7 mixes with tracks by “rap and rock”

"i can't control what people think. i'm not trying to manipulate people's thoughts or sentiments. i write all the time. you have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. it's machine-like how things are run now in hip-hop, and my ambitions are different."
-mos def

| my essential list of real hip hop by real rappers in it for the music and the culture, not just the paycheck and mainstream success.

where it started at! a few tracks about the 5 borough in new york city. performed by some NY MCs like Jigga, Nas, Biggie, Kool G Rap, Joel Ortiz and Papoose

Sixteen tracks including music by 2 Live Crew, Arrested Development , and Cypress Hill.

Twelve tracks including music by Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie and Brand Nubian. Playback FM plays classic old school and golden age hip-hop, in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

A Tribe Called Quest, Crooklyn Dodgers and De La Soul.

Thirty-two tracks including music by Alicia Keys, Bee Gees and Common ft John Legend.

14 thunderously-happy tracks. Happy, heavy funk, fantastically-funky hip-hop plus one tingling deep dub track called 'Rain Mind'