When I started school in Philadelphia, I was really into underground hip hop music and randomly stumbled upon one of the most unique lyricists in the game named The Last Emperor. Straight from West Phildelphia, the Last Emperor is unlike any rapper I have ever heard. I was truly shocked when I began listening to him because he was incredibly articulate and lyrically deep and philosophical. Speaking of life after death in the amazing song "Heaven", the Last Emperor raps about "kicking it with Sammy Davis Junior", "listening to Hendrix on guitar", and "talking politics" with Malcolm X. In the song "One Life", he speaks of a friend dying and wondering what happens after one dies. Not only are his lyrics amazing, but his production parallels that of 9th wonder by sampling many old R&B music and using amazing instruments such as the violin. In the ridiculous song (in a good way), Jungle Cats, the Last Emperor makes up a story about "the cat people" who once inhabited the earth. In Secret Wars, he sets up battles between comic book characters and hip hop legends and imitates rappers such as Common and Busta Rhymes.
Although the premise of some of his songs are out there, one can only hand it to him for being such a creative rapper. If you want to listen to hip hop songs about money, girls, and bling, The Last Emperor is not for you. One can only wonder how this nonconformist rapper is not well known. Be prepared to be shocked when you listen to one of my favorite rappers of all time!
Take a listen to some of my favorites:
Black Magic
The Great Pretender
Karma
Tiger Trail
Caravan
Take a listen to some of my favorites:
Black Magic
The Great Pretender
Karma
Tiger Trail
Caravan
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