breed - Ain't No Future In Yo Frontin

I love the swagger in Breed's flow over the "More Bounce To The Ounce" and "Funky Worm" samples.

Freestyle Fellowship - Heavyweights

With "Heavyweights" it's the minimally raw, hard-hitting kick and snare with the boundary pushing lyrical gymnastics that gets my blood moving.

All three have beats that begin with tension, making them hyped with intensity. Intensity is a key element for good hip hop in my opinion. All three have rhymes that flow exceptionally well with unique styles and battle overtones. In my opinion each song is a good representation of East coast, Midwest, and West coast. 

Also, all three were influential to me as a youth.