Microphone check, 1, 2, what is this? R.I.P. Phife Dawg

As I was sleeping this morning, I was awoken by a text at 7:47 am that simply read, "NOOOOOOO!!!" followed by a link to the Rolling Stone article that Phife Dawg had died. Still groggy, I read it and was quickly filled with sadness. A big part of my life as a hip-hop head had passed away. A Tribe Called Quest is as important to me as a hip-hop fan and a music fan in general as anyone else. And now the hope of one last album or one last reunion tour was gone.

My first experience with A Tribe Called Quest was their classic single, "Bonita Applebaum." But that song was all Q-Tip. It was his voice, his sample, his production, his vibe, it just screamed Q-Tip. And I was hooked. But then "Scenario" came out a year later and while everyone was hyped over Busta Rhymes' guest verse to close out that song, it was Phife that grabbed my attention with his opening line, "Yo, Bo knows this and Bo knows that/But Bo don't know jack, 'cause Bo can't rap." He grabbed the Bo Knows ad campaign, which was everywhere at the time, and turned it on its head. I loved Phife from that time forward.

Q-Tip's fingerprints have always been all over ATCQ's music and his influence for their sound was no more evident than their debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. But when they dropped their second album in 1991, The Low End Theory, Phife had emerged as an equal on the mic to Tip. He opens up "Buggin' Out" with the classic line, "Microphone check, 1, 2 what is this?" and continues to deliver memorable line after memorable line over the course of the album. And it was clear that Tribe couldn't exist without Phife.

Tribe would go on to release five albums over their 8-year tenure, with their first three being their best work - all classics. Creative differences and personal beef among Q-Tip and Phife would lead to the group's breakup which was a very sad day for hip-hop. I think of Jay-Z's line "First the Fat Boys breakup" and the impact that had on hip-hop and for me I'd sub out Fat Boys (who I also loved) with Tribe. Not having these two MCs together anymore just didn't feel right. While both would release solo work, it just didn't work for me as I would always want to hear them trading verses. Now, that won't ever happen again. If they have any unreleased tracks anywhere or b-sides, I can only hope they release them so we can get some "new" Tribe music.

Phife Dawg was a vital member of one of the greatest hip-hop groups to ever do it. And now he's gone. I'm listening to Low End Theory while typing this and I'm sad again. It's weird to hear Phife rhyming and know he's gone. Phife will be missed. Thank you Phife for so many great memories. From the crazy eyes in the "Buggin' Out" video, the rides in my brother's car blasting Midnight Marauders on cassette to your guest spot on the Fu-Schnicken's "La Schmoove." Your voice has been with me for 26 years and will live on forever. R.I.P. to the 5-foot Assassin.

The Best Hip-Hop Songs & Albums: 2015

Let me start this off by addressing a few things about hip-hop in 2015. I’ve read countless recaps and Best Of lists from 2015, which I do every year, to make sure I didn’t miss out on anything and to see how much my opinion of the year’s music varies from other hip-hop fans. One reoccurring theme I read was that 2015 was a great year for hip-hop. And I have to start right off the bat by saying, no it was not. Good? Sure, I can go with that. But great? Not so much.

Why don’t I think 2015 was great? Because a lot of the albums I saw on these lists I believe to be garbage. Before we go any further, if you are expecting to see Future, Young Thug, Travi$ Scott, Fetty Wap, Ty Dolla $ign or Rae Sremmurd on this list in any capacity I’d advise you to just leave now. Not gonna happen. I tried to be open minded. I tried to give those artists and their albums a fair chance and I couldn’t stomach it.

I’m sorry but I like my hip-hop to actually be comprehensible. You can have banging beats, but you need to actually be good lyricists too. And the trap sound just isn’t cutting it for me. Which made me reflect on my own opinion of hip-hop. Am I a hip-hop snob? And the answer is no. I’m not a hip-hop snob, I’m just getting old. 2015 was the first time I realized I’m getting older as a hip-hop fan and what the youth find entertaining, I find nauseating.

But I did say that 2015 was a good year for hip-hop and I don’t want that to be overshadowed by my dislike for what is considered popular hip-hop today. So let’s explore what made 2015 a good year.

Best Songs
20. “The Rising” – Action Bronson feat. Big Body Bes
Action’s Mr. Wonderful was a solid album from start to finish. There are plenty of good moments on that album and I enjoyed it more than I remembered as I went back and listened again to prep this list. While the best track on the album is “Easy Rider,” that came out in 2014 (see Best of 2014) so I went with my second favorite track on the album which is “The Rising.” The beat on this track is really good and was used for the 2015 NFL Draft which I loved hearing. Action does his thing on here and Body ends it with more of his usual hilarious ad-libs about being a thug.

19. “That’s Love” – Oddisee
I could’ve gone so many different directions with Oddisee’s The Good Fight. That album is just stacked with quality songs. But the positivity, the lyrics, the flow and the execution of “That’s Love” wins in the end. When I say I want lyricism in my hip-hop, Oddisee is a prime example. “That's Love" begins with, "When you told me the truth even if it really hurt cause you knew a lie was worse (that's love)/When you let me borrow money that you didn't really have cause you knew what I was worth (that's love)." The song is beautiful throughout and the horns make it sound like it could be on Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment's Surf, which I mean as a very high compliment.

18. “Nightcrawler” – Czarface feat. Method Man
Czarface always makes this list hard for me because of how consistently good the songs are on their albums. The guest spots were spot on again on their second album but hearing Method Man in top form will always win me over (especially after listening to The Meth Lab which was just so underwhelming). I give a runner-up nod to “Deviatin’ Septums” as the beat was hard and I loved the Road Warriors interview they used at the end.

17. “Tree of Life” – Logic feat. Slug & Killer Mike
This song came out late in 2015 and was not on Logic’s The Incredible True Story for some reason. But it’s so good. The beat uses a similar sample (Common’s “The Corner”) but it has its own personality. The track is easy to listen to and the only word I can use for it is enjoyable. Combine guest spots from Slug (you’re going to do alright by me if Atmosphere is involved) and Killer Mike, who is probably my favorite MC right now (seriously, he’s killing everything) and you’ve got yourself a winner.

16. “Don’t Trip” – Game feat. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube & will.i.am
The nostalgia of seeing Straight Outta Compton can’t be lost on me and this track brought back so many good memories with Dre and Cube’s inclusion. There’s also the influence of Digable Planet’s “Rebirth of Slick” with will.i.am’s production that makes this song a winner to me. It just feels like an old-school party track and I loved it the first time I heard it.

15. “Another Time” – DJ EFN feat. Inspectah Deck, Guilty Simpson & M.O.P.
DJ EFN pulled out a who’s who of hip-hop for his album Another Time. Seriously, everyone was on that album from MC Eiht to King Tee to Redman to Talib Kweli to Sean Price to Ras Kass to Masta Ace to N.O.R.E. to O.C. to Keith Murray to Juvenile, and the list keeps going. But the title track was my favorite as Deck does what Deck does best by starting a song with a top notch verse and then you finish with M.O.P. and it’s over.

14. “Woke Up Dead” – Murs
I am a huge Murs fan and I really enjoyed Have A Nice Life (it was my hardest cut from the Best Albums list). Thought about going with “Mi Corazon” for the list, but the beat to “Woke Up Dead” and the commentary about growing up in a gang filled environment hit the mark in so many ways. Murs discusses being profiled as a gang banger due to where he lives and the guilt of association that “Woke Up Dead” is really about starting each day behind the eight ball because of his environment and the color of his skin. It’s deep and it’s dope and it’s what makes Murs such a good MC.

13. “Paper Trail$” – Joey Bada$$
Joey’s album was a tough omission for me. He continues to really bring that golden age hip-hop feel to his music. This track was produced by DJ Premier and showcases Joey’s skills in grand fashion. The beat is vintage, the samples for the hook are classic Premo and Joey has plenty of dope lines such as, “The kid ain’t been the same since Biggie smacked me at my Christening.” Now that’s how you pay homage to the glory days of hip-hop.

12. “One Shot, One Kill” – Jon Connor feat. Snoop Dogg
This track was on Dr. Dre’s Compton but is credited to Jon Connor which in and of itself is incredibly dope. I had several songs from Compton that I debated but the beat on this one and the ferociousness in which Snoop opens the track with made it the choice. I haven’t heard Snoop this aggressive in a long time and then Connor closes it out with another solid verse. Hopefully this is the launching pad for Connor’s career as he is well deserving of his place among top MCs in the game right now.

11. “Mode” – Prhyme feat. Logic
Found on the Southpaw soundtrack, this song could’ve easily been included on Prhyme’s terrific album from 2014. The beat of course is on point with DJ Premier behind the boards and Royce continues to show why he’s such a good fit for Premo beats. Logic closes out the track with a verse that proves he can hold his own with a lyrical heavyweight like Royce.

10. “Yesman Shit” – Apollo Brown feat. Sean Price and Reks
This song is going to get extra points because of the passing of Sean Price in 2015, but damn if it isn’t a great way to remember him. He starts the song with, “I come from Brownsville, you come from who cares?” It’s so mean and in your face and it’s what made me love Sean Price on the mic. Reks is also a personal favorite of mine so I loved having him share mic duties with Sean P. Apollo Brown’s production fits both MCs and the sample-heavy hook with Big L lyrics puts a nice bow on the song.

9. “Mural” – Lupe Fiasco
How does one sum up an almost 9-minute lyrical tour de force like Lupe’s masterpiece “Mural” in one paragraph? You don’t. This is what a lyricist is. This is what wordplay and metaphors are all about. This is MCing at its finest. I didn’t know where to put this on the list because I didn’t really know how to sum it up. At 8:49 in length it breaks up the flow of any playlist, but then again it keeps your attention the whole time. It stands on its own, period.

8. “MPA” – Pusha T feat. Kanye West, A$AP Rocky & The-Dream
This song sounds like it could’ve been included on Kanye’s MBDTF and it would’ve fit right in. Had this song come out earlier in the year it may be even higher on my list. There’s nothing to not like about this song. The beat is really, really good, the hook fits perfectly and Pusha shines on his own delivering the three verses. It just sounds like it belongs on MBDTF and I mean that in the best way possible.

7. “Norf Norf” – Vince Staples
Vince Staples impressed the hell outta me last year with his EP, Hell Can Wait. The sound was so grimy and stripped down and he showed how good of a lyricist he was. Then he turns around and unleashes a double-album in 2015 following a similar formula but giving us more. And there’s no better representation of the skill, the style or the sound you’re going to get with Vince Staples than “Norf Norf.” This is one of the hardest records of 2015 and my favorite off an album that had plenty to choose from.

6. “Holy Ghost” – A$AP Rocky feat. Joe Fox
I’ll discuss A$AP’s album in further detail later but when it was good, it was really good and there were many songs I debated including on this list. But “Holy Ghost” just had a feel to it that stuck with me the entire year. A$AP was on top of his game both lyrically and with his flow on this track and then Joe Fox’s vocals set in and it becomes a complete song. Every time this track came on my iPod I reached for the volume button and it just took me to another place which makes it the standout track from the album for me.

5. “The Blacker The Berry” – Kendrick Lamar
After “i” was released I was less than enthusiastic about Kendrick’s album. Not that it was a bad song, but he was coming off “Control” where he was so angry and aggressive and ripped the game apart and then went with a happier sound on “i” and it just didn’t fit for me. All worries were alleviated after I heard “The Blacker The Berry.” Kendrick is aggressive, he’s got that extra snarl in the tone of his voice and the message is so potent on this track. I know people will point to “Alright” as the best on the album and the significance of that song is not lost on me, but I’ll take “The Blacker The Berry” over “Alright” every time.

4. “Rubble Kings (Dynamite on the Streets)” – Run The Jewels
How I wish there was a Run The Jewels album in 2015. They just haven’t missed yet. Killer Mike’s career is at an all-time high as his partnership with El-P has brought out the best in him. This song is exactly what you’d expect from RTJ and further establishes how great they are as a duo. Mike leads off the song and sets the tone right away and you can file this song away as another victory for Run The Jewels.

3. “Cat Food” – Aesop Rock
Aesop treated us to a 2-song EP with “Cat Food” and “Bug Zapper” and both were excellent. While my older brother prefers “Bug Zapper,” I’m rolling with “Cat Food” as I love everything about it. The beat is produced by Blockhead, who I believe has been the best producer to fit Aesop’s style for his career. It was great hearing the two of them collaborate again and Aesop never misses lyrically.

2. “Sunday Candy” – Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
This song is just so enjoyable and so happy and so positive and such a great mood changer. Chance The Rapper wrote this ode to his Grandmom over a jazzy, upbeat selection and it just hits on all cylinders. Chance’s cadence, his lyrics, his delivery are all fantastic. The hook is excellent and the instrumentation from the band fits like a glove. You have no choice but to smile when you hear this song.

1. “Born To Shine” – Big Boi & Phantagram feat. Run The Jewels
I always find it interesting when my Song of the Year isn’t included on any other list. Either I have really different taste or no one heard the best song of 2015. Either way, I stand by this selection as the No. 1 song selected for 2015. The beat, the hook, the lyrics, they are all top notch. And Killer Mike opening the song with “I walk in, Ric Flairing/Long fur coat wearing,” gets me every time. Big Boi’s verse to close the song is also excellent. It’s my favorite narrowly over “Sunday Candy” for best of 2015.

Best Albums
10. Every Hero Needs A Villain - Czarface
Czarface released their second album and followed the formula that made their first release so successful - a vintage, golden era hip-hop feel with well executed samples, bangin' beats and bars. Inspectah Deck and Esoteric share mic duties and continue to throw verbal jab after verbal jab. There aren't concept songs here, just rewind quality verses and head nodding beats. The album also hits it on the nose with guest spots much like the first album did, as there are appearances from Method Man, GZA, Juju, Large Professor, Mayhem Lauren, MF Doom and R.A. The Rugged Man. There really isn't a weak moment on the album, but it doesn't do anything to advance from the first album. It's more of the same and in this case that's just fine.

9. Silkies & House Shoes 2 - Tay Butler & Haz Solo
This album is probably my favorite desk album of the year. I used to judge albums on how well they passed the car test, meaning does the album hold my attention while driving and does it make me want to reach for the volume knob or does it pass by mostly unnoticed or even worse make me want to change albums while driving. But after getting new computer speakers, I spend more time listening to music while working from home or surfing the 'net and the same holds true of the desk test - does the album hold my attention while I'm doing something else. Anyway, long story short, Tay Butler & Haz Solo's Silkies & House Shoes 2 was my go-to album while on my home computer. I don't know exactly how to put my finger on it, but there's something that just clicks between Butler and Solo. There's certainly a vintage feel on the entire album best captured on "Old Plair," as well as the Wu-Tang ode "Cuban Linx," and perhaps my favorite track, "Always Gonna Be Good." The Milwaukee duo have a smooth charisma together and deliver an underground gem.

8. King Push - Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude - Pusha T
Pusha T's second solo album dropped very late in the year so it didn't get as much play but damn did it make an impact. The production is top notch and Pusha delivers throughout. He kicks off the album with "Intro" which sets the tone for the rest of the way - it's dark, brooding and pulls no punches. The Timbaland produced "Untouchable" follows with a spot-on Biggie sample for the hook and more non-apologetic rhymes from King Push. It's only 10 songs so the quality has to be there and for the most part it is (not a big fan of "Retribution" but that's really the only misstep for me).

7. At.Long.Last.A$AP - A$AP Rocky
When this album shines, it shines as bright as anything released in 2015, but at 18 songs there is some filler and that hurt the overall quality of the album which lands it at No. 7. Let's just focus on the good moments as they deserve the recognition. First there's the opening track, "Holy Ghost" which I already discussed above, then there's the other Joe Fox assisted tracks "Max B" and "Pharsyde" which are both excellent. This album is extremely guest heavy, some worthwhile, others forgettable, but none more exciting than hearing Mos Def on the closing track, "Back Home." Other highlights include "Wavybone" featuring Juicy J & UGK, "Everyday" featuring Rod Stewart (yes, that Rod Stewart) and Miguel, "Electric Body" featuring Schoolboy Q and "Jukebox Joints" featuring Kanye West (see, I told you there's a lot of guest spots on this album).

6. The Good Fight - Oddisee
Oddisee continues to impress the hell out of me. He produced the entire 12-track album and carries all of the mic duties aside from a guest spot from Tranqill on the album's closing track, "Worse Before Better." The album title is very much a statement about Oddisee's role in hip-hop - he's an underground artist who values lyricism over simplicity and respects the craft so much that he'd rather make quality music and remain a relative unknown than make radio-friendly garbage for the sake of getting airplay and becoming famous. But don't get it twisted, Oddisee doesn't use the album to discuss his place in hip-hop ("Want Something Done" takes care of this in one track), instead he touches on a variety of subjects such as love ("That's Love"), loyalty ("Meant It When I Said It"), prejudice ("Book Covers") and inner conflict ("Contradiction's Maze"). The album is well rounded, thought provoking and well executed from start to finish. This is real hip-hop in every sense of the word.

5. Tetsuo & Youth - Lupe Fiasco
If lyricism means the most to you as a hip-hop fan than this is probably the Album of the Year for you. If you like your music to challenge you, to make you think, to inspire you, then this album is for you. If you like your hip-hop to sound like anything that's getting played on the radio, then you'll have zero interest in this album. There's nothing commercial about it. There's nothing radio friendly on the album (maybe "No Scratches" if you were really trying to find a single). It's not my favorite Lupe album, but it certainly feels like his own personal masterpiece as he made the album he wanted to make. The first 3 songs all clock in at over 5 minutes, with "Mural" showcasing Lupe spitting for 8+ minutes. There's so much substance here that's impossible to tackle in a single paragraph. Just get the album and go somewhere you can listen without interruption because this album will require your full attention.

4. Summertime '06 - Vince Staples
Happy is not a word I'd use to describe Vince Staples double-disc. The production is dark, the mood is stormy and the lyrics are honest and bleak. No I.D. and Clams Casino provide the perfect background for Staples to present his story to the audience. After 2014's EP Hell Can Wait it was clear what Staples was capable of and this album is a full extension of those capabilities. "Lift Me Up" gets things started and sets the tone for the rest of the album followed by the best track on the project, "Norf Norf" which I believe will be the hallmark song of Staples' career. From there each song continues to carry the theme of the album - dark, stripped down and unapologetic. It's a helluva debut from one of hip-hop's most promising young MCs.

3. Compton - Dr. Dre
Will we ever get Detox? At this point who cares? It was just great to hear a new Dre album. Now where does this album stack up in comparison to The Chronic and 2001? It doesn't and that's the biggest mistake you can make heading into this album. Dre cares about flawless production value and all the smallest details that make a song sound great, not about recapturing his glory days or making a sequel to his previous work. Compton is the next chapter in Dre's career, period. And the sound quality is outstanding as Dre is able to weave so many different elements into his production and make each song blend into each other seamlessly. As for the MCs on the album, Dre uses a mix of new and old to make his music come to life and the results for the most part are excellent. I haven't heard Snoop as hungry as he is on "One Shot, One Kill," since Doggystyle, Eminem destroys his verse on "Medicine Man," Xzibit sounds completely refreshed and aggressive on "Loose Canons," Game snarls all over "Just Another Day," and Kendrick Lamar's fingerprints are all over "Genocide," "Darkside/Gone," and "Deep Water." I read somewhere that people were excited about Compton for a minute and then forgot all about it. I'm not really sure how that's possible, but if you are among those that dropped Compton from your rotation I encourage you to go back and listen again. It's another win for Dre.

2. Surf - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
If you're looking for the polar opposite of Vince Staples' Summertime '06, you'll find it in Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment's Surf. This is the feel good album of the year in hip-hop. The music is upbeat, jazzy (obviously when it comes from Donnie Trumpet) and positive. The album was released for free on iTunes and was critically acclaimed for good reason. Donnie Trumpet is jazz trumpeter Nico Segal and The Social Experiment consists of musicians Peter Cottontale, Greg Landfair Jr., Nate Fox and the reason I downloaded the album in the first place, Chance The Rapper. Chance more or less plays the host throughout the album and his role is perfect for the sound of the group. Right from the opening track, "Miracle" you are drawn in and taken on such a fun, happy journey. This is a great summer album for certain. While there are plenty of guests on the album (Busta Rhymes, Big Sean, J. Cole, Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu, just to name a few), the true stars throughout are the musicians themselves. I came to this party for Chance The Rapper, but damn am I glad I got to meet the rest of the band. This would be Album of the Year on many years, but well, you know what's coming next...

1. To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
It's the Album of the Year. There's no arguing. There's no nitpicking. There's nothing comparable. It's the best hip-hop album of 2015 and the best album of 2015. Every publication gave To Pimp A Butterfly a rave review, it won Grammy for Rap Album of the Year and captured four other Grammys. There's nothing new I can write about the album that hasn't already been said or discussed. So I'm going to give my honest take on the album and leave it at that. First of all, it is NOT a classic. Let's relax here. The album came out in March of 2015, that's less than a year ago. Albums don't become classics in 11 months or any amount of time before that. Albums become classics after they've been given time to age. If To Pimp A Butterfly is still as strong in 2020 as it is now, than we can have the classic conversation. Secondly, I'm sort of wishy-washy on this, but I think I still prefer good kid, m.A.A.d city over TPAB, but it's close. Thirdly, I absolutely agree that it's a bold piece of art that deserves all the praise it has received. It deserves to be labeled great. It deserves to win awards. It deserves the No. 1 spot. What Oddisee, Murs, Scarface, Lupe, Vince Staples, Pusha T and so many others discussed in their music in 2015, Kendrick was able to encapsulate it all and do it better than anyone else. Time will tell if it goes down as a classic. But the debate over Album of the Year ended in March of 2015.

Song of the Day

R.A. the Rugged Man feat. Eamon - "Still Get Through The Day"
Haven't heard this song in a bit, but saw R.A. had the video posted to Facebook today. Forgot how good it is. Very personal first verse from R.A. and a soulful hook sung by Eamon, yes, the "F-ck It" Eamon. Second verse offers perspective and then goes into more personal bars as R.A. talks about the discovery of his father's lung cancer (which R.A. goes more into detail on "Legends Never Die.") If you haven't heard R.A.'s Legends Never Die, give it a listen. The album just missed my Best of '13 Albums list.

R.I.P. Sean Price

The news that Sean Price aka Ruck passed away in his sleep is very upsetting. Price was one of the nastiest MCs, with lyrical skills and with his gruff voice and in your face way of attacking the mic, and it's a shame that the masses won't even know he passed or that he existed at all. He came on the scene as one half of Heltah Skeltah, members of the Boot Camp Click, alongside underground favorites such as Black Moon and Smif 'N Wessun. Heltah Skeltah's debut, Nocturnal, was one of my favorite albums of 1996 and the lead single, "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka" was my favorite song of '96. He also released 3 solo albums going by Sean Price instead of Ruck, before teaming with Black Milk and Guilty Simpson to form the group Random Axe. He's collaborated with Pharoahe Monch, Talib Kweli, Onyx, his Boot Camp family, Termanology, Ghostface Killah, Pumpkin Head, Skyzoo, Torae and the list keeps going. He will be missed for certain.

Here's a 20 song Sean Price tracklist for those that loved his music and for those that have been sleeping on this talented MC for the past 20 years.
1. Letha Brainz Blo - Heltah Skeltah
2. Chewbacca - Random Axe
3. Peep My Words - Sean Price
4. Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka - Heltah Skeltah & OGC
5. The Matrix - Black Milk feat. Sean Price & Pharoahe Monch
6. Onion Head - Sean Price feat. Tek
7. All In Together - Skyzoo & Torae feat. Sean Price and Guilty Simpson
8. Gunz 'N Onez - Heltah Skeltah feat. Method Man
9. Solomon Grundy - Sean Price feat. Ike Eyez & Ill Bill
10. Sean Price - Heltah Skeltah
11. Heartburn - Sean Price
12. Heltah Skeltah - Statik Selektah feat. Heltah Skeltah
13. BBQ Sauce - Sean Price feat. Pharoahe Monch
14. Soldiers Gone Psycho - Heltah Skeltah
15. Boom Bye Bye - Sean Price
16. I Ain't Havin' That - Heltah Skeltah feat. Starang Wondah & Doc Holiday
17. By The Way - Sean Price feat. Torae
18. The Square (Triple R) - Heltah Skeltah feat. The Representativz
19. Bye Bye - Sean Price feat. Buckshot
20. Operation Lockdown - Heltah Skeltah

The Best Hip-Hop Songs & Albums: 2014

It’s June already. Where the hell has time gone? This column isn’t just late, it’s beyond late. I’ve already started compiling songs and albums for the Best of ’15. But I didn’t want to miss a year for two reasons. No. 1: Consistency. I couldn’t review every year in hip-hop since 1991 and just skip a year. And No. 2: 2014 had some really high quality music to celebrate. While the radio continues to play the worst of what this art form has to offer, those of us who know better were able to enjoy some really terrific hip-hop in 2014. Same rules apply as always, 20 songs with no repeats from one album and 10 albums. Here we go!

Best Songs

20. “0 to 100” – Drake

Patrice O’Neal described Charlie Sheen as follows at the Roast of Charlie Sheen: “He sucks, but he’s good, but he sucks at the same time.” That’s how I feel about Drake. As a hip-hop head, I shouldn’t like him. But at the same time I can’t help but like him. He makes hits and he has a lot of talent, but he’s soft and that hurts his credibility when he wants to talk tough. No matter how you view him, “0 to 100” was another winner in Drake’s catalog and takes the No. 20 spot here.

19. “First Step” – Diamond District

I first discovered Diamond District member Uptown XO late in 2013 and really enjoyed his album Colour de Grey. I also knew of District member Oddisee and enjoy his music. So when I heard XO, Oddisse and yU were in a group called Diamond District, I had to check it out. Their album March on Washington was a tough omission from the Top 10 albums list. It is really, really solid from front to back. And the song that gets the album jump started is “First Step” which showcases all three MC’s ability to the best as well as reinforces just how dope a producer Oddisee is.

18. “Damage” – Pharoahe Monch

Pharoahe once again finds himself weaving his narrative through the eyes of a bullet a metaphor he used before on Organized Konfusion’s “Stray Bullet” and “When The Gun Draws” off his solo album Desire. Pharoahe is giving social commentary, political commentary and perspective on this final chapter of his anti-gun violence trilogy and hits another home run with “Damage.” The use of LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” for the hook was a great touch and I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a tip of the cap to Lee Stone for his production on this track.

17. “Fire” – Vince Staples

Vince Staples released a really solid project in the form of his EP, Hell Can Wait. I couldn’t include in on the Best Albums list because much like Action Bronson’s Saab Stories that came before it, it isn’t a full-length. But it is worth adding to your catalog. “Fire” is short and sweet, but sets the tone for what you can expect from Staples on the EP. The beat is stripped down and Vince’s lyrics are distorted but it’s that raw feeling that makes the song stick out.

16. “The Season” - Nas

Nas dropped off this song out of nowhere at the end of October when he made a surprise appearance at the Run The Jewels listening party. Adding to the excitement over a new Nas track was his use of Dilla’s “Gobstoppers” which originally appeared on Donuts. The jazzy, soulful beat is the perfect backdrop for Nas and sounds like something that would’ve fit on Nas’ 2012 album, Life Is Good, perfectly. Looking forward to a new Nas album in 2015 as “The Season” served as the perfect appetizer.

15. “Broad Daylight” – M.O.P. feat. Busta Rhymes

Anybody who has followed this blog knows how big of an M.O.P. fan I am. I consider them one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time and certainly one of my favorite hip-hop artists ever. While they are getting older, they aren’t compromising their sound, still bringing that in-your-face, menacing brand of hip-hop that they ushered in with “How About Some Hardcore” back in 1994. The beat on “Broad Daylight” is raw as hell and provides the perfect backdrop for Lil’ Fame, Billy Danze and one of their long-time collaborators Busta Rhymes to hurl threats over. Classic M.O.P. and that’s all that needs to be said.

14. “Curse of the Pharoahs” – Army of the Pharoahs

AOTP released two albums in 2014, giving fans 28 new tracks in one calendar year. The song I’m going to pick is the opening track on In Death Reborn, the first of the two Pharoahs’ albums to be released in ‘14. “Curse of the Pharoahs” is everything you’d expect from AOTP, a lyrical tour de force from Vinnie Paz, Apathy, Celph Titled, Esoteric and Reef the Lost Cauze and a pounding, unforgiving beat. The Pharoahs have made it known that each member sees every song as a competition to out rap one another and “Curse” is a perfect example of what happens when each member brings their A-game.

13. “Collard Greens” – Schoolboy Q feat. Kendrick Lamar

Q’s Oxymoron was too inconsistent for me to put it on the Top 10 albums list, but there were plenty of highlights and I could’ve gone a few different ways with my choice off of the album. All “Hoover Street,” “Blind Threats” featuring Raekwon and “Break The Bank” could’ve earned a spot here. But “Collard Greens” remains the best song on the album. Having Kendrick featured will always help your cause, but “Collard Greens” really embodied the TDE sound to me, thus giving it the slight edge over “Break The Bank.”

12. “Hallelujah” – Dilated Peoples feat. Fashawn, Rapsody, Domo Genesis, Vinnie Paz & Action Bronson

This posse cut is a bonus cut for Dilated’s Directors of Photography and it is the standout. To begin with, the production is excellent as DJ Babu samples Deep Purple’s “Hallelujah” to create a banger. Lyrically every MC brings plenty to the table with Evidence and Action Bronson providing my two favorite verses on the song.

11. “Kingdom (Remix)” – Common feat. Vince Staples & Jay Electronica

Originally I had “Rewind That” as my pick off Nobody’s Smiling. I really liked the production on that track and how Common recalled his last days with J. Dilla. But then I heard the remix to “Kingdom” and Jay Electronica’s verse and it was easy to make this the pick for the Best of ’14 list. The backdrop for “Kingdom” was always good and the hook was solid, but Electronica’s verse just takes this song to a whole other level.

10. “Underground Kings” – PRHYME feat. Schoolboy Q & Killer Mike

I could talk about so many songs off PRHYME, but I’ll save that for the Best Albums portion. There isn’t a single song on the 9-song album that I don’t like and I could agree with anyone who picked a different track as their favorite, but for me the beat, the hook and the inclusion of Killer Mike is what made “Underground Kings” the top choice. It’s sad that Royce, Schoolboy and Killer Mike are underground, because they are miles ahead of many well known and commercially successful MCs. But they are not wrong in considering themselves underground royalty.

9. “Detroit vs. Everybody” – Eminem feat. Royce da 5’9”, Big Sean, Danny Brown & Dej Loaf

I remember the day this track dropped. I was on a 2-hour car ride for a work function and went on Twitter to pass the time and this track came out and had everyone talking. I wouldn’t say it blew Twitter up the way Big Sean’s “Control” did, but it did have a certain buzz to it. And Danny Brown’s “Xan got me cross eyed like Bernstein’s son” garnered a lot of steam. Thought all four MCs were solid on this one and still find it incredible that Danny Brown and Eminem rapped on a track back-to-back. Goes to show that Em still has his pulse on the game despite all his success.

8. “Easy Rider” – Action Bronson

Have been enjoying Bronson’s Mr. Wonderful and I’m sure it will be on the Best Albums list for 2015. But well in advance of the album, Action dropped “Easy Rider” back in August (I think). This was the perfect appetizer for the new album, as Bronson brings his normal energy over some heavy electric guitar riffs and even the sound of a Harley’s engine revving. The video for this song takes it to a whole other level. Be sure to peep it.

7. “Shitsville” – Freddie Gibbs

I’ve always enjoyed songs that pull no punches, tell it like it is and are in your face. Gibbs’ lyrics on “Shitsville” are raw and unapologetic as he spits, “Motherfuck euthanasia, I’ll lace your food up with razors/Make you gargle with salt water, excuse yourself from my table.” Yeah, this isn’t a song about material possessions, or how much money he has or anything glamorous. And it’s perfect for Gibbs’ style. It’s also my favorite Madlib beat on Pinata and there were plenty to choose from.

6. “The Imperial” – Statik Selektah feat. Action Bronson, Royce da 5’9” & Black Thought

While Statik’s What Goes Around got rave reviews, I have to be honest, I got bored with it after a few listens. I liked the jazz/hip-hop fusion, but it was almost overkill for me. One track that certainly stood out, however, was “The Imperial.” The beat was excellent and the track continued to build as Action kicks things off calling himself the rap Scott Disick, Royce cleverly weaves some UNLV Runnin’ Rebels wordplay and then Thought delivers the Verse of the Year. It’s the second time in as many years that Thought has delivered my favorite verse and it just so happens once again on a Statik Selektah track.

5. “Never” – The Roots feat. Patty Crash

There’s something very haunting about this song and I remember it stopping me in my tracks the first time I heard it. Patty Crash’s vocals are so unique and are certainly the highlight of this song. But it all works so well together, with the slow build of the production, the first time Patty’s voice hits and then Black Thought’s lone verse stuck smack dab in the middle. This is not your classic, boom bap hip-hop. And “Never” does not sound like anything that is getting airplay in 2014 (or now 2015). It has different levels and textures and it is a song that I can listen to again and again and just zone out to.

4. “Flicker” – Atmosphere

Slug’s ode to Eyedea and it is heartfelt, it is emotional, it is genuine and yet somehow celebratory. Ant’s production is upbeat, the sample for the hook is well used and yet the song is about the death of a friend. I’ve always like Atmosphere’s music the most when Slug is penning lyrics about his personal life. It’s why I’m such a huge fan of songs like “That Night,” “Yesterday,” and “Something So.” Slug says goodbye to Eyedea on “Flicker” and how he handled the news of his friend’s death by smoking “1,000 cigarettes” and drinking himself into a stupor. It’s reflective and earnest and it’s why I’m an Atmosphere fan.

3. “Jeopardy” – Run The Jewels

Run The Jewels hit another home run in 2014, with their follow-up to 2013’s classic debut. Much like their first album, I can see people making an argument for just about any song on this album as the best of the bunch. But the way “Jeopardy” opens the album, it’s just smacks you in the face and lets you know what kind of ride you’re in for. Killer Mike’s verse builds as the beat builds and it’s my favorite beat on the whole album. El-P finishes off the track in fine fashion, but the first 2 minutes of the song are absolutely owned by Killer Mike and I can listen to it over and over again.

2. “Story 2” – clipping.

There’s so much to say about “Story 2” that it’s hard to sum up in a paragraph. The lyrics are fantastic, the beat is perfect, building to a climax as the story progresses and Daveed Diggs matches the pace delivering each line with more and more of a sense of urgency. The Cliff’s Notes version of “Story 2” is about a man with a criminal, perhaps psychotic, past has turned his life around, but the skeletons in his closet reappear, burning his house to the ground with his children inside of it. Not a happy ending at all, but the way the song is executed is brilliant.

1. “Perspective” – Blueprint

Blueprint doesn’t try to do anything fancy lyrically here, but his words hold plenty of weight throughout. The concept is simple – we don’t understand, and for the most part don’t care, about other people’s problems, we only focus on our own. When you step outside yourself and look around, you realize that everyone is faced with struggles, some more serious than others, and it helps you appreciate all that you have. I could quote the whole song, but I’m just going to leave you with this: “A woman makes a post on facebook, about how she and her brother got beef/Unaware it was read by a friend of hers, who’s own brother passed away just last week.” Perspective.

Best Albums

10. Respect The Architect - Blueprint

Got my hands on this album really, really late in ’14, but glad that I did. Blueprint handles all the production duties on this one, save for “Perspective” as well as MC duties, with the lone guest spots coming from Count Bass D, Midas Beast and Illogic, which allows the album to remain cohesive and represent Blueprint’s vision in full clarity. It’s my favorite solo album of his thus far, although not quite on Soul Position’s 8 Million Stories level. The album starts with that classic almost ‘90’s sounding vintage hip-hop sound, before he drops “Overdosin’” which he produced without a drum beat – a risk for sure in hip-hop, but it works here. The album wraps up with the three best and most introspective tracks in “Perspective,” “Silver Lining” and “The Climb,” putting a nice little bow on a solid album from start to finish.

9. 36 Seasons – Ghostface Killah

For the record, I’m tired of concept albums. They are just too restrictive and usually don’t hold up to the artist’s other work. This is Ghostface’s second concept album in as many releases and falls short of having the same impact as his 2013 collaboration with Adrian Younge, 12 Reasons To Die. But Ghostface delivers enough quality over the Revelations production to make it worthwhile. The concept is Ghostface returns home after 9 years (aka 36 Seasons) to reclaim his girl and clean up his neighborhood, while facing opposition from a crooked cop (played by AZ) and a new kingpin (played by Kool G. Rap). The production is consistent and each MC is used well, it’s just not the greatest or most interesting story which hurts its overall value as a concept album.

8. In Death Reborn – Army of the Pharaohs

The biggest challenge with a Pharaohs album is having to focus on so many different MCs over the course of the album. But In Death Reborn feels like the most cohesive album the Pharaohs have released to this point and had a clear standout in Apathy (not surprising). The production was solid throughout and each song flowed well into the next, so while there may have been 16 different MCs sharing mic time, the production kept you invested throughout. “Curse of the Pharaohs” kicks off the album in grand fashion, but there are plenty highlights here such as “God Particle,” “Azrael,” and “Headless Ritual” among others.

7. PTSD – Pharoahe Monch

Pharoahe’s 4^th solo release is my favorite since his solo debut, Internal Affairs, from 1999. While a lot of people had W.A.R. on their 2011 Best of lists, I prefer PTSD, which is more or less the second part of a two-part series that started with W.A.R. in ’11. In an interview, Monch described PTSD as being, “more mental, emotional and personal” than W.A.R. and that is probably what makes the biggest difference to me. The album features standout tracks like “Damage,” “The Jungle” and “Bad M.F.” Also enjoyed the collaborations with Black Thought on “Rapid Eye Movement” and Talib Kweli on “D.R.E.A.M.” It’s solid hip-hop from top to bottom, which is nothing new when it comes to Pharoahe Monch.

6. Under Pressure - Logic

It seems odd talking about Under Pressure as Logic’s debut album since he’s been making mixtapes since ’09, but it is. And Logic didn’t disappoint with his first feature full length album. The production on the album is consistent throughout handled largely by 6ix and Logic himself and you could feel No I.D.’s influence on the album as he served as Executive Producer. Logic opens up about his personal life, shares some insight on dealing with depression, growing up poor and handling the task of trying to make it as a rapper while balancing a personal life. The title track is one of the many highlights on the album and really captures the tone of the album perfectly.

5. …and then you shoot your cousin – The Roots

With the exception of their debut album, Organix, I have heard and own every Roots album ever released so I think it’s safe for me to say that their 2014 concept album, …and then you shoot your cousin, is the worst of all their releases. Black Thought contributes about 6 verses total to the entire album and if you don’t have Thought, you don’t have The Roots at their best. The amazing thing is, The Roots at their worst is about 90% better than everything else out there, which is why they are No. 5 on this list. The album is still really strong lyrically and musically and when Thought is rhyming he makes every verse count.

4. Pinata – Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

I’ve been a fan of Freddie Gibbs for several years now, but was still waiting for him to bring out his best. Luckily Madlib was able to do that quite easily. Madlib’s production sets the perfect backdrop for Gangsta Gibbs’ street narratives and allows the Gary, Indiana MC to flex his lyrical muscle. Songs like “Shitsville,” “Deep,” “Harold’s” and “Lakers” are among the many highlights, but the album is consistently solid from start to finish. Hopefully these two pair up again to deliver a sequel (and while we’re on the subject of Madlib, how about another Madvillian album?)

3. Southsiders - Atmosphere

I have read about 20 different Best of 2014 Hip-Hop write-ups and Southsiders was consistently left off those lists. Even if it was the Top 25 or even Top 40 hip-hop albums of ’14, Southsiders was snubbed. How can that be? Sorry, but Y.G.’s My Crazy Life should not be in everyone’s top 5 and it especially shouldn’t be there if you’re going to snub Southsiders all together. Maybe everyone slept on Atmosphere’s latest? I just don’t know, but for my money it was the third best hip-hop album of 2014. It starts with a bang on “Camera Thieft” and continues to hit its mark with “Arthur’s Song,” “The World Might Not Live Through The Night,” “Southsiders,” and the aforementioned “Flicker.” It’s grown up hip-hop and while it might not be as fun as Atmosphere albums of the past, it’s still excellent from start to finish.

2. PRHYME – PRHYME

Gang Starr can never be duplicated (R.I.P. Guru). There’s no way to do it. But if you wanted to get close to a “new” Gang Starr album, then pairing up Royce da 5’9” with DJ Premier would be the way to do it. With the formation of PRHYME, Royce and Premo delivered a nostalgic, lyrical showcase with that classic Premier production. The album does not have a weak moment, although I wish it would’ve been a little longer. Guest appearances include Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Common, Jay Electronica, Schoolboy Q, Killer Mike and Slaughterhouse, but it’s clear that it’s Royce’s show from the beginning and he and Premier make a fabulous team.

1. Run The Jewels  2– Run The Jewels 2

Back-to-back Album of the Year honors for Killer Mike and El-P, and it’s well deserved. While not quite as good as the first offering these two gave us in 2013, RTJ2 is just as mean and unapologetic as the first. Killer Mike once again scores MVP honors with quotable after quotable, but there is no denying what El-P’s production has done for Mike’s career. El-P is able to match Mike’s ferocity and perhaps even bring out an even hungrier Killer Mike. Interesting collaborations on this one with Rage Against The Machine front man Zach de la Rocha dropping a verse on “Close Your Eyes,” Travis Barker supplying the drums for “All Due Respect” and Michael Winslow (of Police Academy fame) lending his vocals to “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry.” Then there’s “Jeopardy” that kicks off the album and lets you know exactly what you’re in for – a punch in the face, a stomp on your throat and an assault on your ears in the best way possible. Run The Jewels reigns supreme once again.

Song of the Day - R.I.P. B.B. King

Big K.R.I.T. feat. B.B. King "Praying Man"
Music lost a true legend today with the passing of B.B. King. The "King of the Blues" touched millions with his music and is noted as one of the greatest guitarists ever to do it. His talent will truly be missed. But since this is a hip-hop site, we're going to go with his collaboration with Big K.R.I.T. The mood on this song is perfect. K.R.I.T. absolutely lived up to the pressure of having to share a track with B.B. The lyrics are top notch, but seriously, who doesn't get lost in B.B.'s vocals on the hook? So damn good. R.I.P. B.B. King.

Song of the Day

CZARFACE feat. Meyhem Lauren - "Deadly Class"
Czarface is back!!! This is the best thing I've heard all day! Wasn't sure if 7L, Esoteric & Inspectah Deck would release a sophomore album after the modern classic they dropped in 2013, but it looks like Every Hero Needs A Villain is a go. Here's the first track off the album with a guest appearance from Meyhem Lauren. Mayhem kicks off the track before Deck steals the show with the second verse. 7L's production is on point on this again and there's a real reason to be excited for Czarface's new album.