Although I like reading them, I don't personally like doing "best-of" lists, since music is, by its very nature, subjective, and what I like today isn't necessarily what I'll like tomorrow, and because no matter what I write, you all will tear it the fuck apart anyway.
As such, I have no plans on writing one, and not just because I only wrote about, like, ten albums last year that were actually released in 2012.
However, I am interested in hearing what you two have to say. Feel free to use the comments section to discuss projects from last year that you liked and/or would recommend, and also to describe the albums you're most looking forward to in the new year. If you want. Some of your comments may or may not be used as inspiration for future posts, so have at it.
More actual content coming soon.
-Max
okay um...favorite releases this year would be Kendrick - GKMC, Ab-Soul - Control System, Billy Woods - History Will Absolve Me, Freddie Gibbs - Baby Face Killa, Big Krit - 4eva N A Day. I admit i havent stayed on top of releases this year but another project i think is worthy of a listen is Clear Soul Forces - Detroit Revolution. I will eventually listen to Killer Mike's album, El-P's album, and Brother Ali's new one as well. I ain't perfect, but at least i'll admit it.
ReplyDeleteHere's a dude I recommend you check out: Mega Ran. His "Language arts" series of EPs were classic material this year. peep him at http://megaran.com
ReplyDeleteBTW, love the reviews, but you've gotta give your 2 cents on "take it or squeeze it" by The Beatnuts. great stuff.
That Beatnuts review is actually forthcoming. I'm not done with it yet, but I'm working on it.
Delete1) Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
ReplyDelete2) Kendrick Lamar - good kid, Mad City
3) Nas - Life Is Good
oh and since i'm talking about my favorite projects, i may as well say some disappointments for me as well. Life is Good was somewhat disappointing, although it's Nas so i'm kinda used to that, both Reks albums this year were letdowns for me as well, which reminds me that Max you gotta review either Grey Hairs or R.E.K.S. at some point, which are much better imo than what Reks gave me this year. Besides those, Wu-Block was a letdown, Cruel Summer somewhat was, Logic's mixtape that dropped this year was a major disappointment (if you don't know Logic, look up his mixtape Young Sinatra) and if Jay Electronica feels like doing anything ever i'd appreciate it. Thats it, im done, keep up the good work Max
ReplyDeletehaven't heard the rest but cosign the Nas opinion. That album had several dope leaks but it turned out the leaks were the only good songs present.
DeleteSo um, my top 5 albums last year:
ReplyDelete1.The Black Opera - Libretto: Of King Legend
So, this went under many peoples radar, but it is a very well-crafted album. Verrry self-important, but these guys can pull it off. I don't wanna be blasphemous, but I do get a little Wu-Tang vibe when listening to the album. It's great from start to finish, every single beat, verse, hook and interlude feels unified and that's whats most important isn't it?
2.Ka - Grief Pedigree
This is a very subdued album, but that is what makes it great in my eyes. Ka is a skilled rapper and good producer, and the fact that he decided to just make the album he wanted to make is what makes the album so great.
3.DJ Premier & Freddie Foxxx - Kolexxxion
This album delivered. Sure, some Primo beats was phoned in but Bumpy really outdid himself and raps like his life is on the line on almost every song. If you're a fan of either guy I don't think you can be dissapointed.
4.Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
Putting my personal preferences aside and focusing more on artistry this album should be higher on the list. The comparisons to Ice Cube is apt, even though Killer Mike is his own character, and El-P gives Mike some dope ass instrumentals.
5.Substantial - Home Is Where The Art Is
This album is just very consistent. Substantial never really tries to blow up your brain when he's rhyming but he makes dope ass songs, and with this album he makes a album that is just pleasurable as hell.
Albums from my favorite artists that should have been better but still could warrant a listen:
One Be Lo - K.I.C.K. P.U.S.H.
Ras Kass & Doc Hollywood - Spit No Evil
Cancer for Cure - El-P
ReplyDeleteAction Bronson & the Alchemist: Rare Chandeliers
ReplyDeleteMore consistently butter beats and rhymes from two of the years most talked about and productive players. It was nice to hear Bronson rhyme over an album of completely cohesive beats that not only acted as a back drop to his lyrical prowess, but created some sort of musical narrative that created an album with mega replay value.
Lil Fame & Termanology: Fizzyology
Great title, great rapping and great beats. This came across as more of a termanology project featuring verses and production from Fame,although i'm not complaining. I have slept on Term for quite a while now and after hearing him spit molten lava over Alchemist, Preemo, and Womack beats the man has a new fan. And of course fame is in BEAST mode.
Lil Ugly Mane: Mista Thug Isolation
This mysterious memphis aping rapper/ producer has been in my ear all year since he dropped this masterpeice in february. To say this album has replay value is an understatement. The dragged, chopped, screwed and leaned out hooks of Ugly Mane will stick in your mind like a nightmare. The beats on this tape rival Memphis masters such as DJ Zirk, DJ Sound, DJ Spanish Fly and the original Supa Producas DJ Paul and Juicy J. From start to finish there is not a bad track. Check out Ugly Manes latest release Uneven Compromise to hear him spit some of that thuggish ruggish shit, aswell as flipping the script and getting all BOOM BAP.
Bodega Bamz: Strictly 4 my P.A.P.I.Z
Bamz first impressed me on "I Told Ya" off the A.S.A.P. MOB tape. His first full length does not disspaoint off the trap power of that guest verse. The self procalimed Latin Trap King reigns supreme over some great production from among others, Alchemist (That man has had a hell of a year) and very impressive P on the Boards.
Joey Bada$$: 1999
I'm a big fan of Joey Bada$$ and the PRO ERA Crew, although i prefer Capital Steez and Chuck Stragers to Bada$$, i find his rhymes kinda forced. This might have something to do with his age, 17. Survival Tactics is one of my songs of the year, a great BOOM BAP, Wu Tangish mish mash of a beat which Steez and Bada$$ rip to pieces. whether its Ugly Mane and 90's era Memphis or Bada$$ and 90's New York, the rap scene in 2012 is on that nostalgic tip, and I'm not complaining.
Meyhem Lauren: Respect the Fly Shit
Meyem Laurenovich is on some ill type G Rap, Akinyele shit on this tape, and it was free. 2012 has been a great year for free music. my top ten is loaded with free albums, thats not saying much for the record industry. Meyhem Lauren is of the same school of rap as Action Bronson, his frequent partner in rhyme, in that they both frequently name srop obscure sportmen and 80's action stars. Respect the Fly Shit is a nice tidy little package and an easy listen from start to finish.
I thought 2012 was a great year for posse cuts
ReplyDelete5 Oldie-Odd Future
4 Elimination Chamber- Domo Genesis (Feat. Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples & Action Bronson)
3 Power -Das Racist(feat. Danny Brown and Despot)
2 Tick Tock- Pusha T, Raekwon, Joell Ortiz & Danny Brown
1 1 Train- A$AP Rocky(feat. Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson & Big K.R.I.T.)
Roc Marciano: Reloaded
ReplyDeleteEvvvvvvvryone is on Roc Marcianos dick. Marcberg, his debut passed me by, i heard a few cuts off it and was completely unashamedly underwhelmed. Then i heard Deeper off of this album and was hooked. Roc Marciano does what i like best, he creates an album that is cohesive, it is one peice of art split into 15 smoothed out, sinister and hilarious tracks. The beats on this tape, handled primariliy by Roc Marcy him self are great, although for me it is hard to pin point which i like best, because they allmeld together so beautifully, creating a hour long audiotory 70's Blaxploitation flick.
M.O.P. & Snow Goons: Sparta
Although technichally a 2001 release, i did not buy this till 2012 soooo fuck you I'm counting it. M.O.P. are known for the whole super agressive scream in your face rap schtick. I love that schtick. M.O.P are one of the most consistently brilliant duos in the industry, releasing banger after banger. Snowgoons bring the heat and M.O.P lace them with vicious fight music that might make you wanna hit a muthafucka.
Gotta love the new Freddie Gibbs Baby Faced Killa. Also his mixtapes from January Cold Day in Hell was excellent. Good kid MAAD Coty was a pretty good one from Kendrick Lamar. Other standouts include MGK's Lace Up, and Big K.R.I.T's Live From the Underground. As for 2013, I cannot wait for A$AP Rocky's new cd which is due very soon. If you could get to either of Gibbs' tapes I'd love to hear your take, Max. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteMadchilds dope sick was my favorite '12 release. I didn't check out many releases since I'm still going back and purchasing classics and whatnot. I'm game to check out the e-40 releases though. I also read he's continuing the block brochure series in '13. What projects ru anticipating this year max?
ReplyDeleteJoe budden got an album comin out this year as well so I'll be peeping that out too.
ReplyDeleteI liked the Homeboy Sandman and JJ Doom releases of 2012. Also, El-P and Killer Mike. Definitely looking for more 2012 hiphop ...
ReplyDeletebilly woods - history will absolve me
ReplyDeleteel-p - cancer4cure
killer mike - r.a.p. music
a$ap rocky - long.live.asap(i dont think this was officially released doe)
the coup - sorry to bother you
Mysterious Phonk - SpaceGhostPurrp
ReplyDeleteGrief Pedigree - Ka
Sun - Cat Power
That's pretty much all the new music I listened to in 2012.
Co-sign the Cat Power album. Excellent.
DeletePersonally I drifted away from Hip Hop and Rap this year into Chromatics, John Talabot, Grimes and Actress to name but some.
Best rap song was Danny Brown's Grown Up. Great video too!
@Max: Any chance of reviewing Death Grips? Personally, I don't understand why they are loved by so many, but you might be able to explain it, haha.
CHROMATICS, amazing band.
Delete1. JJ Doom (I didn't like this album but, I want your opinion!!)
ReplyDelete2. Sean Price - Mic Tyson (Good but, the first two were better!)
3. Ka - Grief Pedigree (I loved it!!)
4. Roc Marciano - Reloaded (Way better than his first album!!)
5. Masta Ace - MA_DOOM (I loved it!!)
all of you guys are fuckin herbs no one listens to the shit your suggesting. what max should be revewing is the shit that's gonna bring the ny rap scence back on top:asap rocky's longliveasap, and joey bada$$ 1999. also could do for another look at somme Lloyd banks mixtapes, which I feel are sorley underrated in the eyes of our host
ReplyDeleteLol, herbs.
Deletelol
DeleteMy Favourite from 2012 gotta be R.A.P. Music by Killer Mike. Biggest disappointment gotta be that Slaughterhouse shit.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that Slaughterhouse album pissed me the HELL off!!!!
DeleteNot even sure if he has an actual body of work to evaluate, but what about Jay Electronica?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the leak of the a$ap rocky album,as a general rule the beats were much better than i expected them to be. I'm not really the biggest fan of a$ap as a rapper made i think he made the album work regardless. So I would be curious to hear Max's thoughts on that. Also, as he seemed to enjoy GKMC, how about reviewing Section.80,and other black hippy albums like Control System and Habits & Contradictions
ReplyDeleteAsap album isnt bad...the first track is fire and 1 Train is fucking hot sauce
DeleteMore Action Bronson. I cant believe Kool Keith is finished with rap man.
ReplyDeleteMy top ten rap albums of 2012:
ReplyDelete1-O.C. & Apollo Brown - Trophies
2-kendrick lamaar - good kid, maad city
3-Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
4-El-p - Cancer 4 Cure
5-Ab Soul - Control System
6-Nas - Life Is Good
7-Big K.R.I.T. - Live From The Underground
8-Sean price - Mic Tyson
9-Aesop Rock – Skelethon
10-Chino Xl - Ricanstruction
Generally I feel 2012 was a good year for rap music.
Max, you always complain about having skits all the time in albums but then you have these kind of posts which are basically 'skits' for your blog. WE WANT REVIEWS!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
that latest Oddisee and Blu & Exile.
ReplyDeletedon't miss it
Review Public enemy icet and masta ace earlier stuff (take a look around-sittin on chrome)
ReplyDeleteMax I am disappointed you haven't covered ANY Dilla. I'd like to see your take on "Donuts" or even the Jaylib album. I know those aren't 2012 but there are Dilla compilations coming out left and right so..
ReplyDeleteI second the Donuts suggestion.
DeleteMAX, look at this riduclous thing..
ReplyDeletehttp://www.complex.com/music/2011/08/the-100-best-wu-tang-clan-songs
01. Dark Time Sunshine - ANX
ReplyDelete02. Roc Marciano - Reloaded
03. L'Orange - The Mad Writer
04. Lee Bannon - Fantastic Plastic
05. 2econd Class Citizen - The Small Minority
1. Kendrick Lamar- GKMC
ReplyDelete2. Ab Soul- Control System
3. Killer Mike- R.A.P.
4. OC- Trophies
5. Nas- Life is Good
These are just some of my top albums from 2012. I'm sure looking foward to 2013.
Would love to hear your opinion on A$AP Rocky and A$AP Mob, Max.
ReplyDeleteI think 2012 was a great year for music (not only hip hop).
ReplyDeleteNo particular order.
Kendrick Lamar-GKMC
Action Bronson- BOTH free albums
Joey Bada$$-1999
Aesop Rock-Skelethon
Big K.R.I.T-BOTH the mixtape AND album.
Death Grips-BOTH albums (though not for everyone i guess, takes a little time to get into them)
Flatbush Zombies-D.R.U.G.S
Schoolboy Q-Habits & Contradictions
Ab-Soul-Control System
Roc Marciano-Reloaded
El-P- C4C
Killer Mike- RAP Music
2 Chainz- Based on a T.R.U story (I know, you guys will probably disagree, but i think 2 Chainz is hilarious and I personally had a lot of fun with this album)
I was disappointed with Slaughterhouse and Cruel Summer.
2 Chainz is the shit in my book
DeletePlease review Game's Jesus Piece album which dropped on December 11th 2012 I know you're not huge on The Game based on your previous reviews but I know you'll like this album especially the beats on it! And also review Lloyd Banks Hunger For More 2 album I know you'll enjoy that one!
ReplyDeletePLAN B ILL MANORS
ReplyDeleteReview it please
From UK Hip Hop Fan
P.S. For something different Max you should review and listen tot he early stuff that Wolf Town record released out of wolverhampton in the UK. very much east coast BOOM BAP inspired tracks with that unique UK flavour.
TWO CHAIINNNZ!
ReplyDeleteBest album for me in 2012 is Kendrick Lamar - good kid, Mad City. This month the debut album from ASAP Rocky is worth checking.
ReplyDeletehttp://rap-critic.blogspot.co.uk/ My 10 best albums of 2012.. Im new to this but I'd like to know what you think. Thanks.
ReplyDelete1. Beneficence – Concrete Soul
ReplyDelete2. Pupose & Confidence - The Purpose of Confidence
3. Apollo Brown & Guilty Simpson - Dice Game
Biggest Disappointment - Pace Won & Mr. Green - The Only Number That Matters Is Won
People say I live in the past. They're right :D
I was looking forward to that PaceWon album... two years ago. Then when it dropped I listened to like one or two songs from it and never bothered to peep the whole shit out :(
DeleteYou didn't miss much. There's a couple of good songs but it's a 6/10 album.
DeleteIt wss so far off The Only Colour That Matters Is Green and the real disappointment was having to wait so long to be so underwhelmed.
I had it happen last year with Grip Grand dropping a really average album when previously in 2008 he dropped one of the best underground releases of that year in Brokelore.
1. Ab-Soul- Control System
ReplyDelete2. El-P- Cancer 4 Cure
3. Killer Mike- R.A.P. Music
5. Kendrick Lamar- good kid, m.A.A.d. city
6. Blue Sky Black Death & Nacho Picasso- Exalted
7. Ka- Grief Pedrigree
8. Nas- Life Is Good
9. Freddie Gibbs- Baby Face Killa
10. SpaceGhostPurrp- Mysterious Phonk: The Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp
Also enjoyed mixtapes/albums by Kane Mayfield, Curren$y, Lil B, Angel Haze, The Coup, GLC, Action Bronson, Boldy James, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Roc Marciano, Starlito... definitely a good year for hip-hop
Twój blog jest super ;)
ReplyDeleteJoey Bada$$:1999
ReplyDeleteSpaceghostpurrp and Action bronson.
ReplyDeleteJoey Bada$$ - 1999
ReplyDeleteRoc Marciano - Reloaded
Kendrick Lamar - GKMC
Skyzoo - A Dream Deffered
Sean Price - M.I.C. Tyson
Special Mentions: Dag Savage, Killer Mike, Boldy James
1. Action Bronson - Blue Chips
ReplyDelete2. Death Grips - The Money Store
3. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
4. Jeremiah Jae - Raw Money Raps
5. Ab-Soul - Control System
6. Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid maad city
7. JJ DOOM - Key to the Kuffs
8. Schoolboy Q - Habits & Contradictions
9. Action Bronson - Rare Chandeliers
10. Joey Badass - 1999
most anticipated:
Madvillainy 2
Danny Brown - Old
Earl Sweatshirt - Doris
Action Bronson - Saab Stories
Review
ReplyDeleteBig Bear - Doin Thangs
Could you please review RICANstuction: The Black Rosary by Chino XL?
ReplyDelete