Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker The Berry

Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker The Berry













This shit is grimey....

The List 2014 Edition

What's up everyone? Y'all know the deal, the list is in alphabetical order and are rated on the following:

Beats - Quality of total production

Rhymes - Quality of lyricism

Life - Shelf life and replay value

Enjoy and share!

Ab-Soul -These Days

TDE

As a critic, (is that what I am now?) I have to judge this work based on the quality of his past work.  This is definitely not Control System, and I think he did that for a reason.  It sounds a bit more upbeat, tons more features, and an unexpected 10+ minute freestyle battle to end the album.  Never one to bite his tongue to the outspoken TDE misfit delivers a quality project, right in line with his discography.

Production: Dave Free, Sounwave,Tae Beast, DJ Dahi,Skhye Hutch,The Kathy,Tommy Black,DNYC3,Rahki, Kenny Beats, Blended Babies, Curtiss King, Corin Roddick, Terrace Martin,Larry Fisherman (AKA Mac Miller), Like (Pac Div) , J. Cole

Guest Features: SZA, ScHoolboy @, Lupe Fiasco, Nikki Jean, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Action Bronson, Assad, Delusional Thomas (Mac Miller), RaVaughn, Danny Brown, JMSN

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7

Asher Roth - RetroHash

Federal Prism, Pale Fire

I slept on Rawth, I slept on the  Greenhouse Effect, I slept on Pabst and Jazz, but he wasn’t pulling a fast one on me this time. Asher I one of the most underappreciated emcees in the game and his subject matter and flow adapts to current events and reflects on past experiences.  The same guy that made my college 10x better by dropping the aptly themed ‘I Love College’ is all grown up and has some insightful things to say about society and expresses his views with poetry… and a hint of THC.

Production: Asher Roth, Blended Babies

Guest Features: ZZWard, Curren$y, Coyle Girelli, Vic Mensa, Major Myjah, Chuck Inglish

Beats: 8.5

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 7.5

Big K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time) - Cadillactica

Def Jam

I swear I can’t spell Cadillac, spell check save me now.  KRIT delivers big time with this one.  Sticks to the same formula that got him to this point in his career: bass + slang x subtle political commentary = gold.  Minimal hip hop features and more soulful/slowed down production is what makes Cadillactica smooth interstellar ride in through Mississippi.

Production: Alex da Kid, Big K.R.I.T., DJ Dahi,DJ Khalil, Finatik & Zac, Jim Jonsin, Raphael Saadiq, Rico Love, Terrace Martin

Guest Features: Raphael Saadiq, E-40, Wiz Khalifia, Kenneth Whalum III, Mara Hruby, Rico Love, Bun B, Devin the Dude, Big Sant, Jamie N Commons, Lupe Fiasco, ASAP Ferg

Beats: 9

Rhyme: 8.5

Life: 8.5

clipping. - CLPPNG

Sub Pop Record

I had no idea what to expect going into this album, but I’m glad I sat through the entire project and actually rewinded what my ears couldn’t pick up the first time.  clipping. is an experimental rap group from California that specialize in noise-rap.  Basically I thought my speakers had broke till vocalist Daveed Diggs came through with some spitfire lyrics that literally made me pull over to the side of the road and wonder WTF I just listened to.  Go into with a clear mind, come out of it with a new appreciation for hip hop.

Production: clipping.

Guest Features: Pistol Cree, King T, Gangsta Boo, Mariel Jacoda, Guce, Tom Erbe

Beats: (Most of it is just...nvmd just listen) 6

Rhymes: 9

Life: 6

Common - Nobody’s Smiling

Def Jam

I feel like this album was personal for Common.  I feel like he went back to his roots and took heart to what was happening in his city and wanted to speak out about it.  He has stated that this a concept album, but the only concept I see is him addressing the crime and violence in his home city. The album does shed light on some up and coming artists from Chi-town and around the genre.  I feel like he is passing the torch and I think this is the right way to go about it.

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 7.5

D’Angelo - Black Messiah

RCA

This is a breath of fresh air.  A single that was announced and performed at the BET Awards and then an album that came without promotion.  Don’t go into this thinking that it’s going to be Brown Sugar, its more political than that.  Don’t go into this thinking it’s Voodoo, it’s more organic than that.  Black Messiah is a collection of ideologies with like minded peoples through music. Enjoy the journey.

Production: D’Angelo, Questlove

Guest Features: None (some ghostwriting by Q-Tip)

Beats: 9.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

Dilated Peoples - Directors of Photography

Rhymesayers

I have a small love affiar with Evidence’s music, I still bump The Weatherman and was elated when he did an entire EP with samples from the Beatles.  This album hyped me back up to Neighborhood Watch ‘Walk This Way’ levels especially everytime I hear the posse cut ‘Hallelujah’.  Rakaa and Babu keep things cohesive and the squad delivers their first cut since 20/20.

Production: Evidence, DJ Babu, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Twiz the Beat Pro, Jake One, Diamond D, Bravo, 9th Wonder, Oh No,

Guest Features: Vince Staples, Aloe Blacc, Catero, Gangrene, Sick Jacken, Krondon, Fashawn, Rhapsody, Domo Genesis, Vinne Paz, Action Bronson

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 7

Life. 6.5

Flying Lotus - You’re Dead!

Warp

If you’ve never heard of FlyLo you’re in for a treat.  Like all of his albums, the entire LP needs to be listened through at once but that doesn’t mean the album lacks individual tracks.  This is one of his more commercial LP’s, majorly because of his features.  The entire ride is a trip and for a nice mashup [ADULT SWIM] put together, check this out. *WARNING* Viktor Vaughn x Odd Future x FlyLo (As Captian Murphy) https://soundcloud.com/flyinglotus/between-villains

Beats: 10

Rhymes: 7

Life: 8

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib - Pinata

Madlib Invazion

We all know who Madlib is, one on the most influential samplers, and beat makers of our time.  You may not be familiar with Freddie Gibbs, former label mate of Jeezy.  Take this as an invitation to be introduced to the most soulful gangsta rap album of the year.

Production: Madlib

Guest Features: Earl Sweatshirt, Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Danny Brown, Raekwon, Scarface, Polyester the Saint, BJ the Chicago Kid, Domo Genesis, G-Wiz, Casey Veggies, Sulaiman, Meechy Darko, BJ the Chicago Kid)

Beats: 10

Rhymes: 8.5

Life: 9

Isiah Rashad - Civilia Demo

TDE

New Top Dawg signee come through with some refreshing and down to earth lyricism with a dirty south twist.  Now when I say dirty south, I’m talking the state of mind because this is far away from trap music and Lil Jon, this is more jazzy more smooth.  And even though almost every track is produced by someone different than before, the album stays together.  Let Isiah take you on ride in Cilvia.

Production: Ross Vega, Mr. Carmack, Joseph the Stranger, Black Metaphor, The Antydote, Farhot, Sounwave, Chris Calor, D. Sanders, Danny Dee,

Guest Features: SZA, Jean Deaux, Michael Da Vinci, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock

Beats: 7

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7

J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Dr.

Dreamville, Columbia

I hated on this when it first came out because I was so amped up on Cadillactica, so to J. Cole, my bad brother.  Your maturity and promise cannot be contained to one listen.  I still say this has some tracks that sound like other mainstream artists, but the subject matter stays true.  Cole fans rejoice, Young Simba is grown.

Production: Willie B, Vinylz, J. Cole, !llmind, Cardiak, Ron Gilmore, Nick Paradise, Dre Charles, Team Titans, Phonix Beats, Pop Wansel, Jproof, Critacal

Guest Features: none

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 8.5

Life: 8

Logic - Under Pressure

Def Jam

First and only DMV native on the list (Gaithersburg MD). This CD goes, and shouts out to my cousin @therealjstark sorry I didn’t put you on earlier.  This album is really diverse and covers a lot of topics from violence, drug abuse, his newfound fame, and his family troubles. I’ve had the title track ‘Under Pressure’ playing every morning when I work out, his lyrics and experiences are inspirational.

Production: 6ix, Alkebulan, DJ Khalil, Dun Deal, Logic, S1, Tae Beast, Skhye Hutch, DJ Dahi, Rob Knox, M-Phazes

Guest Features: Big Sean, Childish Gambino

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7.5

Mick Jenkins - The Water[s]

CMG

I’ve had this album for the Chi-Town native in the rotation for about a month or so trying to write something simple to describe something so complex. The whole concept of the album is that everything needs water, and he relates the water to every necessity.  Food, music, drugs are all components to life and understanding. I may be wrong but hey thats how the music made me feel.  The production is transcending and ominous and has dark tones, his voice is gives me chills.

Production:Statik Selektah, Kirk Knight, OnGaud, Spacetime, THEMpeople, THC, Dream Koala, DJ Dahi, High Klassfied, Da P, J Money, TJ Osinulu, and Cam for J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.

Guest Features: The Mind, Jean Deaux, Noname Gypsy, Joey Bada$$

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7.5

Prhyme - Prhyme

Prhyme Records

This is the most hip hop album to be released this year.  I knew as soon as they announced it that it would be a banger and they didn’t disappoint.  Royce’s resurgence into the rap game has given new life to all those who work with him, and he stated he isn’t here to replace guru, but boy does he try his damnedest. The features on this album are fitting as well, you have Slaughterhouse (obviously), and a few surprises. The Adrian Younge assisted To me, to you is the most outstanding track on the album.

Production: DJ Premier

Guest Features: Jay Electronica, Joe Buddens, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, ScHoolboy Q, Killer Mike, Common, Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Dwele

Beats: 9.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 8

Rick Ross - Mastermind

Def Jam/MMG

As long as he is connected with Def Jam, he will continue to use his coke-boy persona to make hits.  He has a particular ear for production and knows how to line up a roster when it comes to making an LP and Mastermind is just as consistent.  WHOO! The guy can’t lose… weight…(double entendres!!)

Production: Bink!, Ben Billions, Boi-1da, Beats, Black Metaphor, D-Rich, J. Manifest, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Timbaland, K.E. on the Track, Major Seven, Mike Dean, Messy, Mike Will Made It, Reefa, Scott Storch, Vinylz, The Weeknd, DJ Mustard, Kanye West

Guest Features: French Montana, Jay-Z, Sizzla, Movado, Jeezy, The Weeknd, Kanye West, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 7.5

Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2

Mass Appeal

2 for 2! I told you guys years ago when Killer Mike made RAP Music that this duo would do big things.  Last year, RTJ gave us an album of the year, they did it again this year as well with brash political commentary and in your face no-nonsense lyrics.  I feel like Jerry the King Lawler is coming to come out eventually because RTJ consistently has no holds barred.

Production: El-P, Little Shalimar, Wider Zoby, Boots

Guest Features: Zach De La Rocha, Boots, Travis Barker, Gangsta Boo, Diane Coffee

Beats: 9.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

ScHoolboy Q - Oxymoron

TDE/Interscope

This joint gets me hyped just talking about it.  I’m a TDE stan and everyone knows it.  But this album didn’t grow on me like Habits and Contradictions.  This album just seems like its a bunch of singles put into an album.  There’s nothing wrong with that approach but I really want to know what he does it for, I want him to open up a little bit and tell us what motivates him and what he’s been through.  Given he has the backing of the rest of TDE, he won’t be put in the Wiz Khalifia box and burn out (haha), but here’s to the growth of the Boy.  Not that there’s anything wrong with PMW though.

Production: Boi-1da, Clams Casino, DJ Dahi, Frank Dukes, LordQuest, The Maven Boys, Mike Will Made It, Marz, Nez & Rio, Pharrell Williams, Rocket, Sounwave, Swiff D, Tae Beast, THC, Tyler, The Creator,The Alchemist, Willie B

Guest Features: Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, BJ the Chicago Kid, Tyler the Creator, Kurupt, Raekwon, ASAP Rocky

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 6

Life: 7.5

Skyzoo and Torae - Barrel Brothers

First Generation Rich

2 of my favorite underground artist come together and spit some retrospective and (to quote Big Pun and Black Thought) super lyrical flows. These two NYC-born rappers have had their fair share of notable features and small time success on compilation albums and mixtapes. With a slew of top notch production, this collaborative record is what New York/East Coast rap needs and I hope you take my recommendation and give it a listen.

Production: DJ Premier, Illmind, Black Milk, AntMan Wonder, The Stuyvesants, Oh No, Apollo Brown, Khrysis, MarcNfinit, Jahlil Beats, Auréli1, Praise, Cyrus Tha Great,

Guest Features: Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Sha Stimuli, Livin Proof, Blu

Beats: 7.5Rhymes: 9Life: 6.5

Vince Staples - Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2 & Hell Can Wait

Blacksmith / Def Jam

This was Vince Staples year, I’ve been a fan since he started riding with Mac Miller and Odd Future but it seems we are seeing a star rise before our eyes.  The brash, scratchy, and unnerving lyrics scathe and leave you wondering what kind of life has this kid had to have recite such things.  Imagery and vividness in his lyrics paint pictures or drive byes, neglect and abuse.  I know it sounds depressing but just think, at least he made it out.

Production: No I.D., Evidence, DJ Babu, Childish Major, Scoop Deville, Hagler, Infamous, Anthony Kilhofer, JGramm Beats

Guest Features: Jhene Aiko, James  Fauntleroy, Teyana Taylor

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 8

Life: 9

YG - My Krazy Life

Def Jam

The west coast is in the right direction with young talent like YG steady at the helm. His debut album is heavy in both big name features and is produced entirely by DJ Mustard.  Its a concept album as well so think Good Kid Maad City if Kendrick was grown up and ‘doin hood rat things with is friends.’

Production: DJ Mustard, Terrence Martin, Ty$, Metro Boomin

Guest Features: ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, DJ Mustard, Tee Cee, Jeezy, Rich Homie Quan, TeeFLii, Tory Lanez, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Big TC, RJ, Ty$

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 7

Life: 7.5