We’ve been singing the praises of Ashkon’s Hottubbin’ song since we heard it months back on Jesse, Jordan GO! Since the video went up on Youtube, its gone totally viral. He’s got a new mix tape out that includes Hottubbin’ and a powerful remake of Soulja Boy’s bizarre song Crank That, entitled strangely enough Soldier Boy. If you still haven’t heard Hottubbin’, then what are you waiting for:

A couple of years ago, I was studying for the GRE and decided to make up a rap to learn the common vocabulary words found on the test. I recorded the song a while back and recently threw together a video for the song using stop motion animation and some choppy footage I took when I snuck my video camera into the library. As a public service for those who may be taking the SAT or GRE in the future, we bring you “Wordsmithin’” - a video guaranteed to teach you a new word and/or give you motion sickness. Ironically, I still haven’t applied to grad school or used one of these words in a conversation. The guys over at Flocabulary have turned educational raps into an art form, though I’m sure they’d probably have something to say about the pedagogical soundness of this video.

Read on for a full list of words in the song

People who know nothing about rap music like to say that rap music has no meaning. I’d say that is true of about 90% of what is played on the radio these days, but it was the fun and social messages in rap music that attracted me to it as a young person (which we spoke about in our last episode). These days, there are plenty of great artists who are putting out music with a message, but they just don’t get the exposure that your 50 Cents and Little Waynes get. Some great, idea-oriented artists that I’ve been listening to these days include Brother Ali, Pete Miser, and Lupe Fiasco. I thought I’d put together an all-time top-ten list of my favorite rap songs that don’t have to do with booty, bling, or bb guns. This is by no means a “well thought out” list, so let me know if you think something has been omitted etc. (Note: Links pop up into Youtube videos of the songs)

1. Trees – Dr. Octagon
2. New World Water – Mos Def
3. Stop The Violence - Boogie Down Productions
4. Keep Ya Head Up - 2Pac
5. An Open Letter to NYC – Beastie Boys
6. Minority Report – Jay-Z
7. Tennessee – Arrested Development
8. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos – Public Enemy
9. U.N.I.T.Y. – Queen Latifah
10. Hip-Hop - Dead Prez