Common

Here are some great songs by, in my opinion, one of the best rappers nowadays when it comes to actual hip hop. One of the few rappers who still focus a lot on the message of a song. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to his lyrics. If you don't feel like listening to all of these songs, please listen at least to the first one - an older song of Common, but the lyrics are really worth gold. I don't think anyone could write a better "summary" about the evolution of hip hop!

Common - I Used To Love H.E.R.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C99iG4HoO1c

Common - The People
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7B2VgRShew

Common ft. The Last Poets - The Corner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mnKNr2Tiq8&feature=channel

Common ft. Lily Allen - Drivin' Me Wild
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Mj6wPgQso&feature=channel

Common - GO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCe1gC5VaW4&feature=channel

Oldschool songs! Check them out!

Public Enemy - Do You Wanna Go Our Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xim1TG2YF8&feature=related


Arrested Development - People Everyday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgtcTVDcjH0&feature=related


Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - The Message
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4o8TeqKhgY



These are three great oldschool rap songs. Sounds different from what you hear on the radio these days, right? I didn't like oldschool rap at first, but for some reason now I just love it. It's so authentic! The originality of it is just like a breath of fresh air in this modern world where more and more every song sounds so similar to the other one. Make sure you check out the lyrics!