ARTICLE JUMP
Whether you'd like to admit it or not, hip-hop and rap music is a major force in the world of music, even in the underground music world. In a year with many high-profile releases we praise the best of the best for 2008.
- Nas - Untitled (Def Jam)
- Common - Universal Mind Control (Geffen)
- Ludacris - Theatre of the Mind (Def Jam)
- The Roots - Rising Down (Def Jam)
- (Tie) GZA - Pro Tools (Babygrande) / Q-Tip - The Renaissance (Universal/Motown)
The media attention surrounding the purposed title to this record was unprecedented. But when you are one of the greatest emcees around, things like that really don't matter. You just go out there and deliver like you always have; and even without a title Nas served up the best rap album of the year.
I don't know what it is about Common, but his records are always enjoyable listens. The music is fresh sounding and the rhymes are always on point. All the up-and-comers need to follow his lead if they want to know how to make it big.
Ludacris is one of those artists that just had a knack for writing catchy hip-hop that appeals to everyone. You can listen to Luda in a club, you can listen to him in your car, or you can put on his disc and just relax at home with some friends. Theater of the Mind is probably my favorite album from him yet.
The Roots unleashed another stellar recording in Rising Down. Unfortunately for them, they've signed on to be the new backing band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. My guess is they'll quit after a month and we'll get some new music instead - we all win!
While members of prominent hip-hop groups, GZA and Q-Tip both released new solo offerings this past year. Each of these records sent me back to the catalogs of the groups that got them where they were today; I have a newfound appreciation for those albums as well as these two as a result.
Honorable Mention
- The Cool Kids - Bake Sale (C.A.K.E.)
Technically just an EP so it's hard to compare it to other full-lengths, Bake Sale is a sign of great things to come from The Cool Kids. 2009 is going to be a huge year for this duo, no doubt about it.
(Michael)
