Reks feat. Termanology - "Face Off"
Reks and Term are among a small group of great MCs today bringing it on every track. They represent everything that is right about hip-hop. No fluff. No commercial bullshit. No generic bullshit hip-hop. The two trade the mic and rip this joint apart. Enjoy some real flowing.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Song of the Day
Dice Raw - "1995"
Great new single from Dice Raw as he pays homage to the golden age of hip-hop. Dope beat, great hook and Dice paints a great picture of his time coming up in the game. Liked the Money Making Jam Boys mixtape as the Roots crew really can't do any wrong. This track is supposed to be on Dice's EP dropping this summer.
Great new single from Dice Raw as he pays homage to the golden age of hip-hop. Dope beat, great hook and Dice paints a great picture of his time coming up in the game. Liked the Money Making Jam Boys mixtape as the Roots crew really can't do any wrong. This track is supposed to be on Dice's EP dropping this summer.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Song of the Day
Jay-Z - "Dear Summer"
Keepin' with the summer theme for the weekend. This is so laid back and so smooth as Jay gives his "farewell" to the game. Of course his retirement lasted about a week. But seriously, who would actually want Hov to retire from hip-hop? That would be a horrible thing. Dude's been one of the best for 15 years now. Gotta respect it. And to keep with the summer feel, everyone enjoy your burgers, dogs, steaks, brisket, ribs, bbq chicken, corn, whatever it is you decide to throw on the grill this weekend.
Keepin' with the summer theme for the weekend. This is so laid back and so smooth as Jay gives his "farewell" to the game. Of course his retirement lasted about a week. But seriously, who would actually want Hov to retire from hip-hop? That would be a horrible thing. Dude's been one of the best for 15 years now. Gotta respect it. And to keep with the summer feel, everyone enjoy your burgers, dogs, steaks, brisket, ribs, bbq chicken, corn, whatever it is you decide to throw on the grill this weekend.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Song of the Day
Main Source feat. Nas - "Live At The BBQ"
More Memorial Day weekend goodness. The title says it all. And world, say hello to Nasty Nas. An incredible track. Doesn't bring back the feeling of Summer like yesterday's Song of the Day, but the title is fitting for the start of the season.
More Memorial Day weekend goodness. The title says it all. And world, say hello to Nasty Nas. An incredible track. Doesn't bring back the feeling of Summer like yesterday's Song of the Day, but the title is fitting for the start of the season.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Song of the Day
Dr. Dre - "Let Me Ride"
It's Memorial Day weekend, which means it's BBQ season! And no BBQ is complete without The Chronic being played at high volumes. Dr. Dre's classic is my favorite summer time album of all time, so here you go!
It's Memorial Day weekend, which means it's BBQ season! And no BBQ is complete without The Chronic being played at high volumes. Dr. Dre's classic is my favorite summer time album of all time, so here you go!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Song of the Day
Wale feat. Melanie Fiona & J. Cole - "Beautiful Bliss"
Listened to Wale's Attention: Deficit on the way back from getting my car stereo fixed. I got so much new music at the time I got this album that I gave it one or two listens and that's it. Glad I put it on again today. Wale's great on this track and J. Cole is even better.
Listened to Wale's Attention: Deficit on the way back from getting my car stereo fixed. I got so much new music at the time I got this album that I gave it one or two listens and that's it. Glad I put it on again today. Wale's great on this track and J. Cole is even better.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Song of the Day
1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) - "The Radio"
Started my car up today and my radio wouldn't work. No CD player, no iPod jack, no tuner, nothing. This is a sad day for me. I need my music when I drive. It's my therapy. So here's a dedication to my stereo. Hopefully this will revive it. Otherwise I'm going to have to drive around with headphone on or some shit.
Started my car up today and my radio wouldn't work. No CD player, no iPod jack, no tuner, nothing. This is a sad day for me. I need my music when I drive. It's my therapy. So here's a dedication to my stereo. Hopefully this will revive it. Otherwise I'm going to have to drive around with headphone on or some shit.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Song of the Day
2Pac feat. Tha Dogg Pound, Method Man & Redman - "Got My Mind Made Up"
Relistened to All Eyez On Me during my commute to and from work today. I love the album so much that I think I forgot how good this track is. Pac is tremendous on this, as are Red & Meth, but I don't know I ever realized how dope Kurupt is on this song. The only downside when I first heard this song was the sample, "I-N-S, the Rebel," following Redman's verse and hoping that Inspectah Deck was going to make an uncredited cameo. That would've really pushed this song over the top. Still great regardless.
Relistened to All Eyez On Me during my commute to and from work today. I love the album so much that I think I forgot how good this track is. Pac is tremendous on this, as are Red & Meth, but I don't know I ever realized how dope Kurupt is on this song. The only downside when I first heard this song was the sample, "I-N-S, the Rebel," following Redman's verse and hoping that Inspectah Deck was going to make an uncredited cameo. That would've really pushed this song over the top. Still great regardless.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Song of the Day
XV - "SmallVille"
Great track from XV's Zero Heroes mixtape. J. Cole provides the beat, which is fantastic and XV has a ton of great lines on this one. I'm feeling XV's music. He reminds me a lot of J. Cole and a little like Lupe Fiasco.
Great track from XV's Zero Heroes mixtape. J. Cole provides the beat, which is fantastic and XV has a ton of great lines on this one. I'm feeling XV's music. He reminds me a lot of J. Cole and a little like Lupe Fiasco.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Best Hip-Hop Songs & Albums: 1999
1999 brought everything you could want from hip-hop. Back packer music? Check. Party anthems? Check. Club bangers? Check. Street shit? Check. Lyricism? Oh, hell yeah. Some fresh new faces that would go on to be legends, the return of a legend, a posthumous release from one of the greatest of all time and four classic albums all in one year. That’s some good hip-hop right there.
So let’s cut to the chase.
Best Songs
20. “Bitch Please” – Snoop Dogg feat. Xzibit & Nate Dogg
Snoop rhyming over a Dre beat again. YES!!! Why these two didn’t continue to make music together from start to finish is beyond me. Snoop has gone on to be a larger than life figure, more so than his music, but no one ever brought out the best in Snoop like the mighty D.R.E. And we’ll hear from them again in ’99. Nate Dogg (R.I.P.) brought more timeless vocals and Xzibit brings the heat.
19. “WWIII” – Pharoahe Monch & Shabaam Sahdeeq
From Rawkus Records’ Soundbombing II, Pharoahe and Shabaam deliver verbal darts over an absolute head nodder. Big year for Monch in 1999, as he delivered his solo debut, the underground favorite “Simon Says” and made appearances on plenty of albums. I’ve always wondered what happened to Sahdeeq’s career as he definitely had the skills to be a force in the game. It’s a shame he didn’t blow up.
18. “What’s My Name?” – DMX
This was DMX’s third album in a two-year span. That’s crazy. Not that he needed to remind anyone of his presence, but DMX made it known that he wasn’t going anywhere with this banger. X was in your face with this track and still brought some hard shit despite his success. “Party Up” was the bigger commercial success, but this is what DMX is really about as an artist: Crazy energy and an “I’ma smack the shit out you” attitude.
17. “Watch For The Hook” – Cool Breeze feat. The Dungeon Family
I still can’t understand why Cool Breeze’s debut album was edited. Just doesn’t make any sense. Does an album have to have curses to be good? No, of course not. But if you’re gonna use the language then leave it in. No need to edit it. Regardless, this was a really dope track as Outkast, Witchdoctor and Goodie Mob join Cool Breeze for a lyrical onslaught. And guess who the show stealer is? (Hint: His name rhymes with Smandre Keythousand). Nice homage to Reservoir Dogs for the video as well.
16. “Whatcha Gonna Do?” – Terror Squad
While it’s on the Terror Squad album, this track is a solo cut from Big Punisher. The beat on this is an absolute banger and Pun rips it apart. What else is new? This was more representative of Capital Punishment than the Terror Squad album.
15. “Quiet Storm (Remix)” – Mobb Deep feat. Lil’ Kim
This beat is just flat out ridiculous. Havoc has put out so many great beats, it’s hard to rank them, but this is definitely up there. The original was terrific, but Kim’s addition was the right touch for the remix. While I don’t hate Lil’ Kim at all, I certainly wouldn’t have picked her for the remix, but she brought it on this and made the track even more memorable.
14. “The Smackdown” – Apathy feat. Rise, Celph Titled & C-Rayz Walz
I had heard other Apathy songs and was a fan, but couldn’t get my hands on this one anywhere. I tried downloading, buying the single online, anything I could and I just couldn’t find it at all. Then he released It’s the Bootleg, Muthafuckas! Vol. I and I finally got to hear this. It didn’t disappoint. Such a ridiculous track, with the Willie Mitchell sample of “Groovin’” (also found on GZA’s “Liquid Swordz”) and C-Rayz Walz’s verse to end the song delivers punchline after punchline. Real lyricism right here.
13. “Concrete Schoolyard” – Jurassic 5
What crew did a better job than J5 of bringing back that old school feel, while making it still sound fresh? None. There are a few that have done it well, but no one is close to these guys. Unbelievably dope track here and my 2nd favorite J5 song (behind “What’s Golden”). The lyrics, the beat and the four MCs rhyming in perfect sync, it’s the goodness.
12. “Scary Movies” – Bad Meets Evil
I’m pretty excited for the Bad Meets Evil EP that’s going to drop on June 14th. But I wish they would’ve released an album in ’99 when Em and Royce were still fresh new faces to the game. Eminem has gone on to superstardom since this track came out and Royce has continued to hone his skills and is one of the best in the game, but the original shock value of hearing these two spit was unlike anything else. Super dope beat on this one and Royce and Em take turns ripping it to shreds.
11. “The Truth” – Handsome Boy Modeling School featuring J-Live & Roisin
The music on this track is so damn good. You may’ve heard the instrumental of this on the promo for AMC’s Mad Men. Roisin delivers with beautiful vocals before J-Live joins and kicks an outstanding verse. This ain’t some boom bap hip-hop by any means, it’s actually a mix of blues, R&B and hip-hop, but I couldn’t leave it off the list because it’s just too dope.
10. “Ms. Fat Booty” – Mos Def
Mos Def’s solo album is terrific. There are so many songs that could’ve made this list, but for my money nothing tops “Ms. Fat Booty.” Mos shows off his skills as a story teller as he creates a story about a honey dip he meets at the club and falls in love with, only to find that she’s not the commitment type. Damn. Ayatollah comes correct with the beat and the sample of Aretha Franklin’s “One Step Ahead” works perfectly.
9. “So Ghetto” – Jay-Z
Jay rhyming over a Primo beat just sounds right. DJ Premier brings one that’s hard as hell and Hov opens up shop letting people know that his celebrity has not taken the streets out of him. Lots of memorable lines here and it was really refreshing to hear this after Jay went the commercial route with “Can I Get A...,” “It’s Alright” and “Money Ain’t A Thang,” all of which I pretty much hated. Shout out to “Big Pimpin’” here as well, as it may’ve become a commercial smash, but that shit was just incredible. Gotta give Jay props for turning U.G.K. on to a larger audience as well. That exposure was much deserved for Bun B and Pimp C.
8. “Nas Is Like” – Nas
Speaking of MCs who sound great over Primo beats, Nas is No. 2 on that list (after Guru of course). Premier is responsible for my favorite Nas song of all time (“N.Y. State of Mind”) and the two reconnected for this banger. Primo brings a great beat, Nas spits amazing lyrics, what more is there to say?
7. “Alphabet Aerobics” – Blackalicious
No one delivered a bigger “WOW” factor in terms of a single performance by an MC in 1999 than Gift of Gab did on this track. He rhymes the entire alphabet picking up speed with his rhymes as he moves from A-to-Z. Seriously, words can’t do it justice so go find this song online and listen to it. You won’t be sorry.
6. “Da Rockwilder” – Method Man & Redman
Only 2 minutes long, but undoubtedly great. Rockwilder on the beat, hence the name, as this was a club banger in 1999 and remains a great party starter to this day. Saw Red & Meth perform together a few years back and when they did this song the whole place went ape shit. Love the use of Cypress Hill’s “Hand On The Pump” to finish off the song.
5. “Watch Out Now” – The Beatnuts
One of the biggest hip-hop injustices was J-Lo charting a top 10 hit for “Jenny From The Block” after the ‘Nuts had one of their best tracks completely hijacked and bastardized. And I like Jadakiss and Styles P., and there’s no doubt they did it for the paycheck, but shame on them for jumping on the track with Jennifer Lopez. JuJu discussed this further on “Confused Rappers,” and takes shots at J-Lo for not being able to sing and for being “no Salma Hayek.” As for “Watch Out Now,” it’s my favorite Beatnuts song and is pure hip-hop gold.
4. “Dead Wrong” – The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Eminem
Born Again was a tough album to judge as it was great to get some more music from Biggie, but at the same time you knew some of the collaborations were all wrong. Taking old Biggie verses and putting them with the hottest new artist in 1999 produce mixed results. But this was so right. Em’s verse is terrific and further cemented his place as one of the best in the game, but Big’s first verse is the best on the track.
3. “Just Don’t Give A Fuck” – Eminem
Although this was released as a single in 1998, I’m putting it on my Best of ’99 list because it was included on Em’s debut album which dropped in 1999 and because this is my list, I get to make the rules. I actually had this song on cassette single with “Brain Damage” as the b-side. I bought it without ever hearing Em’s voice, but knew him from The Source’s Unsigned Hype column and was intrigued by the description they gave of him. Little did I know this would serve as the first single on one of the biggest debut albums in hip-hop history. Em made me a fan right off the bat and he remains one of my favorites.
2. “You Got Me” – The Roots feat. Erkyah Badu & Eve
This joint won the Roots a Grammy and rightfully so. Co-written by Jill Scott, who was replaced by Badu thanks to MCA demanding a more high-profile artist, this is a beautiful love song as Black Thought and Eve share the mic and describe the maturation of a relationship. While it’s tremendous from a lyrical standpoint, my favorite part of the song is ?uestlove’s drums along with Badu’s vocals following the third verse. It stopped me dead in my tracks the first time I saw the video for the song.
1. “Still D.R.E.” – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
The anticipation for 2001 was off the charts and Dre delivered once again. This was the perfect first single for the album as it brought Dre and Snoop back together and delivered another classic. I remember Snoop talking about Jay-Z ghost writing the track and being blown away that Hov put Lolo’s in the hook. This is an absolute banger and it sounds as good today as it did 12 years ago. “Haters say Dre fell off/How n-gga? My last album was The Chronic.”
Best Albums
10. Internal Affairs – Pharoahe Monch
Thought about including “Simon Says” on the Best Songs list, but I had to go with “WWIII” instead (and yes, I know that track wasn’t on this album.) Pharoahe’s debut had a lot of great material on it as he’s always been an incredible MC. My favorite tracks are “Hell” featuring a hungry Canibus, “No Mercy” featuring a rowdy M.O.P. and “The Next Shit” with Pharoahe sharing the mic with Busta Rhymes. “Behind Closed Doors,” “The Light” and “The Truth” are all excellent tracks as well.
9. And Then There Was X – DMX
Three albums in two years from DMX was a little much, as Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood didn’t live up to his classic debut. This offering in 1999 was closer to It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, as X was able to bring all the elements that made his debut so great. “Party Up” and “What These Bitches Want” brought great commercial success to this album, but my favorites are “One More Road To Cross,” “Here We Go Again,” and “What’s My Name?”
8. Blackout! – Method Man and Redman
After “How High?” was released as the lead single to The Show soundtrack, hip-hop fans worldwide were eager to hear more from Red and Meth. They did two more songs together for each other’s solo albums, but it wasn’t enough. This was a great collaboration album with so many memorable tracks and great production from RZA, Rockwilder and Erick Sermon.
7. I Am… – Nas
By 1999 it was pretty clear that we weren’t going to get another Illmatic. But we still demanded greatness from Nas and he didn’t let us down here. Although that changed in the same year as he also released the worst album of his career with Nastradamus. But I Am was what we wanted from Nas as it included more great street tales like “N.Y. State of Mind Pt. II,” “Small World” and the incredible “Undying Love”. The album also delivered the aforementioned Primo banger “Nas Is Like” and the great collaboration with Scarface on “Favor For A Favor.”
6. A Prince Among Thieves – Prince Paul
This concept album was absolutely incredible. The album followed the story of an up-and-coming MC named Tariq (played by Breezly Brewin’) who needed to get some quick cash to finish a demo before meeting with the RZA. Tariq’s best friend True, played by Big Sha, turns him on to the drug game as a way to make quick cash. The journey takes Tariq on a stop to a weapons dealer (played by Kool Keith) to get a gun, an encounter with a pimp (Big Daddy Kane), a run in with the cops (Everlast) and trip to jail with inmates Sadat X, Xzibit and Kid Creole, and then a showdown with his once friend who turned on him to steal his spotlight in the rap game. It’s crazy good.
5. Musical Massacre – The Beatnuts
I played the shit outta this album in 1999. Not only did it have “Watch Out Now” which was certainly one of the best songs of the year, it was terrific from start to finish. Of course the ‘Nuts came correct from a production standpoint and the guest spots were excellent as well. I’m a big Beatnuts fan and this is my favorite of their albums. I was supposed to see them open for Jurassic 5 once and they cancelled due to illness. Everyone in the place didn’t seem to care, but I was seriously bummed out.
4. Black On Both Sides – Mos Def
I said there were 4 classics released in 1999 and here’s the first of those four. Mos Def had a great 1998, and an even better 1999 as he released his timeless debut album. The album has no weak tracks or throwaways. Great production from Ayatollah (“Ms. Fat Booty” and “Know That” featuring Talib Kweli), 88-Keys (“Love,” and “Speed Law”) and of course a DJ Premier banger in “Mathematics”. Mos also showed off his vocal talents on the terrific “Umi Says” which is one of his finest songs.
3. 2001 – Dr. Dre
Suge Knight stole Dre’s Chronic 2000 title right from under him so Dre decided to skip the year completely and call his album 2001. The anticipation and expectations for this album couldn’t have been any higher. And Dre answered the call with another classic. The production was of course ridiculous and Dre got some help from Snoop, Xzibit and Eminem among others. Not surprisingly it was Em who stole the show on “What’s The Difference” and “Forgot About Dre,” but the entire album was great from start to finish. Unfortunately, from what I’ve heard off Detox, Dre may be about to serve up a clunker instead of a third classic. Makes me appreciate The Chronic and 2001 so much more.
2. The Slim Shady LP – Eminem
Some still regard this as Em’s best album. I rank it third among his CDs. And it’s still a classic so what does that tell you about how his career unfolded. While my anticipation for 2001 was super high, nothing released in 1999 could match my excitement for this album. I circled February 23rd on my calendar as the day and I couldn’t wait to get to Best Buy to purchase this. I listened to it over and over and over again, while the other CD I bought that day sat and waited. His shock value rhymes were phenomenal and the Bass Brothers delivered great beat after great beat for Em to spit over. “My Name Is” was the monster single off this album, but the true gems are “Guilty Conscience” feat. Dr. Dre, “If I Had,” “Rock Bottom,” “Just Don’t Give A Fuck,” “As The World Turns” and “Still Don’t Give A Fuck.” The album also gave us “’97 Bonnie & Clyde” which was a brilliant, although twisted, concept song.
1. Things Fall Apart – The Roots
So while I was listening to The Slim Shady LP over and over again, the CD that sat and waited to be opened was Things Fall Apart. Little did I know that I purchased two hip-hop classics on the same day. I love the Roots. I believe them to be one of the greatest groups in music history. They have delivered time and time again and have never put out a dud of an album. Seriously, how many groups in the history of music have released 10 studio albums and never put out a bad offering among them? I don’t know the number off hand, but I bet the number is pretty small and the Roots belong on that list. That being said, this IS their greatest offering. This album served as the breakthrough album for the Roots on a global scale and earned them a Grammy nomination (which they lost to Eminem’s debut, but this isn’t the Grammy’s list of the Best Hip-Hop Albums of 1999, it’s Krypton Don’s list, so on The Writer’s Block, Things Fall Apart takes the nod for Best Album.) “The Next Movement,” “Step Into The Realm,” “Dyanmite!” “Double Trouble,” “Act Too,” “100% Dundee,” “Adrenaline!” “You Got Me,” shit I might as well list the entire album. It’s an amazing album from a truly gifted band and it deserves the No. 1 spot for 1999.
So there you have it. Four classics in on year. Bet you didn’t see Things Fall Apart in the No. 1 spot though, did ya? But that’s what makes this so fun to do. I get to give my opinion and you get to tell me I’m right or wrong, which won’t swing my opinion one way or the other. 1999 was a really great year for hip-hop as Em’s career launched, the Roots finally got their due, Dre returned with another classic, Mos Def and Pharoahe Monch released their solo debuts and Prince Paul graced us with two great projects (I would’ve put Handsome Boy Modeling School’s So…How’s Your Girl? on the Best Albums list, but like Lauryn Hill’s debut, I don’t think you can just categorize it as a hip-hop album.)
2000 will contain a lot of familiar and reliable faces and certainly has its’ fair share of great music. Stay tuned.
So let’s cut to the chase.
Best Songs
20. “Bitch Please” – Snoop Dogg feat. Xzibit & Nate Dogg
Snoop rhyming over a Dre beat again. YES!!! Why these two didn’t continue to make music together from start to finish is beyond me. Snoop has gone on to be a larger than life figure, more so than his music, but no one ever brought out the best in Snoop like the mighty D.R.E. And we’ll hear from them again in ’99. Nate Dogg (R.I.P.) brought more timeless vocals and Xzibit brings the heat.
19. “WWIII” – Pharoahe Monch & Shabaam Sahdeeq
From Rawkus Records’ Soundbombing II, Pharoahe and Shabaam deliver verbal darts over an absolute head nodder. Big year for Monch in 1999, as he delivered his solo debut, the underground favorite “Simon Says” and made appearances on plenty of albums. I’ve always wondered what happened to Sahdeeq’s career as he definitely had the skills to be a force in the game. It’s a shame he didn’t blow up.
18. “What’s My Name?” – DMX
This was DMX’s third album in a two-year span. That’s crazy. Not that he needed to remind anyone of his presence, but DMX made it known that he wasn’t going anywhere with this banger. X was in your face with this track and still brought some hard shit despite his success. “Party Up” was the bigger commercial success, but this is what DMX is really about as an artist: Crazy energy and an “I’ma smack the shit out you” attitude.
17. “Watch For The Hook” – Cool Breeze feat. The Dungeon Family
I still can’t understand why Cool Breeze’s debut album was edited. Just doesn’t make any sense. Does an album have to have curses to be good? No, of course not. But if you’re gonna use the language then leave it in. No need to edit it. Regardless, this was a really dope track as Outkast, Witchdoctor and Goodie Mob join Cool Breeze for a lyrical onslaught. And guess who the show stealer is? (Hint: His name rhymes with Smandre Keythousand). Nice homage to Reservoir Dogs for the video as well.
16. “Whatcha Gonna Do?” – Terror Squad
While it’s on the Terror Squad album, this track is a solo cut from Big Punisher. The beat on this is an absolute banger and Pun rips it apart. What else is new? This was more representative of Capital Punishment than the Terror Squad album.
15. “Quiet Storm (Remix)” – Mobb Deep feat. Lil’ Kim
This beat is just flat out ridiculous. Havoc has put out so many great beats, it’s hard to rank them, but this is definitely up there. The original was terrific, but Kim’s addition was the right touch for the remix. While I don’t hate Lil’ Kim at all, I certainly wouldn’t have picked her for the remix, but she brought it on this and made the track even more memorable.
14. “The Smackdown” – Apathy feat. Rise, Celph Titled & C-Rayz Walz
I had heard other Apathy songs and was a fan, but couldn’t get my hands on this one anywhere. I tried downloading, buying the single online, anything I could and I just couldn’t find it at all. Then he released It’s the Bootleg, Muthafuckas! Vol. I and I finally got to hear this. It didn’t disappoint. Such a ridiculous track, with the Willie Mitchell sample of “Groovin’” (also found on GZA’s “Liquid Swordz”) and C-Rayz Walz’s verse to end the song delivers punchline after punchline. Real lyricism right here.
13. “Concrete Schoolyard” – Jurassic 5
What crew did a better job than J5 of bringing back that old school feel, while making it still sound fresh? None. There are a few that have done it well, but no one is close to these guys. Unbelievably dope track here and my 2nd favorite J5 song (behind “What’s Golden”). The lyrics, the beat and the four MCs rhyming in perfect sync, it’s the goodness.
12. “Scary Movies” – Bad Meets Evil
I’m pretty excited for the Bad Meets Evil EP that’s going to drop on June 14th. But I wish they would’ve released an album in ’99 when Em and Royce were still fresh new faces to the game. Eminem has gone on to superstardom since this track came out and Royce has continued to hone his skills and is one of the best in the game, but the original shock value of hearing these two spit was unlike anything else. Super dope beat on this one and Royce and Em take turns ripping it to shreds.
11. “The Truth” – Handsome Boy Modeling School featuring J-Live & Roisin
The music on this track is so damn good. You may’ve heard the instrumental of this on the promo for AMC’s Mad Men. Roisin delivers with beautiful vocals before J-Live joins and kicks an outstanding verse. This ain’t some boom bap hip-hop by any means, it’s actually a mix of blues, R&B and hip-hop, but I couldn’t leave it off the list because it’s just too dope.
10. “Ms. Fat Booty” – Mos Def
Mos Def’s solo album is terrific. There are so many songs that could’ve made this list, but for my money nothing tops “Ms. Fat Booty.” Mos shows off his skills as a story teller as he creates a story about a honey dip he meets at the club and falls in love with, only to find that she’s not the commitment type. Damn. Ayatollah comes correct with the beat and the sample of Aretha Franklin’s “One Step Ahead” works perfectly.
9. “So Ghetto” – Jay-Z
Jay rhyming over a Primo beat just sounds right. DJ Premier brings one that’s hard as hell and Hov opens up shop letting people know that his celebrity has not taken the streets out of him. Lots of memorable lines here and it was really refreshing to hear this after Jay went the commercial route with “Can I Get A...,” “It’s Alright” and “Money Ain’t A Thang,” all of which I pretty much hated. Shout out to “Big Pimpin’” here as well, as it may’ve become a commercial smash, but that shit was just incredible. Gotta give Jay props for turning U.G.K. on to a larger audience as well. That exposure was much deserved for Bun B and Pimp C.
8. “Nas Is Like” – Nas
Speaking of MCs who sound great over Primo beats, Nas is No. 2 on that list (after Guru of course). Premier is responsible for my favorite Nas song of all time (“N.Y. State of Mind”) and the two reconnected for this banger. Primo brings a great beat, Nas spits amazing lyrics, what more is there to say?
7. “Alphabet Aerobics” – Blackalicious
No one delivered a bigger “WOW” factor in terms of a single performance by an MC in 1999 than Gift of Gab did on this track. He rhymes the entire alphabet picking up speed with his rhymes as he moves from A-to-Z. Seriously, words can’t do it justice so go find this song online and listen to it. You won’t be sorry.
6. “Da Rockwilder” – Method Man & Redman
Only 2 minutes long, but undoubtedly great. Rockwilder on the beat, hence the name, as this was a club banger in 1999 and remains a great party starter to this day. Saw Red & Meth perform together a few years back and when they did this song the whole place went ape shit. Love the use of Cypress Hill’s “Hand On The Pump” to finish off the song.
5. “Watch Out Now” – The Beatnuts
One of the biggest hip-hop injustices was J-Lo charting a top 10 hit for “Jenny From The Block” after the ‘Nuts had one of their best tracks completely hijacked and bastardized. And I like Jadakiss and Styles P., and there’s no doubt they did it for the paycheck, but shame on them for jumping on the track with Jennifer Lopez. JuJu discussed this further on “Confused Rappers,” and takes shots at J-Lo for not being able to sing and for being “no Salma Hayek.” As for “Watch Out Now,” it’s my favorite Beatnuts song and is pure hip-hop gold.
4. “Dead Wrong” – The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Eminem
Born Again was a tough album to judge as it was great to get some more music from Biggie, but at the same time you knew some of the collaborations were all wrong. Taking old Biggie verses and putting them with the hottest new artist in 1999 produce mixed results. But this was so right. Em’s verse is terrific and further cemented his place as one of the best in the game, but Big’s first verse is the best on the track.
3. “Just Don’t Give A Fuck” – Eminem
Although this was released as a single in 1998, I’m putting it on my Best of ’99 list because it was included on Em’s debut album which dropped in 1999 and because this is my list, I get to make the rules. I actually had this song on cassette single with “Brain Damage” as the b-side. I bought it without ever hearing Em’s voice, but knew him from The Source’s Unsigned Hype column and was intrigued by the description they gave of him. Little did I know this would serve as the first single on one of the biggest debut albums in hip-hop history. Em made me a fan right off the bat and he remains one of my favorites.
2. “You Got Me” – The Roots feat. Erkyah Badu & Eve
This joint won the Roots a Grammy and rightfully so. Co-written by Jill Scott, who was replaced by Badu thanks to MCA demanding a more high-profile artist, this is a beautiful love song as Black Thought and Eve share the mic and describe the maturation of a relationship. While it’s tremendous from a lyrical standpoint, my favorite part of the song is ?uestlove’s drums along with Badu’s vocals following the third verse. It stopped me dead in my tracks the first time I saw the video for the song.
1. “Still D.R.E.” – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
The anticipation for 2001 was off the charts and Dre delivered once again. This was the perfect first single for the album as it brought Dre and Snoop back together and delivered another classic. I remember Snoop talking about Jay-Z ghost writing the track and being blown away that Hov put Lolo’s in the hook. This is an absolute banger and it sounds as good today as it did 12 years ago. “Haters say Dre fell off/How n-gga? My last album was The Chronic.”
Best Albums
10. Internal Affairs – Pharoahe Monch
Thought about including “Simon Says” on the Best Songs list, but I had to go with “WWIII” instead (and yes, I know that track wasn’t on this album.) Pharoahe’s debut had a lot of great material on it as he’s always been an incredible MC. My favorite tracks are “Hell” featuring a hungry Canibus, “No Mercy” featuring a rowdy M.O.P. and “The Next Shit” with Pharoahe sharing the mic with Busta Rhymes. “Behind Closed Doors,” “The Light” and “The Truth” are all excellent tracks as well.
9. And Then There Was X – DMX
Three albums in two years from DMX was a little much, as Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood didn’t live up to his classic debut. This offering in 1999 was closer to It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, as X was able to bring all the elements that made his debut so great. “Party Up” and “What These Bitches Want” brought great commercial success to this album, but my favorites are “One More Road To Cross,” “Here We Go Again,” and “What’s My Name?”
8. Blackout! – Method Man and Redman
After “How High?” was released as the lead single to The Show soundtrack, hip-hop fans worldwide were eager to hear more from Red and Meth. They did two more songs together for each other’s solo albums, but it wasn’t enough. This was a great collaboration album with so many memorable tracks and great production from RZA, Rockwilder and Erick Sermon.
7. I Am… – Nas
By 1999 it was pretty clear that we weren’t going to get another Illmatic. But we still demanded greatness from Nas and he didn’t let us down here. Although that changed in the same year as he also released the worst album of his career with Nastradamus. But I Am was what we wanted from Nas as it included more great street tales like “N.Y. State of Mind Pt. II,” “Small World” and the incredible “Undying Love”. The album also delivered the aforementioned Primo banger “Nas Is Like” and the great collaboration with Scarface on “Favor For A Favor.”
6. A Prince Among Thieves – Prince Paul
This concept album was absolutely incredible. The album followed the story of an up-and-coming MC named Tariq (played by Breezly Brewin’) who needed to get some quick cash to finish a demo before meeting with the RZA. Tariq’s best friend True, played by Big Sha, turns him on to the drug game as a way to make quick cash. The journey takes Tariq on a stop to a weapons dealer (played by Kool Keith) to get a gun, an encounter with a pimp (Big Daddy Kane), a run in with the cops (Everlast) and trip to jail with inmates Sadat X, Xzibit and Kid Creole, and then a showdown with his once friend who turned on him to steal his spotlight in the rap game. It’s crazy good.
5. Musical Massacre – The Beatnuts
I played the shit outta this album in 1999. Not only did it have “Watch Out Now” which was certainly one of the best songs of the year, it was terrific from start to finish. Of course the ‘Nuts came correct from a production standpoint and the guest spots were excellent as well. I’m a big Beatnuts fan and this is my favorite of their albums. I was supposed to see them open for Jurassic 5 once and they cancelled due to illness. Everyone in the place didn’t seem to care, but I was seriously bummed out.
4. Black On Both Sides – Mos Def
I said there were 4 classics released in 1999 and here’s the first of those four. Mos Def had a great 1998, and an even better 1999 as he released his timeless debut album. The album has no weak tracks or throwaways. Great production from Ayatollah (“Ms. Fat Booty” and “Know That” featuring Talib Kweli), 88-Keys (“Love,” and “Speed Law”) and of course a DJ Premier banger in “Mathematics”. Mos also showed off his vocal talents on the terrific “Umi Says” which is one of his finest songs.
3. 2001 – Dr. Dre
Suge Knight stole Dre’s Chronic 2000 title right from under him so Dre decided to skip the year completely and call his album 2001. The anticipation and expectations for this album couldn’t have been any higher. And Dre answered the call with another classic. The production was of course ridiculous and Dre got some help from Snoop, Xzibit and Eminem among others. Not surprisingly it was Em who stole the show on “What’s The Difference” and “Forgot About Dre,” but the entire album was great from start to finish. Unfortunately, from what I’ve heard off Detox, Dre may be about to serve up a clunker instead of a third classic. Makes me appreciate The Chronic and 2001 so much more.
2. The Slim Shady LP – Eminem
Some still regard this as Em’s best album. I rank it third among his CDs. And it’s still a classic so what does that tell you about how his career unfolded. While my anticipation for 2001 was super high, nothing released in 1999 could match my excitement for this album. I circled February 23rd on my calendar as the day and I couldn’t wait to get to Best Buy to purchase this. I listened to it over and over and over again, while the other CD I bought that day sat and waited. His shock value rhymes were phenomenal and the Bass Brothers delivered great beat after great beat for Em to spit over. “My Name Is” was the monster single off this album, but the true gems are “Guilty Conscience” feat. Dr. Dre, “If I Had,” “Rock Bottom,” “Just Don’t Give A Fuck,” “As The World Turns” and “Still Don’t Give A Fuck.” The album also gave us “’97 Bonnie & Clyde” which was a brilliant, although twisted, concept song.
1. Things Fall Apart – The Roots
So while I was listening to The Slim Shady LP over and over again, the CD that sat and waited to be opened was Things Fall Apart. Little did I know that I purchased two hip-hop classics on the same day. I love the Roots. I believe them to be one of the greatest groups in music history. They have delivered time and time again and have never put out a dud of an album. Seriously, how many groups in the history of music have released 10 studio albums and never put out a bad offering among them? I don’t know the number off hand, but I bet the number is pretty small and the Roots belong on that list. That being said, this IS their greatest offering. This album served as the breakthrough album for the Roots on a global scale and earned them a Grammy nomination (which they lost to Eminem’s debut, but this isn’t the Grammy’s list of the Best Hip-Hop Albums of 1999, it’s Krypton Don’s list, so on The Writer’s Block, Things Fall Apart takes the nod for Best Album.) “The Next Movement,” “Step Into The Realm,” “Dyanmite!” “Double Trouble,” “Act Too,” “100% Dundee,” “Adrenaline!” “You Got Me,” shit I might as well list the entire album. It’s an amazing album from a truly gifted band and it deserves the No. 1 spot for 1999.
So there you have it. Four classics in on year. Bet you didn’t see Things Fall Apart in the No. 1 spot though, did ya? But that’s what makes this so fun to do. I get to give my opinion and you get to tell me I’m right or wrong, which won’t swing my opinion one way or the other. 1999 was a really great year for hip-hop as Em’s career launched, the Roots finally got their due, Dre returned with another classic, Mos Def and Pharoahe Monch released their solo debuts and Prince Paul graced us with two great projects (I would’ve put Handsome Boy Modeling School’s So…How’s Your Girl? on the Best Albums list, but like Lauryn Hill’s debut, I don’t think you can just categorize it as a hip-hop album.)
2000 will contain a lot of familiar and reliable faces and certainly has its’ fair share of great music. Stay tuned.
Song of the Day
OC - "Time's Up"
Nothing really needs to be said about this. One of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. Want more, read the Best of 1994 recap. My brother's been waiting to see this as the Song of the Day and since it's his birthday I thought there's no better time for it. Happy Birthday SSD!
Nothing really needs to be said about this. One of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. Want more, read the Best of 1994 recap. My brother's been waiting to see this as the Song of the Day and since it's his birthday I thought there's no better time for it. Happy Birthday SSD!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Song of the Day
C-Rayz Walz - "Protect My Family"
Great track from C-Rayz. Ravipops was a really dope album. I gotta listen to that again soon. This has a great beat and a really great message. How many MCs discuss taking care of their families and performing the everyday duties as a father and husband? It's refreshing to say the least.
Great track from C-Rayz. Ravipops was a really dope album. I gotta listen to that again soon. This has a great beat and a really great message. How many MCs discuss taking care of their families and performing the everyday duties as a father and husband? It's refreshing to say the least.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Song of the Day
Copywrite feat. Crooked I - "Crooked Cop"
Crooked gets this joint started with another dope verse. Guys got lyrics for days. Copy drops some great punchlines as well. "I told her she's f-ckin' amazing, I wasn't giving her the compliment." Great line right there.
Crooked gets this joint started with another dope verse. Guys got lyrics for days. Copy drops some great punchlines as well. "I told her she's f-ckin' amazing, I wasn't giving her the compliment." Great line right there.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Song of the Day
Big Daddy Kane - "Set It Off"
Great old school joint here. Kane has influenced so many MCs as he had a style unlike any other at the time. Kane sounds fresh as hell here and the beat is sick. Big Daddy's style has translated really well in today's hip-hop scene as he continues to impress on all of his guest spots. Dude was as cocky as can be and had the skills to back it up.
Great old school joint here. Kane has influenced so many MCs as he had a style unlike any other at the time. Kane sounds fresh as hell here and the beat is sick. Big Daddy's style has translated really well in today's hip-hop scene as he continues to impress on all of his guest spots. Dude was as cocky as can be and had the skills to back it up.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Best Hip-Hop Song & Albums: 1998
It’s time to get cover 1998. Let’s get this out there now and move on: Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is by all means one of the most important, influential, inspirational and critically acclaimed albums of all time. Hell, the album won five Grammys, so that says it all. But I’m not including it on my Best Albums list. Truthfully, I struggle to define the album as hip-hop. It has hip-hop elements. But it also has R&B, soul, reggae and gospel tones to it, so what category does it belong? In all fairness, it shouldn’t be described in a single category because that would sell the album short.
So I’m not including it on the Best Albums list (although you will see a song on the Best Songs list). For argument’s sake, it still wouldn’t have finished as the No. 1 album of 1998 because there’s another classic there that is one of my absolute favorites of all time. But ‘nuff respect due to L-Boogie for her solo classic.
Now, let’s get down to business.
Best Songs
20. “John Blaze” – Fat Joe feat. Nas, Big Punisher, Jadakiss & Raekwon
Every verse on this track is nasty. Nas takes the cake, but Pun is a close second. The beat is dope and this is what Don Cartagena should’ve sounded like from start to finish. I also have to give a shout out to “Crack Attack” which I debated putting on this list over “John Blaze,” but I went with this track because of the insane lyrics from some of hip-hop’s finest.
19. “Slang Editorial” – Cappadonna
“I came to the fork in the road and went straight/Right out the crack valves to the Golden Gate/See the silver spoon in my mouth, it had cake.” The beat, courtesy of True Master, is on some old throwback Wu shit. Cappadonna surprised me with his debut album and the lead single was a true indication of what would be found on the rest of The Pillage.
18. “Second Round Knockout” – Canibus
So LL Cool J pissed off Canibus by rewriting his final verse on “4,3,2,1” and maybe taking a pot shot at ‘Bis. Canibus’ response? This diss track that ripped LL apart. Some think LL won the battle with “Ripper Strikes Back,” but those people got it wrong. LL had some nice lines, but most of them were him flipping the lyrics to “Second Round Knockout,” which was cool a few times, but after a while it lacks originality. “Now watch me rip the tat from your arm/Kick you in the groin/Stick you for your Vanguard award/In front of your mom/Your first, second and third born/Make your wife get on the horn/Call Minister Farrakhan.” That’s some dope shit right there.
17. “Still Standing Strong” – Cocoa Brovaz
No longer Smif-N-Wessun, thanks to a lawsuit, Tek and Steele released their follow-up to Dah Shinin’ under their new alias. While Cocoa Brovaz didn’t have the same ring as Smif-N-Wessun, this track proved that it was nothing more than a name change. No, The Rude Awakening wasn’t on the classic level of Dah Shinin’, but it still had plenty of highlights including “Still Standing Strong.”
16. “Tru Master” – Pete Rock feat. Kurupt & Inspectah Deck
The beat on this one is ridiculous. Not surprising since it’s Pete Rock. Deck is the standout here. Dude sounds as good over a Pete Rock beat as he does over RZA beats. Kurupt of course holds his own and the Chocolate Boy Wonder rounds out the track nicely.
15. “They Don’t Dance No Mo’” – Goodie Mob
The video for this track is tremendous. Goodie Mob followed up 1995’s Soul Food in fine fashion with 1998’s Still Standing. The beat has a lot of bounce to it and regardless of the song’s title, you have to dance or at least move a little when it comes on.
14. “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” – Lauryn Hill
L-Boogie’s debut single was truly original and was a terrific showcase of just how talented Lauryn was. Ms. Hill flexes her vocal chops on this track, but also shows off her MC skills which Fugees fans were accustomed to. It’s a great pop song, while remaining true to hip-hop. Hard to balance the two, but Lauryn did it to perfection on this song.
13. “The Militia” – Gang Starr feat. Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx
Did someone say hip-hop? Because here it is. Premo delivers as per usual, Shug gets the track off and running, Guru takes it up another notch and then Bumpy Knuckles devours it. I was gonna quote Freddie Foxxx’s verse, but after listening to it again, I’d pretty much have the write out the whole verse because it’s just that dope.
12. “Shut ‘Em Down” – Onyx feat. DMX
There was no bigger name in 1998 than DMX. Two solo albums and appearances on just about every album that dropped but this was a perfect match. If anyone was going to match X’s energy, Onyx could. The beat is sick and DMX and Sticky close out the track with back-to-back dope verses. The remix, featuring Big Pun and Noreaga, is tremendous as well mostly due to Sticky’s verse which is bananas.
11. “Travellin’ Man” – DJ Honda feat. Mos Def
Mos Def was starting to hit his stride in ’98 as he would team with Talib Kweli for the Black Star album, as well as make cameos on a handful of albums the best of which came on DJ Honda’s h II. Using a Peter, Paul & Mary song of all things, Mos flips the “I’m leaving on a jet plane” concept as he gives the perspective of life as an MC. Incredibly dope song.
10. “What U See Is What U Get” – Xzibit
Brilliant track from Xzibit. Great production, excellent lyrics and certainly one of my favorite Xzibit songs. But I can honestly say the video took this song to a whole other level for me. Xzibit walks from his home to the market and back, all the while rapping during some crazy shit including a police chase, looting, a concert, a Flavor Flav cameo, a stop at the liquor store, a car on fire, a Red Light district, an appearance by the Alkaholiks and a domestic dispute all over the course of 4 minutes. If you haven’t seen this video, YouTube it right now.
9. “Ghetto Fabulous” – Ras Kass feat. Dr. Dre & Mack 10
If you remember the tango scene from Dr. Dre’s video for “Been There, Done That” then the beat on this song will sound familiar. Dre joins Ras Kass, who absolutely slays it with memorable lines like, “Every day of my life is off the ringer/That’s guaranteed like a fist fight on Jerry Springer.” Of course this song will always score bonus points with me for Ras’ line on the third verse, “L.A. n-ggas got crazy game/Like John Elway got a Super Bowl ring.” As a Broncos fan, there was nothing more exciting than Elway and the boys winning their first ring.
8. “Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)” – Big Punisher feat. Fat Joe
It’s not going to top Dre and Snoop’s original, but Pun's first verse had the “Oh Shit” factor when it first dropped and went on to be the most quoted verse of his career. “Dead in the middle of little Italy/Little did we know that we riddled/Two middle men/Who didn’t do diddley.” Seriously? That’s ridiculous. And no, it doesn’t translate in written word. You have to hear Pun spit it to understand how sick it is.
7. “Find A Way” – A Tribe Called Quest
The final hit single from Tribe which probably skews my ranking a little. But not much. A really dope song regardless of what it meant in the grand scheme of Tribe’s career. The song is vintage Tribe and Q-Tip’s “Now why you wanna go and do that love, huh?” is a timeless line. This song reeks of feel good vibe and is a definite head nodder.
6. “Hard Knock Life” – Jay-Z
My favorite song from Jay’s third album is “A Week Ago,” featuring Too Short. And I was going to put that on this list, but I decided to go with the track that turned Hov into a superstar. Not for the commercial success of the track, but because I absolutely couldn’t get enough of it when it first came out. Although I’ve heard it over 1,000,000 times and because of that grew a little tired of it, the choice to rock over an Annie sample was original and even risky and Jay-Z pulled it off masterfully.
5. “He Got Game” – Public Enemy
I love this song, I love the sample, I loved the Spike Lee movie this was from and I love Public Enemy. Is it the best work of P.E.’s career? Not even close. But to hear a P.E. record in 1998 was a wonderful trip down memory lane for me as they are the group mostly responsible for making me a hip-hop fan. Nice to see Stephen Stills lend his vocals for the track and the gospel choir just tops it off. Great to see Flavor Flav dancing again too.
4. “Definition” – Black Star
Mos Def and Talib Kweli put together their superb Black Star album in 1998 and this was the lead single. So many great tracks on the album, including the remix to this joint, but nothing tops this one right here. Mos sets the tone with his vocals, but Talib has my favorite line with “Brooklyn, New York City/Where they paint murals of Biggie…” Great production from Hi-Tek on this one. The video for this track was also dope as Mos and Talib drive around in a van with Hi-Tek and picked up various guests throughout including Pharoahe Monch and dead prez. “1, 2, 3/Mos Def and Talib Kweli”
3. “Rosa Parks” – Outkast
Again, a great video to accompany this single. Why don’t videos matter anymore? Anyway, back to the song itself. Outkast went from playas, to aliens and then came on some futuristic funk shit in 1998. This song didn’t sound like anything else out there, which shouldn’t come as a surprise with Outkast at the helm. Andre 3000 spits a classic with his verse. And the harmonica for the break? So fresh. If this doesn’t make you move, then there’s something wrong with you.
2. “Handle UR Bizness” – M.O.P.
And now for some music that makes me want to punch someone in the face. The electric guitars, the screaming and the in your face rawness from Billy Danze and Lil’ Fame, this is some hip-hop heavy metal. Danze spits, “Is this hip-hop?/ Hell no this is war/I’ve been trying to tell you that since ‘How About Some Hardcore?’” If you don’t like M.O.P. you deserve to get punched in the face.
1. “Ruff Ryders Anthem” – DMX
As I said earlier, 1998 was DMX’s year. Dude was everywhere. “Get At Me Dog” was the perfect first single for DMX, but this was the true anthem (maybe pun intended?) from the album. Probably my favorite Swizz Beatz beat and definitely my favorite DMX song and he’s had a lot of great tracks as you’ll see in the coming years. “Stop/Drop/Shut ‘em down, open up shop/Ohh/Noo/That’s how Ruff Ryders roll.”
Best Albums
10. Still Standing – Goodie Mob
Goodie Mob follows their excellent debut album (Soul Food) in fine fashion. Organized Noize brings some of their vintage sound for the production and Cee-Lo, Big Gip, T-Mo and Khujo show why they’re among the Dirty South’s finest. Highlights include “Black Ice” featuring Outkast, “They Don’t Dance No Mo,” the title track and soulful and heartfelt “Beautiful Skin.”
9. The Pillage – Cappadonna
One of only two Wu solo albums in 1998, which seemed odd given the amount of music the Wu was responsible for from 1993-1997. RZA shares production duties with True Master, Goldfingaz, Allah Mathematics and 4th Disciple, all who hold their own in representing the Wu sound. Guest spots include U-God, Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface. It’s no Liquid Swordz or Cuban Linx, but still a very solid solo effort from Cappadonna.
8. E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) – Busta Rhymes
Album No. 3 from Busta, coming in as many years. A star-studded production team including Nottz, Swizz Beatz, Rockwilder, DJ Scratch, Diamond D and guests ranging from the Flipmode Squad and Mystikal to Janet Jackson and Ozzy Osbourne. An all-star lineup for sure, but Busta has never been one to be outdone as he brings a ton of energy and so many different styles. “Tear da Roof Off,” “Gimme Some More,” “Iz They Wildin Wit Us & Getting’ Rowdy Wit Us?” and “This Means War!!” are the standouts.
7. 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz – Xzibit
Xzibit’s career started with three tremendous albums, this being the middle child. The Golden State Warriors reunite for “3 Card Molly,” Defari stops by for “Handle Your Business,” Method Man and Jayo Felony make appearances for “Pussy Pop” and the ‘Liks and King Tee join X for “Let It Rain.” A true West Coast hip-hop album, with an underground feel. West Coast underground has always been terrific and Xzibit didn’t disappoint on this one.
6. Tical 2000: Judgement Day – Method Man
I loved this album when it came out. I gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on my former website (The Kryptonic Plague). While I wouldn’t carry that rating over now, I can still remember how geeked I was over this album when it dropped. Still a lot of great songs on here, however, 28 tracks is a bit long and Meth could’ve trimmed some of the fat. This is certainly the 2nd best solo album of Meth’s career, but it’s not on the same level as Tical.
5. Black Star – Black Star
Terrific album. Real hip-hop in every sense of the word. Pardon the wrestling reference, but here we go: Mos Def and Talib Kweli were like a young tag-team, getting some seasoning and tearing up the tag division before venturing into solo careers. Luckily Mos and Talib didn’t end up like the Rockers. Poor Marty Jannety. Oh yeah, back to the album. So many great tracks including the aforementioned “Definition” and it’s remix (“RE: DEFinition”), as well as “Brown Skin Lady,” “Hater Players,” “Respiration” and “Thieves in the Night.”
4. Capital Punishment – Big Punisher
Big Pun’s debut is his finest effort and unfortunately we didn’t get much of a catalog to choose from. Not that Capital Punishment isn’t excellent, because it is, but I would’ve loved to see where his career would’ve gone. A lot of terrific guest spots on here, my favorite being Black Thought on “Super Lyrical” (also featured a great Ivan Drago sample). “Still Not A Player” was a huge song in 1998 and one of the songs that reminds me high school, so that holds sentimental value to me. Lyrically Pun shines on “Dream Shatterer,” “You Ain’t A Killer,” “Twinz” (see above), and “Tres Leches” which also features Prodigy and Inspectah Deck paying homage to Rakim. R.I.P. Big Punisher.
3. Moment of Truth – Gang Starr
My favorite Gang Starr album. This one had so many great songs and some of DJ Premier’s finest beats. All Gang Starr albums are excellent simply because an album full of Premo beats would be enough to satisfy any hip-hop fan. Hell, I could rhyme over those beats and still put out an acceptable album. But no one sounded better over Preemo beats than Guru and this was the pinnacle of their career. At a time when DMX, Canibus, Cam’ron, Noreaga and Big Pun were dominating the hip-hop headlines, Gang Starr came with their first album since 1994 and showed why they were legends.
2. It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot – DMX
A great year for DMX and I’ve said repeatedly that he owned 1998, but one other classic dropped that year leaving Darkman X to settle for the No. 2 spot. This album played all summer long in ’98 and was the soundtrack to every house party and BBQ I attended at the time. There’s not a throwaway track on the whole disc (except for the skits) and DMX has never sounded better. Right from the start of the album (“Dog, that’s my mans and them”) X grabbed you and never let go, keeping the energy off the charts over 19 tracks.
1. Aquemini – Outkast
An absolute gem. There’s nothing more to say. I loved Southernplayalisticadillacmusik, and I really liked ATLiens, but Outkast surpassed both with their third disc. I discussed the unique sound of “Rosa Parks” above, but that was not the lone standout. In fact, there are no flaws to be found on the entire album. “Skew It On The Bar-B” featuring Raekwon, the title track, “Synthesizer” featuring George Clinton, “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Part 2)” and “Chonkyfire” are my favorites, but I’m not kidding when I say there’s no flaws on the album. And there’s nothing else in or around 1998 that sounds anything like Aquemini. A true classic in every sense of the word.
There’s 1998. The year had more significance to me because of the events in my life in ’98. Overall, it was a step up from 1997, but still not the magnificent year 1996 was for hip-hop music. Still, 1998 truly launched the careers of DMX, Big Pun and Black Star and brought new music from three of the greatest groups in hip-hop history courtesy of Public Enemy, Gang Starr and Outkast.
Huge debut album coming in 1999, the return of a legend and 4, count ‘em FOUR, classic albums! Big year coming up next.
So I’m not including it on the Best Albums list (although you will see a song on the Best Songs list). For argument’s sake, it still wouldn’t have finished as the No. 1 album of 1998 because there’s another classic there that is one of my absolute favorites of all time. But ‘nuff respect due to L-Boogie for her solo classic.
Now, let’s get down to business.
Best Songs
20. “John Blaze” – Fat Joe feat. Nas, Big Punisher, Jadakiss & Raekwon
Every verse on this track is nasty. Nas takes the cake, but Pun is a close second. The beat is dope and this is what Don Cartagena should’ve sounded like from start to finish. I also have to give a shout out to “Crack Attack” which I debated putting on this list over “John Blaze,” but I went with this track because of the insane lyrics from some of hip-hop’s finest.
19. “Slang Editorial” – Cappadonna
“I came to the fork in the road and went straight/Right out the crack valves to the Golden Gate/See the silver spoon in my mouth, it had cake.” The beat, courtesy of True Master, is on some old throwback Wu shit. Cappadonna surprised me with his debut album and the lead single was a true indication of what would be found on the rest of The Pillage.
18. “Second Round Knockout” – Canibus
So LL Cool J pissed off Canibus by rewriting his final verse on “4,3,2,1” and maybe taking a pot shot at ‘Bis. Canibus’ response? This diss track that ripped LL apart. Some think LL won the battle with “Ripper Strikes Back,” but those people got it wrong. LL had some nice lines, but most of them were him flipping the lyrics to “Second Round Knockout,” which was cool a few times, but after a while it lacks originality. “Now watch me rip the tat from your arm/Kick you in the groin/Stick you for your Vanguard award/In front of your mom/Your first, second and third born/Make your wife get on the horn/Call Minister Farrakhan.” That’s some dope shit right there.
17. “Still Standing Strong” – Cocoa Brovaz
No longer Smif-N-Wessun, thanks to a lawsuit, Tek and Steele released their follow-up to Dah Shinin’ under their new alias. While Cocoa Brovaz didn’t have the same ring as Smif-N-Wessun, this track proved that it was nothing more than a name change. No, The Rude Awakening wasn’t on the classic level of Dah Shinin’, but it still had plenty of highlights including “Still Standing Strong.”
16. “Tru Master” – Pete Rock feat. Kurupt & Inspectah Deck
The beat on this one is ridiculous. Not surprising since it’s Pete Rock. Deck is the standout here. Dude sounds as good over a Pete Rock beat as he does over RZA beats. Kurupt of course holds his own and the Chocolate Boy Wonder rounds out the track nicely.
15. “They Don’t Dance No Mo’” – Goodie Mob
The video for this track is tremendous. Goodie Mob followed up 1995’s Soul Food in fine fashion with 1998’s Still Standing. The beat has a lot of bounce to it and regardless of the song’s title, you have to dance or at least move a little when it comes on.
14. “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” – Lauryn Hill
L-Boogie’s debut single was truly original and was a terrific showcase of just how talented Lauryn was. Ms. Hill flexes her vocal chops on this track, but also shows off her MC skills which Fugees fans were accustomed to. It’s a great pop song, while remaining true to hip-hop. Hard to balance the two, but Lauryn did it to perfection on this song.
13. “The Militia” – Gang Starr feat. Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx
Did someone say hip-hop? Because here it is. Premo delivers as per usual, Shug gets the track off and running, Guru takes it up another notch and then Bumpy Knuckles devours it. I was gonna quote Freddie Foxxx’s verse, but after listening to it again, I’d pretty much have the write out the whole verse because it’s just that dope.
12. “Shut ‘Em Down” – Onyx feat. DMX
There was no bigger name in 1998 than DMX. Two solo albums and appearances on just about every album that dropped but this was a perfect match. If anyone was going to match X’s energy, Onyx could. The beat is sick and DMX and Sticky close out the track with back-to-back dope verses. The remix, featuring Big Pun and Noreaga, is tremendous as well mostly due to Sticky’s verse which is bananas.
11. “Travellin’ Man” – DJ Honda feat. Mos Def
Mos Def was starting to hit his stride in ’98 as he would team with Talib Kweli for the Black Star album, as well as make cameos on a handful of albums the best of which came on DJ Honda’s h II. Using a Peter, Paul & Mary song of all things, Mos flips the “I’m leaving on a jet plane” concept as he gives the perspective of life as an MC. Incredibly dope song.
10. “What U See Is What U Get” – Xzibit
Brilliant track from Xzibit. Great production, excellent lyrics and certainly one of my favorite Xzibit songs. But I can honestly say the video took this song to a whole other level for me. Xzibit walks from his home to the market and back, all the while rapping during some crazy shit including a police chase, looting, a concert, a Flavor Flav cameo, a stop at the liquor store, a car on fire, a Red Light district, an appearance by the Alkaholiks and a domestic dispute all over the course of 4 minutes. If you haven’t seen this video, YouTube it right now.
9. “Ghetto Fabulous” – Ras Kass feat. Dr. Dre & Mack 10
If you remember the tango scene from Dr. Dre’s video for “Been There, Done That” then the beat on this song will sound familiar. Dre joins Ras Kass, who absolutely slays it with memorable lines like, “Every day of my life is off the ringer/That’s guaranteed like a fist fight on Jerry Springer.” Of course this song will always score bonus points with me for Ras’ line on the third verse, “L.A. n-ggas got crazy game/Like John Elway got a Super Bowl ring.” As a Broncos fan, there was nothing more exciting than Elway and the boys winning their first ring.
8. “Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)” – Big Punisher feat. Fat Joe
It’s not going to top Dre and Snoop’s original, but Pun's first verse had the “Oh Shit” factor when it first dropped and went on to be the most quoted verse of his career. “Dead in the middle of little Italy/Little did we know that we riddled/Two middle men/Who didn’t do diddley.” Seriously? That’s ridiculous. And no, it doesn’t translate in written word. You have to hear Pun spit it to understand how sick it is.
7. “Find A Way” – A Tribe Called Quest
The final hit single from Tribe which probably skews my ranking a little. But not much. A really dope song regardless of what it meant in the grand scheme of Tribe’s career. The song is vintage Tribe and Q-Tip’s “Now why you wanna go and do that love, huh?” is a timeless line. This song reeks of feel good vibe and is a definite head nodder.
6. “Hard Knock Life” – Jay-Z
My favorite song from Jay’s third album is “A Week Ago,” featuring Too Short. And I was going to put that on this list, but I decided to go with the track that turned Hov into a superstar. Not for the commercial success of the track, but because I absolutely couldn’t get enough of it when it first came out. Although I’ve heard it over 1,000,000 times and because of that grew a little tired of it, the choice to rock over an Annie sample was original and even risky and Jay-Z pulled it off masterfully.
5. “He Got Game” – Public Enemy
I love this song, I love the sample, I loved the Spike Lee movie this was from and I love Public Enemy. Is it the best work of P.E.’s career? Not even close. But to hear a P.E. record in 1998 was a wonderful trip down memory lane for me as they are the group mostly responsible for making me a hip-hop fan. Nice to see Stephen Stills lend his vocals for the track and the gospel choir just tops it off. Great to see Flavor Flav dancing again too.
4. “Definition” – Black Star
Mos Def and Talib Kweli put together their superb Black Star album in 1998 and this was the lead single. So many great tracks on the album, including the remix to this joint, but nothing tops this one right here. Mos sets the tone with his vocals, but Talib has my favorite line with “Brooklyn, New York City/Where they paint murals of Biggie…” Great production from Hi-Tek on this one. The video for this track was also dope as Mos and Talib drive around in a van with Hi-Tek and picked up various guests throughout including Pharoahe Monch and dead prez. “1, 2, 3/Mos Def and Talib Kweli”
3. “Rosa Parks” – Outkast
Again, a great video to accompany this single. Why don’t videos matter anymore? Anyway, back to the song itself. Outkast went from playas, to aliens and then came on some futuristic funk shit in 1998. This song didn’t sound like anything else out there, which shouldn’t come as a surprise with Outkast at the helm. Andre 3000 spits a classic with his verse. And the harmonica for the break? So fresh. If this doesn’t make you move, then there’s something wrong with you.
2. “Handle UR Bizness” – M.O.P.
And now for some music that makes me want to punch someone in the face. The electric guitars, the screaming and the in your face rawness from Billy Danze and Lil’ Fame, this is some hip-hop heavy metal. Danze spits, “Is this hip-hop?/ Hell no this is war/I’ve been trying to tell you that since ‘How About Some Hardcore?’” If you don’t like M.O.P. you deserve to get punched in the face.
1. “Ruff Ryders Anthem” – DMX
As I said earlier, 1998 was DMX’s year. Dude was everywhere. “Get At Me Dog” was the perfect first single for DMX, but this was the true anthem (maybe pun intended?) from the album. Probably my favorite Swizz Beatz beat and definitely my favorite DMX song and he’s had a lot of great tracks as you’ll see in the coming years. “Stop/Drop/Shut ‘em down, open up shop/Ohh/Noo/That’s how Ruff Ryders roll.”
Best Albums
10. Still Standing – Goodie Mob
Goodie Mob follows their excellent debut album (Soul Food) in fine fashion. Organized Noize brings some of their vintage sound for the production and Cee-Lo, Big Gip, T-Mo and Khujo show why they’re among the Dirty South’s finest. Highlights include “Black Ice” featuring Outkast, “They Don’t Dance No Mo,” the title track and soulful and heartfelt “Beautiful Skin.”
9. The Pillage – Cappadonna
One of only two Wu solo albums in 1998, which seemed odd given the amount of music the Wu was responsible for from 1993-1997. RZA shares production duties with True Master, Goldfingaz, Allah Mathematics and 4th Disciple, all who hold their own in representing the Wu sound. Guest spots include U-God, Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface. It’s no Liquid Swordz or Cuban Linx, but still a very solid solo effort from Cappadonna.
8. E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) – Busta Rhymes
Album No. 3 from Busta, coming in as many years. A star-studded production team including Nottz, Swizz Beatz, Rockwilder, DJ Scratch, Diamond D and guests ranging from the Flipmode Squad and Mystikal to Janet Jackson and Ozzy Osbourne. An all-star lineup for sure, but Busta has never been one to be outdone as he brings a ton of energy and so many different styles. “Tear da Roof Off,” “Gimme Some More,” “Iz They Wildin Wit Us & Getting’ Rowdy Wit Us?” and “This Means War!!” are the standouts.
7. 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz – Xzibit
Xzibit’s career started with three tremendous albums, this being the middle child. The Golden State Warriors reunite for “3 Card Molly,” Defari stops by for “Handle Your Business,” Method Man and Jayo Felony make appearances for “Pussy Pop” and the ‘Liks and King Tee join X for “Let It Rain.” A true West Coast hip-hop album, with an underground feel. West Coast underground has always been terrific and Xzibit didn’t disappoint on this one.
6. Tical 2000: Judgement Day – Method Man
I loved this album when it came out. I gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on my former website (The Kryptonic Plague). While I wouldn’t carry that rating over now, I can still remember how geeked I was over this album when it dropped. Still a lot of great songs on here, however, 28 tracks is a bit long and Meth could’ve trimmed some of the fat. This is certainly the 2nd best solo album of Meth’s career, but it’s not on the same level as Tical.
5. Black Star – Black Star
Terrific album. Real hip-hop in every sense of the word. Pardon the wrestling reference, but here we go: Mos Def and Talib Kweli were like a young tag-team, getting some seasoning and tearing up the tag division before venturing into solo careers. Luckily Mos and Talib didn’t end up like the Rockers. Poor Marty Jannety. Oh yeah, back to the album. So many great tracks including the aforementioned “Definition” and it’s remix (“RE: DEFinition”), as well as “Brown Skin Lady,” “Hater Players,” “Respiration” and “Thieves in the Night.”
4. Capital Punishment – Big Punisher
Big Pun’s debut is his finest effort and unfortunately we didn’t get much of a catalog to choose from. Not that Capital Punishment isn’t excellent, because it is, but I would’ve loved to see where his career would’ve gone. A lot of terrific guest spots on here, my favorite being Black Thought on “Super Lyrical” (also featured a great Ivan Drago sample). “Still Not A Player” was a huge song in 1998 and one of the songs that reminds me high school, so that holds sentimental value to me. Lyrically Pun shines on “Dream Shatterer,” “You Ain’t A Killer,” “Twinz” (see above), and “Tres Leches” which also features Prodigy and Inspectah Deck paying homage to Rakim. R.I.P. Big Punisher.
3. Moment of Truth – Gang Starr
My favorite Gang Starr album. This one had so many great songs and some of DJ Premier’s finest beats. All Gang Starr albums are excellent simply because an album full of Premo beats would be enough to satisfy any hip-hop fan. Hell, I could rhyme over those beats and still put out an acceptable album. But no one sounded better over Preemo beats than Guru and this was the pinnacle of their career. At a time when DMX, Canibus, Cam’ron, Noreaga and Big Pun were dominating the hip-hop headlines, Gang Starr came with their first album since 1994 and showed why they were legends.
2. It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot – DMX
A great year for DMX and I’ve said repeatedly that he owned 1998, but one other classic dropped that year leaving Darkman X to settle for the No. 2 spot. This album played all summer long in ’98 and was the soundtrack to every house party and BBQ I attended at the time. There’s not a throwaway track on the whole disc (except for the skits) and DMX has never sounded better. Right from the start of the album (“Dog, that’s my mans and them”) X grabbed you and never let go, keeping the energy off the charts over 19 tracks.
1. Aquemini – Outkast
An absolute gem. There’s nothing more to say. I loved Southernplayalisticadillacmusik, and I really liked ATLiens, but Outkast surpassed both with their third disc. I discussed the unique sound of “Rosa Parks” above, but that was not the lone standout. In fact, there are no flaws to be found on the entire album. “Skew It On The Bar-B” featuring Raekwon, the title track, “Synthesizer” featuring George Clinton, “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Part 2)” and “Chonkyfire” are my favorites, but I’m not kidding when I say there’s no flaws on the album. And there’s nothing else in or around 1998 that sounds anything like Aquemini. A true classic in every sense of the word.
There’s 1998. The year had more significance to me because of the events in my life in ’98. Overall, it was a step up from 1997, but still not the magnificent year 1996 was for hip-hop music. Still, 1998 truly launched the careers of DMX, Big Pun and Black Star and brought new music from three of the greatest groups in hip-hop history courtesy of Public Enemy, Gang Starr and Outkast.
Huge debut album coming in 1999, the return of a legend and 4, count ‘em FOUR, classic albums! Big year coming up next.
Song of the Day
The Nonce - "Mixtapes"
I've said it a couple times on this blog before, but I can't stress how much I enjoy West Coast underground hip-hop. Planet Asia, Murs, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples, Jurassic 5, Hieroglyphics, there's just so many dope artists. The Nonce certainly had that West Coast underground sound on lock and this is my favorite of their songs. And I used to make and sell mixtapes on the regular, so I can relate.
I've said it a couple times on this blog before, but I can't stress how much I enjoy West Coast underground hip-hop. Planet Asia, Murs, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples, Jurassic 5, Hieroglyphics, there's just so many dope artists. The Nonce certainly had that West Coast underground sound on lock and this is my favorite of their songs. And I used to make and sell mixtapes on the regular, so I can relate.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Song of the Day
Skyzoo - "The Definitive Prayer"
Skyzoo absolutely rips this shit apart. Rocking over David Axelrod's "Holy Thursday" Skyzoo shows why he's one of the best MCs in the game right now. I first heard this sample on Fat Joe's "Bronx Keeps Creating It" which I loved, and then again on Lil Wayne's "Dr. Carter" which is okay I guess. But Sky just took this to another level. Too dope for words. Just listen.
Skyzoo absolutely rips this shit apart. Rocking over David Axelrod's "Holy Thursday" Skyzoo shows why he's one of the best MCs in the game right now. I first heard this sample on Fat Joe's "Bronx Keeps Creating It" which I loved, and then again on Lil Wayne's "Dr. Carter" which is okay I guess. But Sky just took this to another level. Too dope for words. Just listen.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Song of the Day
Edo. G - "Stop It"
I love when old school MCs come back hard as hell. Edo. G sounds fresh on this track. Glad to see he's back making records. I loved "Bugaboo" when I was a kid. This sounds fresh as hell and Edo. G shows he's got plenty left in the tank.
I love when old school MCs come back hard as hell. Edo. G sounds fresh on this track. Glad to see he's back making records. I loved "Bugaboo" when I was a kid. This sounds fresh as hell and Edo. G shows he's got plenty left in the tank.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Song of the Day
Jon Connor feat. XV - U Ain't Gettin' Nothin'
I can't get enough of Connor right now. Dude's got me downloading and listening to everything he drops. DJ Pizzo over on Hiphopsite suggested Shady Records sign Connor immediately. Damn, wouldn't that be nasty. Em, Royce and Connor together for a Michigan all-star track. Hell throw Elzhi and Black Milk on there and make a Fab 5 EP. Now that would be dope. I've been wanting to peep XV's shit for a while. Impressive here, not Connor, but still holds his own. I'm gonna have to check for more of his work.
I can't get enough of Connor right now. Dude's got me downloading and listening to everything he drops. DJ Pizzo over on Hiphopsite suggested Shady Records sign Connor immediately. Damn, wouldn't that be nasty. Em, Royce and Connor together for a Michigan all-star track. Hell throw Elzhi and Black Milk on there and make a Fab 5 EP. Now that would be dope. I've been wanting to peep XV's shit for a while. Impressive here, not Connor, but still holds his own. I'm gonna have to check for more of his work.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Song of the Day
Curren$y feat. Freddie Gibbs - "Scottie Pippen"
Alchemist on the beat as Spitta and Gibbs strut their stuff. Curren$y is growing on me. He's nothing flashy, but he's got some lyrics. Gibbs, on the other hand, is one of my favorite newer MCs. He impresses me more and more the more I hear of him. Glad to get some true underground hip-hop that knocks and doesn't ask for any airplay.
Alchemist on the beat as Spitta and Gibbs strut their stuff. Curren$y is growing on me. He's nothing flashy, but he's got some lyrics. Gibbs, on the other hand, is one of my favorite newer MCs. He impresses me more and more the more I hear of him. Glad to get some true underground hip-hop that knocks and doesn't ask for any airplay.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Song of the Day
Ill Bill & Vinnie Paz - "Santa Sangre"
Produced by DJ Lethal, this track is an absolute banger. Ill Bill & Vinnie Paz spazz out on some boom bap shit. Nice sample for the hook as well ("Like a vampire in a horror movie"). This is a head nodder in every way. Gonna have to peep that Heavy Metal Kings album.
Produced by DJ Lethal, this track is an absolute banger. Ill Bill & Vinnie Paz spazz out on some boom bap shit. Nice sample for the hook as well ("Like a vampire in a horror movie"). This is a head nodder in every way. Gonna have to peep that Heavy Metal Kings album.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Song of the Day
Tech N9ne feat. Yelawolf, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Ceza, JL B. Hood, Uso, D-Loc & Twisted Insane - "Worldwide Choppers"
Tech N9ne assembled some of the fastest rappers in the world for this one. Features MCs from Turkey, Denmark, Kansas City, Chicago, New York, and Alabama and it's incredibly dope. Busta's verse has garnered a lot of buzz already, and it's dope, but I think it's either Twista or Tech that take the cake on this one. Try to keep up.
Tech N9ne assembled some of the fastest rappers in the world for this one. Features MCs from Turkey, Denmark, Kansas City, Chicago, New York, and Alabama and it's incredibly dope. Busta's verse has garnered a lot of buzz already, and it's dope, but I think it's either Twista or Tech that take the cake on this one. Try to keep up.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Song of the Day
Kanye West - "Hey Mama"
Happy Mother's Day! This is one of my favorite Kanye songs and it's perfect for this day. Really personal and heartfelt. It's an upbeat, feel good ode to his mother. And it's tremendous. To every Mom, enjoy this day, you deserve it!
Happy Mother's Day! This is one of my favorite Kanye songs and it's perfect for this day. Really personal and heartfelt. It's an upbeat, feel good ode to his mother. And it's tremendous. To every Mom, enjoy this day, you deserve it!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Song of the Day
Nas - "Halftime"
Heard Elzhi's version, as he's honoring Illmatic, and it's really dope. The whole project should be terrific, but then again how can it not be? Anything that is inspired by and pays homage to Illmatic is on the right path for success. Nas absolutely shreds this shit apart. I really, really gotta listen to Illmatic again within the next week. It's a must.
Heard Elzhi's version, as he's honoring Illmatic, and it's really dope. The whole project should be terrific, but then again how can it not be? Anything that is inspired by and pays homage to Illmatic is on the right path for success. Nas absolutely shreds this shit apart. I really, really gotta listen to Illmatic again within the next week. It's a must.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Song of the Day
Real Live - "The Gimmicks"
I was gonna put "Real Live Shit" on here. Then the "Real Live Shit (Remix)" but during my search for the video I remembered "No Gimmicks" which was another tremendous effort from Real Live's debut album. The beat on this is a head banger and the Biggie sample from the "Flava N Ya Ear (Remix)" tops it off. K-Def and Larry-O bringin' some real hip-hop!
I was gonna put "Real Live Shit" on here. Then the "Real Live Shit (Remix)" but during my search for the video I remembered "No Gimmicks" which was another tremendous effort from Real Live's debut album. The beat on this is a head banger and the Biggie sample from the "Flava N Ya Ear (Remix)" tops it off. K-Def and Larry-O bringin' some real hip-hop!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Song of the Day
Cypress Hill - "Tequila Sunrise"
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Whether you're gonna have a Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis or maybe some Jose Cuervo, enjoy it. And here's some Cypress to accompany you. This really has nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo aside from the Tequila title, but why the hell not!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Whether you're gonna have a Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis or maybe some Jose Cuervo, enjoy it. And here's some Cypress to accompany you. This really has nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo aside from the Tequila title, but why the hell not!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Song of the Day
Statik Selektah & Termanology (1982) - "The World Renown"
This joint is a new school classic. Statik and Term took it back to the days of Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Gang Starr with 1982. The beat on this song has an old school vibe and Term absolutely tears it apart. Just straight spittin' for five minutes over a dope bass line and some horns. "I keep a fly chick around me to carry my tree/You're like Mariah with no make-up, an average MC."
This joint is a new school classic. Statik and Term took it back to the days of Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Gang Starr with 1982. The beat on this song has an old school vibe and Term absolutely tears it apart. Just straight spittin' for five minutes over a dope bass line and some horns. "I keep a fly chick around me to carry my tree/You're like Mariah with no make-up, an average MC."
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
New Release Tuesday
Only one album to talk about this week and it's the newest disc from the Beastie Boys. Being regarded as on the same page as Check Your Head and Ill Communication, the Beastie's latest, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, sounds like a winner to me.
I've only heard two tracks off the album, one of which is the Nas collaboration, "One Too Many Rappers" which of course is fire. The Beastie Boys have been as big a part of hip-hop as any group, yet are often overlooked as all-time greats because of the rap-rock fusion and some of the more alternative music they created once they flexed their musical strengths with instrumental interludes on their albums.
None the less, they have toured with Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and A Tribe Called Quest, just to name a few. Is that hip-hop enough for ya? Always loved the Beastie Boys and Licensed To Ill is one of the first rap albums I ever heard. Still a classic to this day.
And for your viewing pleasure, here's the 30-minute short film Fight For Your Right (Revisited) featuring cameos from everyone.
I've only heard two tracks off the album, one of which is the Nas collaboration, "One Too Many Rappers" which of course is fire. The Beastie Boys have been as big a part of hip-hop as any group, yet are often overlooked as all-time greats because of the rap-rock fusion and some of the more alternative music they created once they flexed their musical strengths with instrumental interludes on their albums.
None the less, they have toured with Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and A Tribe Called Quest, just to name a few. Is that hip-hop enough for ya? Always loved the Beastie Boys and Licensed To Ill is one of the first rap albums I ever heard. Still a classic to this day.
And for your viewing pleasure, here's the 30-minute short film Fight For Your Right (Revisited) featuring cameos from everyone.
Song of the Day
Geto Boys - "G-Code"
Heard this beat on the new Chrysler commercial. I really enjoyed 2005's The Foundation and this was one of the standouts. Scarface is on some street shit here. Stop snitchin'!
Heard this beat on the new Chrysler commercial. I really enjoyed 2005's The Foundation and this was one of the standouts. Scarface is on some street shit here. Stop snitchin'!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Song of the Day
Camp Lo - "Black Nostaljack"
I discussed "Luchini" in the Best of 1997 recap, but this was another banger from Camp Lo's Uptown Saturday Night. This joint is so fresh. Just a good natured head nodder. Love that they brought in Jimmie Walker for the video.
I discussed "Luchini" in the Best of 1997 recap, but this was another banger from Camp Lo's Uptown Saturday Night. This joint is so fresh. Just a good natured head nodder. Love that they brought in Jimmie Walker for the video.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Song of the Day
Cannibal Ox - "The F Word"
Vast Aire is nasty on this one. Trapped in the friend zone. Tough place to be and something a lot of guys go through at some point in their lives. Super lyrical right here. Have to go back and listen to the Cold Vein again.
Vast Aire is nasty on this one. Trapped in the friend zone. Tough place to be and something a lot of guys go through at some point in their lives. Super lyrical right here. Have to go back and listen to the Cold Vein again.
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