I know I’m a little late, but always on time. This is my list of the best albums of 2009…
1. KANYE WEST / 808s & HEARTBREAK
- I know this album technically came out in November of 2008, but I would still like to consider it my top. This album CHALLENGED EVERYTHING! Very innovative and brave. This album doesn’t fit into a genre. I went around calling it “Radiohead Rap,” but that doesn’t begin to sum it up. This album still gets better the more I hear it. Definitely my top album of the year.
2. KID CUDI – MAN ON THE MOON: END OF DAY
- I wasn’t sure what to expect from Kid Cudi on his debut studio album. I NEVER would have expected this. I concept album narrated by Common. Even though there are obvious similarities between this and 808s & Heartbreak (Cudi was a huge influence and songwriter on 808s), this is something different. It takes you on an amazing symphonic journey. I can’t even listen to this album without playing the whole thing. I felt this was pure genius. It’s definitely at the top of my list for this year and probably will make it to my favorite albums of all time.
3. MGMT – ORACULAR SPECTACULAR
- Okay, I realize I’m cheating a bit as this also came out in 2008, but I had to put it on this list. This album had to grow and me and continues to grow. I am blown away by the vibe of this album. After hearing the album one thing is clear, “Cocaine is a hell ova drug!”
4. MOS DEF – THE ECSTATIC
- Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a HUGE Mos Def fan. So imagine my excitement to hear that not only was he dropping a new album, but it was primarily produced by Madlib and his brother Oh No. What came out was an album that resembled “Madvillian” in concept, but all Mos.
5. JAY-Z – THE BLUEPRINT 3
- If you have to ask YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND! Hov, one of the greatest of all time is still growing as an MC. His flow is so aggressive and hungry on this album. I LOVE IT. He brought it home on this one.
6. THE-DREAM – LOVE VS MONEY
- You may think this is random, but I think The-Dream is musical genius. LOVED the production on this album. I found it very progressive for an R & B effort. The songwriting and production in this album is very unique. The uniqueness is very subtle though. The songs Love vs Money pt.1 & 2 are so epic. Much props on this for being different. Definitely one of my favorites and an inspiration to do your own thing.
7. DOOM – BORN THIS WAY
- MF Doom has to be the most consistent MC of all time. This guys flow is crazy! This album is business as usual for him. I only recently got into Doom, but his catalogue has dominated my IPod most of this past year. For my money one of the greatest rappers of all time!
8. Maxwell – BLACKSUMMER’SNIGHT
- He’s no D’ Angelo, but he does his thing. This was a return to TRUE R & B for me. Solid album and I can’t wait for the other installments.
8. SLAUGHTERHOUSE – SLAUGHTERHOUSE
HIP HOP!!!! For those who like MC’in. This line up is mind-blowing. You got Royce tha 5’9, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, and Joe Budden. It’s like an all-star game, but the East is trying to BEAT THE SHIT out of the West. And Joe Budden might be the illest ever when it’s all said and done. I know I started something now!
9. YEAH, YEAH, YEAHS – IT’S BLITZ!
- Karen O, nothing else needs to be said yo!
10. THE XX – XX
- My girlfriend actually introduced me to this very recently. Shit is dope and they are minimalists that use 808. What more can you ask for? Thanks Kanye!
Now For The Utter Crap of 2009:
*EMINEM – RELAPSE
- This album sounds like songs that didn’t make “The Eminem Show.” Utter shyt!
*ASHER ROTH – ASLEEP IN THE BREAD AISLE
- Such a boring and pointless album. Dope live show though and his mix tape was off the chain!
*WALE – ATTENTION DEFICIT
- I thought this was gonna be a no brainer. His “Mix tape About Nothing” is brilliant on so many levels. Straight garb my man!
