2013 For Certain: Top Hip Hop Albums
Couple beat maestro 7L with his standard partner Esoteric
and you have a good combo, but add Wu alum Inspectah Deck and you have head nod
central on this offering. Guest artists
like Action Bronson, Ghostface, Vinnie Paz, and Oh No shine on their respective
tracks that have a comic book and old school wrestling feel punctuated with a
90’s Golden Era production.
Billy Woods and Elucid have such an undeniable chemistry,
they lace the entire album with deep thinking (addiction, death, family,
relationships) bars, Woods’ trademark worldview rhymes, and nary a beat that
musters a skip. Blue Sky Black Death
provide the backdrop on bangers “Renaisance Garments” and “Noserfatu” while
Woods frequent producer Marmaduke also provides production.
“We strive for excellence, you strive for elegance” Onry
Ozzborn bellows on the standout track “Face and the Fang.” It could be the declaration for all
underground Hip Hop, but also serves as the matra for Seattle based Grayskul. Onry and JFK Ninjaface’s release yet another Fake
Four stamped album with the crisp production and a highlight cameo from Aesop
Rock on “Not Going Anywhere.”
This crusty mofo took years to release new material, but it
was well worth the wait. Production
galore from Buckwild, Apathy, Marco Polo, and a handful of tracks by Mr. Green,
including the touching “Halo” which talks to RA’s late father. But it ain’t
all serious, as the standard grimy, fuck-you, sexed up, dirty beer guzzling
rhymes are ever present.
Say whatever the standard stereotypes about Wolf Gang or
Earl and his exile in Samoa, but this album proves that they- notably Earl –
have crazy mic skills. On the flip side,
Doris is dark, not a lot of happy cheering among the tracks that Earl laces
alongside Tyler, The Creator, Domo Genesis, Mac Miller, and the surprising
joint “Molasses” with the RZA.
After last year’s R.A.P. Music set the standard, El-P and
Killer Mike took it to the proverbial next level with the self titled
debut. Seriously bumping and deep
grooves lay the foundation for El-P’s signature lyricism and Killer Mike’s
Southern baratone. Only two cameos, but
both are well worth it: Big Boi on “Banana Clipper” and Prince Paul on “Twin
Hype Back.”
The Chicago sound comes through again on this release , as
Qwel weaves tales of Chi Town and beyond.
The official press release references “thoughtful care” put into the
album and at the end of a listen, it evokes just that: two artists giving a
polished release to their fans. Guest
appearances from Swamburger, Gouch of
Living Legends, and a highlight verse from Qwazaar.
Last year’s top spot holder is back – again – with producer
Blockhead on a full length subsonic journey.
Woods is at his best with his many layers of sex, shows, and general
city living in the every gentrifying urban corridor. Blockhead’s production helps maintain Woods’
imagery throughout.
The highlight guest appearance is a superb Aesop Rock verse on the standout “Tumbleweed.”
The highlight guest appearance is a superb Aesop Rock verse on the standout “Tumbleweed.”
Hark’s production takes the album title into account with NYC
Golden Era beats, but this isn’t a tribute to the 90s. The production and MC duo EP and Matter ov
Fact spit grimey and sometimes grungey or even gross lyrics, but it never bumps
into the gimmick category. Clocking in
at under 40 minutes, this album is bridged with quick instrumentals and
standout tracks like “Skin Yarmulke.”
The second track “No Prep Time” with its cathedral like
organ music sets the tone for Castle’s debut; a sometimes psychedelic,
sometimes off kilter, always funky and clever.
The North Carolina MC/producer has a refreshing, quick, and no cameo
album that seems to always leave you with a smirk. Check “The Punisher Kills Hip Hop” for some vivid
story weaving.
Los Angeles based MC / Producer comes correct on his proper
debut, a simplistic yet layered sapproach with crisp lyrics and off beat
production. The sandaled one (he even
has a track titled “Sandals”) relishes the different tag, rapping “…Maury
Povich, because my style has no father.”
The Scoop DeVille featured “Come Up Pt 1” and “Come Up Pt 2” are certain
to get the head nodding.
Leave it to Ghost to think outside of the standard Wu box as
he enlisted composer Adrian Younge to put together a musical offereing that
mirrors a comic book and also as the soundtrack to an Italian horror film. Standard Wu appearances from Deck,
Cappadonna, U-God, and Masta Killa (on the banger “I Declare War”) even further
the album’s flawless stories.
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES
Vertual Vertigo – Come Fly With Me
Quelle Chris – Ghost At The Finish Line
Ill Bill - The Grimy Awards
Hide and Seek Zoo – Banji
Demigodz – Killmatic
LET'S TAKE A TRIP TO THINK BACK:
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Labels: Hip Hop, Yearly wrap up