A Tribe Called Quest- This is the first hip hop group I ever started listening to. I'm 22 so most people assume I don't appreciate the music that came out during what's referred to as the "golden age" of hip hop. Well they're wrong. ATCQ is not only one of my favorite groups but one of my favorite artists of all time in general. The Low End Theory is by far my favorite album by them. I love how they incorporated jazz with hip hop and I'm a fan of the mellow, chill sound ATCQ brings to the table. Rest In Peace Phife Dawg.
De La Soul- I never understood why this group is so underrated. Like...have people taken the time to actually listen to them? I suppose it was the "hippie" label and their concept of "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" that may have hurt them. Or maybe it was their more abstract sound. They came out during a time when gangsta rap was becoming more popular, especially with groups like NWA coming out with hard hitting lyrics and aggressive beats. That definitely could have been a key factor in their becoming an underrated and underappreciated hip hop group. Either way De La Soul deserves a lot more credit than they receive. 3 Feet High And Rising is a hip hop classic. This is perfect music for the vibers. De La Soul Is Dead is also heavily under appreciated.
Flatbush Zombies- Now this is a lot more of a new school choice compared to my other choices. Anybody who knows about the "Beast Coast" movement and about Pro Era has probably heard about The Flatbush Zombies. They're a little unorthodox. They do acid and smoke a lot of weed. I think their weirdness is why I love them so much. Zombie Jewice (Juice) is eccentric. Many fans of the group either love him or hate him. Personally, I love him. He's often sporting crazy colors in his hair and plays with the higher pitches in his voice. Meechy Darko has that gravelly, gritty voice and subject matter that would make most people clutch their cross necklace in horror. He straight up gives no fucks. Erick Arc Elliot (The Architect) is the one who usually produces their tracks, but don't get it twisted. He's got sicker bars and a smoother flow than a lot of people who solely rap. Combined they make a dope group. Their mixtape "Better Off Dead" is my favorite project of theirs but their debut album "3005: A Laced Odyssey" is definitely dope and something you could chill and smoke to.
