Come on. 

 Okay. I’m not even going go on explaining how frustrating this is. I suppose I just hope to see more girls in my generation take over the director’s chair but until we see more dynamic shifts happen in society and kick in that thick glass ceiling once and for all, I’m resigned to simply hoping.

Moving on, here are my top five female directors from all over our lovely cinematic world. 

Enjoy.

 1. Rebecca Miller The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005)

An American director and screenwriter, Miller is the thoughful type of filmmaker. Her movies aren't made for easy digestion, dumbed-down for the general masses. They carry significant controversies, as The Ballad of Jack and Rose did with it's notions towards incest between the intimate father-daughter relationship between Daniel-Day Lewis and Camilla Belle, unnerving the most hardened of movie lovers. Yet it's that provocative nature Miller doesn't shy away from that lands her films and screenplays as among the most talked-about in the industry.

2. Aparna Sen, The Japanese Wife. (2010) Aparna Sen's been involved in filmmaking since she was a young child, making her feature film debut as an actress at the age of 16 in a popular Indian movie, Teen Kanya in 1961. She took over the director's chair in 1981 with her first flick 36 Chowringhee Lane. Over the last 30 years Sen's films have won countless international film awards. Most recently, 2010's The Japanese Wife, which she adapted from UK-based Bengali author Kunal Basu's short story, has made headway into Western theaters. Yet it is not a movie made for impatient audiences. It is slowly-paced, relying heavily on the shy characters and their quiet atmospheres to evoke an emotional response rather than heavy drama or head-spinning editing. Set between the two worlds of Japan and India, The Japanese Wife is about a decades-long love story between two pen pals who marry, but never meet. It's a novel idea and the movie is a joy, well, no except for the end, but I'll refrain from spoiling too much.  

3. Mira Nair, Monsoon Wedding (2001) Another fem director from India, Mira Nair's name is more widely-known that Aparna Sen's due to her work on large-scale Hollywood features like Vanity Fair (2004), Mississippi Masala (1991) and The Namesake (2006). I chose to feature Monsoon Wedding though because it was my first glimpse into Nair's work. It's a fun, colorful, comedic and touching story about a Punjabi family preparing to host their daughter's wedding  and features a pretty fantastic ensemble. 

4. Julie Taymor, Frida (2002) This movie is everything and Salma Hayek is everything and Taymor also directed Across The Universe (2007) which was everything and oh WATCH THIS CLIP because IT IS EVERYTHING.

 5. Sally Potter, Yes (2004) Sally Potter began writing the script to Yes a day after the 9/11 attacks. The entire dialogue is done in iambic pentameter and features Simon Abkarian and Joan Allen who carry on an affair despite clashing cultures and personal prejudices. It's a gorgeous movie, slow and steady, that raises more questions than the characters in their witty back-and-forths. In placing the dialogue in iambic pentameter, Potter made an artistic choice that alienated a lot of critics and audiences, but hey...haters gonna hate. Potter handled it well and the movie holds up nearly a decade later when we have yet to answer any of the questions the film asked. Just take a look at this perfectly made scene between Abkarian, playing a Lebanese doctor-turned-chef in the UK discussing love and hate and racism and faith with his kitchenmates. 

-Evelyn D

Earlier this year over a million people inexplicably excited for what seemed to be a "comeback release" of a certain Mickey Mouse/N*SYNC alumni and a producer who glory days left him in 2006. To no surprise, the hype(which Public Enemy founder Chuck D said not to believe years ago) created a "buzz" and this pseudo-soul got snatched up by loads of suburban-kids, as well as late twenties-early 30-year old moms who were able to use the remaining balance on their iTunes gift cards they received last Christmas.

Meanwhile, what would be more considered Soul music(like other genres that older generations embraced) over the last few years has been lying anything but doormat this year(or previous).   For a short time this year I was even expecting to see Don Cornelius on my a flat screen passing by a sports bar, or James Brown coming out with Floyd Mayweather during his last bout, and maybe D'angelo in concert (which actually has happened so, 1/3 ain't all that bad). Needless to say, Soul seems to be in a good place, and just ‘cause your local radio programer can't do anything but allow the puppeteers that control him from above to pump more Macklemore, Bieber, and JT into your system. There is plenty of great music out there otherwise that doesn't require a "Suit" or "Tie" to enjoy.

I want you to try as well. Reply with your six-word stories. Channel your frustration at __insert world/society/community/individual__ into something creative. Don’t put too much thought into them, just write and see what comes out. Think of it as a haiku of sorts. More open-ended. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you.

1. Angolan bride sells parents for dowry
2. She leapt up bypassing the fire
3. Not a war crime; a legacy.
4. Woman as a nation. Now prisoner. 
5. Woman first roared. Man did cower..
6. “Sorry I was bloated.” I shook.

Rock on. But follow this link for a better version with famous fem artists: http://neely0hara.tumblr.com/post/49465747056/gorgonetta-self-portraits-by-carrie-mae-weems

And with the New Year, we’ve got new topics to mouth off on.

Hey guys, after an extended sabbatical, we at Smart + Angry have decided that it’s time we returned to our old stomping grounds and present to our readers (in case that you haven’t forgotten us and left the site for dead) an entire slew of new music and movie reviews, political diatribes and social commentary.

**Confetti!**

With that being said, let’s dive back in with a new series I’ve christened: The Fem Five List.

In 2013 there is no single, viable excuse to not have sufficient knowledge of musicians from around the world. All it takes is a few taps on the keyboard on Google and about .05 seconds to dive into an entire ocean of global singers and songwriters that only 20 years ago, would have remained unknown outside their communities and target audiences. Personally, being a huge supporter of my fellow sisters out there, I was ashamed at the lack of my own knowledge of some of these astounding talents. Well, now here I present to you a beginner’s guide to some of the most inspiring, raw, talented ladies working it out there on the world’s stage. Take note, these ladies aren’t your average pop starlets.

1. Elif Caglar

This sultry crooner has been huge on the Turkish jazz circuit. The 32-year-old songstress began her studies at Istanbul’s Bilgi Unviersity under Turkey’s most prominent jazz musicians, before finishing her Master’s at Queen’s College in New York City. Caglar’s talents blossomed in the big city and she now has the awards, and enamored fan base, to back her up.

2. Anoushka Shankar

The surname gives it away. Anoushka’s famous father, Ravi Shanker (R.I.P.), began teaching his little ingénue to play the sitar at age nine. Fast forward 22 years and Anoushka’s album “Traveler” was nominated for a Grammy along in the same category as her father’s last album where she and her half-sister, Norah Jones, accepted a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor. Highly talented in her own right, Anoushka has garnered no less than three Grammy nominations, as well as Woman of the Year (2003), a Top 20 Hero by the Asian edition of Time (2004) and 2012’s Best Artist at the Songlines Music Awards. A singer, sitarist, actor and activist, Anoushka’s work extends beyond the shadow of her famous last name and she joins her older sister Norah as an influential fem powerhouse in her own right

3. Souad Massi  

A good friend of mine remarked once that Souad Massi’s single, “Ghir Enta”, sounded like “Arabic baby making music.” I’ve yet to find a better description. Massi has been on the international music circuit for years, beginning her career in her home country of Algeria. She reminds me a lot of Manu Chao—using several different influencers from African beats, rock, Western country, French and Arabic and the Berber language of Kabyle. Her 2003 album, Deb, sold widely on the international market and gave us this precious gem...happy listening folks:

4. Fatoumata Diawara

Turning her back on her family’s wishes for her to settle down and lead a proper life, Diawara did what any artist would and ran away to Paris to join a theater group and eventually become a musician.  The 30 year old is deeply connected to her roots in Mali, singing many of her tunes in her native Bambara against her guitar and African beats. Another noted activist, she recently joined in with her fellow countrymen to record a song for peace amongst the growing Islamist threat in the country, and will appear in concert for International Women’s Day. You can catch Diawara here in the States for her month-long tour, starting March 30 in Berkeley.

5. Laura Izibor

Likely the best-known artist on this list, Izibor is a 25-year-old R&B singer from Dublin who’s opened for India.Arie, John legend, Estelle, and the queen of R&B herself, Aretha Franklin. Izibor’s talents extend beyond her soulful voice, and she’s a killer composer, producer and pianist in her own right.  Now cozy up under a warm blanket with your loved one (be it man, woman, or cat) and turn on Izibor’s Spotify station for a romantic night in.

Until next time,

Ev x 

2011 Top Ten Albums of the Year:

10. Frank Ocean- nostaliga/ultra
Odd Future was the talk of the town already when this dropped, and at that point I was trying to take in all 12 albums of whatever else the group had previously released. Yet, this kept appearing in my Tweet stream, so I felt forced to check it out. I knew nothing about it besides the fact that the cover is something that I would for sure see on Pitchfork,  PMA, or some other hipster music sort. When hit my ears, there was a feeling that feeling that this was going to be something different from the get go.

It’s the same ole’ stories(heartbreak, self-reflection, falling in love) but from a truly different voice.  I can mess with this for the fact that it’s not dumbed down. Take for example Songs For Women, instead of just saying that a girl who played him, he makes a about why he is singing about the heartbreak now, and does she like him like Drake or Trey Songz? That’s called irony, unlike the song by Alanis Morrisete which had little to do with being  ironic itself. It’s just one of the many examples of the genius of his pen. Definitely a strong early showing from the Odd Furture representative.

9. Phonte-Charity Starts At Home
From beginning to end of this album I often find myself pressing that infamous back button upon every listen. As a fan of Little Brother, and now a fan of The Foreign Exchange, and cameos here and there, I really didn’t feel like there wasn’t anything I wasn’t getting from Phonte as an artist already. Though satisfied with his past and present output, this album only adds further more to the quality that Phonte has been involved with throughout his career. Every verse, guest, beat, and word recorded on here means something. Not a second of space is wasted over 12 tracks that touch on everyman tales, dope emceeing, and a bit of fun. Everything you come to love about this artist is on full display at his best.

8. Tanya Morgan- You & What Army EP
I will continue to make a case for these guys as one of the best groups out period. With this latest release only further enforces that thought all the more. This is not just your average backpack rap, these guys are masters of their craft at this point.I have been a lifelong St Louis Rams fan, and I remember this game during the 1999 Super Bowl winning season where they were up by 3 I think against the 49’ers. They had the ball and pretty much had to run out the next 3 minutes of clock and the game was theirs to win. What did they do? They gave it to Marshall Faulk(who was the best player in the league this year by far) every down, and first down after first down, he kept going forward. Everybody on the opposing side knew it was going to him, but there was nothing they could do. This is how I see  this EP. The duo have the ball right now and are about to secure a win. No matter the what the defense throws their way they keep coming at you with another 1st down. Track after track they deliver with this one, with one of the best titles ever as well that says it all. These guys aren’t playing.

7.Tiron & Ayomari- A Sucker For Pumps
As I’ve grown older I find myself at times seeing how male-dominated hip-hop is. Besides the typical “ladies-jam” which usually paints pictures of male conquest, their is little for the female audience to gravitate to material wise for the opposite sex. This album right here though does a lot to bring more balance to the scale (though we do need more female voices in the music). What has consistently been a recommendation to women, isn’t just your typical palate of love songs with R&B songs, it’s an acknowledgment of the beauty, the recognition of the work that goes into their preparation everyday (for us), and what we as men don’t understand about them as well. Yes, there is rapping on here, and the musical backings are almost as beautiful as the subject behind the inspiration,as well as a spoken word moment from one hip-hop’s most acclaimed journalist Dream Hampton, it’s a good look for the genre and overall a step forward in the right direction.
http://thecafeterialine.bandcamp.com/album/a-sucker-for-pumps

6. tUnE-yArDs-W H O K I L L

When I look back in life, and think about how there was a period where a former SNL member who I never thought was all that funny to begin with in the entertainment industry got a show and his house band happened to be one of my favorite bands all time. The band leader and drummer of this band is a self—proclaimed music snob and as a result help book performances from a lot of lesser known indie acts that beyond the“hipster blogs”. I end up liking a lot of the performances as a result, and from time-to-time I tune in to catch in on the show when I can, or just watch clips online of the performances.

The tune-yards were one of the said acts, who I caught on the show this year. The performance for Gangsta was incredible. I am a sucker for drums(as that is the instrument that I first learned), as much as the horns. Plus they had this primal aspect to their music, with the lead singers voice that caught my attention right away. Come to find out they are based out of Oakland, California(I was born in the bay so that's automatic love). The album W H O K I L L(the spaces between the letters make me wonder if she chats online w/ Blu ever?) is a mixture of a lot of African styles of music, and as well as the African-American styles as well. It's no where near light, it's actually pretty in your face, and violent, but lo-fi enough that the cool kids could dig it as well.

I never thought there would be a day when I would be glad that Jimmy Fallon hosted a late night show, but because of music like this, I must say thank you.

5. Shabazz Palaces-Black Up
“Trouble is, Black Up sounds nothing like any other hip-hop record around, and often borrows from ambient music, electronica, jazz, drone, and so on.”-Charlotte Richardson Andrews The Guardian June 24, 2011

This quote above captures the trouble I have describing this album. It’s a mixture of a lot of things, and has a dope artist at the helm of the project(Ishmal Butler formerly a member of Digable Planets & Cherrywine) and yet it’s hard to categorize the sound. Entire songs switch up at a whim, musical elements from random genres pop in and out, and somehow this all can coexist for a little over thirty minutes. How this is all managed while sounding so dope will continue leave you scratching your head. This is music built to reward the listener if the listener pays attention.

4. Rapheal Saadiq-Stone Rollin
Some how Saadiq seems to consistently get overlooked in today's music world. Not saying that he isn’t playing sold out shows around the world, but when the conversations begin about who are some of the best artist in music today, you seldom hear his name mentioned. I sadly, even as a long time fan, fell victim to this virus and upon hearing of the release of this album, didn’t rush out to listen to it(maybe that has  more to do with my changing consumer habits), nor did I sing praises after listening to it. Which was strange, cause I remember the really liking it, just never replayed it really. Even when bringing this up LP up to Bobojojo had forgotten about this(even though he was the first one to tell me about the release), during the one of our discussions about this years in music. Yes the forgot about Rapheal Saadiq syndrome.

Well luckily, I found a cure, scrolling through my iPod wheel when I began writing this I saw the LP again and said to myself: why haven’t I listened to this more? It picks up where The Way I See left off, except this time it’s a little more cohesive, and is leans more towards the sounds of early blues rock, and rock n’ roll(Remember Chuck Berry, and Little Richard influenced The Beatles not the other way around), rather than the Motown-influenced sound of the last. Where last album was good, it seemed like it there were slight hiccups(and a weird Jay-Z remix) that made it more like a compilation rather than album at some points. Learning from the (very)few mistakes of the last project, Stone Rollin' cruises along a lot more smoothly, not allowing you any reason to even consider pressing that skip button(unless of case it’s that time of night and everyone wants to play drunk DJ music player). One of the most brilliant musicians/artist over the last three decades seems to have found his own groove with the genre, and instead of trying to cater to audience who wants Ke$ha hits, he caters to the music that inspires him and quietly continues to do justice to one of America’s greatest contributions to society(rock n’ roll).  

3. The Roots- Undun

I'm not even going to front, I was waiting to hear this before I finished this list. I owed it to the group to at least give them a listen after delivering one of my top three favorite records from last year last year(as well as just being one of the dopest bands in music). You want to know how good this album is, when I first listened to it after the last track, I sat in silence for 15 minutes with the only thought on my mind being “wow!”(true story). So your asking how is this not the number one album of the year. Well as I mentioned in the beginning, the top 5 of this list could be interchangeable easily, and the lack of time I have to listen to the album and let it sit in my mind for a few weeks doesn't lend me to making that overall claim.

Never the less this is a great album. Especially for a concept album in a genre, where I can't name think of any besides those by Prince Paul's Prince Among Thieves(classic), Master Ace Disposable Arts(classic), and Sticky Fingers The Diary of Kirk Jones(gasp!!!). The last of which was something I don't like to publicly acknowledge I ever owned, but the rest were solid entry's which this one leans more towards. After 13 albums, you would think at some point you got to reach the coast mode. Where your not making bad music, but not experimenting as much, and just catering to the fan base. The Roots seem to be no where near this, as they continue to push the envelope.

2. DJ Quik-The Book Of David
I wrote a full review of this one for the Hip-Hop Isn’t Dead blog(A blog started that host huge collection of hip-hop album review ) earlier this year. One of he best releases this year is still a going strong on my iPod with the replays. A magnificently constructed masterpiece, this is no question his best album to date.

1. Blu- NoYork!
I’m very skeptical that No York! will ever be seeing a proper physical release. The same company that Prince was at war with for years, seems to have a made it a tradition to sign talent and keep it as bottled up as possible. Which is a damn shame, because NoYork! is one of this years best records. Leaked online mysteriously(some say Blu himself) in August, the record makes a great case on why Blu is one of this decades best artist.

Though it’s 1 of 5 releases (Her Favorite Color, Amnesia, J E S U S, & Open all being put out this year as well)this year, this by far exemplifies where not only the music can go, but where he is trying to take it. Yes, there is electro  influence throughout, but it's not the type that you most likely are familiar with(little in common with the Pitbull, and Gaga glam you hear on the radio). Yes, there is also some of that classic boom-bap influence,some soul, funk, and jazz as well too, yet it doesn't sound like anything i've heard before. Somehow he is able to bring all this together as and mix it with his new love of  lo-fi mixing and create one of this new decades best listens.

Warner Bros, might of dropped the ball on this one, They potentially had A Love Supreme, or Illmatic on their hands, and you instead want to treat it like an Murphy Lee(remember him?bActually do you still remember any of the St Lunatics and their ringleader Nelly at this point?) release. At the time of this writing have yet to have announced a solid release date*, but lets hope it does, it’s something that deserves to be discovered in the physical realm of music, and get a proper introduction to the public.

 
*But I am sure with some help from Google, you can still find the leaked version somewhere online.

24. Lupe Fiasco-Double Burger with Cheese

Lupe once again chooses to rock over a Justice instrumental and the results are once again excellent. The subject matter of choice is 90's-era gangsta films(Boys In The Hood, Juice, Menace II Society, South Central), and with that, he presents a lyrical exercise in film history like few others can.

23. Lykee Li-Unrequited Love

This almost sounds like an old gospel hymn. She got busy on this number. Yes it's another getting over a break-up song, but the rawness of this one allows an almost spiritual feeling when listening. Soulful, confessional, simple, and sweet this is fireplace/campfire type music right here.

Lykke Li - Unrequited Love from boyd langton on Vimeo. 

22. Big Sean ft Chris Brown-My Last

I am not going to kid myself and pretend that I didn't recognize that this was basically Kanye's Good Life-lite. NO I.D creates a similar backdrop to one of Yeezy's hits that still connects as an anthem for good times. Stadium status on this one.

21. Beyonce- Love On Top

I was watching her performance of this song from the 2011 MTV Video Awards and any time the cameras focused on other female artist in the crowd(Katey Perry, Adele, Lady Gaga, Niki Manaj), they were smiling singing along word-for-word and this wasn't even a single yet. In other words This is a jam! Especially for those whose born date is 1986 and lower, who probably heard an R&B hit on the radio with similar style of production. Oh, and of course Miss B did here thing on here with all those vocal climbs.

MTV Video Music Awards 2011 - BEYONCE "Love on Top" from Chokolate mmm on Vimeo.

20. Jay-Z & Kanye West ft Frank Ocean-Made in America

Frank Ocean stole the show on this. His hook is killer. Might not be everyone's cup of tea as far as the beat goes, but Ocean get's his Marvin on for sure. Also this is probably the least 1% moment of the and Jay-Z's you get Jay-Z's best verse and most introspective moment on the album. One of the better executed songs the two have done in recent memory.

19. Frank Ocean-Dust

This is that dude this year. Sophisticated songwriting in a genre that severely needed a shot in the arm. It's almost as if this was the year that the light side of The Force returned to shine a little. A not so subtle song about fallen in love with a girl, from a more mature point of view. Go ahead and get your grown man on Frank.

18. Tanya Morgan-In The City

Donwill's verse resonates close to me, and I am sure it does with Bobo and others who have had this feeling as well. The one where you want more than life than the place you currently reside at has to offer. On the other side of the coin Pea contributes a tale of NYC pre-Gilliani and compares and contrasts with the city today to ultimately reach the conclusion; that though it may seem better, ain't much changed. Another addition to the ever growing superb catalog of Tanya Morgan.

17. Rapheal Saadiq- Moving Down The Line

When you get really good at something people just begin to expect greatness from you. Which is about one of the few problems(if you call it that) that Saadiq has now days. The man has it down, and this is yet another testament to all that is good about music. Here is another song that will get your fingers snapping.

16. tUnE-yArDs-Gangsta

One the most anti-being cool tracks this year came from a tiny woman with a huge voice. Calling out all these people frontin like they tough over the sounds of tribal like war drums just sounds so fierce. This might be one of the most non-hip-hop, hip-hop songs this year.

15. Mr J Mederios ft Kyle Gregory-Shower Curtains

The amount of things that make me like this song all begin with the words. One of the dopest verses this year. Powerful; is the only word I can utter when I listen to this track. A must listen.

14. Marsha Ambrosis- Late Night's & Early Mornings

She can make a song like this in her sleep. Check her resume, you will see that the she kills these type of tracks. Though I doubt this song has anything to do with actually sleeping, it's also arguably one of her strongest to date.

13. Tiron & Ayomari ft BJ The Chicago Kid-Her Theme Song

Fellas, insert the baddest one you ever seen in your life name here, and play this as the song that was in the background from when you first saw her. Yeah, the title of the song says the rest. Ladies, enjoy, this ones for you.

12. Phonte- Sendin My Love

My experience in a long-term relationship is very limited at this time of life. So a song like this, shouldn't appeal to me. It does though, if anything it really does capture some of the positives despite within the negatives that one could look forward to. Honest, grown-man music right here.

11. The Weekend-Wicked Games

Dude got his Prince-lite on for this number. What I like about this one, is how violent it sounds. What I mean by that, is in a world where most songs like this are written for boys and girls who mindset is still 18 & under, this crashes against. When he says “Tell me you love me!” he is demanding it, not asking. It's aggressive, there is not a hint of indecision what so ever. This is music for adults, it's the uncomfortable; comfortable. Prince was the king of this, and The Weekend does justice to that legacy.

10. Saigon-Enemies/Friends

Two tracks basically become one on off of The Greatest Story Never Told. A somber almost Chronic 2001-esque style beat begins the chronological tale of who learns they ultimately trust the streets. The surprise comes at the end of the song where the sample gets sped up to a more traditional Just Blaze fashioned beat(horns included) banger, resulting in one of the best moments on the album.

9. Frank Ocean-We All Try

Show don't tell with Frank. Instead of just writing some sappy song about how he is trying to make things work, he breaks talks about how all of existence itself is flawed, and because of that we must all still try. Now that's some of cold game right there.

Frank Ocean - We All Try (music video) from High5Collective on Vimeo. 

8. Tiron & Ayomairi-Perfect

Trying to understand why a women does, exactly what she does, from the point of view of a man. Yeah that never works out. But that's what Ron, and Mari fully admit to in on here. We don't get it. Not only that they ask why don't we don't notice when a lot of things they do everyday is to meant to get us to do just that, notice.

7. Mr Mutherfucken Exquire ft Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown, & EL-P-The Last Huzzah

That is a long ass title. This guy's album cover had me ignoring him up until I saw the video for this The Last Huzzah. The best posse cut this year by a mile and a half comes from as someone elsed named them in a comment section somewhere on the Internets:“crew that looks like they kick it at Gamestop(hilarious I thought at least)”. Pretty much every one nails their respective verses, with standouts from Danny Brown, Das Racist, and El-P and Exquire himself. If you love hip-hop music, then you must hear this joint for sure(the video is pretty fresh as well).

6. Shabbaz Palaces-Swerve..The reeping of all that is not Worthwhile(Not withstanding)

Another one of those songs in which upon first hearing, time freezes. What starts off as a nice mid-tempo bounce number, morphs suddenly into a Jazz/R&B moment. Hip-Hop has never sounded so alive.

5. Bon Iver-Holocene

The vocal arrangements are heavenly on this one. I had to include it for sure. It's just that nice. Plus like I always say, I am always a sucker for brass arrangements, no mater how subtle they might be. I would love to have him and Kirk Franklin collab actually. Wonder where that would go? Speaking of which...

4. Kirk Franklin-Hello Fear

Yes on a predominately hip-hop oriented list Kirk Franklin gets some shine. My later adolescent years and up the mans music has been a huge part of my life. Whether you believe in religion or not, the man creates great music. This song arrived in a time in the world where fear itself is working at an all time high. An encouraging message that fear, need not hold a permanent place in our life. And backed by some of almost most heavenly arrangements in the universe, the message has never sounded better.

3. Blu ft Jimetta Rose- Spring Winter Summer Fall

I have never heard anything like this. I have listened to lot of music this year and there are very songs where I can say after a first listen, lack anything familiar. By far one of the best songs I have heard this year. Blu delivers a pair of verses that will allow him to enter Mt Olympus for the rest of his days.

2.DJ Quik-Killer Dope

Epic. Quik might be the Little Richard/Chuck Berry of hip-hop, he will most likely never get his proper due. The fact that he continues to create masterpieces like this after 20 years in the game despite the lack of recognition is something to be admired. The horns are something that the 300 of Sparta might march in to town to. A true testament of his new sense of rediscovered confidence. He has never sounded more alive than now. One of the best produced songs this year.

1. Lupe Fiasco-All Black Everything

My favorite song of 2011 is taking the idea of a re-imagined society where slavery never existed. A radical concept indeed to think about, and is handled very well by Lupe. The Fred Astire line in the song always brings a smile. Great song, challenging the way we think about race relations, and history, without coming across too preachy either. I would love to see a TED video just having him talk about this song.

75.Statik Selectah ft Joel Ortiz & Brother Ali-Damn Right

Brother Ali might have the most underrated guest verses of all time. I never hear anyone talking about his cameos, yet when he blesses it's lovely. Might be the underground Andre 3k. That's how memorable his verses are. Joel delivers a dope verse as well. The beat is cold to, Ali needs more of this on his next album for certain.

74.Mayer Hawthorne-Mr Blue Sky

I usually have a hard time co-signing cover songs. The fact that I am on my Sunshine Anderson a.k.a Heard it All Before doesn't help either. But this jam from Mr Hawthorne was crucial for my ears. He brought a little more soul into it, and it fits his M.O a little more than the original.

73.Drake-Look What You Done

The piano loop on this is classic. What makes it work too is the lack of drums in the beginning that help sell the emotion(yeah I know folks will say he is soft for this) of the song. I might not be the hugest fan of this man's music overall now days, but I can't front he understands a thing or two about crafting a good song.

72.Lil Wayne ft Tech Nine, & Andre 3000-Interlude

Andre 3000 spits a verse on here and Lil Wayne doesn't.

Also:Those who have somehow never heard a Tech Nine verse in their life will be amazed by his technical skills. For those who have, there is a Andre 3000 verse.

71.9^th Wonder ft Terrance Martin, Phonte and Bird and The Midnighters-One Night

When I hear this song, it reminds me of the stuff that the older folks would listen to at parties when I was a kid. Has the funk as well as the soul and has that groove that had your Uncle yelling “that's my jam” and let the two-step'n begin from that point on. I almost want to buy an old Cadillac(or Lincoln) so I can drive around with a tooth pick in my mouth, fur coat on my back and this song playing in the system. It's that type of jam.

70.DJ Premier ft Nas & The Berklee Symphony Orchestra-Regeneration

If I wanted to be lazy basically I would just say there all artist involved in the title are enough to warrant any amount of listens. I am not so I will say it was good to see Premo and God's Son teaming-up again after what seems like forever(Nas is Like). But then you add the fact that there also is an Orchestra from one of the most prestigious music schools in the world? This should have been playing after you read the song title basically.

69.Marsha Ambrosis-Lose Myself

A cover Lauryn(Miss)Hill's far and few new musical creations this year. Now taking the form of a ballad, the song finds new life under Marsha as it's message of losing ones self and then finding it again is slowed down and the lyrics take on a new meaning.

68.Lupe Fiasco-Words I Never Said

Remember when Alex the Kid and Skylar Grey were taking over Top 40 radio months ago? Much like the bankers/speculators on Wall Street, big labels seem content in capitalizing as quickly and recklessly on something “hot” at the moment. Though when the Kid/Grey production was presented to Lupe while reorganizing LASERS for mass consumption(aka record executives approval), Lupe transformed another would be sad love song, into a rebel anthem for the masses. One of the biggest songs(sales wise) in his career asked many questions that had been pretty much ignored or handled pooryly by popular music. A rant of sorts, the song brought up such questions like: Is Obama really a terrorist? What about that War on Terror? What am I doing while all this is going on in the world? Salute, for making smart, cool once again.

67.Lil B'-Gon Be Okay

I like the sample(as well as the movie it's from), the positivity as well isn't bad to. Though he is on the Based flow more so than a structured verse, so not all the bars are nice, but if the kids are listening to this versus some of the trash that I hear on radio, I Okay with that.

66.Blu ft SA-RA & NOLA Darling -Never Be The Same

Nola Darling kicks this off so lovely. Like that is as good as it gets when you want to start a song off. It's hard for me to really zero in on what I really like about this one, because on hand it kind of has that bounce that you would cruise to. On the other hand it adds a bit of the electronic sound in it to make it something new. It works well, and because of that I am still trying to fit it into some box that exist when really there isn't one for this type of song.

65.Kirk Franklin-Before I Die

Paging Wale! This is what should have been on Ambition! The Go-Go drums and horns on this joint are ridiculous. Kirk brings it, the arrangement is incredible and you can't get that DC bounce outta of your head either.

64.Snoop Dogg ft Wiz Khalifa- The Weed Iz Mine

I wasn't really checking for Snoop this year, but my homegirl sent me this one and I couldn't deny the groove on it. Some of that OG bounce right here. Wiz Khalifa who I usually could care less about, actually sounds cool on the track as well(props for him will go no further that sentence). Though I am not a marijuana advocate, I can still be OK with life when this song comes on, and get my two-step on.

63.The Weekend-What You Need

Up until a few weeks ago I had all but forgotten about this guy. But as I sat in front of a beautiful French woman with a glass of wine in her hand, who just happened to ask what I would like to listen to, this was the 2^nd song that got played. She liked it of course, and set the mood for the night. A slow burner, for the late night sessions, almost transported from a time when slow jams weren't regulated to a day or certain night on a station. Perfect music to set the mood.

62.E-40 ft Devin the Dude-Looking Back

They spittn' game right here. From 40-Water and Devin we get a look back at a few tales of their early days in the music game. As a long time fan of both artist, it's treat to hear some insider stories from their early days over this laid back beat. It's almost like you are kicking it at a summer picnic and your able to listen to the two start those remember when stories.

61.Big K.R.I.T-American Rapstar

To think that this was something that he did with out the help of Def Jam money. I really look forward to seeing what a little bit more money behind him could do. Not only is this something to ride to, but it also has some thinking man lyrics as well this guy might be one of the best in the game currently.

60.Theophilus London-I Stand Alone

Anthem status song right here. I can't deny how contagious this song is,the fact that it was the theme song for Season 2 of HBO's How to Make it in America(though I didn't watch any episodes yet)doesn't hurt either the cause either.

59.Killa Mike-God Is In the Building 2

With Andre 3000 making appearances on some tracks that are questionable, you got to wonder why he isn't appearing on tracks like this that would further his legacy, instead of say...Llyod?Despite the what I feel would the lack of a 3 stacks verse, Mike sounds like the super-hero of the south over this southern banger. Seeking God, exposing his flaws, and telling you who is still walking with him through it all. You can tell I miss Outkast don't ya?

58.Blu ft Thurz, Yonas Micheal, Pac Div, J'Davey, El Prez, Tiron & Ayomari- Doin Somethin

A posse(I just said that word)cut that if it wasn't for Mr Muthafuckin Exquire(I feel guilty just typing his name), would have been my favorite posse-cut for sure. You of course want to know who has the best verses of course. I would say in this order: Blu, Like, Tiron,Thurz, Yonas, Beyong, Mibbs, Ayomari, J'Davey.

57.Drake ft The Weeknd(should be the other way around IMO)-Crew Love

This track right here was ridiculous! Like crazy! For not having any drums especially the majority of the track it works. The Weeknd goes off on the vocals(pause), and when Drake finally comes in, it's above average flow, and I can't hate that. This is is a song on paper I am not supposed to like, but when I press play I can't front on it like I don't. Fierce track though.

56.Toro Y Moi-New Beat

My homegirl put me up on this dude, and I am so glad she did. This song has grooves. Wouldn't mind bumping this at a summer Barbeque as well for the fam & friends. Funky, but cool, that's a good lane to reside in.

55.Shabbaz Palaces-An Echo from the host that protess infinitum...

A mind shifting song. When I first heard it I was like, this is fierce, but when it goes into percussion mode midway through the song, and the journey it goes on from there is what allows it to stand out amongst the crowd.

54.James Blake-Give Me My Month

So soulful...I love listening to stuff inside somewhere, with a cup of tea, on a rainy day, or by a late night winter fire. Yeah, I like this song a lot, and it's rawness especially. No unnecessary polish that makes it sound like an Alicia Key's track.

53.Rapheal Saddiq-The Perfect Storm

I need more songs like this in my life. So does the rest of the world.

52.Little Dragon-Ritual Union

There are two Sweden artist on this list, what is Europe doing to me? The title and opening track to their latest offering had some funk to it. Get yo' Prince on Little Dragon!

51.Murs-International

Songs about travel always will have a home in my favorites.

50.Mr J Mederios ft Stro- Serious

First off, Stro absolutely nails the hook! Like this might be one of the best features of the year. Just that alone should warrant a listen. A song that definitely should be getting some plays from a lot more people outside his fan base.

49.Theophilus London ft Dev Hynes- Century Girl

Theophilus has the type of lyrical content that Big Sean specializes in, which is about 80% nonsense. But when it clicks like this, it works. Don't know why he didn't put this on his album? It could have easily have been another single for sure.

48.Tiron & Ayomari-Back 2 U

For the foreign situation where you don't know if you are going to see that someone again, send them this song.

47.Phonte ft Elzhi-Not Here Anymore

New Tigallo-Tigallo-Tigallo! When it was announced that 9^th Wonder would be working with Phonte again I really didn't know what to expect. I had at this point grown accustomed to that non-9^th collaboration point of Te's career, and to be honest there wasn't too much that I had heard in the recent memory that had me begging for more 9^th Wonder. Well, when I heard this jawn, you pretty much consider all those former thoughts invalid. The beat is beautiful, Phonte delivers two hip-hop quotable worthy verses, and then Elzhi takes us home with a fierce verse as well making this one hell of a trailer to one of this years best albums.

46.Tyler The Creator ft Frank Ocean-She

Two of the more well-known members of OFWGKTA link up for on one of the weirdest songs available to public this year. Yet, everything that makes this song abnormal, makes it that much more enjoyable. The off-time drums, weird lead synths, creeper like verses from Tyler, and another golden hook sung by Frank, all work together to create a strange, yet still wonderful jawn.

45.Beastie Boys-Make Some Noise

These dudes still can rock it. It's on some skateboarder type youthful music though despite their age. This one will set the crowd into a frenzy for sure.

44.Frank Ocean-songs for women

What goes around comes around is the theme for this song about an R&B singer who sings songs to get at a girl, then finds out that the very girl who he was singing about is singing a new song. Kind of has a post-modern Mowtown sound to it.

43.Tanya Morgan ft Napoleon & Che Grand-Gotta Get Over It

I actually came back from a Friday evening walk downtown and this has been playing on repeat since shuffle brought it to my attention. The perfect song for a day like such. All the obligations for the week are done, everybody in a good mood outside, Christmas lights are up everywhere you look, great scene. The music is perfect for this in environment. Also I would include family get-together's, and summer barbecues as well. Tanya has supplied a jam for anywhere good spirits are present.

42.Pusha T-My God

Easily the first track this year that had folks on that screw face. Pusha is at home over these type of eerie sounding productions. My God!

41.The Roots Ft Dice Raw & Phonte-One Time

Glad to see that Phonte making another cameo with the The Roots crew. He sounds right at home here on this beat, and This kind picks up where How I Got Over Left off production-wise, left off. I can't wait to get back home and get the LP so I can read more up on this album.

40.Lupe Fiasco-WWJD He'd Prolly LOL like WTF!

Best song title this year. Beyond that though, Lupe does what he didn't do enough of on LASERS and spits more of the complex introspective raps that originally turned heads on. This introspective look at consumerism is worth every replay.

39.Blu- Amnesia(Remind)

The song is only clocks in at a little under a minute and a ½, but a song's length only matters if you're aiming for Clear Channel(radio) now days, besides since when did size matter? Anyways, this short jam on catching feelings is perfect for those afternoon hangout's and such. Doesn't hurt either that it's written by composed by Blu either.

38.Big Sean-So Much More

This beat is so nice that it doesn't matter that only 60% of Big Sean says on here is semi-interesting. NO I.D really did his thing this year on the beats. It's so soulful, I actually appreciate the part more when Sean is just talking at the end where he sheds the artificial and actually just gets real.

37.Lykee Li-Follow Rivers

Homegirl is so fresh! Songs like this continue to make my case. I hate using this term as it is something that the new school is more familiar with; swag. What I like about this is it has a swing to it than most indie music which allows you to groove a lot more than usual do to the hip-hop/r&b influence.

36.Beyonce- Rather Die Young

From the opening lines of this one, you know that B' is about to bring it. She sings with so much of the passion that I thought was lacking on a lot of the last two releases of hers. This is her track, it's not like I can sit here and think;oh _______would've killed this track.

35.Cee-Lo-Bridges

This cut right here was vintage. A Neptune's produced song that was left off the cutting room floor of The Lady Killers(why?). The two had collaborated before back on Cee-Lo's second solo venture ...Is The Soul Machine and had me thinking Al Green back then. Now, my thoughts are further cemented by this one. Casual fans of Crazy, and F*&K You might not have flocked to, but for fans of soulful music, this is a cut that will bring goodness to your ears.

34.Jay-Z & Kanye West-Murder to Excellence

One of the few moments on the album were the two take a look outside their window finally. The production on this one is dope. Can't believe I am actually saying this two years in a row now about something featuring co-production by Swizz Beatz. What is this world coming too?

33.Kendrick Lamar-Ho'd Up

Kendrick Lamar is definitely a talented artist. The problem for me is sometimes his beats aren't the most creative for someone with such a fluid style. Though everyone might of went crazy over ADHD, or HiiPower!!! This song is the one that showcases all his talents the best.

32.Pharohe Monch ft Styles P & Phonte-Black Hand Side

This is on the real song. Nothing flashy, a hard look on the reality of the modern African-American struggle, and critique on artist who neglect to tell this story in their music. Accompanied by Phonte's beautifully sung hook, Pharohe Monch and Styles P trade reality rhymes.

31.The Cool Kids ft Mayer Hawthorne-Swimsuits

Summer Jam! Fresh to def, radio formatted, and ready to lock and load. This was the song that would of had folks dancing for sure. I don't know if the clubs were playing this cause I wasn't in a place where hip-hop music was getting burn. I do know that this is some feel good, have fun music none-the-less and Mayer on the hook is gold!

30.The Roots Ft Big K.R.I.T-Make My

The Roots and K.R.I.T??? Yeah, never would've seen this collabo coming in a million years. This is a kind of blues-based track though and you don't have the Blues with out the South. KRIT, makes the most of his opportunity and delivers a great performance on the mic, next to one of the best in the game. A beautiful track, that was the first peak to the instant classic album Undun.

29.DJ Quik ft Dwelle- Time Stands Still

Grown folks music right here. What can't Quik do at this point? This might be one of the best songs that Dwelle has ever appeared on. He really should enlist some more production services from him. On that smooth tip, grown man tip for sure.

28.The Dream-Body Work/F#*! My Brains Out

The first half of this song isn't all that different from his normal sigle aimed music. But when we get a little pass the half-point, the song gets really interesting. From a slowed down bridge the speed almost instantly picks up to something that owes a lot to Prince, but also get's reaaaal nasty in here. Almost ten minutes of music that you shouldn't be listening to around kids.

27.Tyler The Creator-Yonkers

My first intro to the universe known as OFWGKTA(Odd Future for short, not writing that all the way out again). I don't want to get into the video since what I am doing here is talking about actual songs. So let's start with the amazing production. The jazz chords, are what gets to me the most, and then you have Tyler whose flow on here is crazy. It's dark, it's raw, it's explicit, in your face, and everything that you wouldn't want your young kids to listen to. In other words it's just what rap needed this year... A walking paradox

26.Nas-Nasty

Nas does these type of songs in his sleep now. He is JUST THAT GOOD. I don't know how people could even try to compare him and Hov? Besides making Ether the bar which all battle rap responses had to measure up to from that point forward, he has recently been over this year been seen commiting genocide on tracks left and right. Nas is the Chuck Norris of rap(in terms of bad ass, not ridiculousness).

After being sick and tired of reading all these year-end music list that neglected of the music which I listen to, I took it upon myself to start my very own. So I narrowed down a list down to 102 songs, and wrote it up over two days, posted it. End of story. Lot's of folks seemed to enjoy this so I thought instead of waiting till the end of the year, I am going to keep a playlist of the songs and just keep adding to it, so I at least half of the battle is done when it comes down to writing it.

To keep things interesting this year I decided to mess with the format and add another song, so now there will be, wait for it... 103 songs(gasp! Crazy right?). A few other things you should know is that these are solely my opinions, and I do not by any means have any association to any of the artist or the people who work for them. I also put a limit to the number of songs that could be included from one album to a maxiAfter being sick and tired of reading all these year-end music list that neglected of the music which I listen to, I took it upon myself to start my very own. So I narrowed down a list down to 102 songs, and wrote it up over two days, posted it. End of story. Lot's of folks seemed to enjoy this so I thought instead of waiting till the end of the year, I am going to keep a playlist of the songs and just keep adding to it, so I at least half of the battle is done when it comes down to writing it.

To keep things interesting this year I decided to mess with the format and add another song, so now there will be, wait for it... 103 songs(gasp! Crazy right?). A few other things you should know is that these are solely my opinions, and I do not by any means have any association to any of the artist or the people who work for them. I also put a limit to the number of songs that could be included from one album to a maximum of three(no matter how good it is). Another thing is if you have a problem with anything being on this list or the rankings, say it(we do have a comment section), or just write your own blog about it. The list also will be divided over 4 days, 27 the first and the rest 25-25-25 over the next 3 days. Got it?

Alright now, how about we get to the music? mum of three(no matter how good it is). Another thing is if you have a problem with anything being on this list or the rankings, say so(we do have a comment section), or just write your own. The list also will be divided over 4 days, 27 the first and the rest 25-25-25 over the next 3 days. Got it?

Alright now, how about we get to the music?

#103-76

103.The Lonely Island ft Michael Bolton-Jack Sparrow

I died when I heard this. Then died once more when I pressed the back button to hear it again. Yes, it's an inside joke which plays to the fact that you have to be familiar with 80's successes of Blue Eyed Soul star Michael Bolton. But I could easily see Rick Ross and DJ Khaled on here as well, which also lends to the joke that is now become the over-sensational club-hit that has infested the last three years of radio. In the end though, I don't know why someone didn't request Bolton's services for a “big, sexy, hook” earlier.

102.Tech Nine ft Yelawolf,Twista, Twisted Insane, Busta Rhymes, Ceza, JL, B.Hood, Uso & D-Loc- Worldwide Choppers

I am a sucker for posse cuts. This one displays a lot of people rapping really fast. Not going to front like I am a huge Tech Nine fan, I think that he has great style, this kind of thing gets old after a while for me. But this is a good display why people like him, and Busta kills it as well.

101.J.Cole-Work Out

I didn't listen to Cole World too much because I lost interest in hearing stories about someone making it, but whose life seems boring despite said success. This song though, I hated on too early I think. It's a nice beat, and the flow is cool. The Hipsters couldn't co-sign this one completely cause it involves grooving, more than dancing, I still hate the Paula Abdul outro part. Song goes though. Can't front.

100.Theophilus London-Girl$ Girl$

This is one of those songs that I should hate. Yet I don't and I can see club kids going crazy for this somewhere in the world.

99.Asher Roth-In The Kitchen

Some of that party get the crowd amp type of music. Instant hype basically.

98.Eminem & Royce the 5'9(Bad Meets Evil)-I'm On Everything

Royce The 5'9 might be one of the most gifted technical rhyme constructors on the planet. Eminem on the other hand is one of the best mainstream rappers whose most recent material often makes you forget that he is actually pretty good at what he does. The two back in the days worked together, then beefed, then Em signed the group which Royce was part of, and the two were friends again. This song right here shows the best of both worlds. Em with the humor influence, and Royce with the raps, the song works well. I think the hook is a slight diss at Drake, Big Sean, Nikki Manaj, Lil Wayne and rest of the artist who are (over)using the hash-tag rap style. Would like to see some more of this from the two down the line someday.

97.Pharoahe Monch ft Jean Grae & Royce the 5'9-Assassins

3 great rappers + one great track=no rappers trying to freestyle on this on some mixtape. Nothing else really needs to be said. It's exactly what you would expect from the three names here. Though someone needs to file a missing person report for the beat though... yeah it's that tough.

96.E-40 ft B-Legit-Drugs

Classic Mob-Music right here. This pick may lay strictly on the fact that this is the type of music I was introduced to at a young age. I love these type of songs, no matter how old I get. B-Legit, and 40-Wata get down on this throwback kind of joint.

95.Dee-1-The One that Got Away

A different type of broken hearted tale from the honest rhymes of newcomer Dee-1. Mannie Fresh flips the Carl Thomas I Wish loop nicely as well, even though Charles Hamilton did it a little better 2 years earlier. Still can't be mad, definitely some good background chill out music.

94.Danny Brown & Black Milk-Zap

Danny Brown might be one of the best new rappers I heard in a long time, unfortunately his material at times is a little to raw content wise for me to listen to personally a lot. This jam off of the collab though is a nice introduction to he man who calls himself the Hybrid. Doesn't hurt either that he is backed by a fierce beat from fellow Detroit native Black Milk's either.

93.Lil B' ft Phonte & Jean Grae-Base 4 Your Face

If it wasn't for this song, I wouldn't have ever investigated further into this mans catalog. Well it helps that Jeanius and Tigallo are on this as well, but B sounded cool on this as well. Up to this point I just had peep'd out one of his older mixtapes and that was all I thought I needed to hear. I stand corrected, he held his own on this, not that he blew anyone out of the water, he proved though that he is more than the Swag, Ellen DeGeneres stuff that I had previously heard.

92.DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ayah- Kardinall Offishall, Skillz, Shad-Notorious (rmx)

I've been a huge fan of Kardi forever, and to have him on the track with Jazzy Jeff is always pleasure. But the key to this track is the break-out verse by Shad. You never see it coming, but when it hits it's pretty much game over. One of the top 5 verses I have heard this year.

91.Yelawolf ft Kid Rock-Let's Roll

One of the few positives from an album which will most likely be getting deleted very soon from my iPod(with the exception of maybe another two songs). Yeah, it features that Kid Rock. But both rep the country side, and I honestly have always liked Kid even though some of the stuff he churns out is a little too Pop Country for me. The hook has soul, Yela, displays what got him signed in the first place, and the beat is nice. Why couldn't there be more of this on Radioactive?

90.The Cool Kids ft Ghostface Killah- Penny Hardaway

The organ on here is mean. Chuck Inglish got busy with this beat, and when you add Tony Starks to the equation, you know you got something special. The Kids, flip-up their sound a bit and make room for a stellar guest verse on this street jam.

89.Lil Wayne ft Tech Nine, & Andre 3000-Interlude(The Carter IV)

Andre 3000 spits a verse on here and Lil Wayne doesn't.

Additional bonus: Those who have somehow never heard a Tech Nine verse will be amazed by his technical skills. Those who have, there is a Andre 3000 verse.

88.Blu & Sene-Avenge of the Cheap Ass

Fans of the Below the Heaven's Blu should really enjoy this one for sure. It has more of that soulful sound that you like to hear him spit on. But, I have a lot of other Blu songs to talk about so I'll save words for them as well.

87.Black Star-You Already Knew

Rejoice people! Yasin Bey(The Artist Formely known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli long awaited Black Star reunion project is on the way next year(allegedly). If it's up to any better or up to par with this? 2012 is will be a good year regardless of the end of the world.

86.J.Cole- Like A Star

This is the light song perfect for those summer night barbecues where you're chilling with some of the opposite sex, and this song comes on the playlist that you made, and the bad one you had your eye on all night ask; who song is this? and you have the answer ready. Not that any of this has happened has ever happened(well maybe it has), but I could easily imagine it. Word to J.Cole though on the real let me write and direct a video for this joint. It definitely will be better than that Work Out video.

85.Raekwon ft NaS-Rich & Black

Beat was nice but there are three letters that make this song worthy of the list, and they spell? NaS,NaS,NaS!

84.Killa Mike- Ric Flair

The Ric Flair samples alone had me. I was never a huge fan of Killer, my listening pretty much ended after that one Scooby Doo movie sequel soundtrack song that Outkast did. This song made me forget about that, and give another listen to Big Boi's former protegé. Whose street raps have become more wise, and style has developed as well from when I last listened to him. Still it's the Nature Boy-samples that are the star of track.

83.DJ Quik ft Kurupt-Flow For Sale

Can we get a Blaqout 2 please? When these two get together it's officially a done deal. Kurupt once again goes above and beyond, and stretches and bends his words so lovely on here, it's a work of art. Quik is Quik, and that is not a problem at all, the vibes, the guitar, West Coast greatness right here.

82.Frank Ocean- Thinking About You

This song is heat, I just don't know how he didn't keep this one for himself. Bridget Kelly was the lucky recipient, but since this version leaked previous to that, this was the one that the public(as well as I) enjoyed a lot more. It's simple, not-so-simple love song, that once again just is able to communicate in a way that is more clever than the usual fare.

81.Adele-Someone Like You

I heard this song soooo much this year. But I like it, so there was no question that it had to be included on this list. I really don't have to say too much cause you most likely have heard it too, and most likely like it as well. That was easy.

80.Wale-Sabotage

Didn't think I would be placing this name on any list again. Yet out of the 60% of songs geared toward girls, and are littered throughout Ambition, this one stood out. Just wish a more strong singer would've taken the place of Lloyd on it. It's more for the grown folks, rather than the 106 & Park crowd, so that was the only misstep I would point out. The fact that Wale's voice is hoarse after an argument so adds a bit to the rawness of the track. Not bad.

79. 9^th Wonder ft Warren G, Kendrick Lamar, & Murs- Enjoy

Ever since the 213 album I've been trying to tell folks about how much Warren G has bars have improved. Here, his verse sets it off with his flow on this sick 9^th beat. Murs follows suit, and then everyone's favorite it rapper of 2011 comes in and comes decides to attack the track aggressively for some reason? Ruins the mood, but that's either his or 9th's fault for telling him not to calm down a bit. Still a dope track though regardless.

77.XV-Wichita

Just Blaze is the star of this one. His production is epic, and while XV doesn't bring anything new, or special to the table, he doesn't bring anything to mess the track up(Which I shouldn't be applauding really.). My favorite moment is when Blaze switches up the beat midway, and the string section takes precedence. Just, might have put this city of Wichita, Kansas on the map with this one.

76.The Game ft Tyler the Creator-Martians & Goblins

Tyler's verse was really good on this one. So good that a veteran had to follow and not lead. The Game had to have rewritten his verses after hearing it. There is no way that he set this track off. A weird paring on paper, but somehow it works. It would have been good to hear a Wayne verse on this, rather than just be regulated to hook duties would be the only complaint I have.