Top 10 Albums of 2009

This was bound to happen sooner or later - but not too late. Here is, in my opinion, the top 10 best hip-hop albums of this year with an extremely brief explanation.

1. Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... II - I already mentioned this album in the top 10 of the decade. This album really stuck to me. Awesome production, lyrics and cameos, what more could I ask for?

2. Wale - Back to the Feature - This was easily my summer album. So many summer jams. Amazing production by 9th Wonder on the bulk of the mixtape, also less mainstream lyricism than in Wale's Attention Deficit.

3. Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse - One of the harder albums of '09. Royce, Joell Ortiz, Buddens and Crooked I all kill it on this collaboration. This supergroup collaborated to promote their solo careers further, in doing so they put out a real serious album.

4. Mos Def - The Ecstatic - This album is simply awesome. The beats are smooth as butter and the lyrics and flow are wonderful.

5. Jay-Z - Blueprint 3 - Probably one of the "core hip-hop fans" biggest let down of the year. B3 takes a whole new approach compared to other Jay albums. Admittedly I am not all ears for the entire album, but Jigga knows what he is talking about.

6. Large Professor - The LP - Its like stepping into a time machine. This album brings old school style to modern day hip-hop successfully. Large Professor was one of New York's most renowned producers in the 90s, don't sleep on this album.

7. Wu-Tang Clan - Chamber Music - Although this album was no officially released under the Wu-Tang title, I'm going to consider it a Wu release. Most of the Clan have an appearance along with some classic guest spots. Better than 8 Diagrams to say the least.

8. UGK - UGK 4 Life - Bun B and Pimp C are UGK, and this album is a posthumous release since Pimp C died in December of 2007. Bun took the direction of the album the way it should be - classic UGK, who can hate on that?

9. BlakRoc - BlakRoc - A nice collaboration between blues rock group the Black Keys and some of the game's top hip-hop artists like Mos Def, RZA, M.O.P., Q-Tip and more. Keeping the tradition of collaborations alive this decade, this is easily the best collab of 2009.

10. Eminem - Relapse - This was one of this years most anticipated albums, and it did fairly well. I'm more into older Em - Encore did not really do it for me. The album was produced entirely by Dr. Dre - basically Eminem picked beats out of Dre's extensive catalogue. The album was solid none the less, maybe not to everyones expectations.

Basketball References and Theater of the Mind

Ludacris' Theater of the Mind might be a bit over a year old, but I still listen to it on the daily. It's really hard not to - in my opinion this is one of Luda's best releases production wise and also very solid lyrically. With his wit and hysterical metaphors, how can you not love this guy? One thing I've noticed in the past year is that this album has numerous basketball references. So for the sake of humorous lyrics and over all knowledge here are the ones I've noticed.

"Gettin' live buying bottles thats taller than Chris Webber." (Everybody Hates Chris)

"The car is all black like it got traded to the Timberwolves." (Wish You Would)

"And I keep a little bit of that green up in the lining, but as the weather change my weed adjust to different climates, green in the summer time, orange in the spring, now its black with that purp I call my whip the Sac [ramento] Kings." (Wish You Would)

"Bow down to greatness before I get pissed and (Piston) run up in the stands like the Indiana Pacers." (Undisputed)

"You got defeated by the heat, but we'll just say we Alonzo (Mourning) mourned ya." (Undisputed)

"I'm on point like CP3, (Chris Paul) and I'll be going down in rap as the MVP." (MVP)

Hey Y'all

What up? Hope everyone had a merry christmas or are just straight up enjoying the holidays. I had a nice, enjoyable christmas morning with the family. Parents got me NBA Live 10 for XBox 360 along with a Paul Pierce jersey and some gift cards. There really aren't that many surprises once you pass a certain age - it's just nice that every christmas morning feels as wonderful as the rest. I wish I had some music to toss your way, usually every year I get a CD or two, but this year I didn't get any... so, I am going to randomly shuffle my iTunes and post the first 5 songs that come up:

The Streets - Turn The Page

Talib Kweli - Waiting For The DJ

Beanie Sigel - I'm In

Dizzee Rascal - Dream

Jay-Z - No Hook

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - Honorable Mentions

One of the hardest things about composing a list that highlights amazing albums within a ten year span is making the cut from the eleventh album to the tenth. There are so many albums that I wanted on that list, but couldn't do it. Here are some of them.

OutKast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below - The individual creativity of both Big Boi and Andre 3000 come out on this album. It is basically their solo work combined on a double disk of fire. Big Boi's Speakerboxxx is a hood favorite while Three-Stacks' The Love Below is more poetic and ventures into numerous different styles of music. The hottest singles off the album were "Hey Ya!" and "Roses," which both came off of 3000's The Love Below. Personally, I think Speakerboxxx is better.

Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele - This album just made the cut. Released January 25th, 2000, Supreme Clientele displays classic Wu beats by RZA and Mathematics to name a few. Check out the classics "Apollo Kids" featuring Raekwon and "Mighty Healthy".

Nas - Stillmatic - This would be album #11 if the list was more expansive, and damn I am disappointed it couldn't show up anywhere because it deserves all the recognition it could get. A Nasir Jones classic that addresses issues from the government and foreign policy in the track "Rule" to street life in "Got Yourself A..." to his world famous Jigga diss "Ether".

Talib Kweli - Quality - Amazing flow and lyrics combined with classic production from J Dilla, Kanye West, Ayatolla and more make for a high quality album (pardon that grade school caliber pun). Kweli's "Get By," to me, is one of the best tracks to ever come out this decade and it has nothing to do with its mainstream appeal. Quality also delivers upbeat tracks like "Shock Body" to the mellower "Put It In The Air" featuring DJ Quik. This album is easily Kweli Greene's best work since his collaboration with Mos Def on Black Star. Some of my favorite lines and flows come from this album.

50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die Tryin' - It is almost amazing that you could go from this album to work like Curtis and Before I Self Destruct. 50 is a prime example of not staying true to the roots. Get Rich Or Die Tryin' had numerous hood favorites, but since then his work has been a product of industry standards. He's making bank, but loosing respect by doing so. GRODT was incredibly hyped, and lived up to its standards, putting out chart topping singles "In da Club", "21 Questions" and "P.I.M.P." The album ventured out of the east coast/New York style of sampling and used more synths, clap drums, horns - it basically sounded like a Southern album coming out of South-side Jamaica Queens, N.Y.

Boombox, V11

I hope everyone is having a great holiday vacation. My gift to you is some more great hip-hop jams.

Redman - Coc Back (Feat. Ready Roc) - After The Fugees, Redman is my favorite artist from New Jersey. Funk Doctor Spock Redman spits pretty hard and flows nice on this one.

Blu & Exile - My World Is... - Kellen recommended Blu & Exile to me. The album Below the Heavens is amazing and incredibly underrated. "but Nas told me 'The World is Yours" before "Halftime." Any owner of Illmatic knows what he's talking about.

Snoop "Doggy" Dogg - For All My N*ggaz & Bitches - Why not?

Jay-Z - Hola Hovito - In light of Jigga's Blueprint ranking numero uno on my top 10 albums of the decade list check out one of the albums singles.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 1

1. Jay-Z - The Blueprint

September 11th, 2001 was not only a historic day that would shape international affairs - you know what I mean without getting too far into it - but was also coincidentally the date release of Jay-Z's The Blueprint, which pushed the limits of the rap game in production and direction, but still displaying classic Jay-Z that the world has already been accustomed to since the 1996 release of Reasonable Doubt.

I got a facebook inbox today from my friend Kellen that predicted that this would be the #1 pick. Was it because he knows me and my taste so well, or is it that this album truly is the best thing to happen to hip-hop in the 2000's? I'm going with both.

Hip-hop critics and aficionados credit mostly The Blueprint or Reasonable Doubt as Jay-Z's best work. Though it is difficult to for me to decide, Blueprint proved that Jay-Z could still pump out amazing material since his debut album in 1996. The Blueprint was put out at the height of the Jay-Z/Nas beef, where the two New Yorkers exchanged a number of diss tracks, and also more subliminal disses on studio albums. The track "Five to One," produced by Kanye West, samples The Doors and attacks Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Production of the album is mainly handled by Mr. West, but also features Just Blaze, Timbaland and Eminem to name a few. Like I said when I was talking about College Dropout, the Kanye beats rely heavily on soul and R&B samples from Bobby "Blue" Bland, Jackson 5 and David Ruffin. Other sampled artists include Slick Rick, Al Green, KRS-One, David Bowie and The Doors (and more...). The albums production is a clean A+, outdoing so many albums that came before it, and also albums that followed it. This being said, it is no surprise that The Blueprint appealed to everyone from the suburban, mainstream listener to inner city thugs that been on that Jay-Z shit since Reasonable Doubt. Jay's lyrics explore numerous subjects like street etiquette, fame, women and plain ol' American society - this is another clear reason why it received unanimous praise and mainstream success - there was something for everybody. "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" not only became one the albums most celebrated tracks, but also Jigga's career anthem, highlighting his younger days as kid turned hustler and his recording industry history. This track was also considered Kanye's breakthrough beat, launching him into his prolific production career.

In short, and in my opinion, The Blueprint is the best album to be released in the 2000's. Stepping up in: production quality; outstanding, bountiful lyrics; wide ranging flows, Jay-Z displays confidence in himself along with his creativity and desire to move forward with his music. Like Jigga's one time foe spit in his Stillmatic intro "... but its always forward I'm movin', never backwards stupid here's another classic..." Jay continued this trend as the years moved on, now he is arguably the greatest rapper alive.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 2

2. Kanye West - College Dropout

Yes. Kanye made the list twice. On a list that is dominated by albums that were well received in the mainstream it only makes sense. College Dropout is Kanye's first release, after working heavily producing music for Jay-Z in The Blueprint, also working Beanie Sigel, Scarface, T.I., Cam'ron and Talib Kweli to name a few. After proving himself as a renowned producer, making Jay-Z's classic anthem "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," West proved to critics that he had the ability to also spit game about more than guns and drug dealing.

The album was released in February of 2004 and fared wonderfully on the charts, producing three top ten singles and putting out two others that did well, to say the least. His first single was "Through the Wire," which talks about a car accident that Kanye was involved in, thankfully escaping death, leaving him with a broken jaw. On the track Kanye raps with his jaw wired shut, making him sound nothing like he usually would. His forth single would be his most successful, "Jesus Walks" launched on to the charts and deservingly won a Grammy for the best rap song of the year. Lyrically, the album ventures away from the then dominant street gangster rap into a more observational approach, touching up on subjects that Kanye felt were worth addressing in current affairs. Things from the government, materialism, religion and more are explored on the album. The fact that Kanye managed to create a mass fan base and following by doing something different and untraditional in mainstream rap is well worth applauding. It is also important to realize that the entire album was produced by 'Ye, relying heavily on soul and R&B samples like Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire," and also other tracks by Curtis Mayfield, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin and more. The albums that followed College Dropout do not follow this trend, but instead are proof of Kanye's innovative style and progression in hip-hop. All this being said, I think it is pretty obvious that Kanye deserves a spot high up on the charts, even two spots.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 3

3. Ghostface Killah - Fishscale

I love this album, from the day it was released to the present day I can listen to Fishscale through without getting bored of it. I bought the album the day it came out, kind of as an impulse buy at Future Shop as they had it on display at the end of the hip-hop/rap aisle. I only had enough money to buy one of the two albums in hand, I don't even remember what album the other was, but it didn't matter, I made the right choice and bought the Ghostface disk.

Ghost worked hard this decade, putting out seven solo albums and collaborations with Trife, not to mention his work with the Wu-Tang Clan. Out of all this, Fishscale ranks highest for Ghostface releases - even higher than Supreme Clientele. On this album Ghost comes through like he often does: load and fast paced for a portion of the tracks, the rest a bit slower paced, but none the less maintain the standard Ghostface flow, lyrical style and humor. Ghost is known for his wacky lyrics. He opens his part in "9 Milli Bros" screaming "Y'all be nice to the crack heads!" In "Shakey Dog," the drug deal gone wrong story of Shakey, Ghost calls a female holding a gun a "big tittie bitch" then seconds later "I'm on the ground like holy shit!" displaying Ghost's loose humor. The majority of the album's content deals with cocaine, hence the name Fishscale. There some different tracks, like "Momma," which talks about Ghost supporting and respecting a woman that went through all horrible walks of life under uncontrollable circumstances, or the albums first single "Back Like That" featuring Ne-Yo, which talks about Ghost's ex-girlfriend cheating on him with a man that he strongly dislikes. "Three Bricks" is Ghost and Raekwon's addition to Notorious B.I.G.'s "Niggas Bleed," which includes the first part of Biggie's track on an intense piano beat produced by Cool & Dre. Like most Ghostface releases, the album features Wu members and a few other artists like Ne-Yo, Megan Rochell and Sean Wigs, but mostly Raekwon and Trife, who is not a part of Wu. The album has a nice balance of production by Pete Rock, MF Doom, J Dilla, Just Blaze and more, but still the album remains true to the traditional Ghostface Killah style of music that critics praised, and yet not that many people bought. Do yourself a favor and buy this album, it is one of the few recent classic releases. As I wrap this up, I'd like to say as I watch MTV Teen Cribs, kids now a days are fucking spoiled.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 4

4. OutKast - Stankonia

I think it is a no brainer that this album made the list. "Bombs Over Bagdad" and "Ms. Jackson" were some of the biggest hits in 2000-01, especially Ms Jackson. Perhaps it was overplayed? Probably, but don't let that affect how you much you like the album, Stankonia is filled with classics - 24 tracks (including the interludes), you're bound to find something tight between Gasoline Dreams to Gangsta Shit. Stankonia was OutKast's forth studio album, and though their previous work was much praised, Stankonia was proof that the duo from Georgia meant business, perhaps not in their lyrics, but in the art of hip-hop. The two released Southernplayalistcadillacmuzik in 1994 and been putting out solid gold ever since. Stankonia, like other OutKast releases display the duo's lyrical ability and their individual styles - Big Boi traditionally raps about pimps, players, hoes, guns and Cadillacs, meanwhile Andre 3000 displays playful humor, tricky wordplay and sick metaphors. If you ever want to see how different Big Boi and Andree 3000 are just check out Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, their solo missions combined into one double-disk collaboration, that like Stankonia, runs shit.

Stankonia was also well received as the groups successful crossover album into the mainstream. Now, I'm not trying to say that old OutKast was not at all mainstream, what I mean is that Stankonia ventured away from the surreal intergalactic and space age rap as seen on ATLiens and Aquemini to more relative content. Listen to "Return of the 'G'," the intro track to Aquemini, at the end there is a skit that explains what I mean. "At first they were some pimps man, then there was some aliens or some genies, then talking about black rights in space man... I ain't fuckin' with them no more."

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 5

5. The Roots - Phrenology

I love The Roots. They are easily one of my favorite groups off all-time. I'll never forget the first time I heard The Roots on Much Music - the song was "You Got Me." That got me instantly hooked.

Phrenology was The Roots' first album of the 2000's, and though it did not fair as well as Things Fall Apart did in the mainstream, it was a much played and much appreciated album in my books (and respectively, the charts). Everybody knows the hit single "The Seed 2.0," which interestingly enough, when played live is mixed with Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up." Much like Things Fall Apart, Phrenology weighs heavily on The Roots' traditional edgy, jam funk hip-hop style that created a huge following after Illadelph Halflife in '96. Lyrically, Black Thought can compel you (Break You Off), make your head bop (Seed 2.0), or just straight up blow you away (Rock You) with his talent and different styles of delivery throughout the album. And though Black Thought is a crucial member of the group, the band itself is nothing short of amazing. Questlove, The Roots' iconic drummer, provides the listener with authentic drumming that you do not get with many other hip-hop acts. Though The Roots perform with a keyboard, the involvement of the entire band is crucial to their unique, yet amazing sound.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 6

6. Kanye West - Graduation

Kanye, like Eminem is really an artist that need no introduction, however, unlike Em, Kanye took hip-hop to brand new heights with less controversial lyrics, proving that you can reach the top without a thuggish ruggish past or gun-talk and murder.

Graduation ranks number six on my list because of Kanye's ability constantly progress and change hip-hop and remain at the forefront as he does so. When Kanye is not making his own music, he is making someone else's. He produced a significant number of this decades hit music and also guest starred on some of the hottest tracks. Unlike College Dropout and Late Registration, Graduation was a shift in Kanye's musical style that had a huge impact on hip-hop in the late quarter of the 00's. The beats are dominantly electronically inspired, like "Stronger," which samples Daft Punk and also tracks like "I Wonder" and "Flashing Lights," which is a huge change from the common soul and R&B sampling from his previous albums. Even after this transformation, Graduation was unanimously a crowd and critic pleaser that produced a handful of chart-topping singles. Lyrically, Kanye shifted from a more observational perspective, often rapping about problems in America and also the occasional slow jam and slow riding tune to personal success and the life of an "A" list celebrity. Through all this, Kanye still managed to maintain his emotional style of delivery that entices the listener.

In switching his style up and looking forward with confidence, Kanye managed to do it right and with style. This album was Kanye's graduation from hip-hop university into a world of change... 808's & Heartbreaks. "And with my ego, I could stand there in a speedo and be looked at as fucking hero." -Kanye, The Glory.

Late Night Sandwiches

Came across this today. Some Roots jams from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Check it out, some nice stuff up in here.

Sandwiches.

Biebel Ballin'

Again, I hate to break the chain on the Top Albums but I felt the need to post this. It involved basketball and skateboarding, from the pro-skateboarder that is notoriously linked with the two.

In this clip Brandon Biebel is interviewed after a pre-game scrimmage in Sacramento.

Thanks Mark Feero for posting this on facebook. If you wanna see how good Brandon Biebel is on a skateboard, look here:

Spud & Manute

I hate to break the consistency of the Top 10 Albums of the Decade, but I felt like this needed to be posted. My friend Ciaran showed me this yesterday as we watched the Mavericks beat the Hornets. The pic is from our friend Colin's facebook. It is Manute Bol (7'7") and Spud Webb (5'7"). Webb is the shortest player in NBA history to ever win a dunk competition, followed by Nate Robinson. If you guys remember the dunk comp from two years ago, Webb had a cameo in Nate's dunk routine. Enough of getting side tracked though, here is a pic of Spud & Manute:

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 7

7. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP

You can hate him or love him, I'm sure Eminem doesn't care. Acclaimed as one of the most controversial rappers of all time, this white rapper from Detroit exploded on to the hip-hop and pop charts with the hit single "My Name Is" in 1999 and hasn't stepped out of the limelight since. After building up an incredibly large fan-base off of two singles, Em released the Marshall Mathers LP, which would go down in the history books as one of hip-hops most praised albums by critics, but most criticized by mainstream society. Unlike the Slim Shady LP which focused on his persona (Slim Shady), the Marshall Mathers LP weighs in heavily on the dark, disturbed personal life on Marshall Mathers (Eminem's real name). Mather's hatred towards critics, family and his ex-wife Kim are blatantly obvious throughout the album. I guess the first track after the intro titled "Kill You" is a disclaimer to those that want to hate and beef with Shady.

When it comes to lyrical content not much needs to be said about Eminem. I wasn't allowed to buy his albums for two reasons: my mother was a responsible parent; parental advisory stickers became hot after Eminem, Korn and Limp Bizkit put out albums. Noteworthy is Eminem's style through the entire album, jumping back and forth from dark, violent personal raps to outrageous comedic acts. The Marshall Mathers LP put out four singles, three of them dominating the charts for months: The Real Slim Shady, The Way I Am, and Stan. Thank God for "Stan," the hook by Dido made my mother even like the track, which I'm sure allowed me to eventually buy the album.

You can write a story book about Eminem and his controversies, albums, style, 8-Mile, and so on, but I am going to stop here. I don't want my number 7 choice for album of the decade to have the longest, most descriptive write up.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 8

8. Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Part II

This album deserves to be on the list for a number of reasons. For one, Raekwon maintains his flawless, crime-ridden, mafia don storytelling technique that made the original Only Built 4 Cuban Linx so amazing (mind you, there are differences...). As usual, Rae gets the bulk of his beats from the Wu camp, but also uses some classic J Dilla beats, like on the "House of Flying Daggers." I also feel this album deserves to be listed because it simply lived up to its hype. How many "older" artists do that? 50 Cent has put out a series of flops since Get Rich Or Die Trying and even Jay-Z released some mediocre work (and I'm not downplaying Blueprint 3, more or less B2 & Kingdom Come). OB4CL... II keeps the Cuban Linx trilogy hot. The album also features the majority of the Wu-Tang Clan and also Styles P, Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel, however, Raekwon is the don.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 9

9. Gang Starr - The Ownerz

I can't stress enough how many times I went through my CD collection, iTunes, and old tapes/CD-Rs to try and find what I feel is the best representation of amazing hip-hop from the past 10 years. My rough draft had about 30 albums on it, cutting out 20 albums that I feel are not only amazing, but had a strong impact on hip-hop, was far from easy.

We all know Gang Starr, the dynamic duo consisting of Guru and DJ Premier, and their everlasting impact on East Coast hip-hop. The only release Gang Starr put out this decade is the Ownerz, their final album before the two disbanded. Gang Starr stays consistent to their roots as The Ownerz brings classic Premier production filled with jazzy samples and piano riffs and the casual Guru smooth, free-flowing lyricism (check out song titled "The Ownerz" for example, a perfect summary of what the album has to offer). The album also features some New York heavyweights like M.O.P., Jadakiss, Freddie Foxxx, Fat Joe, Bean Town label-mate Big Shug and LBC's Snoop Dogg, although half of them do not compare to Guru's raw lyricism. This album is proof of Gang Starr's longevity in hip-hop - sucka free since '89.

Top 10 Albums of the Decade - 10

Alright, so before I get started I would just like to say that the criteria used to make this list is twofold: my personal sentiment towards to album is obviously the strongest, however, with a list like this, looking over an entire decade of hip-hop is no easy task and an album's mainstream influence must be considered. That being said, I will gradually post my way to number 1, hopefully before Christmas.

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10. The Game - The Documentary

In 2005 The Game released The Documentary, which became on of the West Coast's biggest releases since Dr. Dre's Chronic 2001. During the albums production stages Game was signed to Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope and G-Unit, along with featuring countless hip-hop and R&B big timers on his debut album. The album put out five singles, the two most popular being "Hate It Or Love It" featuring 50 Cent and produced by Cool & Dre, and also "How We Do," which again featured 50 Cent. The production on the album was handled Dr. Dre, but also featured Cool & Dre, Just Blaze, Kanye West, Timbaland and more. It sold over half a million records in its first week, and has since reached to 5 million mark. As stated numerous times on the album, The Game's goal was to revive the West Coast rap scene that flourished in the 80s and 90s. Although Game's lyrical depth can easily be criticized as being bland, relying more on name dropping (I can't even count how many times he drops famous names or rap albums), Game still managed to "create a buzz without a single like N.W.A. did." and then once releasing some singles took hip-hop in 2005 to a whole new level, becoming one of the most know rappers, for better or worse, this decade.

Welcome to Nova Scotia

I came across this track a few months ago, it is called "Welcome to Nova Scotia" by Ghetto Child. I totally forgot about this track until I saw it on my friend Jeremy's facebook. Check it out, its like a history lesson with really good production.

Pro Tools

After hitting up Future Shop today for some christmas shopping I came across a bargain bin that had a Sean Kingston album on the top. After seeing this I figured there must be some mediocre at least albums in there since that album was somewhat recent. Within 10 seconds of searching the pile I came across GZA's Pro Tools album that was released last year. With a price tag of $2.99 I would be stupid not to. I already listened to the album and have it downloaded (for shame, I know) but it doesn't hurt to add this to the collection.

For those who have never heard it, Pro Tools weighs in heavy on GZA's lyrical ability, but also comes through with solid, simplistic production quality. The album received for the most part positive reviews, it did not rank as high as Liquid Swords and Beneath the Surface. The albums first single was Paper Plate, which is a 50 Cent diss - a good one at that.

Go check out your local Future Shop to see if they have any left laying around. Three bucks is a steal for some quality Wu.

"Compose like a symphony with the a chorus." -GZA, Alphabets

Top 10 of the Decade

As the remaining days in the 00's (I feel incredibly awkward calling it that by the way...) wind down, I decided to take the unoriginal route and copy the Rolling Stone's Top Albums of the Decade article. The only difference is mine will be exclusive to hip-hop music. That being said, I don't have the list done at the moment. But I will gradually add albums up, starting with 10 and working my way down. Hold tight, friends.

Also, Celtics movin' on up to an 18-4 record after tonight's dangerously close game against the Wizards.

Boombox, V10

Damn things are hectic! Not really actually, I really hope my peers don't mind me saying this, but I only have one take home exam left till I get to go home for the break... and exams haven't even started yet! I have been busy finishing everything up however, and that is why I have not been updating often.

Maybe I'll just hook you guys up with some nice tunes for now, since I don't really have anything else to say...

Lil' Wayne - Receipt

The Roots - Game Theory (Feat. Malik B)

Scarface - Born Killer

X-Ecutioners - Live From the PJs (Ghostface, Trife, Black Thought)

R.I.P. Pimp C

Its been two years and two days since the death of Pimp C from the rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz). I remember getting a text on last class bash two years ago from my friend Mex saying that Pimp C had just passed away. Since last night was last class bash I was reminded of this anniversary. As a tribute, jam these tracks that are either Pimp C or a feature.

Ridin' Dirty

Diamonds & Wood

International Players Anthem

Kings (Young Buck)

Big Pimpin' (Jay-Z)

Welcome 2 Houston (Slim Thug)

Chris Clements: Exam Time Blues

Exam time is rolling up quick on University students, I know I am affected until mid-December. Chris sent me a list of tracks that he likes to listen to while studying and essay writing. Check it out.

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I put this playlist together for myself during exam period. It's a rather cool mixture of slowed down beats and calm lyrics. Overall, it pays tribute to some of the best that's ever done it and the nice new talent that is developing overtime.
Enjoy!

1. The Fugees - Zealots

2. Lupe Fiasco - Much More

3. Kanye West - Gone

4. Lupe Fiasco - Jedi Mind Tricks

5. Gangstarr - Moment of Truth

6. T-Pain - Can't Believe It

7. Lupe Fiasco - Lupe the Killer

8. Common - So Far to Go

9. Jay-Z - Girls Girls Girls (Remix)

10. Blakroc - Ain't Nothing Like You

Random Ock

I saw this on TSN around a week ago and thought nothing of it, however, today on my friend Shane G's website, he posted that it was professional skateboarder Mike Vallely, or Mike V for short, that threw a few punches.

News story

You might also know Mike Vallely from this classic.

Boombox, V9

Ray Paul - Feed These Streets (Feat. B.O.B.)

MF Doom & Rza - Biochemical Equation

Ludacris - Game Got Switched

Talib Kweli - Shock Body

Wyclef Jean - Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Feat. Chamillionaire)

Kellen Barrett's Hardest and Least Hardest Albums Ever.

I have another contribution from my friend Kellen Barrett, who, like me, is an avid hip-hop follower. His list is of the top 10 hardest and least hardest hip-hop albums. I agree with his picks, and I like the acknowledgement of Slaughterhouse's self titled album, which is hard in its own kind of way that it attacks contemporary hip-hop and not necessarily humans (not exclusively, but the moral of the album). I also chuckled over Jay-Z's Kingdom Come on the least hard side.

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1. The Geto Boys - Geto Boys
2. Eminem - The Slim Shady LP
3. NWA - Straight Outta Compton
4. Kool G Rap & D.J. Polo - Live and Let Die
5. Dr. Dooom - Dr. Octagonecologyst
6. Ice Cube - AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
7. Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse
8. UGK - Ridin' Dirty
9. Ice T - Original Gangster
10. Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet

On the other hand, here are the Top 10 Least Hard Rap Albums I've Ever Heard:

1. Outkast - Speakerboxx/The Love Below
2. Kanye West - 808s and Heartbreaks
3. Any Drake Mixtape (Blackberry Rappers will never be hard)
4. Jay-Z - Kingdom Come
5. The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff - He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper
6. Common - Universal Mind Control
7. Mos Def - The New Danger
8. The Cool Kids - Bake Sale
9. Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon: The End of Day
10. LL Cool J - Bigger and Deffer

Greatest Hits, V2: Nas

1. Get Down

2. Made You Look

3. Let There Be Light (Feat. Tre Williams)

4. Black Republican (Feat. Jay-Z)

5. Life's A Bitch (Feat. AZ)

6. Represent

7. The World Is Yours

8. Affirmative Action (Feat. AZ & Foxy Brown)

9. Got Yourself A...

10. Rule

11. Hero (Feat. Keri Hilson)

12. Hate Me Now

Nothing against Street's Disciple, I like to limit my list to around twelve tracks. This is what I came up with.

Empire State of Mind 2

Empire State of Mind easily became the hottest track off Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 once the album hit the shelves (and is not surprisingly the latest single off B3). For everyones listening pleasure Alicia Keys is rumored to release an Empire State of Mind part 2 on her upcoming album, which is also rumored to have Jay-Z somewhere on the album. A live version hit the net not too long ago. Check out the second part. Its nice.

Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind Pt. 2

Robbie Lebans Top 10

At Mount Allison there are a select few, that I know of at least, that I consider knowledgeable about hip-hop and share the same taste as me. Robbie Lebans is one of those people that I can easily carry on a long conversation with about it. Also, I am all for having my friends contribute to this blog, so that being said I got a message from Robbie today listing his top 10 tracks of all-time. Here it is, a solid list that I can easily co-sign.

---

A Couple of Things:

First, as you will see, my list is very contemporary. I moreso chose these songs because of their relevance in my life. So, the reason why I don't have the classics isn't because I don't like/respect those artists and songs, but rather I decided to pick the songs that had more relevance in my "growing up years" when I was really enveloping myself in hip hop and rap. I love the classics - because if it wasn't for them, the artists we enjoy today may or may not exist (Not to mention people like Rakim, NWA and others are all hard as fuck). BUT I just didn't listen to them as much growing up. Artists like Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z are artists that have been around for years and have survived. They have transcended the wall that separates the "old" and the "new". Also, my knowledge on rap from the past 10 years is much more polished, so I feel more comfortable with newer stuff. For me, I'd have to make 2 separate lists: one for pre-'99 and one post-'99. Perhaps I will take a stab at a top 10 list from like '98 and earlier at some point, but for now... this is what I got haha. Can't Knock The Hustle and Bring Da Ruckus are 2 exceptions to this, however. Hope this makes sense to ya as an introduction hahaha

Next, there's no Biggie or Pac on the list. I love both artists to the extreme. However, I find both have such a plethora of good jams that I really can't pick out a specific track by them. I feel like it would do them justice to actually make a "Top 10 Pac" and "Top 10 Biggie" lists seperately. Much easier for me, anyway.

The tracks in asteriks are wild card songs; Songs that didn't make the cut but were definately teetering on the edge and deserve a shout-out.

Enjoy, good sir.

1. Still D.R.E. - Dr. Dre
2. Ms. Jackson - Outkast
3. Encore - Jay-Z
4. Break You Off - The Roots
5. What Goes Around - Nas
6. Can't Knock the Hustle - Jay-Z (featuring Mary J. Blige)
7. Get 'Em High - Kanye West (featuring Talib Kweli and Common)
8. Still Dreaming - Nas (featuring Kanye West and Chrisette Michele)
9. Go - Common (featuring Kanye West and John Mayer)
10. Bring Da Ruckus - Wu Tang Clan


* Desire - Pharoahe Monch
** Get By - Talib Kweli

The Goods

I don't really have much to post about. School work is pretty heavy but we still had a nice weekend of nice social gatherings at our apartment. I must say that I hate the lack of basketball coverage on Canadian television. TSN 2 is decent, but still, Nascar was on this afternoon instead of the Celtics game, which they won in overtime against the Knicks... thank god. I just hate having to refresh the scoreboard pages every few minutes.

My friend Steve Kwan linked me to these, they are Skullcandy earphones with NBA team themes. Pretty sick and not overly expensive. Check on the side to change teams.

As for music, checked out the new 50 Cent album titled Before I Self Destruct. Nothing overly amazing. Pretty much what I expected. The single Baby By Me isn't too bad - something to jam to a party. Otherwise I've been listening to a lot of the Isley Brothers and Jay Electronica.

Here are some tracks for you to groove to.

The Isley Brothers - Brother, Brother

Cannibal Ox - Raspberry Fields

Xzibit - Paparazzi

Puff Daddy & The Family - Victory (Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes)

Yeee...

I guess I'm kind of looking for an excuse to post something so I can wish my sister a happy birthday and also an extremely be-lated birthday to my girlfriend Camille. (I wished her numerous happy birthdays in real life, but the blog seems to be an important outlet for birthday shout outs.)

Here is a skate clip I edited and filmed from four years ago. The footage is from late 2004 and 2005. It is a promo for Boardertech skateshop, Moncton, New Brunswick. I am pretty proud of this edit. Check it out.

Boombox, V8

Man, school is crazy right now. I'm not going to be one of those people that count down their assignments to the button, but I got a lot to do for the next two weeks... let's just put it that way. Still, I don't feel like neglecting my blog at all, so, for now, some more good listenin'.

We Were Kings Soundtrack - Rumble In The Jungle (The Fugees, John Forte, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes) - An all-star line up. Verses are short, but an awesome track, especially for a soundtrack.

The Fugees - Temple - Blunted on Reality really isn't that bad an album, it just has nothing on The Score...

The Diplomats - I'm Ready - My friend Kellen texted me saying that he's been into The Diplomats lately, so for you Kellen, some Dipset. There is a shit-load more where that came from.

Akon - Mama Africa - This and "Shakedown" are, to me, Akon's best tracks ever. Coincidentally both off the same album.

Camp Lo - Black Connection - I feel like not enough people know of Camp Lo. I already recommended Luchini I believe, so check this one now.

Styles P - Blow Ya Mind (Feat. Swizz Beats) - Smooth Swizzy produced beat. This was Styles P's anthem off of his album Super Gangster, which I have a feeling not too many people copped.

R.I.P. O.D.B.

Today, November 13th, marks the fifth anniversary of Ol' Dirty Bastards death of an accidental drug overdose. If you want some awesome O.D.B. stories go to my Dante Ross link on the side and watch the two most recent posts, both about Dirty and his antics. As a tribute rock some Brooklyn Zoo or maybe Return to the 36 Chambers in entirety tonight. I'd also like to wish my good friend Mex a happy birthday today.

NBA Round-up

During my sick week I spent a lot of time watching basketball and playing NBA Live 10 on the Xbox 360. I've been staying pretty up to date with a lot of teams and checked stats quite often so I figured lets do a basketball post.

We are only two weeks and two days into the NBA season but there is a lot to be hopeful for if you are a Celtics or Suns fan. The two teams are at an impressive 8-1, the leagues highest win percentages meanwhile the New Jersey Nets are winless in 8... ha! The Celtics only loss was actually to the Suns over the weekend with a seven point differential. Boston showing solid defense for the most part as they have outscored their opponents by at least ten points in six of their nine games meanwhile on offense the entire starter squad averages over 10.7 PPG. Rondo, or as I like to call him Soulja Boy, also averages 9.2 assists per game, 4th in the league, almost averaging a double-double each game, but only has three so far this year... I feel like a sports columnist for the Boston Globe or something...

Some random stats:

-Kobe is leading the league in points per game at 33.6.

-Steve Nash leading in assists with 12.6 per game.

-Chris Bosh is 100% at the 3-Point line, he is 6/6, aside from Bosh, Chris Paul leads the league after a significant number of 3-Pointers taken. He is 19/29, a percentage of .655.

-Dwight Howard leads in field goal percentage at .647.

-Washington's Randy Foye is 100% on foul shots, 13/13.

Bye Bye Banks

Though this is a hip-hop blog I do have other interests. One of those being skateboarding. I have been skateboarding for almost half my life now, which now that I think of it is pretty crazy. What got me started was my addiction to Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2. Skateboarding looked so fun I had to try it. In the game one of the best spots to skate is in New York City called the Brooklyn Banks. Anybody that skateboards knows of the Banks. There are competitions there every year, the most famous titled Back to the Banks (which I was actually in NYC for last year, but did not make it to the competition). Recently the city of New York decided to close down the world famous skate spot immediately for storage of equipment used to reconstruct the Brooklyn Bridge. There are a few interviews and other media in circulation because of this. This is pretty big news to the skate industry, the Banks have been a key spot in New York City that attracted skaters from all over the east coast.

Vice magazine has an interview with Steve Rodriguez, a well known New York City local.

Also, watch this clip of Skateboarder magazine's coverage of the Back to the Banks that happened in 2009. Amazing talent in NY and surrounding areas.

Boombox, V7

How we doing now? I've been at home for a few days with that nice H1N1 bug doing nothing but surfing the net, listening to tunes and playing NBA Live 10, which is awesome by the way. I found a few more hidden gems on my iTunes (as for the Mat & Kim track, thats from NBA Live 10) that I thought I'd share with you guys.

It goes like this:

The Fugees - Nappy Heads

Mat & Kim - Daylight Remix Feat. De La Soul

Mint Royale - Show Me Feat. De La Soul

Nas - Affirmative Action Feat. AZ & Foxy Brown

Jurassic 5 - End Up Like This

Greatest Hits, V1: OutKast

The concept of this is simple. I am basically compiling a list of tracks that I would consider the groups/artists best tracks. Nothing to do with commercial success, all my personal faves.

The first installment is OutKast.

1. Return of the "G"

2. Roses

3. Bombs Over Baghdad

4. Southernplayalistcadillacmusik

5. So Fresh So Clean

6. Hollywood Divorce (Feat. Lil' Wayne)

7. Ghetto Muzik

8. Flip Flop Rock (Feat. Killer Mike & Jay-Z)

9. Ms. Jackson

10. Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)

11. Ain't No Thang

12. Player's Ball

Remember Remember the 4th of November

On this day last year Barrack Obama was elected as the first black president of the United States (elected, but not immediately put in office). Even before this Obama has had a huge impact on hip-hop. A number of artists made tracks surrounding this subject. Here are a few:

Asher Roth, B.O.B. & Charles Hamilton - Change Gone Come

Young Jeezy - My President Feat. Nas

Nas - Black President Feat. Johnny Polygon

Joell Ortiz - Letter to Obama Feat. Dante Hawkins

This isn't the complete list, just a few I know off the top of my head. I'm also not mentioning the quick one liners that involve Obama, which are by the thousands.

Check Out: New York State of Mind

Nasir Jones is true case of longevity in hip-hop music. Hailing from Queensbridge, Queens, New York City, Nas has released nine studio albums and has been the center of some controversy due to his involvement in a the Virginia Tech benefit concert, courtesy with Bill O'Reilly (fuck that guy, right?) and also due to the fact that he was going to release his latest album under the name Nigger, which was later changed to Untitled to meet industry standards. But what really put Nas on the radar was his first studio release titled Illmatic. Illmatic is acclaimed as a landmark East Coast Hip-Hop album that is easily credited for putting the East back on the map when West Coast hip-hop was dominant in the mainstream. Illmatic is also credited in the revival of the Queensbridge rap scene. At the time The Notorious B.I.G. and The Wu-Tang Clan released their first major albums, which helped bring forth the New York hip-hop renaissance, but they all represented different boroughs. The QB scene was hot in the 1980s with Marly Marl, MC Shan and Roxanne Shante, but Nas brought it all back. (For more info check out the "bridge wars" between QB and the Bronx)

Illmatic brought forward a new style to hip-hop in New York. A step away from the old school and early 90's sounds from De La Soul, Bran Nubian and so on and ventured into a more gritty style of street rap. It was essentially a renaissance because of the lyrics, beats, style and delivery.

Regardless of all this praise, Illmatic didn't just drop out of nowhere. Nas began working with some New York City heavyweights a few years before the release of Illmatic. He was featured on a track with MC Serch and was scouted out and ultimately began working with some of New York's top producers, DJ Premier being one of them. Recording began for his first studio album, collaborating with producers like Large Professor, who at the time was eighteen, L.E.S., Q-Tip and Pete Rock. In the booth Nas never ceased to impress.

Nas' lyrics, like I previously said, were a major change compared to what was being said by other rappers (with a few exceptions). His lyrics revolve around inner city issues of poverty, gangs, project housing and the street environment. Aside from his subject matter Nas also has a flawless form of delivery and word play.

What more can I say? Illmatic was an instant classic and received rave reviews by critics. His refreshing, yet real approach to hip-hop made him one of New York's most legendary rappers.

Singles from Illmatic:

Halftime

It Ain't Hard to Tell

The World Is Yours

Life's A Bitch

One Love

Exhibit A, B & C

Here are a couple of tracks from New Orlean's Jay Electronica titled Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit C. They are all grouped together in this Youtube clip for your viewing pleasure. Mos Def on Exhibit B. Great beats, Exhibit C is new and produced by Just Blaze. Enjoy.

Beanie Sigel Jay-Z Diss

Shiiit, Beans dissin' Jay on this rack titled "Average Cat." Check this shit out.

Average Cat

Boombox, V6

I'd like to start of by saying that I'm pumped on the Celtics thus far. The regular season started on Tuesday night where the Celts beat the Cavaliers by 6 then last night they blew out the Bobcats by almost 40 points. Also, the Cavs at an 0 - 2 start... not that I hate the Cavs but they have Lebron and Shaq now, I figured they would at least take the Raptors last night.

Anyway. On to some good listenin'.

Lil' Wayne - Swag Surfin'

Bun B - If I Die Tonight (Feat. Young Buck & Lyfe Jennings)

Freeway - What We Do (Feat. Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel)

MF Doom - Vaudeville Villain

Top 50 Tracks - The Unlucky 13 That Didn't Make the Cut

Again, thank you for reading my top 50 list of hip-hop tracks. Now I am gonna list off 13 tracks that just missed the cut. There are all songs that I love listening to, but by process of elimination did not make the top 50.

In no particular order:

Slim Thug - Welcome 2 Houston - Slim Thug's second Welcome to Houston track, this one features 13 different artists including Houston heavy hitters like Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Bun-B and Pimp C (R.I.P.). The beat goes on for nearly nine minutes, but for some reason I've never gotten sick of it. This was a dope summer jam. Shouts to Ferris Asante.

Bun-B - Draped Up Remix - Big terrible Texas! This is another Houston jam that features a number of Houston artists. This is a true Texas jam with killer bass that you could ride to.

Kanye West - The Glory - I always loved this song but it was always overshadowed by the hits off of Graduation. The Glory is a textbook Kanye track - awesome sample and boasting lyrics. "With my ego, I can stand there in a speedo and be looked at like a fuckin' hero."

DJ Drama - Makin' Money Smokin' (Willie the Kid & La the Darkman) - Barrack Odrama! Not many people like this track. I do. My friend Will who doesn't really even like rap does. But thats about it. It is not an overly complex track, it a has a solid beat to jive to and one fun as hell chorus.

N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton - This is gangsta rap. I first heard Straight Outta Compton in my hockey teams dressing room. The coaches weren't impressed but I knew that shit went hard. I think by the age of eleven I was able to recite the entire track. It was at the moment I knew I was going to hell.

UGK - International Players Anthem (I Choose You) - Featuring Outkast - Produced by Three 6 Mafia and samples Willie Hutch's "I Choose You," this is an incredibly entertaining track with an awesome first verse by Andre 3000 and of course Pimp C's classic verse that you probably heard in Girl Talk's "Play Your Part". Listen and love this track. PS. The video is pretty sweet!

Three 6 Mafia - Stay Fly - Featuring Young Buck and 8Ball & MJG - This could be one of the best feel good songs of the decade! Juicy J flows hard on this track as usual. Much emphasis by the Memphis hard hitters on smoking marijuana. The song might be called Stay Fly but the hook says "stay high, 'til I die..."

The Notorious B.I.G. - Notorious Thugs - Featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Its disgusting how bad I feel that this track isn't top 50. The beat is amazing, Biggie's verse is amazing AND harmonic, Bone Thugs kill it like they're supposed to... there is really nothing bad about this song at all. Flow ridiculous. "Armed and dangerous, ain't too many can bang with us, straight up weed no angel dust, label us notorious..." ... "Spit your game talk your shit, grab your gat call your click..."

Dr. Dre - Keep Their Heads Ringin' - Ring ding dong. Off the top of my head I have no idea if this track was ghostwritten or not, but regardless it is amazing! Classic West coast sound with great lyrics through and through. "... but I ain't no politician, no competition, sending opposition to see a mortician."

Lil' Wayne - Hustler Musik - Vibe to it y'all. This is an awesome pre-autotune era Wayne track with solid lyrics and a super-chill beat to go with it. I spent many summer nights on porches with a brew relaxing to this track.

Ludacris - Game Got Switched - Like Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia, this is another amazing hype song in Hilarious Ludacris fashion. "'You lost your mind,' no I lost my virginity and I shot quick like that boy shot Kennedy..." AMAZING!

Mobb Deep - Animal Instinct - Featuring Ty Nitty & Gambino - This one comes off the extremely underrated Mobb Deep album titled Hell on Earth. Awesome production by Havoc of Mobb Deep provide a great East coast jam about street smarts in the QB. "Jealous ones envy hate to see me but got the nerve to wanna be me." (A Fat Joe diss right thuuuurrr)

The Roots - Long Time - Featuring Peedi Peedi & Bunny Sigler - This track has given me goosebumps on many occasions. The hook is beautifully sung, Black Thought and Peedi kill it and the beat is always nice, especially with ?uestlove's drumming.

Top 50 Tracks (3-1)

Alright guys, the moment has come. These are my favorite hip-hop songs of all time.

3. The Notorious B.I.G. - Niggas Bleed - The lyrics to this track make for an awesome story. It could really be an end scene to a movie. Biggie spits nearly five minutes of his textbook storytelling. Niggas Bleed is basically a story of a drug deal in a hotel room that should go smooth, however, Frank White (Biggie's alias) and a friend go to the deal and kill the guys on the other side. Although I might have spoiled the songs meaning for you, check it out regardless, it is amazing, especially the build up in the last verse. Shit is real! "Todays agenda, got the suitcase up in the Sentra, go to room 112 and tell em Blanco sent ya."

2. The Fugees - Ready or Not - This track is so good it gives me goosebumps. The beat is so original and the lyrics are wonderful. Wyclef kills it. Lauryn kills it. Pras... well... he even shines on this one. Also, a fun fact, this is President Barrack Obama's favorite song of all time as listed in Blender magazine. Put this track on your iPod, turn it up loud, and feel it. "I kick a rhyme drinking moonshine, I pour a sip on the concrete for the diseased."

1. Jay-Z - Brooklyn's Finest - Featuring The Notorious B.I.G. - This is it folks. Brooklyn's Finest takes the cake for a number of reasons. For starters Jay-Z and Biggie on the same track is nothing short of amazing. The two go back and forth verse for verse in a competitive yet friendly battle over a this Clark Kent produced masterpiece. This track, combined with the rest of Reasonable Doubt and Notorious B.I.G.'s success off of Ready to Die prove to the world that these two are truly Brooklyn's Finest, and unarguably some of hip-hops finest.

"You crazy, think your little bit of rhymes can me? I'm from Marcy, I'm varsity, chump you're JV, Jigga Jay-Z." - Jay-Z

"Like short sleeves I bare arms." - Jay-Z

"If Faith had twins she'd probably have two Pacs, get it? 2Pac's." - B.I.G.

There it is. My top 50 hip-hop jams of all-time. Again I'd like to say that this is judged on a personal level and not an its overall influence in hip-hop music. Hope you enjoyed it!

Top 50 Tracks (10-4)

Grind time. The top three are coming tomorrow.

10. Public Enemy - Bring The Noise - Until maybe 5 or so years ago the only Public Enemy songs I knew were Bring The Noise and Night of the Living Baseheads. Hearing this song continuously on Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 also helped fuel my love for this track (minus the Anthrax addition in the video game). The basis of the song is like most (or even all) of Public Enemy's tracks, politically driven with a hint of praise to Louis Farrakhan and Islam. Yet, what makes this track stand out is that Chuck D is basically saying bring the noise of hip-hop music up to par with rock music. "Radio stations I question their blackness, they call themselves black, we'll see if they'll play this."

9. Big L - Fall Back - Featuring Kool G Rap - Big L is one of the most underrated hip-hop artists of all time. Fall Back is a classic example of Big L's style. High pitched voice, great flow, sharp lyrics and a guest appearance by Kool G Rap. "I heard you sing well you better make a whole new song, if they said that shit is hot then they told you wrong."

8. Nas - Life's A Bitch - Featuring AZ - It is hard to rank classic material, especially when I feel that the entire Illmatic album is worth being listed. My draft list had around five Illmatic tracks. The title of the song says its all. "Life's a bitch and then you die, thats why get high, because you never know when you're gonna go."

7. Ghostface Killah - Biscuits - Featuring Trife - I love everything about this track. From its classic Wu style beat, Ghostface's trademark style and delivery, the chorus... you name it, I love it. This was easily my most played song of 2005 and possibly top three of all time. (On iTunes).

"Act like James Brown and get down."

6. Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik - At first glance you probably thought I mashed the keyboard when typing the name of this track. Old Outkast is simply amazing. Not that newer Outkast isn't, but you know what I mean. Sick flow from Big Boi and 3 Stacks on this funky southern beat provide the listener with true riding music that you can blast this in your Neons, Civics, Suburbans or Cadillacs. Organize on the track for that southernplayalistic shit. "Niggas that try to fuck with me get sprayed like raid because it ain't nothing see."

5. Wu-Tang Clan - Heaterz - Featuring Cappadonna - Everybody has that one song that reminds you of a certain time and place when you hear it. I used to listen to this at night when I'd be wandering the neighborhood or skating around the block super late. It has a very "night time" feel to it. You also can't deny the production by True Master and also Inspectah Deck and Cappa's verses. "I suplex your raps left ruined like the Aztecs."

4. Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt. 2 - I'm always surprised when people don't know this one. It is praised as one of the most influential hip-hop tracks of all time by a number of sources and quoted in numerous rap songs, for example from Big L on his track titled Ebonics: "Mobb Deep already explained the meaning of shook." Shook Ones explains the life of crime in the mean streets of Queensbridge. At this time Havoc and Prodigy (the two members of Mobb Deep) were young, making the success of this song and the Infamous album quite the accomplishment. "As long as I'm alive I'ma live illegal" ... "Living the life that of diamonds and guns."

Top 50 Tracks (20-11)

We're getting there folks. The real heavy hitters:

20. Gang Starr - 1/2 & 1/2 - (Featuring M.O.P.) Anything with M.O.P. goes hard. A classic DJ Premier produced beat with the smooth and traditional MC Guru delivery. I honestly think that M.O.P. made me love this song as much as I do.

19. Kanye West - Through the Wire - This was Kanye's first single. Ever. Not to mention he spit it with his jaws wired shut, hence the name of the song, which samples "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan. It sounds like Kanye rapped just after getting his wisdom teeth pulled, nevertheless he pulls it off with great success. "If you could feel how my face felt, you would know how Ma$e felt."

18. Wyclef Jean - Street Jeopardy - I do miss The Fugees with all my heart but I still got love for Wyclef's 1997 release titled The Carnival. Street Jeopardy features R.O.C. and John Forte (who served around 8 years in jail for possession of over a million bucks of cocaine) and depicts the lifestyle of drug dealing from its short lived glory and their downfall. "Have you ever heard the sound of a .44 at your door?"

17. 2Pac - California Love - (Featuring Dr. Dre) Admittedly, the only history I have with 2Pac is that "Changes" was one of my favorite tracks when I was super young. Aside from finding All Eyez On Me on the ground in my neighborhood a while back and buying his Greatest Hits double disk I have an extremely limited past with Pac. California Love, however, was love at first listen and I still feel for it.

16. Dr. Dre - Still D.R.E. - (Featuring Snoop Dogg) Of course this made the list. This was arguably the hottest track of 99' and still gets mad love when ever its played. At this present day if this song was to come on randomly at a party how stoked would you be? On a side note: Chronic 2001 was 6 X platinum a year after it was released. "Niggas try to be the king but the ace is back."

15. The Roots - You Got Me - (Featuring Erykah Badu & Eve) The Roots are incredible. This song is so smooth, lyrically and instrumentally. I don't know if I can call this track "contemporary," but if I could I would say this is as natural as it gets.

14. The Notorious B.I.G. - Machine Gun Funk - Ready to Die bred numerous classics, this track easily my favorite (and interestingly enough quoted to be Biggie's favorite). Signature B.I.G. flow and lyricism and a nice bass heavy beat with its funky elements make for a deadly combination. "If you fuck with big and heavy I'll get up in that ass like wedgie."

13. Talib Kweli - Get By - This Kanye West produced track is mind blowing. Not only because of the amazing beat but because the lyrics are amazing and the flow is unstoppable. I've never paid much attention to the baseline of a song, but this bumps in my eardrum all day long. Even my mother likes it. "We go through episodes too, like "Attack of the Clones"."

12. Nas - Represent - One time for your mind, Nas tells it how it is. Lyrics about the Queensbridge, New York City lifestyle and a buttery DJ Premier produced beat create a real nice, but also in a sense grimy track that is a staple in New York City hip-hop. This is easily one of the most underrated tracks off of Illmatic. "Straight up shit is real and any day can be your last in the jungle." I'd really like to quote the entire song.

11. A Tribe Called Quest - Buggin' Out - Most people favor Midnight Marauders over the Low End Theory. Not me though. Buggin' Out was the first Tribe track I heard and is still my favorite. Phyfe Dawg and Q-Tip are great lyricists. Buggin' Out proves their versatility in flow and lyricism as their rhymes are both skillful but also comical. "Never half step because I'm not a half stepper. Drink a lot of soda so they call me Dr. Pepper."

Top 50 Tracks (30-21)

Round three, lets do this!

30. The Game - Why You Hate The Game - Featuring Nas. I managed to see The Game live on his "Documentary" tour, which was sick, but I really wish he rolled around again for a post Doctor's Advocate or L.A.X. tour. Hearing this song live would be something to put a lighter in the air for. Not to mention that it is a solid Just Blaze production. This track addresses much of what Game usually raps about: the West Coast, Eazy-E, certain controversies, 50 Cent beef... "I don't talk about my guns nigga I 'Just Blaze'."

29. Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing) - When I was drafting my list this was one of the first songs I thought to throw on. I remember everything about this song vividly, like it was 1998-99 and Much Music was playing this song on repeat. "Lick 2 shots in the atmosphere."

28. Nas - Got Ur Self A... - This track is too hard. I really don't know what to say. When I was younger and Stillmatic just came out I made sure to listen to this one when my mother wasn't around...

27. Pharcyde - Passin' Me By - Pharcyde is another extremely underrated hip-hop group from the West that deserved more attention for their album titled "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde." Playful lyrics about failed attempts to gain the attention of a secret crush. This on top of a nice mellow beat makes this track an A+.

26. De La Soul - Eye Know - Speaking of nice mellow beats, this Steely Dan sampled tune also provides a nice feel-good sentiment. Like "Passin' Me By" this song is also a more playful love song, but without as much rejection.

25. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Crossroads - I'm of course talking about the more famous remixed version released after the death of close friend to the group, Eazy-E. What else would this song be talking about? "What you gonna do when judgement comes for you? Because it's gonna come for you."

24. Geto Boys - G Code - The moral of this song is DON'T SNITCH! Scarface, as the lone performer on the track, tells about street code and how some people snitch to get a lighter sentence (amongst other things). Because of its beat and catchy chorus, a lot of my not-so-rap inclined friends still love this one. "We ain't trusted in the judicial system we shoot guns."

23. Beastie Boys - An Open Letter To NYC - I didn't mean to overlook tracks from "Hello Nasty," after a process of elimination I come to realize that this is my favorite Beastie Boys track. It is the trio's ballad to the city they're from, past to present, explaining its a number of things like multiculturalism, 9/11, shopping and of course homage to the five boroughs. "Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten, from the Battery to the top of Manhattan... ...New York you make it happen."

22. Freddie Foxxx - 24 Hours - This is a prime example of grimy New York underground rap from none other than Bumpy Knuckles. His voice alone makes me never want to run in to him on a bad day. Don't sleep on Freddie!

21. Dru Down - Can You Feel Me - Although this track only achieved mild mainstream success it is one of my favorite West Coast jams. G funk style hip-hop was still alive and well in 1996 when this track was released, and it shows. I urge you to watch the video... Dru Down stylin' on your ass.

Top 50 Tracks (40-31)

Round 2. I hope you checked out some of the songs I posted yesterday. Lets move on.

40. Brother Ali - Chain Link - He is albino and straight from the underground, Brother Ali has some great material. This track stuck with me since I first heard it. Really good lyrics and delivery. "I guess that's why they call it the hood, nobody stays as long as it takes to become neighbors".

39. Wu-Tang Clan - Triumph - An instant classic. This track contains every single member of the clan and Cappadonna. Inspectah Deck shines on this track with the first verse (after ODB's intro). "Lyrically perform armed robbery" has been a favorite line for a while.

38. The Fugees - Killing Me Softly - Lauryn Hill's hip-hop/R&B cover of Roberta Flack's Killing Me Softly is simply amazing. Although there were only a few modifications to the Fugees' version it is still sung on point, including the vocal solo around half way through by Hill.

37. Dr. Dre - Nuthin' But A G Thang - 1, 2, 3 and to the 4...There is always room for old school g funk West Coast hip-hop in my books. The Chronic was a classic album with tons of awesome tracks. A lot of people associate Dre with the Chronic 2001 and its mainstream singles, however, the original Chronic displays authentic West Coast sound, post N.W.A.. I strongly recommend the album.

36. GZA - Publicity - Off of his underrated 1999 release Beneath the Surface, GZA spits hard with fantastic flow on this Mathematics produced beat. This is easily one of my favorite solo tracks for any clan member. Any fan of Wu needs to check this track.

35. Souls of Mischief - 93' Til Infinity - I have never met anybody that didn't like this track. Oakland, California's Souls of Mischief deliver a smooth and "chillin'" joint with buttery flow and lyrics that are hard to ignore. Doesn't it remind you of having a brew on a nice warm summer night?

34. Lil' Wayne - Get Off The Corner - Forget about "Lollipop" Wayne, this song is everything that current Lil' Wayne is not. I think the video will do all the talking.

33. Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day - A wonderful West Coast story about a surprisingly good day that came out of potentially rough circumstances. I'm also feeling the Isley Brothers sample that was used. "I can't believe it was a good day."

32. Ol' Dirty Bastard - You Don't Want to Fuck With Me - You might listen to this song and wonder why its on my top 50... Or you might listen to it and fully agree with me. In all of his hilarious un-melodic ramblings, this ranks the highest. "Fuck y'all God don't forgive, I don't answer phones, I'll never reveal the Wu-Tang secret, and if you don't believe I'ma kill your shit."

31. OutKast - Bombs Over Baghdad - This track is crazy! It might have been extremely over played in the year 2000, but who cares! This track blends musical styles (as many newer OutKast tracks do) as 3000 and Big Boi spit hard and fast with no signs of slowing down. What's not to love?