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Chapter 172: Scenario

Alternative & comedy hip-hop

By now, Will Smith’s rap hits have been considered juvenile corn for far longer than his music career lasted. But “Parents Just Don’t Understand” is something you almost never hear in modern rap: a complete narrative. No coasting on impressionism or raw vibe, but a full story told with wit and self-deprecation, as opposed to self-loathing. (It also becomes extremely creepy after a certain late-song revelation.) The other offbeat rappers in this set approach songwriting with a similar sense of humor and a blessedly light touch.
1. Skee-Lo

I Wish

2. Beastie Boys

Hey Ladies

3. De La Soul

Me Myself And I*

4. Arrested Development

Tennessee

5. A Tribe Called Quest

Scenario

6. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Parents Just Don't Understand

7. Biz Markie

Just a Friend

8. The Pharcyde

Passin' Me By

9. Beastie Boys

Time To Get Ill

10. Geto Boys

Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta

*Not on Spotify