Is there any recent hip-hop that I'd like...?

Mmm, I have to agree with that sound, but sadly don’t know any recent bands who do what I like. :[

Buck 65
Sage Francis
DJ Format

And I really like The Streets.

I really suggest Sage Francis.

The Cool Kids- Black Mags
The Cool Kids- 88

Lupe Fiasco.

I have to plug someone from my home town: Cadence Weapon he’s got a mix of beats but is very unique and a bit electro-influenced.

Adding to jownpowell’s list would be Sixtoo and his collab with Buck65, Sebutones – all very incestuous with Sage Francis et al. though he never got as renowned as Buck65. I suppose you could toss in Aesop Rock’s earlier stuff too.

Prefuse 73 has some great laid-back beats.

Finally, though considered “old” by today’s standards (though they’re not 85ers) would be Digable Planets and the album you want to check out is Blowout Comb.

try little brother and blue scholars.

You might wanna check out www.pandora.com, it’s a great site to find new music on. Just type in a particular song/artist and it will find similar songs/artists based on beat, rhythm, vocals, genre, intrumentals, etc. etc.

I personally think www.last.fm does a much better job than pandora

And I should add The Roots.

Very smooth and clean vocals.

yeah.. the roots. listen to “seed 2.0”

I’m really fond of the album “Beauty and the Beat” by Edan. It’s really well done, funky and catchy as hell. I espcially like the track “Funky Voltron.” There’s a review for it someplace on Pitchfork.

Also, I think Jurassic Five is about as close as you’ll come for new sounds that have old school flavor. Start with the E.P. And work your way forward,

In addition to the many great suggestions above…
Jay Electronica
Wale
Atmosphere
Blu & Exile
Gnarls Barkley
DANGERDOOM
Little Brother
Immortal Technique
and anything Prince Paul touches.

Brother Ali
Zion I (different but amazing)