We're only a few short days away from December 21st, 2012. For years, many have speculated that the Mayans predicted on this date, the world will end. We at the Weekly are somewhat divided on the topic, but when it comes to the end of the world, it's much better to be safe than sorry. That in mind, we've assembled a list of the five best rap songs to help you prepare for a potential looming apocalypse.
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5. E-40 – “Practice Lookin' Hard” 1993
40 Water's nationwide break-out single “Practice Lookin' Hard” sees the MC mix subtle insight into a complex flow for a song that rewards repeat listens like few others. At one point, he points out how we're living “in the last days” and offers a few suggestions toward both being intimidating as well as salvaging a peaceful society a midst a time of turmoil. The video features both Tupac Shakur and Boots of The Coup in the same shot, so if they can unite behind a song's message, it must be one worth heeding.
4. 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre – “California Love” 1996
Suppose this weekend comes and we're all flung into a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the best parties in the aftermath of such an entire societal collapse will likely be in California. Of course, I'm basing this entirely on the Hype Williams directed video for 2Pac and Dr. Dre's “California Love.” Inspired by the Mad Max trilogy, if widespread destruction allows for the return of fashionable chain mail, it can't be all bad.
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3.Busta Rhymes – “Turn It Up / Fire It Up” 1997
Busta Rhymes has spent his entire career being considered an artist who was years ahead of his time. So much so, in fact, that he was of the belief that the world was going to end at midnight once we entered the year 2000. Yes, Bus-a-bus spent the early part of his career ticking down to the fateful moment, but perhaps he was just 12 years too early. If so, look no further to make apocalypse plans than his “Turn It Up / Fire It Up” video. This song may have also inspired the theory held by some of us at the Weekly that the Mayans were, in fact, counting down to a time when the bulk of songs on the Billboard charts would be made from sampling the “Knight Rider” theme.
2. El-P featuring Cage – “Habeas Corpses” 2007
If you've ever read the word “dystopian” used in a rap review, chances are it was in reference to an entry in MC/producer El-P's catalog. Largely inspired by sci-fi author Philip K. Dick, a technology-riddled bleak doomsday pessimism is oft-present in his work. Suppose intergalactic overlords somehow get involved with our species post-12/21/12, let his 2007 collaboration with Cage “Habeas Corpses” serve as your go-to relationship guide.
1. B. Dolan – “Kitchen Sink” 2010
For most of us, if civilization collapses on Saturday, it's likely we won't leave the house for a while. Giving us the ins-and-outs of being a shut-in is Strange Famous Records' own B. Dolan. On “Kitchen Sink,” Dolan gives us the harrowing yet at times darkly comedic character study of someone determined to not leave their home for any reason. Who says a house party can't be a party of one?
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