Although I like reading them, I don't personally like doing 'best-of' lists, since music is, by its very nature, subjective, and what I like today isn't necessarily what I'll like tomorrow, and because no matter what I write, you all will tear it the fuck apart anyway.As such, I have no plans on writing one, and not just because I only wrote about, like, ten albums last year that were actually released in 2012.However, I am interested in hearing what you two have to say. Feel free to use the comments section to discuss projects from last year that you liked and/or would recommend, and also to describe the albums you're most looking forward to in the new year. Some of your comments may or may not be used as inspiration for future posts, so have at it.More actual content coming soon.-Max.
Oh and since i'm talking about my favorite projects, i may as well say some disappointments for me as well. Life is Good was somewhat disappointing, although it's Nas so i'm kinda used to that, both Reks albums this year were letdowns for me as well, which reminds me that Max you gotta review either Grey Hairs or R.E.K.S.
At some point, which are much better imo than what Reks gave me this year. Besides those, Wu-Block was a letdown, Cruel Summer somewhat was, Logic's mixtape that dropped this year was a major disappointment (if you don't know Logic, look up his mixtape Young Sinatra) and if Jay Electronica feels like doing anything ever i'd appreciate it. Thats it, im done, keep up the good work Max.
OTSo um, my top 5 albums last year:1.The Black Opera - Libretto: Of King LegendSo, this went under many peoples radar, but it is a very well-crafted album. Verrry self-important, but these guys can pull it off. I don't wanna be blasphemous, but I do get a little Wu-Tang vibe when listening to the album. It's great from start to finish, every single beat, verse, hook and interlude feels unified and that's whats most important isn't it?2.Ka - Grief PedigreeThis is a very subdued album, but that is what makes it great in my eyes. Ka is a skilled rapper and good producer, and the fact that he decided to just make the album he wanted to make is what makes the album so great.3.DJ Premier & Freddie Foxxx - KolexxxionThis album delivered. Sure, some Primo beats was phoned in but Bumpy really outdid himself and raps like his life is on the line on almost every song. If you're a fan of either guy I don't think you can be dissapointed.4.Killer Mike - R.A.P.
MusicPutting my personal preferences aside and focusing more on artistry this album should be higher on the list. The comparisons to Ice Cube is apt, even though Killer Mike is his own character, and El-P gives Mike some dope ass instrumentals.5.Substantial - Home Is Where The Art IsThis album is just very consistent. Substantial never really tries to blow up your brain when he's rhyming but he makes dope ass songs, and with this album he makes a album that is just pleasurable as hell.Albums from my favorite artists that should have been better but still could warrant a listen:One Be Lo - K.I.C.K.
P.U.S.H.Ras Kass & Doc Hollywood - Spit No Evil. AnonymousAction Bronson & the Alchemist: Rare ChandeliersMore consistently butter beats and rhymes from two of the years most talked about and productive players. It was nice to hear Bronson rhyme over an album of completely cohesive beats that not only acted as a back drop to his lyrical prowess, but created some sort of musical narrative that created an album with mega replay value.Lil Fame & Termanology: FizzyologyGreat title, great rapping and great beats. This came across as more of a termanology project featuring verses and production from Fame,although i'm not complaining. I have slept on Term for quite a while now and after hearing him spit molten lava over Alchemist, Preemo, and Womack beats the man has a new fan. And of course fame is in BEAST mode.Lil Ugly Mane: Mista Thug IsolationThis mysterious memphis aping rapper/ producer has been in my ear all year since he dropped this masterpeice in february.
To say this album has replay value is an understatement. The dragged, chopped, screwed and leaned out hooks of Ugly Mane will stick in your mind like a nightmare.
The beats on this tape rival Memphis masters such as DJ Zirk, DJ Sound, DJ Spanish Fly and the original Supa Producas DJ Paul and Juicy J. From start to finish there is not a bad track. Check out Ugly Manes latest release Uneven Compromise to hear him spit some of that thuggish ruggish shit, aswell as flipping the script and getting all BOOM BAP.Bodega Bamz: Strictly 4 my P.A.P.I.ZBamz first impressed me on 'I Told Ya' off the A.S.A.P. His first full length does not disspaoint off the trap power of that guest verse. The self procalimed Latin Trap King reigns supreme over some great production from among others, Alchemist (That man has had a hell of a year) and very impressive P on the Boards.Joey Bada$$: 1999I'm a big fan of Joey Bada$$ and the PRO ERA Crew, although i prefer Capital Steez and Chuck Stragers to Bada$$, i find his rhymes kinda forced.
This might have something to do with his age, 17. Survival Tactics is one of my songs of the year, a great BOOM BAP, Wu Tangish mish mash of a beat which Steez and Bada$$ rip to pieces. Whether its Ugly Mane and 90's era Memphis or Bada$$ and 90's New York, the rap scene in 2012 is on that nostalgic tip, and I'm not complaining.Meyhem Lauren: Respect the Fly ShitMeyem Laurenovich is on some ill type G Rap, Akinyele shit on this tape, and it was free. 2012 has been a great year for free music. My top ten is loaded with free albums, thats not saying much for the record industry.
Meyhem Lauren is of the same school of rap as Action Bronson, his frequent partner in rhyme, in that they both frequently name srop obscure sportmen and 80's action stars. Respect the Fly Shit is a nice tidy little package and an easy listen from start to finish. AnonymousRoc Marciano: ReloadedEvvvvvvvryone is on Roc Marcianos dick.
Marcberg, his debut passed me by, i heard a few cuts off it and was completely unashamedly underwhelmed. Then i heard Deeper off of this album and was hooked. Roc Marciano does what i like best, he creates an album that is cohesive, it is one peice of art split into 15 smoothed out, sinister and hilarious tracks.
The beats on this tape, handled primariliy by Roc Marcy him self are great, although for me it is hard to pin point which i like best, because they allmeld together so beautifully, creating a hour long audiotory 70's Blaxploitation flick.M.O.P. & Snow Goons: SpartaAlthough technichally a 2001 release, i did not buy this till 2012 soooo fuck you I'm counting it. Are known for the whole super agressive scream in your face rap schtick. I love that schtick.
M.O.P are one of the most consistently brilliant duos in the industry, releasing banger after banger. Snowgoons bring the heat and M.O.P lace them with vicious fight music that might make you wanna hit a muthafucka. Ab-Soul- Control System2. El-P- Cancer 4 Cure3. Killer Mike- R.A.P.
Spaceghostpurrp Beats
Kendrick Lamar- good kid, m.A.A.d. Blue Sky Black Death & Nacho Picasso- Exalted7. Ka- Grief Pedrigree8.
Nas- Life Is Good9. Freddie Gibbs- Baby Face Killa10. SpaceGhostPurrp- Mysterious Phonk: The Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrpAlso enjoyed mixtapes/albums by Kane Mayfield, Curren$y, Lil B, Angel Haze, The Coup, GLC, Action Bronson, Boldy James, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Roc Marciano, Starlito. Definitely a good year for hip-hop. All content is Copyright © 2007-2019.
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