The Best Hip-Hop Songs & Albums: 2006

2006 brought us some exciting new music from some fresh faces, as well as some old reliables. Interesting blend of underground and mainstream, with the underground artists and debut artists making more of an impact album wise then the more commercial artists.

Here we go…

Best Songs

20. “Mighty O” – Outkast
After Speakerboxxx/The Love Below became the biggest smash of 2005, ‘Kast made it to the big screen in Idlewild. With that came sort of a continuation of their previous release as Big Boi focused on the hip-hop side of things, while Andre 3000 continued with a more blue/R&B feel mixed with Cab Calloway. But this song, which was influenced by Calloway’s “Minnie The Moocher,” has both Andre and Big Boi spitting on the mic again. So refreshing to hear them both rhyming again.

19. “Back Again” – Dilated Peoples
One of the most consistent acts of the 2000’s, Dilated Peoples brought another underground gem with 20/20. This served as the first single and starts in grand fashion with Evidence flipping Diddy’s verse from “Bad Boy 4 Life” with, “Back again, for the very fourth time/Don’t worry if I write checks, I write rhymes.” The two go back and forth hitting another home run with another lead single. No surprise there.

18. “Say” – Method Man
Meth spits some introspective shit over an acoustic guitar and Lauryn Hill sample. This is far from “Bring The Pain,” but it worked. Mr. Mef rips commercial radio and then responds to his critics for poor reviews of Tical 0: The Prequel. To be fair, that album was a major disappointment, but I’ll give Meth the benefit of the doubt for spitting lines like this: “Cause Tical, he put his heart in every track he do.” If that’s the case, then that’s all you can ask for.

17. “Work It Out” – Jurassic 5 feat. Dave Matthews
This collaboration had me intrigued to say the least. While a lot of hip-hop heads hated the very idea of one of the underground’s favorites grabbing Dave Matthews for a track and a chance at some mainstream exposure, if you listened to the track you’d realize it worked. It was a feel good song that was great for summertime cookouts. And J5 didn’t fall off on the track. They still bring the goods.

16. “Growing Old” – Pigeon John
Pigeon John struck a chord with me on this song as he talks about the great hip-hop acts of old whose glory days were seemingly behind them. Or more importantly, that he was getting older and the hip-hop industry was changing drastically. He references the Beastie Boys, Dana Dane, JJ Fad, Fat Boys, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, 3rd Bass, Special Ed, KRS, Wu-Tang Clan and Souls of Mischief among others. Great look back on the old school and hip-hop acts that as PJ says, “Were ahead of their time.”

15. “Imagine” – Snoop Dogg feat. Dr. Dre & D’Angelo
Snoop’s Tha Blue Carpet Treatment was his best album since 1999, and one of the reasons why was more Dr. Dre production, the best of which came on this track. Apparently the beat was originally to be used on Busta Rhymes’ The Big Bang, but couldn’t get the sample cleared, so Snoop got the track. Glad that happened, because Dre and Snoop reunite for a great track that discusses life without hip-hop and gangbanging. Nice to hear D’Angelo again as well.

14. “De La Souls” – P.O.S.
One of the biggest pleasant surprises for me in 2006 was discovering P.O.S. As the newest signee to Rhymesayers Entertainment, home to Atmosphere and Brother Ali, I had to give him a listen. Glad I did. P.O.S. released an honest hip-hop album in Audition that touched on politics, heartbreak and a nod to the horror film that he took the album’s title from, while also mixing in elements of his punk rock past. This song is pure hip-hop as P.O.S. borrows from De La Soul’s “I Am I Be” (hence the song title) and puts his own spin on it over a sample of Bouncing Soul’s “Argyle.”

13. “Silly Girls” – Murs & 9th Wonder feat. Joe Scudda
Great track from the Murs-9th combo, as 9th Wonder samples Valerie Simpson’s “Silly Wasn’t I” to perfection. Murs spits two verses, with the second detailing his stalker ex-girlfriend whom Murs warns to back off before his current girl knocks her out. Scudda touches on a “hit it and quit it” relationship that develops into the girl getting too attached, so he gets with her friends.

12. “Cry Now” – Obie Trice
This was a Song of the Day a while back, as the energy on this track is tremendous. The beat is courtesy of Witt & Pep (can’t say I’m familiar with them) and uses a Bobby Blue Band sample to perfection. Obie brings some street shit and mixes some braggadocio to produce one of the best songs of his career. The 2nd verse may be my favorite as Trice spits, “This ain’t Detroit Red, you won’t X me out Malcolm/My exodus, will never be from a violent outcome/I turn Exorcist on n-ggaz wit extra clips/Exit on my ethics, is no longer present/X-rays show I was this close to Heaven/So for future reference I stay this close to a weapon.”

11. “Don’t Feel Right” – The Roots
I was torn between this and “Here I Come,” but I remember hearing this track on the radio for the first time before Game Theory dropped and I was souped up for the album. I was on the way to the bar on a Friday night and had the radio on, which is an absolute rarity for me, but they played this track for the first time and I’ve rocked it ever since. Black Thought hits on the prison system, dope dealing, mass weapon production and natural disasters as part of society’s ills. Not only does this track knock, but it’s got a great message too. Which is what makes The Roots great.

10. “Letter P” – Saigon feat. Kool G. Rap
Unbelievable performance from Saigon on this one. He was starting to get some buzz thanks to his Entourage appearances, but that show didn’t have shit on what Sai could do on the mic. Dude is a beast. I like the G. Rap verse as well, but it doesn’t compare to Saigon. “I pop a pussy person for purposely perpetrating/Point the pistol and pull it, this punk is impersonating…” It ranks up there with Blackalicious’ “Alphabet Aerobics” as one of the illest plays on words I’ve ever heard.

9. “No Apologies” – Eminem
Em didn’t give us a solo release in ’06, but he did drop The Re-Up to show off his Shady Records family. Not surprisingly Em was the true star of the show on this disc and this solo track was the true stand out. Eminem disappointed with 2004’s Encore, but showed what he still had in the tank with this track as he thumbed his nose at the critics.

8. “It’s Okay (One Blood)” – The Game
Game had the same idea as the Wu by resurrecting Junior Reid’s “One Blood” for this banger. This version is much more upbeat than Wu-Tang’s “One Blood Under The W” as Game sounds hungry on the first single off his sophomore effort. This song still gets me amped when I hear it.

7. “The Winter” – Apathy
Ap shows just how great of a song writer he is on this one as he paints a vivid picture of dealing with life in the freezing weather. Describing everything from starting the car 10 minutes early to get the heat started to sippin’ chicken broth and orange juice when you’re sick, Ap offers a perspective all can relate to in describing, “The season when Timberlands replace our sneakers.”

6. “You Know I’m No Good” – Ghostface Killah feat. Amy Winehouse
I heard this track before I had any idea who Amy Winehouse was. I remember hearing the hook and thinking, “Damn, that girl can sing,” but I figured it was an old soul sample or something. I couldn’t be more impressed when I heard the original version and heard Winehouse’s vocals. It’s crazy to think it’s only five years later and she’s passed away. As for the song itself, it works so well as Ghost flips it over the original beat.

5. “Bullet” – Rhymefest feat. Citizen Cope
Real talk on this one from Rhymefest. The first verse describes a youth shot down fighting overseas, verse 2 discusses the ill (literally) effects of unprotected sex with multiple partners and the third and final verse touches on gang violence. It’s such a well written song and the use of Citizen Cope’s “Bullet & A Target” really pulled the song together perfectly.

4. “Daydreamin’” – Lupe Fiasco feat. Jill Scott
Speaking of unbelievably well written songs, it’s hard to top this one from Lupe. The concept of riding a robot through the city and observing all the streets ills is both original and well executed. Lupe showed why there was so much hype surrounding him on his first album and this song is the truest testament to his talents as a song writer. Great social commentary, great sample of “Daydream In Blue,” and Jill Scott kills it on the hook.

3. “Lost One” – Jay-Z feat. Chrisette Michelle
Dr. Dre with one of my favorite beats of the year and Jay does it justice with a great introspective track. Verse 1 discusses his fallout with Dame, verse 2 discusses his struggles with maintaining a relationship in showbiz (which doesn’t really work now that he and Beyonce are married, but whatever, the verse is still nice) and verse 3, my favorite of the three, finds Jay reflecting on the death of his nephew. Really personal shit and one of my favorite Hov tracks ever.

2. “Hip-Hop Is Dead” – Nas
Dude loved the “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” sample so much he had to flip it again. This time will.i.am is credited with the production, although Salaam Remi sampled it originally for 2004’s “Thief’s Theme.” Nas introduced a phrase on this song that is still being tossed around today by artists and hip-hop fans alike. And while I’ve never considered hip-hop to be “dead,” it was a great commentary on the way the music industry was shifting and the market was getting flooded with more and more unoriginal, uninspiring bullshit tracks that were made to sell ring tones. Nas, one of the greatest MCs of all time, was the perfect authority for the subject and absolutely slayed this track. “Everybody sounds the same/Commercialize the game/Reminiscin’ when it wasn’t all business/It forgot where it started/So we all gather here for the dearly departed.”

1. “War With God” – Ludacris
Probably the least expected No. 1 song I’ve had on any list, but it deserves the No. 1 spot. Luda is an absolute beast on this track and the sample is amazing. Using Billy Paul’s “War of the Gods,” Ludacris spits three amazing verses with insight and ferocity all balled into one. There’s no question Luda put his heart into this track and it delivers amazing results. He discusses his position in the rap game, talks about giving back to the children for good karma and warns rappers, “So unless you usin’ tampons, quit actin’ stuck up/And do like your records say or shut the fuck up!” I remember hearing this song for the first time and loving it instantaneously, and now, five years later, it’s the song that always gets my attention whenever it comes on. I made a Best of ’06 mix in the beginning of ’07 and “Hip-Hop Is Dead” is the first track (which usually means it’s my favorite song of the year), but listening to that mix now it’s “War With God” that always gets me to crank up the volume and grabs my full attention.

Best Albums

10. And The Summertime Pool Party – Pigeon John
I’m a huge Pigeon John fan. I find his music so easy to listen to and so enjoyable. There’s no bullshit, just fun hip-hop music, with John usually taking pot shots at himself. The second half of this album is so strong that it bumped P.O.S.’s Audition and Game’s Doctor’s Advocate off the list. “One For The…” features a show stealing verse from Brother Ali (no surprise there), “The Last Sunshine” features production from the great RJD2 and another show stealing verse from J-Live (again, no surprise), and “Weight Of The World” finds John dealing with the everyday struggles of car payments, bills, stress and the like. “As We Know It” finds John having a discussion with Jesus and asking the questions we’ve all thought about at one point or another. And then the album wraps up with the aforementioned “Growing Old” one of my top 20 songs of the year.

9. Murray’s Revenge – Murs & 9th Wonder
The follow-up to Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition, this album is chock full of excellent music. One of my favorites is the first track “Murs Day,” I just wish it clocked in at more than 1:54. One more verse would’ve been great! I discussed “Silly Girl” above, while “Barbershop” features 9th’s Little Brother brethren Big Pooh sharing the mic with Murs. “Yesterday & Today” is a great concept song, as Murs details his life struggles. It’s the truth. “Love & Appreciate” and “Murray’s Revenge” are also standouts on one of the year’s most consistent albums.

8. Release Therapy – Ludacris
This album is either hit or miss the whole way through, but when it’s good, it’s real good. “Grew Up A Screw Up” is an absolute banger and although I’m not a Young Jeezy fan, I finally found a song he was on that I liked. The Biggie sample for the hook is tremendous as well. “Mouths To Feed,” “Tell It Like It Is,” and “War With God” are all excellent, while “Slap” and “Runaway Love” are both quality tracks. “Runaway Love” was actually a great song, until I heard it 1,000,000 times and got sick of it. The lead single, “Money Maker” was meh, while the Field Mob assisted “Ultimate Satisfaction” is a guilty pleasure of mine.

7. Kingdom Come – Jay-Z
This album really was all over the place. In spots, it’s great. In other’s it’s just blah. “Oh My God” and the title track where tremendous in kicking off the album. I love both of those tracks. But then comes the lead single, which I questioned when it came out and still question to this day, in “Show Me What You Got.” The video was a big budget production with Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr., but it was all sizzle and no steak. The song was much the same. I was not impressed. Then “Lost One” dropped and I was back on board immediately. The other standouts are “Minority Report” which finds Jay discussing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and “Beach Chair” which features Chris Martin of Coldplay. Ballsy choice, but it was the right move.

6. Blue Collar – Rhymefest
I really enjoyed Rhymefest’s debut album and if not for a few misses, it may’ve been a top 5 album of ’06. “All I Do” sounds way too much like Jay-Z’s “All I Need” and “Stick” bears a resemblance to David Banner’s “Play” which I absolutely hated. “Chicago-Rillas” was also a bit off the mark for me. But the rest is pretty much terrific. “Dynomite,” “Brand New,” “Fever,” “More,” “Devil’s Pie,” “Bullet,” and “Tell A Story” were all in heavy rotation for me in ’06, and to top it all off the album ended with Ol’ Dirty Bastard singing “Build Me Up Buttercup” on “Build Me Up.” How can it get any better than that?

5. Fishscale – Ghostface Killah
2006 was a busy year for Ghostface, as he released Fishscale and More Fish in the same year. Fishscale featured so much great music, thanks to a slew of all-star producers including Just Blaze, MF Doom, J. Dilla and Pete Rock. Ghost also gets production credits for “Big Girl” which sounds like it would fit right in with the Pretty Toney Album as Ghost spits directly on top of the Stylistics’ “You’re A Big Girl Now.” The album gets off to an outstanding start with “Shakey Dog,” “Kilo” and “The Champ” and then Doom brings his production talents to “9 Milli Bros.” which features the entire Wu-Tang Clan. When’s the last time you heard the entire Wu on someone’s solo project? The shit got me so amped when I heard it, I didn’t know what to do. The Pete Rock produced “Be Easy” is another absolute gem as is the Dilla produced “Whip You With A Strap.” There are some throwaway tracks, as the album is 23 tracks long, but Ghost delivered again with this one.

4. Food & Liquor – Lupe Fiasco
The debut disc from Lupe was one of the most well rounded and cohesive offerings of ’06. Excuse me for not deeming it a classic, but it was certainly an excellent effort that showed Lupe was going to be a factor in this game for years to come. This disc touches on a vast array of topics from his love to skate boarding on “Kick, Push,” broken homes on “He Say She Say,” race on “American Terrorist” and the powerful grip of television on America’s youths on “The Instrumental.” But it’s the creative story telling on “Daydreamin’,” and “The Cool” that put this album into another category for me. And then there’s “Hurt Me Soul” which would’ve been in my Top 10 for Best Songs if “Daydreamin’” wasn’t on this album. That track is amazing, as evidenced by the first chorus, “My mom can’t feed me/My boyfriend beats me/I have sex for money/The hood don’t love me/The cops wanna kill me/This nonsense built me/And I got no place to go/They bomb my village/They call us killers/Took me off they welfare/Can’t afford they health care/My teacher won’t teach me/My master beats me/And it hurts my soul.”

3. Hip-Hop Is Dead – Nas
Even though he pronounced “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” Nas released an excellent hip-hop record in ’06. The album is solid from start to finish, as “Money Over Bullshit” kicks things off in fine fashion, while “Carry On Tradition,” “Where Are They Now,” “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” and “Who Killed It?” are all great odes to the culture that Nas is proclaiming to be deceased. The album also saw the much anticipated dream collaboration between Esco and Jay-Z on “Black Republican” which is an absolute banger. “Not Going Back” is Nas saying farewell to a life on the streets, while Kanye West joins Nas for the terrific “Still Dreaming.” Then come two of my absolute favorites in “Let There Be Light” and “Can’t Forget About You” featuring Tre Williams and Chrisette Michelle respectively. All in all, it’s another victory in a Hall of Fame career.

2. Game Theory – The Roots
I remember the weekend before this album dropped I came home from work on a Saturday night and popped the television on while I had a beer before heading to the bar for the night. I scrolled through some music channels and found one that was giving an exclusive sneak peak to the entire album before it was released. I planned to only watch TV for 10 minutes before the bar, but I ended up staying on the recliner and listening to the entire album. I was sucked in from the start and it gave the album special meaning to me ever since. The album starts and ends as a tribute to J Dilla, sandwiched between some of the darkest, most meaningful music of the group’s career. Black Thought is on top of his game throughout, spitting about the media, natural disasters, war, politics, the music industry and personal battles. So many standouts on here, but my favorites are “Don’t Feel Right,” “In The Music,” “Take It There,” “Here I Come,” “Long Time” and “Clock With No Hands.” It’s grown folks music and it’s true hip-hop to the fullest.

1. Eastern Philosophy – Apathy
In the same year that Nas declared “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” Apathy dropped an album that sounds like it was straight out of 1993-95, the glory years of hip-hop and evidence that hip-hop was alive and well. This album is a throwback to early ‘90’s East Coast hip-hop and has Ap destroying the mic over samples of Onyx, Gang Starr and Jay-Z. “1,000 Grams” is some straight boom bap hip-hop and “All About Crime” is an ode to the gritty street anthems of the ‘90’s. “9 to 5” finds Apathy and Emilio Lopez describing the grind, as Ap spits, “Broke mind state only gets me mad/I rather be a sugar daddy than a deadbeat dad.” Celph Titled and Ryu join Ap for the excellent “Can’t Leave Rap Alone” where Celph says, “Old timers ask me where I got my pimp game from/Cause I got 99 bitches and ain’t a problem with one.” And that’s what makes this album so great. It’s lyrics and punchlines and it was just what the game needed at the time. Apathy shows that he’s more than punchlines and battle raps, as he tackles subject matter with the same clever wordplay on “One Of Those Days,” “Chemical,” “The Buck Stops Here” and “The Winter.” On “One Of Those Days,” Ap feels the wrath of his girl during that time of the month, “Two sides to her gettin’ it, the size of her bigger tits/But the downside is she cries over little shit/So fuckin’ sick of it, that gets ugly/And the yappin’ bugs me and it happens monthly.” On “Chemical” Apathy describes society’s dependence on drugs, from coke and weed to Ritalin and caffeine. “Red Bull pumps your energy/Weed fucks with memory/Coke mixed with Hennessy turns friends to enemies/Pills to stop pregnancies, slow the flow steadily/Incredible, we’re based on a chemical dependency.” Apathy’s impressive story telling continues on “The Buck Stops Here” where he follows the path of a dollar bill from a waitress to a little girl to a store clerk to a stickup man. The production is the only thing stopping this from reaching “classic” status, as it can be a little generic at times, but Apathy more than makes up for it with his prowess on the mic.

So there you have it. I want to take a second to give props to Gnarls Barkley’s St. Elsewhere. I didn’t include it on the list, because there’s no rapping on the disc, but musically it’s tremendous. It was definitely one of my favorite albums of 2006 and the title track, as well as “Crazy” are among my favorite songs of 2006. If you want a non “hip-hop” album with a very hip-hop feel, this is the perfect disc. Loved it from front to back.