Smart & Angry

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All(alias Odd Future, Wolf Gang, Golf Wang, OFWGKTA)

Rookies of the Year

Who? Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshrit, Syd The Kid, Jet Age Of Tomorrow, Left Brain, Hodgey Beats, Jasper The Dolphin, Domo Genisis, Mike D,

Where? Los Angeles, CA

What? Hip-Hop, R&B, songwriter, Electronica,

Why? Despite all the criticism about Tyler, and Earls, lyrical content. The crew impressed all year with solid individual releases/re-releases, impressive guest features throughout music. Where they go from here? Who knows, they entered on their own terms and standards, and seems as long as they're keep this focus, the sky's the limit from this talented bunch of folks.

Most Improved Artist- NaS

Back when I was in my University days, this cartoon show Dragon Ball Z was extremely popular. I don't know why, the show made little sense, and at times like 3 or 4 episodes would go by and absolutely nothing would happen(besides these semi-emo thoughts of the characters). But one of the more(if not only) interesting things about the show was the ability of the main character Goku(who the chosen one of the martial arts world), who when engaged in battle from time-to-time able to approach levels of power way beyond his usual combative skills, when fueled by rage. This was known as the as the Super-Sayien form.

So the tough question when you are in NaS position in music must be how can I get any better? You done it all, awards, acclaim, and a regular in the never-ending Best Rapper Alive discussion. Plus I doubt he wants to enter the unimpressive lane musically that his once rival Jay-Z is currently occupying(see what I did there?). Somehow this year, God's Son was able to find a way to tap into that Super-Saiyen level of power.

No longer solely focused on the Pro-Black, enlightenment, reflective vision we been seeing over the last couple of years. NaS now seems to have found a balance, and as a result of that, we are witnessing an rarity in music; the artist who already is at max levels, is able to t . Few were able to match his brilliance this year, as feature-after -feature he illuminated tracks with raps so nice, that the usual who had the best verse on the track debate was now invalid. It was unanimous, and already established by the collective consciousness he was victorious.

Then there was Nasty...which was on some I can't even name how good it was type of ish'.That track was good, the cries weren't "whens the album coming out?" it was just eyes wide open, looking at their music player in bewilderment of the experience that was NaS at Super-Saiyen levels on his own.

Like I said, I am still trying to figure out how he got that much better, is there something above excellence? If so, inform me, so I can use that word to describe the year I witnessed Nas out pickle the beast, in other words; become a legend.

Body of Greatness this year:

Rick Ross & Nas-A Tower Heist

DJ Premier ft Nas-Regeneration

Lil Wayne ft Nas???-Outro(The Carter IV)

Mobb Deep ft Nas-Dog Shit

Mobb Deep ft Nas-Get it Forever

Raekwon ft Nas-Rich & Black

Common ft Nas-Ghetto Dreams

CJ Hilton ft Nas-So Fresh

Mary J Blige ft Nas-Feel Inside

Amy Winehouse ft Nas-Like Smoke

and of course...Nasty