An important day for hip-hop
If you're a hip-hop fan, there hasn't been a lot to get excited about in 2010.
Now, before you start flaming me for "knowing nothing about hip-hop" and emailing me YouTube links to that hot new track by MC Pimp Boy and DJ Mack Daddylicious, let me justify myself.
Radio stations are awash with the AutoTuned madness of idiots like Jason Derulo, Eminem is resting so far back on his laurels it looks like he'll never recover, Lil Wayne's Rebirth was an unlistenable nu-metal mess, and will we ever hear Dr Dre's Detox or The Game's RED?
And where the heck is Missy Elliott? Is she too busy amassing bling to make new music?
On top of that, I'm struggling to think of a new rapper that's managed to impress over the last 12 months - locally or internationally. Rest assured, I'd be happy for you to prove me wrong.
The only hip-hop I've listened to and loved this year has been E-40's bonkers double album Revenue Retrievin,' occasional moments on Wu Massacre, those new Kid Cudi tracks, Kanye West's track Power and - if you can call it hip-hop - MIA's Maya.
Go listen to Steppin' Up and tell me you didn't enjoy it. Liar.
So, today might be something of a turning point. Two albums have just landed on my desk, both of them are out this week, and they promise much. I reckon they deliver on those promises.
The first is from Big Boi, one-half of the highly intelligent, inventive and celebrated rap duo Outkast and is an album that's been delayed almost as long as Detox. For my money, Sir Luscious Left Foot proves Big Boi was the brains behind Outkast all along.
Label battles mean you won't hear his eccentric partner Andre 3000 on his solo debut, unlike excellent early single Royal Flush, but it doesn't matter. It's all gold.
Sir Luscious is filled with the kind of celebratory hip-hop you won't be able to turn off, with sparse beats, warped synths and wonderful guest spots. Check out Follow Us, You Ain't No DJ and Hustle Blood for proof.
Heck, you don't have to believe me - go read Pitchfork's near-perfect review.
The other record comes from The Roots, and it's a bit of a reinvention for the eight-piece hip-hop stalwarts often described as rap's best live band. Stunningly soulful, deliciously different and a bit of a change of pace for Jimmy Fallon's late-night inhouse band.
Favourite tracks? The Fire's got a great hook led by crooner John Legend, first single How I Got Over is a slow-burning stomper, and the bonus track Hustla is worth a listen too.
Over to you. Are these records enough to save hip-hop in 2010? What, if any, hip-hop are you listening to at the moment? And how much bling are you wearing right now?
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The new Flying Lotus album, parts of Jamie Lidell's Compass could be considered hip-hop, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek's new Reflection Eternal album, Janelle Monae, Hudson Mohawk (older but still on the dial) and a heap of great live shows - I reckon hip-hop in 2010 has been pretty good so far. And yeah, really digging The Roots album.
Have a go listening to Drake, I'm pretty sure you would have thrown that in there to once you have had a listen! Let us know!
Check out some Nicki Minaj - that girl is amazing
bieber is rockin it hard right now. just cos he's white u gotta knock him down ay cuz?
Bone Thugs, DJ Khaled, Usher, Lil Jon all have a few good songs on their new albums.
J Cole's (first signee to Jay Z's new label rock nation) debut should be fire, listen to the warm up mixtape for proof.
but im mainly hanging out for G.O.O.D MUSIC day (September 14th) when big sean,kanye and consequence release their albums (sure one or all will most prolly be delayed but dreams are free right?)
big sean is kanye's new signee and he has a hot mix tape called finally famous, check it
Anything by Blu, or Fashawn. Looking forward to the new Black Milk album. Nas and Damian Marley's album was incredible. Totally agree with The Roots and Big Boi's latest effort. Drake's album was nice, I won't lie. J. Cole stays winning, and I'm liking most of the stuff coming from Royce Da 5"9 lately. I'd be keen for some new stuff from D.Dallas and Homebrew too - our NZ hip hop scene is thriving as of late. Also lookin out for that new Slum Village album :D
yeah agree with the blu and fashawn calls, fashawns album was amazing
and if you havn't heard Below the Heavens by Blu and Exile your seriously missing out ( its a couple of years old tho 2007)
Reflection Eternal - revolutions per minute was gold that and distant relatives are prolly my fav albums of the year
DRAKE enough said
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