Friday, December 30, 2016

Bigger Than Hip-Hop: The Best Non-Hip-Hop Albums of 2016



What's going on world!  With only two days left, I would be remised if I didn't include some great projects that weren't hip-hop or rap.  There were definitely some very high points this year including the breakout stars of Anderson.Paak and producer Kaytranada, and we were all the more better listening to them within this musical universe.  Genres such as R&B, Jazz, funk, House, EDM, and Rock were all very prevalent in 2016.  With that being said, let's get right to it.



15. Childish Gambino- Awaken, My Love!

Donald Glover has tasted a lot of acclaim this year.  His hit show, Atlanta, was a major smash and was considered one of the best shows on cable TV.  However, he also delivered his follow-up to his critical darling, Because The Internet, with Awaken, My Love.  He took a left turn and departed from hip-hop, and made more of a funk-infused project that conjures up Parliament Funkadelic in many instances.  Those expecting what he brought with Because The Internet, or even his debut Camp, will be sadly disappointed.  He will, however, gladly satisfy those who just want some feel good funk, and cuts like "Boogieman" and "Redbone" are very irresistible.  Do yourself a favor: get out of the box you may have made for Gambino, and expose yourself to this album.  You might actually pleasantly surprised.



14. Esperanza Spaulding- Emily's D+ Evolution

Ah!  The ever wonderful Esperanza Spaulding blesses us once again with her impeccable talent of songwriting and her spellbinding musicianship.  The multi-time Grammy Award-winner resurfaced with Emily's D+Evolution, an album that fuses jazz, folk, some rock, and funk into one of the year's most honest and musically intriguing albums.  There's really no wrong point with this release, as she continues to show on cuts like "Rest In Pleasure", "Judas", and "Farewell To Dolly" that she's a vital and important voice for our generation.



13. Bruno Mars- 24K Magic

There's something about listening to some old 80s R&B and funk.  It's a warm nostalgic feeling that most over the age of thirty-five would only understand.  Bruno Mars accomplished this with his third album, 24K Magic.  Conjuring up musical influences like The Time, Average White Band, and Earth, Wind, & Fire, Bruno has the best album possible to put on with the older folks over a barbecue or family get together.  The young to the old will delight in this album, as with cuts like the title track, "Chunky" and "That's What I Like", this is not the album to stay sitting down for.



12. Phonte & Eric Roberson- Tigallerro

Phonte Coleman can touch a car and make it turn gold, as the former Little Brother member-turned Foreign Exchange member collaborated with indie R&B vet Eric Roberson to deliver some true grown folk music with Tigallerro.  Strictly for the grown and sexy, these two dropped off a nearly flawless EP filled with cuts like "It's So Easy", "My Kind Of Lady", and "Something" that make one just want to find a club and have on your best clothes and get a great two step to. 



11. Frank Ocean- Blonde

It seemed like forever since the last time we heard from Frank Ocean.  We last heard from him in 2012 when he delivered the magical Channel Orange.  Four years, he delivered a double shot.  One was his visual album, Endless (which in itself was damn good), then he suddenly dropped Blonde a couple of days later.  A lot more dense than Channel Orange, or even his mixtape favorite Nostalgia, Ultra, this is every bit as personal, if not more so.  Highly intoxicating and hypnotic, this is a work of art from one of music's most enigmatic figures.  With help from Beyonce, Pharrell, Jazmine Sullivan, Andre 3000, and Kim Burrell, this album is as spectacular as it is contradictory.



10. NxWorries- Yes Lawd!

This was the year of Anderson.Paak.  He dominated this year as a new artist upon the mainstream scene.  While his debut, Malibu, was killing everything in sight critically, he had another project that practically deserve almost as much praise.  He collaborated with producer Knxwledge (think Kendrick Lamar's stellar "Momma" on To Pimp A Butterfly) to deliver a funky ride with Yes Lawd!.  Definitely a soulful, funky endeavor, NxWorries is similar to aforementioned albums like 24K Magic and Awaken My Love, in which this is a soundtrack very fitting for an era of the seventies or the blaxploitation time.  Cuts like "Suede" and "Link Up" sound like something the late greats of Isaac Hayes or Curtis Mayfield would highly approve of.



9. Maxwell- blackSUMMERS'night

It had been seven years since we heard anything from Maxwell.  His last effort, the first of the three-part trilogy BLACKsummers'night, was a welcomed return for the Grammy Award nominated artist.  This second part, blackSUMMERS'night, is a bit more experimental, yet every bit as acclaimed as his first part, maybe even better.  Taking cues from the likes of Prince and some Earth, Wind, & fire, this album is draped in sensuality and smoothness from the beloved balladeer.  As usual, expect some music to make children to, but also to appreciate the talent this man possesses.  Let's just hope the last part of the trilogy doesn't happen another seven years from now.



8. Musiq Soulchild- Life On Earth

After a critically panned side project called The Husle, we got the actual man we loved in Musiq Soulchild.  Known for his much heralded projects such as Aijuswanaseing, Juslisn, and OnMyRadio, Life On Earth was a much welcomed return, and it delivered.  With production assistance by Grammy Award-winning producer Warryn Campbell, this album is heavy in live instrumentation and very soulful sounds.  He doesn't stray too far from the formula that he's so known for.  Standouts such as the title track, "I Do", and "Walk Away" are examples of the stellar talent that Talib Johnson has been known for over sixteen years.  All Soulchild fans should really eat this album up and fully digest it.



7. Tweet- Charlene

What a stunning return for Charlene Keys, otherwise known as Tweet.  The lady known for her exceptional albums of Southern Hummingbird and It's Me Again reemerged with her most personal and honest effort yet in the appropriately entitled Charlene.  Her exquisite vocals shine all over the album better than ever on cuts like "Got What U Want", "I Was Created For This", and "Won't Hurt Me".  Mostly made up of acoustics, this album is drenched in soul and is among the single best purely R&B albums of the year if not the past few.  Welcome back Tweet.



6. Kaytranada- 99.9%

Canadian EDM producer, Kaytranada, became a household name with his album, 99.9%, which mostly has him introducing us to his world of EDM and Techno, but isn't afraid to fuse other genres such as R&B, Pop, Funk, and Soul.  His tracks were infectious and in some cases inescapable, as cuts with Craig David, Phonte, and Syd exemplified.  Even the cut with one of hip-hop's most revered producers of the year that didn't emanate from the south in Kareem Riggins, "Bus Ride" deserves to be in constant rotation.  Definitely an exciting album, you can expect even more great things from this producer.



5. Solange- A Seat At The Table

To say Solange Knowles became one of the game's biggest breakout artists is an understatement.  While we were familiar with prior works like Solo Star, True, and Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, this was the album that officially put her into more widespread acclaim.  Expressing pain, frustration, and Black pride, Solange delivered a classic for this generation and easily rivals big sister's astounding effort.  Addressing issues such as sexism, prejudice, and cultural importance, Solange has officially arrived if she hasn't before.  Musically, this is as untouchable of a project as you'll ever hear this decade with cuts like the beautiful "Cranes In the Sky", "Don't Touch My Hair", and "Scales".  This is THAT project we've been waiting to hear from her.



4. KING- We Are KING

WOW!  Two siblings and their cousin delivered R&B beauty in a major capacity with their debut We Are KING.  This Cali trio dropped off an astonishing array of delightful music that is both soulful and invigorating.  Filled with synth music and dreamy soundscapes, their airy vocals blissfully compliment the breezy production and provides us with some of the best pure soul music we've heard in quite some time.  When even the late, great icon Prince called them one of his favorite new artists, how can one go against that kind of co-sign?



3. Anthony Hamilton- What I'm Feelin'

It's something about some good soul music.  You remember that old song, "Sweet Soul Music", and how the song was giving props to those like that Otis Redding and Sam & Dave?  If there was to be a remake, whomever would remake it must give props to this North Carolina native.  Anthony Hamilton delivered yet another soulful treasure in What I'm Feelin' for our ears and hearts.  Anthony sticks to the script that he's been writing for himself for over a decade and a half now, and with cuts like the title track (which features vocals from his INSANE backup singers The Hamiltones), "Love Is An Angry Thing", and "Walk In My Shoes" are so prototypical soul music that he practically is our new age Sam Cooke or Otis Redding.  He definitely possesses the same kind of spirit.



2. Beyonce- Lemonade

What can be said that hasn't been said already about this classic?  To say Mrs. Knowles-Carter didn't show up and show out on this release is completely bewildering.  Many compare Lemonade to a Black woman's version of To Pimp A Butterfly.  There could be some truth in that comparison, as this album changed the landscape of the game just like Kendrick's cultural masterpiece did in 2015.  Covering each and every area the Black woman of today goes through (infidelity, trust issues, being a mother, surviving in a man's world, etc.), she goes through area with such powerful yet at times very vulnerable conviction.  From tracks like "Hold Up" to "Don't Hurt yourself" and the anthemic "Freedom", Beyonce spares no expense to make sure we feel her every soul on this game-changing album.



1. Anderson.Paak- Malibu

If there was one person that completely obliterated his competition as a new artist in 2016, it was Anderson.Paak.  Since hearing him on several cuts on Dr. Dre's excellent Compton album in 2015, his stock has really risen.  However, none of us were as ready as we thought we were when he delivered Malibu upon us.  One of the most gifted musicians in the industry today, Anderson introduced us to funk and soul in a way that was fresh and reinvigorating.  This album was flawless and is considered a modern day portrait of musical brilliance.  Complete with live instrumentation and a defiant attitude, Anderson deserves all the accolades and acclaim he keeps receiving from his peers.  Cuts like "Come Down", "The Bird", and "The Season/Carry Me" are too stellar for words.  They just need to be heard, over and over and over again.  Multiple awards are headed in his direction, and with his announcement earlier in the year of signing with Aftermath, his star power is truly just beginning.


Honorable Mentions

Joe- #MyNameIsJoeThomas
Eric Benet- Eric Benet
Fantasia- The Definition Of...
Tank- Sex, Love, & Pain II
BJ The Chicago Kid- In My Mind
Brian McKnight- Better
John Legend- Darkness & Light
Frank Ocean- Endless
Dave Hollister- The MANuscript
Usher- Back II Love
Alicia Keys- HERE
dvsn- Sept. 5th
Miles Davis & Robert Glaspar- Everything's Beautiful
Rihanna- ANTI
Ro James- Eldorado
Yuna- Chapters
Terrace Martin- Velvet Portraits
David Bowie- Blackstar
James Blake- The Colour In Anything
Blood Orange- Freetown Sound


As you can see, there were plenty of alternative options for those that were into funk, jazz, R&B, EDM or others as musicianship was on display just as much as hip-hop was by all means.  If you haven't peeped any of these releases yet, do yourself a favor and do so before the new year hits so you can get acquainted and ready for the new heat coming in 2017.  Until next year (read: next week), see you then and have a great New Year!  Peace and love!


Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Mixtape of 2016: The Best Hip-Hop Cuts of 2016



What's the haps folks!  It's only right that after I left you guys with the best albums, I had to also cover the best cuts (radio, mixtape, or albums) of this year.  Consider this a mixtape of the best of 2016, and there were plenty of them out there.  From Tribe to Common, T.I., Kendrick, and K.R.I.T., there have been some SIZZLING cuts that have blessed our ears.  Without any more delay, let's get to it shall we?



Royce 5'9"- "Which Is Cool" (Production: Nottz)

The second video to emerge from the super dope EP of Royce 5'9", Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter, was the emphatic, yet minimal "Which Is Cool".  We have Royce spitting his signature shit-talking, mixed with some subliminal Drake dissing, over a groovy Nottz beat, and showed why he is who he's been for over a decade and a half.



Danny Brown- "Lost" (Production: Playa Haze)

Over an amazingly haunting beat, Detroit's own Danny Brown exploits his excesses while telling people he basically did it all his way, whether under the influence or not.  Just one highlight from an incredible release from this hip-hop "rock star".



Common feat. Stevie Wonder- "Black America Again" (Production: Kareem Riggins & Robert Glaspar)

What has to be considered the powerful cut of 2016 is the title track to Common's classic new album, Black America Again.  Over amazing production from Detroit beat smith/drummer Kareem Riggins and Grammy Award winning pianist Robert Glaspar, Common highlights the plight of the Black community, yet also shows our pride and our ability to overcome the times we're in.  When added with the passionate vocals of the iconic Stevie Wonder, this is definitely within his best cuts ever within his discography.



J. Cole- "False Prophets (Be Like This)" (Production: artist)

Fayetteville's own Jermaine Cole returned upon the scene making noise quite quickly.  One of two promotional singles from his dazzling album, 4 Your Eyes Only, he comes with "False Prophets", which is noted for him highlighting his frustrations and disappointments in the likes of Kanye West, Drake, and close friend Wale.  Clearly a song that he needed to get off his chest, Cole raised a lot of eyebrows with the cut, but one can't deny his honesty within the cut, and it set the stage for his most poignant album to date.




Common feat. Tasha Cobbs- "Little Chicago Boy" (Production: Kareem Riggins & Frank Dukes)

What can honestly be considered the most beautiful cut, not just on this monumental Black America Again album but one of his best in recent memory, Common eulogizes his late father, Lonnie "Pops" Lynn over an emotional, yet gorgeous piece, complete with minimal percussion, piano, guitar, and flute spots.  Wonderful live instrumental production aside, Grammy Award winning Gospel vocalist Tasha Cobbs sets this cut off with her incredible vocals that really grip and pull at your heart strings.  A definite tear-jerker, this will easily be felt by anyone who has lost someone this past year and may be the most honorable cut of the year.



Ab-Soul- "D.R.U.G.S." (Production: FrancisGotHeat)

Ab-Soulo has been among the most anticipated artists for an album this year, and he very solidly delivered with Do What Thou Wilt.  While he dropped some some dope cuts as the albums first singles of "Brailles" and "Huey Knew", it was this dark anthem showing that among his many vices (family, money, bitches), his vice of drugs stands right there with them all.  On an album that examines the importance of women in our culture, this cut in particular is a hypnotic look into a complex artist who, although excellently talented, clearly has a love affair with everything from mollys, alcohol, and cigarettes to percocet and Xanix, he also lets it be known to kids that although he loves these vices, he doesn't need them.



Drake feat. Popcaan- "Controlla" (Production: Boi-1nda, DJ Genius, & Supa Dups)

Whether you want to admit it or not, Drake had a historic year.  Breaking record after record this year, Drake has officially placed himself into hip-hop's upper echelon of stars.  With his much anticipated Views album, he presented us with a very hypnotic dancehall track meant to dutty wine with some fortunate young lady or man.  Very sensual in nature, Drake managed to once again take us to the dance floor, whether we liked it or not.  This cut was hot all year.



Chance The Rapper feat. Saba- "Angels" (Production: The Social Experiment)

Has anyone had a better year as a "new artist" than Chi-town's own Chance The Rapper?  Not hardly, as his critically acclaimed mixtape, Coloring Book, has been revered for its highly uplifting vibe and even delving into God, spirituality, and makes you occasionally feel like you're in the coolest church in town.  One such track that exemplifies this is "Angels", which complete with blaring horns is a joyous cut that has him declaring that he's blessed by having angels surrounding him all the time.  A very needed cut to promote positivity and hope.



Common- "Pyramids" (Production: Kareem Riggins)

Common's Black America Again wasn't all heavy, as it also celebrated women to the fullest.  However, he also went back into hip-hop beast mode with the drum-heavy "Pyramids".  Complete with a very appropriate ODB sample as the hook, Common BURNS the mic up with this one, especially between 2:20-2:27 (WHEW!!!!!).  He may be activist, actor, and all that, but NEVER forget that he's a G.O.A.T. out here and he reminded us of that on this flames track.



Havoc & The Alchemist feat. Cormega- "Hear Me Now" (Production: artist)

If there was a better Alchemist beat this year, I would love for you to present it to me.  This was among the most fantastic use of a piano and recorder loop done this whole year.  Haunting and ominous, Mobb Deep's Havoc and fellow QB graduate Cormega spit daggers and remind us that Queensbridge is where legends are from.  Arguably the best cut from Havoc and Al's The Silent Partner album, which is flames in itself, this takes you back to a warm place of you were heavy into mid-90s NYC hip-hop.



Elzhi- "Two 16s" (Production: Kareem Riggins)

We rejoiced with the return of Detroit's rhyme animal (one of many) Elzhi.  Dropping his eagerly awaited Lead Poison album, this track has him in storytelling mode examining two different stories that although troubling, are nicely executed by a very gifted lyricist.  BTW, how CRAZY has Kareem Riggins been this year??



Dave East- "Keisha" (Production: Mr. Authentic)

Harlem's next-to-blow Dave East is being celebrated as the next voice to bring NYC back to full prominence.  With mixtape like Kairi Chanel, it's not hard to see why.  With the debut single, "Keisha", he describes a tale of a shiesty female that set him up and robbed him.  Swearing revenge, he basically says he better not see her.  Great storytelling from this Nas protege, we look forward to his Def Jam debut coming soon.



Kenneth Whalum feat. Big K.R.I.T.- "Might Not Be OK" (Production: artist)

Talk about a powerful cut.  K.R.I.T. has always been known to infuse soulful, gripping music over the years, as evidenced with fantastic mixtures and albums likes King Remembered In Time, Cadillactica, Live From The Underground, and K.R.I.T. Was Here.  However, this track may be amongst the most hard-hitting he has ever done.  Getting up with Grammy-Award winning musician Kenneth Whalum, he addresses police brutality and their traumatic after-effects upon the family and the community.  Definitely one of his most memorable cuts ever, not only does cut require multiple listens, but also the ability to not break down and cry over anger and outrage.



Kendrick Lamar feat. Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Bilal, and Mani Strings- "Untitled 3" (Production: Astronote)

Another cut on this phenomenal compilation album is the third cut on his Untitled Unmastered album.  While there's no title for this, he has performed this once or twice and the shame about this version is that it's condensed.  This two and a half minute cut is still among his most carefully thought out cuts, examining different cultures and their impact upon him in the industry.  Like most cuts on the album, one could only imagine how amazing this cut would've been fully mastered and released.



Royce 5'9"- "Tabernacle" (Production: S-1)

Royce 5'9" has always been among the vivid lyricists there is, besides being a straight rhyme animal. On his album, Layers, he presented us with perhaps the most poignant cut of his career with "Tabernacle".  On this masterful cut, Ryan Montgomery is present and he tales of two of the most defining moments of his life: his first meeting with fellow Detroit rhyme legend, Eminem, and the unfortunate passing of his grandmother.  Coinciding with the birth of his first son, he realizes that "God is real", and it became the beginning of an acclaimed career.



A Tribe Called Quest feat. Busta Rhymes- "Dis Generation" (Production: Q-Tip)

Oh how sweet it was to hear one of hip-hop's most revered groups ever come back one last time.  A Tribe Called Quest reemerged with their, what's reported, final album, We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service.  Among the many standouts is the funky "Dis Generation", which features vocals from honorary member Busta Rhymes, as well as original member Jairobi and posthumous vocals from the late Phife Dawg giving big ups to this current generation of emcees and having their back.  Sounding like vintage Tribe, this cut is a big salute to the crop of kids out here pushing to keep the game forward.  What better statesmen to give them props.



Joe Budden- "I Gotta Ask" (Production: AraabMuzik)

Jersey Joe showed his ass one more year with his sizzling album, Rage & The Machine.  One standout in particular was "I Gotta Ask".  Over searing production from AraabMuzik, Budden showed reverence to one of his idols, Jay-Z, by incorporating the same style Jay had in "Hard Knock Life" for this cut.  Showing firepower and confidence we haven't seen on his own in a few years, Joe reminded us why he's truly one of Jersey's finest.



Rapsody- "Crown" (Production: 9th Wonder & Khrysis)

North Carolina's Rapsody has been steadily achieving highly revered status within the rap game.  She released her EP, Crown, back in November and one didn't need to look much further in terms of heat than the title track.  This inspirational cut reminds us of our strength and ability to aim and walk high over some sweet boom bap production courtesy of Jamla family members 9th Wonder and Khrysis.  By the end of this cut, you'll never forget to "wear your crown".



Run The Jewels feat. Boots- "2100" (Production: El-P)

What a way to nearly close out the year than with some Run The Jewels new music.  In high anticipation of their third album, RTJ3, in January, Killer Mike and El-Producto dropped more collar-straightening heat in the form of the highly angst socio-political cut, "2100".  Ironically dropped just after the disheartening announcement of Donald Trump winning the election, this cautionary cut warns us of what's ahead and has us raising our fists in the air in defiance.



Sean Price- "Rap Professor" (Production: DJ Skizz)

The late, great Sean P posthumously dropped crazy bars on the DJ Skizz-produced, blaxploitation-sampled "Rap Professor".  This cut will reportedly be included on 2017's Imperius Rux album, which if it's anything slightly resembling heat like this will be a definite favorite of the year.  Why wouldn't it be?  It's P!!!!!!!



Elzhi- "February" (Production: 14kt.)

One thing that made Elzhi's Lead Poison so intriguing was of how deeply personal it was.  One such cut was the vivid "February", which after a beautiful piano intro, he covers everything from death to depression to suicidal thoughts.  It's clear that during his time away, he really went through it, but we're glad he made it out of the storm better than ever.



Dave East- "Don't Shoot" (Production: Triple A)

Perhaps the most standout cut, not just on his excellent mixtape Kairi Chanel, but within his entire discography, Dave East delivered the vivid and powerful "Don't Shoot", a fiery cut detailing Dave in three different periods within his life: his early adolescence, his high school/college years, and full adulthood.  All periods examine him getting harassed by police and the fears of the police state of the country.  The tragic ending is the all too common state of affairs for Blacks within the country.



A Tribe Called Quest- "Lost Somebody" (Production: Q-Tip)

When the hip-hop world lost Phife Dawg early in 2016, it's like the community stopped for a while, as we were all in heavy mourning over his passing from diabetes.  On "Lost Somebody", Tip and Jairobi give a fitting eulogy for their fallen partner and friend, and is every bit a classy farewell to the five foot assassin.  Don't be surprised if, while you're having your neck grooving to the delectable production, tears well up listening.



T.I.- "Warzone" (Production: Mars)

If there was a time to put away the less substantial material in hip-hop, it's right now.  With the fiery state of affairs our country is experiencing, T.I. was not blinded by this, and he dropped a venomous EP, Us Or Else, only to be followed months later by a whole full-length, Us Or Else: Letter To The System.  Arguably T.I.'s most acclaimed work in years, one standout was the angst "Warzone".  What was even more pressing about this cut was the controversial accompanying video, complete with Whites and Blacks being in role reversals in intense situations such as police shootings and getting killed by suffocation.  T.I. stayed woke this year, and put out music that definitely reflected it.



J. Cole- "Everybody Gotta Die" (Production: artist)

The other much discussed promo cut from 4 Your Eyez Only from J. Cole was the venomous "Everybody Gotta Die".  Over a sweet sampling of Minnie Ripperton's "Inside My Love" (Only outdone by A Tribe Called Quest for "Lyrics 2 Go"), he goes after certain rappers who by 'Lil' this and 'Lil' that.  Never one to bite his tongue, Cole is in battle ready mode, and let it be known there too much wackiness out here for him to stomach.



Ka- "Mourn At Night" (Production: artist & Preservation)

Arguably presenting his best work to date with Honor Killed The Samurai, Brownsville's philosopher, Ka, delivered his dose of whispering wisdom all throughout the album, perhaps the most chilling cut on the album is "Mourn At Night".  Very subtle, yet very eerie and lo-key, Ka tells tales of cautionary and surreal street life that doesn't end well.  In an album FILLED with highlights, this one is among the top of the heap if not for anything else, it's the boneyard chilling production that gives you the shivers while listening to him spit jewels to grow on.



Apollo Brown & Skyzoo- "Visionary Riches" (Production: artist)

One thing Skyzoo is great at is conceptual rap.  We've seen this over the years.  He delivered once again with the ambitious "Visionary Riches", where he raps in the perspective of money and how he can cloud one's good judgement for wealth and the need to want more of him.  Over probably the album's best production from Apollo Brown, Skyzoo is an emcee's emcee, and this cut, among the many other stellar standouts, is exemplary of this.  



Madvillain- "Avalanche" (Production: Madlib)

HOLY. FUCKING. SHIT!!!  After over a decade of no new material from these two, this surfaces.  Those that had the privilege to cop 2005's Madvillainy from MF Doom and Madly beheld one of the greatest and most influential albums to ever exist from the underground and is considered an unorthodox treasure compared to others like Aquemini and De La Soul Is Dead.  We've been waiting forever for new material, and we got it.  It's unknown as to if this will appear on the MUCH anticipated sequel to Madvillainy, but regardless, the magic is still very much there and hopefully, this will be a sign of things to come in 2017.  



Mac Miller feat. Kendrick Lamar- "God Is Kind, Sexy, and Nasty" (Production: Tae Beast of Digi-Phonics)

Many were a tad thrown off by the mellow, jazzy feel of Mac Miller's Devine Feminine album.  However, this was still a very intriguing project and showed a far more loving side to the young emcee.  Accompanied by King Kendrick, this incredible, yet quite long, cut is equipped with piano scores throughout this piece.  Eight epic minutes of seduction and love, this cut may be musically the best he has ever rhymed over in his career, as the instrumental alone is among the best all year.  



Common feat. Bilal- "Letter To The Free" (Production: Kareem Riggins & Robert Glaspar)

Yet another timeless cut from this equally timeless album, Common presents another powerful ode to our country's current climate.  This time, he takes to the prison system and how it's equivalent to modern day slavery.  This wrenching cut is complete with Bilal's gripping vocals and a staggering musical soundscape that will both well up and tears and provide a spark in your heart to continue to stay woke.  Common's very insightful lyrics were much needed and was the close to a new benchmark in the career of Lonnie Rashid Lynn.



Lupe Fiasco- "Pick Up The Phone" (Production: iSHi)

While we're all disappointed at his very sudden retirement, Lupe Fiasco will always be remembered as one of the game's most visual and intelligent emcees.  We were waiting his reported final three albums, but he did manage to drop off the love-sick cut "Pick Up The Phone", which is something all of us know about all too well.  The cut dives into infatuation with the opposite sex, which sounds sappy but leave it to Fiasco to make it relatable and informed.  The hook, sung by vocalist Eric Turner, wraps everything into one big beautiful track.  However, the accompanying video is wrenching and turns out tragic.  Man, what one simple answering of the phone and a hello would do, or even prevent.



Danny Brown feat. Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and Earl Sweatshirt- "Really Doe" (Production: Black Milk)

There's something about a good posse cut from different excellent emcees.  This year's came in the form of Danny Brown, Earl Sweatshirt, and TDE big wigs Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul on the ominous yet still banging "Really Doe".  Over sharp drums and a haunting xylophone loop provided by fellow Detroit beat monster Black Milk, these four cats go for the jugular on this track and serves that these four may need to a Slaughterhouse-type of collaborative album.  Really, these four sound SICK together.


Honorable Mentions

A Tribe Called Quest- "We The People"
Isaiah Rashad- "AA"
T.I.- "We Will Not"
Drake- "One Dance"
Billy Danze of M.O.P.- "6:00 Briefing"
Oddisee- "Things"
Joe Budden- "Idols"
Kanye West feat. Kendrick Lamar- "No More Partying In L.A."
The Game- "Gang Signs"
The Game- "The Soundtrack"
Kendrick Lamar feat. Anna Wise, Punch, and Jay Rock- "untitled 5"
Danny Brown- "When It Rain"
Mac Miller feat. Anderson.Paak- "Dang!"
Quelle Chris- "Buddies"
ScHoolboy Q- "Groovy Tony"
Ab-Soul- "Threatening Nature"
Rapsody- "Tina Turner"
Designer- "Panda"
Wale- "Groundhog Day"
De La Soul feat. Estelle and Pete Rock- "In Memory Of"
A Tribe Called Quest feat. Elton John- "Solid Wall Of Sound"
Common feat. BJ The Chicago Kid- "Day The Women Took Over"
Chance The Rapper feat. T-Pain and Kirk Franklin- "Drown/Finish Line"
Master Ace feat. Pac Bundy and Chuck D- "Young Black Intelligent"
DJ Khaled feat. Nas- "Nas Album Done"
Jay-Z- "Spiritual"
Swiss Beats feat. Scarface- "Sad News"
Phife Dawg- "Nutshell"
StatikKXNG feat. Termanology- "Let's Go"
Vince Staples- "War Ready"
Lupe Fiasco- "Made In the USA"
DJ Khaled feat. Jay-Z and Future- "I Got The Keys"
Joey Bada$$- "Front and Center"
Royce 5'9"- "Dead President Heads"
Kanye West- "30 Hours"
Phife Dawg- "Dear Dilla"
Chance The Rapper feat. 2 Chainz and Lil' Wayne- "No problem"
Mick Jenkins- "Spread Love"
Prodigy- "Tyranny"
Pusha T feat. Jay-Z- "D.D.A."
Joe Budden- "By Law"
Apathy feat. Bun B and Twista- "Moses"
Danny Brown feat. ScHoolboy Q- "Pneumonia"
Isaiah Rashad- "Free Lunch"


As you can see, there were a lot of sincere heat this year, and there's likely even more that I haven't named, in fact it's basically guaranteed.  This is strictly a subjective list.  If you haven't checked any of these tracks out this year, please do yourself a favor and do so from both lists.  All are constant rotators and will likely give you the same emotions, neck cramps, and mental field trips as they did me.  Until next year, peace and love and stay safe these holidays!

Sunday, December 11, 2016

The Best Albums Of 2016



What's going on world!  Great to see you back with me again, and it is definitely that time again.  It's time to review the best hip-hop releases of this year.  Let's be honest folks.  This year, up until recently, has been somewhat stale.  There was a period during this year where a lot of material being released what just average or sub-par.  There were some here and there that showed greatness, but overall, on a consistent level, nothing was enormously substantial.  However, once August and September come around, the tide started to turn to where we started to get more and more blazing releases.  Then November comes comes around and MAN!!!  Releases from Common, Czarface, and others come out with CRAZY albums.  Of course hip-hop usually comes very much alive in the fourth quarter as it is, but December is when eveyone likes to get in that last minute rush to drop material, and what a December we've had (and it's not over yet).  Here's one thing you'll notice about this list: TDE put out the most exceptional material from one label/group this entire year.  More than any year prior, this has been a dominant year for them.  Without further ado, let's get this show started.



30. Masta Ace- The Falling Season

Legendary Juice Crew member Masta Ace, as of late, has put out some incredible material.  Yes, his earlier albums like Take A Look Around and Slaughtahouse were some good releases, it wasn't until he dropped Disposable Arts in 2001 where his career took a turn, in a very acclaimed fashion.  Deemed a classic, Disposable Arts reintroduced the art of the concept album in a narrative form, delivering one of the new millennium's most prized gems.  He followed it up with A Long Hot Summer, which was basically every bit as fantastic.  Since then, he's released bangers like his MF Doom-assisted MA DOOM: Son Of Yvonne, and his collaborated album with Ed O.G. and his group eMC (their album The Show was especially sizzling).  Now he gives us The Falling Season, which goes back to the conceptual album and this time, this takes us through his high school years.  Experiencing typical high school issues like girls, conflicts with parents, and being bullied, Ace holds well and in a game where the young are really trying to hold down the fort, artists like this thirty year vet show that they can still put it down.



29. J Dilla- The Diary

The late, great James "J Dilla" Yancey was, and is, a hip-hop treasure.  We've gone over just how much of an impact he's made for the culture.  Upon his earthly departure, he left us with a lot of fruitful gems to digest.  His latest is his long shelved solo album apart from his, then, group Slum Village, The Diary.  Completed while he was on MCA Records, this collection of cuts is vintage Dilla with dope yet surprising collaborations with the likes of Snoop and Kokane.  He also shares production credits with the likes of Hi-Tek, Madlib, Nottz, and Pete Rock, which was even more of a benefit.  It even contains the underground smash, "Fuck The Police", which heads had been clamoring to get their hands on for many years.  The more we hear Dilla, the more we miss him, but also the more we realize how amazing his talent of boardwork really was.  He also wasn't a bad lyricist either.  Let's face it, we can never get enough Dilla.



28. Statik Selektah & KXNG Crooked- StatikKXNG

One of the craziest lyricists to emerge from the west is the artist formerly known as Crooked I.  KXNG Crooked got up with Statik Selektah to create this beyond dope EP, StatikKXNG.  Statik's always on point production matches the lyrical ferocity of Crooked to the T.  From cuts like the Termanology-assisted "Let's Go" to "Lost A Fan", Crooked continues to show why he's one of the most feared lyricists on the planet (let's not forget he's still one-fourth of the notorious Slaughterhouse collective) and why Statik is one of the most sought after producers in rap today.



27. Mac Miller- The Devine Feminine

Over the last few years, we've seen an evolution of Mac Miller, both lyrically and as a man.  It's almost like his newfound sobriety has brought out his best work, and his latest offering, The Devine Feminine, is another example.  Following up his biggest album to date, GO:OD AM, he drops this ode to love and infatuation over some of the most mellow and melodic production of this entire year. Cuts like "Congratulations", "Dang!", and "God Is Fair, Sexy, Nasty" are examples of just how far we're continuing to see Mac Miller go within this game.  We have to thank Ariana Grande for this newfound embracing of genuine love and affection because he has created one of the best albums within his discography.



26. Flatbush Zombies- 3001: A Laced Odyssey

Proud members of the "Beast Coast" movement, along with A$AP Mob, Underachievers, and Pro Era, the Flatbush Zombies dropped a slept-on, yet acclaimed mixtape in BetterOffDead in 2013.  This year, they delivered their first official full-length album, 3001: A Laced Odyssey, and it literally further propels the talent that Erick Arc Elliot, Zombie Juice, and Meechy Darko possess.  Standout are quite a few with this album, including "Bounce" and "A Spike Lee Joint", and show that their mixtape of D.R.U.G.S. and BetterOffDead only previewed things to come for this unorthodox yet very talented trio.



25. Nyck Caution- Disguise The Limit

We've heard tremendous material over the last couple years from Pro Era's Joey Bada$$, CJ Fly, and Kirk Knight to mostly great reviews and critical acclaim.  Next up to bat is Nyck Caution, and his debut mixtape, Disguise The Limit, handles the Pro Era aura very well.  One of the youngest of the crew, his young eyes meets his mature thoughts and he lets his pen cry on quite a few cuts on this release including "Baptize", "Show No Love", and "Basin".  There's a lot more to Caution's story, and we're looking forward to hearing more from him.



24. Kane West- The Life Of Pablo

Let the heat begin.  I can handle it, trust me.  The best way I can describe this album is a beautiful mess.  Kanye, in the very tumultuous personal year he has had, managed to scrape out his long overdue follow-up to Yeezus.  While this was a better project overall than the previously mentioned album, this is still fairly much considered an all-over-the-place album.  However, in the moments he hits, he hits HARD.  While it took forever seemingly to get a final tracklist from him, the standouts are very, very noticeable.  We see bits of "old Kanye" with flame cuts like "No More Partying In LA" and "FML" then he takes us to church with "Ultralight Beams" and presents one of the standout cuts from him in recent memory with "30 Hours".  This is another polarizing album from a polarizing fixture, but still remains as one of the year's best.



23. Dave East- Kairi Chanel

Harlem's Dave East has been on the lips of quite a number of people since his very impressive, Hate Me Now, a year ago.  Now he has delivered his latest offering Kairi Chanel, which is named after his daughter.  Once again displaying his lyrical prowess and considered to be among the new powerhouses of NYC hip-hop, this Nas-protege has standouts upon standouts on this mixtape such as "Keisha", the police brutality ode "Don't Shoot", and the simply bananas "It Was Written".  The new voice of Harlem is set to be a star, especially once his Def Jam debut hits hopefully in 2017.  



22. Elzhi- Lead Poison

Hard times happen to us all.  With artists, it usually leads to some rather compelling work.  In the case of one of the nastiest lyricists from the D, Elzhi, it definitely benefited him.  Not seen since his tribute to Nas' Illmatic, Elmatic, he went through death and depression for a period of time.  While we're glad he emerged with a newfound appreciation of life as a human being, we're just as happy to hear him spitting again, and with Lead Poison, we get all he had been going through.  His most personal body of work to date, Elzhi has emerged from the dark clouds of his life with tracks like "Two 16s", "Friendzone", and the deeply poignant "February" to show that with all he's endured, he still has a story to tell.



21. Joe Budden- Rage & The Machine

Jersey Joe is back at it again.  A year removed from what many felt was the album of his career with All Love Lost, he remerges with another powerhouse album with Rage & The Machine.  Nowhere near as personal or intimate as his prior album, he goes back to shit talking and letting lyrics take front stage along with the very consistent and knocking production from AraabMuzik.  Rediscovering his lyrical fire that got him into being one-fourth of Slaughterhouse, this album is one of the most complete albums you'll find within his discography with cuts like "By Law", the Jay-Z salute "I Gotta Ask", and "Idols".  Without a doubt, we need more albums like this from this polarizing individual.  



20. Torae- Entitled

Coney Island's own Torae is one of the game's most vicious and passionate emcees, and based on his latest endeavor, Entitled, nothing has changed.  Never taking any shorts lyrically, Torae brings fire on every cut as if it's last time spitting.  Easily blending in with other blazing albums from him like Double Barrel, For The Record, and his fantastic collaboration album with Skyzoo, Barrel Brothers, cuts like "Coney Island's Finest", "Clap Shit Up", and "Let 'Em Know" are exemplary cuts that show that Torae needs to be mentioned a lot more along the elite emcees currently repping NYC and hip-hop as a whole.  With boardwork from the likes of Pete Rock, Apollo Brown, and Premo, this album will heat up your winter.



19. Royce 5'9"- Layers

One of the most complete emcees in the entire game is Royce 5'9".  Proudly hailing from the D, Royce has been known for obliterating mics and crafting very dope albums over the decade and some change he's been doing this.  This Bad Meets Evil/Slaughterhouse member dropped his latest album, Layers, to acclaim from everyone who had the good fortune of peeping this release.  Flirting with different styles on this album, he also continues to let us more in into who Ryan Montgomery is, not just as an emcee but as a human being.  Balancing personal with shit talking, Royce has made some of the best music of his career since going sober, and with cuts like "Gotta Know" and "Off", it's clear Royce is still very much a feared, yet respected, emcee.



18. Lloyd Banks- All Or Nothing: Live It Up

The youngest in charge within the G-Unit camp is Lloyd Banks.  Seen as the most talented overall member of the crew, we've heard substantial projects from Banks such as his Halloween Havoc mixtape series.  This year, he dropped what has to be considered the best work of his career in All Or Nothing: Live It Up, which shows Banks going back to the hungry, raw young Queens emcee that had the world at attention.  In short, there's no shortage of heat on this mixtape. None.  This is front to back a playthrough release.  Rhyming over some of the most hard hitting beats you'll hear all year from relatively unknown producers (Save for Ty Knitty-formerly of Infamous Mobb fame), Banks got the chip on his shoulder back with cuts like "Insomniac", "Price Of Life", and "Pledge Of Allegiance" and the result is nothing less than incredible.



17. Havoc & The Alchemist- The Silent Partner

What would a year-end countdown list be without some sort of contribution from Allan The Chemist or without Mobb Deep in some sort of way?  This year comes in the form of both of them, with Havoc collaborating with the longtime Mobb producer Alchemist for The Silent Partner.  In 2013, Al and Prodigy came together for the very impressive Albert Einstein, and previously came together for the even better Return Of The Mac.  Now it's Hollywood Hav's turn, and he does every bit as great of a job.  Over some of Al's most brooding production to date, Havoc keeps the same grimy nature that has made him and his partner P legends in the game.  With guests contributing such as P himself, Method Man, and Cormega on the AMAZING "Hear Me Now", Havoc holds his lyrical own and Alchemist continues to amaze and impress as one of hip-hop's most gifted producers.



16. The Game- 1992

Bompton in the house, as Jayceon Taylor brought the heat for yet another year with 1992, which is the follow-up to his instant classic Documentary 2/2.5 from last year.  With this album, he goes back to a turning point year for him, which is when he discovered his passion for hip-hop, but also the time when the gang lifestyle was calling him.  Arguably the best album cover all year, this album also ranks among one of The Game's best, which is saying something considering he already has one of the most consistent and impressive discographies in all of hip-hop to this day.  there's no filler material on here, as Bongo (who was responsible for a great deal of fire on The Documentary 2/2.5) delivers the production goods on this sick album.  From "Grew Up On Wu-Tang" to "However Do You Want It", and "The Soundtrack", 1992 is another victory for The Game and shows his momentum isn't slowing down anytime soon.



15. Chance The Rapper- Coloring Book

The most surprising breakout act of 2016 is Chance The Rapper, a promising emcee from Chicago that has been putting out highly acclaimed material for a few years now.  Attracting the attention of the likes of fellow Chi-town native Kanye West, Chance appeared on West's aforementioned The Life Of Pablo on the all-star gospel fest "Ultralight Beam".  Now we have Chance's this mixtape, Coloring Book, which is a FAR cry from his previous mixtape, especially the most recent Acid Rap.  This mixture of hood-hop and early Sunday morning service, Coloring Book showed his star appeal with this triumphant release.  With the majority of the mixtape delving into subjects like God, spirituality, and overcoming dark moments, this was arguably the most upbeat and positive albums all year, and it was right on time.  Cuts like "Angels", "Blessings", and "Finish Line/Drown" featuring T-Pain and Kirk Franklin make it accessible for not just the Jesus seekers, but the ones who just want some positivity in their lives musically, and Chance spoke to all of the above.  Not to mention he made history for being the first unsigned artist to be nominated for a Grammy, much less at least four.  A new star is here folks.



14. Royce 5'9"- Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter

Earlier we reviewed Royce's Layers, which showed us more personal images of Detroit's finest.  Before that, as in a week earlier, Royce dropped an EP teaser, Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter.  In many aspects, this EP was even crazier than Layers.  While there were two cuts that were on both releases ("Wait" and the haunting yet powerful "Tabernacle"), there were other cuts like "Black History", "Which Is Cool", and "Rap On Steroids" which are just ferocious and easily is among the most fire releases Royce has delivered to this day.  The thought is obviously "What kind of full-length would this have been?"  In any case, this is power-packed and highly flammable.



13. De La Soul- And The Anonymous Nobody

The legendary De La Soul returned to the stage, or should I say the booth, after twelve years with their Kickstarter crowd-funded album, And The Anonymous Nobody.  This Grammy-nominated album (their first ever) was highly anticipated, and the result was a very De La album: full of unexpected surprises and different sounds.  While not the boom bap previous albums like The Grind Date and Stakes Is High are, this still has a very vanguard appeal and shows how far to the left these three highly revered emcees still are.  With guests ranging from Usher, 2 Chainz, and Snoop Dogg to Talking Heads front man David Byrne, this album is an acquired taste but for those willing to give this a chance will realize that this is a special album, and show that after thirty years, De La still know how to push boundaries and artistic envelopes.  As far as they're concerned, stakes are still high.



12. Oddisee- Alwasta

Fresh off his simply excellent album from 2015, The Good Fight, Mello Music's Oddisee emerged this year with a surprise EP titled Alwasta, which is definitely more somber and possibly more intimate than The Good Fight.  However, Oddisee's ability to present stories that everyone can relate to all around shows his blue collar approach to giving people stuff we can all feel.  Among the best producers you've always slept on, Oddisee brings some more of his best with tracks like "Lifting Shadows", "Slow Groove" and "Asked About You", and while we eagerly await his next solo offering, we can vibe out to this equally impressive follow up EP to one of last year's most pleasant surprises.



11. Ka- Honor Killed The Samurai

Among the shadowy, fog-laced streets of Brownsville comes seasoned vet Ka with yet another fantastic collection of gritty street life mixed with priceless mental jewels with Honor Killed The 
Samurai.  Approaching the album with a "samurai" mentality, we get blessed with occasional samples of kung-fu masters spitting gems to students, which is somewhat the point of what Ka is doing to the masses.  Known for very dark and percussion-less production, his whispering-like style is remarkable and tracks like "$", "Mourn At Night", and "Destined" are so wrapped with brooding, after-midnight type auras, mixed with his amazing storytelling abilities, you feel you're sitting on the same cold park benches with him.



10. Rapsody- Crown

What can we say for NC's residential lyrical queen, Rapsody?  From her highly acclaimed mixtape such as Thank H.E.R. Later and She Got Game to her debut full length album, The Idea Of Beautiful, and her show stealing verse on Kendrick's "Complexion", Marlena Evans has star written all over her stars.  The newly signed Roc Nation artist dropped her very delightful EP, Crown, at a very important time with the current age we're in.  Empowering both Black women and men alike, this practically flawless EP is just another example of why Rapsody is clearly one of the brightest stars next to fully blow.  When Dr. Dre AND Jay-Z proclaim her status as their favorite female emcee, how does one argue?



9. Isaiah Rashad- The Sun's Tirade

Tennessee's TDE representative, Isaiah Rashad, dropped a damn impressive debut EP in 2014 with Cilvia Demo.  Heads saw how talented this kid was, and knew he was in the company of greatness.  The question was "Could he hold his own with a debut full-length?"  The answer is a resounding yes in the form of The Sun's Tirade.  Deeply personal and vivid, this prodigious debut from Zay is the type of debut that legacies start to build upon, with tracks like "4 The Squall", "Free Lunch", and "B-Day".  Tackling subjects like suicide, depression and heavy drug usage, this debut is just that intriguing to get to know a little more about the South's newest critically acclaimed star.



8. ScHoolboy Q- The Blank Face LP

Staying the mighty awesome TDE for a second, ScHoolboy Q officially tasted stardom two years ago with his platinum album, Oxymoron.  The Grammy nominated album delivered heat after heat and we knew this would only be the beginning.  The album has been heralded as one of the best major label debuts in years, and rightfully so.  This year, he followed that up with perhaps an even better effort with The Blank Face LP.  Even more gritty, the Hoover Crip balances catchy radio hits with vivid tales of street life and drugs.  Way too many standouts on this one, ScHoolboy Q delivers in so many ways on this album and highly deserves to be mentioned in Album Of The Year talks with any publication or from any fan of TDE.  He may not be the thinking druggie like Ab-Soul, the conflicted poet like Kendrick, or the introverted hustla like Jay Rock, but his nitch is simple: the no-frills gangsta that gives a fuck what anyone thinks.  One should expect another Grammy nod for this outstanding release.




7. Apollo Brown & Skyzoo- The Easy Truth

What do you get when you put one of the game's most technically gifted emcees with one of the game's hottest in-demand producers?  You get The Easy Truth, which is the name of the debut collaborative effort between Skyzoo and Apollo Brown.  This is just pure boom-bap hip-hop.  No frills, plain and simple.  Both guys known for widely acclaimed projects before this one, both cats have presented one of the most complete projects all year and with cuts like "Visionary Riches", "Couple Dollars", and "Jordans & A Gold Chain", clearly an album that we'll still be discussing years later.  Detailing hardships with trying to make it in hip-hop, Sky painted a dazzling picture of the struggle and the smoke and mirrors associated with the business.  With Apollo providing is brand of phenomenal board work, this is nothing short of stunning.



6. Danny Brown- Atrocity Exhibition

One of the most interesting fixtures in hip-hop is Detroit representative Danny Brown.  His very unorthodox style is seen as an acquired taste for some, but the self-proclaimed hip-hop rock star dropped what has to be considered the best effort of his career with Atrocity Exhibition.  If there was such a thing as a hip-hop punk album, this might be it.  Clearly a psychedelic trip from an avid drug user, this album also comes out as borderline brilliant.  Grim in some aspects, cleverly strategized in others, this is an album that will define Danny Brown for many years to come.  With stunning cuts like "Lost", "Rolling Stone" and the Black Milk-produced knocking posse cut with Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar, and Ab-Soul "Really Doe", this easily outdoes any album before it, but you have to wonder how much deeper into his own abyss will he fall.



5. Ab-Soul- DWTW (Do What Thou Wilt)

TDE's lonely stoner AB-Soul has been the most anticipated emcee to drop a new album this year that's not named Kendrick.  All eyes were on him to follow-up what was a slightly disappointing album in 2014's These Days..., and boy did he deliver with DWTW.  Unquestionably his best album since 2012's Control System, DWTW is part ode to women, part deep angst thinker with clear chips on his shoulder.  In any event, this album is basically breathtaking and has been in serious talks of being the best of the year.  With cuts like the amazing "D.R.U.G.S.", "Invocation", and "Threatening Nature", it's not hard to see why.  His best lyrical effort in years and over some of the best production he may have ever rhymed over, Soulo has hit a new career benchmark.



4. A Tribe Called Quest- We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service

In what was undeniably the year's biggest story, we got anew, yet final, album from one of hip-hop's most beloved and legendary groups, A Tribe Called Quest.  After the saddening and unfortunate passing of member Phife Dawg, heads basically knew Tribe was gone as well with him.  Known for delivering some of the most timeless albums of any era within hip-hop, this was just the great news the culture needed, and it didn't disappoint whatsoever.  The remaining members of Q-Tip, Jairobi White, and honorary members Consequence and Busta Rhymes, gave us a swan song to always remember with We Got IT From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service.  Exciting collaborations with guests such as Elton John, Jack White, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Taleb Kweli, and Andre 3000 made the album even more intriguing, and with cuts like "Conrad Tokyo", "Killing Season", and "Kids", this album sounded like a vintage Tribe album, only with a 2016 twist.  Even though it's bittersweet (don't trip, we did get some Phife verses posthumously), we rejoice in the final curtain call of a group that defined perseverance and greatness.  Take a bow guys, you deserve it.




3. J. Cole- 4 Your Eyez Only

If there's one person in hip-hop that has had a historic past couple of years, it's been NC native J. Cole.  Making history as the only hip-hop artist to go triple platinum with no guest features with 2014's 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Cole became one of the most important voices this generation.  Willing to abandon stardom in order to make honest, personal music became his agenda and his mission, and he greatly continued it with 4 Your Eyez Only.  Perhaps even more poignant than before, he tackles subjects such as prejudice, marriage, fatherhood, and self conflict to such honesty and openness on cuts like "The Neighbors", "She's Mine", and the wonderful title track.  Can he repeat the same magic as he did with Forest Hills Drive?  Time will tell, but don't bet against him.



2. Kendrick Lamar- Untitled, Unmastered

After a career defining 2015 with one of music's modern masterpieces, To Pimp A Butterfly, the Grammy Award winner dropped a surprise collection of unfinished cuts and demos appropriately entitled Untitled Unmastered.  Heads had been begging for an album full of performances with what were unreleased cuts assumedly from To Pimp A Butterfly.  Top Dawg granted the request, and it was simply astonishing.  For unfinished cuts, cutting room floor cuts, and demos, these tracks were easily some of the best hip-hop moments of the year.  It's scary to think that these unfinished, unmastered cuts were better than the majority of cuts we heard all year long that were mastered and released.  Do yourself a favor: just push play and let King Kendrick take you away with his brilliance.  



1. Common- Black America Again

Stunning.  Beautiful. Wonderful.  These are just a few of the adjectives to describe Common's latest album, Black America Again.  Not since his seminal classic BE in 2005 have we heard Common sound this good over some of the most breathtaking production of his career, provided primarily by Kareem Riggins, Robert Glaspar, and Frank Dukes.  In this age of Donald Trump running the show, police killing Blacks, and society at large being manipulated, this album couldn't have come at a better time.  Common clearly wanted to present the strength of our community through love and honesty.  He celebrates the beauty of the Black woman with cuts like "Red Wine" and "The Day The Women Took Over", while empowering the Black community as a whole with the unreal title track with music icon Stevie Wonder and the staggering "Letter To The Free", but also presents a GORGEOUS tear-jerker with gospel star Tasha Cobbs "Little Chicago Boy", which is an ode to his deceased father, Pops Lynn.  This may arguably be the most important album within his entire celebrated discography, and that's saying something considering the aforementioned BE, and classics like Like Water For Chocolate and Resurrection.  There wasn't another album that spoke to us as a whole for healing, communication, and empowerment quite like Black America Again this year.  In much the same mold as To Pimp A Butterfly, this album is not just a reminder of how exceptional of a talent Common is, but also speaks to how today's world can greatly influence stellar work while calling for artists and Black people alike to step up and know their worth.  An instant classic, Common has made us raise our fists in the air with pride with this extraordinary piece of work.



Honorable Mentions

Aesop Rock- The Impossible Kid
Yasiin Bey- Dec. 99th
Murs & 9th Wonder- Brighter Daze
D.I.T.C.- D.I.T.C. Studios
Logic- Bobby Tarentino (mixtape)
Czarface- A Fistful Of Peril
Reks- The Greatest X
Ras Kass- Intellectual Property: SOI2 (mixtape)
Noname- Telefone
Vince Staples- Prima Donna
A$AP Ferg- Always Strive & Prosper
Atmosphere- Fishing Blues
Various Artists- The Hamilton Mixtape
Homeboy Sandman- Kindness For Weakness
Jeezy- Trap Or Die 3
T.I.- Us Or Else
Termanology- More Politics
Mr. Lif- Don't Look Down
Tech N9ne- The Storm
Kevin Gates- Islah
Smoke DZA & Pete Rock- Don't Smoke Rock
Mick Jenkins- The Healing Component
Westside Gunn- FLYGOD
Blueprint- Vigilante Justice
Ugly Heroes- Everything In Between


As you can see, this has been a year of polarizing hip-hop.  When the music was good, it was great, and in the cases of Common, Cole, and Tribe, new instant classics have been presented for our ears.  While this may not have been as extensive of a crazy year as say 2014 and 2015, artists made a last ditch effort to help 2016 be a excellent year for hip-hop.  We also have seen how these things work.  The year is not over, as The Lox's first full length studio album in seventeen years, Filthy America...It's Beautiful will drop on the sixteenth of December, and could VERY easily be added onto the Honorable Mentions list simply because of being a late entry.  Also don't be surprised if we see other surprise albums drop as well.  Next year, expect potentially new landmark releases from Kendrick, Nas, the reunited Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and the HIGHLY anticipated Run The Jewels album, RTJ3, among many, many others.  While I'm almost certain to get heat over some on this list, please remember, IT'S MY LIST.  You can have your own and no one will get mad, trust me.  However, do me one favor, if your favorite album or albums didn't make the Top 30, at least look to see if it made it onto the Honorable Mentions before bitching, which means, although it wasn't in constant and consistent rotation doesn't mean it wasn't a good album.  Nothing wack makes my list, believe that.  With that, I'm gone.  Hope to see you again in 2017, or sooner if situations warrant.