Gucci Mane - RGIII

GUCCI MANE - RGIII

GUWOP goes in for the Redskins stat quarterback.  HTTR!

2013 Hip Hop Albums of the Year Part 2

Round 2...Fight!

Earl Sweatshirt - Doris

This album spoke to me more than all of the other albums this year combined.  I think we all have a little bit of Earl's cynicism and confusion in all of us.  The production was on point and set an ominous tone with witty metaphors and thoughts no person in their right mind should have.  But hey what do you expect from an Odd Future member.

Executive Producers: Earl Swearshirt

Beats By: randomblackdude, Neptunes, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, RZA, Alchemist, BadBadnotGood Christian Rich

Vocal Features: Frank Ocean, Tyler The Creator, RZA, Mac Miller, Vince Staples, Casey Veggies, Domo Genesis

Beats: 8

Ryhmes: 9

Life: 9

Ka - The Night's Gambit

I dont think y'all understand how much I appreciate New York/ East Coast rap.  The boom bap, punchlines, rewind that moments and great story telling.  This album has all of that.  You may know of Ka by listening to Roc Marciano albums but the kid is definitely on his own on this one.  One of the most slept on albums of the year.  Do yourself a favor, go get it.

Executive Producers: Ka

Beats By: Ka

Vocal Features: Roc Marciano

Beats: 8

Ryhmes: 8

Life: 8

Travis Scott -  Owl Pharaoh

I had no expectations going into this album but boy, did that ever change.  I see why Kanye put that bread up and signed this dude away from T.I.  Anyway the kid can rap, but the production is what you need to listen to this album for.  Knee slappers and trunk knockers throughout. 

Executive Producers: Travis Scott, Grand Hustle

Beats By: Travis Scott, J Gramm Beats, Mike Dean, Kanye West, Toro Y Moi, Wundagurl, Young Chop, Lex Luger

Vocal Features: 2 Chainz, Wale, A$AP Ferg, Meek Mill, James Fauntelroy, Paul Wall, Theo London

Beats: 10

Ryhmes: 8

Life: 7.5

Childish Gambino - Because the Internet

I like Mr. Glover because he makes the music that he wants to make.  Produces and writes his own music and consistently is down to earth and writes some seriously funny punchlines.  This album is one of his more personal recordings, more like Camp, less like Royalty.  Either you like him or do don't, but you can't ignore the guys talent.

Executive Producers: Donald Glover

Beats By: Childish Gambino, Christian Rich, Ludwig Goransson, Thundercat, Pop Levi, Sam Spigel

Vocal Features: Chance the Rapper, Azelia Banks, Lloyd, Jhene Aiko, 

Beats: 7.5

Ryhmes: 8.5

Life: 8

Ghostface Killah - 12 Reasons to Die

Best album of the year by some peoples standards, and I can definitely see why.  This is a storytelling masterpiece, you actually feel like you're watching a movie and in some parts, like your behind 2-way glass, eavesdropping on the whole plot.  I'm not going to give away the ending but Ghost kept this joint Wu and it is probably his best work since Fishscale.

Executive Producers: Rza

Beats By: Adrian Younge

Vocal Features: Masta Killa, U-God, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, William Hart, Killa Sin, 

Beats: 9

Ryhmes: 9

Life: 8

Action Bronson - Blue Chips 2

In my opinion, the first installment of the Blue Chips series wasn't their best work.  I preferred Dr. Lecter and his work with Statik Selektah.  But this puts you in a mood.  This takes you back.  I guarantee this will be played at frat parties and beaches nationwide.  The vibe just has that type of appeal and the way Bronson shows his versatility is applaudable.  And for some reason, listening to Action Bronson always makes me hungry...

Executive Producers: Action Bronson, Party Supplies

Beats By: Party Supplies

Vocal Features: Big Body Bes, Meyhem Lauren , Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Retchy P, Jeff Woods

Beats: 9

Ryhmes: 9

Life: 8.5

Part three to come....

Rick Ross feat. Jay Z - The Devil is a Lie

Rick Ross feat. Jay Z

The Devil Is A Lie

I'll let this hold y'all over till Part Deux

Freestyle Friday! Dipset Edition

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

DIPSET Live in the Basement

2013 Hip Hop Albums of the Year Part 1

2013 Hip Hop Albums of the Year Part 1

ITS TIME

ITS A(s)OTY TIME!!!!!!!

Pusha T – My Name Is My Name

The long awaited solo debut album from the self proclaimed “½ of the greatest duo ever” has lived up to its expectations and quieted all its haters.  Signature tracks Nosetalgia, Numbers on the Boards and Who I Am give an ominous and dark vibe, a precursor to letting Push enter the scene with provoked imagery and slice the tenseness in the air with a cocaine sickle.

Executive producer: Kanye West (which is probably why it took so long to come out)

Beats by Kanye West, The Neptunes, Hudson Mohawke, NOTTZ (VA!),  and No I.D.

Vocal features: Ab-Liva, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, The Dream, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Jeezy, Pharrell

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 9

Life: 8.5

Danny Brown – OLD

OLD gives listeners a look into the head of Danny Brown post- ‘XXX.’  On Side A, he gives a glimpse into his past, allowing us to see his inner demons and past transgressions.  On Side B, Danny gives us his present state, which is basically a Hunter S. Thompson novel played over EDM.

Executive Producer:Nick Catchdubs (Mixtape about Nothing)

Beats by SKYWLKR, Paul Walker, Oh No, Darq E. Freaker, A-Trak

Vocal features: A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Freddie Gibbs, Ab-soul, Purity Ring

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 8.5

Life: 8

Kanye West – YEEZUS

You can read my previous review of the album here.

Executive Producers: Rick Rubin, Kanye West

Beats by: Kanye West, Daft Punk, Hudson Mohwake, Travis Scott, No I.D., 88-Keys

Vocal Features:  Justin Vernon, Frank Ocean, Chief Keef, Kid Cudi, King Louie, Charlie Wilson

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

Drake – Nothing Was The Same

After watching the latest South Park I realized I was hating hard on Drakes latest album; mainly because I was confused about the endgame of the record.  I didn’t know what he was a softcore ganster rapper or a hardcore R&B singer.  Then I realized; he has created his own lane.  Drake is Drake. Once I came to that conclusion, the album made more sense to me.  Just because I don’t agree with the person Drake is trying to be doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the album for what it is. I will say this, I don’t agree with the way the album was organized the tracks are out of place.  I think Bigghostface has ruined Drake for me, also when I saw Wu-Tang Forever I expected to hear something completely different.

I’ll put it like this, I came into this album expected the whole thing to have bangers like Started From The Bottom all over the joint. You can’t expect things when you listen to a new album, free you mind and take the album for what it is.

Executive Producers: Lil Wayne, Drake, 40, J. Prince, Birdman, Slim …(People are eating…)

Beats By: 40, Boi 1da, Jake One, Mike Zombie, DJ Dahi, Key Wane, Hudson Mohawke

Vocal Features: Jay Z,  Jhene Aiko, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Detail, Majid Jordan

Beats: 8

“Vocals”: 8.5

Life: 9

Roc Marciano - The Pimpire Strikes Back / Marci Beaucoup

To be honest I couldn’t decide which one was better because they’re both great albums.  You instantly get transformed back into the late 70-80’s with his slow flow which is remarkable (ha).  The brash delivery and hunger in his voice mixed with the jazz influenced production (most of which he created himself) allows for a great predecessor to MARCBERG.  You will also notice the number of features on both albums, you would think this would overshadow the production and feel of the album but it is seamless and cohesive.

Executive Producer: Roc Marciano & The Arch Druids

Beats: Roc Marciano, Madlib, Evidence, Mic Raw, Lord Finesse, Alchemist,

Vocal Features: Evidence, Ka, Guilty Simpson, Action Bronson, Knowledge the Pirate, Freeway, Maffew Ragazino, A.G. the Coroner, Boldy James,  Gangrene (Alchemist & Oh No), S.A.S., Blu, Quelle Chris, Cormega, Mayhem Lauren, Willie the Kid

Beats: 9

Rhymes 9.5

Life: 8.5

Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels

For a while, this was album of the year to me. Last year Killer Mike and EL-P took over the rap game and since they frequented each other’s albums, they figured, why not make a collabo, and Run the Jewels was born.  Both veterans in the game, EL-P and Killer Mike sound like they’ve rhymed together for years.  Similar subject matter, the ability to match flow for flow and all while keeping the intensity high and the listener engaged throughout.

Executive Producers: EL-P, Killer Mike

Beats By: EL-P, Wilder Zoby, Little Shalimar

Vocal Features: Prince Paul, Big Boi, Chest Rockwell

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 8.5

Life 9.5

Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap

Chance the Rapper is not new the scene by any means but he did a very good job of flying under the radar for this long.  Out of all the albums reviewed this year, this one has the most heart and comes from the perspective of someone actually going through it.  Some of y’all might not like his voice. And the Na Na Na stuff is pretty annoying sometimes.  But the lyrics stick to your ribs, they follow you.  I can’t tell you how many times I put Cocoa Butter Kisses on repeat.  I can’t explain how he makes me see his boy Rod gets stabbed on Juice.

Chance is the next pop/rap star.

Executive Producer:  Chance the Rapper and Elton Cheung

Beats By: Jake One, Nate Fox, Blended Babies, DJ Ozone, Peter Cottentale,

Vocal Features: Lili K, Nate Fox, Vic Mensa, Twista, Action Bronson, Childish Gambino, Saba, BJ the Chicago Kid, Ab-Soul, NoName Gypsy

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 8.5

Check back for part 2 soon!

Album Review: Kanye West - YEEZUS

Album Review:

Kanye West

YEEZUS

1. On Sight - Heavy synths in the beginnging of the track make you believe that this isn’t even a hip-hop album.  The synths sound scratchy and unfinished but thats the beauty of it; the first track is supposed to be raw!  Its supposed to set the the tone for the rest of the album, a glimpse of what to expect.  Key themes are electro beats with masoginistic lyrics.

2. Black Skinhead - This entire track sounds like an anthem, a revolution of sorts transpiring from beginning to end.  I feel the message here is totally ant-um...everything.  Ye talks race, establishment, religion, and ultimately revolution.  Looking at the credits... it’s no wonder that Lupe Fiasco is credited on the track.

3. I am a God (Featuring God) - “HURRY UP WITH MY DAMN CROISSANT!” This is Kanye at his best, the egoist spitting heavy braggidacio.  The track starts off with heavy drums and crashing synths.  The track samples Capelton’s “Forward Inna Dem Clothes” and the whole track sounds like something you would listen to riding on a Ducati weaving in and out of traffic at night on 95 (not in VA though, its hot out there).   Another track co-produced by Daft Punk and their electro feel has become a mainstay already on track 3 of the album.  I feel like this track is the cornerstone of the album.  He shows so much emotion talking about, well himself. The lyrics switch between first and second person and Ye gives you a better look at how he views his life and the people in it.

4.  New Slaves (Feat. Frank Ocean) - So many issues brought up in this song.  I’m going to list the major ones: Jim Crow, Ye and fashion, rich and poor stereotypes, civil rights movement, label issues, exploitation of black preformers (think old jazz and soul artists and even NWA), paparazi, and the private prison system in America.  The beat is pretty simplistic compared to the rest of the production on the album but still a noteworthy track nonetheless.

5. Hold My Liquor (Feat. Chief Keef, Justin Vernon) - So this track means and embodies what the title means.  What does liquor do to the body?  Leads to car wrecks, one night stands, anger, and alcoholism.  You may also throw up as well.  But yes this track is kinda lazy.  Not my favorite on the album.  I see how he’s trying big up his ChiRaq homies though, just keep Keef out of trouble.

6.  Im in it (Feat. Travi$ Scott) -  This song is just dirty.  And I love it.  I would love to see a music video for this one... Probably the most traditional hip-hop song on the album, and one most people will lean towards when listening to the album.  The song actually has two different themes when you look at it as well, on one hand you see the debauchery and sex, but on the other hand you see how he’s dealing with the life of a rock star as a future father.  The Jamaican theme seems to be a prevalent on throughout the whole G.O.O.D. Music camp as of late but I love the samples.  

7.  Blood on the Leaves - My personally favorite track on the album that features the sample “Strange Fruit” by Nina Simone.  I love horns, and this track has an abundance.  This is also the auto-tune Kanye as well, while I can do without him fake singing, the bass and horns take the track by the neck and suffocate you throughout.  The track is mainly about a wild night with a woman on the side that cost Ye (or whoever is being referenced) a lot more than he bargained for.

8.  Guilt Trip (Feat. Kid CuDi) - I’m glad to see both of them back on a track together, but this one could’ve used a little work.  Its a one verse track about a girl he lost in auto-tune. Not saying its a skip but...

9. Send It Up (Feat. King L) - When Beenie Man starts your track off, you know its gonna be hype.  Another Daft Punk produced banger that sounds grungy and dirty.  King Louie starts it off and gives some dope bars (Last night my bitches came in two’s/and they both suck like they came to lose).  This is probably the radio hit on the album.  It really has no premise and it just a party song, and should be enjoyed as such.

10.  Bound 2 - This is basically a Ponderosa Twins Plus One remix with Kanye West and Uncle Charlie Wilson.  Nevertheless a great song to end the Opus.  Its a ode to his baby boo Kimmy K and their bundle of Joy.  Also, taking it back to the old Ye, he references Martin.  Jeromey Rome is in the house!

I think it's a damn good album actually that pushes the limits of what hip hop is... But hip hop can be interpreted in so many different ways, this is Kanye's. The subject matter is darker. The production is more acid rock and electro. The features, while limited, fit the scheme of the album. Everyone expects college dropout 'Ye. Niggas want my old shit, buy my old albums. This album is forward thinking, both simplistic and overzealous, and above all to the point. Kanye is making it his mission to change hip hop traditional views and I think he's doing a good ass job.

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

Pusha T Numbers on the Board (Official Video)

PUSHA T

NUMBERS ON THE BOARD

OFFICIAL VIDEO

EGCKH!!!!!!

BIG K.R.I.T. - A King Remembered In Time

Big K.R.I.T

A King Remembered In Time

New Big K.R.I.T. for all yall.  17 unreleased track all produced by KRIT himself.  Features include Future, Smoke DZA and Wiz.

Click Here To Download (via Datpiff)

Review: M-Burb - The Syndicate

M-Burb 

The Syndicate

The Captain’s latest offering gives you 19 tracks produced majorly by Lexxi Banks and 5OhTrez (Shouts out to the 5 Foot Assassin what up B?!). Features include Bucky Dolla (what up cuz?), Taya Jae, Money Bagz, and KB The General.

Since it’s such a large offering of music, I feel it’s better to give a synopsis of the tracks that stood out in my mind and give my overall take at the end.  With that said… Leggo.

The Syndicate Prod by Cash Hits

The title track sets the mood for the album.  He comes out hungry reflecting on both past and future self. Burb rhymes seamlessly over a track laced with low bass high synths.  The Syndicate is a Burb showing his braggadocio.  He is boastful and throws subtle jabs at his haters with lines like: “small like, better tho, you niggas’ll never know/ you just suckin n ridin, nigga who you think gon’ blow?”  Even though The Captain may be small in stature, he’s determined to let you know you’re still in his shadow.

3 The Hard Way Prod By 5OhTrez

I really feel the concept, three P’s (paper, pack, and pussy), reminds me of similar songs with the same feel (see Kendrick Lamar – The Recipe, and A$AP Rocky feat Schoolboy Q – PMW).  But the feel in this one is grimey more gulley.  His style and versatility is shown here with his ability to go spit double time and recover smoothly to enunciate his point at the end of the bar.

Rackin Up Prod By ArjKnoxx

I like this joint because it’s straight to the point.  Bass knocks and Burb basically is letting y’all know (with only 8 bars per verse have you) how he’s getting it.  The line: “Your pack be on library/how I get it? Dirty Harry.” That line to me can be viewed two different ways, first the obvious, your ‘ish is quiet while mine goes loud.  But the other meaning I see here (whether it was the artists intention or not) could be related to money, and how others are basically renting it and giving it back, paying interest and what not while he is on his ‘Dirty Harry’ did he make 5 or did he make 6, in all the excitement he lost track of the money himself.  This no holds barred attitude and demeanor will definitely keep M-Burb relevant.

On My Set (Feat. Money Bagz) Prod. Ayodilo

My man, that’s how you start a track off!  If only that gunshot ad lib wasn’t in the middle of it… I had to rewind that joint a few times. The concept of this joint is basically ‘by any means’, the beat has that Young Jeezy Trap or Die feeling to it.  In my opinion this is the most complete track on the album, he sounds so determined on this track like his intention was to have his words melt the microphone.

Overall this mixtape is solid.  I view it as a form of unsigned trap music; party music with heavy bass that more than one market can relate to.  The low points of the album were definitely that annoying horn that scared the shit out of me on more than one occasion. Also, some of the tracks sounded like the vocals and percussion were put on a whisper and made the music sound uneven.  

Subject matter is consistent to his joints with Bucky Dolla, and he has his own lane.  I would like to see more concept driven songs that have a deeper meaning and maybe use your experiences and give me a track that tells a story. Broaden your base a little bit and gain more fans by showing how versatile you are on the mic.  

Given this is an underground artist who Is grinding with no label support I got to give him props with this release.  It’s worth a listen from start to finish.  Probably one of the first mixtapes I didn’t skip though.  Keep doin your thing cousin.

Download The Syndicate

Follow M-Burb on Twitter

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 8

Kendrick Lamar - Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe (Remix) Feat. Jay-Z

Kendrick Lamar

Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe (REMIX)

 Feat. Jay-Z

K.Dot Spazzes out after HOV drops his verse.

Frank Ocean - Eyes Like Sky

Frank Ocean - Eyes Like Sky

A cut that didn't make Channel Orange has be liberated to the masses.

Enjoy!

Get Crunked Weekends!!!!

Get Crunk Weekends!!!!

Artist:  Darq E. Freaker feat Danny Brown

Song:  Blueberry (Pills and Cocaine)

Something for y'all to ride to on the way to the clubs.

Audio Therapy Session #4

Audio Therapy Session #4

Artist: Anthony Hamilton

Album: Comin From where I'm From

Song: Charlene

J. Cole - Truly Yours (EP)

Grown Simba comes thru with 5 songs to hold you over till his next single (which is rumored to drop this week) and his sophomore album Born Sinner.

Download - J. Cole - Truly Yours (EP)

Drake - Started From the Bottom

New Drake.  The track production is on point, made by Mike Zombie.


Download the Track Here

Audio Therapy Session #3

A few times a week I'm going to post a song that inspires me.  Hopefully it will inspire you as well.

Today's track is....

Q-TIP feat. D'Angelo

Believe

Action Bronson - Strictly 4 The Jeeps (Prod. Harry Fraud)

Bronsilini and Harry Fraud link up for a new banger.

Blu - Thelonius King Feat. Tristate and R.A. The Rugged Man

Blu - Thelonius King Feat. Tristate and R.A. The Rugged Man

Blu teams up with 1/3 of the Durag Dynasty and the film critic himself.  This song is dope and the visuals just add to it.

Midweek Mixtape: Nickelus F - Vices

Midweek Mixtape: 

Nickelus F - Vices

The Richmond, VA rhymesmith and 106 and Park Freestyle Friday champ dropped this one a few days ago and it's been on heavy rotation since. He's raspy voice mixed with his brash delivery and subject matter makes this mixtape one of the better solo artist projects to drop this year (yeah I know it's only January).

Download: Nickelus F - Vices (via NahRight)

Hip Hop Year End List

2012 Hip Hop End of the Year List

Channel Orange - Frank Ocean

Say what you want about Frank Ocean being bisexual, being a bad on stage performer, whatever. Shove it.  The kid has talent. And to be honest this album could have either been a colossal failure or an album of the year candidate.  With heavy praise coming from his Nostalgia/Ultra (made the list last year) and his work on Watch the Throne, he had no choice but to live up to the expectations. Cleaver song concepts mixed with passionate vocals and strong productions has made this an album with high replay value.  Even though he isn't hip hop, he has created a genre crossing album made to be listened by all.

Highs: Pyramids, Crack Rock, Bad ReligionLows: NoneBeats: 9  Rhymes: 10 Life: 10

Good Kid Maad City - Kendrick Lamar

I really shouldn't even write anything here because everyone reading should already know whats up.  But I'm here to do a review not dick ride.  The entire LP can be described as a story taking place through song.  If you want to hear a track by track interpretation check this out.  Puts the whole album in perspective.  One thing you will notice is a lack of presence from his TDE brethren Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q.  I'm not mad at this, other classic albums didn't need feature heavy songs and producers (ie. Ready to die, reasonable doubt, illmatic). The entire album is a story so the cohesiveness of the tracks flows accordingly.  Kendrick never disappoints when it comes to the flow so that will never be a problem.  The CD is a borderline classic and shouldn't be treated as such just yet.  Just respect the Good Kid's perspective and grind and when you listen to the CD, don't press skip or stop.  Only pause, rewind and play.

Highs: Money Trees, Backseat Freestyle, Sing About Me/I'm Dying of ThirstLows: The bonus cut with Mary J BligeBeats:  9  Rhymes: 10 Life: 10

Jesus Piece - The Game

The Game has really surprised me and the rest of the rap game with this one.  It seems like when he wants to take his time and try and perfect hip hop he makes garbage (R.E.D.) but when he feels a little pressure and his back against the wall, Hurricane comes out and creates good albums.  This album features a lot of different artists (but The Game name drops 10x more) and thats what makes this album what it is.  He put the right people together on the right songs with his always dope arsenal of producers and went in.  I did notice on a lot of the tracks that he tries to become a chameleon and replicate flows and styles.  I'm amazed by it but other people hate it.  Whatever.  The album is dope and has a few bangers on it.

Highs: All That (feat Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Fabolous, Jeremih), Name Me King (feat. Pusha T), Blood DiamondsLows: Church (King Chip, Trey Songz), Hallelujah (Jaime Foxxx)Beats: 9  Rhymes: 7  Life:  7

R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike

Wow did I ever sleep on this album.  After he was on the list last year I shoulda known he was about to do it again but... I slept.  I'm woke now negro! El-P and Killer Mike make a great team the whole album sounds like what JJDOOM should be.  Killer Mike has never been one to bite his tongue and will openly talk politics and whatever the #&%k is on his mind but he does in a brash poetic that makes you conceptualize what he's saying and actually analyze it.  Its intelligent bounce rap and will appeal to many different types of people.

Highs: Big Beast, Reagan (PLEASE CHECK THIS JOINT), Butane (Feat El-P)Lows: Anywhere but HereBeats: 9.5  Rhymes:8.5  Life:  8.5

Life is Good - Nas

This joint took me back.  So many quality joints and not so many usual disappointing ones that you would usually find on a Nas LP.  His decision to get reacquainted with Extra P, Large Pro, Large Professor whatever you wanna call him was brilliant.  His old boom bap flow is evident on tracks like The Don and it's just nostalgic.  He kept the features list very limited and why not, who else do you need, Accident Murderers  is a great joint tho.  Other great concepts like Daughters, and the posthumous track with Amy Winehouse (Cherry Wine) show us exactly how versatile Nasir Jones is and how timeless his flow is.

Highs: Accident Murderers(Feat Rick Ross), Nasty, World's and Addiction (Feat Anthony Hamilton)Lows: Reach Out (Feat Mary J Blige)Beats: 7 Rhymes: 8  Life: 8

Reloaded - Roc Marciano

This is some gulley ass $H!T. Roc follows up his HEAVILY SLEPT ON ‘Marcberg’ with his sophomore LP ‘Reloaded.’ He aint the flashiest dude on the scene he aint yelling all over the track and using ad libs as rhymes. As BIG would say his ‘slow flow remarkable.’ The album is completely gloomy and mellow and it complements his style perfectly. I bet my bottom dollar that this dude aint on half of yall’s radars but yall need to check him out, yesterday.

Highs: Pistoler, Thread Count, Tek to a MackLows: We IllBeats: 7 Rhymes: 8.5 Life: 8

4eva N A Day - BIG K.R.I.T.

I’m going to start this by saying this dude has promise. And I was so upset with his debut album that I had to throw on some old shit just to cope. But 4eva N A Day has an almost ‘Undun’ feel to it. Tells a story of tragedy and triumph and he excels. The triple threat does nothing but give you his heart and soul in this mixtape.

Highs: Boobie Miles, 4evaNADay, 1986Lows: Sky ClubBeats:8.5 Rhymes: 8.5 Life: 8.5

Royalty - Childish Gambino

WHO THE F#&K GAMBINO? THIS NEGRO ON YO TIVO! That track is really Unnecessary. Anyway, the guy thats too white for the black kids and too black for the whites comes correct with a feature heavy 18 track mixtape that begs to be reckoned with. With most of the track (maybe all) made by himself and him doing all the writing and rapping, you have to respect his hustle.

Highs: Unnecessary, Toxic, RIPLows: really aint noneBeats: 9 Rhymes: 9 Life: 9

Habits and Contradictions - Schoolboy Q

I’m dickriding hard on TDE right now.... But tell me what label straight up rocked 2012? Bump y’all I’m giving respect where it is due. Schoolboy Q follows up Setbacks with this banger of an album. I saw the dude live earlier this year. YAWK YAWK! Dude is nuts. Anyways this whole album is full of energy and soul. You can feel the maturity come out in just about every song. He is what Wiz Khalifa should be. Even his songs that dont have any meanings Gangster in Designer (no concept) go super hard. And if him and A$AP Rocky don't do an album together, I’m gonna raise hell. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.

Beats: 8.5 Rhymes: 7.5 Life: 9

A Dream Deferred - Skyzoo

He just never disappoints, never. Skyzoo follows up The Great Debater with an album referencing the great Langston Hughes and one listen through is not enough. The album is mixed and mastered perfectly and the song selection is stellar. With production by 9th Wonder, !llmind, and DJ Khalil all he has to do is rap sub par bars and this album would get critical acclaim. Joints like Jansport Strings (a shout out to his mentor and Native Tongues rapper Chi Ali) take you back to your childhood days while joints like Rage of Romello keep you on the edge of your seat wondering which way the lyrics (and the beat) are going to turn.

Highs: Jansport Strings, Rage of Romello, RealizationLows: Drew and DrewinBeats: 8 Rhymes: 9 Life: 7.5

Mic Tyson – Sean Price

This dude. To be honest, he’s been ill. He’s probably the gulliest New York dude out there and his style is one that is hard to replicate. He says what he wants. He rhymes relentlessly over beats by my producer of the year, aka The Alchemist. STFU pt 2, Bar Barian, Title Track… The whole joint is what the rap game has been missing for awhile. While he did bless us with the Random Axe joint recently, SEAN P! is still putting in work and is one of the most comical, brash, intelligent and real dudes out there.
Highs: STFU pt 2, Bar Barian, Solomon Grundy
Lows: Hush

Beats: 9 Rhymes: 10 Life: 9

Russian Roulette - The Alchemist

Alan the Chemist has such versatility that it’s a wonder he’s been very hard at work the past few years. Working with Oh No (Gangrene), Joint EP with Curren$y, and a slew of other features that have made his synths legendary. Russian Roulette is most of his other albums, chopped full of features, but set to a Cold War Russian theme. Joints like Flight Confirmation (feat Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q) might sound off to you but remember the concept and how the actual beat makes the artist transform into their primal state (to be honest, it’s second favorite Danny Brown verse second to Terrorist Threats). And he didn’t just keep it west coast he went back and linked up with Infamous repper Big Twin, Mr. Muthafucking eXquire, Action Bronson and many others. The skits and interludes make this album what it is and it should be broken down track by track, pour up or light up and listen to it fully it’s a fun concept and a great album.

Beats: 10 Rhymes: 8 Life: 7.5

Control System – Ab Soul

SOULO HOE! I have to admit, I never slept on Soul. He’s always been the deep thinker of Black Hippy and probably the most influenced by Punch (CEO TDE). The album is full of highs (pun intended) and lows but balances itself out perfectly and is a great sophomore album. With appearances by Danny Brown (on one of the songs of the year Terrorist Threats…EXTRA PILLS!), Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, and his late boo the lovely Alori Joh the album doesn’t disappoint. If you think rappers are all talk and don’t have a personal side, check out ‘Book of Soul’. And if you think all rappers do is talk about conspiracy’s they have no idea about, check Bohemian Grove and see if Soul doesn’t have his 3rd eye open. Up there with Good Kid Maad City, this is one of the albums of the year.

Beats: 9 Rhymes: 10 Life: 9

1999 – Joey Bada$$

The kid is nice, and he tries to replicate the golden era of hip hop and showcases himself masterfully. Member of the New York Pro Era collective, Joey spits as if he is the second coming of Shyheim (do your homework). His ability to slur and mold his words in order to make them fit the beat is almost as reminiscent as the beats which he recycled to use. One of the newcomers on the scene, he has already made a name for himself in the game.

Beats: n/a (mostly recycled) Rhymes: 8.5 Life: 8