Ah, I've heard Noreaga's name dropped in quite a few songs over the years but never actually listened. It's always nice hearing new decent stuff. It's not surprising it's good when DJ Premier is involved.
I don't think I've heard of Binary Star but that was quite unique compared to the usual thing I would hear. My previously mentioned mate would love the sampling on it (I'm sure he's already listening to them). I can't wait to drop a few new names when I speak to him again %)
Hip-hop is so different but much more widespread today. My wee brother has just got into Eminem recently but I don't really know anything past 'The Eminem Show'. Everything he plays just seems to be Eminem shouting in the same rhythm each song. Then there's a seemingly endless conveyor belt of 'hip-hop' artists spewing from every corner with the auto-tune, shite lyrics about your wealth, and take-the-piss EPIC beats. It's kind of the same with every art form; it becomes bastardised over time. Just about all of my old favourite artists, who are still alive and recording, spout shite, too. Some have one quality album that I liked, an OK follow-up, and then devolved into writing about the materials.
I'm sure there's loads of good talent still coming about but I don't follow enough to learn about them.
