2011 End of the Year Wrap-Up: Albums 10-1

10.) Action Bronson & Statik Selektah - Well Done

Bronson's second LP of the year is even better than his debut, as he gets a little more personal and focused over top notch dishes served by Statik Selektah.

9.) Phonte - Charity Starts at Home

The long awaited solo LP from the Little Brother front man does not disappoint with a little help from an old friend, 9th Wonder.

8.) Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

Had you told me a year ago that Dave Grohl and company would release one of the best albums of 2011, I would've assumed that Kurt Cobain resurrected. One of the year's most surprising releases, is a fury of big hits and great rock music, done the old fashioned way.

7.) Big K.R.I.T. - Return of 4eva

I slept on K.R.I.T.'s 2010 release (mainly due to the influx of shitty mixtape rappers that appear on blogs everyday), but I woke up for this magnificent release. Better late than never.

6.) The Weeknd - House of Balloons

The Weeknd is undoubtedly the year's biggest mystery, but by the end of the year the Toronto crooner found his way onto multiple tracks on one of the year's highest selling albums.

5.) Drake - Take Care

And that album would be Drake's sophomore LP. Drake's tendencies to lust for pole dancers and drinking too much makes for some of the most interesting 80 minutes of music in 2011.

4.) Kendrick Lamar - Section.80

Here's another rapper (like Big K.R.I.T.), who I didn't pay much attention to in the past couple of years despite releasing a few great projects. Section.80 is very moving and introspective, and the best part is there is much room for improvement for one of hip hop's brightest young stars.

Top 3 Preface:
All year there were two albums that were head and shoulders above the rest, and could potentially be considered classics someday. Both of these albums were significant to my year and my life in 2011. When I hear these albums I will always think back to what is what like to being 22-year old college student, being in a long distance relationship with a great girl, working 3rd shift as a janitor, and perhaps getting a little too drunk on the weekends with some great friends.

But in December another album joined those two elite albums, and I knew my top 3 even before making my calculations and ratings. Only one point each separated these three albums:

3.) Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

This record will probably be the most memorable album of 2011 for me. Robin Pecknold's songwriting perfectly captures what it's like to be in the quarterlife crisis and have no idea what you're going to do with your life. Just the opening lines to the album alone, perfectly capture what my peers and I went through in 2011: "So now I am older than my mother and father / when they had their daughter / now what does that say about me?"

2.) The Roots - undun

The Roots' first concept album is also one of the band's best. While the narrative isn't the most original story I've ever heard, and the storyline isn't always 100% clear, the music and the lyricism is absolutely flawless.

1.) CunninLynguists - Oneirology

Now if The Roots want to know how to do a concept album, they should be taking notes from these guys. Once again Deacon, Natti and Kno put forth a brilliant piece of music with a cutting edge story line about a troubled man's dreams (or should I say nightmares?). The group effortlessly ties in socially and politically conscious themes into the storyline, and invite big time guest spots from Big K.R.I.T. and Freddie Gibbs. Oneirology proves that one of hip hop's most slept on groups should be mentioned among the greatest of all time (sorry Taylor)!

BRL 2010 Year in Review (Non-Hip Hop Edition)

I don't claim to be any sort of expert on rock music, and I certainly don't analyze it like I do hip hop, so take this list with a grain of salt. I have it listed in reverse order of artist name (don't ask me why) along with a rating. The best non-hip hop album might also be a recipient of some award or something that's not nearly as important as a BRL award.

Vampire Weekend - Contra - 8.5/10
Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz - 8.5/10
S. Carey (of Bon Iver) - All We Grow - N.A/10
Ryan Bingham - Junky Star - N.A/10
Rogue Wave - Permalight - 8.0/10
Pete Yorn - S/t - N.A/10
N.E.R.D. - Nothing - 6.0/10
MGMT - Congratulations - 5.0/10
Local Natives - Gorilla Manner - 7.5/10
Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns - 7.0/10
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown - 6.0/10
John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up! - 8.5/10
Japanese Cartoon - In The Jaws of the Lords of Death - 7.0/10
Cee-Lo Green - The Lady Killer - 8.0/10
Broken Bells - s/t - 8.5/10
The Black Keys - Brothers - 9.0/10
Beach House - Teen Dream - 9.0/10
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs - 9.5/10

BRL 2010 Year in Review

Sorry for the delay, but it took a while to listen to all the last second December releases. I'm also going to split up the albums from the EPs from the mixtapes all in a different post.

Here's my criteria: Replay Value, Rapping Technique (Flows and Deliveries), Production, Lyrics (topic and content), Cohesion, Fillers (count as negative points per song), and Songs in the top 100 (I made a list of the year's top rap songs and for each song that an album had in the top 100, that album got an extra point). All tie breakers will be settled by my preferenc

25. Ghost Face Killah - "Apollo Kids" - 31 points
24. Curren$y - "Pilot Talk II" - 31 points
23. Donwill - "Don Cuasac in High Fidelity" - 31 points
22. Shawn Chrystopher - "You and Only You" - 32 points
21. Eminem - "Recovery" - 32 points
20. Black Milk - "Album of the Year" - 34 points
19. Slum Village - "Villa Manifesto" - 36 points
18. Freeway & Jake-One - "The Stimulus Package" - 36 points
17. Murs & 9th Wonder - "Fornever" - 36 points
16. Little Brother - "Leftback" - 36 points
15. Custom Made - "Hi-Def" - 38 points
14. Dessa - "A Badly Broken Code" - 39 points
13. David Banner & 9th Wonder - "Death of a Pop Star" - 39 points
12. Reflection Eternal - Revolutions Per Minute" - 39 points
11. Curren$y - "Pilot Talk" - 40 points
10. Drake - "Thank Me Later" - 41 points
09. Deacon the Villain & Sheisty Khrist - "N*gg*z Wit Lattitude" - 43 points
08. Pack FM - "I F*ckin' Hate Rappers" - 43 points
07. Kokayi - "Robots & Dinosaurs" - 44 points
06. Big Boi - "Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty: - 45 points
05. Nas & Damian Marley - "Distant Relatives" - 50 points
04. The Roots - "How I Got Over" - 51 points
03. Sage Francis - "Li(f)e" - 51 points
02. Kno - "Death is Silent" - 52 points
01. Kanye West - "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" - 53 points

Wow, what a year. There were several albums that didn't quite make the top 25 that were still quality albums. I will have another post for EPs and Mixtapes, and then I will make another post covering my rock albums of the year.

Rhymes: Album Review: The Roots - How I Got Over

Published in the BG News

On Nov. 17, ?uestlove and The Roots shocked the hip-hop world when they announced that they were going to retire from touring and work full-time as the house band for Jimmy Fallon's Late Night Talk Show. This was only a few months after they released their rumored final album, "Rising Down." It seemed like Jimmy Fallon was about to put an end to hip hop's greatest band.

"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" aired its first episode on March 2 and showcased Black Thought (Vocals), ?uestlove (Drummer) and company. Shortly after that, ?uestlove announced on his Twitter account that The legendary Roots crew would indeed release their ninth studio album (third album on Def Jam Records), "How I Got Over."

After several delays, "How I Got Over" finally hit the shelves. The group's latest effort showcases a much more optimistic sound than their previous two records, which had bleak, political subject material. "How I Got Over" features the Philadelphia band's triumph, directly influenced by the end of the Bush Administration and the election of Barack Obama.

The piano driven opener, "Walk Alone" is a very different sound from the synth-driven "Rising Down." "Dear God 2.0" features a sample from Jim James and Monsters of Folk, and Black Thought delivers some of the most introspective lyrics of his career. In the song, Black Thought asks, "Why is the world ugly when it's made in your image and why is living life such a fight to the finish?" The title track and first single from the album has a much different feel to it than any of their previous efforts, as Black Thought sings two verses on the songs. 

On "Now or Never," Thought declares that he is "thinking of making a change, finally breaking the chains" and that he's "ready for the next chapter and page." The positive inspiration messages continue with songs like "The Day" and "The Fire," in which John Legend makes a guest appearance and sings, "You don't say good luck, you say don't give up." 

"How I Got Over" is unquestionably in the top tier of Roots records over their storied 17-year career. The album consists of flawless sequencing and transitions making the 14-track album sound like one piece of musical brilliance. The Legendary Roots Crew has successfully made it from hip-hop to 30 Rock, without missing a beat along the way. Through all the label problems, the lack of mainstream attention and poor record sales, with a little help from Jimmy Fallon, The Roots have finally "Made it Over."

BRL Rating: 10 out 0f 10 Beets

Rhymes: The Roots ft Jim James - "Dear God 2.0 (Live Performance on LNWJF)

Here's a live performance by The Roots of their amazing new single, Dear God 2.0, which is a re-working of Monsters of Folk's song of the same name. How I got over is streaming on The Roots' myspace, get your copy this tuesday!

Download the MP3 (right click, save as)

Rhymes: The Roots - How I Got Over (Album Trailor)

I got my vinyl copy of the album pre-ordered at Finders, I suggest you do something similar. The much delayed album will be released June 22nd!

Rhymes: Reflection Eternal - The Ballad of the Black Gold (Live on LNWJF ft The Roots)

Here's a great performance by kweli and hi-tek backed by the roots on Jimmy Fallon. Unfortunately I havent been able to get their new album, cuz Im a poor college student, but I will eventually.

Also sorry to my beloved following for the recent lack of posts, Im just moving into my new house, job hunting, taking summer classes, taking an internship at a newspaper. Its been a hectic month, I will be back as soon as life slows down a little.

Rhymes: Suzanne Vega & The Roots - "Tom's Diner" (LIVE on LNWJF)

This song used to haunt me. I once heard this on vacation during the summer of 2007, I was amazed by the song, but could never find it. I looked and I looked, search engine after search engine, no luck. It wasn't until last october or so did I know the name of this song. This performance with the The Roots is incredible. Jimmy Fallon is awesome.

Rhymes: Top Hip Hop Singles of the Decade (40-31)

#40 The Roots "Break You Off" (2002)

This 2002 single is off the follow up to their 1999 grammy winning classic hit "You Got Me", many say it was a disappointment, but that album along with this song is what got me into the legendary roots crew.

#39 Kanye West "Touch the Sky (ft Lupe Fiasco)[2005]

This song introduced the world to Lupe Fiasco, and Lupe goes off on this. Classic Just Blaze beat, one of Kanye's finer singles.

#38 Raekwon "House of the Flying Daggers (ft. Ghost, Inspectah, Mef, and GZA)[2009]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHVCQc6cbSw (Heres the video its awesome, no embedding allowed, gay youtube)

The lead single off of Royce's comeback album, and one of 09's best albums. A majority of the Wu shred's a Dilla production that sounded like it was crafted for a Cuban Linx album.

#37 Eminem - Lose Yourself [2002]

Everyone's heard this song a million too many times, but who can deny this song? It's easily one of the best things he's ever done, and it seems like this is the closest we'll ever see Mr. Mathers reach his full potential. While 09's Relapse wasn't bad, it still had a hand full of just shit songs, which plagued a lot of his career.

#36 Cunninlynguists - "Seasons (ft Masta Ace)" [2003]

Although there was no music video made for this underground classic, it was released as a 12" single, which qualifies it for this list. Ohio's RJD2 produced this gem, as its one of the few 'lynguists songs that kno does not produce, but he does do a job as he shares mic duties with Legend Masta Ace, former member Mr. SoS and fellow founder of the group Deacon the Villain.

#35 Atmosphere - "Trying to find a Balance" [2003]

Atmosphere's 2003 album, Seven's Travels is often considered the Minnesota duo's worst full-length, but it also features their career defining single, Trying to Find a Balance.

#34 Royce da 5'9" - "Boom!" [2002]

This is vintage Primo with one of Detroit's finest emcees unleashing some his best rhymes.

#33 OutKast - "The Whole World (ft Killer Mike)" [2001]

Outkast drops yet another gem off of their 2001 greatest hits album, some of the best drums I've ever heard on a hip hop song.

#32 Brother Ali - "Room with a View" [2003]

Classic Ant and Ali. Ali's vivid lyricism makes me feel like a resident of Minneapolis.

#31 Mos Def - "Life in Marvelous Times" [2009]

Off of one of 2009's best albums, Mos makes his "Comeback" from 2004 and 2006 duds with this masterpiece. The way this tracks builds beautifully, there is no other word to describe the track other than well, Marvelous.

Rhymes: Jimmy Fallon, Horatio Sans, The Strokes, & The Roots - "I Wish It Was Christmas Today"

Rhymes: The Roots "How I Got Over" (Video)

The Roots "How I Got Over" from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

a great video from the legendary roots crew. How I Got Over is due out in stores 11/17/09.

Rhymes: #10 Greatest Album of All Time: Game Theory by The Roots

The Roots
Game Theory
Released: August 29, 2006
Def Jam

Track List:
1. Dilltastic Vol (Won)derful
2. False Media
3. Game Theory
4. Don't Feel Right
5. In The Music
6. Take It There
7. Baby
8. Here I Come
9. Long Time
10. Livin' In a New World
11. Clock With No Hands
12. Atonement
13. Can't Stop This
iTunes Bonus Track: Bread & Butter

I got this album for my 16th birthday. It came with a bonus t-shirt, that I ordered off of Okayplayer.com. The lead single, "Dont Feel Right" leaked in May and I played it throughout the summer. This is easily my favorite album from hip hop's best band. The North Philly crew brings a much darker tone throughout this ablum, with a heavy rock vibe. Also the group's emcee, Black Thought, delivers his most personal rhymes on standout tracks like "Clock With No Hands". The album also touches on many political issues including Hurricane Katrina. The album opens and closes with tributes to the late producer, J Dilla, who died earlier that year, including the phenominal "Can't Stop This" using a beat from J Dilla's Donuts album.

Rhymes: Vampire Weekend to Perform on Late Night With Jimmy on March 18

The indie rock band, Vampire Weekend, is set to perform a new song entitled "White Sky" tomorrow night on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. I recently purchased the band's self-titled debut album released in 2008, and it is a great record. It would be extremely interesting if Vampire Weekend performed with The Roots, which many acts who perform on the show are doing. I highly recommend you tune in tomorrow night for Jimmy, if not for VW, then for the best house band in late night, the Legendary Roots Crew.

Here is my favorite Vampire Weekend song, "M79"


and here are The Roots performing with Public Enemy on Jimmy Fallon last night.