Hey everybody and welcome to the Sport of Shaolin blog. It has been long overdue in getting this started and you'll see the blog being upgraded in it's early stages. Before we get going on the day by day operations, I think it's important to recap the best hip hop of 2009. So today I'll be ranking the best hip hop albums of 2009 in my personal opinion. This blog will not completely ignore mainstream rap, but the focus will be on the under-appreciated yet so much more meaningful hip-hop that showcases lyrical talent and production that fits it all together. Over time, the blog will consist of album reviews, news, singles, videos, and random food for thought. I will also be discussing the happenings in the sports world as well as anything else that proves to be important. With no further adieu, here is the list.
1. Raekwon- Only Built For Cuban Linx
As you can maybe tell by the name of the blog, Wu Tang has had a heavy influence on my musical taste and there is no way I could put any other album at the number one spot. Expectations were high for this long anticipated album by the Wu Tang drug slang lyricist Raekwon after two mediocre albums. This sequel to the classic Only Built for Cuban Linx album, which could be considered as one of the best hip hop albums ever, came as close as possible to meeting it's successor's grittiness and street feel. The Chef made sure he got the proper ingredients, receiving outstanding production from legends such as RZA, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Alchemist, and Dr Dre. In the end, everyone came through in flying colors on this album and it deserves top notch praise.
Standout Track:
2. Mos Def- The Ecstatic
It is no surprise that Mos Def is an experimental artist, as was demonstrated in his last couple albums following up the classic Black on Both Sides masterpiece. But this time around, he executed his progressive style to near-perfection. When you listen to this album from the first to last track, the vibe that exists is something no other artist could accomplish. There are only two guest appearances, Slick Rick and Talib Kweli, and they each contribute greatly on my personal two favorite tracks on the album. And with production from the likes of Madlib and J Dilla, this project was destined for greatness and if all was right in the world, it should be the favorite for album of the year at the Grammy's.
Standout Track:
3. Tanya Morgan- Brooklynati
Now you may be asking who Tanya Morgan is, but it is actually not a person. This is a group consisting of underground emcees named Donwill, Illyas, and MC/producer Von Pea. And with this album that is based on the creation of a fictional city combining elements from Cincinnati and Brooklyn, it is their best work yet. The concept is incredible and it has an amazing effect on the listener. The lyrics are amazing and from top to bottom the album takes you on a journey like no other, which is why it is so high my list. Do yourself a favor and dedicate some time to vibe out to this, you will not be disappointed if you understand what music really is.
Standout Track :
4. KRS One and Buckshot- Survival Skills
This collaborative effort by hip hop spokesperson KRS One and Buckshot in my opinion did not get enough praise that it deserves. The album pretty much goes through what is wrong with the rap industry and that the most important things are talent and dedication to the craft. You can hear how much passion was put into the project, this is a subject that KRS One has dedicated his life to and it shows through the music. They tried to reach the mainstream through the single "Robot" but same message exists throughout the whole album. With production from Havoc, Illmind, Marco Polo, Black Milk and 9th Wonder, there is a constant sound which every emcee rises up to. The amount of guest appearances range from Talib Kweli to Immortal Technique, and all of them come together to voice their concerns and bring back the raw east coast hip hop sound.
Standout Track:
5. Marco Polo and Torae- Double Barrel
This is similar to the Survival Skills album in its message, and although Torae can't match up lyrically with KRS One and Buckshot, he does a good job over the outstanding production of Marco Polo. This is one of the best producers in the game that some of you still may not know about. Albums that feature only one producer tend to have a cohesive sound and it shows chemistry between everyone involved. This one is simply a head-nodder that will make you want to go out and fuck someone up. With guests that include Lil Fame, Sean Price, and Masta Ace, the album does its job and Marco Polo proves he is in the upper-echelon of producers in the game.
Standout Track:
6. Cunninlynguists- Strange Journey Volume 1 and 2
Although technically these are two separate albums, I decided to group them together because the same concept lies in both. When I heard Strange Journey Volume 1 in March, I was left in awe. These albums are supposed to take you on a crazy journey in a van on tour with Deacon, Natti, and producer Kno. Honestly, their was not track I did not enjoy because the production takes the listener down South and you feel like you are witnessing these outrageous yet funny stories. I have always loved Cunninlynguists, and Kno just outdoes himself on this project. And although Volume 2 has a little different sound, it is still dope and both volumes combined take you on some type of ride that is easier to experience than explain, take a listen for yourself.
Standout Track:
7. Fashawn- Boy Meets World
This is the debut LP from Fresno emcee Fashawn, and he proves to be Illmatic-like in the fact he shines as if he has been around forever. The album is produced entirely by Exile, famous for his work with Blu, who is featured on the album. But the focus is on Fashawn here and he is a rapper to look out for in the future. His story is a special one and he paints a picture through his words when describing the way he has grown up. This kid is only 20 years old and sooner or later America is going to know his name if he gets the proper marketing. Exile does wonders for Fashawn in terms of the production for the west-coast version of a young Nas. Fashawn's struggle is shown through his lyrics and no one at this point can deny his talent.
Standout Track:
8. Souls of Mischief- Montezuma's Revenge
After almost 10 years since an album release, the Oakland hip hop group Souls of Mischief comes through in this release. Ever since I heard Tour Stories awhile back, I kept my eye out on this and for a good reason. Although its been awhile since the 93' Till Infinity days, the dope lyrics are still there. And this time around we have production from prominent producer Prince Paul. Overall, the musical vibes behind this record provide a great listening experience from a group that knows how to flow over the beats Prince Paul graces us with.
Standout Track:
9. Diamond District-In the Ruff
This is another release that the common rap fan probably did not hear. The group from Washington D.C. represent on this record as they bring back the East Coast gritty sound. Oddisee is the main producer behind the album and his work his remarkable. His sampling and sequencing is superb; Oddisee is another guy to look out for not just for his production, his skills on the mic are sick. Overall, this is another project that flew under the mainstream radar that deserves to be in the top 10.
Standout Track:
10. Finale- A Pipe Dream and a Promise
This project from Finale shows how much underground talent is coming out of Detroit. A Pipe Dream and A Promise is his debut which shows Finale's passion and fire in the booth. In the album, Finale makes it known who he is, where he is from, and what he is going to do. The production allows him to do this in the correct way, Finale is so raw yet intelligent in his rhymes over beats that include the work of J Dilla. Finale coming out of Detroit has a hard act to follow considering all the talent that has recently come from the area, but he lives up to the challenge in his first project.
Standout Track:
Honorable Mentions:
Slaughterhouse-Slaughterhouse
Skyzoo- The Salvation
Wu Tang Clan- Chamber Music
Brother Ali- Us
Cormerga- Born and Raised
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