2009年 Jan 8日 Thursday, 16:10
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1. Statik Selektah – Stick 2 The Script (199)
While he doesn’t rap, he doesn’t shoutout annoying catchphrases either, and the East-Coast’s DJ Khaled’s soul-driven production, and guestlist, is far superior, starting with To The Top, featuring Cassidy, Saigon, and Termanology. Southern heavyweight Bun B and the lesser known Cory Mo on the east-Asian tinged Get Out The Way, while On The Marquee features soul-ful, 9th Wonder-ish production by Statik and Little Brother on the mic. What makes S2TS excellent is the balance between harder street oriented bangers like For The City (on which Jadakiss shines) and Streets Of MA (featuring a bevy of Boston rappers) and commercial, radio/club friendly tracks like Talkin’ Bout You (feat. Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz, and Talib Kweli), So Good (Live From The Bar) (feat. Naledge, Reks, & C.L. Smooth), and the g-funk laced Cali Nights. Statik’s talents are especially evident through his scratching and sampling, especially in the hooks, my favorite being the chorus of Talkin’ Bout You, which samples Jay-Z, Biggie, Pimp C, and Bun B's voices, to name a few. Production-wise, this album is not only my favorite, but perhaps the best of this year, along with having a guestlist with both underground and mainstream appeal
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2. Reks – Grey Hairs (208)
I first heard Rek’s on Statik’s So Good (Live From The Bar), and damn, I had no idea who he was, but when I gave this album a listen I was blown away. Most notable would be the consistently dope production throughout, mostly by Statik Selektah, but also DJ Premier, Say Goodnight, and Large Professor on the insane Stages – almost every second track is a gem. The first would be How Can It Be, followed by the incredibly dope Money On The Ave, which Skyzoo kills, and even better Black Cream (The Negro Epidemic), featuring Big Shug of Gangstarr. Following that is the soulful Love Sweet Misery and a remix of Big Dreamers, an ill cut off Statik’s first album. I highly, highly recommend this album – it’s been a long time since I’ve been so thoroughly impressed with the consistency, balance and quality of an album as a whole (lyrically and production-wise), especially coming from such an unknown artist.
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3. Kanye West – 808's & Heartbreak (164)
Needless to say, 808’s marked a dramatic change in Ye’s style, which, love it or hate it, couldn’t make me happier; it’s not often that an artist at their peak of popularity makes such a remarkably different, and what could be genre-defining album. Fueled his emotional loss and pain, Yeezy made an album that artistically explores his pain, guilt, and regret, yet remains appealing despite it’s dark and, honestly, depressive sound. Upon hearing the first song, Say You Will, the minimalist aesthetic that Ye uses throughout 808’s is evident – there is also no sampling on the album. However, what is left is all Kanye, and his emotion is felt not only through his varied use of the auto-tune, but through it’s chilling, bare-bones beats as well. Welcome To Heartbreak puts Ye’s regrets on display: “Chased the good life all my whole life long/Look back on my life and my life gone”, followed by the radio-friendly Heartless and Love Lockdown, and the Jeezy-featured Amazing, which lives up to it’s name. The second half of the album definitely gets weaker, as tracks like Paranoid and See You In My Nightmares just don’t work, but Robocop and Coldest Winter, a tribute to his mother, are both gems. Overall, while Ye’s latest could be a bit more consist, it is still one of the best, and definitely the most creative pop album of the year.
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4. Nas – Untitled (139)
While Nasir couldn’t get it the title he wanted, Untitled is still an album to naming it Untitled is genius – we all know what it’s really called. His 9th studio album features the usual exceptional lyricism we’ve come to expect, along with one of his most consistent efforts yet, focusing on socially, racially and politically charged topics. After a forgettable Queens Get Money Too, Nas sets the pace with the funky You Can’t Stop Us Now and Breathe, but misfires on an awkward, forced-hit in Make The World Go Round with The Game and Chris Brown. However, the next track, Hero, is a uniquely synthetic yet thunderous and energetic single, perhaps one of Nas’ best. Sly Fox, an attack on the Fox news empire, and America are some of the weaker tracks, but Testify, a slow, soulful gem, and Fried Chicken, featuring Busta Rhymes, are both incredible. The production on Untitled is on point throughout, and Nas’ rhymes are, as always, exceptional. Untitled is a must-have from ’08.
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5. T.I. – Paper Trail (168)
Paper Trail is another album that does well balancing commercial and street tracks, going from Ready For Whatever to the mega-hits Live Your Live (featuring Rihanna) and Whatever You Like (production courtesy of Jim Jonsin). Even though he is facing jail-time, Paper Trail is a positive upbeat album that does well showcasing both sides of Tip; the public, fearless machismo side (I’m Illy, Every Chance I Get), along with his introspective, intellectual and self-reflective side (Dead And Gone, Slide Show, You Ain’t Missin Nothing). No Matter What may be T.I.’s best song yet; however, singles Swagga Like Us and Swing Ya Rag are both awful. Paper Trail is packed full of great songs, and is arguably his most consistent release yet.
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6. Bun B – II Trill (175)
After Pimp C’s tragic death, Bun B was forced into the solo spotlight, again. Clearly missing Pimp’s twangy-funk, Bun’s second solo album, II Trill, is no southern classic, but it’s still a great album. He keeps it trill on That’s Gangsta with Sean Kingston, get’s funky with Lil’ Wayne on Damn I’m Cold, and parties hard on I Luv That and Pop It 4 Pimp; but as usual, Bun also takes his time with the social and political on Get Cha Issue (Y'all some liars, stealers, philanderers and all/ Got senators sucking dick inside of bathroom stalls) and If It Was Up II Me (featuring the legendary Junior Reid). Other standout tracks include Good II Me featuring Mya (with a sick guitar lick at the end) and the emotional Pimp C tribute, Angel In The Sky, beautifully sung by Razah. II Trill is a much improved follow-up to Bun’s debut, Trill, but still a far cry from the bar set his southern classics with UGK.
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7. Ra – Black Sun (148)
Ra took a step back with the release of the inconsistent yet experimental concept album Duality, however, they have returned to their much heavier, but still melodic and hook-laden form that led to their classic debut From One. The album begins with two great tracks in Broken Hearted Soul and Faulty Information, followed by standouts Don’t Turn Away and I Believe Again (reminiscent of From One’s I Believe). On Waste of Space, Ra also proves scathing criticism of their relationship with their former record label. The album finishes with the masterpiece Easier Than This. Ra’s third studio album regains the consistency that From One boasts, as well as the hard/melodic style backed by the incredible vocals of Sahaj Ticotin.
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8. The Game – LAX (188)
The melodramatic bullshit and questionable tattoos never end for Jayceon Taylor, but that’s never stopped him from putting out dope music. L.A.X. is a marathon of namedropping, shoutouts and r&b features, but in between quite a bit of filler are quite a few dope songs, beginning with State Of Emergency with Ice Cube, My Life with the autotuning Lil’ Wayne, and Money. After that is a slew of r&b laced tracks, which, love em or hate em, I love; Ne-Yo shines on Gentleman’s Affair and Camera Phone, Angel features Common servin rhymes and Kanye droppin beats, and Game’s Pain featuring Keyshia Cole all standout, along with the single Dope Boys featuring Travis Barker. L.A.X. lacks the consistency of The Documentary, and The Game’s non-stop namedropping gets excessive, but it’s still a great album, and step up from Doctor’s Advocate.
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9. Young Jeezy – The Recession (218)
Jeezy’s latest offering, The Recession, is his best yet. Jeezy’s never been a master lyricist, but the dark, synthetic production matched with his hard, yet smooth flow creates a grimy yet energetic sound that Jeezy has become known for. Also notable is the relative lack of features – the first 2/3s of the album are just Jeezy, and he holds is own with a vengence on By The Way, Crazy World, Vacation and Hustaz Ambition (a still enjoyable Pac ripoff). Even better are the tracks complemented by crooners Trey Songz (Takin’ It There) and Anthony Hamilton (Everything) and Kanye, with his auto-tune coming out party on the anthemic Put On. This great album features Jeezy not only basking in the world around him, but also questioning it, and showing a more introspective side for the first time. While the beats get a bit repetitive, and the tracklist a bit long, The Recession is easily Jeezy’s best work to date.
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10. Plies – Definition of Real (123)
Plies gets a lot of hate, and I get that. Yeah, he’s wack, his voice is annoying, he ain’t ever been to jail, he doesn’t really have a criminal past. That he puts ‘realness’ on a pedestal at the same time doesn’t help either, but you can’t deny he makes sick tunes, or the fact that he isn’t the first to lie about/fabricate a criminal past (see Akon, Rick Ross). You gotta give him credit for him work ethic as well; he’s just put out his third album in two years, and could possibly have already completed his fourth. On DOR, his strength, female-oriented r&b songs, is on full display here, just see the irresistible Ne-Yo assisted Bust It Baby Pt. 2, #1 Fan (featuring Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday), Somebody (Loves You) and Feel Like Fuckin. However, Please Excuse My Hands is just awful, along with the easily forgettable street anthem Who Hotter Than Me; but the Drumma Boy produced Watch Dis is dope. Plies has shown his talent doesn’t lie with making hard, street songs, but with his and appeal with making tracks for the club and R&B oriented tracks for the ladies.
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11. Murs – Murs For President (146)
Murs For President is Murs’ first major studio album, and while he sheds some of his underground roots for that major label status, he doesn’t disappoint. Frequent collaborator 9th Wonder’s production is sparse (3 tracks), but Murs still shines, especially on the Snoop Dogg assisted, piano heavy Time Is Now. His songs about relationships are humbly honest and relatable (A Part Of Me, Breakup (The OJ Song)), and his ability to relate to the everyman is his greatest strength. Everything, The Road Is My Religion, the guitar laced are all amazing cuts. The token will.i.am feature on Lookin’ Fly is forgettable, and 9th Wonder is missed on most of the album, but Murs For President is a great major debut by an even better rapper, whose earlier work unfortunately sets the bar higher than achieved here.
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12. Inverse – So Far (The Collection) (158)
a. So Far may be one of the most slept on hip-hop albums of ’08. The west-coast duo of Toby (Jewish) & Tunji (Nigerian Muslim) is as unique as they come, and they bring it on So Far with a progressive, diverse sound - from the smooth HipHopSoul, upbeat Sunnycalifornia, introspective Constellation and Til’ The End (C.A.L.I.), which samples Common’s Faithful, are all equally and incredibly dope. The album is crafted from start to finish, lacking any filler. If you haven’t check it out; it’s available for free on Last.fm.
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13. Lil' Wayne – Tha Carter iii (131)
Lil’ Wayne aimed to make a classic, and was close, as Tha Carter III, an overrated but still great album, is no masterpiece. However, there are some incredible tracks, like the soulful Mr. Carter, featuring Jay-Z, the piano-driven, Yeezy produced Let The Beat Build, the Jim Jonsin mega-hit Lollipop, the silky-smooth Comfortable, also produced by Yeezy, and Tie My Hands, an emotional duet with Robin Thicke. But the singles A Milli and Got Money, featuring T-Pain, both miss, especially the latter. Tha Carter may have been the most hyped and overrated album of ’08, but it’s still one of the best.
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14. the roots – rising down (91)
The edgy, darker, political and serious Rising Down begins with one of the best collabos of ’08, the title track, featuring Mos Def and a sick Styles P verse. Rising Down is especially dope from the middle to end, with standout songs like Criminal (featuring Saigon), I Will Not Apologize (featuring P.O.R.N., Dice Raw & Talib Kweli), Lost Desire (also featuring Talib) and The Show (with Common and Malik B). The production throughout the album is on point, along with an impressive array of guest spots, many of whom are lesser known. The gritty, angst ridden Rising Down is an amazing release by The Roots, and is a definite must-have of ’08.
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15. Rick Ross – Trilla (142)
The Boss was maybe a bit overambitious naming his third album Trilla, however, while it has it’s limitations, it remains one of my favorites of this year thanks to it’s abundance of dope, bangin beats courtesy the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League (Maybach Music, Billionaire, Luxury Tax), Drumma Boy (Here I Am), The Runners (Speedin’), and J.R. Totem (The Boss). These, and some great guest spots (see Lil’ Wayne, R. Kelly, & Jay-Z) save the album from Ross’ miniscule vocabulary, inability to stop rhyming Ross with Boss, and lack of lyrical flexibility, not mention complete wackness.
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16. Shinedown – the Sound Of Madness (136)
The Sound Of Madness is Shinedown’s best album yet; it’s harder, heavier and more intense than either of their past two albums, and there isn’t a single weak track. Lead singer Brent Smith’s vocals are amazing throughout the album, especially on the first three tracks, Devour, The Sound Of Madness and Second Chance. TSOF is album that is easily listenable from start to finish, and has more consistency than either of their previous albums; Sin With A Grin, Breaking Inside, and The Energy are also standout tracks.
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17. Ludacris – Theater Of THE Mind (76)
Luda’s new album is based on the concept of a movie, and delivers, for the most part. While some songs don’t fit well with the theme, such as One More Drink, which is a great song, the beats are bangin. However, Luda’s latest isn’t his most consistent and could’ve benefitted from being slimmed down to Release Therapy size. Wish You Would, Nasty Girl and MVP are great songs, but the album’s best is easily I Do It For Hip Hop, which co-stars Nas & Jay-Z, and samples the classic Keep Their Heads Ringin by Dr. Dre.
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18. Guns N Roses – Chinese Democracy (117)
Axl’s work, almost a decade and a half in the making, is not really Gun’s N Roses – he is the only original member – and the mountain of expectations that come with such a mythical release fall squarely on his shoulders. Nothing could have possibly met the hype or expectations generated in 14 years, but Chinese Democracy is a great album, with a new, more modern, industrial-rock sound that is still as hard and grimy as classic GNR. If The World is a masterpiece, and the guitar solo in There Was A Time is hair raising. Chinese Democracy, Better, and I.R.S. are also all amazing tracks. Axl’s voice is still as great and unique as ever, and Chinese Democracy is easily one of the best albums of the year.
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19. DJ Khaled – We Global (142)
What exactly does DJ Khaled actually do? Other than ruin the songs he shouts on and look like an idiot in videos? Who the fucks knows, but We Global is a beast! While Khaled still lacks consistency, he does put out some excellent tracks in Go Hard (w/ Kanye & T-Pain), Red Light (The Game), Go Ahead (Lloyd, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Flo-Rida & Fat Joe) We Global (Trey Songz, Fat Joe, Ray J), and I’m On (Nas).
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20. T-Pain – Thr33 Ringz (136)
I’ve always been a huge T-Pain fan, and I see why he gets a lot of hate, but you gotta give it to Pain, he’s made quite a career for himself. The self described ‘Ringleader Man’ leads it off with a song by the same name, and unfortunately, it’s the albums best track, and can be heard throughout in the background of the fairly funny skits. I Can’t Believe It is deliciously tropical Lil’ Wayne assited single, Freeze is a great duet with Chris Brown, and Therapy, featuring Kanye West, has a hilariously killer chorus. However, with such a long album, there’s bound to be plenty of filler, along with similar, repetitive sounding beats – T-Pain’s limited range becomes obvious as the 17-track (plus bonus tracks) beast chugs on. But as a whole, Thr33 Ringz is T-Pain’s best album yet, and statement affirming his successful place in the music biz.
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21. kings of leon – only by the night (141)
Only By The Night is the first I’ve heard of the Kings Of Leon, and wow, I was impressed. Their southern/garage-indie-post-rock style is unlike any other band I’ve head, and lead vocalist Caleb Followll’s voice is uniquely intriguing their sound. The album as a whole is a great listen from beginning to end, but Closer, Crawl, Sex On Fire, I Want You and Be Somebody are all standout tracks.
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22. sevendust – Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow (83)
Sevendust’s latest is not as heavy as their earlier work, but achieves an excellent balance of melodic and heavy metal elements – Walk Away goes back and forth from heavy to melodic, ending with a soft fadeout. All three songs featuring guests standout, especially Hope (the others being The Past and Sorrow). As a whole, the slim, eleven track album runs under 50 minutes and is remarkably consistent. Chapter VII is easily my favorite metal album of the year.
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23. eMC – The Show (123)
Masta Ace is one of my favorite unsung, unrecognized rappers, and he, along with Strick, Punchline & Wordsworth, have made a sick show-concept-based album in The Show. That the four had frequently collaborated in the past is evident, as they ooze lyrical chemistry throughout. Who We Be, Traffic (featuring Little Brother), Don’t Give Up On Us, eMC, Once More, and Feel It are all outstanding tracks.
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24. Atmosphere – When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (114)
Ant’s experimental, live production is amazing on Lemons, while Slugs introspective lyrics are as good as ever, making for an excellent album. The minimalist, guitar solo Guarantees is incredible, perhaps the albums best, and most original cut. Wild Wild Horses is backed by a fury of horns, and the piano/hand-clap laced Puppets is as chilling as it is catchy.
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25. Nicolay and Kay – Time:Line (83)
Nicolay, a Dutch producer, and Kay, a rapper from Houston, are quite a peculiar combination, but the result of pushing their musical boundaries is one of the most intriguing albums of the year, incorporating a variety of styles ranging from neo-soul, reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, as well as experimental production. Blizzard, The Lights, and The Gunshot are my favorite tracks, if you like The Foreign Exchange, cop this immediately!
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26. anthony hamilton – the point of it all (105)
Top Tracks: Soul's On Fire, I Did It For Sho, Cool (Feat David Banner)
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27. Nappy Roots – The Humdinger (116)
Down 'N Out (Feat. Anthony Hamilton), No Static (feat. Greg Nice), On My Way To GA
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28. in this moment – the dream (105)
Lost At Sea, Her Kiss, Forever
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29. Immortal Technique – The 3rd World (89)
Crimes Of The Heart (feat. Maya Azucena), Reverse Pimpology (feat. Mojo), Harlem Renaissance
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30. black milk – tronic (53)
Long Story Short, Without U (feat. Colin Munroe), Losing Out (feat. Royce Da 5'9")
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31 Q-Tip – The Renaissance (110)
WeFight/WeLove, Move, Dance On Glass
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32. Jean Grae – Jeanius (w/ 9th Wonder) (81)
My Story, Love Thirst, American Pimp Feat. Median
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33. Dwele – SKETCHES OF A MAN (98)
Body Rock, A Few Reasons (Truth Pt. 2), I'm Cheatin'
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34. Killer Mike – I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II (88)
Can You Hear Me, Good-Bye (City Of Dope), Big Money, Big Cars (feat. Chamillionaire & Messy Marv)
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35. Usher – Here I Stand (148)
Before I Met You, Lifetime, Appetite
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36. the foreign exchange – leave it all behind (177)
Daykeeper feat. Muhsinah, I Wanna Know, Something To Behold feat. Darien Brockington & Muhsinah
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37. Ice Cube – Raw Footage (76)
Do Ya Thang, Cold Places, Thank God
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l890/l89063vkbgz.jpg
38. Jamie Foxx – Intuition (121)
Just Like Me (Feat T.I), Digital Girl (Feat The-Dream & Kanye West), Blame It (Feat T-Pain)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l823/l82329wqal4.jpg
39. Ruste Juxx – Indestructible (104)
Blaze My Fire (Feat. L.A.W.) (Prod By DJ Large), Love Is Worth Waiting For (Prod By Blastah Beatz), Pimpin Ya Wife (Prod By M-Nasty)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl200/l287/l28719c8xet.jpg
40. Ne-Yo – YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN (114)
Miss Independent, Fade Into the Background, Back To What You Know
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l817/l81720yhhz9.jpg
41. John Legend – Evolver (94)
It's Over (Feat. Kanye West), Green Light (feat. Andre 3000), Quickly (Feat. Brandy)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl500/l515/l51543iv73v.jpg
42. metallica – death magnetic (48)
The Unforgiven III, The Day That Never Comes, All Nightmare Long
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl700/l761/l76146qijea.jpg
43. devin the dude – landing gear (104)
Thinkin' Boutchu, I Can't Make It Home, In My Draws
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl700/l777/l77779mwqe4.jpg
44. Jake One– WHITE VAN MUSIC (125)
How We Ride (feat. Freeway), Bless The Child (feat. Little Brother), The Truth (Feat. Freeway & Brother Ali)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k500/k50016k65ma.jpg
45. Kidz In The Hall – THE IN CROWD (91)
Lucifer's Joyride (Feat. Travis McCoy), Drivin' Down The Block (Low End Theory) (Feat. Masta Ace), Love Hangover (feat. Estelle)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj800/j820/j82086j60hw.jpg
46. Snoop Dogg – Ego Trippin (120)
One Chance (Make It Good), Sexual Eruption, Deez Hollywood Nights
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl000/l092/l09216z86nt.jpg
47. Skillz - Million Dollar Backpack (102)
I'm Gon' Make It (Prod. By Bink), Where I Been (Prod. By Jake White), (For Real) He Don't Own Me (Prod. By Bink)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl600/l695/l69556zh2ls.jpg
48. Jean Grae – The Evil Jeanius (w/ Blue Sky Black Death) (26)
Threats Featuring Chen Lo, It's Still A Love Song, Strikes
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l879/l87983gjtm0.jpg
49. Common – Universal Mind Control (68)
Punch Drunk Love. feat Kanye West, Announcement feat. Pharell, Inhale
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l862/l86266kkuu7.jpg
50. Ace Hood – Gutta (88)
Guns High Ft R City, Can't See Yall Ft Brisco, Gutta ft Trick Daddy
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Late Additions
Lyfe Jennings - Lyfe Change (99)
scholarman - gameshift: the movement (61)
common market - tobacco road (204)
the knux - remind me in 3 days... (67)
KiD CuDi - A KiD named CuDi (80)
10 years - division (97)
dela - changes of atmosphere (113)
Honorable Mentions
Z-Ro - Crack (125)
Plies - Da REAList (88)
Hinder - Take It To The Limit (61)
Akon - Freedom (105)
The Shining - Supernatural Showdown (79)
Elzhi - The Preface (48)
88-Keys - The Death Of Adam (28)
J-Live - Then What Happened? (16)
Guilty Simpson - Ode To The Ghetto (51)
Lloyd - Lessons In Love (73)
Saliva - Cinco Diablo (38)
Scarface - Emeritus (33)
Theory Of A Deadman - Scars & Souveniers (68)
Musiq - OnMyRadio (39)
Murs - Sweet Lord (39)
9th wonder & buckshot - the formula (35)
prolyphic & reanimator - the ugly truth (31)
flying lotus - los angeles (98)
mighty joseph - empire state (40)
rev theory - light it up (78)
jet black stare - in this life (67)
m-phazes - Grindin Remixed (68)
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Let me know if you have any recommendations, and though i've tried not to, i'm sure i've slept on some great albums this year, so please, let me know what i've missed. Thanks!