Everyone with a brain feels the same way Aaron about todays hip hop compared to before, but there is still alot of great shit to be found, you just have to look harder for it.
And I know what you mean Jasper, like those you mentionned (except I dont think I know of Rick James music, I only know him as a briilliant chappelle sketch lol). And I dont even listen to The Stones (or their genre in general) except the random showing/airing of them on tv/radio throughout the years, but I can still name several songs of theirs, funny if someone who is wearing their shirt cant. Some artists/groups are too classic/iconic to not know about some of their material.
And Aaron, thanks for reminding me of ODB, I allways listen to this unusual for him song quite regurarly hehe, "whyyyyyyyyy do youuuuuu build me up, just to leeeeeet me down"