Jamaal had his turn, so now it's time to reveal my personal faves from the year. There was so much music released this year, it was extremely difficult to narrow this down to 10 songs. But, I took my time, combed through my library and selected my faves. My criteria? "iTunes play count", songs for my varying moods, and songs that I just flat out enjoyed. Here's a recap of my year in music. By the way, there's no particular order. Just 10 songs that saw heavy rotation.
I don't care what Jamaal says about this album. I rock with it. I believe it's one of the years best and a few years from now, those that didn't recognize what 'Ye and Hov were trying to do will have a better understanding. 'Ye challenged Hov to step away from the formula he had masterfully crafted and approach music from a different perspective. Murder to Excellence is the perfect example.
The Throne - Murder to Excellence
This is a late contender for album of the year. This is just as much as a win for Common as it is for No I.D. Really I could pick any song from this album to make my top 10 but "Windows" is the song that I'm currently feeling the most.
Common - Windows
What can I say about Section 80 that hasn't already been said?! "Poe Man's Dream" has mid 90's hip hop written all over it. The sample, the drum pattern and the hook fit perfectly together and Kendrick makes it look easy with tales about his family and growing up in Compton.
Kendrick Lamar - Poe Man's Dream
There was alot of good music that came out this year but none of them had a greater personal impactthanFrank Ocean's Nostalgia, Ultra. I admit to being a latecomer as far as Frank is concerned, but once I finally got around to listening, I was hooked. This was the album I turned to when I really wanted to LISTEN. Frank is a talented, visceral writer. Here he makes his words come to life.
Frank Ocean - American Wedding
*no download available
Listen, you can make an argument that this is the best album in the Roots catalog. It's that good. And it's undoubtedly the best concept album since...EVER. The album isn't even an hour long but every minute provides an intensity that makes this story bold and daring. "The OtherSide" is my personal fave.
The Roots - The OtherSide
Rick Ross dominated 2011. Say what you want but Rick Ross has become a household name. More importantly, he hasn't sacrificed his sound. His beat selection is superb and his sound has matured from Port of Miami to his most recent Teflon Don. This year he introduced the world to Meek Mill. Meek's been hungry since he was a teen with dusty ass braids and a dingy tall T. "I'm a Boss" is just one of those high energy songs that make me wanna run through a brick wall.
Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross - I'm a Boss
When I'm in a mellow, somewhat sullen mood, I turn to Lykke Li. Her voice calms me and her words stick. Tyler adds his quirky sound, giving the already far left Lykke an even more far out sound. Just the way I like it.
Lykke Li - I Follow You (Tyler The Creator remix)
If you follow the Sovereign Space, then you already know how we feel about this album. No description needed. 30 year old+ music at its finest.
Phonte - Sendin My Love
This was a big year for "concept albums". I've already professed my love for undun and section 80, but one album that fell way under everyone's radar was A Sucker For Pumps. TiRon and Ayomari took their time and made what they called "an album about boys and girls, dedicated to men and women." For anyone that's ever been in a relationship, you need to listen to this album.
TiRon & Ayomari - Fin
I was introduced to The Horrors for the first time this year and I was impressed with their sound. They didn't receive much critical acclaim for their 3rd album Skying but I thought it was a good album and this is my list so "Endless Blue" makes the cut.
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