2009 In Review.....

G'day homies....

without further ado here is my 2009 wrap-up..

Top 5 Albums of the Year...

5. "Radio" by Exile.

Exile created this masterpiece using only sampled material from free to air radio. Throughout the album he takes the listener on journey through his political stance, spirituality, and love.

No rapping, this album is no joke. Highlights include, "watchout!" "it's coming down", "the sound is god", "love line" and "in love".

4. "Blakroc" by Blakroc ( The Black Keys & Guests)

A kind of "supergroup" from the Black Keys ( an american blues/rock duo from Ohio ) and Dame Dash ( Big Mouth and former CEO of Roc-a-fella ) featuring a swag of dope rappers and singers. The marketing on this was awesome - each week, a video was released on youtube called the blakroc sessions, where it would show you behind the scenes of one of the songs. Black keys would have the music ready, and the rapper would come in, listen, then write their part, then record. It showed a seldom seen side of the recording process and an insight into how talented these rappers are. Highlights are "Hoochie Coo" w/ Mos Def, Jim Jones. "Dollaz & Sense" w/ Pharoahe Monch, RZA. "What you do to me" w/ Billy Danze, Jim Jones, Nikki Wray.

3. "Boy Meets World" by Fashawn.

Fashawn exploded on the scene with this stellar debut album, produced by Exile.

In my opinion the future of West Coast Hip Hop, Fash, collabs with Evidence, Aloe Blacc, Blu, Planet Asia, and narrates his life story thus far with a refreshing flow, honest and insightful lyrics. Highlights include, "life as a shorty", "ecology", "freedom", "stars" and "our way".

Production really lifts this album into something special, and a dope vid for "life as a shorty".

2. "Man on the Moon" by Kid Cudi.

Another debut album, with "man on the moon", Kid Cudi lets listeners inside the mind of Scott Mescudi. An insightful album drawing similarities to Outkast's "Aquemini" and KanYe's "808's". Cudi shows a great musical maturity, and creates his masterpiece through left field production, swirling hooks and sing-songy verses. Highlights include "Solo Dolo", "Soundtrack to my life", "Heart of a lion", "pursuit of happiness" and "hyyerr". The Moon Man has Landed.

1. "The Ecstatic" by Mos Def.

With his 4th solo album, the mighty mos gives us his most polished lp since "black on both sides". The ecstatic is the crowning jewell on Dante Smith's legendary career. Mos Proves that he is still one of the best on the mic, choosing to rap over unconventional beats, with politically fuelled lyrics. Highlights include, "Auditorium" w/Slick Rick, "Priority", "Quiet Dog Bite Hard", "Life in Marvelous Times", "Workers Comp"and "Casa Bey".

I'll drop my top ten for the decade soon.

Peas.

Tbag3000.