Smart & Angry

The Top on this list was rotated a lot before I reached a definite conclusion. There are even some which I had to leave out cause I doubt that anyone wanted to read about 20 albums. So yeah here are my favorite albums this year.

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.

#75-50

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.

Since I first heard Quik is the Name the spring of 1989, DJ Quik has stayed one of my  favoirte artist.  I remember almost nine years later when I saw a Circuit City ad for Rhytm-al-ism being released that the upcoming week and just smiling for like 3 minutes straight holding the ad. Some friends of mine a few months later even got me the promo poster for the album later that year(pause).

In celebration of his new album The Book of David being released today, I have selected for you 20 of my favorite tracks of his (which I been really debating over for the past few days). I left out any inclusions from his latest release  (although from the few listens I had already to the album, at least 7 of those tracks would of been on this list) to more showcase the greatness that was. I also didn't put on any of the Quiks Grooves series, because It would be unfair to single out one and not the others(since they were all so good).

Without further ado I give you my Top Twenty Quik Tracks

20)DJ Quik-Americas Most Complete Artist: One thing that I always liked about Quik, was the funk that he brought to Hip-Hop. This track embodies his music like none other. Oh and the cuts on it are insane as well. Love this track.

19)DJ Quik ft B-Real-Fandango(Trauma): Trauma is my least favorite of his albums(not a bad thing), I just didn't find it to be as musical as some of the stuff he had done before that point and after. Though there were a few cool jams. The single featuring the standout Cyrpress Hill member B-Real is stays on my playlist though. The beat knocks, and the horn stabs are stupid sick.

18)DJ Quik ft Nate Dogg-Black Mercedes: These two were amazing together. They also had turned  out the theme song as well from Chris Rock's Head of State movie(which was of course fresh) and seemed to be on a roll. Sad to think that they will never have the oppurtunity to work together again. R.I.P Nate Dogg

17) DJ Quik ft AMG, Mausberg & Sugafree-Down, Down, Down: Sugafree and Quik are like Snoop and Dre(if Dre was not so boring as a rapper), the two are untouchable together I could probably have easily put 10 tracks between the two alone.  This track is ridiculous though. That bass line? Stupid...

16)Toni Tony Tone Ft DJ Quik-Let's Get Down: Two of my favorites right here. When this track came out, I was like a kid in the candy store. It's one of those things looking back that you just never will fully appreciate fully. It's two of the greats coming together and turning out something better than anything you might of hoped for. 

15)Eightball & MJG ft DJ Quik- Jankey: I was always a fan of the Eightball and MJG. I remember my friend come over in college saying I needed to hear some tracks of the album. He intionally held this one out till the end, he knew I would go crazy on this. Jaw dropped, clean production on this one. One of the hidden production gems from his carreer.

15)Truth Hurts ft Rakim-Addictive:  I was in LA  for Spring Break in college and this song came on in the club I was at and I just had to find this who the arist was and who produced it. I searched for a month or two before it hit state-wide radio-rotation. I was even more ecstatic when I found out that Quik was behind it. Set the trend for Indian influenced production for sure.

14)DJ Quik-Pitch in On a Party: Was like a grown folks dance track right here. Some smooth uptempo type stuff to two-step too. This is the perfect theme song to describe my college weekends, and occasional party weekends to this dayl.

13)DJ Quik-I Don't Want To Party With You: The rhymes, beat, everything is so perfect. Funky, but fierce is the perfect way to describe this one.

12)DJ Quik ft 2^nd II None, & EL Debarge-Hand and Hand : Some more grown folks type dance music. I love the fact that it has latin rhythems on it too. When you add El Debarage to all thats already been mentioned...wrap city!

11)DJ Quik ft Wayan Morris-50 Ways: Quik is often underrated as a lyricist. Some of my favorite verses from him ever on this one.

10)2 Pac ft AMG, & DJ Quik-Late Night: Thinking about it now Quik needs to work with Rick Ross. This is some epic-type, flashy, mafia, granduer music right here. Exactly the type of beats that Officer Ricky likes to pick. I know Heartz of Men is the one that everyone knows (a great beat in itself), but this one takes you to whole side of the world. It just sounds rich, like a Gala type party held overseas with a bunch of powerful people and models in attendance, chandeliers galore, mansions the works.

09)DJ Quik-Summer Breeze: One of my favorite summer songs. Every time I driving down the freeway somewhere in coastal California, this is the song gets played eventually.

08)DJ Quik ft Digital Underground & AMG-Do Whatcha Want: One of the more fun tracks in his catalog. I really wish Quik would've done more work with The DU crew. The combination between the two is so perfect. Funky as funk can be. The spirit of Parliament/Funkadelics were channeled on this track for sure.

07)DJ Quik-Safe + Sound: I remember seeing this video and hearing the song. I wanted to own this tape so bad. I couldn't(mom was so strict and I was in Jr High)at the time though. Best believe I borrowed it many of times from friends, or it was the first tape that I would throw on if I was at a friend's house if they had it in their collection. The talk box, synths, and hook as well is just so evil. Like you it's a bad guy kind of anthem. Yet funky, like it should have been in a blaxplotation film or something.

06)DJ Quik & Kurupt -9x's Outta 10: One of the hardest beats made since Clipse Grindn track. Kurupt is ridiculous on this. I hadn't heard that man rap like this in years! My god! The combo is ridiculous! The effects that fade in and out are crazy! Classic knocker right here.

05)DJ Quik-Dollaz + Sense:One of the best diss tracks to ever be recorded . These mild-mannered rap disses today have nothing on this. Just came right at MC Eiht and let him know what was up. Favorite line “E-i-h-t should I continue, yeah I left out the G cause the G ain't in you” boom!

04)DJ Quik & Kurupt-Do You Know: This beat sounds like heaven. I honestly feel like I am above the clouds every time I hear this track. Don't know what got into the man on this one. The oh and the Soul II Soul sample as well? Flipped it crazy, I really do believe that “DJ Quik is more gifted than Santa” when I hear tracks like this.

03)DJ Quik ft AMG-Trouble: When the landscape was changing, Quik came through with one of the best sinlges(if not song) of all time. That indian sounding guitar part is sick. As well as that clap in the drum kit. I have never heard clap sound so crisp. This song never gets old even with the  mediocre  AMG lyrics.

02) DJ Quik-Tonite: When ever I hear that synth lead-in, I know what track is about to play. This is one of those tracks that will forever keep me in love with Hip-Hop music. To this day I remember where I was when I first heard this song even. There was a boombox downstairs at these apartments where I these teenage girls who were daughters of my moms friend watched me. We were close to the pool and some guy friend of theirs had a bunch of tapes and such, and when this song came on I just was hooked on the grooves. I had no idea what he was talking about back then. Years later though, I know all too well.

1)DJ Quik Ft Mausberg, & Raphael Saadiq-Well: Before even hearing this album, I remember reading the early reviews for Balance & Option's and every one of them kept hyping this track. On my Sony Discman that spring day the album came out,  I got to this song and ..I don't know what to say still. It's one of the most positive songs in Quik's catalog for one. Then you get the string arrangement assistance from Saadiq as well. Beautiful music right here. Anytime I listen to this song it's ike Frank Costanza would say “Serenity Now!”.