Two things: like always its in no particular order, and I'm welcome to be put on to whatever else so make suggestions. 2011 was a great year for hip hop.
Danny Brown – XXX
What’s it with dudes from Detroit just being obnoxious and raw? Not gonna lie, I slept on this dude because when I saw the post to download it back in the summer they put his picture next to it… wasn’t down for some hippy backpack rap from a dude with bangs. But when I popped in the tape I got something completely different, from this voice I can only describe as a Eminem/B.o.B. hybrid with an affinity of life that’s only comparable to a Shop Boyz single (the only one). Rockstar rap to the fullest if you haven’t checked this joint out, I suggest you do.
Joints to check for: Die Like a Rapstar, Pac Blood
Common – The Dreamer, The Believer
If I was Maya Angelou I’d be mad at this dude too, how is he gonna wait so long to drop something so dope. The majority of the album sounds like he’s trying to win Serena Williams back but we’ve always known Common Sense to always drop lines to the fairer sex. Also, the combo of him and No ID is awe inspiring. This is some Gangstarr chemistry here (RIP Guru). This man said: “Bout to get that invite to a night over Egypt/She said "You rap?" Yea mummy/I'm Tutankhamun kicking and spending this rap money. (Just listen to the first 16 on Raw (Actually just listen to the whole album))
Joints to check for: Lovin I lost, Cloth, Ghetto Dreams (Feat. Nas)
The Roots- Undun
If you haven’t heard the concept of the album or seen the mini movie associated with the film go check them both out before popping this in your ears. Actually you know what, without the back story, this album still goes. Black Thought (who will never ever be Renegaded no matter how many features The Roots will put on any album) along with others such as Big K.R.I.T., Greg Porn, and Phonte (who I think they should just make an album with) perfectly narrate this story of urban struggle to perfection. This album is just example of how to execute a well orchestrated vision with no signs of missteps or potential for failure.
Joints to check for: Lighthouse, One Time
Pac Div – The Div
I seriously looked at my iphone when I turned this on… this album sounds like a Pharcyde joint. If you’ve followed Pacific Division for the past couple of years, you kind of knew what to expect with this album, alas I was still blown back. Swiff D is a very slept on producer who just kills sound boards and gives Mibbs, Like, and BeYoung a canvas for these Left Coast representers to get their Basquiat (everyone else is name dropping this dude I feel like I can too) on. The album is very fluid and can easily be played from beginning to end with no skips in various environments.
Joints to check for: Chaos (The Recipe), Life is Good
Wale – Ambition
Congratulations Wale, you finally made some moves on billboard. Alas... that grammy you were gonna hang around your neck with camo shorts and slouch socks will be j.coles… lest I digress. This is a pretty solid album. I think his move over to MMG was the right move for his future, and his pocket. Dope production, dope features, and we all know ‘Le can rap his ass off. I’m missing my lone go-go track tho, I thought you would hold the DMV down with one… Still all good.
Joints to check for: Ambition, Chain Music, Focused
Evidence – Cats and Dogs
I’ve waited so long for this album, and yes the Weatherman delivers like the pizza man (metaphors like that are why I don’t rap). Mr. Slowflow does his thing on every single track. Production is more than taken care of by the likes of Preemo, EV himself, The Alchemist and others. Features include Slug, Lil Fame (of MOP), Roc Marciano and a slew of others. White men cant jump… but it sounds give them a little herbal enhancement and it seems they can rap their butt off (see Yelawolf, Action Bronson and Asher Roth).
Joints to check for: Fame, Crash
Pharoahe Monch – WAR (We Are Renegades)
This album was another I slept on but then gave it a spin because spotify blessed me. Not disappointed, actually wasn’t even impressed this is the Pharoahe Monch I know from the Rawkus Records days. PM has been doing his thing in the underground scene for a while now (while most of yall only know him from his track with Nate Dogg and Most Def “Oh No”). This albums’ political commentary are what PM fans have come to expect and he delivers. The guest list is enormous with the likes of Jean Grae, Royce the 5’9, Immortal Technique, and Citizen Cope.
Joints to check for: Blackhand Side, Assassins
Tyler The Creator – Goblin
This album is on the list mostly because of the impact it made on society. OFWGKTA is a problem, and I actually think they are good for the game, and this album, no matter how creepy and schizophrenic it is, is a good album. This is the second coming of Marshall Mathers. The kid is talented and is doing this his way, by himself. I don’t see hip hop sites backing him up. He’s on his grind and Goblin is his album the way he wants it, he produces his tracks and lays his own lyrics. He doesn’t care if you like it, but I’m sure we’ve all had those “dark thoughts when alone” as he says.
Joints to check for: Yonkers, Transylvania
J. Cole – Cole World: Side Line Story
Ahh Young Simba, finally his time has come… to sit behind Jay-Z and wait for him to retire and unretire… Anyway this is a really good debut album. I get the fact that he added some mixtape tracks for those just checking him for the first time on the album, still hate seeing recycled music (it’s the re-up gang album all over again). Anyways I wished the album flowed better, its like riding in the car with the chick driver with a heavy foot, meaning bad singing, some stuff is too fast and then I get jerked back into neutral too fast. The kid has flows though and we all know that. Dual threat, producer and rapper should be in the game for awhile, and I cant wait for the sophomore album.
Joints to check for: God’s Gift, Rise and Shine
Saigon – Greatest Story Never Told
Thank you for finally spilling the beans on this epic of tales! But no, really. Sai-giddy is a lyrical dude, we know that. He does his best work with Just Blaze, everybody does that. I guess with the years of hype surrounding the album it felt almost detox-like and I was kinda let down, but at the same time was uplifted by the fact that the brother is multi-dimensional. The album touches on many different subjects, not just the hardcore rap. A revolutionary in his own right, he delivers a great album, I just wished it would’ve come much, much sooner.
Joints to check for: Clap, Come on Baby
Maybach Music Group – Self Made Volume 1
This CD got me thru summer. The team Rozay has assembled (recently minus Pill) will be turning heads and making bangers for seasons to come. Meek Mill has so much ambition and fight in his voice (even though he screams on every track and still sounds 7) its hard to deny him anything. Pill brings that lacks all things that resemble southern hospitality with the grittiness of a Freddie Gibbs. Wale brings his own quasi-conscious perspective while crooning the ladies as usual. And Rick Ross is the glue, say what you want about the fat boy, he makes good music.
Joints to check for: I’m a Boss, By Any Means
Kendrick Lamar – Section .80
No explanation needed.
Joints to check for: Rigamortus, The Spiteful Chant
Jay-Z and Kanye West – Watch The Throne
This is the album we all wanted, and we got what we asked for. A bunch of rich niggas talking about the shit they have and we don’t. Must be nice… But in all seriousness, this album was put together with the craftsmanship we can only expect from two titans in the game. I could do without a few of the joints on here (swap out Lift Off for Primetime) but overall this is an excellent album that basically warns people with their title.
Joints to check for: Murder to Excellence, Made in America
Frank Ocean - nostalgia/ULTRA
This might be my favorite CD of the year. Frank Ocean is an unbelievable talent with a vision and style that allows him to create his own lane. The whole mixtape touches on so many different topics and experiences that it’s hard to believe a man so young can do what he does. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Mr. Ocean
Joints to check for: American Wedding (especially him harmonizing at the end), We all try
The Weeknd – House of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes of Silence
This is the dude right here. This is the guy you have to check for. This is the new face of R&B. This is the future. I couldn’t choose which mixtape to put up there so I put all three, it’s amazing what this one man band can do.
Joints to check for: D.D. Wicked Games
Big K.R.I.T. – Return of 4Eva
IT’S THE RETURN OF FOREVA HOE! Haha sike but this mixtape shows the versatility and talent of KRIT. The album exemplifies the south and I haven’t heard someone rep it this hard since UGK. The kid has talent both on the boards and in the booth and is definitely one that is on the come up.
Joints to check for: Sookie Now, Made Alot
Tech N9ne – All 6’s and 7’s
The Midwest has a problem. This guy is a monster. He’s been in a game for some time now and his unorthodox flow might throw some OG hip hop heads off; but say what you may, this album is solid. I haven’t seen this many features since the last DJ Clue tape. If you’ve heard any of his works previous to this, then the production and the style are right on point and cater to his flow and bravado. Techa Nina does his thing and creates a great album in 2011
Joints to check for: Worldwide Choppers, I love music
Random Axe – Random Axe
SEAN P! This trio works… oh so very well. With Black Milk on the boards (and sometimes on the mic) and Guilty and Sean Mandela on the mic, you cant got wrong. The whole album shows the versatility and different style dimensions of each artist as they try and body slam every beat Black throws at them. This album is a beat heavy, hardcore rap juggernaut. Bitch.
Joints to check for: Black Ops, Chewbacca
Killer Mike – Pl3dge
Mike Bigga definitely made something for Big Rizzle to ride to. Not overly political and in your face as Killer Mike can be, it seems as if he tamed the beast and let people actually enjoy the ride.
Joints to check for: Animal, Ready Set Go
A$AP Rocky – LiveLoveA$AP
Swag. This guy has it. He knows he has it, you know he has it, your girl knows he has it… I mean he may not be the lyrical juggernaut that most of the other rappers on this list are but the guy can sure make a dope album. Using his guest features more in the production arena, he makes one of the mixtapes of the year. With the laid back Houston style to hard hitting, trunk rattling, bangers, this kid has a future and if you didn’t know his before now, you’re welcome.
Joints to check for: Bass, Houston old head
Honorable Mentions
Phonte – Charity Starts at Home
DJ Quik – Book of David
Elzhi - Elmatic
Drake – Take Care
Big Sean – Finally Famous
Action Bronson - Well Done, Dr. Lecter
