There’s nothing I love more than an alternative song with a few rap-esque lines overlayying parts of the chorus. Rap, I’ll admit, is a little hard to listen to when by itself, but when combined with some whiney Patrick Stump-ish voice, it can definitely make a song. And this is where my love of rap-rock fusion was born. :) And now, I write a list of the best rap overtones out there.

Linkin Park: Overall, I think Linkin Park is hugely overrated. The lyrics are weak and predictable (excusing “Shadow Of The Day” which I have truly grown fond of) and even so, lead vocalist, Chester Bennington (who when tries to scream has a voice sickeningly close to that of Spongebob Squarepants) can hardly deliver them. They’re whiney, annoying, and way over-played. The only thing that saves them for me is the itnricate piano melodies and Mike Shinoda’s talent for rap overlaying. This guy (as proven in a New Orleans showing 3 years ago) has proven he actually sounds much better solo. And as much as I dislike Linkin Park, I’ll gladly admit that Shinoda got skill. Kudos to you my friend!

Gorillaz: Although often thought of as a one-hit wonder (thanks a lot “Feel Good Inc.”) if you ever get a chance to listen to their break-through album “Demon Days” you’ll realize they’re really quite good. Some filler songs genuinally get on my nerves, but there is  true standout the depicts their full potential. “November Has Come” has intricate rap verses with bluesy 1950’s Jazz-ish choruses. The lyrics send a message and the melody is catchy without being annoying. One song so good, it will forever put them as one of my top picks. “Dirty Harry” has an incredible loop of loud, angry rap from time frame 2:10 until the end of the song. “Dare” is another purchasable song. The whole song is mostly a high pitched voice overtoned with a spooky, arabic flow in the back along with rap tibbits overflowing into the chorus. So even though these guys have flown under the radar, they’re definitely worth checking out.

Gym Class Heroes: It’s impossible not to fall in love with these guys. Their songs are so hilariously simple. A remake of Supertramp’s “Breakfast In America” has flown them up and above expectation (a duet with FOB’s Patrick Stump cannot hurt). There was even some conspiculation that Stump (which is actually spelled with an H at the end, :]) would leave Fall Out Boy’s saftey net to go high flying with the catchy and charismatic Gym Class Heroes. Thankfully this was just a rumor. “Cupid’s Chokehold” which is really just a modernized version of an old classic shows their skills with sampling and rap-overlaying. And that will be what makes them famous.

Just Jack: His British Rap is just bordering irresistable. Afterall who doesn’t love a musical prodigy with a cute british accent to back it up? And although his melodies are slightly lacking, his amazing vocal range and funny, believeable and intoxicating rap overtones save the day. Overall, his persitance to be “in-your-face” has earned him a place on this exclusive yet infamous list.

It’s late and I’m having a brain fart because I know there are so many more talented rap samplers out there. Are there any major ones I’ve forgotten?

This entry was posted on Friday, October 3rd, 2008 at 1:53 am and is filed under Rap, Band Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.