400. Cypress Hill

April 26, 2022 ~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(April 2022) Episode 400 is CYPRESS HILL. An essential and foundational rap group, particularly for cross-over appeal. Their first two albums are a lot of fun: super funky and smothered in pot-hazed humor. I credit them for continuing to innovate over the years by integrating rap metal, rock, Latin beats, Indian music, etc. But it’s also a reminder, for me, that I’m just not into rap music.

Favorite album: Black Sunday

Favorite song: The Phuncky Feel One

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: it’s worth a toke for casual rap fans, and a bowl for the committed

168. Wu-Tang Clan

January 20, 2019April 11, 2020 ~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(June 2018) I have completed episode 168 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: WU-TANG CLAN. I’m not much into rap but I can dig the them for their hardcore approach, inventive lyrics, entrepreneurialism, and kung-fu ethos. I limited this episode mostly to the albums released as Wu-Tang Clan; I didn’t have the stamina for all the projects put out by the Wu-Tang collective.

Favorite album: Iron Flag

Favorite song: Bring Da Ruckus

Compared to expectations: same

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154. Public Enemy

January 19, 2019April 7, 2020 ~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

I have completed episode 154 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an band’s full discography. This edition: PUBLIC ENEMY. PE is my favorite rap act; Chuck D is my favorite rapper. Their influence cannot be overstated. They do not suffer from subtlety. And they still bring it (check out their rockin’ 2017 release).

Favorite album: It Take a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Favorite song: Fight the Power

Favorite late-period album: Rebirth of a Nation

Compared to expectations: same

71. The Beastie Boys

January 7, 2019March 31, 2020 ~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(December 2015) I have completed episode 71 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This episode: THE BEASTIE BOYS. Their worst, yet most popular, song — (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!) — turned me off to them for a decade. But I came around to love their creativity, ingenuity, attitude and diversity: rap, rock, funk, hip hop, punk … even country, reggae and mellow. And the sampling, oh my.