this idea that only undergound bores dig in the crates is kinda wrong actually. timbaland still samples (its just not the same old soul jazz funk that say, people under the stairs still use) and lots of producers still do. even on the TI album, theres loads of samples. even ludacris does. its just that yeah, its made to sound cleaner, and often has electronic layers added on top. a lot of guys just do replays of stuff they would sample (ive heard quite a few of the breaks pharrell replays himself, ditto for outkast) instead of paying out the nose for clearance. the sonics are more R&B-like than hip hop too.
on one hand, a lot of undie rap really bores the shit out of me, on the other hand, i dont know if its a bit unfair to expect everyone to do the electronic thing. hip hop is big enough for both sides, no? i mean, if its okay for rock bands to still sound more or less like its 1969 like the white stripes, why isnt it okay for rappers?
anyway, i dont wanna derail this thread, as its meant to be about grime.