Currently In Rotation: 2011 & REWIND Leftovers

With all the year-end hype of a couple of months ago, there were a number of albums that invariably I just couldn't get around to, so this post will go over a few noteworthy releases that passed me by the first time.  Also, with a couple of REWIND posts on the horizon, there were a few albums that didn't quite make the cut but thought I'd cover regardless.

Koncept - Awaken

With a steady stream of solo releases in 2011 and the fantastic group effort Brown Bag Season Volume One, it's safe to say Brown Bag is killin' it.  Koncept, already having released an EP, came through with his proper solo release and it proves to be a fine effort.  The production, courtesy of Brown Bag affiliates J57 and Audible Doctor (and one certified banger from Marco Polo), is top notch.  But Koncept proves his worth by dropping some deeply personal bars over tracks, as evidenced on "Save Me", and make for a pretty compelling listen overall.  Had my top albums of 2011 list gone to about 30 entries, this one might very well have made the cut. I hope you take the time to give it a spin yourself.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Babylon Warchild - Babylon Warchild

I thought I heard every album I was supposed to hear last year, so where the hell was Babylon Warchild the whole time?  Maybe it's an unfair comparison, but this album brought back visions of early Jedi Mind Tricks - hungry, aggressive, in-your-face and uncompromising.  And considering the absolute piece of garbage JMT's last album proved to be, Babylon Warchild filled that void nicely.  The subject matter rarely ever deviates from the requisite goverment conspiracies and slaying rappers, but the dark and super heavy beats more than make up for it.  Babylon Warchild isn't for everyone as it proves to be more of an acquired taste, but if you dig music in the vein of AOTP, La Coka Nostra, etc. then you need to seek this one out.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Señor Kaos - The Kaos Effect

Kaos released one of my favorite mixtapes last year with The Most Interesting MC In The World and the hype for his next solo was in full swing.  With all the influx of year-end releases it was sad to see The Kaos Effect sort of get lost in the mix because it's a fine record.  I do have to admit that Kaos isn't as engaging as we heard previously; he gets the job done over what proves to be the true star of the show - Illastrate's nasty production.  Just the intro track alone, "The Understanding", is arguably one of the finest beats from last year.  It also marks Kaos' best effort on the mic by far and it's that pinnacle that the rest of the album fails to regain.  That's not to say that TKE isn't great, but the bar is set so high out of the gate that it proves tough getting back there.  Kaos isn't going anywhere and there's even greater music yet to come.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

LMNO - Overtime

One thing that can't be denied is James Kelly's output.  Dude dropped not one, not two, not five, but TEN albums in 2010, another with producer Kyo Itachi early last year and he couldn't let 2011 go by without blessing us one more time.  And, once again, he links up with long-time collaborator LD for a special free release.  LMNO's rhymes never come into question; he still maintains his always uplifting style that has made him such a fan favorite over the years.  The bigger highlight, however, is LD's ever-evolving and far-reaching production.  He's BEEN dope, but his beats are more varied with "Surround Trip", "Frequent Styler Miles" and more mature as witnessed on "Growing Up Out Loud".  Too much of a good thing might hurt most other artists, but LMNO proves that consistency always wins.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Rozewood - Neon Paradise

I stumbled onto this joint after randomly coming across the super dope single "Asian Nights"; it was yet another album that slipped through the 2011 cracks and piqued my interest enough to give it a spin.  The previously mentioned track is SICK and the first 4 or 5 tracks set things up nicely, but the middle of Neon Paradise sags and loses any and all momentum that the first third of the album beautifully set up.  Songs like "You Say That You Love Me" and "What's Your Poison" lack any sort of bite and are rendered sub-par with boring rhymes and even more lackluster hooks (one of my BIGGEST pet peeves).  Don't know if this is worth most listeners' time, but there are a few standouts to be found if you can find your way through the filler.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Brother Ali - The Bite Marked Heart

Brother Ali is one of the best emcees walking this planet; don't argue with me on that point because it's just straight up FACT.  So the prospect of a new project had my full attention.  And what's this - beats by Jake One to top it off?  There's no denying the brilliance of production and storytelling that "Shine On" is, but surprisingly, the rest of this EP failed to keep my attention.  Ali has always been such a force of nature on the mic who's always preached love and positivity and, yes, I understand that it's keeping in tune with a Valentine's Day release, but he comes off as a little too sappy for my taste.  It's not the sort of artistic diversion that say an 808s album is, but it just wasn't what I expected.  It's good, just not great, and when it comes to Brother Ali, as unfair as it may be, I expect no less.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Theory Hazit - Three

I admittedly wasn't wise on Theory Hazit until his excellent contribution, Determined To Fly, from LMNO's James Kelly project a couple of years ago.  While a great producer in his own right, this is sort of a role reversal as Dert takes over production duties while Theory holds it down on the mic.  Much like The Kaos Effect, this album flies out the gate with a stunning intro as Dert comes with a very Black Milk-esque banger of a track.  Unfortunately, the very next song is too subdued and weighed down by a corny hook, losing all the energy such a strong intro created.  There are moments to be found, as on the touching "For Lack Of A Better Word", but those are too few and far between and that magic from the first track remains elusive for the most part on Three.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Saigon - Warning Shots 3: One Foot In The Grave

I should've known from the goofy cover that this was going to be a disappointment.  But beyond that, how do you even follow an album like The Greatest Story Never Told?  The short answer is: you can't.  Granted, that LP was five years old before most of us even heard it, but what happened in the interim?  The drop off from last year's superior release to this has turned out to be one of the year's early disappointments.  The important, thought-provoking rhymes that made me admire Saigon have been thrown out the window to make way for songs that are mediocre at best - and at least two of the tracks are over beats lifted straight from TGSNT.  Really?  Please, even for free the price is too high.  There are a few heaters on Warning Shots and it might've stood well on its own, but in the shadow of such a monumental release I couldn't help but feel cheated.  Like your role on Entourage, Sai, you played yourself.

-Gravity

REWIND: Timeless Truth - "Brugal & Presidentes"

The duo of O-Prime and Solace, collectively known as Timeless Truth, had been on the outer edges of my radar since the middle of last year.  Granted, it wasn't hard to take notice with leaks of strong singles like "Memorex Massacre" and "True Grit" respectively.  And now with the release of Brugal & Presidentes, the warm-up to the LP Rock'it Science, they have planted their flag firmly and gotten my full attention.

While the previously mentioned singles are here (thankfully), this 8-track EP still had some tricks up its sleeves.  I knew these cats were dope, but their beat selection and presence on the mic is undeniable.  Producer R8der is a revelation here, providing four of the beats on B&P, and giving Prime and Solace the freedom to let their aggressive style breathe on each of his contributions.  "Memorex Massacre", with its subtle yet engaging and dream-like strings, gradually expands courtesy of some truly sick drumwork and the opening track "Circa" is funky beyond belief with a crazy guitar lick complimented nicely with an unexpected horn loop.  Roc Marciano also continues his hot streak both in front of the mic and behind the production boards with "True Grit" and the unbelievably dirty "Leave It Alone".  All in all, this sounds like a throwback record for the present day and the formula works extraordinarily well.

Yes, the beats are great and while it's more than enough to carry this EP through to the end, Prime and Solace are no slouches by any means.  They both have booming voices and tons of presence when they're going in, but never are they grating or annoying.  While I wish there was a little more substance in the rhymes, slaying emcees in this way never gets old and, to that end, Timeless Truth delivers.

While this EP is from perfect, it's near flawless in its execution.  The mission was to whet the listeners' appetite for Rock'it Science and it more than does the job.  One listen to Brugal & Presidentes and it's clear that Prime and Solace have a genuine love and appreciation for the pioneers of Hip Hop.  It's at once an ode to the house that Golden Era Hip Hop built, but updated and completely remodeled with a fresh coat of paint.  My major complaint is that it's only eight songs - I could go for eighty more.  This EP is superb and it's 2012's first great release.

"Leave It Alone"

"Memorex Massacre"

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

My Top 25 Hip Hop Albums Of 2011

The "year end" list has become so cliché at this point, I know - but that doesn't mean it's still not fun for me putting one together. Besides, it's always gratifying to see how much better mine is than all the rest (just kidding...sort of). I won't go too into my thought process when putting this together other than it's a combination of lots of factors: production, lyricism, consistency, overall execution and plain ol' personal taste. I try to keep that last factor to a minimum, however, and try to base the merits of each album relative to the others on the list. In other words, my main goal is to create a food chain of sorts - these are the very best of 2011 that I listened to out of 200+ LP's, EP's, mixtapes, etc. and if you want to get a taste of what the year embodied as a whole, I think this is the order you should listen to them in.

Notice two things: First, I said of the albums "I listened to", meaning that I tried to be as thorough as I could possibly be. So if you don't see something you liked on here, either I didn't listen to it or I just didn't like it - sorry. And second, notice that the title says my top 25. You don't have to agree with it in the slightest and that's okay - you'd be wrong, but that's still okay. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want each and every one of you to love this list, print it out and consider it scripture, but if I can take you down memory lane and recall some favorites we share or, more importantly, help you discover something within these 25 picks that you didn't know about and then come to love as much as I did, then my job is done (which I don't technically get paid for, but hey - I do it for Hip Hop). Enjoy.

#25) Greneberg (Roc Marciano, The Alchemist & Oh No) - Greneberg

Gutter Water and Marcberg were without question two of 2010's finest releases - they were both seeped in dirty, dank and hard hitting beats and were very much a reflection of each other. So it was only natural that these kindred spirits found each other, form like Voltron and become Greneberg. The trio could've easily gone for a new sound and churned out a product that lost the essence of what made their previous albums so dope. But that was far from the case as this EP plays to each of the members' strengths and showed other crews how collabs should be done. Fuck an EP, WE WANT AN ALBUM!

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#24) Epidemic - Illin Spree

Digging through crates for new Hip Hop is an experience that will never be replicated. But the Internet opens up to a whole new world of artists that would fade into obscurity without making so much as a blip otherwise. The cover for Illin Spree is unassuming - it doesn't pop out at you in any particular way so I can't say if I'd seen this album sitting on a shelf in a record store I would've picked it up. But when I stumbled upon it through my many travels across the Net looking for that new heat, I can't deny just how I stunned I was. HexOne and Tek-Nition showed off tremendous skill and a dexterity on the mic that was completely unexpected. From government conspiracies to simply slaying wack emcees over and over again, the subject matter rarely ever deviates, but each track manages to feel fresh and new. That's also due largely in part to 5th Element's slick production from top to bottom. Illin Spree reminds me that the Hip Hop landscape is still vast and pushes the need to look just a little further for that next hidden gem.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#23) Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown - Daily Bread

We caught a small taste of the potential magic between these two on The Left's classic Gas Mask with the track "How We Live". Hassaan Mackey's stone cold flow sounded so right on Apollo's equally cold beat and Daily Bread proved to be grander on every scale. Apollo's beats are hard to be outdone, but Hassaan Mackey spewed some of the realest and most honest bars I heard all year long; this is a man pouring his soul out on wax. While Apollo Brown wasn't as prolific in 2011, perhaps that gave him the chance to become extremely focused on this record and the chemistry between he and Mackey was lightning caught in a bottle.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#22) Reks - R.E.K.S. (Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme)

Reks is the sort of emcee I listen to and wonder how many rappers he makes throw down their pens (or Blackberrys) in frustration and go back to the drawing board. And what's even scarier is that he somehow keeps getting better with age like a fine wine. Take a stroll through his catalog and you'll see this cat has steadily worked towards a level that most rappers would kill to be on. But with R.E.K.S., Corey Christie not only delivers verbal beat downs, he also delivers his most open and reflective album to date. From his father's affliction with AIDS, to his mother's drug addiction, he's not just making music for music's sake, this is therapy for the soul. Reks is one of the most versatile emcees around and as he continues to grow as a man, so does his music.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#21) Apathy - Honkey Kong

Apathy took the best elements of his previous album Wanna Snuggle? and got the formula just right on Honkey Kong. With Ap, you know what you're going to get - knocking beats, punchlines for days and a consistenly great LP. The list of producers alone is enough to make any Hip Hop nerd do backflips with the likes of DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz, DJ Muggs, Evidence and Statik Selektah (amongst others) contributing gasoline to the fire. Apathy has caught shit in the past for the abundant guests on his records, but they work perfectly with each one serving its purpose and never feeling out of place. If anything, Apathy shows he can hang with the best of them by constantly reminding us that he's running this show.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#20) Clan Destined - Self Titled

It was a little site known as Bloggerhouse that schooled me on the duo of DT and AmDex, collectively known as Clan Destined. Self Titled is one of those records that I regrettably didn't get around to until a few months after it dropped and then consistently kicked my own ass for not wising up sooner. The musical heights we're taken to are beyond the clouds and the sheer scope and range that DT and AmDex sought, and ultimately accomplished, is inspiring. Records that break the mold and can make me feel like we're venturing off in some new direction are always welcome and Self Titled did just that.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#19) IMAKEMADBEATS - IMAKEMADBEATS

January releases face the potential downfall of being released too early in the year and falling by the wayside as dozens (and hundreds) of other contenders fight for listeners' ears. After just the first go-round, I knew NeMo had crafted a special album and as other releases came and went, his debut remained near the top of the heap once the dust settled. It should come as no surprise, however - NeMo showed off tremendous range with his sound and a handful (literally, check the cover) of dope emcees. But what made this one great is that IMAKEMADBEATS never once let any one rapper top him. The beats always took center stage and he remained in control like the crazy conductor he is.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#18) Joell Ortiz - Free Agent

I've never been a fan of Slaughterhouse, but the one shining light in the group for me has always been Joell Ortiz. This was his first record outside of the crew and he reminded everyone why each other member has tried to find solo success through multiple releases and he just topped them all with one. With very few guests backing him, Joell stockpiled some tremendous beats and killed countless mics as he ran a verbal gauntlet on Free Agent, all the while slaying everything in his path. Being released from Aftermath proved to be a blessing as Joell sounds more determined than ever to prove his worth, delivering seemingly ever word with a ferocity and purpose that couldn't be stopped. He kicks every line like his life depends on it and we come to learn that it does.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#17) Thurz - L.A. Riot

I never would've expected an album from a former U-N-I member to be so stark and incendiary, but that's exactly what Thurz delivered on his solo debut. Imagine Bomb Squad/Sir Jinx era Ice Cube making a record in 2011; as odd as that sounds, that's what L.A. Riot made me feel. From recounting the beating of Rodney King on one of the album's most powerful tracks, to telling stories of gang life in the inner city, Thurz takes you on a grand tour through a side of Los Angeles that's not all glitz and glamour. Perhaps leaving U-N-I was the main reason Thurz was able to make an album of this caliber and for that he should be commended. This was by far, for me, the year's biggest and most unexpected surprise.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#16) yU - The Earn

yU follows up last year's highly acclaimed debut Before Taxes with yet another gem in The Earn. I loved Before Taxes (it made my top 25 of 2010) and I wondered just how Mr. Willingham would be able to outdo himself, but if there's one thing I've come to learn about yU is that he doesn't disappoint. Whether it be with his Diamond District crew or the 1978ers, yU has proven time and time again that he's more than a one trick pony, capable of coming at you in varying forms. The Earn is much more focused, much more honest and is the soundtrack to the "everyday man" as yU meditates on life, love, money, work - subjects on a more relatable level than a lot of popular rappers offer. yU is a true talent and he remains one of Hip Hop's brightest talents.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#15) Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)

With his place as one of the best lyricists ever pretty much wrapped up, what does Pharoahe Monch have left to prove? Plenty, apparently. With two beloved solo albums already under his belt, there is the always underlying pressure to make yet another classic. Only time willl tell if W.A.R. falls into that same category, but it's no doubt another jewel added to the Pharoahe's crown. The beats are big, epic and accompany the verbal darts being thrown from seemingly every direction. Politically and socially charged, it's a treat and privilege to hear Pharoahe Monch do his thing. One of the few albums where the beats were great (minus "The Grand Illusion"...ugh), but it was the emcee that was greater.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#14) DTMD - Makin' Dollas

Really, what can I say about Dunc and Toine that I haven't said a million times over by now? I've showered them with praise since last 2010's stunning EP The Basics and with each subsequent leak of new music. Even before I heard Makin' Dollas, I knew it was poised to be something special, but DTMD still managed to blow me away with their first official LP. These dudes are much younger than so-called vets, but make music that's miles ahead of their years. Toine rhymes with the wisdom and knowledge of someone twice his age and Dunc makes beats more mature and expansive than his counterparts. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: DTMD is the future of Hip Hop.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#13) Kaimbr & Kev Brown - Alexander Green

Word of this joint project from Low Budget all stars Kaimbr and Kev Brown bubbled for a minute and once a solid release date was announced, it quickly became one of my most anticipated albums of the year. Pretty much anything Kev Brown touches becomes gold and Alexander Green was no different as he continues to play the MPC like a Stradivarius while tackling Al Green's legendary catalog to cook up some of his finest beats to date. Throw in Kaimbr's confident and versatile flow into the mix and these cats could do no wrong. One of the more consistent records of the year, there was not one dull moment to be had. These are artists at the top of their game showing the world how great Hip Hop is made.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#12) Self Scientific - Trials Of The Blackhearted

You've probably slept on Self Scientific (even after a decade plus) and that's cool, I can forgive that. But if you take the time to give their latest EP a spin and still refuse to acknowledge their undeniable talent, then you're just playin' yourself. Chace Infinite and DJ Khalil have been one of the most consistently great duos for some time now and they still haven't gotten their just dues. After two classic full length albums and another on the way, Self Sci took the time to prepare this EP and their unique brand of militant-minded yet inspiring and socially-conscious Hip Hop and continued to evolve. Truth be told, these are masters of their craft that show no signs of letting up. Khalil's beats continue to be a force of nature and Chace still has, for my money, one of the most distinct voices and some of the deepest bars around. These are two of the best Los Angeles has ever known - wisen up.

DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#11) Rashad & Confidence - The Element Of Surprise

There probably wasn't a more aptly titled album in 2011 than Rashad and Confidence's debut to the world. It's like they slyly named it knowing what they had hidden up their sleeves. I only heard about this album a few short weeks ago, but it was worthy enough to crack my favorites of the year - yeah, it's that good. I have a Spidey Sense for records sometimes and the Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth Funky Technician-inspired cover spoke up and told me I had to hear this before I even heard it. What makes Surprise rank so highly on this list is how it harkens back to the days of a true "duo" album. No guests, no outside production - just a producer and an emcee making heat in the tradition of Hip Hop luminaries like Gang Starr, EPMD and Show & A.G. This album is solid with absolutely no filler and tremendous cohesiveness. They even do the Hip Hop love song how it should be done, how can you be mad at that? Just as the title suggests, this one snuck up on me and quickly became a favorite.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#10) Saigon - The Greatest Story Never Told

I thought TGSNT was going to be something completely different than what it turned out to be. I expected something a little more towards the commerical side (which I guess in some ways it is) and an album that wouldn't be my cup of tea at all. What I did get was a surprisingly moving and inspirational experience. Saigon nimbly moves through Just Blaze's incredible production and delivers some truly great songs reflecting on unexpected fatherhood, betrayal at the hands of old "friends", but the one thing I really respected was that Saigon stayed away from "bling" rap. He showed that he continues to struggle despite his successes. TGSNT also earns the distinction of being the only album on this list that proved to be greater than the sum of its parts. Some songs sound just okay on their own, but within the context of the album they flow seamlessly and that's a big factor in ranking this list. It's also worth noting that while the underlying concept of being transported to different places through the stations on the radio has been done before, the way it all wraps up in the end is excellent and hasn't been really pointed out in other reviews I've seen. Any way you slice it, the wait was worth it as Saigon and Just Blaze delivered big time after so much anticipation.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#9) The Roots - Undun

With the Illadelph crew, it's not even of a question of "Will their album be good?", it's more like "How good will it be?" Admittedly, even I had my own doubts. Following the EXCELLENT How I Got Over (#2 on my list from 2010) would be no easy task as it ended up being one of the best entries in their impeccable catalog. It's usually a two year wait between albums, so I didn't know how such a fast turn-around would impact the group's latest chapter. While I still love HIGO just a bit more, there's no denying the power and beauty that Undun brings with it. Every review I've seen goes on and on about the "concept" this album is built around so I won't touch on it here, but the story and the way it's told plays out like a great book - each subsequent listen reveals so many more little details that were missed the first time around. Undun is painfully short and my main factor for not ranking it higher, but the concept and execution by The Legendary Roots Crew cannot go unnoticed as one of the finest outings of 2011.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#8) Malcolm And Martin - Life Doesn't Frighten Me...

Listening to albums like Life Doesn't Frighten Me... is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it was one of the most entertaining records I heard all year, but a curse because I knew the public at large would be too ignorant to understand it or discover it to begin with. KB iMean and Styliztik Jones, along with direction from DJ Revolution, truly embody the spirits of the real-life Malcolm and Martin by being both militant and defiant, but empowering and never violent all at once. From the out-the-gate force of the intro all the way to the end, Life flows like water in no small part to Revolution's funky and energetic beats. Rev has always been a highly underrated producer, but DAMN he came correct with this one. Most of you probably didn't even know this album existed (unless you follow me on Twitter). That's a damn shame, but it's never too late to catch up. As far as slept-on LP's of the year, this may very well be #1.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#7) Action Bronson - Dr. Lecter

Along with Thurz' entry on this list, I probably would've laughed in your face had you told me at the beginning of the year that Action Bronson's proper debut would be this dope. Like a lot of folks, I held the fact that he sounds so much like Ghostface against him, but take a good listen and you quickly realize that Action Bronson has a style and flavor all his own. Plus throw in the fact that he reportedly only started rapping about 4 years ago and it's jaw-dropping just how charismatic and at home he sounds on the mic. Whether spinning seedy tales about ex-girlfriends, his battles with weight gain (some of Dr. Lecter's biggest laughs) or his many bars involving food, this was some of the most fun I've had simply sitting back and listening to every line a rapper spit just to see what he'd say next. I can't possibly talk about Dr. Lecter and not mention the other revelation here: Tommy Mas' simply AMAZING production. He contributed every beat and it's without question some of the most consistently ill instrumentation you'll find on any record all year. Action Bronson doesn't hit you over the head with preachy lyrics - he let's other rappers do that. What he does give you is one of the most shamelessly fun listens in recent memory.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#6) Rasheed Chappell - Future Before Nostalgia

I've never met Rasheed Chappell (shit, I barely only discovered his music), but if I run into him anytime soon, I'd probably apologize for sleepin' on his work. I heard about this album some time ago, but kept putting it off for whatever reason. As the end of the year approached, I had it on my short list of albums yet to check out. All I kept thinking after each successive track was, "Holy shit.....holy shit......HOLY SHIT!" The beats, courtesy of the always dependable Kenny Dope, were incredible, but the lyricism was the true show-stopper. Whether it was the eye-opening "Children Of The Ghetto" to the awe-inspiring "Theology Of War", I couldn't help but wonder if this was the sort of thing that inspired one Nasir Jones as he grew up and later recounted the things he saw outside his project window. I'm not making any comparisons just yet, but I will say that Rasheed Chappell is well on his way. It's scary to think Future Before Nostalgia almost completely passed me by, so take my advice and seek this one out if you haven't already. If you're already knowing, you no doubt agree with me. If you're still asleep, it's time to wake up.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#5) Blitz The Ambassador - Native Sun

For those of you that even remotely care about my list, I feel this may be my most controversial pick. Not that Native Sun isn't a great record (duh, it's my #5), but because I feel this is the album, more than any other within these 25, that will fly over peoples' heads. I hope that doesn't sound like I don't respect your ear for music, but I recognize that this album may not be for everyone (even though I obviously think it is, given the proper chance). Blitz flipped me on my ear with 2009's superb Stereotype, but Native Sun is on a whole other level. A lot of rappers talk about taking it back to the essence, to their roots, but Blitz takes it all the way back to the Motherland with a fusion of Afro-beat, Latin, Funk and just about any other genre but manages to remain a Hip Hop record at its core.

At this point, we've heard just about everything there is to hear; the game has become more about how you present something rather than what you present. When you can manage to take a whole genre of music and elevate it to a whole new level and give people a glimpse of where it can go, that's where the true magic lies. I sat in awe for 45 minutes as I was taken on one of the most unique musical journeys I've ever been on as a Hip Hop head and I have Blitz The Ambassador to thank for that. Some of you will get it, most of you won't, but if you're open-minded enough and can think outside the box for just one second (or, in this case, 2700 of them) you might just wind up looking at Hip Hop in a whole new light.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#4) Has-Lo - In Case I Don't Make It

ICIDMI was on my radar for a while. I've mentioned it before, but like Gas Mask (my #1 pick in 2010) I heard rumblings of this near-mythical album's greatness and couldn't wait for it. Forward to March of 2011 and me sitting in my car and feeling almost pinned to my seat, unable to move as Has-Lo's opus first played out of my speakers. I had errands to run, things to do, but none were more important to me at that moment than hearing this thing through; I was in such a zone and I didn't want to leave it. Once it was finally over, I was so drained that I didn't quite know what to make of it. We weave and work our way through Has' mind and soul, to the deepest and darkest places we all know exist within our own selves but are afraid to visit. And the way this ride ends? I would be doing a disservice by spoiling it for you, but it's pure genius and reflects the uncertainty that life brings with it.

In this day and age of non-stop features and guest spots on supposed "solo" albums, this is a true one-man show as Has takes the reigns all by himself from beginning to end and that's the only way an album this deep could be presented. This is one man's soul on display and it's his own story to tell, nobody elses. ICIDMI is something I have to be in a certain mood to listen to and that's not a knock againt it in the slightest because it remains the LP that made the biggest emotional impact on me, more than any other on this list. It took me to a place I didn't think I'd end up, but I'm glad I went to nonetheless.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#3) Random Axe - Random Axe

There might have been albums that did more musically, that are way more lyrical, that are a lot more things in different ways than my #3 pick...but for in-your-face, unabashed Hip Hop, very few got it as right as the trio of Black Milk, Sean Price and Guilty Simpson. Maybe as an indirect response to the baby thigh soft music that has become the norm on the airwaves, Hex Murda took it upon himself to help create a group with a "no nonsense, take no prisoner" mentality and to that end, he succeeded. Sean P spits some of his grimiest bars ever and Guilty Simpson delivers the punishment as well. But the glue here is the waterproof producer known as Black Milk who continues to bring the pain behind the boards with his bonecrushing instrumentals. Don't lie, you know that slap on "Everybody Nobody Somebody" hits sharp enough to make you flinch. When I anticipate any album, I invariably imagine what I think it'll sound like - sometimes it lives up to that, other times it doesn't. Random Axe sounds EXACTLY like what I envisioned and what I wanted it to be. Front to back, this one knocks harder than most and remains one of 2011's pure Hip Hop experiences.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#2) Elzhi & Will Sessions - Elmatic

If anyone is worthy enough of taking on the monumental task of recreating Illmatic, it would be Elzhi. He possesses a true gift with words and he utilizes every bit of that gift to do justice to one of the best albums not just Hip Hop, but the WORLD, has ever known. After numerous delays and other Illmatic tribute projects in the interim, I had to wonder if yet another would even be relevant anymore. Not only did El and Will Sessions make it relevant, they made it one of the most astounding records of the last few years. Part of its genius lies in not taking the easy route and letting Elzhi rap over the classic instrumentals like others had done before, but by Will Sessions painstakingly not just recreating, but reinvisioning, those 9 beats (minus "One Time 4 Your Mind") that are part of Hip Hop legend.

Once the sound was locked in, Elzhi took the foundation Nas laid down, switched out New York with Detroit as his backdrop and proceeded to put yet another lesson down in emceeing. He makes it seem so effortless and second nature that it's almost disrespectful to put any other rapper on his level. Elzhi is just so above and beyond everyone else that it's not even funny. From the chills "Detroit State Of Mind" induced, the way "The World Is Yours" transitioned to "Represent" with Will Sessions' absolutely mind-blowing recreation of "Thief Of Baghdad" and Stokley Williams' flawless cover of The Gap Band's "Yearning For Your Love" in the closing moments of "Life's A Bitch", it's unbelievable all of the elements that had to come together to make Elmatic what it is. It's undoubtedly one of the most fitting tributes one artist has ever paid another, but it also stands as a masterpiece itself.

DOWNLOAD --> HERE

#1) Evidence - Cats & Dogs

I was lucky enough to attend Evidence's sold out album release party at The Viper Room back in October. After the show, I ran into him outside, said what up and told him, "Congratulations on dropping the album of the year." Humble as he always is, Ev just laughed and said, "You crazy, man." But when it comes to what I think is a particular year's best album, I don't play around and I don't mince words. Granted, the year was already winding down and there were still a few big name releases yet to be heard, but I knew then - and moreso now that the smoke has cleared - it's Ev's follow-up to The Weatherman LP that reigns (or rains?) supreme.

Countless artists have emerged from the Los Angeles underground scene since the late 90's, but very few have remained or stayed relevant all these years later and even fewer have seen their stock continue to rise. The reason Evidence has succeeded, among others, is that he gives his loyal fan base exactly what they want. Knockin' beats, honest rhymes and a consistency that few other rappers deliver. Think about it: have you ever heard Ev spit on a wack beat? You'd be hard pressed to find one. He's found his voice with each subsequent release and he's so locked into what makes his music great that it's a sight to behold.

From The Weatherman LP to The Layover EP, he's steadily worked his way to Cats & Dogs where he gets the formula for a classic just right. The production is big (and I mean BIG) and fits his heavy rain motif to a tee. The beats are thick, engrossing and show the rest of the world that Los Angeles is more than just sunshine and palm trees. But it really goes beyond that - it's a running theme throughout Cats & Dogs that this is the reflection of a man who feels his back getting closer and closer to the wall. This is Evidence at his most open and vulnerable and the new perspective we get on him as a person is where the album shines. From meditating on who and who not to trust on "Strangers" to personal demons on "I Don't Need Love", to financial problems on "Well Runs Dry" and the frantic percussion work that amplifies the desperation on "Falling Down", you can't help but root for Evidence to make it to the finish line. By the time we get to the DJ Premier-assisted "The Epilogue", that's exactly what we hear - someone who's come to terms with who (and where) he is and it makes the rollercoaster ride we just took that much more satisfying.

Great albums have a way of finding the listeners that need them. You ever notice how the best albums remain with you years later because it came into your life at the right time? Cats & Dogs definitely fit that bill for me and I wanted nothing else in my rotation for the next few weeks after its release; I can't say that for any other album on this list. Cats & Dogs has incredible production value, a well-executed theme and, pretty much, it just feels like the best album of 2011. Keep your umbrellas up.

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

Best Of 2011 - June

Skyzoo - The Great Debater

 The opposite of Chemo's album in my May recap, Skyzoo's latest comes recommended solely based on lyrics.  Not that the beats aren't good, they just didn't quite hold up for me on repeated listens.  All that aside, Sky went the fuck OFF on the lyrics and the complex rhyme patterns and metaphors this dude kicks seemingly at will is a feat that has to be heard to be believed.

"Complicated Rhythm" (Produced by Best Kept Secret)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Trace Blam & Soul Chef - Bottles

New music comes from all angles on the Internet.  I was schooled on SoulChef some time last year, so when I came across this hidden jewel it was hard not to give it a shot.  The intro jumps out the gate and SoulChef serves up some great cuts for Trace Blam to bear his soul.  Not a game-changer by any means, but solid nonetheless.

"Bottles (Intro)" (Produced by SoulChef)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Random Axe - Random Axe

Black Milk, Sean Price and Guilty Simpson.  Did you hear me?  I said  BLACK MILK, SEAN PRICE AND GUILTY SIMPSON.  If you don't recognize those names then this album wasn't made for you.  The trio come through swinging their axes (pun intended) and taking out everyone in their path.  This was a no frills, no gimmicks, boom-bap lover's dream.

"Everybody Nobody Somebody" (Produced by Black Milk)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

The Black Opera - Overture

I wish I could tell you who exactly is in The Black Opera.  Not that I know and don't want to ruin the illusion; even if I did know, I still wouldn't tell you.  Not that it matters because Overture is about the message and not the messenger.  These tracks are meant to uplift, instill awareness and put the power back into a needy public's hands.  This is the soundtrack to a revolution.

"Sleep Tight"

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Count Bass D & Insight - The Risk Takers

Heads were feenin' for a new Madvillain album in 2011.  Obviously that didn't come to be, but The Risk Takers is about as close as you could get to something in that same vein.  The beats are really abstract, dusty and full of obscure and odd samples.  In other words, it's perfect.  Count Bass D is the oddball, Insight plays the straight man and the two balance each other better than a scale.

"Dinner Is Served" (Produced by Insight)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

DJ JS-1 - Ground Original 3: No One Cares

The latest (and perhaps last...?) installment of JS-1's series is another solid addition to the catalog.  GO:2 was one of my favorite albums of 2009 so my hopes were expectedly high.  Volume 3 felt a little too long and repetitive as far as subject matter, but the fact that JS-1 holds down all the production duties is noteworthy and he never loses sight of the direction he wants to take this series.

"Compositionz" (Produced by DJ JS-1; featuring Eternia & Ras Kass)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

Best Of 2011 - May

Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

The Beasties are legends in the game for not only the quality of the music they release, but for the way they release it.  The video for "Make Some Noise" was pure genius and fueled the hype for the trio's latest effort.  What we got was a group firmly in control of their musical vision and who keep reminding a fickle generation why they're one of the best to ever do it.

"Make Some Noise" (Produced by The Beastie Boys)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Louis Mackey & Thirtyseven - No Humans Allowed

If I had created a most slept-on list of 2011, this EP would've ranked very high.  The rhymes are razor sharp and I hung on every word just to see what they'd say next.  Louis Mackey provides most of the production, ranging from slow, plodding beats to more uptempo joints.  This EP was a nice surprise and a personal favorite.

"Not Of This Earth" (Produced by Dr. Quandary & Louis Mackey)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Blitz The Ambassador - Native Sun

Why the hell did most of the Hip Hop community seemingly sleep on Native Sun?  WHYYY?!  I don't know exact sales numbers, but I saw very little to zero talk about it.  I couldn't possibly have been the only one this blown away by Blitz's crazy fusion of Afro-beat, Latin, Funk infused Hip Hop.  Very few artists ever dare take Hip Hop to the places that Blitz did in 2011.

"Akwaaba" (Produced by Blitz The Ambassador)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Elzhi - Elmatic

Just think for a second: what emcee around today is legitimately capable of being on the level that Nas was lyrically on Illmatic?  Very few will ever be worthy, but Elzhi is about as close they come.  El and band Will Sessions could've just made a straight up cover album, but instead we got something completely new that paid fitting tribute to one of the best albums Hip Hop has ever known.

"The World Is Yours" (Produced by Will Sessions)

DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Brown Bag Allstars - Brown Bag Season Volume One

BBAS is one of the deepest crews around both in front of and behind the production boards.  These dudes have been putting it crazy work, so why not go all out and drop two discs worth of fire?  This was one of the best deals of the year as you got a full LP and then a fresh remix courtesy of DJ Brace.  This guaranteed heat.

"Got It All" (Produced by DJ Dyllemma)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Neek The Exotic & Large Professor - Still On The Hustle

I've wondered out loud on more than one occasion as to why Large Professor doesn't get hit up for beats more often.  His place in Hip Hop history cannot be denied, so maybe taking it back with fellow pioneer Neek The Exotic is what it took.  Still On The Hustle is the product of two veterans with undeniable chemistry doing what they do best and staying relevant among the new jacks.

"Still On The Hustle" (Produced by Large Professor)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Shaz Illyork - Air Unlimited

I discovered this cat through features with Mayhem Lauren and Action Bronson.  This is a pretty straight-forward mixtape - dope rhymes, dope beats and not much filler besides one or two cuts.  This is that griminess that reminds me of late night mix shows being recorded off of tape decks.

"Plans" (Produced by Tommy Mas)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Chemo - Squirrelz With Gunz Redux

This album is one of the few that I'm recommending solely off of production.  I hate that my biggest gripe with Squirrelz is some of the distractingly thick accents these cats are rapping in because that shouldn't be a motivator in turning someone off to what is a very well put together LP.  Some of you may be more tolerant of it, but damn...THOSE BEATS!

"New Day" (Produced by Chemo; featuring Toplinerz)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

Best Of 2011 - April

Coalmine Records - Can You Dig It?

Coalmine Records celebrated their fifth year of existence with this compilation LP.  Why should you be excited for it?  Beats from Marco Polo, M-Phazes, The Alchemist, Shuko, The Returners (amongst others) and guest verses from Evidence, Supernatural, Skyzoo, C.L. Smooth, Bekay, Brown Bag All Stars and too many others to list.  Need I say more?

"Play By Play" (Produced by JBL The Titan; featuring Evidence, One Dae & Dutchmaster)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Self Scientific - Trials Of The Blackhearted

Chances are most of you aren't familiar with the duo of Chace Infinite and DJ Khalil.  And chances are they're probably better than most of your favorite artists.  No lie, these cats make some of the most militant and socially conscious music I've ever heard, but they do it with a style and grace that comes off as genuine instead of abrasive.  Self Scientific are two of the best to ever emerge from the L.A. underground.

"God's Language" (Produced by DJ Khalil)

DOWNLOAD --> HERE

MED - Bang Ya Head 3

MED's Bang Ya Head series has been consistently dope over the years and volume three is no different.  For the uninitiated, it serves as a collection of guest spots from MED with other artists with a few unreleased tracks and previews of others.  If anything, MED always lines up solid production and that alone makes this one worth your time.

"Purest" (Produced by House Shoes)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

Best Of 2011 - March

Innate - Trading Places Vol. 1

Look to Innate from the Rock Bottom crew to come through with a unique twist on the (at times) stale mixtape game: take a classic song, rap over the instrumental then take that same song and remix it with a new beat.  Simple, right?  Nate's flow has improved vastly over the years as has his beatmaking and Trading Places is a reflection of that.

"Closer To God (Innate Tribute)" (Produced by Innate)

DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Raekwon - Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang

Following the mythical Cuban Linx wasn't easy, but somehow The Chef pulled off the near impossible with a worthy follow-up to a beloved album.  While Vs. isn't much of a step in a new direction, it feels more like stuff that was left of the cutting room floor of Linx II.  In this case, that's not a bad thing as Rae continues his hot streak by delivering behind such lofty expectations.

"Silver Rings" (Produced by Cilvaringz; featuring Ghostface)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Reks - R.E.K.S. (Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme)

Corey Christie couldn't be stopped last year with the hits seemingly coming out of his pores.  He dropped two unbelievably dope mixtapes with his In Between The Lines series as the buzz built for his next solo album.  Somehow his lyricism continues to improve and with top shelf production from a few Hip Hop luminaries, there's no way this one could've been wack.

"25th Hour" (Produced by DJ Premier)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Zagnif Nori - Insignia

Bust out the Tims and camo fatigues because this EP is a throwback to times when cats preferred Land Cruisers over Maybachs.  Insignia was a hidden gem I came across and I wasn't expecting such a heavy and dense project.  The sound is dark and dreary at times, but it's got its own sort of beauty in that way.  Really dope EP that you can pick up for Free.99 right now.

"Crown Of Thorns" (Produced by Crucial The Guillotine)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Action Bronson - Dr. Lecter

Initially, it was easy to write off Action Bronson as a Ghostface wannabe.  But take the time to give this record a listen (if you haven't already) and realize that, vocally, the similarities are there but Action Bronson is carving a niche all his own.  A great sense of humor, lyrical dexterity and just a straight up fun Hip Hop album are what this ex-chef cooked up with his debut.

"Barry Horowitz" (Produced by Tommy Mas)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Dumhi - The Whole World's Watching

Producer Haj quickly moved up the ranks last year with his stellar EP The Jungle.  While I came across that project towards the very end of the year, it was dope enough to make my top 25 of 2010.  So I was really anticipating his next release and it proved to be more of what I came to love about Dumhi's sound to begin with.  You may not know Haj's name yet, but I'm out to change that.

"Paramount" (Produced by Haj; featuring Random, Ethel Cee & Reef The Lost Cauze)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Has-Lo - In Case I Don't Make It

This album in a lot of ways reminded me of last year's favorite Gas Mask as word of its greatness had been floating around the Net for a while.  It struggled to find a home when MMG stepped in a gave it its proper release.  Little did I know the sheer emotional impact ICIDMI would make - something that very few albums, if any, managed to pull off all year.

"Fiber Optics" (Produced by Has-Lo)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)

Pharoahe's place as one of the best lyricists ever has been cemented, but following Desire and the now classic Internal Affairs would be no easy feat.  Dope rhymes were never a doubt, but the production took center stage as well as some truly epic beats courtesy of Marco Polo, M-Phazes & Exile gave Pharoahe the sonic backdrop he needed to leave the mic in body bags.

"Evolve" (Produced by Exile)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Maticulous - The Maticulous EP

Brown Bag All Stars resident producer Maticulous stepped out on his own to drop this EP full of heat.  Along with the help of guests like R.A. The Rugged Man, Reef The Lost Cauze and fellow BBAS affiliates, Maticulous came through with a sure shot EP and one of the year's best songs with "Body The Beat".

"Body The Beat" (Produced by Maticulous; featuring Ruste Juxx, R.A. The Rugged Man & Rock)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Dela - Translation Lost

Producer Dela released an at times thought-provoking and reflective meditation on life and lost love.  The instrumentals sound like they can walk on air and verses from Reach and a much rejuvinated Blu make for an album that provided a nice change of pace from March's other heavy and over-the-top releases.

"Mars Part III" (Produced by Dela)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

Best Of 2011 - February

Malcolm And Martin - Life Doesn't Frighten Me...

The duo of KB iMean and Styliztik Jones chose the perfect name for their group because had Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X created a Hip Hop record, it would most certainly be something along the lines defined by this album.  Empowering, militant and inspiring all at the same time, it's a damn shame Life didn't get anywhere near the attention it deserved.

"Bamboozled" (Produced by DJ Revolution)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Money Making Jam Boys - The Prestige: Jam Boy Magic

This is a mixtape you knew would be dope from jump.  Lyrical heavyweights Black Thought and Dice Raw have already proven many times over what they're capable of, but adding new Roots contributors Truck North, P.O.R.N. and STS into a crew would put a heavy emphasis on lyricism.  Throw in some heavy beats and you can't go wrong.

"Brass Knuckles" (Produced by Frank Knuckles, Dris & Davgainz)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse EP

I'm admittedly not the biggest Slaughterhouse fan - Joell Ortiz is the only member who's lyricism I consistently admire - but I gave this EP a try anyway and I dug it a lot more than I expected.  Hard-hitting beats from Mr. Porter, Black Milk and Frequency round out a quick strike before the groups' next full album (just skip the last track - it's HORRIBLE).

"Everybody Down" (Produced by Black Milk)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

DC The Midi Alien - Avengers Airwaves

DC has been dropping heat for a while (his album with Termanology Out The Gate is a personal favorite), so it was no wonder he brought his heaviest production thus far on Avengers Airwaves.  Sure, the album could've used a trim here and there, as many of the tracks seem to be repetitive theme-wise, but DC's beats make things a bit more bearable.

"Disposable Heroes" (Produced by DC The Midi Alien & Nabo Rawk; featuring Nabo Rawk & Apeshit)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Kaimbr & Kev Brown - Alexander Green

It's no secret that I'm one of the biggest Kev Brown fans around and this was without question one of my most anticipated releases of 2011.  Luckily it came early in the year and, not surprisingly, it was everything I thought it would be.  Kev took some of Al Green's best and flipped 'em like a gymnast, brought it all together with Kaimbr's rhymes and crafted a true gem of a record.

"Army Fatigue Rap" (Produced by Kev Brown)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Saigon - The Greatest Story Never Told

The story (no pun intended) leading up to the release of this album has been told to death, but that in no way diminishes just how great the end result was.  Of course it doesn't hurt having Just Blaze taking the production reigns, but Saigon more than held his end of the deal.  Perhaps a bit too bloated and ambitious at times, it still stands as one of the year's finest.

"The Invitation" (Produced by Just Blaze; featuring Q-Tip)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Apollo Brown - Clouds

In recent years I've found I'm not into instrumentals albums like I once was, but leave it up to last year's best producer to pull me back in.  Mr. Brown created a definite sound for himself in 2010 and with Clouds he pushed his musical genius into a bold new direction and broke any mold he might have been put in.  Apollo really showed off his production muscle here and it was more than welcome.

"Heirloom" (Produced by Apollo Brown)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Serge Severe - Back On My Rhymes

When Serge came up with the title for this LP, he was not playing in the slightest.  Yes, the beats are there and contribute to much of the success of this album, but it's the wall-to-wall punchlines that really carry Rhymes all the way through to the end.  It still feels like this LP got overlooked by many, but those that discovered it were treated to endless lyrical gems.

"Prepare For Sergery"

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Joell Ortiz - Free Agent

Since we're on the subject of crazy lyricism, it's only fitting Free Agent is up next.  Joell is rhyming as if his life depended on it and, if you pay attention, that's very much true.  Just how Celph Titled did last year, Joell continues the tradition with a rhyme book full of mad quotables that will have you wearing the hell out of your rewind button.

"Battle Cry" (Produced by Audible Doctor & Just Blaze)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Various Artists - The Infamous Vol. 1

This mixtape, courtesy of the fine folks over at The Infamous graf magazine, and it took me back to some '99 shit.  It brought back so many memories of the incredible music that came from Rawkus during their golden years - rockin' Tims and bubble jackets with hoodies.  If you remember the venerable Soundbombing series, then this mixtape was just for you.

"The A-Team"

King Mez & Khrysis - The King's Khrysis

I can't say I've ever been the biggest proponent for Southern rappers, but King Mez is the type of cat that can change minds.  He has a rather unique voice, but he also possesses a dexterity that is to be admired.  2011 saw his stock rise with guest spots on numerous projects and this EP, along with Khrysis' top notch production, hints at someone with great potential.

"From The South" (Produced by Khrysis; featuring Thee Tom Hardy & Sean Boog)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

Best Of 2011 - January

Kaimbr - Why Be Somebody Else?

Okay, so maybe I'm cheating slightly with this pick.  Technically, it was originally Kaimbr's contribution to Rawkus' Rawkus 50 project in 2008, but it saw it's official re-release on Low Budget's imprint to kick off 2011.  It's so good and considering that it's more than 3 years old and better than what a lot cats are doing at the moment, it more than deserves a spot among 2011's best.

"Multiply" (Featuring & produced by Kev Brown)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Señor Kaos - The Most Interesting MC In The World

If I had a "best covers of 2011" list, this would be near the top for sure.  But don't let the humorous cover fool you - yes, Kaos shows a great sense of humor with his take on Dos Equis' now infamous spokesman as his springboard and inspiration, but beneath the surface is one dope mixtape that displays Kaos' very serious skill on the mic.

"The Real ATL" (Produced by Lee Bannon; featuring 4-ize & Boog Brown)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Kev Brown - Open Mic Knight

Kev has been one of the best producers in the game for a while now.   Whether you recognizne that or not, that's completely on you.  But I defy you to name one wack beat this dude has ever dropped.  So to keep it moving forward, he took it back by sifting through an archive of decade old beats and, in the process, reveals the foundation on which he built his now formidable musical ability.

"Alchemist Style (Remix)" (Produced by Kev Brown)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

O*Zee & Teddy Roxpin - The Burden Of Genius

This LP came courtesy of two artists I was very unfamiliar with but managed to churn out one of the first big surprises of the year.  The production was standard boom-bap, courtesy of Teddy Roxpin's touch, but the added ingredient of relative newcomer O*Zee made this one solid listen.

"True To This" (Produced by Teddy Roxpin; featuring Cayoz)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

DJ Roddy Rod - BluntPark Sessions 1.2

The early year onslaught from the Low Budget crew continued as Roddy Rod followed in the footsteps of Kaimbr by re-releasing his own Rawkus 50 project - and what a project it was.  I've been a fan of Roddy's work for years, but this was the first chance I got to hear him spread his wings musically all by himself and it didn't disappoint in the slightest.

"Money On The Clock" (Produced by DJ Roddy Rod; featuring Oddisee)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Verbal Kent - Save Yourself

I'd seen Verbal Kent's name floating around for a while before I heard Save Yourself, but I wasn't up on his music too much.  The first single came courtesy of Pete Rock's production and the allure was too much, but the rest of the album proved to be a headnodder's dream.  I wish it offered more lyrically, but the beats knock and make the ride a smooth one.

"Take" (Produced by Pete Rock)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Seven Day - CNCPTS II

The duo of Listed and Jaydiction followed up the dope Concepts album with this sequel and it was fresher in every way.  Great guest spots and Listed's production put Seven Day squarely on my radar and became a group to watch out for in the years to come with their abilities both in front of and behind the boards.

"1234" (Produced by Listed & Versis; featuring Versis, VerBS & Makeshift)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

IMAKEMADBEATS - IMAKEMADBEATS

Producer NeMo once again went under his beastly alter-ego of IMAKEMADBEATS and continued to prove why the name is oh so fitting.  Does he make a lot of beats...or are the beats pumping out the speakers just mad crazy? Whatever the case may be, NeMo shows off a wide musical range along with the help of some top spitters and crafted what I thought was the year's first truly great LP.

"Heard Of Me (Dirty Socks Remix)" (Produced by IMAKEMADBEATS; featuring Black Milk, Butta Verses, Midaz & Tzarizm)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Clan Destined - Self Titled

I was a few months late to the party that was Clan D's latest opus, but better late than never proved to be true as these cats took me on one of the best musical journeys this year.  Sure the album may run a bit on the long side, but the range and scope that AmDex and DT envisioned for Self Titled can't go unnoticed.  By far one of the most diverse records of 2011.

"The Cookout (Part 2)" (Produced by AmDex; featuring Lyric Jones)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

DJ K.O. - Living Out A State Of Mind Vol. XII

My favorite running series through most of last year saw it's a conclusion a couple of months later than expected, but that didn't stop DJ K.O. and his Elementality crew from going out with a bang.  This concluded 12 volumes of absolutely free music that you have no reason to let pass you by.

"McManus, Keaton & Kint" (Produced by Analogic; featuring Silent Knight, East & MadKem)

The BrainStormers - The BrainStormers EP

This collective of emcees consists of the emerging young talents O*Zee, Cayoz, Praverb The Wyse, A.L. Laureate and DJ Grazzhoppa.  The group united for the self-titled debut EP and it's deep underground influence is hard to miss.  The beats remain grimey, each member brings a distinctive flow to the mix and they can make some noise if the quality of this release continues on the next go-round.

"Same Start" (Produced by DJ Frantic; featuring ManChild)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Roc C & Guilty Simpson - Ox To The D - The EP

I don't really remember exactly how I came across this EP and it obviously slipped under a lot of radars because from what I can tell, it went virtually unnoticed.  While I'm not the biggest Roc C fan, Guilty Simpson remains consistently dope and along with the help of Soul Professa, this six track EP managed to surprise me completely out of nowhere.

"Resurrection Of The Realness" (Produced by Soul Professa)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

Soulful! - Mumbo Sauce And Drumbreaks

The young talent keeps emerging out of the DMV and you can now add Soulful's name to that list.  Part instrumental album very much in the vein of Pete Rock's PeteStrumentals, Soulful does a graceful balancing act between guest features from some of the DMV's finest emcees and tracks where the nothing but Soulful's impressive beats lead the way.

"Season Opener" (Produced by Soulful!; featuring D. Julien)

LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD --> HERE

-Gravity

West Coast Wednesday (9/28/11): Self Scientific - "The Long Run"

Recently, I'd discussed with some friends how the L.A. Hip Hop scene is drastically different now than it was even just a few years ago.  You used to be able to hit a show and know you were going to see a good three to four solid acts; now, you go maybe to see just the headliner and have to sit through tons of opening acts that aren't worth a damn.  Sorry if you don't agree with that, but coming from someone who used to hit shows hard for a good while, facts is facts and there's a lot of "underground" acts that are trash, plain and simple.

Thinking about all this reminded me how privileged we were here in L.A. at the end of the 90's.  Groups like Lootpack, Dilated Peoples and Jurassic 5 - among many others - were just making names for themselves and it wasn't out of the ordinary to see them all on one bill.  Even aside from the live shows, the music in general was so amazing and groundbreaking that looking back brings up great memories of how dope the L.A. underground scene was back then.  So over the next few West Coast Wednesdays posts I'm going to try my best to share some of the gems that came out of my great city at the tail end of the 90's and the early part of the 2000's.

One of the groups, who I discovered randomly at a show, was Self Scientific and I was quickly on board the Chace Infinite and a then unknown DJ Khalil's bandwagon.  These dudes just stood out to me in an amazing way and it was only solidified once their debut The Self Science hit shelves.  This is an L.A. classic and "The Long Run" was one of many gems to be found on it.  If you've never given it a spin, please take the time to discover this album.

-Gravity