What's that? Hip hop without the drums? Does that exist? Is it even possible?
Well, it does exist in some form. While hip hop is almost defined by its drums, there are instances where rapping takes place over an absence of drums. Whether it's Nas kicking off his Untitled album or Outkast getting galactic on ATLiens, some cool tracks have been created without that classic boom-bap rhythm.
That isn't to say that these tracks don't have rhythm - of course they do. But the drums on the tracks listed aren't prominent, or anything close to what you would normally associate with rap music. There may be a kick drum here and there, but never anything that really carries a linear beat. Today, we're showcasing some of these tracks for your listening pleasure.
Nas - Queens Get The Money
If you do your research on drumless rap tracks, this is one of the most mentioned tracks. It's for good reason, because Nas spits some incredible bars over a looped piano bit. It's an intimate affair as the king reclaims his throne.
Nas said, "I'm over they heads, like a bulimic on a see-saw," on this one, and he's right. You could listen to this 20 times and still get something new out of it.
eat. Roc Marciano
Action Bronson & Party Supplies feat. Roc Marciano - Pouches Of Tuna
Before Bronson was Mr. Wonderful, he was releasing the Blue Chips series with Party Supplies. The introduction on the first Blue Chips was a violin-based beat that also featured Roc Marciano.
Boogie Down Productions - Necessary
Let's take it back to the old school with Boogie Down Productions. The outro song on their legendary By All Means Necessary was a spoken-word affair that stood up for the art of hip hop. Check it out:
"If all I do is play the game then I am just mediocre
We strive to be the best we can be, not to just get over
Some people say that life on a whole is serious and nothing is funny
But that's only if you base your life around competition and money
Yeah, I'm making some money, he's making some money, but none of these things are necessities
What I find to be a necessity is controlling a positive destiny
With this, money, fame, glory and credit will come in time
The people down with me know this, everyday they hear me saying rhymes
I got some friends, I got some allies like Stet and Big Daddy Kane
They know that by all means necessary that Peace is the name of this game
Whether peace by war, or peace by peace, the reality of peace is scary
But we must get there, one way or another, by all means necessary"
Jay Electronica - Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)
When Jay Electronica popped up on the scene, he was making hip hop music over film scores. It was incredible. While his fans are still awaiting new music, we can throw it back to this drumless masterpiece.
Outkast - E.T.
Outkast were heralded for their experimental tendency and next-level rhymes. Both components are totally present on "E.T.," as the duo kicks some of their sickest rhymes over an atmospheric, drumless, beat.
"Right now I'm smiling, taking advantage of this moment
Cause there might not be another soon
Holding on to memories like roller coaster handle bars
Tightly cause I'm slightly off my rocker
But to you I may appear to be your average Joe
But little do you know that even Joe got problems that he gots to joust with
Floating in this game of life despite how out of place you may feel
In this race oh you just can't quit
Ain't that a bitch that be in heat
I'm on the beat like cops
Only cultivate the stable dirt when I skeet my drops
No concentrating knocking other niggas out the box
Why? Cause in a sense see we all be kind of fly
Just can't be scared to spread your wings, head to better things
Maybe the mockingbird and nightingale they want to sing
Keeping this thing alive, to the table's what we bring
We like hailstorms and blizzards in the middle of the spring: Extraterrestrial"
2Pac feat. Nas - Thugz Mansion (Acoustic Version)
Tupac Shakur and Nasir Jones on the same track is a match made in heaven. Ironically, thug heaven is the subject of the track, of which the acoustic version is absolutely dynamite.
Saul Williams - Pedagogue of Young Gods
Saul Williams - Pedagogue of Young Gods
The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! is the name of Saul Williams' 2007 experimental hip hop album. While most of the tracks boast a dark, industrial sound, this one is pretty chill and inspiring, while keeping the intense energy looming.
RZA feat. Ras Kass - Handwriting On The Wall
When RZA turned into Bobby Digital on his 1998 solo LP, there were tons of experimental tendencies. One of the most out-there tunes was a Ras Kass-assisted cut called "Handwriting On The Wall."
Atmosphere - Guarantees
Slug flirts between singing and rapping on "Guarantees," which has a completely minimalistic beat comprised simply of guitar playing. We'd expect nothing less from the indie-minded rap group.
Tyler The Creator - Goblin
In addition to speaking with his shrink, Tyler The Creator provides his own production on Goblin's title track. There's a singular kick drum on the one, but we'll let it slide...