What do you miss about old school hip hop music and why?

calvinj, you and I listen to some of the same stuff outside rap.  I especially like that you're into Lightning Hopkins, I think he was amazing (I was lucky enough to hear him live in the early 70's).  We've mentioned "The Revolution Will not be Televised" before.  That's a track, IMO, with some good and interesting music in the mix.  Can you point me in the direction of two or three rap or hip-hop tracks that might interest me similarly or catch my ear?  I tried one suggestion earlier today that didn't drive my monkey wild.  Had a decent chorus, I'll say that.  My jazz leanings run from Satchmo to Mahavishnu, so I don't mind something adventurous if it's out there.  Thanks for your time.

Whoa, that's a lot of tracks, thanks.  I'll jump in ASAP.

calvinj, at first I was wishing you had listed fewer tracks but now I'm glad you went beyond three. I've listened to the first five. Didn't care for the first one much at all.  Second one (if I have this right) had an interesting backing but it sounded like a loop which I didn't care for (reminded me of Philip Glass, not in a good way).  Jay Z was way more interesting, getting more in the direction I was hoping to go.  Will have to give that more listens to see if it really grabs me or not.  But #4 and #5 had me grooving, esp. Will Smith.  That must have been a big hit but somehow it was under my radar whenever it was released.  Summertime has some great stuff going on and it a great groove, looking forward to giving it another spin.  Definitely want to hear Doug E. again, too.  Unfortunately it's been a busy week but I did get the one session two nights ago.  Listened to each of the first five all the way through, one time, undistracted, with decent phones (AKG 701Q through a tube amp).  More later, and thanks again.