Posted by The Baron in 2010, featured | 0 Comments
This Year in Hip-Hop: Meditation and Playlist (.Zip)
In a time where the industry/consumers applaud profit and conformity above all else it’s easy to overlook the truly remarkable works of the time. Hip-Hop over the past decade has been dealing with some substantial growing pains, losing many integral voices that wisely were able to project tales of the human condition in a manner that resonated globally. Over the past few years the hip-hop community has seen it’s heroes perish literally and figuratively, with some of the movements most promising voices either passing or conforming to blueprints established by people who don’t have the heart or ears for hip-hop.
2009 was considered a bland year for real hip-hop considering excessive materiality, which appeared at an all time high, but with that came new faces and updated formulas of the past, giving some hope to music fiends like myself. True lovers of the genre, unaware at the time, saw the birth of the new generation of hip-hop artists who like Biggie, Pac, Big L and Gangstarr (etcetera) demanded meaningful attention with their undeniably innovative styles and relatable story-telling abilities. 2010 was probably the most important year for hip-hop over the course of the past decade, those artists who were given life in 2009 are now taking their first steps to becoming the future voices of a powerful movement. For the first time since the 90′s I see artists who appear ready to step into the roles of the great leaders of hip-hops past.
Let this yearly review serve as an introduction to the names and faces of the people who are going to revitalize and revolutionize the dormant monster, that for awhile was hip-hop. Each artists has an essential track below. There is a .zip file of my favorite hip-hop tracks of the year as well.
Freddie Gibbs-
Formerly signed to Interscope and hailing from Gary, Indiana, Gibbs possesses the rare ability to couple the dismal reality of the world with a charisma that remarkably shines in the darkest of places. Similar to Pac in the way that he appeals to the most ruthless hearts but also challenges those same people to dig beneath the surface when the timing is right. With two phenomenal tapes last year and a equally strong and even more coherent tape and EP (Str8 Killa) in 2010 Gibbs is truly a face that’ll remain prevalent for quite some time. Oh and the man possesses the rare ability to put on an amazingly captivating rap concert.
mp3-National Anthem by Freddie Gibbs
J. Cole-
Although signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-Nation label Cole has yet conform and shows little sign of playing within today’s supposed boundaries. Cole has already unloaded some of the most thoughtful and brutally honest rhymes about relationships to date, as well as showing off his abilities to obliterate opponents at their own gimmicky games. Cole seamlessly transitions from fun-loving kid to battle-worn guru, leaving it all on his tracks. Truly one of the most passionate and original rappers to ever pick up a mic. In 2010 he released the free tape Friday Night Lights, a full-length debut due sometime in 2011.
Big K.R.I.T.-
K.R.I.T. Shakes the southern rap stigma without forgetting about his origins. He updates the mold better than anyone, creating all of his own production while perfectly fusing lyrical concoctions that include anything from heartfelt hopefulness to trunk rattling anthems of the deep south. His debut K.R.I.T. Wuz Here garnished him an immediate signing to Def Jam and critical applause from anyone who heard it. Rarely do artists emerge who are as in control over their sound as K.R.I.T. is.
mp3-Good Enough by Big K.R.I.T.
Kendrick Lamar-
Lamar is not your average/stereotypical Compton emcee with his unconventional flow and lack of gun-play glorification, but like his Compton brethren he employs emotionally charged lyrics to get his point across. On the mic Kendrick displays a remarkable control of his emotions, appropriately unleashing rage or tears at the most opportune moments. With unique production choices and his explorative nature Lamar is one of the most interesting and promising artists across the board. In 2010 Kendrick rhymed his way out of label purgatory with Overly Dedicated.
mp3-Opposites Attract by Kendrick Lamar
Curren$y-
To put it simply there is not a smarter dude making dumbed down rap. Although mostly boasting about bud and your girlfriend’s where-about’s last evening Curren$y has the game’s most interesting style. Often found referencing pop culture nuances and casually devouring sultry jazz productions (often from Ski Beatz) he is the most relatable and easy going rhymer there is. Pilot Talk I and II were both released (remarkably) in 2010, serving as a two-part stoned rap odyssey that’s as enticing as a Entourage re-run on UPN. And crazily enough he’s already finished 3 tracks for Pilot Talk III, not to mention surrounding himself with some of the other promising stars of the game, including K.R.I.T.
Roc Marciano-
Earlier this year Roc released Marcberg, a technical masterpiece focusing on his roots and the drug game. Marcberg plays like a instantly classic gangster flick, Roc details the up and downs of his trade in a vein very similar to members of Wu-Tang. Roc’s lyrics of crime and excess meticulously hover over his minimalistic production, that he handled entirely himself. This is man who sounds as if he’s carefully plotting a hostile take-over…. I wouldn’t doubt it.
Jay Rock-
Militant is the only way to describe Jay Rock. Like Kendrick Lamar (often his partner in crime) Jay Rock resides in Compton but chooses to represent his city in a more literal light. Every syllable reverberates like a shot from a 9 millimeter, Rock never sugar-coats it. His most recent project, Black Friday, propelled him from worthy cameo status to the bona fide voice of the gutter. Unlike most rappers who focus on violence Jay Rock paints a vivid portrait with lyrical lucidity and his blistered growl, you find yourself in his world, transported to a much worse place.
2010 Rap Compilation Download (right click)
Compilation Tracklist
1.Nothing But Us – Ski Beatz feat. Curren$y & Smoke DZA
2.Scenario Freestyle-Black Hippy
3.The Heart Pt. 2-Kendrick Lamar
4.Country Shit-Big K.R.I.T.
5-Good Things (Never Last)- CL Sosa
6.Summer in the City-Hannibal King
7.Couch-Earl Sweatshirt feat. Ace Creator
8.Babblin-Stalley
9.Divine Music-Smoke DZA
10.If Only You Knew-Jon Hope
11.Dreams-Prince Samo
12.Southpaw Pimpin-J. NiC$
13.Jungle Fever-Roc Marciano
14.Get On Your Shit-Jay Rock
15.Surroundings[Tribute to Big Pun]-Pill
16.Purple Rain-J. Cole
17.Something New-Freddie Gibbs feat. YG
