Kannon's Top 20 Hip Hop Albums Of 2012

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN. For the Milk Crate's top 20 Hip Hop albums of 2012. And don't worry, if you disagree with what I choose, I hate you too. So it's all good. ENJOY!

20. Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice
It was always interesting to me that the tape that made everyone start jumping on the Wiz Khalifa bandwagon (Kush & OJ) is the exact point I started to fall away. This is easily my favorite Khalifa project since Burn After Rolling.

19. Mac Miller - Macadelic
Mac Miller's career reminds me a lot of Asher Roth's. He drops a cool mixtape to garner some recognition (Greenhouse Effect / K.I.D.S.). Gets pigeon holed. Drops a subpar debut album (Asleep In The Bread Aisle / Blue Slide Park). And then puts out an amazing mixtape a few years later (Pabst & Jazz / Macadelic). There is no question that this is Mac's best, most cohesive body of work to date. And He may be making a non ironic fan out of me.

18. Game - Jesus Piece
Admittedly, I havent been a huge fan of Game over the years, but this album is hands down my favorite of his. It may be due to the amount of guest features, which almost makes this album feel like a compilation of random artist and Game just happens to be featured on every song. But either way, Game improved his beat selection, stopped name dropping, and stepped his content up. I've given this album a handful of spins already, and plan on doing so more.

17. Casey Veggies - Customized Greatly 3
Casey Veggies is improving with each project he drops. Flow, delivery, lyrics, beat selection, it all came together on this tape. "Roses" has become one of my favorite songs of this year, plus I got to chop & screw it for the CLAV9 tape. Dope mixtape from front to back, and I look forward to Mr. Veggies only getting better.

16. Fly.Union - Zenith
While this tape only had 10 songs on it, there was not a bad one in the bunch. Iye and Swiffa provide some awesome soundscapes, and combined with Jerreau, the three of them make great raps over the beats. I know that's not eloquently put together, and I dont care. It's just an awesome body of work, and if you haven't heard it yet, go get it, cause it's free.

15. T.I. - Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head
Tip returns to his roots with this one. And by "his roots," I mean, his King roots. It's a little bit commercial where it needs to be (Guns & Roses), but overall, its full of some great story telling, and that street grit that only T.I. can provide. No shitty pop songs featuring Rihanna that make me want to murder myself, either. And it's undeniable that T.I. should be one of the only rappers still allowed to use the word swagger.

14. Big K.R.I.T. - 4Eva Na Day
Arguably better than Krit's actual debut album, but I dont know anyone that would argue it. This was more of what we loved about Krit. That southern style, laid back beats, smooth flow, and none of this "WHAT YOU MEAN YOU AINT NASTY?" garbage that came included on his debut. I dont know who dropped the ball on Live From The Underground, but it just didn't hold up against this tape.

13. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
Admittedly, I showed up late to this party. Like, really late. Like, I listened to this album for the first time 2 days ago. Then I listened to it again yesterday. And it moved up a couple more spots each time I looked over my list. Yes, some of El-P's beats are weird, but somehow Killer Mike just makes it work. Not only that, but his rugged style actually kind of shines over this production. I know a lot of people had talked about this album throughout the year, and the only thing I can say about it is that I wish I'd listened to it earlier.

12. Wale - Folarin
I wanted to wait until I listened to this tape before putting the finishing touches on my list. And like Asher Roth's Pabst & Jazz last year, it was a down to the wire entry that simply couldn't be left off my list. I actually really like the direction Wale has gone since joining up with MMG, and he continues to impress me with his latest offering.

11. Joey Badass - 1999
This time last year, I didn't know who Joey Bada$$ was. This time this year, he's got one of my favorite albums of the year. It's rare someone can do that out the gate. But Joey Bada$$ is a rare individual. His style is beyond his years, his content is street savvy, soulful and still relatable. This is one of those albums that you put on and just let play from front to back. And with a all of his original production coming from in house, I can only imagine big things for his Pro Era crew. Unless they turn out like the ASAP Mob. But that doesn't take away from Joey.

10. Cafeteria Line - HNGRY
Last year, TiRon and Ayomari had my sleeper album of the year. These kids are incredibly underrated and incredibly talented. This year, they teamed up with the rest of their crew for a compilation album that was amazing all the way through. While some songs definitely stuck out to me more than others, I dont think I wouldn't listen to any of the songs on the album. Which I can't say for the GOOD Music compilation. A well rounded crew of emcees, singers, producers and more, I only see this creative collective getting better with time. And hopefully more people will start to notice.

09. Big Boi - Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors
Another last minute pleasant surprise. I liked Big Boi's last solo album, but I love this one. He's always had an experimental style with Outkast, and seeing him finally kind of explore that on his solo record was amazing. I feel like his last album was supposed to be a "Hip Hop album," and this is more the album that he's always wanted to make. It has funk, soul, rock and jazz influences littered through the album, and most of the features are from bands and singers. And in my opinion, against that live funk sound, is when Big Boi is most in his element. And who doesn't smile like an idiot during "She Said Ok"????

08. Schoolboy Q - Habits & Contradictions
While I do recognize the talent from Schoolboy Q, his album last year just didn't hold up for me, and ultimately landed him the 21 position on my 2011 list, which resulted in no recognition haha. But this year, I went back a couple times during the year, and re-listened to Habits & Contradictions, and he's smoothed some of those problems out this go-around. And while I wasn't super into "Hands On The Wheel" like everyone else seemed to be, "There He Go" is one of my favorite songs of the year. I look forward to Q only getting better as he finds his style and niche a little more.

07. Rick Ross - God Forgives, I Don't
Rick Ross is one of those guys that everyone loves to hate. But really, most of your favorite rappers lie, Ross just got caught. That said, I honestly think that Rozay has only gotten better since his correctional past was outed. His last three or four projects have all been pretty above par. And while a lot of people would put his mixtape, "Rich Forever," above this one, I can't do it. This one has "Sixteen." This one has "Presidential." This one has "Diced Pineapples." This one has "So Sophisticated." And while Stalley is starting to lose me, I even really like "Ten Jesus Pieces." This was my go-to work out music for a good chunk of the year. And even now, where I have a little playlist put together, at least 6 songs from this album are on it. It just gets me PUMPED UP. ROZAY!

06. Ski Beatz - Twilight
This is one of those albums that you listen to all day every day for the first month that you have it. Ski Beatz re-captured something inside of himself for this album, because both of his first two 24 Hour Karate School projects were kinda meh, and this joint really blew me away. Maybe it was the lyricists featured throughout the project, Maybe Ski just found that spark that makes him great. Maybe it was a little of both. Probably both. But I can't even tell you how hard it was to only select one song from this album when I was selecting tracks for CLAV9. I wanted to just blend this album and put it out as CLAV9.

05. AEli - Reminiscing With Wine
First off, it's pronounced "Ay-EE-Lie." Like, "Ay Eli, lemme get a verse!" Which is exactly how he described it to me over twitter when I asked him how to pronounce his name haha. Second off, you probably don't know AEli. And that's fair. He's not big. He isn't gonna be on XXL's freshmen list next year, and he won't have a guest verse on Cruel Winter. I found him on Tumblr. And while that seems like nothing, he does have a pretty solid base of fans in the California (more specifically, LA) area. I toyed with the idea of leaving him off this list simply because he sings and raps, but if Drake can be on a hip hop list, so can he. And simply put, there are few albums this year that I listened to more. His beats are inventive (he produces), his voice is strangely haunting (he sings), and his verses are sharp and witty (he also raps). And in this DIY era, his album can't be overlooked for lack of promotion. It's one of my favorites, hands down.

04. Ab-Soul - Control System
Ab-Soul's latest body of work simply holds up. That's the best way for me to describe it. I can listen to it now, and it's just as good as it was the first time though. And Ab-Soul is another one who's impressed me in the past, but really just got it right on this album. From the beats, to the content, to polishing his delivery, it all just came together in this stellar body of work. And as the Top Dawg Under Dog, he consistently holds his own on tracks with Kendrick, Q and Rock, and this year even worked with Talib Kweli, Colin Munroe, Joe Budden, Twista and many more. He's quickly stepping out of the TDE shadows and getting himself some recognition as an incredible talent.

03. Oddisee - People Hear What They See
There are few times when I listen to an album for the first time, and my immediate reaction is, "This is the album of the year. I don't care that it's barely June, this is the album of the year." And coming off one of the best, most inventive EP's that Ive heard in a long time (Odd Renditions Vol. 1), Oddisee has re-won me over this year. I fell in love with Oddisee's production back in like 2003-4 when he was working with Half Tooth Records, but I hadn't heard a full album from him yet that really moved me. So, I kinda stopped watching for him. And this album changed all of that. I dont know if he just needed some time to make it right, but as this was his official, "debut" album, he did it right. Simply amazing.

02. Ro Ransom - Ransomnia
While I knew this was going to be pretty high up on my list this year, I'd forgotten how much I like it. As I was preparing to compile this list, I narrowed down about 40 albums and went back skimming through them for little reminders of which albums I considered to be great. And this album has crept back into regular rotation for me. Ro Ransom used to record under the name Nero (before that weird electro/dubstep group got popular), and while I did enjoy his earlier work, it still seemed a bit immature. He was, I believe 16 or something when his first tape came out. At only 19 now, he has already grown leaps and bounds. And I dare anyone to listen to this album only once. Not a bad song on it.

01. Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid m.A.A.d City
As much as I didn't want to be "that guy" who puts Good Kid Maad City at number one, I just wouldnt have felt right not doing it. It was definitely my favorite album of the year. And I think a big part of that was just that Kendrick has been one of a few new emcees to build hype around his debut album, and exceed expectations. I had no idea that this was going to be a concept album (although the "short film" thing should have tipped me off), and not once did I get bored or feel anything was forced. One big argument I have heard about this was that while it was a great album, there aren't really any "singles" from it. Which just seems silly to me. Because I can genuinely enjoy bumping "Real," or "Money Trees" by themselves, just as much as I enjoy the album as a whole. And if we're being honest, this list is about Albums. And this is the best, most complete, cohesive hip hop album we've had in many years. And it would simply be a disservice to myself and to the hip hop community to not recognize it for what it is. An incredible, honest, gritty, number one album.

Honorable Mentions (Alphabetically):
Childish Gambino - Royalty
Curren$y - The Stoned Immaculate
Dom Kennedy - Yellow Album
Emilio Rojas - Breaking Point
G.O.O.D. Music - Cruel Summer
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist
Meek Mill - Dream Chasers 2
Nas - Life Is Good
Substantial - Home Is Where The Art Is
XV - Popular Culture


Kannon's Top 10 Non Hip Hop Albums of 2012:
01. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
02. Chet Faker - Thinking In Textures
03. Colin Munroe - Unsung Hero
04. Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dream
05. ZZ Ward - Til The Casket Drops
06. Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio
07. Peter Anthony Red - The Projectionist
08. The XX - Coexist
09. Céu - Caravana Sereia Bloom
10. Sonnymoon - Sonnymoon

Makeshift - Cali

Back in 2011 ,the City of Angels spitter, Makeshift released what I view to be one of the more underrated albums of the year, King Choosey. Fast forward to the present he's gearing up to release the follow up, Left Field which will be out real soon. In anticipation to that here goes a track that will NOT be featured on Left Field. If this was a cutting room floor type of track, than we're I'm going to assume Makeshift has some HEAT cooked up for us.

Super Helpful (Chuck Strangers, Lee Bannon, & Kwame) - Sumo

Over the Thanksgiving weekend producer Lee Bannon, rapper Kwame and Pro Era MC/producer Chuck Strangers were cooped up in a Brooklyn basement churning out records. The result was the birth of the trio's new group, Super Helpful. "SUMO." is the SH's first single off of their upcoming album slated to drop on January 1st, 2013. Producer Lee Bannon employs a few lights chords that help highlight two MC's off-kilter Brooklyn flows. Get your first dose of Super Helpful after the jump.

Bishop Nehru - Nehruvia (Mixtape)

Well, It appears that throw back steez is really catching on. Which for us old heads, is a welcomed trend. Joey Bada$$ is really the poster child for the movement as of right now, you had to figure it would catch on at some point. Enter 16 year old NY spitter Bishop Nehru. Nehruvia really goes the same direction that Joey went, but really your not going to hear many complaints of saturation of this nostalgic style from me. For such a young kid, that has obviously done his home work on the 90's NY hip hop it is breath of fresh air to hear a new material that brings back those early memories to us older heads...& hopefully gets the younger heads to dig into the older releases.  


01.The Music (Intro) [Prod by Skipless] 
02.Light Leak$ [Prod by Ghost McGrady] 
03.Fickle Mind$ [Prod by Ghost McGrady] 
04.Lemon Grass [Prod by MF DOOM] 
05.Misruled Order feat. Que Hampton [Prod by Ghost McGrady] 
06.Y.E.T [Prod by Madlib] 
07.Languages (Freestyle) [Prod by DJ Premier] 
08.Moon & Stars feat. Raz Fresco [Prod by Raz Fresco] 
09.Her Ballad (Dymeclin) [Prod by Zone] 
10.S.S.S (Split Society Syndrome) [Prod by Bishop Nehru] 
11.SweetLips [Prod by J Dilla] 
12.Welcome feat. Que Hampton [Prod by J Dilla]  

DOWNLOAD: Here

 

Nacho Picasso - Black Narcissus (Album)

Seattle work horse Nacho Picasso has been on a tear for the past year and some change. You're probably used to hearing him over Blue Sky Black Death production, but this time around you get to hear him over Raised By Wolves bangers. Its not a new pairing at all. Before Nacho was linked up with BSBD he was rocking over Raised by Wolves sound scapes. Black Narcissus is still the same Nacho you're used to, with witty banter and a laid back delivery, however if you were on the fence with him before this one may be a little more accessible for you.  


Download: Here

Captain Murphy - Duality

So there's been a few heads telling me about this mysterious Captain Murphy character that has been (with the help of adult swim) releasing a few songs here and there with a few Odd Future heads every now and again. The mystery is thick and the theories on who captain murphy is are running rampant. A lot of the key ones are Flying Lotus and Tyler the Creator. Although I'm pretty sure some of this production sounds a lot like Lee Bannon. I guess it really doesn't matter who the exact participants are, but this shit is really enjoyable. The Quasimoto/MF Doom feel of it all is a breath of fresh air.

2.7.5. CHRIS TRAVIS & ETHELWULF - PHUCK PHAKEZ (PROD. ALMIGHTY)

Some more Klvn work being put in. This time its Chris Travis & Ethelwulf over an Almighty banger. Check Ethelwulf going at pretty flacko again. This shit goes hard.

2.7.5. Denzel Curry - Dark & Violent (ft JK The Rapper & Nell)

Some more Klvn shit. Denzel Curry links up with JK and Nell to drop this single of his upcoming Nostalgic 64 project.

A.F.A.C. & Dave Luxe – Bama 2 Brussels EP

Some International County Rap Tunes for you and yours. Dave Luxe (from Brussels) serves up the soundscapes for a handful of Bama emcees. Some pretty dope shit on this one.

Download: Bama 2 Brussels EP

AC - Smoke out the Pipe ft Ricky Fontaine (Produced by Burn One)

 DJ Burn One continues the trend of working with artist that have yet to gain a steady following. This time around he is teaming up to produce, ATL native AC's Steady Dabbin tape which is due out next month. Here goes the first single/video with features Ricky Fontaine of iNDEED.


 Download: Smoke out the Pipe

Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire - The Message pt. 1&2 (Video)

Your favorite rappers favorite rapper dropped his prelude of what is to come. Fresh off his signing with a major, heads have been put on notice with this EP. Without going into full review mode, this is how an artist signs to a major and doesn't change one single thing. Blueprint you suckas. Here goes the first set of visuals from the EP. Respect the texture!

Mac Miller ft. Waka Flocka Flame - Dog Pound

I know I shouldn't. But I do. <3

DOWNLOAD: Mac Miller ft. Waka Flocka Flame - Dog Pound.mp3 - 4.2 MB

Action Bronson & The Alchemist - Rare Chandeliers (Album)

BRONSOLINI

DOWNLOAD: Action Bronson & The Alchemist - Rare Chandeliers

01. Big Body Bes Intro
02. Rare Chandeliers
03. The Symbol
04. Sylvester Lundgren (ft. Mayhem Lauren & AG Da Coroner)
05. Randy The Musical
06. Demolition Man (ft. Schoolboy Q)
07. Eggs On The Third Floor
08. Modern Day Revelations (ft. Roc Marciano)
09. Dennis Haskins
10. Bitch, I Deserve You (ft. Evidence)
11. Gateway To Wizardry (ft. Styles P)
12. Blood Of The Goat (ft. Big Twin & Sean Price)
13. Mike Vick

The Internet - Give It Time

This shit is soooooooo smooooooooooth.

Zilla & Q-Red – Rumble In The Bayou (EP)

     One of my favorite up and coming southern artist (ever since I heard THIS came out) just dropped a new FreEp featuring production from Q-Red. We're filing this under the Country Rap Tunes section...which as far as I'm concerned is always an indication of some dope shit.

2.7.5. Key Nyata & BlueSkyBlackDeath - Suicide Capital (Video)

In keeping with the previous BRK post, here goes Klvn member, Key Nyata's first single/video from an upcoming project produced by the hard working, hard hitting duo Blue Sky Black Death. No clue when the project is due out, Young God has said they're a handful of tracks deep....but if this is an example of what we can expect, good gawd we're in for another collaborated masterpiece from the duo.

2.7.5. Nell & Ethelwulf - Pistol Grip (Video)

 So, before seeing this video last week, I had rarely ventured off into the Blvck Rvidxr Klvn world, other than the occasional Spaceghostpurp track. But I'm proud to announce the kid has went all in and done his homework. Moving on, this video is from brk's Nell & Ethelwulf and is point blank a HEATER....check for Ethel's shots aimed at the Asap camp. Also if your a rookie to the Klvn like me.....I'd recommend starting with Ethelwulf's The wolf Gang's Rodolphe, as it's easily my favorite tape from a member thus far.

GrandeMarshall - THUGGIN SHIDD PT II (Video)

Fresh off from dropping, what I view as one of the better Albums of the year, Grande lets loose a video that was actually not on 800. If you haven't had the time to check out his album, you should really do yourselves the favor and go all in.

EARL Sweatshirt - Chum

Odd Futures most hailed misfit drops Chum, a new single that really seems to be his most personal song that we've heard thus far. I've personally had to take a step back from listening to so much of the crews works as its grown stale, to me. But I'll always check for a new EARL track and this time it paid off ten fold. This is what most of us older heads, that were swooning over the youngster before his sabbatical, were hoping to hear after his return.

DOWNLOAD: Earl Sweatshirt - Chum

ASAP Rocky ft. 2 Chainz, Drake & Kendrick Lamar - Fuckin' Problem

Just because I can't stop playing it. Drizzy Drake's Club Paradise Tour comes to life in this new joint, and 2 Chainz even jumps on the hook. And I dig it.

DOWNLOAD: ASAP Rocky ft. 2 Chainz, Drake & Kendrick Lamar - Fuckin' Problem

Wiz Khalifa - Cabin Fever 2 (Mixtape)

I didn't post this 2 weeks ago when it originally dropped because of how much I disliked Cabin Fever 1. I havent even hit play on this yet and I'm already on the fence. On the one hand, why would you call something Cabin Fever 2 if it wasnt somewhat along the same lines as Cabin Fever, right? But on the other hand, his Taylor Alderdice mixtape was the illest body of work he's put out since...Burn After Rolling? I dont know, long time. Anyways, I'm rambling. If you want it, the DJ free version just hit the interwebs today. And you can grab it below.

DOWNLOAD: Wiz Khalifa - Cabin Fever 2

Casey Veggies - Lifestyle

Smooth new one from Young Veggies. Cardiak on the beat.

JMSN - Priscilla (Free Album)

LA based singer/songwriter JMSN (pronounced Jameson) drops off his critically acclaimed debut LP. If you think the name sounds familiar, it's probably because he was all over the new Kendrick album. Either way, the kid does his thing on this one, so grab it and give it a million spins. Definitely one of my favorite R&B albums of the year.

DOWNLOAD: JMSN - Priscilla

Kendrick Lamar - The Jig Is Up (Dump'n) + Bonus EP

In light of Kendrick's major label debut album selling over 240,000 units in it's first week, Kendrick lets go of a brand new joint featuring production by J. Cole and Canei Finch. And in the midst of just being awesome, he manages to throw in a little jab at Shyne. Which I love.



Now, ALSO... If you are like I am, and you picked up the album last week when it came out, you may have realized that there were 4 different versions of the Deluxe album. The regular deluxe version, the Target version, the iTunes version and the Spotify version. And I hate feeling like I dont have everything that I was intended to hear. So, I gathered all of the bonus tracks from all of the different versions, and combined them into a little "Good Kid m.A.A.d City Bonus EP." In the mix, I also threw in the Jeezy assisted, "West Side, Right On Time," which was originally intended for the album, and "The Heart Part 3" which hit the interwebs the night before the albums official release. Today, I added the above song. So, if you want that whole shebang, grab it below...

DOWNLOAD: Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, m.A.A.d City Bonus EP

01. The Recipe (ft. Dr. Dre)
02. Black Boy Fly
03. Now Or Never (ft. Mary J. Blige)
04. County Building Blues
05. Collect Calls
06. Swimming Pools (Black Hippy Remix)
07. The Recipe (Black Hippy Remix)
08. Westside, Right On Time (ft. Young Jeezy)
09. The Heart Pt. 3 (ft. Ab-Soul & Jay Rock)
10. The Jig Is Up (Dump'n)

Curren$y - Priest Andretti (Mixtape)

New tape from Spitta, just in time for halloween. Also, I would love to see a song with Styles P and Cornerboy P. And they could call it "This song is brought to you by the letter..."

DOWNLOAD: Curren$y - Priest Andretti

01. Contacts (ft. Trademark & Fiend)
02. Money Machine Part 2
03. Max Julien
04. Motion (ft. Cornerboy P)
05. Feelin Like
06. Trip To London (ft. Fiend)
07. Stainless
08. Talk My Shit
09. Payroll (ft. Young Roddy)
10. 2Much
11. Boss Dealings (ft. Noreaga & Styles P)
12. Cleopatra Zones (ft. Fiend)
13. For Seasons (ft. King Chip)
14. Light Snax

Kids These Days - Traphouse Rock (Album)

New genre bending album from Chicago band, Kids These Days. I thought this was going to be available for SALE. And then they went and surprised me with a free download. So you really have no excuse not to listen to this. Grab it now, these kids are dope.

DOWNLOAD: Kids These Days - Traphouse Rock

01 Intro (Mental)
02 Freakwheness
03 Ghetto
04 Doo Wah
05 Don’t Harsh My Mellow
06 Talk 2 You
07 Everybody Needs Somebody
08 Don’t Fall In Love
09 Bud Billiken
10 Don’t Blame Me (For You)
11 Wasting Time
12 Ain’t Got Love
13 Who Do U-Luv
14 L’Afrique
15 A Man’s Medley

J-Live - Hot Vs. Dope Vol. 1.1

New mixtape brought to you by the hands (and tables) of J-Live. This is not new music by J-Live. This is simply a mix of dope new music, mixed by J-Live into one continuous jam session. Now, there WAS a Hot vs. Dope V.1 that came out in 2004 (which I own), so I'm not sure why this isnt called Vol. 2... But such is life. Rumor has it, J-Live may make a habit out of bringing us these mixes... Either way, grab this now.

DOWNLOAD: J-Live - Hot Vs. Dope Vol. 1.1

01. Intro HVD 01:25
02. Robert Glasper f. Yaasin Bey “Black Radio” Pete Rock Remix 02:53
03. Murs and Fashawn “Heartbreaks and Handcuffs” 02:37
04. Kendrick Lamar f. Dr Dre “Compton” 01:52
05. Killer Mike f. El P “Butane” 02:12
06. Homeboy Sandman “Not Really” 03:26
07. Torae “What Does It All Mean” 02:35
08. Apathy f. Motive and Celph Titled “Tell Me” 02:45
09. Lupe Fiasco f. Bilal “How Dare You” 02:11
10. J-Live “As I Start (Over)” 01:22
11. House Shoes f Chali2na “So Different” 02:29
12. Martha Knuckles “Give Me Room” 02:30
13. Skyzoo f. Freeway “Pockets Full” 01:59
14. Freddie Gibbs f. Curren$y “Tell a Friend” 02:21
15. CL Smooth “Ask About Me” 02:31
16. Rick Ross f Dr Dre & Jay-Z “3 Kings” 03:42
17. The Audible Doctor “Andy Kaufman Theory” 01:15
18. Wordsworth “Joy and Pain” 02:21
19. Zion I f D.U.S.T. “Trapped Out” 01:49
20. Kanye f Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz “Mercy” 02:02
21. P.O.S. “Fuck Your Stuff” 01:31
22. Kendrick Lamar “Swimming Pools (Drank)” 02:47
23. Jean Grae “Kill Screen” 03:06
24. Brother Ali “Only Life I Know” 01:31
25. Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, Cyhi The Prynce, Kid Cudi & D’Banj “The Morning” 02:08
26. Method Man Freddie Gibbs & StreetLife “Built For This” 02:33
27. Rah Digga “Janis Joplin” 02:45
28. Talib Kweli f. Black Thought and Ab Soul “Congregation” 02:24
29. Saigon f. Styles P “Not Like Them” 02:25
30. MarQ Spekt “Dreamer” 02:07
31. Oddisee “That Real” 03:48

Fiend - N Luv With Da Money (single)

So it appears Fiend has caught wind that the Brick Squad 1017 camp isn't going anywhere and has decided to show who was rocking with it first. This is just RAW as fuck & as far as I am concerned it shows what the trap shit could be. Mr. Woomp Woomp is gearing to release two separate projects. One will go under the moniker Fiend4DaMoney entitled T.G.I.Fiend. The other,Trip To LOndon, will be under International Jones which has been accompanied with his laid back Jets style that he's been rocking for the past two years. This single will be featured on T.G.I.Fiend, which tells us what's in store for that project....WOOMP WOOMP!

Menahan Street Band - Lights Out (single)

New Manahan Street Band material!?! Fuck YES! The Crossing is out Oct 30th. Going to be a good Halloween.

Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire - Telephuck (ft Gucci Mane/Prod El P)

Good Gawd! Gucci over an EL Producto Beat?!?! Yes Siiiiir. Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire drops what I believe to be the first track off his Power & Passion EP, which you will be able to get Nov. 6th. This shit goes hard.

The Weeknd - Trilogy Promo

Well, that mystery is starting to fade...maybe just in time Abel and Co have finally locked down a date for the trilogy to be released, which is Nov. 13th. We aren't really sure what this release entails, other than the obvious 3 first tapes remastered. I'm hearing rumors of 3 new songs as well. But as in standard Weeknd Fashion, I'm sure we will not find out till the project is out. Either way I'm looking forward to it, as should you.

Big Sant - MFxOG (Album)

If you've followed Big K.R.I.T. then chances are you've heard a Big Sant verse or two. You may have even seen him backing K.R.I.T. on stage or even opening for him. The talent has always been there, but there wasn't much work from him to really delve into. Now with with his first real Project MFxOG we have a chance to remedy that. With appearances and/or production by K.R.I.T., Jackie Chain, Mookie Jones, Phonte, Kickdrums, Cardo and more.  





Download:MFxOG

iNDEED - iNDEEDface (Album)

I'm not sure how DJ Burn One and his 5 Points Music group are able to maintain quality amongst the absurd quantity of music that they continue to put out, but somehow they continue to drop incredible project at a rapid pace. This time around it's his band, iNDEED's time to shine. Made up of Ricky Fontaine and Walt Live the group is able to blend some psyche-funk R&B, sprinkled with a few rap verses here and there perfectly. Be sure to check out this Free Project which features verses from Scotty, SL Jones, & Rittz.


Download: iNDEEDface | Mediafire
 

Kokayi (Performing as CZRS) - Pro Deo Et Patria (Album)

If you're into rappers taking a big step outside of the box, bending genres, producing every song, singing, rapping, harmonizing, and all that good stuff, to make one big mesh of MUSIC GOODNESS... Then this album is for you. It's amazing. It's $10 to take with you, and free to listen to now. Oh, and that Latin that you don't understand means "For God And Country."

PURCHASE: Kokayi - Pro Deo Et Patria

Sheisty Khrist & Devine Carama - OMG (Album)

I know I'm showing up late to this party, but I can't get enough Sheisty Khrist. This dropped back in January, OF LAST YEAR. And I'm just now finding it. So I thought I would share it with you. It's available for purchase ($8) through Bandcamp if you'd like to support. And of course, you can always stream the music for free below...

PURCHASE: Sheisty Khrist & Devine Carama - OMG

Marcè Reazon - A View To Kill (Mixtape)

Yesterday, I didn't have a clue who this dude was. But there was something about this cover that intrigued me. So I hit play. And before the first song finished I was downloading the whole project.

DOWNLOAD: Marcè Reazon - A View To Kill

Rick Ross - The Black Bar Mitzvah (Mixtape)

This album cover is clown shoes. But I'm still downloading it. New Rozay.

DOWNLOAD: Rick Ross - The Black Bar Mitzvah

01. Intro
02. Don't Like
03. Mercy (ft. Rockie Fresh)
04. Us (ft. Drake & Lil Reese)
05. Rosenberg Skit
06. Birthday
07. Burn
08. Clique (ft. Gunplay & Rockie Fresh)
09. 911 (ft. 2 Chainz)
10. No Worries
11. Thumbin'
12. Presidential RMX (ft. Pharrell & Rockie Fresh)
13. Bands (ft. Slab)
14. Gone To The Moon
15. Itchin'
16. Ice Cold (ft. Omarion)
17. Bible On The Dash
18. Young & Gettin' It (ft. Kirko Bangz)
19. MMG TOUR Purchase Tickets at www.LiveNation.com

Uptown XO - The Color Grey (Mixtape)

1/3rd of The Diamond District gives us a brand new free mixtape. DMV has a lot of talent. It's not just Wale.

DOWNLOAD: Uptown XO - The Color Grey

Ty Dolla $ign - Beach Hou$e (Mixtape)

Youve probably heard Ty$ on somebody's song. Well now you get to hear him on 13 of his own. So don't deprive yourself of that.

DOWNLOAD: Ty$ - Beach Hou$e

01. My Cabana (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.)
02. Zone'n (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.)
03. Know Y I Came (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.)
04. Another One (ft. Dom Kennedy & T.Mills) (Prod by Cardo)
05. 4 A Young (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.) / Young Honey (ft. Iamsu!) (Prod by Fuego)
06. That's All (ft. Kid Ink) (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.)
07. Mi$$ion (Prod by Party Next Store)
08. DTF (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.)
09. Infatuated (Prod by Phonix Beats)
10. Hold Up (Prod by Iman Omari)
11. Booty Poppin (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.) - Forbidden Fruit (Prod by D.R.U.G.$.)
12. Diggin (ft. Joe Moses) (Prod by Fuego & D.R.U.G.$.)
13. Time (ft. Joe Moses) (Prod by D Mile & Ty$)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert – Same Love (Video)

The Heist drops tomorrow. Don't forget to cop that.

No freedom til we're equal. Damn right I support it.

Smoke DZA - K.O.N.Y. (Mixtape)

Brand new tape from George Kush. I didn't know Kony was still relevant, but word. New music from DZA. Can't complain.

DOWNLOAD: Smoke DZA - K.O.N.Y.

The Procussions - Up ‘Till Now (Mixtape)

Mr. J. Medeiros and Stro The 89th Key have reunited for more dope music. Now, don't get too excited, because this isnt necessarily that just yet. To help get you excited for the new upcoming album, and to show new fans what they're all about, theyve compiled a tape of their best work spanning their 12 years of music. This is that collection.

DOWNLOAD: The Procussions - Up 'Till Now

Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do (Remix EP)

Soulful Stones Throw crooner Mayer Hawthorne lets loose his brand new old songs. A quick 6 track remix EP for you and yours for zero dollars. So stop being stingy and grab it.

DOWNLOAD: Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do Remixes

Zion I - Human Being (Video)

New visuals from the Oakland duo. Shadowboxing is out now.

Willie Brown - Ichiban: Sound In 3D (Instrumental Album)

One of Top Dawg Entertainment's in house producers drops off his latest project for your speakers. This was originally released back in January. Then was promptly taken off the market for who know what reason. But now it's back. Dope beats. If you wanna rap over em it's gonna run you $7.

PURCHASE: Willie B - Ichiban Sound In 3D

KD - Be Alone (Video)

Its a good day to have the day off. First Biga's Reagan video, now I see that KD put out a video for my favorite track off Crown Me.

Big Sant - Muthafuckin OG (Prod by Kreatev)

Big Sant dropped this last week and I slept on it. Luckily I had a day off today and got a chance to throw this on....HEAT! This is will be featured on his MFxOG project, which doesn't have a date currently, but you can bet we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for it.

Killer Mike - Reagan (Official Video)

Mike Biga drops the official video to my favorite song off his, EL Producto produced album, R.A.P. Music. If by some outlandish chance you have yet to check that record out, you're really fucking up...

David Dallas - Buffalo Man (EP)

New EP from Duck Down's David Dallas. His "The Rose Tint" tape was one of my favorite mixtapes of last year, so don't sleep on the New Zealand emcee right here. This joint is all inspired by Jamiroquai music. So basically good music inspired by good music. Grab it now.

DOWNLOAD: David Dallas - Buffalo Man EP

Adam Zombie - Kick Kick Punch (Album)

I don't know much about this Chesterfield, VA duo, but I do know that their new tape, Kick Kick Punch is a monster. With their laid back flows sprinkled over filtered drums, I'm sure they're going to draw comparisons to The Cool Kids early work. But delve a little deeper and you'll see this for the breath of fresh air that this is. DOWNLOAD: ALT Link

Xaphoon Jones - Mixtape Vol. 3 (Mixtape)

The latest collection of remixes and rarities from the white half of Chiddy Bang. [/GettinMyRacismOn]

DOWNLOAD: Xaphoon Jones - Mixtape Vol. 3

01. Xaphoon Jones & Home Bass Feat. Chuck Inglish - A Message From Home Bass
02. Rick Ross Feat. French Montana - Stay Scheming (Xaphoon Jones Remix)
03. St. Lucia - Closer Than This (Xaphoon Jones Remix)
04. Two Inch Punch - Love You Up (Xaphoon BNFB Remix)
05. Meek Mill Feat. Drake & Jeremih - Amen (Xaphoon Jones Bootleg)
06. Xaphoon Jones - Diplo's Interlude (Interlude #2)
07. XV - All For Me (Xaph's Wavy Edit)
08. Xaphoon Jones Feat. Cyhi The Prynce & Vado - Xpress Urself (Xaph's Bootlegg)
09. Big Sean Feat. Kanye West - Marvin & Chardonnay (Xaphoon Jones Remix)
10. Yuri Beats - Orange Juice Break (Really Really Trippin)
11. Vybz Kartel & Madlib - Go Go Wine (Xaph's Madlib Bootleg)
12. Das Racist - Michael Jackson (Xaphoon Jones Remix)
13. Big Sean - High (Hot Sugar Remix)
14. Ellie Goulding Vs. Gucci Man - High On Pillz
15. Xaphoon Jones - DJEMBA FLOCKA FLAME$
16. Xaphoon Jones - Farewell From Goblin Island (Excerpt #2)

Kids These Days - Don't Harsh My Mellow (Video)

From the Chicago crew's upcoming Traphouse Rock album.

Gerald Walker & Cardo - On Your Side Part Deux (EP)

The last time a person asked me to describe Gerald Walker's music, I said imagine if Drake had a baby with all 5 Bone Thugs...

DOWNLOAD: Gerald Walker & Cardo - On Your Side Part Deux

01. The Introduction [Piano By Jon Dahlanger]
02. All Or Nothing [Prod. By Rmb Justize]
03. They Don't Know What We Know [Prod. By Cardo]
04. Live It Up [Prod. By Cardo]
05. What I Do (ft. Kiara Dupree) [Prod. By Sledgren]
06. Here's To Us (ft. Jack Freeman Shye) [Prod By. Sledgren]
07. Get High To Get By (ft. Bryant Stewart) [Prod. By Cardo]
08. Walk On Water Or Drown (ft. keY Wane) [Prod By Sledgren] {Trumpet J. Glazer, Piano Rell Beat
09. This Life (ft. Add-2) [Prod. By Cardo]

Jaden Smith - The Coolest (Video)

So I didn't want to click on this shit when I saw it pop up. Figured I'd diss it and keep it moving. I'm not going to front...this is kind of fly. Beat is smooth as fuck and whoever is penning youngin's raps (it ain't his daddy) is on some chill Mikey Rocks shit. Little will needs to lose that pre pubescent mustache, but other than that, I really don't have too many complaints.

Freddie Gibbs - Baby Face Killa (Mixtape)

Gangsta Gibbs lets go of the latest in his repertoire. Grab it for free on Datpiff, or if you find DJ Drama annoying, you can cop the tagless version on iTunes.

DOWNLOAD: Freddie Gibbs - Baby Face Killa
PURCHASE (Tagless Version) via iTunes

01. BFK (prod. M-80)
02. Still Livin' (prod. DJ Stikuhbush)
03. The Diet (prod. Cylla)
04. Money, Clothes, Hoes (MCH) (Prod. Feb.9)
05. The Hard (ft. Dana Williams) (Prod. Feb.9)
06. Kush Cloud (ft. Krayzie Bone & SpaceGhostPurrp) (prod. SMKA)
07. Walk In Wit The M.O. (ft. Dom Kennedy) (prod. Cookin' Soul)
08. Bout It Bout It (ft. Kirko Bangz) (prod. DJ Dahi)
09. Krazy (ft. Jadakiss & Jay Rock) (prod. Statik Selektah)
10. Stay Down (prod. DJ Dahi)
11. Boxframe Cadillac ('83 Deville Mix) (ft. Z-Ro) (prod. The FuturistiKs)
12. Middle Of The Night (ft. Wayne Blazed)
13. Go For It (ft. Young Jeezy) (prod. Bobby Kritical)
14. On Me (ft. Problem) (prod. DJ Fresh)
15. Tell A Friend (ft. Curren$y) (prod. DJ Izzo & Matterafact)
16. My Nigga (ft. G-Wiz, D-Edge & Hit) (prod. Cookin' Soul)
17. Seventeen (ft. Young Jeezy & Slick Pulla)
18. Every City (ft. YG) (Bonus Track) (prod. DJ Mustard)

Zion I - Bomb 1st (Mixtape)

One of the most consistently dope groups in hip hop drops off their new tape. Grab this one for free, and don't forget to cop Shadow Boxing when it drops next tuesday.

DOWNLOAD: Zion I - Bomb 1st

And now that I look at the tracklist, I am significantly less excited for this tape. I mean, it looks like it's all dope music. But it's not all Zion I... And thats what I wanted.

Phonte ft. Carlitta Durand - Gonna Be A Beautiful Night (Video)

One of my favorite emcees ever drops off the video for his latest single, from Charity Starts At Home, which has been out since last year, and if you dont have it yet, youre a moron.

DMX Uses A Computer (Video)

I would be afraid that DMX would see me posting this and try to kill me in an elevator, but after watching this hilarious video, I'm no longer afraid...

Danny! is back with a new album.

Not to be confused with Danny Brown. Check him out on the Jimmy Fallon show this week.

Frank Ocean - Pyramid (Video)

This video is not safe for your work place. The Pyramid... Is a strip club. Shhh...
Franky Ocean takes to the desert on a motorcycle to laugh at strippers, where he ultimately meets John Mayer playing guitar in the dark. Channel Orange is amazing and available now.

Mac Miller - Someone Like You

I know a lot of people aren't a fan of Mac Miller. And I tend to be a little hit/miss with him. But this joint is dope. If you like music you can just kick back and chill to, then give this one a listen. Even if you don't usually like Mac. Just give this one a listen...It's dope. (J. Hill on the beat)

DOWNLOAD: Mac Miller - Someone Like You

Jhene Aiko - 3:16 AM

First single from Jhene's upcoming Def Jam debut. I think I'm in love with her.

UPDATED WITH DOWNLOAD LINK AND SHIT
DOWNLOAD: Jhene Aiko - 3:16 AM

K-Os - The Dog Is Mine

Canadian emcee/singer/moreandmoreoutsidetheboxlately, K-Os returns with the latest single from his upcoming double disc album, Black On Blonde, due out November 27th. Yeah, I dont know how I feel about that title either...

Oddisee - From Largo With Love

The Mello Music Front Man is back with a brand new smooth joint for you and yours. And if you haven't yet heard the LP he dropped earlier this year, People Hear What They See, do not sleep on it. It's easily in my top 5 of the year thus far...

DOWNLOAD: Oddisee - From Largo With Love

Mr. SOS - Trains Never Get Sidetracked (EP)

Mr. SOS returns with his highly anticipated (by me) new EP, Trains Never Get Sidetracked. Featuring production by K-Salaam, Abeo Rzo, Ricky Raw and SOS himself. I've heard a handful of joints from this so far, and they've all been dope. So do not hesitate to support the big homie for consistently dropping dope music.

PURCHASE: Mr. SOS - Trains Never Get Sidetracked | Physical Copies

01. Come Along
02. Massive (ft. Sheisty Khrist)
03. Hallways & Doorways
04. Candyland
05. As It Was (ft. Cashmere The Pro & Raheem Jamal)
06. Super Rapper Shit
07. What Planet Are You From?
08. Respect