2007 seemed like a down year to me. Admittedly I was a little out of touch with new music in ’07 since I moved and had to find work and all that good shit, but I don’t remember it being a real banner year in hip-hop. There was the 50 Cent vs. Kanye West album release date competition to see who would sell more copies. Not surprisingly Kanye won that battle and 50 was supposed to retire as a result, but of course didn’t. But even that “battle” didn’t do much to strike my interest as 50’s Curtis wasn’t even worth remembering.
After further review, there were some really quality songs that dropped in ’07 and a few terrific albums. The year as a whole left a little to be desired, but it definitely had some highlights throughout the year.
Let’s take a closer look at the Best of 2007….
Best Songs
20. “Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us)” – Talib Kweli
Just Blaze brings a banger for Talib to spit over and of course Kweli doesn’t let the platform go to waste as he spits jewels about society, hip-hop culture and the like. Verse 3 has my favorite lyrics on the song as Talib drops, “The black kids wishin’ they white kids/When they close they eye lids/Like, ‘I bet they neighborhood ain’t like this’/White kids wishin’ they black kids/Wanna talk like rappers/It’s all backwards/It’s identity crisis.”
19. “It’s Over” – Freeway
Free gets loose over a Jake One beat. The Philly Freeza talks about not getting production from Just Blaze or Kanye anymore, but this proved to set the tone for a wonderful relationship with Jake One. Free starts the second verse with a nod to Jay-Z’s “Heart of the City,” as he references Dame and Jay’s breakup, as well as Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher” as he opens up the third verse.
18. “What A Job” – Devin The Dude feat. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000
Great look at the struggles, pitfalls and passion of being a hip-hop artist. Devin is able to mix his love of weed with his love of making music, which Snoop has no problem relating to. But it’s Andre 3000 that steals the show, as should be expected, discussing bootleggers as well as how people relate to his music.
17. “Breakin’ My Heart” – Little Brother feat. Lil Wayne
I love the sample 9th Wonder used on this one. While Pooh and Phone reached out to !llmind, Khrysis, Mr. Porter, Hi-Tek and Nottz among others for production duties for Getback, it’s 9th that delivers the gem of the album. Phonte’s verse is one of my favorites of the year, as he discusses his parents relationship from his mother’s perspective, “I ain’t saying that it’s right/But we often pay the price/Because a woman’s life is love/A man’s love is life.”
16. “Da Art of Storytelling 4” – DJ Drama feat. Outkast & Marsha Ambrosius
Off of DJ Drama’s album, Andre 3000 and Big Boi come back on the mic for some straight up hip-hop. 3000 had a huge year on the mic in ’07. This song sounds like it could’ve been on Aquemini. I didn’t love the hook, but ‘Kast sound so fresh back together that it didn’t matter.
15. “Surviving The Times” – Nas
Nas gives us a great insight into his career and what it took to finally get his due. He discusses labels not having room for him and Def Jam taking a pass on him because he sounded too much like Kool G. Rap. Hey Russell, why would that be a bad thing? MC Serch took him on and got him a deal on Columbia and the rest is history. To top it all off, the song is produced by Chris Webber. Yes, THAT Chris Webber.
14. “Hip-Hop (Remix)” – Joell Ortiz feat. Jadakiss & Saigon
When I said I was out of touch with music in ’07, Joell Ortiz is the perfect example of that statement. Now that Slaughterhouse has formed, Ortiz has become a must hear artist for me. But I didn’t take the time to listen to his debut, The Brick: Bodega Chronicles. I did hear the lead single, “Hip-Hop,” and then this tremendous remix with guest vocals from Jadakiss and Saigon. Real lyricism all over this track.
13. “Campfire” – Wu-Tang Clan
This song is that old grimy Wu shit. Meth is a beast to open the track over one of RZA’s best beats in years. Ghostface slides right in and snatches the mic from Meth in grand fashion. The kung-fu samples are back, the soul vocals are there and all three MCs match the rawness of the production RZA provides. Great way to open 8 Diagrams.
12. “Superstar” – Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos
There were plenty of great songs to pick from off Lupe’s The Cool, but the lead single “Superstar” has to be the choice. It’s a look at life in the spotlight and deals with the insecurities Lupe faces as he becomes a household name. The song won over the commercial audience without being mainstream or selling out. It’s a great showcase at just how good Lupe is as a song writer.
11. “Walking Away” – Brother Ali
Was going to pick “Take Me Home” but there’s just something so personal and deep about this track that I couldn’t ignore it. This is Ali’s farewell to his ex-lover as he describes the collapse of their relationship, including an attempt on his life. Over a minimalist beat and some whistling, Ali describes the broken love with, “Fresh out of forced tears, kisses and hugs/You about to lose the company your misery loves,” and “If I’m such a bastard and mistreated you so/Then how’s it your losing your mind to see my go?”
10. “We Takin’ Over” – DJ Khaled feat. Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby & Lil Wayne
There are so many reasons I should hate this song, and when it first came out I tried to, but I love this song. At the time I wasn’t a T.I. fan, not a Rick Ross fan, had gotten tired of the “What’s Love” commercial sounding Joey Crack and had no place for Baby or Lil Wayne. But Tip gets this song off to a great start and Wayne slays it at the end to wrap up one of the best posse cuts of 2007. Now in 2011, I’m a fan of T.I., I’ve actually bought a Rick Ross album, Fat Joe got back to his old self in a big way on The Darkside and I’ve learned to appreciate Wayne (although I still can’t get on board with anyone saying he’s the best rapper alive. Not even close!)
9. “Yolanda’s House” – Ghostface Killah feat. Method Man and Raekwon
This is a brilliant narrative by three members of the Wu. Ghost is on the run from the cops when he runs into Meth, who just happens to be going raw dog with his girl. The exchange between the two is fantastic, as they both paint unbelievably vivid pictures with their lyrics as Ghost spits, “So I slid, hid behind the wall, opened the door/Like ‘ooohhh,’ I seen my man Meth goin’ in raw/So he jumped up balls out, I hid in the closet/I’m dyin’ laughin’, he said, ‘Yo Starks, be quiet.’” Meth jumps right in from there and continues, “Can’t believe you blowin’ the spot lord/My chick is buggin’, she trippin’/My dick keep slippin’ out my boxer drawers.”
8. “So(ul) Amazin’” – Blu & Exile
The beat on this track is tremendous. One of the best of the year, without a doubt. I had heard good things about Blu, but this was my formal introduction to him as an MC and I couldn’t have been more impressed. He has complete control over Exile’s top notch production, creating an MC/producer pair that would make Pete Rock & CL Smooth smile.
7. “The People” – Common
This shit is an absolute banger. Common goes for broke over a soulful Kanye beat. The hook is absolutely tremendous as Com spits, “This is street radio/For unsung heroes/Ridin’ in the Regal/Tryin’ to stay legal/My daughter found Nemo/I found the new Primo/Yeah, you know how we do, we do it for the people.” After Be and Finding Forever, it was reasonable to compare Kanye as the Premier to Common’s Guru and this is the perfect example.
6. “Gutted” – Beanie Sigel feat. Jay-Z
Beans and Hov get back together with a vengeance on this track. The two break down wannabe ballers and shady women over a banging beat from Reefa. Beans’ second verse is tremendous, but it’s Jay’s verse that is my favorite on the song. “You’re salary is like celery/Eatin’ over here, nigga, you’re like salad to me/Get your weight up/Get your steak up/Those little acres, get your estate up.”
5. “Stop, Look & Listen” – Statik Selektak feat. Styles P., Termanology & Q-Tip
Two artists that I was able to discover in ’07 were Statik Selektah and Termanology. I didn’t have any prior knowledge of the Boston producer and MC, which in 2011 seems crazy since they’re everywhere now. But this was a great way to get familiar with both of them, as Statik brings hip-hop gold on the track and Term holds his own with two heavyweights. Of course the real gem here is Q-Tip’s verse. It was so fresh to hear him rhyme on a track again and he didn’t disappoint.
4. “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” – UGK feat. Outkast
It was a big year for Outkast without them putting out an album. Nothing made me happier than hearing Andre 3000 and Big Boi rhyming on the same track again as Houston’s finest Bun B and Pimp C got the ATLiens to join them for one of the smoothest tracks of the year. Andre 3000 is the show stealer here, spittin’, “I typed a text to girl I used to see/Sayin’ that I chose this cutie pie with whom I wanna be/And I apologize if this message gets you down/Then I CC’d every girl I’d see see round town.” But all four MCs come correct on this one.
3. “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is…)” – Jay-Z
The fact that Kanye didn’t produce this track was a huge surprise to me. It was a celebratory anthem, with horns, backup vocals (including ‘Ye) and the soul sound of something off The Blueprint or Late Registration. But it was Diddy, Sean C & LV that produced the song and it’s one of the best party songs in a long time. This song makes you feel like you’re part of a big event, even if you’re just driving to work. It’s one of Jay’s finest singles and that’s saying something.
2. “I Get Money” – 50 Cent
This may end up being the last 50 song that I’ll love. It’s sad to think that only a few years earlier he had put out a hip-hop classic. But with each album, 50’s appeal faded more and more for me and Curtis was the last straw for me. I didn’t even bother buying Before I Self Destruct. The “Candy Shop,” “Amusement Park” and “Baby By Me” bullshit made me hit the kill switch on 50’s music. But “I Get Money” was, is and always will be a home run from 50. I love the Audio Two sample, I love the stripped down, rawness of the production and although 50 is pretty much just bragging about how much money he has, his swagger makes the song effective. Bring it back to this Fif!
1. “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” – Kanye West
Of all the songs to serve as the lead single off Graduation, Kanye made the absolute right choice with “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” While “Stronger” would go on to have better commercial success and “Good Life” took home a Grammy for Best Rap Song, beating out “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” Kanye chose a single that would bring a serious side out of him and show pure passion on the mic. The beat is slowed down, almost haunting, but every time I hear it I reach for the volume button to crank it up. It takes me back to hearing “Through The Wire” for the first time and gets my head nodding immediately. Kanye opens the song with one of my favorite lines, “I had a dream I could buy my way to Heaven/When I awoke I spent that on a necklace,” before delivering the humbling line, “I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny/And what I do? Act more stupidly.” It’s a moment of vulnerability from an artist that is widely regarded as one of the most brash and conceited in the industry. No matter how you see him, it’s more tremendous music from one of the best in the game.
Best Albums
10. None Shall Pass – Aesop Rock
After the incredible Labor Days, I was really excited for Bazooka Tooth. But that album was a bit of a letdown for me. Labor Days had a heavy dose of beats from Blockhead who brings out the best in Aesop and that’s where Bazooka Tooth missed, as most of the production was handled by Aesop himself. It’s not that Aesop’s production is bad, but it’s kind of like Eminem. Would you rather hear an Eminem album produced entirely by Em, or an Eminem album produced by Dr. Dre? That’s the same way I feel about Aesop’s production. For 2007’s None Shall Pass, Aesop handed things back over to Blockhead, who produced more than half the album, and allowed El-P and Rob Sonic to add their touches to deliver another solid LP. There’s never reason to question whether Aesop will bring it lyrically, but I was glad to hear him over great production.
9. Eardrum – Talib Kweli
A lot of great music on this disc, as Kweli tapped some of the best producers in the game (Madlib, Just Blaze, Pete Rock & Hi-Tek) and brought a variety of sounds instead of sticking with the same formula of straight underground New York hip-hop. Don’t get me wrong, I love straight underground East Coast hip-hop, but it was fresh to hear Kweli rhyming alongside artists like UGK for the Southern influenced “Country Cousins” and to give a nod to the West with “Go With Us” featuring Strong Arm Steady. Then there’s the great East Coast hip-hop that we expect from Talib with “Hostile Gospel Pt. 1,” the Pete Rock produced “Holy Moly” and the bangin’ “Listen!!!” Kanye stops by for the smooth, jazzy “In the Mood” and Norah Jones, of all people, brings the perfect voice for “Soon The New Day.” It’s a buffet of sounds and it’s all genuine hip-hop. The only real miss for me was “Hot Thing” featuring will.i.am. It just didn’t fit Kweli’s style.
8. 8 Diagrams – Wu-Tang Clan
Nothing gets me more excited than a new Wu-Tang album. Of course I’m always in for a disappointment since nothing will ever live up to Enter The 36 Chambers, but this group is responsible for so many amazing hip-hop songs, a handful of classic albums and some of the best chemistry from some of the best lyricists ever along with one of the greatest producers to ever do it. This album stirred up controversy among the Clan as Ghostface and Raekwon were not exactly thrilled with the direction RZA was taking the music. The rift did make me a little worried about the album, but Ghostface is on point throughout the whole album and there are moments that feel like vintage Wu. This disc starts with fire as “Campfire” kicks off the album in classic Wu-Tang style. “Take It Back,” “Get Them Out Ya Way Pa,” and “Rushing Elephants” all keep it moving, while the George Clinton assisted “Wolves” is another of my favorites. The second half of the album does fall a little short, with tracks like “Starter,” but the album ends with the heartfelt ode to Ol’ Dirty Bastard on “Life Changes.” It’s not their best effort, but it’s still a solid contribution to the Wu catalog.
7. The Big Doe Rehab – Ghostface Killah
Another solid album from Ghost, what else is new? The dude is one of the most consistent MCs ever when it comes to releasing quality music. “Toney Sigel” with Beanie Sigel is an absolute banger to open the album, followed by the aforementioned “Yolanda’s House” with Method Man and Raekwon. The rest of the album plays out like a normal Ghost album, he’s got the formula down to a science by now and keeps things moving on “Walk Around,” “Yapp City,” “Supa GFK” and “Rec-Room Therapy,” while “Paisley Darts” and “Shakey Dog” both have Ghost and Rae going in like the good old days. The album doesn’t stand up to Ironman or Supreme Clientele, but it’s right there with The Pretty Toney Album and Fishscale.
6. The Undisputed Truth – Brother Ali
Ali absolutely kicks the door in with “Whatcha’ Got” starting the album and doesn’t let go. The album is jam packed with bangers and of course Brother Ali brings a message with his music. I’m not a huge fan of political songs, so this album lost my interest in a few spots, but all in all it’s terrific hip-hop. “Truth Is,” “Daylight,” “Take Me Home,” “Walking Away” and “Faheem” are all amazing songs and show how talented Ali is as both an MC and a song writer. “Take Me Home” finds Ali encouraging listeners to put his music up against anyone else’s and he’ll come out on top and “Faheem” is Ali’s letter to his son. It’s absolutely heartfelt and moving. Ali always pours his heart into his music and “Walking Away,” “Faheem” and “Ear To Ear” are prime examples of his passion on the mic.
5. Below The Heavens – Blu & Exile
Admittedly, I am sooo late to the dance with this album. I had heard “So(ul) Amazin’” and absolutely loved it, but couldn’t find the CD in stores so I never got it. Thankfully a little thing called the Internet now allows you to download albums (legally, of course) so I was able to get this album on Amazon for only $6.99. The album starts in incredible fashion with “My World Is…” using the same sample the Smut Peddlers used on “The Red Light.” “The Narrow Path” follows and delivers as well before the tremendous “So(ul) Amazin’” kicks in. “In Remembrance,” “Blu Collar Worker” and “Good Life” are all incredible tracks as well. The album reminds me of Little Brother’s debut, with a West Coast underground twist. I have a feeling that I’ll be listening to this album for a long.
4. Finding Forever – Common
Following up Be was going to be a tall order for Common, but he does a nice job with Finding Forever. It’s not as good as Be, but it has the same vibe (thanks mostly to the contributions from Mr. West) and delivers in every way. “Start The Show” is the perfect song to jump things off, before “The People” takes hold, followed by the Lily Allen featured “Drivin’ Me Wild,” which sounds a lot like Pigeon John’s “As We Know It.” Much like Kweli’s album, it’s the will.i.am contribution “I Want You” that doesn’t really fit. “Southside” brings back the heat, before “The Game” kicks in with an assist from DJ Premier for the scratches on the hook. And then there’s “Misunderstood” which conceptually is my favorite track on the album as Com discusses a hustler and a stripper’s misgivings and a cry to God for a second chance.
3. American Gangster – Jay-Z
Jay went back to his Reasonable Doubt roots on this one and predictably the results were fantastic. Hov had made enough of a career for himself to not have to take it back to the streets, but he showed he was as sharp as ever. The album plays out like a movie (no surprise as the movie of the same title is what inspired Jay to do the album) as you see Hov start to develop his hustle on “American Dreamin’,” celebrate his success on “Roc Boys” and then succumb to the downside of the game on “Fallin’” with Bilal on the hook. Beanie Sigel and Nas make appearances for the excellent “Ignorant Shit” and “Success” respectively, while the bulk of the production is handled by Diddy, Sean C & LV who formulate a great sound throughout. I remember listening to this album as I navigated the snowy streets of Syracuse and it will always remind me of driving to work on Erie Boulevard for the one year I lived in upstate New York.
2. The Cool – Lupe Fiasco
Hot off the heels of his tremendous debut, Food & Liquor, Lupe put any fears of a sophomore slump to rest in convincing fashion. Sonically, the album is a little different from his debut, but it still works. Lupe shows off his immense talent throughout, tackling different flows and a wide array of topics like a well polished MC. Among the highlights are “Go Go Gadget Flow” which finds Lupe spitting in double time, “Superstar” (see above), “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” which is a tale of the journey from unknown to superstar rapper, “Intruder Alert” which discusses sexual abuse, drug addiction and immigration and “Dumb It Down” which takes a look at the noncreative music that littered the airwaves for too long. Lupe tackles so many topics on the album, including some that would be taboo for mainstream artists, and shows why his voice is so important to hip-hop.
1. Graduation – Kanye West
While it’s not on the same level as The College Dropout or Late Registration, Kanye hit another home run with his third album, Graduation. The biggest singles off the album were “Stronger” which used a Daft Punk sample and “Good Life” which featured T-Pain, both being a far cry from songs like “Jesus Walks,” “Through The Wire,” or “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” but they work. I never liked T-Pain, but he was the perfect choice for “Good Life.” If you can’t enjoy yourself listening to that song, then you can’t enjoy yourself period. “Good Morning,” “Champion,” “I Wonder,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Flashing Lights,” “Everything I Am,” and “The Glory” stand up to any song Kanye’s released on his other albums. And then there’s the terrific ode to Jay-Z on “Big Brother.” But while Kanye’s first two releases were classics, a few stumbles stop Graduation from reaching that classic status. “Barry Bonds” featuring Lil Wayne is uninspiring, “Drunk And Hot Girls” is a waste of Mos Def’s talents and “Homecoming” has Kanye recycling lyrics from “Home” which was on his Freshman Adjustment mixtape that came out two years prior. Otherwise, the album is top of the line and another win for Kanye.
All in all, 2007 wasn’t a bad year, but it wasn’t a banner year either. Great music from the usual suspects like Common and Jay-Z, a welcome return of Andre 3000 and Q-Tip rhyming on the mic and my discovery of underground greats like Blu & Exile and Statik Selektah & Termanology.
No comments:
Post a Comment