Alternative Hip-Hop

    Genre that refuses to conform to any of the traditional stereotypes of rap, blurring genres, drawing equally from funk and pop/rock, as well as jazz, soul, reggae, and even folk.

    RTJ4

    Run the Jewels: RTJ4

    These Gen Z kids don't really appreciate what hip hop is supposed to be. Says the white-guy Gen Xer. But, seriously, there's an art to it that seems to be lost in this
    uknowhatimsayin

    Danny Brown: uknowhatimsayin¿

    Danny Brown is like 2010’s version of Funkdoobiest mixed with like Ol' Dirty Bastard on acid. I was enamored with him when I first heard his insane “Stoned is the way of the
    IGOR

    Tyler, The Creator: IGOR

    I have so little reference when it comes to stuff like IGOR. It isn't really hip hop. Though maybe it is? It sounds more like DJ Shadow's Entroducing.... than it does
    Testerossa

    Yoni & Geti: Testarossa

    Testarossa is a very specific reference for males of a certain age. So is Countach. I had posters...
    Dark Comedy

    Open Mike Eagle: Dark Comedy

    A better name than Childish Gambino, Open Mike Eagle didn’t actually use a Wu-Tang Name Generator to create...
    Stakes Is High

    De La Soul: Stakes Is High

    Ah, De La’s much maligned fourth album. For some reason, people and writers have said that De La...
    Skelethon

    Aesop Rock: Skelethon

    It has to be weird being the hipster hip hop guy. I mean every rap artist wants street...
    51

    Kool A.D.: 51

    This one from the more Cuban half of Das Racist is another in a long line of mix...
    Plastic Beach

    Gorillaz: Plastic Beach

    I know the two are about as similar as salt and pepper, but I can’t help but think...
    Black Up

    Shabazz Palaces: Black Up

    Hip-hop is a tough slog sometimes. It’s about reinventing yourself or dying. Just ask 50 Cent or Coolio....