BRL 2013 Year in Review (Part 1)

Once again BRL is back with its end of the year list, at the end of February. I’ve decided that this is now an intentional thing that I do (even though it totally isn’t). You see, every year starting around December 2^nd, the good folks who browse the Internet get bombarded with every sort of end-of-the-year list imaginable. If those people are anything like me, they love these lists. They love reading them. They love smirking when they’re totally fucking wrong. They getting excited when the list agrees with their opinion of an underrated album. They frantically search for music on these lists that they are unfamiliar with. I understand these people. I am these people.

But what if I told you that the end-of-the-year list doesn’t have to just be a December/super early January event? What if I told you that you can read such a list, and it still be equally relevant at is was two months ago? My laziness/tardiness aside, I think a list of such can be equally useful in February as it is in December (or at least that’s what I’m going to convince you). By now you’ve read every list and you’re probably sick of them. Well, I don’t give a damn. You’re going to read this list and like it because unlike the other lists, this one is correct. (Actually, I think I might disagree with some of this, even though I made it. Opinions on music tend to change constantly, so no rating system is perfect.)

Over the past five or so years, I've assembled a way to calculate albums on a 1-100 scale. There are 10 categories, which I consider important aspects that a great album will have, and they are worth up to 10 points each. These categories include:

* Replay Value (How often I want to go back and listen to this album again)

* Vocal Performance (Mind you, I rate non-hip hop albums on this scale as well. This category essentially means how good is the rapping: rhyme scheme, flows, etc.)

* Production (Are the beats dope or nah?)

* Subject Matter (Is there a decent amount of topics or angles for songs on the album?)

* Songwriting (I don't have a lyric category because good lyricism can mean many different things. For multis, punchlines and technical prowess, you get points in the Vocal Performance category. Songwriting includes structure, hooks, etc.)

* Cohesion (do the songs flow well in order? Is there a common theme?)

* Originality (does this album bring something different to the table?)

* Popular Influence (how did this album affect popular culture? Yes this category gives an advantage to mainstream artists, but if an album can do everything else effectively, but on a bigger scale, I believe it deserves more points than an artist who isn't reaching many people)

* Personal Influence (how did this album reflect my personal life in 2013?)

* Gut Reaction (How did I feel about this album the first few times I heard it?)

When you see the scores, try to refrain from the school-style of grading (ie: 90-100 = A, etc.) because it is very difficult for an album to get a perfect 10 in a category (for reference, Kendrick Lamar's good kid, mAAd city received a 95 last year, which is the highest an album has ever gotten since making this system). To give you a point of reference, an album that I would give an 8.5 on the RapReviews scale would probably get around an 80 on mine. For tie breakers, I chose the album with higher Personal Influence, then Replay Value, then Popular Influence, then Gut Reaction.

50. James Blake – Overgrown (69.5)

49. Vic Mensa – Innanettape (69.5)

 This is a mixtape that probably would've been higher on the list, had I more time with it. I made the unfortunate mistake of sleeping on Mensa because "he sounds too much like Chance the Rapper." Which isn't necessarily untrue, their voices/cadences are nearly identical, but Chance even admitted that it was a style birthed by Mensa. Chicago has a lot of young talent, and it will be exciting to watch it reach its potential in the next few years.

48. Imperial & KINETIK – Pencils, Not Pistols (70)

47. Sky Ferreira – Night Time, My Time (70)

46. Various Artists – The Great Gatsby OST (70.5)

 Yeah, the movie was kind of a bloated mess, but there were some wonderful moments, musically. (Of course we aren't talking about the scenes where people are dancing to Watch the Throne in the 1920s.) This is one of the better soundtracks I've heard in a few years, with excellent songs from Jack White, Lana Del Rey, Jay-Z (his song on this soundtrack was better than most of his album), The xx, and hell, even Fergie dropped a banger.

45. Ghostface Killah & Apollo Brown – 12 Reasons to Die: The Brown Tape (71)

44. CHVRCHES – The Bones of What You Believe (71)

43. J. Cole – Born Sinner (71)

42. Oddisee – Tangible Dream (72.5)

41. Neko Case – The Worse Things Get… (72.5)

40. Jahshua Smith – The Final Season (73.5)

39. Childish Gambino - …beacuase the internet (73.5)

Donald Glover still has some work to do, in terms of finding his own "rapper voice." On his debut he either sounded like someone rapping who didn't know how to rap, or someone doing a Lil Wayne impression. On his much improved sophomore effort, he again sounds like he's doing impressions of various rappers, but this time the writing is much better. The production, concept and lyrics are very good on this record. Glover has potential to be a great rapper, but he's still got a ways to go.

38. Arcade Fire – Reflektor (74)

In 2013 I finally decided that I do not like Arcade Fire. It might have nothing to do with Win Butler and company; it very well could be that Funeral and The Suburbs were played on a loop for two months at my place of work. But I think it might have a little something to do with them, and Reflektor is indicative of everything I dislike about them.

For starters, Win Butler is an incredibly uncharismatic front man. Several times throughout the course of this record, he tries so hard to be James Murphy, the album's producer/a legitimately cool front man for a good/likable band. Arcade Fire is an immensely talented group of musicians, but for every time I find myself tapping my foot to a grove, there's a moment I shake my head at how obnoxiously pretentious they are.

All that being said, Reflektor is a good record. It's entirely too long, but there are quite a few good songs on here that get better with more plays. But it's also an exhausting record. It's annoyingly good. It's so good that I still have to include it on my list, despite my complete disdain for it.

37. Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge (74)

36.  A$AP Rocky – LongLiveA$AP (74.5)

35. Built to Fade – To Dust (74.5)

34. Tyler, the Creator – Wolf (75)

33. Lorde – Pure Heroine (75)

32. Natti (of CunninLynguists) – Still Motion (75)

31. Volcano Choir – Repave (75.5)

Rhymes: Where in the World is Jay Electronica?

Let's talk about the hip hop phenomenon, Jay Electronica. Nobody can deny that this guy is one of the best upcoming rappers around, but why has he put out so little material? HipHopDX noted him as being "more of a myth or urban legend than a...rapper." While this does prove true for the elusive emcee, it is being more and more prevalent that Jay is about to make something huge. Ever since "Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (the pledge)" was released in 2007, we have been waiting on Jay Elec's debut studio album, titled "Act 2: Patents of Nobility" (interestingly enough). Releasing such tracks as his Just Blaze-produced Exhibit Series (check "C" below), "Shiny Suit Theory" and "Dear Moleskine," it's a wonder how long the rapper is going to hold out on us. He's only released a few songs and no official albums and the rapper has quite the extensive fan base, praise and perceived anticipation. Even after labels didn't want him for "taking too long" to put out material and finally finding a home with Jay-Z's "Roc Nation" label, Jay still avoids the spotlight, leaving us all to ask "when?"

Hopefully we won't have to wait any longer. Fed by random tweets, most believe that the album will be released this year, 5 years after Jay Electronica made a name for himself with his first release. Jay has said that the album is finished and that he has handed the project in to be finalized. He's certainly stirring up a storm and concocting one (hopefully) beautiful, musical masterpiece, with lead singles like "Exhibit C" and "Dear Moleskine." Both songs are amazing and can only make us wait just a little bit longer. After all, taking 5 years to make an album has only got to mean one thing: this album will be gold.

Check out the two songs that are supposed singles from the album and tell us what you think about Jay Electronica and his music.

-

~~~

I hope you enjoyed my article and please check out my website at

www.hiphopspeakeasy.com

2011 End of the Year Wrap-Up: Albums 20-11

20.) The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence



On the final installment of the Toronto crooner's trilogy, The Weeknd improves his songwriting and shows that he is no one trick pony.

19.) Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch the Throne



The epic collaboration falls short of lofty expectations, but still manages to push the hip hop envelope. Talks of a follow up for 2012 are promising, as the final product won't be as rushed.

18.) Asher Roth - Pabts & Jazz



On Pabts & Jazz, Asher flexes his lyrical muscle, and shows that his post-"I Love College" career will be something to follow. This jazzy effort is easily Roth's best work.

17.) Thurz - LA Riots



The other half of UNI drops a politically charged album surrounded around the Rodney King riots.

16.) Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver



Justin Vernon and company step out of that cabin in Wisconsin are create the anti-"For Emma," with beautiful, lush production and abstract, impressionistic songwriting.

15.) Blue Scholars - Cinemetropolis


Geo and Sabzi's fan-supported, movie-inspired LP, showcases top notch production and socially conscious rhymes.

14.) DJ Quik - The Book of David


The West Coast vet has a late career revival with some excellent post-G-Funk production; a great summer soundtrack.

13.) Saigon - Greatest Story Never Told


The most aptly titled album finally is released, and exceeds expectations.

12.) Adele - 21


The year's best-selling records is also one of the year's best albums.

11.) Atmosphere - The Family Sign


The indie rap vets turns into a quartet, with bluesy guitar-based production and grown man rap songs.

Rhymes: Grammy Nominations Reaction

It's that time of year again. The Grammys are back. Everyone's favorite award show that they pretend to not care about (well okay no one really cares about them, except Kanye)is back for the 54th time. Adele looks to be this year's big winner, but Kanye leads the way with 7 nods (despite the Album of the Year snub).

Bon Iver looks to follow in the footsteps of 2010 indie darlings Arcade Fire. Despite having one of the year's best albums, the Fleet Foxes only got a single nomination in the oft-ignored Best Folk Album category. Good to see the Foo Fighters getting their share of Grammy nods (look for them to possibly upset Adele in AOTY category).

So as we do every year we're gonna take you through each (important) category, on who SHOULD win and who WILL win:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

Who SHOULD Win: It's hard to imagine 21 not getting the Grammys most prestigious award, but how many times does this award go to the best album nominated (okay, Arcade Fire's win last year was like the first time this ever happened)? And just because the "Rolling in the Deep" songstress has sold the most albums in 2011, also doesn't mean this is a sure lock. But Adele should win this award because 21 is a phenomenal record, and has had the biggest impact in 2011.

Who WILL Win: With all that I said in the previous post, it still very well could be Adele who brings on the golden phonograph this year. But I am going to say that The Foo Fighter's Wasting Light album has a strong chance to pull the upset. It's no secret that the Grammys love a seasoned rock vet (which is why I'm surprised Paul Simon's critically acclaimed album didnt get a nod). I wouldn't be upset if either of these two deserving artists won this award.

RECORD OF THE YEAR:

Who SHOULD (and WILL) Win: Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" is a lock for this. I would even go as far to say that come 2019, "Rolling in the Deep" will find its way on the top of many best song of the decade list. It's "Hey Ya!" good. I also wouldn't be too upset if Mumford & Sons "The Cave"or Bon Iver's "Holocene" pulled an upset (which almost guaranteed won't happen).

SONG OF THE YEAR:

Who SHOULD (and WILL) Win: Again Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" will win this award, which is awarded to best songwriting for a song. I'd like it if Kanye won this award for "All of the Lights" but I think that should've gotten the Record of the Year nod, and Bon Iver got the Song of the Year nod.

BEST NEW ARTIST:

Who SHOULD Win: Bon Iver, even though Justin Vernon and crew have been releasing music under this name since 2007, the Grammys are late with everything. The very well might win this category but I have a feeling that...

Who WILL Win: The dubstepper Skrillex will win this. For folks who thought I was going to pick the obviously most popular Nicki Minaj, think again. Rappers never win this category (See: 50 Cent, Drake) even when they are the most popular new artist to come out. And for some reason music critics have this weird obsession with that noise people call dubstep.

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE:

Who SHOULD (and WILL) win: I think Dave Grohl and company will take this one home, but it could go to essentially anyone nominated. "Down By the Water" by The Decemberists was one of my favorite songs of 2011, and Radiohead's "Lotus Flower" was the only track on their new album I played after March.

BEST ROCK SONG:

Since I don't really know the difference between this and performance and all the nominees are exactly the same (See: BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE).

BEST ROCK ALBUM:

Who SHOULD (and WILL) Win: Foo Fighters will continue their big night with their genre's biggest award. I could maybe see indie superstars Wilco pulling off an upset here, but I doubt it.

BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM:

Who SHOULD (and WILL) Win: It's another great year for this category. Bon Iver will most definitely take home the award that was given to The Black Keys last year. I think Death Cab's album is a close second (but definitely won't win) and My Morning Jacket was pretty great too (they might though). And you can never count out Radiohead, even though King of Limbs pretty much blew.

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE:

Who SHOULD Win: Kanye & Jay-Z's "Otis" is the only track on here that I wouldn't be upset if it were awarded. While "The Show Goes On" was a great single and one of the few tracks that got any burn on that coaster titled LASERS, he openly said that the labels forced him to write that song. And I think if we're going to start awarding labels for doing this, then they will continue to push bullshit music down our throats.

Who WILL Win: Oh, sweet Jesus. For as good of a job as the Grammys do with Rock and Alternative genres (which isn't great, but still pretty good), they still have no idea about rap music. I'm willing to bet Lupe Fiasco will win this award, and fans can kiss goodbye any hopes of him making another album like "Food & Liquor" or "The Cool" ever again.

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION:

Who SHOULD Win: This category is a little bit stronger. I'm going to go with Kanye's "All of the Lights," mainly because I hardly count "I'm On One" as a Rap/Sung track (I guess he sings, sort of, on the hook).

Who WILL Win: Dr. Dre and Marshall's bullshit single to that Detox album that will never be released will most likely win. But Kanye has a chance to win this, as does "I'm On One." I'd be happy if Drake or Kanye won this; anyone else will make me hurl my remote at my tv.

BEST RAP SONG:

Who SHOULD Win: Again, not sure what the difference between this and BEST RAP PERFORMANCE is, but I'm going with "Otis" to slight out "All of the Lights."

Who WILL Win: It will probably go to Lupe or that Dr. Dre/Eminem mess. Either way I will be upset.

BEST RAP ALBUM:

Who SHOULD (and WILL) Win: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Period. This album was awarded PERFECT scores from MANY music publications. It somehow got snubbed in the AOTY category (but Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Gaga got nods?), but there's no way in hell people choose any of the other garbage (not including WTT) albums over Kanye's.

Rhymes & Life: Classic Songs That Weren't

What are some classic/timeless songs that maybe didn't get enough shine for one reason or another?



Inspired by Scareface's "The G Code" which appeared as an album cut on the last Geto Boys album. How was this not one of the biggest songs of the last decade?

Also ElZhi's "S.A.R.A.H. (Feel This)" has such a classic feel to it, it's a shame it only landed on a mixtape.

Countless Nas songs like "Deja Vu" and "Life is Like a Dice Game" have been considered classics for years despite not even having a CD quality version ever being released, but what about the Kanye West produced "The World" track? Jay-Z's "44 Fours" and "Dead Presidents III" are nearly as good as the original versions of their songs.

Blu is another artist who has leaked so many quality tracks despite being released in low bit rate format (see: albums like Jesus and Godlee Barnes), but has early classic tracks like "Just Another Day" and "Fly (Liberation Song)" may have only appeared on an EP and a compilation by producer Exile, but had a major impact on my life.

Back when BET's Rap City was still in the basement, So So Def rapper, Sun NY had a video for a song called "Soul of a Hustler," which was slated to be on an album of the same name. But unfortunately he never gained much steam beyond the 5-minute, hookless single, and was dropped from Jermaine Dupree's label before the album ever came out.

Rhymes: Atmosohere - The Family Sign (Released today!)

Atmosphere's long awaited 7th LP is finally released today. My review of the record will come later in the week, via Okayplayer. But it is the group's most mature sounding effort to date, and exactly what hip hop should sound like when it's made by people almost in their 40s (Jay-Z take note, bro).

The Video up top is a presentation of the album's awesome artwork (I'll be picking up my copy on Sunday once I get paid). And the video down below is the great music video to "She's Enough" the album's second single.

Rhymes: Grammy Preview

So my favorite (but also my least favorite) awards ceremony will happen this Sunday, so I will do my obligatory post on the award show.

Album of the Year:
# The Suburbs – Arcade Fire
# Recovery – Eminem
# Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
# The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga
# Teenage Dream – Katy Perry

Who SHOULD Win: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs. Hands down this is the best album nominated, and I ranked it just below Kanye's album (he missed the deadline for the 2011 awards, so look for him next year) for my personal AOTY. This album is not only a great piece of music, but also provides a great social commentary on American suburbia.

Who WILL Win: Eminem - Recovery. Now I have a love/hate relationship with this album. Eminem touched on a lot of topics on this album I was hoping he'd talk about on his 2009 album. This along with a great lead single, and getting outside production made me really like it right away. But the more I listened to it throughout the year, the more I didnt like it. His yelling-delivery is grating and annoying and his lyrics and rhyme schemes are terrible compared to the rest of his catalog (especially compared to the rhyme fest that was Relapse).

So Recovery will win because The Grammys loves to give the award to old timers, and since there's no odd ball, washed up 1970s revival album nominated this year (see: Steely Dan and Herbie Handcock in years past), I think this is finally Marshall's year to bring home the most coveted Grammy award.

Song of the Year:
# “Beg, Steal or Borrom” – Ray LaMontagne
# “Forget You” – Cee Lo
# “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
# “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem feat. Rihanna
# “Need You Know” – Lady Antebellum

Who SHOULD Win: This is a songwriter's award, so lyrics and songwriting are a major part of how this is decided who wins. I think Cee-Lo's "Fuck You" is the best written song on this list. While I'm completely annoyed with this song now because my roommates played this song 4 times a night, every weekend since September.

Who WILL Win: I could see this award rightfully going to Cee-Lo, but I think Marshall and Rihanna (who wont get this award because the chorus was written by Skylar Grey) will bring this award home.

Record of the Year:
# “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem feat. Rihanna
# “Nothin’ On You” – B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars
# “Forget You” – Cee Lo
# “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
# “Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum

Who SHOULD and WILL Win: This could a number of different ways. Record of the year basically means the best song of the year (as opposed to best written song). I wouldnt be mad if Eminem, Cee-Lo, or Jay-Z won this award. To be honest I'm pretty much over all of these songs, because people who don't really listen to music have overplayed the shit out of these songs over the course of the past year. I think Marshall will continue his award tour by winning this one too. I'm hoping that Jay wins this though because it's a great track that was ruined by the radio, but now that's not in rotation anymore, I might enjoy it again.

Best New Artist:
# Justin Bieber
# Drake
# Florence + The Machine
# Mumford & Sons
# Esperanza Spalding

Who SHOULD and WILL Win: I don't know much from Florence + The Machine other than a few tracks that I've heard and really enjoyed so I won't be mad when they WIN this award. But I'm rooting for the Canadian wordsmith, Drake. I think Drake is a very good rapper and a great songwriter. He has a great personality that is brought out on his tracks.

Best Rap Album:
# The Adventures Of Bobby Ray – B.o.B
# Thank Me Later – Drake
# Recovery – Eminem
# The Blueprint 3 – Jay-Z
# How I Got Over – The Roots

Who SHOULD Win: The Roots - How I Got Over. This ranked #4 on my BRL end of the year rankings. A phenomenal album with great production and rapping. This is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite Roots album, but I'm sure they're not going to win because...

Who WILL Win: Eminem - Recovery - Yepp. Eminem is going to be hella annoying Sunday night with his "yaknowhatI'msayin'" and emotional speeches about how tough the past 5 years have been.

Best Rock Song

“Angry World” — (Neil Young)
“Little Lion Man” — (Mumford & Sons)
“Radioactive” — (Kings Of Leon)
“Resistance” — Matthew Bellamy (Muse)
“Tighten Up” — (The Black Keys)

Who SHOULD Win: "Tighten Up" was one of the best songs I heard all year. It instantly turned me onto the Akron Blues duo.

Who WILL Win: But I'm thinking Kings of Leon will take this award, which wouldn't be a terrible thing, because it's a pretty damn good song.

Best Alternative Music Album

The Suburbs — Arcade Fire
Infinite Arms — Band Of Horses
Brothers — The Black Keys
Broken Bells — Broken Bells
Contra — Vampire Weekend

Who SHOULD and WILL Win: This is a great category. I'd happy with anyone winning this as long as it's not Band of Horses (not that they're a bad band, but not on the same level as the others mentioned). I think Arcade Fire will win this award, as they should.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

“Nothin’ On You” — B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
“Deuces” — Chris Brown, Tyga & Kevin McCall
“Love The Way You Lie” — Eminem & Rihanna
“Empire State Of Mind” — Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
“Wake Up! Everybody” — John Legend, The Roots, Melanie Fiona & Common

Who SHOULD Win: I'd like to see the John Legend, Roots, Melanie Fiona and Common collab win this award. It was a great cover, off of a great cover album that mostly went unnoticed for the most part.

Who WILL Win: I think Marshall will get his first loss of the night because Bobby Ray and Bruno Mars will win this one. This was Mars' breakthrough, and he hasn't looked back since. This track also pretty much buried the artist B.o.B that we once loved. Playing guitar and singing/rapping has been traded in for simplistic rapping (which has sort have always been there) over cheesey soulless mainstream production, with Mr. or Ms. WhoeverIsHotAtTheTime on the chorus.

Rhymes & Life: The death of J Dilla affects hip hop and Black History Month

For my 2nd column ever, I wrote about my history with J Dilla, who passed away 5 years ago.

The story originally published in the BG News:

Jay-Z said it best on the first bar of what was supposed to be his last album, 2003's "The Black Album": "They say they never really miss you 'til you dead or you gone."

This has been a common trend in music, that I've noticed for years, especially hip-hop. Hip-hop has always been extremely active in showing support to their fallen brethren.

There have been so many prominent members of the hip-hop community that have left us in the past few years: Guru (of Gangstarr), Ol Dirty Bastard (of Wu-Tang Clan), Pimp C (of UGK), Proof (of D12) and so on.

But one death in particular has affected me more than others: James "J Dilla" Yancey.

To be completely honest with you, the only time I've seen J Dilla's name before his death was skimming the liner notes of albums from Talib Kweli and Common. But I still remember Feb. 10, 2006 vividly.

I was 16 years old, and was eager to gain as much information about my budding interests in hip-hop as I could, so I would daily visit a message board, Okayplayer, which was started by drummer/producer ?uestlove of my new favorite band, The Roots. 

Then Feb. 10 came. I came home after school like I did any other day to see what my fellow Okayplayers were talking about that day and then I see a post titled "I have lost a good friend" from a poster named Black Thought, who is The Roots' emcee, although he has never posted on Okayplayer.

In his post (which would later appear on The Roots' tribute song to Dilla, "Can't Stop This") he said:

"As I write these words, my tears splashing the keyboard, I reminisce on the times I've shared (with) Dilla, never without that signature smile and head bouncing to the beat, and finally understand the true meaning of passion."

Tears splashing on his keyboard? If you've ever heard a Roots song, you know Black Thought is not the emotional type; he's the type that crushes weak emcees with his ferocious flows and aggressive lyrics.

But here he was admittedly crying on the Internet to thousands of fans over a loss of a producer who I barely recognized in my favorite rappers' shout out lists.

I felt ignorant. How come this man has had such an impact on the hip-hop community without me having hardly any knowledge of who he was?

During the final years of high school, I continued to grow as a music lover and a hip-hop head. Over those years, J Dilla was instrumental (excuse the weak pun) in my exploration of the genre.

Although he never achieved the fame or even the wealth that a musician of his caliber rightfully should have, his impact on hip-hop music was irrefutable.

His legacy lives on through the countless beat makers who have been influenced by his unmatched ability on the MPC including the likes of fellow Detroit beat miners Mr. Porter and Black Milk, Madlib, and even one of the biggest names in music, Kanye West, has in some way emulated Dilla's style.

This Monday would have been his 37th birthday had he not passed away five years ago from complications of Lupus.

Feb. 7 has been dubbed "Dilla Day" by the hip-hop community for the past four years, and it has always been a personal tradition of mine to play every Dilla track I have and force my friends to listen to it too.

So this year for black history month, let us remember some of our fallen heroes in the hip-hop world (or just music in general) that maybe didn't get the respect and love they deserved until after their death.

R.I.P. J Dilla.

Rhymes: Jay Electronica - "The Announcement (Mt. Dew Code Red Remix)" Commercial Video

It is very rare that a talent this strong breaks through to the mainstream without compromising any artistic views. This is an incredibly good look for Mr. Electronica, as the new Roc Nation member raps his "The Announcement" on a Mountain Dew Code Red commercial. I hope this is just a small preview of what is to come from Electronica and his camp. His music needs to be heard by the masses, he's too big for this underground scene.

Rhymes: 2009 WRap-Up

I know I'm over a month late, but I've been busy.
Using a system of criteria I made up including:
-Replay Value (how many times I listened to the album)
-Rapping/Singing (technical sense of rapping, ie: flow, cadence, vocal delivery)
-Production (Overall sound of the beats)
-Lyrics (Includes Lyrical Content as well as Lyrical techniques including multis, punchlines, similies and metaphors)
-Cohesion (how well the album meshes together as a whole unit, includes sequencing)
-Good Songs (plus 1 pt for every good song that stood out on album)
-Great Songs (plus 1.5 pts for every great song that stood out on album)
-Filler Songs (Negative 1 pt for every bad/filler song on an album)
-Tie Breakers are settled by my own personal decision

Top 20 Albums:
20. UGK - UGK 4 Life - 40 pts
19. Slaughterhouse - s/t - 40 pts
18. Tanya Morgan - Brooklynati - 40 pts
17. Eminem - Relapse - 41 pts
16. Jay-Z - Blueprint 3 - 41 pts
15. Asher Roth - Asleep in the Bread Aisle - 43 pts
14. Royce da 5'9" - Street Hop - 45 pts
13. Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez - 46 pts
12. Wale - Attention: Deficit - 47 pts
11. Q-Tip - Kamaal the Abstract - 49 pts
10. Kid CuDi - Man on the Moon: End of Day - 49 pts
9. BK-One - Radio Do Cabinal - 51 pts
8. K'naan - Trubadour - 52 pts
7. Clipse - Till the Casket Drops - 53 pts
6. P.O.S. - Never Better - 53 pts
5. Sene&Blu - ADayLate&ADollarShort - 54 pts
4. Mos Def - The Ecstatic - 54 pts
3. Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 - 61 pts
2. Brother Ali - Us - 61 pts
1. Fashawn - Boy Meets World - 62 pts

Top Mixtapes/EPs (To Qualify, must have all original production)
13. Blu - HerFavoriteColo(u)r - 38 pts
12. Inverse - So True EP - 39 pts
11. Pac Div - Church League Champs - 40 pts
10. B.o.B. - B.o.B. Vs Bobby Ray - 41 pts
9. Charles Hamilton - This Perfect Life*** - 44 pts
8. DWill & Stik Figa - hellogoodbye - 46 pts
7. Freeway - The Beat Made Me Do It - 46 pts
6. Drake - So Far Gone EP - 46 pts
5. Atmosphere - Leak at Will EP - 47 pts
4. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Vs EP - 47 pts
3. Brother Ali - The Truth is Here EP - 48 pts
2. Danny! - Where is Danny? *** - 49 pts
1. CunninLynguists - Strange Journey Vol 1 and 2 (Both had 55 pts and couldnt decide between the two)

*** Denotes that the album was intended to be released as an album, but due to label difficulties was never released officially (which negated it from the top albums section), but was leaked by the artist themselves.

Rhymes: Top Single of the Decade #10-1

10. Kanye West - "Jesus Walks" [2004]

This song put Jesus on the radio, a feat that very few can they've accomplished.

9. Marco Polo - "Nostalgia (ft. Masta Ace) [2007]

Masta Ace delivers some pure hip hop lyricism over the Canadian beatsmith's vintage boom bap production.

8. Freeway - "What We Do (ft. Jay-Z & Beanie Siegle) [2003]

One of those songs that just hit me hard when I first heard it. My introduction to the Philly Freezer over this just blaze gem, was an unforgettable one.

7. Nas - "Made You Look" [2002]

Pure, raw, stripped down, NY hip hop. One of the God's son's finest.

6. UGK - "Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) (ft. OutKast) [2007]

Once you think 3 Stacks has completely run away with another track that doesnt belong to him, the drums drop in and the late great pimp comes in with some of his hungriest rhymes. Off of the best double disk released in the decade, the pimp was so in the zone during this album after being released from prison, and its tragic we lost a legend right when he was in his prime.

5. Talib Kweli - "Get By" [2002]

So after listening to College Dropout for the millionth time, I decided to check out more from one of his guest spots, Talib Kweli. My jaw completely dropped when I first heard this song, I went out and instantly purchased Quality after hearing Kweli's most recognizable single.

4. CunninLynguists - "Don't Leave (When Winter Comes) (ft. Slug of Atmosphere" [2009]

It is very rare when collaborations between two high profile artists work out as well as this (not that atmosphere and cunninlynguists are all that popular, but in the underground these two groups reign supreme). Slug, my favorite emcee paired up with the Cunninlynguists, my favorite group, released an incredible song. Kno's beat was flawless, Slug's verse, amazing, Deac and Natti, top notch as well, but the sample in the outro is absolutely haunting and breath taking.

3. Kanye West - "Through the Wire" [2004]

I will never forget the first time I saw this video. I had never heard of Kanye West up until that point, but when I saw this video, I knew this guy was going to be special. And once I heard "All Falls Down" and "Slow Jams" I bought one of my favorite albums of the decade (and all time), College Dropout during my 8th grade class trip to Washington DC. This song was the beginning to one of the most important and influential artists of the decade.

2. Reflection Eternal - "The Blast" [2000]

Just an undeniable song where two incredible musicians are at their peak delivering an inspired masterpiece that will never be duplicated. The Ohio native and the BK emcee dropped one of the decades best albums right at the beginning of the decade at it stayed at the top throughout the years.

1. OutKast - "Bombs Over Baghdad (B.O.B.)" [2000]

One of the most innovative songs in the history of hip hop. This song gets love from hip hop purists, critics, and the mainstream radio. Unprecedented performances by three stacks and sir lucious claims the top spot on my list, this song is undeniable greatness.

Rhymes: Top 50 hip hop singles of the decade (50-41)

So I decided to compile the top 50 Hip Hop singles of the past decade (there's just too much rock and other genres that I havent heard so it would be unfair for me to do a ranking of those genres), heres the criteria:
- Must be released from 2000-2009
- Must be a Single (VLS,CDS, Digi-Single) or have an official music video made for it
- Must be released by a hip hop artist and there must be mostly rapping on the record (no autotune singing shit)
- Must be on my iTunes library (sorry for those who I havent heard, but my library consists of 9289 songs currently)
- Must have a strong personal influence

and with that being said...

#50 Twista - "Overnight Celebrity" [2004]
[Video Not Found, Thanks YouTube]
Well you all know it, one of 2004s biggest hits, a classic Kanye beat.

#49 Dilated Peoples - "Worst Comes to Worst" [2001]

The trio from the left coast's most famous hit (until they collabed with a certain chi-town producer)

#48 Erick Sermon - "Relentless" [2004]

I could've very well gone with 2001's classic "Music" but this is the song is what introduced me to the green eye'd bandit and it's straight rapping, no hook, which i've always had a soft spot for.

#47 Jake One - "The Truth (ft. Freeway and Brother Ali) [2008]

The Seattle beatsmith brought together two of the fiercest emcees on this hard hitting production. Who comes better? my vote goes to Ali, but Free wasn't a slouch on this by any means.

#46 B.o.B - "I'll Be in the Sky" [2008]

Bobby Ray is easily the least prolific artist on the list, but he certainly isnt the least talented. This song is undeniable, and is a personal classic. As for Mr. Ray's future? only time will tell, his debut album will be released (hopefully) this April.

#45 Substantial - "It's You (I Think)" [2009]

Stan has given the QN5 label its first major air-play with this kno laced track.

#44 Wu Tang Clan - "The Heart Gently Weeps" [2007]

The come back single from the almighty Wu, while 8 diagrams wasn't as great as many would hope this song was fantastic. Ms. Badu on the chorus and George Harrison's son playing guitar. And Rae, Ghost and Mr. Mef bring it home. Classic Wu.

#43 Wyclef Jean - "Sweetest Girl (ft. Akon and Lil Wayne)

This almost broke my must-have-rapping-on-it rule, but lil wayne saves the day (Whaaa?), but seriously this is one of those songs i could hear a million times and not get sick of. I dont know why I love it so much, its just a damn good song.

#42 Da Ranjahz - "Inspiration (ft Cee-Lo)[2003]

This is the only song I know from this horribly named group, but this primo-produced track is a personal classic.

#41 Jay-Z - "Song Cry" [2001]

Here is the best single released from 2001's blueprint (how was heart of the city not released as a single???).

Rhymes: Jay-Z "Empire State of Mind" (Video/ World Series Performance)

The video is beautifully shot, love this song. Easily the best off of the BP3 album.



oh yeah he performed at this little venue, called the fucking world series...

Rhymes: Jay-Z Commercial

I love this commercial, it features all of Jay's covers. Oddly enough his latest album is the only cover not to feature him on the cover. Blueprint 3 comes out september 11th. It has already leaked, but i'm holding out to get BP3 and OB4CL2 on the 11th.

Rhymes: Jay-Z "D.O.A." (Video/Live Performance)

I should be getting ready to leave for Michigan now, but here's the official video to the first single from jay-z's upcoming BP3 (9/11/09).


And here's the live performance of "D.O.A." at the BET Awards, where allegedily jay blackballed BRL's favorite Rhianna abuser, Chris Brown, and kept him from performing in honor of Michael. Add that to more reasons why Sean Carter is awesome.