Well I wanna jump right in it, so lemme just catch ya’ll up with hip-hop of 2011. Here are my favorite albums of this year (with iTunes links to the albums):
1. Tyler, the Creator: “Goblin”
On one of my personal favorite songs (Tron Cat), one of the very last ab-libs is “What.. The. Fuck.” That’s the way I would describe this album. People either love it or hate it. I personally think that “Goblin” is one of the most influential albums of the last few years. This dude comes off as one of the most unstable rappers since early Eminem with lines like “Fuck coke, I’m sniffing Hitler’s ashes.” But this album has more sides than just the problems of an angry 17-year-old, Los Angeles rapper. “Her” shows his youth, as he tries to deal with a crush while being an egotistical and insecure teenager. Other songs, such as the self-titled “Goblin”, show the problems of being a youthful rapper dealing with sudden fame. It’s what sets Tyler away from other rappers. He states whatever is on his mind. “Goblin” proves that he’s more than a devil-worshiping upstart artist; Tyler’s a teenager facing an onslaught of emotions from growing up.
Favorite Song: Tron Cat
2. Tech N9ne: “All 6’s & 7’s”
“All 6’s & 7’s” marks the breakthrough for Tech. And it’s well deserved; he’s the bestselling unsigned artist of all time. The album is mostly produced by longtime collaborator Seven (who also produces a majority of XV’s discography). Of course, it features typical Tech Nina songs (such as “Ya Killin Me”). But “All 6’s & 7’s” is by far his most diverse album as Tech steps out of his comfort zone by collaborating with mainstream artists such as Lil Wayne, Twista, Busta Rhymes or T-Pain. “Worldwide Choppers” is perhaps the most unusual song. It features dizzying rhymes from a worldwide roster of rappers, from Turkey to India. Not to mention, Tech lays down one of his best verses to date, using 3 different flows & pitches on his verse. The album ends with “Mama Nem”, where Tech makes a touching dedication to his Mom.
Favorite Song: So Lonely
3. Kendrick Lamar: “Section.80”
Fresh off of releasing the best album of 2010 (Overly Dedicated), K. Dot comes back with “Section.80.” Although the album has no outstanding songs, it’s a lot more cohesive than his first effort. The album is backgrounded by a smooth, but diverse set of instrumentals. The clear highlight is “HiiPower” which discusses various issues with the current economy. Kendrick states “Who says a black man in the illuminati, last time I checked that was the biggest racist party.” Being the first to bring up the illuminati in a song, he ridicules the theory that many rappers are devil-worshipers. It’s exactly what you would expect from the Black Hippy member; it's a conscious album with current connections to daily living. The only issue I have is that his choruses suck (“Too many bitches, not enough hoes” doesn’t cut it after a verse about tearing up a deal from Dr. Dre)
Favorite Song: Hol’ Up
4. Joe Budden: “Mood Musik 4.5 - EP”
If you haven’t already purchased “Mood Muzik 4” then please do so. 4.5 essentially adds as an extra few songs to the album. I’m a huge slaughterhouse fan so it was fine by me. Emanny adds strong hooks onto two of the songs. My personal favorite is “Downfall” which serves as Budden’s apology to God and his fans for his mistakes. It’s a great EP and definitely a good introduction to Joe. (Sorry I don't have the iTunes link. It's been removed or something)
Favorite Song: Downfall
5. Schoolboy Q: “Setbacks”
“Setbacks” serves as the Black Hippy (Jay Rock, Q, Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar) member’s introduction to the music industry. There are a lot of songs to spark up to (“IBETIGOTSUMWEED” and “Light Years Ahead”). “Cycles” shows how the upbringing turned a troubled child into a gangbanger. One of favorite songs of the year (Fantasy) features a soft, shiver-inducing chorus from the beautiful Jhene Aiko and croonings from Schoolboy. “Setbacks” is a perfect representation of the Compton rapper as he shows his best work to date.
Favorite Song: Fantasy
6. Talib Kweli: “Gutter Rainbows”
Fresh off of releasing the sub-par sequel to Black Eternal with Hi-Tek, Talib comes back with a more underground solo album. The first single “Cold Rain” is a real New York anthem that features a jazzy beat from Ski Beats. Other highlights include “Tater Tot”, being a track about war stories. But best of all, it features two verses from the best female MC in the game: Jean Grae! (she kills them both)
Favorite Song: Tater Tot
7. Rick Ross Presents MMG: “Self Made Volume 1”
Meek Mill, Wale, and Pill come together with Rick Ross to form MMG. It’s a very hot and cold album. The only reason I loved it so much, was because of Wale. He took a brief absence from the game, but returns better than ever on “Self Made.” To be honest, the only songs I like were the ones he had verses on… Luckily that’s more than half the album! “Rise” features a whole bunch of young rappers (CyHi Da Prince, Pill, Wale & Curren$y). “600 Benz” is another highlight because Wale and Jadakiss GO IN. “That Way” is perhaps the best song of the year. Jeremih sings perhaps one of the best hooks of the year, and Lex Luger completely switches it up by creating a soft joint for cruising. And of course, Wale shines with two smooth verses for the ladies.
Favorite Song: That Way
8. Lil B: “I’m Gay”
What isn’t controversial about this guy? The only way to understand his music is to know his background. Originally he was a member of The Pack (remember Vans?!). He started his solo career by releasing a HUGE amount of music on over 100 different MySpace accounts and on YouTube. Based God comes off as extremely unintelligent with thoughtful titles for songs such as “Hoes on my dick, cuz I look like Ellen DeGeneres.” Based God knows that controversial music will catch on, and next thing you know he’s on the front cover of XXL without any big co-sings. It’s one of the smartest business plans of all time; make shitty music to generate attention. People are gullible enough to look at him even though they hate his music. While searching through they find songs that are actually halfway decent (The trap Link) and become fans (I fell for it!) His album looks like another cry for attention, and it might be. But it’s more likely that he’s trying to disprove a status quo. The Oakland rapper states “its music for the happy. I’m straight too!” And guess what? The album lives up to it. Each song is extremely uplifting, and Based God shows his full potential. Sure, this album wouldn’t be amazing for other rappers (Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Raekwon..). But you have to like this self-produced album for two reasons. One, Lil B shows how words in the English literature, such as “Gay”, can be completely twisted into derogatory meanings. But second off, it shows how he fooled the world into thinking he’s the next Soulja Boy. Lil B “the BasedGod” is like no other.
Favorite Song: Gon Be Okay
9. Curren$y: “Weekend at Burnies”
Hands down the biggest workhorse in the game, Spitta returns with an album completely produced by Monsta Beats. It’s definitely not at the level of “Pilot Talk”, “Pilot Talk 2”, or “Covert Coup” with The Alchemist. But most are in typical Curren$y fashion: songs about burning doobies and ridin’ round in the whip. “She Ain’t Got a Man” marks one of Spitta’s best songs to date. It’s the closest thing were gonna get to a real conscious song from him. The New Orleans native spits various stories about women leaving their men for his upbeat lifestyle. The concept is simple but he really runs with it and makes an outstanding track. I would buy the whole album because it’s solid, but it’s not even close to his best.
Favorite Song: She Ain’t Gotta Man
10. Big Sean: “Finally Famous”
G.O.O.D. music member Big Sean finally puts out his debut album after 4 years of preparation. It’s a real relief considering his last mixtape “Finally Famous 3” really sucked. But the album lives up to the hype and Sean finally makes a lasting imprint to the mainstream. I feel like he’s gonna have a really long and successful career without being really that talented. His pattern of punch line after punch line is catchy but can get repetitive. The Detroit native switches it up enough so that he has a few different rhyme patterns on the album. Obviously most have heard “My Last” which will be joined at the top of the charts by “Marvin & Chardonnay (feat. Kanye West & Roscoe Dash)” and “High (feat. Wiz Khalifa & Chiddy Bang).” The best part is that No I.D. mostly produces the album!
Favorite Song: Celebrity
These are the albums that I liked, but not enough to make the top ten. I’m not gonna go in depth with these albums as much. Here’s my Honorable Mention:
Dom Kennedy: “From the Westside, With Love II”
I personally don’t like Dom all that much, considering he isn’t lyrically all that great. But this was his best work in my opinion. It really had the chill and laidback LA sound to it. “2 MPH” features an awesome Big K.R.I.T. verse and pretty dope beat. “Dream to Me” had some of the weirdest lyrics I’ve ever heard. He blatantly states, “I wish I was a chair”..? On a different note, I don’t know why they didn’t include this song: Hennessey beach link
Favorite Song: Dream to Me
The Cool Kids: “When Fish Ride Bicycles”
This was a follow up to their impressive “The Bake Sale.” It has the typical boom-bap sound with “Bundle Up.” Sometimes the album would sound a little too poppy (“Swimsuits”), but it also had some classic songs: “Penny Hardaway (feat. Ghostface Killah).” It’s a nice summer album for chillin on the beach.
Favorite Song: Gas Station
Bad Meets Evil: “Hell: The Sequel”
I am a HUGE Slaughterhouse fan. And before slaughterhouse I was a huge Royce fan (Nickel Nine was my favorite song for a long time). That said, I didn’t love this album. The both flex strong lyrics, but it just wasn’t up to the full potential. I haven’t liked Eminem in four years and he doesn’t seem to emotionally connect with his lyrics. Just because he talks loudly, does not mean he’s expressing his lines any better. Plus that “Lighters” song killed the album for me. Bad Meets Evil is supposed to hardcore, and that song was softer than toilet paper.
Favorite Song: A Kiss
Lloyd: “King Of Hearts”
Ok technically this isn’t a hip-hop album in any sense. But I thought that it was a nice return for Lloyd. He’s one of the few R&B artists that can make music that doesn’t sound overly sappy. It’s completely produced Polow Da Don so it has a lot of club songs (Cupid, Luv Me Girl, Bang!!!). But Lloyd also slows it down at appropriate times (Jigsaw, King of Hearts). “Naked” might be one of the best songs of the year and it’s a SEX ANTHEM!
Favorite Song: Naked
Trae The Truth: “Street King”
Houston rapper Trae returns with his sixth album. Overall, the album is his best. It’s covered with fast flowing verses from Trae and an all-star lineup of Rick Ross, The Game, Lloyd, Jadakiss, Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Big Boi, Lupe Fiasco, Gorilla Zoe, Scarface, Wyclef Jean, Shawty Lo, Messy Marv, MDMA, and Lil Wayne. The “Inkredible (Remix)’ is awesome and almost as good as the first (Jada goes off!). “I’m On” is also one of my favorites considering two of my favorite rappers (Wale & Wiz) are on the track, as well as half of my favorite group (Big Boi from Outkast). Oh, and Lupe Fiasco also shines on it. It’s a real southern album with a lot of dope beats and amazing features.
Favorite Song: Strapped Up
Travis Barker: “Give the Drummer Some”
Former Blink 182 drummer releases an album that’s half rap and half rock. It’s got a lot of dope features from artists such as Lil Wayne, Slaughterhouse, Kid Cudi, and Tech N9ne to name a few. I found the first single “Can a Drummer Get Some” a little underwhelming considering Wayne’s verse sounded like it was from ’08. “Devil’s Got a Hold of Me” is a typical Slaughterhouse track accompanied by a loud drum set from Barker. Kid Cudi is putting out a rock album in a year, and if the album sounds like “Cool Head” then I’m excited for it.
Favorite Song: Cool Head
Wiz Khalifa: “Rolling Papers”
After blossoming from the success of Kush & OJ, one of my favorite new artists comes out with his first studio album. It’s really split in half between songs that are pop-shit and classic Khalifa songs. “When I’m Gone” is an ill intro and “On My Level” carries that heat. But it’s songs like “Get Your Shit” and “Fly Solo” that hurt the album. I also found “Rooftops” to be disappointing for a Spitta and Khalifa song after hearing such great work on the mixtape “How Fly” from the two. “Taylor Gang” is complete garbage but it works as Wiz brags and boasts over Lex Lugers synths. “The Race” is a classic Khalifa song as Wiz speaks on the industry in three strong verses. Oh and Chevy Woods (a fellow Taylor Gang member) gets two verses on the album. He’s gonna be the next big Pittsburg rapper.
Favorite Song: The Race
Lupe Fiasco “Lasers”
This album was a disappointment, no way around that. Lupe’s first two albums were awesome. The only reason this is on here is because Lupe’s a good enough MC that his worst work is still pretty good. I understand that he had label issues, but I don’t find Lupe completely credible. I mean does Atlantic Records ever force Rick Ross to make shitty songs like “Out Of My Head”? Nope. So I was disappointed with Lupe. That said “All Black Everything” is impressive as Lupe Fiasco speaks on different parallels of black history. “Words I Never Said” also speaks on how genocides in the Middle East could have been avoided.
Favorite Song: All Black Everything
No comments:
Post a Comment