Science has evolved to the point where we can actually look inside the brain of underground hip-hop fans at the exact moment someone asks them what they're listening to. Let's look in:
"Hey, I really like the new Common record."
"Pssh. Common was cool in, like, '92, but ever since then he really fell off."
"Well, what are you listening to?"
Something he's never heard of. ... Something that isn't hip-hop (which hasn't been good since '88), but isn't rock (saying Radiohead is so played). ... Something I can use the term "throwback" about. ... Something with a decent single, but not very good ... .
"I'm feelin' the new 4th Avenue Jones record."
