We want everyone to love hip-hop just as much as we do. That goes not only for all the brothers and sisters out there, but the grandmas, grandpas, mothers and fathers out there too!
It might not be the easiest thing to pick out a record for every family member, especially when personal preference is clouding your perception (no, your gandma won't like 2 Chainz). But this culture is eclectic, and we know it. There are tons of R&B and hip-hop records out there, so there has to be one for everybody in your family.
That's what this is all about: giving records as gifts to your close family and friends. If you're like us, and you do Christmas/Channukah shopping last minute, we've got you covered. Whether your picking an indie, deep-cut for your weird uncle or a cool and sexy record for that special somebody in your life, there's a little something for everyone here.
Give your mother Erykah Badu's 'Worldwide Underground'
Erykah Badu's third album is 11 years old this year, but it is still a timeless release. It's hip-hop enough for your mother to think she has an edge, but appropriate enough that she won't ask you "What were you thinking!?"
Give your father Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's "Piñata"
We're hoping your dad also digs Tarantino films and drops the 'f-bomb' occasionally. If this is the case, see how he digs Freddie Gibbs' street raps over Madlib's soulful production.
And if he hates it? Well, it will fit in nicely with your record collection, right?
Give your older brother Ghostface Killah's "36 Seasons"
Ghostface nailed it on his latest release, and the LP comes complete with a comic book and all. If your older brother knows what's good, he probably digs some Wu-Tang, but maybe hasn't heard this recent LP. This is the perfect gift for him.
Give your younger brother Run The Jewels "RTJ2"
He's probably angsty and always looking for cutting-edge electronc music. RTJ2 will satisfy both of those qualities as Killer Mike and El-P deliver another great project.
Bonus: use this as an opportunity to get him into Rage Against The Machine!
Give your sister The Roots' "...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin"
Sisters need to listen to something that is halfway appropriate, or they can go buy their own Nicki Minaj LP. The Roots' new record is full of broadway theatrics, hip-hop and soul that anyone could enjoy.
Give your grandma James Brown's "The Payback"
Your grandma probably hates rap music, and that's okay. It isn't made for her. However, if you want to get your g-ma in to some hip-hop, start with the basics! James Brown's The Payback has been sampled on countless records, so if she's into that, it may be an easier transition to get her in to Biggie or EPMD (who both sampled the track below).
Give your grandpa Run DMC's "Greatest Hits"
Grandpa can probably take some rap, but he probably doesn't want anything too hardcore in his old age. Everyone respects Run DMC, so the Greatest Hits would certainly get a couple rotations from g-pa.
Give your weird uncle MF Doom & Madlib's "Madvillainy"
Your weird uncle is going to dig anything that's, well, weird. MF Doom's unconventional flow matches up perfectly with Madlib's production on this critically acclaimed album, making it the perfect gift for that weirdo who's related to your parent.
Give that someone special D'Angelo's "Voodoo"
For that someone special, you need an album that keeps it real, but gets real sexy too. D'Angelo's Voodoo is the perfect choice because of its mix of hip-hop beats and soul sensibility. No mistletoe needed, just get Voodoo.
Give your best friend Kanye West's "The College Dropout"
For your best friend, you have a lot of bases to cover within a single album. It has to be a classic, to remind you of all those epic, late-nights. It has to be fun, so you can party to it. But it also has to be chill enough you can listen when ya'll are just kickin' it.
The College Dropout is the definitive album to get your best friend, with the upbeat cuts ("All Falls Down" / "Through The Wire"), the chill joints ("Slow Jamz" / "Last Call") and even those tunes that provoke 3AM deep conversation ("Jesus Walks" / "Family Business"). Kanye West probably wasn't thinking about Xmas presents when he made his debut, but this is definitely the album to cop for your best friend this holiday season!
