Nerdcore Rap s a fairly new and unexplored genre. For those unaware of its charms, I shall help you out with a handy metaphor. It’s NWA, if they didn’t rap about shooting people and instead rapped about Dungeons & Dragons, computer programming and science.
Simple.
But quite strange.
But we at Downtuned think Nerdcore deserves a wider audience. Because, at least this reviewer’s mind, it’s quite good. So – for your enjoyment – the top 10 Nerdcore rap tracks EVER. (With embedded videos). In no order.
MC Chris – Fett’s Vette
Possibly the most famous nerdcore track due to its use in nerd-friendly Kevin Smith movie Zack & Miri Make A Porno, it’s a simple, catchy track about Star Wars’ favourite Mandalorian armour sporting bounty hunter – Boba Fett.
Futuristic Sex Robots – Fuck The MPAA
Sounding like an anthem for pirates and file-sharers, The Futuristic Sex Robots’ Fuck The MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) drops references to the movie Hackers and Straight Outta Compton and shows Nerdcore’s political (well – political about the Internet) side.
MC Frontalot – It is Pitch Dark
MC Frontalot is the de facto inventor of Nerdcore, is critically acclaimed and is even the star of the first Nerdcore documentary – Nerdcore Rising. It Is Pitch Dark deals with a pinnacle of nerd-dom – the retro computer game Zork. A master of wordplay and catchy as hell – MC Frontalot deserves his place at top of the Nerdcore tree.
MC Lars – Mr Raven
Proving that being a nerd can extend to literature, MC Lars mixes Edgar Allen Poe with catchy hooks and Paris Hilton sex tape references. Postmodern. Or something.
Optimus Rhyme – Autobeat Airbus
Proving that Nerdcore isn’t just dudes with computers in bedrooms, Optimus Rhyme is a full band, but that doesn’t stop them writing songs about their own band re-imagined as transforming robots…
Schaffer The Darklord – Attack Of The Clonefucker
Sitting somewhere between rap and stand-up – Schaffer The Darklord creates a song about something we’ve all thought about – having sex with your own clone. Go fuck yourself indeed.
MC Router – Buggin’ Out
See – not just a boys club! MC Router rolls with the big (read – probably fat) boys and holds her own easily, with a track about the usual nerdy pursuit – de-bugging a PC.
YTcracker – Warez Loder
A true geek gangster – YTCracker had his first taste of fame breaking into government websites for kicks. He has since ditched the crime (like a lot of ‘normal’ rappers) and now rhymes about nefarious Internet activities…
Beefy – You Can Call Me Beef
Beefy, who seems to be the most likable guy in Nerdcore, drops references incredibly quickly. I believe you get a prize if you get them all.
MC Hawking – What We Need More Of Is Science
Ever wondered what MC Hawking would sound like if he was a gangsta rapper? Wonder no more, through the power of Nerdcore!
So, enjoying Nerdcore?
Check out
Hipster Please! The Nerdcore blog
Nerdcore Rising – The Nerdcore Movie
Rhyme Torrents – The Nerdcore Resourse
13 Comments
Hmmm.
Amusing in the way that the hamster song by the Cuban Bros (?) was the first time, but surely there’s not much longevity here?
So hip hop is born out of black urban poverty and rich white kids turn it into novelty songs about the computers their parents bought them…
That is my cynical take on it. I can’t help the way I feel!
No one set down a rule hip hop had to be about urban poverty, and these day most mainstream rap focuses on mysogany and greed.
I would argure there is more lyrical and musical talent on display by MC Frontalot than, say Lil John.
Also, I think Chris, Front and Lars are on their third albums now…
Hahahaha.. This is brilliant. There went my lunch-hour…
Do you mean Lil’ Wayne?
If so – I disagree heartily…
I find the tunes funny, don’t get me wrong. But as someone who likes 80s hip hop more than what it’s turned into, this seems vogueish and throwaway.
No.
Lil ‘WHAT OK’ John.
That guy.
I’d suggest watching the nerdcore movie (it’s actually ace)to get a good look at the people behind the music…
Ok. Deal.
Lil’ Wayne is good so I’m glad you don’t mean him. Once you get past the ghastly autotuning.
The Device Has Been Modified?
no portal love…fine F*** you guys then.
Plenty of Portal love (I’ve been to both Jonathan Coulton concerts in the UK ferchristsake) – However, that isn’t quite nerdcore ‘rap’ now is it.
I”M A Dinosaurus by Former Fat Boys should be on that list.
Story of a time traveling Dinosaur, fucking awesome.
I really should have aked for some suggestions too…
Will check out that track – Cheers!
http://youtu.be/rpp_l-vehLM
Realy love MC Hawking! LOL
One Trackback
[...] to the genre — any of the tracks from Nerdcore Rising, Secrets of the Future are great.http://downtuned.net/2009/07/08/… has some good video links to various artists.There are a LOT of insider references (from the [...]