12.31.2010

Rappers To Watch In 2011

2011 typographic wallpaper 40+ High Quality Colorful 2011 New Year Wallpapers

I first started doing this list last year for HipHopCulture. It got a lot of comments and attention. So here I am again at the end of another year to tell you who to look out for. I'd say that 8 out the 10 rappers I put up went on to have big years. Having Charles Hamilton on last years list made it look less credible. The criteria for this list are rappers that have yet to put out an album.




10. XV
Really, I wonder if he'll ever really get on. I've been a fan of XV for a while. Seems like he gets no credit for what he puts out. He dropped one of the better mixtapes from last year with "Everybody's Nobody" (which is appropriately titled) and was left of the XXL Freshmen cover. Not sure he'll get it this coming year either, but he did drop "Vizzy Zone" this year which is growing on me. Maybe if he drops his long delayed album "The Kid With The Green Backpack" his buzz will get bigger.


Recent Song: The Flying V



9. Cyhi Da Prynce
There's no question for whether he can spit or not. Because if you've heard him on "So Appalled" or "Take One For The Team" you know that by now. For him to really become more popular he needs to drop some of his own tracks though instead of guest verses on Kanye tracks. He did drop "Royal Flush" which was a decent listen. But I feel like he's just getting started.


Recent Song: Hero



8. Show TuFli
He's probably the least known rapper on this list, but Show's been working hard lately. Before this year he was pretty much known as Charles Hamilton's protege, but in this past year he's dropped 2 mixtapes "Soldier of Love (Music Inspired by Sade" and "Keep In Mind That I'm An Artist And I'm Sensitive About My Shit (Music Inspired By Erykah Badu)". Also he currently has a music series going called TuFli Tuesdays. I'm unsure of whether an album is coming in the near future, but he's making a name for himself.


Recent Song: Unbelievable



7. Meek Mill
This one might be a long shot, but Meek is starting to finally gain some buzz outside of the Philly area. He dropped two good mixtapes this year with "Flamers 3" and "Mr. Philadelphia". He's still signed on T.I.'s Grand Hustle label and has definitely gotten the co-sign from Rick Ross and was featured on his latest tape "Ashes To Ashes". Maybe it's not such a long shot.


Recent Song: Play Your Part



6. QuESt
I know this is a bold statement, but he has the best flow in the game for any one coming up. Since last year he's been putting out consistent quality material from "Broken Headphones" to "How Thoughtful". He's currently on his way to releasing "The Reason: A Defense Mechanism". He's one of my favorites but I'm pretty sure he won't have the commercial success that some of the other artists on this list will.


Recent Song: The Samba Thelonious Theory



5. Kendrick Lamar
I feel I just caught wind of this dude recently. But he just brings a new style to the game. He's no where near the best. He's got average lyrics, but he's doing something different. His "Overly Dedicated" mixtape is one of my favorites of the year. He's also gotten the co-sign from Dr. Dre. I'm interested to see which move he's going to make next.


Recent Song: Look Out For Detox

2010 Big Sean Interview at New Era Fitteds Flagship Store

4. Big Sean 
Look who's on the list again this year. Since he didn't drop Finally Famous: The Album this past year he makes it again. At this point, everyone knows what he can do. He's got serious potential to be the next big thing it depends on what does next. He put out one of the best mixtapes of the year with "Finally Famous Vol. 3" and his number of fans keep growing. Seems like he's next to blow up.


Recent Song: Too Fake



3. Jay Electronica
He's the oldest on this list by far. But he and J. Cole probably have the best chance of putting out a classic hip hop album. If Act II ever drops like it was supposed to this past year then it will be a force to reckon with. He's obviously on his way up, even he is already in he's 30's. He was just recently signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. All we can do as fans is wait for the album to drop.


Recent Song: The Shiny Suit Theory



2. J. Cole
It's just about that time Jermaine. He's been signed with Jay-Z for over a year now. He's put out a quality single with "Who Dat" a follow up to "The Warm Up" with "Friday Night Lights". He's been featured on radio hits from artists like Miguel, Sean Garrett and Keri Hilson. It's time to put out that album we've been waiting for. It is expected for a first quarter 2011 release but release dates are always flexible.


Recent Song: 2Face



1. Wiz Khalifa
His time definitely is now. He's been featured on magazine covers. He's had a gold selling single with "Black & Yellow". "Kush & Orange Juice" was my personal favorite mixtape of the year. All he needs to do is put out the expected album. He's already big now. I wonder how big he'll be when the year is over.


Recent Song: Black And Yellow

Most Anticipated Albums For 2011

As this year is coming to an end I thought I would do a post on the most anticipated albums in 2011. This year been a very succesful year in hip-hop for albums with the likes of Kanye West, Eminem, Drake releasing albums in 2010. With albums from Big Boi and Rick Ross which were better than expected. Many albums are expected to come out next year and some rumored too.


Dr Dre album "Detox" seems closer than ever to nearly be finished which should give it
release date some when next year. A month or so ago Dre said he just had to finish a couple more
songs then doing the mixing period. Everyone wants to hear this album as we have
been waiting for so for it. After leaks off song not finished hit the internet Dr Dre had to start on new
songs. But the first single "Kush" off the album is out which features Akon
& Snoop Dogg.


Nas next album should be out late year, he said the summer of 2011. But with his Lost Tapes 2
meant to be out already which it is not as Def Jam had problems with it all. As the label
dont want to put out Lost Tapes 2 for a few reasons. So if Lost Tapes 2 does comes out it
will be some when next year before his next album. As all the music for Lost Tapes 2 is just music
Nas has not used for albums in the past so he does not have to record anything for it. With many producers
want to work with Nas on his next album the likes of DJ Premier and Kanye West.


With most of J Cole debut album almost done he still working on some new songs for the album.
Still trying to find the song for the Jay-Z feature if that happens. We know this album
will be out next year. With most of the production from J Cole, No I.D as well.
After Drake debut album "Thank Me Later" came out this year we know he wants to put out his second
album next year and its called "Take Care". Which he is working on at the moment.


Lupe Fiasco "Lasers" we know this album has been finished and handed in to his label for a while.
But with problems with Atlantic Records not giving it a date for the album to come out.
It caused online petition for the album to come which many fans signed up for and then Fiasco Friday happen which was fans went to Atlantic Record offices then protested. So it got March 8 for Lasers to come out in 2011. On other news Lupe has worked on his next album also.

Thats just some of the albums with many more coming out from the likes of Talib Kweli, Lil Wayne, Slaughterhouse, DJ Premier Vs Pete Rock, Jay Electronica, Blu. Maybe even that
Andre 3000 or Black Thought solo albums?

12.30.2010

Dr. Dre's "I Need A Doctor" Inspired Nas


Alex Da Kid the producer of the latest song of Dr Dre up incoming album "Detox", the song is called "I Need A Doctor" which is from Dr Dre and Eminem it leaked on the internet a while ago. Well the producer Alex Da Kid spoke to hip-hop website SOHH and spoke about Nas next album he working on with him. He said Nas still on the early stages of his next LP and Nas gave him props for the song he worked on with Dre "I Need A Doctor".

Below is what Alex Da Kid said

"I was actually with Nas [recently]," Alex told SOHH. "We were talking about different stuff and I played him a few things I was doing. Actually, on the way to the studio, he heard 'I Need A Doctor,' the new leaked Dr. Dre single and he was telling me how much he loved [it] and we were just talking about stuff. I don't think he's started recording yet or if so, he's super early in on the process of working on the album. We were talking about [linking up] and I'm sure we're gonna make it happen at some point but it's really just talking [for now]. I'm really getting to know him more and more as a person so I can really give him something personal that'll make sense. I'm sure we'll get it in before his album drops." (SOHH)

Soruce - SOHH

Kanye West Ft Rick Ross, Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj Monster Video

Kanye West Ft Rick Ross, Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj Video

Nicki Minaj is killing everything even this video, that was crazy!

12.28.2010

Nicki Minaj King Magazine Extra Pics


Eminem Ft Nas - Topless


Eminem Ft Nas - Topless
Eminem verse was meant to be for Dr Dre.

Nicki Minaj Covers King Magazine


KING: History has shown that acting is the likeliest transition for rappers. Considering your background, do you want to dabble in Hollywood?
NICKI MINAJ: Of course.

What would be your dream role?
I’d like to play someone in a Tim Burton movie, where I get dressed up and painted and crazy.
You kind of do that now.
Then I want to be able to do some action stuff, like Angelina Jolie.
Like in Salt?
Yes! And then I’d like to just play a regular girl who, you know, is facing the world. Something really sentimental and organic, that girls all around the world can identify with. You know, how Jada Pinkett Smith did in Jason’s Lyric.
Classic film. You did mention earlier how everything has been time consuming. But when that time frees up, what kind of guy do you look for to be sentimental and organic with?
Um, I look for someone who is calm, someone who is strong enough to not have to win every argument, someone who allows a woman to be her crazy self and someone with a conscience not to feel less of a man. You know, someone who is able to honor his woman but also bring out the freak in his woman.
How should your Ken bring out the freak in you, Barbie?
Just being super aggressive when the time is right.
Are we talking about Mortal Kombat–style “Come here” aggression?
Just something that makes me feel like they’re in control, when we are behind closed doors


12.27.2010

Asher Roth & Nottz EP Download


The Asher Roth and Nottz EP is here to download.
After a few tracks leak in the past weeks.
Listen to the full EP here

A

DJ Premier & Pete Rock 1 Hour Sitdown


Bonus clip off the DJ Premier VS Pete Rock DVD which is released in Japan.

Talib Kweli Gutter Rainbows Cover


Talib Kweli up incoming album "Gutter Rainbows" artwork above.
The album comes out January 25.

12.26.2010

Nicki Minaj Hot 97 Concert Video & Pics


Nicki Minaj at the Hot 97s Christmast Concert footage below. Other performances included Lloyd Banks and Fabolous.

Hip-Hop In 2010


January in 2010 was quiet not much was happening we learned more about the Nas and Damien Marley album "Distant Relatives". With both As We Enter and The Strong Will Continue full verson leaked on the internet. Kanye West VH1 Storytellers was made in to a CD which came out in early January. With DMX and Krs One had greatest hits type of albums late in the month. Music producer Shawty Redd was arrested on a murder charge.


Febuary had the Grammys recap as it was on the last night of January. It had Jay-Z winning a few awards and Eminem with a couple. The performance of the night was "Forever" & "Drop The World" which has Lil Wayne and Eminem starting off with there song together and Drake came out after to do Forever with them. But Kanye West was not there to perform it and Travis Barker was playing the drums for it. With YoungMoney artist Lil Wayne putting his album out called "Rebirth" which had more rock to it than hip-hop some said. After leaving Aftermath a few years ago Game rejoined Dr Dre label.

March had Lil Wayne start his prison sentence which was thought to be a year long. Which had the artist filmed 30 Music Videos before he went to jail. It was the oppoiste for T.I he left jailed and started to record and work on his seventh album. Lloyd Banks put on his twitter his next album would be called "Hunger For More 2". Luda had an album out for the females called "Battle Of The Sexes". Other notable albuns were from Snoop Dogg , Method Man Ghostface Raekwon, DMX, Tech N9ne.

April had the first hip-hop artist to have a number one in the Hot 100 charts which was from B.o.B "Nothin On You". Dr Dre said in an interview Jay-Z was going to feature on "Detox" first single. Guru from Gangstarr died at the age of 47. Weezy album "Rebirth" went gold. Eminem put on his twitter there no "Relapse 2" as he changed the name to "Recovery" and set a June release date. A mixtape from Wiz Khalifa came out and B.o.B debut album called "B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray " came out.


May had B.o.B debut album went top on Billboard 200 chart. Eminem single "Not Afraid" debut at number one and Young Money album went gold. Long waited album "Distant Relatives" from Nas and Damian Marley came out and Common had a greatest hits album in May. Gucci Mane was released out of Prison.


June was the month were Eminem album "Recovery" debut at number one. Luda single "My Chick Bad" and Lil Wayne's "Drop The World" both went platinum. Drake has his debut album out in June called "Thank Me Later" which sold 449,000 copies. Drake's debut album Thank Me Later sold about 449,000 copies in its first week giving it a #1 debut on the Billboard 200.



July this was the month were rumors of Kanye West new album tracklist hit the internet which was a fake copy. Eminem album went past a million copies sold in the second week and his second single "Love The Way You Life" which featured Rihanna hit number one in the charts. Rick Ross and Big Boi had the biggest albums to come out this month. Also "Pilot Talk" came out from hip-hop artist Curren$y.



August had had Kanye West and Nicki Minaj name were albums titles which were "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and "Pink Friday". Both music videos for Kanye West song "Power" and Eminem song "Love The Way You Lie" came out on the same day. Drake hosted Ovo Festival were it had VIP list of artists the likes of Jay-Z, Eminem, Rick Ross etc. This year hip-hop cash kings 2010 came out which had a order of this Jay-Z, Diddy, Akon, Lil Wayne, Dr Dre. Eminem album Recovery had 2 million copies sold now.

September had the music video for "No Love" and Young Buck album "The Rehab" came out early in the month. Black Milk put out an album called "Album Of The Year". Weezy had an album coming out called "I Am Not a Human Being" and featured alot of Young Money artists. The Eminem and Jay-Z shows were this month and it was called The Home and Home Tour.


October was the month were not much happened T.I changed the name of his album to "No Mercy". And he was sentenced to 11 months in prison. Diggy Simmons second mixtape called Airborne came out. Lloyd Banks album artwork came out and BET hip-hop awards wasd in this month and it had the years Cyphers. One of the hottest albums of the year came out from GOOD Music artist KiD CuDi called ""MOTM2: The Legend Of Mr. Rager". Songs off Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Lloyd Banks albums started to leak on the internet.



November had Lil Wayne release from prison and Dr Dre first single of Detox called "Kush" which featured Akon and Snoop Dogg. Around 22/23 of the month albums from Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Lloyd Banks all came out and got postive reviews. The late rapper Big L had an album out of his music which no one has heard before. Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden put out a mixtape which was succesful.



December had T.I and Redman with albums out in the first week of the month. Wiz Khalifa hit "Black and Yellow" went gold and DMX was sentenced to a year in prison. Last week Ghostface Killah has an album out. Also many mixtapes came out this month from the likes of B.o.B , Diggy Simmons, Rick Ross.

12.25.2010

Lupe Fiasco “The Show Goes On” Video

Lupe Fiasco - "The Show Goes On" Video
Lasers March 8
Merry Christmas Everyone!

12.24.2010

Consequence feat. Diggy Simmons & Mac Miller – I'm V.I.P. C

Consequence feat. Diggy Simmons & Mac Miller – I'm V.I.P


Live Again - Kendrick Lamar x CurT@!n$ x ScHoolboy Q

Live Again Video - Kendrick Lamar x CurT@!n$ x ScHoolboy Q

Kendrick Lamar Speaks On Working On Detox & More

Kendrick Lamar speaks with HardKnockTV and he talks about working with Dr Dre, Detox and much more.

12.23.2010

Diggy Simmons - Past Presents Future Mixtape


#PastPresentsFuture dropping today at 5PM!

Diggy third mixtape is here its called "Past Presents Future" and its hosted by DJ Premier.

Tech N9ne Bad Season Mixtape


Tech N9ne new Mixtape "Bad Sean" hosted by DJ Woo Kidd and DJ Scream.
Its 15 songs and features from Jay Rock, Krizz Kaliko and more.
Some Producers were Dr Dre, Travis Barker and Cookin Soul.

Who To Watch In 2011: Slaughterhouse


Slaughterhouse is a hip-hop group which contains four lyrical artists who are Joe Budden, Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz. Each member of the group are regarded as lyricist and when they formed the group people were calling it supergroup in hip-hop. In 2009 they put out there debut album which was called "Slaughterhouse". With rumors in late 2009 of Eminem wanting to sign the group to his record label.
They appeared in the "Forever" video when it was Eminem verse so many people were saying they were going to sign to Em label. Which they are put the deal still taking place now, with Eminem manager tweeting big news for Shady Records early next year. So I reckon it will be Slaughterhouse signing to Eminem label.
With there next album expected to come out next year and the group working with the likes of Eminem, Dr Dre etc. I think you should watch out for Slaughterhouse next year.

12.22.2010

Profile: DJ Premier


DJ Premier doing his Profile series.

J.Rizzy & LeVI - Take The Game

J.Rizzy & LeVi - Take The Game
Rapping over Travis Porter "Make It Rain"
Im guessing J.Rizzy new mixtape coming?

12.21.2010

Interview With Curtains

Could you tell us abit about yourself and how you got the name Curtains?
"Curtains comes from just having that attitude that you are the end all be all. When you come thru any function, its over, shut down, done deal. CURTAINS."

You recently released your mixtape called "Killer Tape" is there anything you like to say about it?
"Killer Tape is an audio manifestation of inspiration and motivation. I'm just tryna inspire those ears out there to do better and reach beyond whats infront of them."

Is "Killer Tape" different to your other mixtapes if so how come?
"Yes. I get way more personal into my life than I have on any project in my career."

There a song on the mixtape called "Maniac" and it featured Kendrick Lamar and Chace Infinite what was it like working them?
"That record was amazing getting done. Kendrick emailed me his verse back and Chace came thru like 4 in the morning and dropped his verse. I actually got to see his process and it was super dope, seeing him hearing the song to laying his verse down. Chace been like my big bro for almost 8 years now so I look up to him, Kendrick is absolutely one of my favorite rappers of the now."

Its still early days but are you happy so far how well the mixtape is doing?
"I'm beyond amazed at the response its been getting from the people and the media. The response has been insane."

On the internet I read you quit music a few years ago and was working one day, your friend Lupe Fiasco came in to the store you was working in did that have affect on you to back to music?
"Yea, just seeing him happy doing what he loved and making a living, getting his message out there and doing it his way, that motivated me to get back in the ring and contend."

Is there any artists and producers you would like to work with in the next year or so, if so is there any reasons why?
"Pusha T cuz he raps really well."

Do you feel you could ever get on to the XXL Freshman list, as you never put out a offical album before under a label so you still could make the list?
"I feel that I am a good contender for the list. Who knows."

So what does the next year hold for Curtains?
"Tour, Album, & more #Killer"

Is there anything else you would like to say?
"http://www.highsocietylife.com/"

Who To Watch In 2011: Kendrick Lamar



Who to watch in 2011 is going to be a few posts on artists or groups who I think will have a good year in 2011. It might be that they are going to blow up or they are just going to get bigger. I expect Nas to put some posts like this up as he done it before on a number of times. As a few months back he done a post on who he thought would be on XXL Freshman List for 2011.


Kendrick Lamar is up incoming artist from California who has been on the underground scene, who is getting more recognized in the last few months. If you go to sites like his myspace or search his name on youtube you can find his music. There is no doubt he has talent you just got to listen to his version of Kanye West "Monster". Having past mixtapes out you can hear some of his older music and recently he put out a EP called "(O)verly (D)edicated". With Dr Dre saying in an interview he wanted to work with Kendrick Lamaer. We saw Kendrick Lamar put out a song called "Look Out For Detox". So Dre wants to work Kendrick and they met each other for the first time the over month. With Detox still not fully complete they are expected to work on some songs for it. Maybe Kendrick will get on XXL Freshman of 2011 list.

I would not be surprised if we saw Dr Dre try and sign Kendrick Lamar to his label?

12.20.2010

A Star Is Born - Whos Better?

I was just on twitter and saw something interesting so I have made a post out of it. It was about freestyles over "A Star Is Born" which was the song of Jay-Z 2009 album "Blueprint 3" which featured J Cole in the song. Here two freestyle over it one from Diggy Simmons and other from Levi. Who do you think done better?

Diggy Simmons - "A Star Is Born" Freestyle


Levi - "A Star Is Born" Freestyle

J Cole: The Soul Of Cole

J Cole was interview by 2DopeBoyz and TheWellVersed speaks about a range of topics first his latest mixtape and what song of it he wanted Jay-Z to feature on. If his debut album will have any features on it or not and about touring with Drake next year. About Roc Nation having 3 Js now. In the second video why he did not tell anyone he wanted to become a hip-hop artist when he was younger. In part 3 he says if his album will be a illmatic or not and more.



Mixtapes Release Dates Dec 21-27

With Mixtapes playing such a big role in hip-hop now a days seems every artists are making them apart from a few of the biggest mainstream artists e.g. Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West. There are a few mixtapes which I cant wait for them to come out for download in next few weeks. So here are so release dates for them all below.

December 21
Freeway - Diamond In The Ruff
Rap Radar - Mixtape Of The Year

December 23
Diggy Simmons - Past Presents Future

December 24
Rick Ross - Ashes To Ashes

December 25
Gorillaz - The Fall
Talib Kweli & DJ Smallz - Southern Smoke, Northern Lights
Tech N9ne & DJ Whoo Kid - Bad Season

December 27
Asher Roth & Nottz - Rawth EP

Make sure to check back soon as the mixtapes will be posted on here or AudioDope.

Shade 45 To Play Eminem Detroit Concert


Today Eminem announced on Shade 45 that the Home and Home concert from Detroit will have the audio on Shade 45 on New Years Eve. It had performances from Eminem, Jay-Z, B.o.B, D-12, 50 Cent, and much more. So make your you check it out.

12.19.2010

Online Petiton For Def Jam To Release Nas Lost Tapes 2


Remember Nas put out "The Lost Tapes" in 2002 which was all unused music from him. Then he said a few months ago there was going to be a Lost Tapes 2. But some problems with Def Jam has resulted is us knowing nothing about whats happening with it. So like they did with Lupe and Lasers they have made an online petition for Def Jam to put out Lost Tapes 2. Sign up here.

Tell people about it !

Eminem & Lil Wayne On SNL

Eminem and Lil Wayne performing "No Love" for the first time together on Saturday Night Live.

But they both came out again to perform this time it was separate songs. Eminem and his hype man Mr Porter from D-12 performed "Wont Back Down" from Recovery. Maybe its the newest single from the album? Then Lil Wayne jumped on stage and performed his new single "6ft 7" from his next album Carter 4.

12.17.2010

LL Cool J Snubbed By Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame


LL Cool J has been snubbed by the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He was announced in the inductees for this year list but has been denied for the second time in two years. LL Cool is arguably one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time and his music is recognize by many. In the 1980s when a young Queens rapper burst onto the scene of hip-hop. He was signed to Def Jam during the stage of Run D.M.C , Beastie Boys etc. Making 12 albums under his time with the label from 85 to 08. Now doing more acting now a days still a hip-hop icon to all. To me he deserves to be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
There is always next year?

Big Sean Speaks On Album, Taz Arnold Etc


Big Sean speaks on his debut album, Taz Arnold and more.

12.15.2010

2010: Albums of The Year





You saw the mixtape of the year post by Nas, so I thought I would do my top albums of the year.


10. Rick Ross: Teflon Don - I never really been a big Rick Ross fan but this album changed my view of him. As its his best album I would say. A lot of features though on the album I think he had 11 or 12 on there. Should of cut down on the guest spots I reckon. You could say alot of his song are about the same subject?
Best Songs: "Free Mason", "Live Fast, Die Young", "Im Not A Star".

File:Pink Friday album cover.jpg
9. Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday - This album has had mixed reviews since it came out by people. Well I enjoy the album and you cant say Nicki has not blown up this year. Some jumping on features, number one hits and turning in to the mainstream artist. She has not used being on Young Money to her success. Most people recognized her on Kanye song "Monster" there she had the best verse. The album its self alot of decent tracks features from Eminem, Kanye West, Drake, Rihanna. When Nicki spitting on a track its normally dope I would say which does best on the track with Ye on the album. Some of the production I was not keen on I would say. Best Songs - "Moment 4 Live", "Blazin", "Fly".
File:20101103-NOMERCY1.jpg
 8 . T.I: No Mercy - This album only came out a couple of weeks ago but we been waiting for it for some time. As T.I was in prison for some parts of last year and this year it delayed the album. Originally was going to be called "King Uncaged" but name got changed and T.I said in an interview he has over 100 songs for the album. Not his best album I would say but it was very consistent with each song. Could argue maybe to many features but it showed T.I best music. Powerful lyrics in the songs and some nice production also.
Best Songs: "Welcome To The World", "Thats All She Wrote", "Castle Walls".
File:ThankMeLater.jpg

7. Drake: Thank Me Later - This was Drake debut album who had alot of success from his past mixtapes what got him signed to Young Money. Last year he was up for grammys and much more and he did not even have an album out. So back to this album Drake shows his talent rapping and singing in parts no auto-tune. I thought there was some tracks which stood out abit more than others. I feel Drake wanted the album to be a bit different but did not happen. As before the album came out I saw he wanted to get Eminem and Dr Dre on a song which did not happen. All good features on the album and Drake stays with his normal producers which is dope. When the album came out people were going crazy over it. Best Songs - "Light Up", "Thank Me Now", "Over".


File:Big-boi-sir-lucious-left-foot-the-son-of-chico-dusty-HQ.jpg

6. Big Boi: Sir Lucious Left Foot The Son Of Chico Dusty - This is Big Boi from duo group Outkast and its his first solo album. Some might argue this should be higher on the list. The album has been in the making for a few years. Were still waiting for Andre 3000 solo album also. One of the top southern album of the year without doubt. A few features on the album but all work on the album. All of the songs are solid you wont want to skip any when your listening to the album. His lyricism is great I feel and the beats all link in with his raps. Also one song was produced by Andre 3000 on the album. Album done well in the charts as well.
Best Songs: "Shutterbugg", "Be Still", "You Aint No DJ".


5. KiD CuDi: Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager - Getting in to top five now, this album came out the over month and it impressed me alot. Cudi first album I really like and I knew I was going to like this. I been waiting for this album for a while but has not disappointed me. Same vibe to his first album I would say. The way Cudi raps no one else does I would say. His own style. The album had great production Emile produced a lot of the tracks who im a big fan of his beats. All the production was excellencent and beats suit Kid Cudi alot. Not to many features which is good as more solo Cudi tracks. I dont know if this album is on the same level as his first album but still better than most albums this year. This album got me in to underground artist Cage who features on the album.
Best Tracks - "Dont Play This Song", ""Ashin' Kusher", "Mojo So Dope" 


4. B.o.B: B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray  - Seems like this album came out ages ago now when it was April I think. Been a fan of Bobby Ray since his mixtapes. This album is hip-hop but it can fit in to other genre kind of. Very solid album all tracks are great. Is he bringing southern rap back? Next Andre maybe? He is signed to T.I label also. The intro of the album is "Done Let Me Fall" great way to start the album. Great features on the album Lupe Fiasco, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monae, Hayley Williams, T.I. Still feel this album is underrated and he produces a lot of the tracks himself. All the beats suit B.o.B I would say, its unique how they suit him.
Best Songs - "Airplanes Part 2", "Past My Shades", "Ghost in the Machine".



3. Nas & Damian Marley: Distant Relatives - Without a doubt one of the best albums this year. Great idea for these two to work on an album together. Nas had not put out an album since 2008 before this. They were looking on this album for about a year or maybe a bit longer before it came out. So you could say it was a long time in the making. Who would of thought hip-hop and reggae would work well together like it did? All of Damian Marley vocals and verses were great and same with Nas verses. No bad songs on the album. With Damian producing most of the album also which was good to see. Lil Wayne had a feature on the album which he had one of his best verses of the year on. Album was really done for Africa and to say we are all distant relatives in a way. So the song and album have messages behide them. Showed Nas is still one of the best hip-hop artist out there after hearing the album. Would love to see another album from them.
Best Songs - "As We Enter", "My Generation", "Dispear"

2. Kanye West: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - This was Kanye West comeback album as some people said. After the Taylor Swift thing Kanye went away for some time and this was his come back to the spot light. You could also say his come back to hip-hop as his fourth album 808s was not that hip-hop really. This album is a production master piece in my eyes every single song is produced to great ability. Nothing short of what I expected from a great producer which is Kanye West. The tracks themselfs were great some stood out more than others I would say. Alot of features some suit the song but needed more solo Ye rapping I wanted to see. So many classic tracks on the album as well. One song was autotune which I did not like that much. You can tell the album took along time to make getting all the artists parts and that. It lived up to what people thought of it I must say. Now cant wait for the joint album of Jay-Z and Kanye next year.
Best Songs - "All Of The Lights", "Blame Game", "Dark Fantasy".


1. Eminem: Reocvery - This is album of the year for me for so many reasons it was number one for so many weeks, Eminem up for 10 grammys and its some of Eminem best work. Reminds me of his early albums abit. Every single track is great and there our messages in the song. Em worked with different producers on the album Boi-1da, DJ Khalil, Just Blaze, Havoc, Alex Da Kid, Emile which suited Em well. Still had producers like Dre and Mr Porter as well on the album. All four features on the songs killed there parts like Lil Wayne in No Love etc. His lyrics are back to his best and the flow is incredible. He is back on top of hip-hop no one is on his level at moment. The song for Proof is one of the best I have heard in a long time. You can see Eminem has put so much work in to this album. I could talk about this album all day.
Best Songs - "You're Never Over","No Love", "Going Through Changes".

There been many great albums this year and this was hard to make. It might even change in next few weeks or so it depends. Could of even done a top 20 post. As there out other albums like Lloyd Banks Hunger For More 2, The Roots How I Got Over, Black Milk Album Of The Year, Reflection Eternal Revolutions Per Minute and more.