I won't bore everyone with some long-winded spiel on the virtues of certain hip hop releases in 2009. No, instead, heres my five favourite albums from the year that we just left.
In no particular order:
Raekwon, Only Built For Cuban Links 2.
My love of Rae's recent out-put is no secret to anyone who has followed the blog. This album was met with high expectations and a range of mixed reviews, for me it was incredible. A sequel to his classic debut? Only in title alone.
A fantasticly cohesive listen that reiterated Lex Diamond's relevance and importance in a world dominated by the T-Pains, Gucci Manes and Li'l Waynes.
Masta Ace & Edo G (A&E): Arts and Entertainment.
Honestly, this one surprised the shit out of me. Grown arse men, with a track record that pre-dates your average ringtone rapper by near twenty years, updating their sound and managing to appear re-inspired rather than insipid. In a year where numerous veterans teamed up to create albums (see KRS & Buckshot, Del & Tame One, AG & OC amongst others) with varying results, these guys hit the mark with genuine lyrics and a great selection of beats.
Could've done without the all those skits though.
Blaq Poet, The Blaqprint.
Copped the itunes download the day it was released, $16.99
Copped the instrumental LP a month later, $29.95
Copped the vocal LP version a month after that, $34.95
Blaq Poet and DJ Premier: Priceless!
Cormega, Born and Raised.
Alongside Cuban Links 2, this has to be my pick of the year. Arguably the best, most complete album of 2009 and i'm not displaying any bias as prior to this album i was never the biggest 'Mega fan. He's made great music, don't get me wrong, but his long running feud with Nas has often seen his musical legacy overshadowed to the point that during the promotion of this album he refused to answer questions on the old beef. The production is astounding and Cormega's rap game has stepped up a notch or two also. Mega's lyrics always come across as profound and thoughtful with out being pretentious or weak, while the all-star lineup of producers keep your head noddin' throughout. Highly recommended!
Fashawn: Boy Meets World
"Who? I've never heard of him....." Straight outta sunny CA comes Fashawn and his debut album Boy Meets World. At 22 years of age he drew immediate comparisons to a young Nasir Jones. Aside from the obligatory street narratives, i can't see it. Dude is more than nice with a mic and his beats have a rugged souled out vibe courtesy of fellow Cali native Exhile. Just prior to the release of this, his official debut, he put out a pre-album produced entirely by Alchemist called The Antidote which is also worth hunting down. The Cali underground has been responsible for some great music in recent years and this long player is no exception.
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