TSS x 2007 Year End Review

GENERAL    By TSSCrew on December 31, 2007 at 2:13 pm

Preface By Gottyâ„¢

Contributions, Words, Editing by DJ Sorce-1, Marshall Z., TC, Patrick M., Beware, K1NG, Jada G., Boogie Tonight, Gottyâ„¢, Dirk Diggaho, Corey Bloom, Matthew Mundy, Jessie H., Chief78, Paola

I’m glad it’s fucking over.

Don’t get me wrong. 2007 was a remarkable year for all things musical, especially hip-hop. Even while sales continued to slump & we were faced with even more one-hit wonders & their songs, we had quite a bit of good music.

We took it upon ourselves to compile our own list of what we could remember about 2007 and that we hope will still be listenable in 2008 and beyond. Is this everything noteworthy that came out in 2007? No. Even with the massive Crew that we have, no one could listen to, sort through, recall & write about every single artist, song or album that left it’s mark.

Is our list any better than any other publications’? No…it’s ours. And it’s the best, word to Khaled.

So what did we do? We put down the ones we could remember in hopes that if this page becomes a time capsule, someone will one day dig for the joints off this list, listen and say “So, that was hip-hop & rap music in 2007.”

Amy Winehouse – “In My Bed”

So this track is from Amy Winehouse’s previous album, Frank, but was widely overlooked prior to her rollercoaster year. By lacing Nas’ “Made You Look” sample with saxophones and Amy’s voice from another era, she reminds hip hop of its distant cousin jazz.

Alicia Keys Ft. Kanye West – “No One (Remix)”

Great song made greater by Kanye. One of the best, laugh-out-loud lines of the year – “Young Halle told me make me feel good / so I gave her the monster balls.”

Alicia Keys – “I Need You”

Upon its release in October, As I Am has dominated hip hop soul. “I Need You” is a throwback to Stevie Wonder’s “As,” fueled by forceful drums accompanied with a horn section blending a rich yet organic sound that would make Stevie proud. Alicia’s legendary status: Achieved.

Amerie – “Crush”

Ms. Rogers’ takes us back to the days of roller-skating Saturdays and Reebok classics. Over a synth-laced track full of harmony, she lures her crush into a night of fun. It sounds so nice, he probably didn’t realize it until the next morning when he woke up and she was gone.

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

So talented. So conflicted. Maybe rehab is a good idea…

Amerie – Because I Love It

Her third album and first not to feature production from her long-time collaborator and producer Rich Harrison, SBMG has yet to release it stateside. This 80’s inspired CD was my shit and still in constant rotation in the ride and mp3 player.

Andre 3000

By dropping a few superlative guest verses here and there, Dre has got everyone fiendin and chomping at the proverbial bit for a solo album.

All-Star Remixes

After Game took the Dream Team idea 100 miles and runnin’ in 2006 with the epic “One Blood Remix,” Fat Joe (“Make It Rain”) started off the year following the same approach to hype an underappreciated single. By the end of the year, it was mandatory. Some chose to improve the OG, like Diddy (“Last Night”) and Rich Boy (“Throw Some D’s”), while others simply milked it (Hurricane Chris and the Shop Boyz). DJ Khaled on the other hand, parlayed it into a career using that same successful formula on both the remix and original versions of “We Takin’ Ova” and “I’m So Hood.” Somewhere, Marley Marl is demanding a royalty check.

B.A.G. (Bad Ass Grasshopper) – “Mic Check”

Weezy is his usual otherworldly self as he introduces his new side project over a towering Maestro backdrop.

Big Kuntry Kane – “Fuck Being Famous”

“…hoe I’m out here gettin rich”

B.G. and the Chopper City Boyz – “Make ‘Em Mad”

A group effort that has no business being on any year-end list. Give credit to Mr. David Banner for the chest-pounding backdrop that pumps up the typically mundane “Do this verb to ‘them’” track.

Bobby Valentino Ft. Timbaland – “Anonymous”

Timbaland dominated the clubs in ‘07 and Bobby Valentino’s lively hit was living proof. Let this joint come on in the after hours spot with the right combination of alcohol and watch the sparks fly….that’s if you on top of yo game and man enough to handle real life sit’uations that is.

Blu and Exile – “My World Is…”

Blu is straight Ginsu on his proverbial introduction to the non-local rap scene.

Brother Ali – The Undisputed Truth

Everybody’s favorite albino emcee came out swinging on his third full length, and damn… It’s a beast.

Black Milk - Popular Demand

As a producer Black Milk crafts beats with a devotion to the classic hip-hip sound, and as an MC he gives his music a feeling of today. His sophomore effort Popular Demand was shadowed with big expectations and didn’t fail to deliver. Front to back, an album that anyone can vibe to.

Blu & Exile – Below The Heavens

I’ll admit it – I had no idea who these guys really were up until midway through the year. Happy I discovered them though. Blu’s a beast on the mic and Exile lays it down, production-wise. One of the best, most cohesive pieces of work all year. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

Bizzy Bone’s responses during his TSS interview

B could also be for bizarre or blithe. Either way, it was one of the most entertaining interviews we’ve done.

Cormega Ft. Lil Fame – “718″

Boom. Bap. Music. What year is this again because these dudes took it back to late 80’s boom-bap seriously?

Common Ft. Kanye West – “Southside”

Kanye proved that he could still do the gritty “Takeover” type beats with this late summer banger. Spice it up!

Chaka Khan Ft. Mary J. Blige – “Disrespectful”

The only vocal workout that you have not expected from old and new school vocalists. No dueling divas here just pure Funk.

Chrisette Michele Ft. Wil.I.Am – “Be Ok”

Over Wil.I.Am’s big band inspired track, Michele provides another break-up anthem for the ladies.

Crime Mob – “Circles”

I would have never expected Crime Mob over an ill soul joint like this, but it works…really well actually. A precursor to “International Players Anthem,” “Circles” immediately grabs your attention with the sample and structure of the song, but it’s not to be slept on lyrically either, successfully pairing and contrasting the groups two men/two women ratio.

Clyde Carson -”2 Step”

It doesn’t make sense to me why this single never took off. The bass rattles, the piano is pristine, and Clyde’s cooled out charisma makes it easy to follow. I want to say they weren’t ready, but believe he’ll be a household name this time next year.

CRS – “Us Placers”

Three of hip hop’s most refreshing and anticipated artists joined for an unforgettable gem in 2007. The haunting track hooks, but does not take away from the truth of the lyrics on the downside of fame, and includes Pharrell’s recall of the Virginia Tech tragedy. And they love it…

Common – “The Game”

Though he may never dress like it again, Com’ can boom-bap with the best of them. He keeps it raw as a slaughterhouse with added DJ Premier scratches on this joint.

Carl Thomas – “Late Night Rendezvous”

Sleeper hit from his overlooked release, So Much Better.

Common – “The People”

Maybe the best ‘Ye beat of the year.

The Cool Kids – Totally Flossed Out EP

If these two Chi-town denizens do on a major label release what they did on this EP, we will officially have found hip-hop’s DeLorean…and be quite happy about it.

Chrisette Michele – I Am

Better know for her hooks on songs by Jay-z, Nas, & Ghostface, this newcomer steps out on her own. With a unique voice that hearkens back to a forgotten era, she provided a fresh sound to today’s R&B landscape. Songs on love abound and anyone looking for a new wedding song should be able to find one here. Timeless music.

Common – Finding Forever

Chi-town’s most influential lyricist flirted with eternity and the ladies on the incredibly well-rounded Finding Forever. Sticking to the love sounds which have became his forte(“I Want You” & “So Far To Go”), he left the mic raw as sushi on “The Game” and “Start The Show”, thus giving the ladies and gents an album that they each could call one of their favorites of the year.

Consequence – Don’t Quit Your Day Job!

Everyday raps from the everyday rapper didn’t exactly give Consequence that promotion he was looking for, but sheer honesty on “Job Song” and “Don’t Forget
Em” proved he was a decent working class citizen. The domestic dispute on “Uncle Raheim” was reason alone to check for it.

Crooked I – Hip-Hop Weeklies

In ‘07, Crooked I finally showed up. After boisterously claiming past years as his own, his now renowned Hip-Hop Weekly series brought the B.O.S.S. of the Left Coast closer than ever to his obvious personal goal. Although it wasn’t entirely his, for over thirty weeks, his relentless destruction of instrumentals every Wednesday made Crook possibly the first rapper to grace a major magazine cover without one single in regular rotation the entire year. If his fist album finally drops, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Chromeo

How a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercial put me on game about this dynamic duo is beyond me, but that’s how it happened, and now they’re my favorite non-hip-hop act since, well, whoever it was before. Their mind-melting bass lines and poppy vocals put me in synthesized dream world every time listen to their 2007 effort Fancy Footwork, and their first release, ’04’s She’s In Control, is a bonified lift ticket to the top of Mt. Funkshire. Now, they’re doing opening vignettes for The Hills on MTV. As much as hate that nothing is sacred, they deserve it, and so does the general public.

Devin the Dude Ft. Snoop Dogg and Andre 3000 – “What a Job”

Devin and company (and this aint no rag-tag help he’s brought in,) get philosophical on what drives them to continue producing music. Coming from two potheads and a weirdo, no song this year reminded me more of why I love the music, both for the relaxed guitar backdrop and the message. Plus it marked for me the return of Andre, one of the best rappers ever, from lounge singer mode. Amen.

Dizzee Rascal – “Pussy’ole”

While his album didn’t quite live up to the heady standards he set with his first two albums, Dizzee unleashed one hell of a vicious, unrelenting, remarkably un-radio-friendly single.

DJ Khaled Ft. every rapper beneath the Mason-Dixon – “We Takin’ Over.”

Yeah, DJ Khaled’s voice is enough to drive my sperm to mass suicide. On the other hand, this song is unbelievable.

Devin the Dude – Waitin To Inhale

Hip-Hop’s most beloved drunk uncle kept his buzz going strong on his 4th solo album with sexual exploits, dirty humor, and appreciation to Ms. Mary aplenty. The heavy jazz vibes made it the soundtrack of choice for those who need to concentrate when taking their herbal medicine.

DJ Drama – Gangsta Grillz

Mr. Thanksgiving stayed true to form as he brought the entire South along for the ride on the official album for the ever-popular Gangsta Grillz. With several bangers
provided by sidekick Don Cannon, DJ Drama let the world (and the Feds) know that his movement had taken center stage.

DJ Jazzy Jeff – The Return of the Magnificent

Philly’s premier DJ Jazzy Jeff held it down for Hip-Hop in the ‘07 with soul scratches and witty emcees abound on The Return of the Magnificent. Humorous skits and a touch of R&B help make the LP well rounded.

Evidence – The Weatherman LP

Dilated Peoples’ very own Evidence made it rain without wasting any money on his solo debut The Weatherman LP. Production from Sid Roams and Alchemist helped push the awareness of his storm above ground while “Mr. Slow Flow” took his time to give the people fresh substance.

50 Cent – “I Get Money”

An absolute monster of a track. Undeniable.

50 Cent – “Smile” & “Don’t Wanna Talk About It”

Why these weren’t on Curtis baffles me. 50’s “don’t push me” persona that made us love him is in full effect on this track.

Freeway – Free At Last

Roc-A-Fella’s most reliable soldier kept his ear to the street and heart in his rhymes to remind the game sophomore slumps are for suckas! Certified audio crack like “It’s Over” and “Spit That Shit” help add a solid foundation to support the big releases from Jigga and Kanye.

Foxx Ft. Lil’ Boosie & Webbie – “Wipe Me Down”

The year of the strong single/nothing else was in full effect when the Trill Family’s latest recruit Foxx set the clubs on fire with the help of Baton Rouge’s badasses Lil’ Boosie & Webbie. Picking up right where Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” left off, the phrase “Wipe Me Down” can now be heard elsewhere besides your local car wash.

Fabolous Ft. Ne-Yo – “Make Me Better”

Not since Ja Rule and Ashanti’s radio reign have been submitted to such an impeccable marriage of Hip-Hop and R&B. With neither party trying to dominate the other, Fab eased his way onto the Billboard charts with production from you know who.

50 Cent promises retirement if Kanye outsells him… retracts statement after losing.

I guess only spades stick & deals are deals if you shake on them.

Ghostface Killah Ft. Method Man and Raekwon – “Yolanda’s House”

Fantastic narrative sense by all three, but what’s really noteworthy is Meth’s re-entry into his 90’s mindset, where he had the most untouchable swagger in the game.

Guilty Simpson – “Mans World”

When I first heard this song I went back and listened to it four more times without hesitation. An old joint from a one of the infamous Dilla beat tapes, Guilty gives an already epic track a whole new feel. The lyrics are just as fluent and clinching as the chop, reminding us why Dilla will always be the illest and why Guilty is the dude to look out for in 08.

Gorilla Zoe – “Hood Nigga”

“All the hoes jockin’/beats steady knockin’…”

As soon as you heard that intro, you knew what was going down. A salute to our inner-city “brothers” of the world, the remix gave Zoe some extended replay value to keep his anthem ringing through Caprice’s nationwide.

GLC – “I Ain’t Even On Yet”

GLC makes a strong case for the weed carriers lifestyle. Over a hypnotic beat he proves that he’s not wanting for anything despite falling from 2nd to 3rd (or 4th?) in line behind Kanye. He may never get on, but he’s definitely living the G.O.O.D. life.

Gemini Ft. Lupe Fiasco – “We On”

With help from Lupe, Gemini takes a futuristic step into hip hop’s ring. The two flow effortlessly over a double-time beat, bobbing and weaving through the melody. The soulful chorus enriches the track. And so the wait begins for more from Gemini in 2008.

Ghostface Killah – “Walk Around”

This track reaches Hitchock level of suspense and Tarantino levels of gore.

Ghostface Killah – The Big Doe Rehab

Tony Starks made the narc’s dogs bark with another animated collection of wild adventures to boost his catalog in the ‘07. Whether he was hanging out at “Yolanda’s House” or robbing slackers with the crew in “Yapp City,” Ghost proved with or without the Clan, the Big Doe was his for the taking.

“Greums” becomes proper internet slang at TSS

Interchangeable as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective…or interjection.

Haystak – Crackaveli

Mak Million returned once again to spill his soul through all thirty tracks of this double-disc effort, the seventh full-length album from this Nashville underground legend. His sheer sincerity, mixed with original and universal concepts, makes for my favorite album of ‘07. Once you get past your misconceptions about the album title and his looks, listen to songs like “My Lyrics” and “Nothing Is Wrong” and you’ll understand why.

Ice Cube – “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It”

An absolute seismic return to the microphone for Cube, who scores with the greatest anti-Imus concept song following the incident.

Jay-Z – “Pray”

Best song off of the album? If not, it makes a strong-ass case for it.

Joell Ortiz – “125 Grams Part 4″

“I’m the epitome of what a real Emcee should be…” True.

Jay-Z – “American Gangster”

The drums sound like they’re being played by the Abominable Snowman. That plus lively strings and a huge soul loop, equal a fantastic title track for the Jigga man.

Justice Ft. Spank Rock and Mos Def – “D.A.N.C.E.” (Remix)

The inescapable dance jam of the year plus two very capable emcees? Yes please.

Jay-Z Ft. Beanie Sigel – “Ignorant Shit”

The Don Imus controversy started 2007 with a scandal that had the nation in a p.c. frenzy. In November, Jay-Z closed the case. Over the Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets” sample, Jay-Z spits every taboo in such a gratuitous way that we can’t get enough, and he knows it. Besides, he’s just giving us what we love, right?

Jozeemo – Cry Now, Laf Later

North Carolina MC out of the Justus League who spits grimy hustler rhymes over above average beats. He keeps the album interesting the whole way through with very little mistakes. This album is definitely worth a listen or ten.

Jay-z – American Gangster

With one album, Jay proves that he’s still the reigning champ who still has the goods to deliver at any given time. A conceptual gem, but even more, a lyrical masterpiece.

Kanye West – “I Wonder”

I’ve been waiting on this my whole life. These dreams keep waking me up at night.” This year, teddy bears reigned victorious over guerilla warfare. As Kanye conducts a self created symphony, it’s evident that intensity and idealism result in hip hop genius.

Killer Mike – “Good 4 U”

Can’t get enough of that flute.

Kanye West Ft. Mos Def – “Good Night”

Mos Def brings back an old Super Cat lyric to supply a fantastic hook to one of the Graduation outtakes.

Kanye West – “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”

Pick a version – the original, featuring Jeezy, featuring Free & Beans – either way, you can’t tell me this was not an anthem. The single didn’t take off like “Stronger,” or “The Good Life,” but the simple beat and message of the chorus make this the statement track off of this year’s best album.

Kanye West Ft. Mos Def – “Drunk and Hot Girls”

Maybe I’m the only person who digs on this track, but I love Mos’ part, I love the Oriental strings at the end, and I love chanting the chorus with the crew after a hearty night of too many beers.

Kanye West – Graduation

The year’s most vivaciously produced album came courtesy of none other than Kanye West. The Louis Vuitton Don dazzled the rap game with futuristic production on “Stronger,” “I Wonder,” and “Flashing Lights” while finding time to speak to the people on the nifty “Champion”. He may have graduated, but school was in session this past fall.

Keyshia Cole – Just Like You

Ms. Cole comes into her own while successfully avoiding the sophomore slump. Having learned to reign in her powerful voice, she continues to put her life in order while leaving the door open for us to watch. Keyshia pours out her heart over current and 80’s inspired backdrops.

KRS-One + Marley Marl - Hip-Hop Lives

Old rivals put their past behind them to give Hip-Hop a much needed boost for 2007. Over sparse but solid cuts submitted by the legendary Marly Marl, The Blastmaster made sure he got his point across on provocative material such as “Kill A Rapper” and “Nothing New”. Just another reason to respect your elders.

Kevin Michael – Kevin Michael

On a normal day Kevin Michael should have been huge – a national Verizon campaign also touring with Maroon 5. However, this excellent CD just didn’t spark any heat & was overlooked by the masses. To bad because they truly missed out on a soulful blessing.

Lil Wayne – “Dying” & “1000 Degrees”

The last of the Hot Boyz that anybody ever thought would take over the rap world (well, maybe that was Turk) has secured his position.

Lil Wayne – “Something That You Forgot”

I said it before, I’ll say it again: Weezy approaches Tupac levels of passion on this one.

Lil Wayne – “My Daddy (freestyle over the ‘We Takin Over Beat’)”

Yikes! Yeeks! Great Scott! Someone get dude a muzzle before he eats the entire field of competitors.

Lil Wayne – “I Know The Future”

As the year of Timbaland continues… The one who has somehow been possessed by the spirits of the greatest rappers of all time, Lil Wayne, demands nothing but attention with a track mostly heard on mixtapes and DJ hours. We hear you, Weezy.

Lil Wayne -”Sky Is The Limit”

Note the ambiguity between “The sky is the limit” and “This guy is the limit” on the hook. Blaze to it and it will fizzle your neurons.

Lil’ Wayne – Da Drought 3

Who needs albums when you make mixtapes this good?

Little Brother Ft. Carlitta Durand – “Sirens”

Phonte and Pooh bring it heavy and empty the clip album opener.

Little Brother Ft. Lil Wayne – “Breakin’ My Heart”

Inside this track, behind the incredible 9th Wonder beat and chorus that sticks in your ear for months, is some of the most thoughtful, mature, discussion on male/female relationships you’ll hear on a rap record. Why this track isn’t still being played on your favorite radio station is beyond us.

Little Brother – Getback

Label shifts and a slight roster change proved to be just minor bumps in the road for Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh as they excelled on the short but sweet Getback. With liquid production provided by Denaun Porter, Hi-Tek, and Illmind, LB dropped lyrical gems coupled with humorous skits and let the music do all the talking.

Lupe Fiasco – The Cool

Lupe may have had a wacky year in the media (“Fiascogate” anybody?), but when it came to giving us his version of life through The Cool, only thing crazier was his flow on rapidfire food for thought like “Streets On Fire” and “Little Weapon”. They may have wanted him to “Dumb It Down”, but who else would could fill the slot of a mainstream lyricist?

M.I.A. Ft. Bun B and Rich Boy – “Paper Planes”

Original: The best candidate for song of the summer. The raucous gun shots and the Pink Floyd sampled cash registers send an already amped track over-the-top.

Remix: The original was a sweeping masterpiece of a song. With Rich Boy and Bun B lending a couple of on-point guest verses, this track is unstoppable.

Mos Def – “Fake Bonanza”

Released technically in very late 2006, this song still makes the cut as one of the more overlooked lyrical performances of the past five years. Nothing sums up the bullshit side of the game better than Mos’ verse.

Marco Polo – Port Authority

One listen of the Masta Ace featured “Nostalgia”, and you knew there was something special in the Canadian waters that Marco Polo brewed up. With impressive spots from Large Professor, Kardianal Offishall, and Kool G. Rap over Polo’s timeless production, Port Authority was a mandatory stop for everyone who liked their Hip-Hop free of artificial sentiments.

M.I.A. – Kala

M.I.A. confidently avoids the sophomore slump with an album that’s simultaneously more expansive, focused and – for lack of a better word – jawdroppingly, head-explodingly terrific than her debut.

Maroon 5 – It Won’t Be Soon Before Long

Coming off a four-year hiatus of touring, the group finally delivers a new disk. With a little edgier sound than Songs About Jane, Adam Levine provides more songs covering the full spectrum of love. While not garnering as much attention as their first disk, this is still a solid effort. If anything it should allow Kanye West to sleep better at night, knowing he didn’t lose out to a one-hit wonder.

Mick Boogie hosted mixtapes

So you’re an upstart and want the official seal of approval? Looking for a way to capture the attention of the industry, tastemakers & fans alike? Go to the Commissioner. Reasons why? See Little Brother’s And Justus For All, Kidz In The Halls’ Detention or Busta’s Dillagence for proof positive that Mick’s the go-to-guy.

Nelly Furtado Ft. Lil Wayne – “Maneater” (Remix)

Timbaland’s beat is the star of this track, a slinky B-side featuring the perfect elements of a remix: a dark naughty Aaliyah-esque beat with a requisite guest appearance from Lil Wayne. With so much audio euphoria, it’s easy to forget it’s actually a Nelly Furtado song.

Nas – “Surviving the Times”

Nas reminisces about growing up in Queensbridge, and his entry in the rap game, reminding us why he is rap’s best historian. He paints in bright colors and vivid images, so that you can actually see a young Nasir being scared to talk to G Rap. The song’s old school feel brings the listener back to a time when hip-hop was simply better.

9th Wonder – Dream Merchant Volume 2

The former Little Brother soundman used his Fruity Looped backdrops to his advantage on his 2nd installment of his Dream Merchant series. With solid collaborations like the Joe Scudda, Saigon featured “Saved”, 9th proved why he’s one of the most sought after producers from the mainstream to the underground.

Outkast – “Art of Storytelling Pt. 4″

Let me be the 3000th person to say this: Damn it’s a great feeling to hear 3 Stacks spitting again.

Obie Trice – “Detroit Summer”

As a cold-fearing carnivore, my natural make-up usually guides my musical taste to anything with the word ’summer’ in the title. Hailing from one of the most underappreciated cities in the country, anything specifically repping the D gets also gets much love. Naturally, by placing them together, O Trice made many Top 5 lists for the year with his Motor City sunshine anthem. Every single word spoken in this embodies the blue-collar spirit that flows from our boundary-less big city into the metro-area. “It’s not just a Detroit thang, it’s a Michigan thang.”

Plies – “Shawty”

Goons need love too.

Plies – “100 Years” & “Goons Lurkin”

Politically charged rage against the prison system. And then, some rider music.

Plain White Tees – “Hey There Delilah”

Remember The Fray & “How To Save A Life”? Meet this year’s version

Pharoahe Monche – Desire

Nearly a decade removed from his debut LP, Pharoahe Monche proved he still got lyrics of fury as exhibited on firewater like “Free” and the controversial “When The Gun Draws” He even took some time out to display his R&B skills to give the album some balance. Edutainment for the new generation!

Prodigy – Return Of The Mac

Prodigy comes storming back after the colossal disappointment of Blood Money with an impeccably produced, gritty near-masterpiece.

Playaz Circle Ft. Lil’ Wayne – “Duffle Bag Boy”

Long time DTP crew members Playaz Circle patiently waited and finally got their share of the limelight with the infectious “Duffle Bag Boy”. While Lil’ Wayne’s show-stealing chorus definitely was a big draw, it was M-16’s thunderous basslines that made this cut an anthem for all the hustler’s that swore they weren’t carrying purses.

Questlove’s reaction to “Two Girls, One Cup”

Rihanna – “Rehab”

“I guess that’s what I get for wishful thinking/Shoulda never let you enter my door.” Rihanna delivers smoldering lament and angst on this Justin Timberlake/Timbaland collaboration. Her melancholy tone meshes effortlessly with the Timbaland-produced state of hypnosis, as Justin offers lyrics reminiscent of “What Goes Around”—a tragic send-off from ex-lover’s lips.

Rihanna Ft. Jay-Z – “Umbrella”

Every now and then, one of these catchy ass formulated singles manage to stick with you, regardless of how many times you hear it. And this “good girl” who happens to be bad as hell, just lengthened her career with this future Grammy Award-winner. No thanks to Jay-z.

Rich Boy – “Boy Looka Here”

A culture clashing stomp through a dusty Alabama street. Mountains of swagger all over this joint.

Rich Boy – “Let’s Get This Paper”

Sweeping, tragic, and seething with rage, Rich Boy laid waste to the haters (well, most of them…) with one of the best singles of the year.

Rhymefest Ft. Lil Jon – “Angry Black Man On An Elevator”

This could be included strictly off the title. But, one listen to the song and…

Redman – Red Gone Wild

Fifteen years later, Redman still doesn’t slip. Red Gone Wild is another trophy on the mantle of a rapper who will go down as one of the game’s greats. For your latest dose of tongue twisting rhymes and weeded-out stories from the master, cop it.

Rockwell Knuckles – Northside Phenomenon

Way, way under the radar, but with the exception of the biggest major releases of the year, no album was better.

R. Kelly – Double Up

Kells wasn’t the one stop hit factory he has been in previous years, but with Double Up he continued his streak of catchy and oddly genius songs. As many times as I drifted away from it throughout the year, I always found myself coming back…real talk.

R. Kelly sums up the weirdness of 07 in one blissfully hilarious YouTube clip, titled “Real Talk”

Go see for yourself.

SL Jones and Clipse – “#1 Supplier”

Best bass line of the year, in the Clipse signature minimalist style. It also features great verses from all three rappers, especially Pusha T who succinctly explains the group’s and hip-hops, coke and money obsession. “Want to know the real? /Coke never been the deal/never glorify that/just the character it build. The game’s real and you find out quick/that when you want the Bentley, the Porsche aint shit.” Even Bill O’ Reilly can’t argue with that.

Scarface – “Never”

Hip-hop’s elder statesman graces us with his presence after a few years hiatus, and it’s thrilling. We missed you, ‘Face.

Swizz Beats Ft. Lil Wayne, R. Kelly & Jadakiss – “It’s Me Bitchez” (Remix)

An undeniable remix for the ages.

Styles P Ft. Swizz Beatz – “Blow Ya Mind”

Why is it that everytime Styles proclaims his affinity for Ms. Mary, we get a bangin’ radio staple that no one can resist? Yeah, this is nothing more than another haze-influenced theme song, but we love the music anyway.

SebastiAn – “Killing In The Name Of” (SebastiAn Remix)”

Irony shakes an iron-clad fist as SebastiAn technofies an old Rage Against the Machine classic.

Snoop Dogg – “Sensual Seduction”

Without the video “Sensual Seduction” is still a glowing and glistening jewel. I ain’t mad at you Snoop.

Saigon Ft. Jay-z – “C’mon Baby”

Original: Repeat status, even though the majority of the reason was the bananas beat provided by Just Blaze.

Remix: Already one of the best songs of the year, Jigga comes by to slap the shit out of the track. ‘Know I’m super vicious, like standing over a wounded man with two biscuits.’ Wow.

Scarface – Made

A five year hiatus in the rap game usually equates to career suicide, but for the Geto Boy born Brad Jordan, its simply just time spent away. The gravelly voiced MC hooked up with long time producers Mike Dean and N.O. Joe to deliver some of his traditional soul retching narratives on cuts like “Never” and “Who Do You Believe In” while making a rare radio push on the realistic “Girl You Know.” Face + album = Quality assured.

Statik Selektah – Spell My Name Right: The Album

The DJ/producer called on the nearly the entire East Coast for his debut, Spell My Name Right: The Album. With names like Talib Kweli, The Lox, and Termanology, Statik Selektah solidified a future in the world of mixtapes with this satisfying compilation.

Sa-Ra Creative Partners – The Hollywood Recordings

The electronically eclectic trio consisting of Om’Mas Keith, Taz, and Shafiq gave a different outlook on things with The Hollywood Recordings. A collage of all things music, their creative influences are sure to make an impact in near future.

Soopafly – Bangin’ Westcoast

Plenty of braggadocios rhymes over sample heavy west-coast production leaves your head nodding uncontrollably throughout. He also goes in for the ladies with the second half of the album completely dedicated to his lust of fine dimes with the same pimp mentality you would expect of his other Dogg Pound-affiliates.

T.I. – “You Know What It Is?” and “Big Shit Poppin”

Was the album a disappointment? Unquestionably. But can you bump these track from your car and rhyme along to the chorus with the speakers blasting and feel like a baller? Hell fucking yea.

T.I. Ft. Alfamega and Busta Rhymes – “Hurt”

Busta Rhymes makes a strong case for guest spot of the year over a sick Danja production.

T.I. – “My Type”

Clifford always manages to cap each album with a swan song. But with federal charges looming overhead, no other song may encapsulates what he was and is since coming into the game.

Trey Songz Ft. B.G. – “Long Gone”

B.Gizzle plays backup to a shining performance to Trey Songz.

Twista Ft. Yung Berg – “Where Do We Go From Here”

Okay, okay. This is really Yung Berg’s song, but Twista once again steals the show. Other than Busta Rhymes, no one cameos like Twista.

Talib Kweli Ft. Ne-Yo, Jean Grae and Luther Vandross – “Hot Thing” (Remix)

Who knew that you’d hear the late great Luther Vandross on a hip hop track! Despite a heavy dosage of radio and video play than Kweli is accustomed, the album’s second single failed to turn sales. The remix is almost never better than the original; this was one of the few exceptions to that rule with Ne-Yo and the underground rapper Jean Grae.

Travis Barker – “Crank That”

Travis’ frentic drumming took this song from laughably entertaining to a song any music enthusiast could love.

Timbaland Ft Keri Hilson and Big D.O.E. – “The Way I Are”

The only track that didn’t go to the recycle bin off the disappointing and over hyped Shock Value.

Tum Tum Ft. E-40 and Rick Ross -”Caprice Classic” (Remix)

The original was a slumper, but 40 Wata and Ricky Ross came through and absolutely murdered it. All three bring a different style, but stay in-line with each other, avoiding the awkwardness and lack of cohesion that tri-coastal remixes usually result as.

Talib Kweli – Ear Drum

With a new label and big responsibilities to live up to, Talib Kweli set the tone for Blacksmith Records with the impressive Ear Drum. Features from U.G.K. and KRS-One added variation as he held his own on food for thought like “Hostile Gospel” and “More and Less.” He even made an appearance in the clubs with the vibrant “Hot Thing”.

Turf Talk – West Coast Vaccine

West Coast Vaccine got more burn than any tape in my car in 2007. It’d be over a week until I took it out, and that was only because I thought I should. The production, anchored by Rick Rock, was both eclectic and on time while lyrically Turf matched the albums versatility with a fierce, rough and raw approach. There wasn’t an album comparable to the West Coast Vaccine, which is quality I hold in high regard.

Talib Kweli + Madlib – Liberation

The saying “you get what you pay for” was put to the test as Talib Kweli and Madlib hooked up to deliver free quality Hip-Hop earlier this year on Liberation. With hypnotic joints like “Funny Money” and the Consequence featured “Engine Running”, those who checked for it where awarded with the best bargain of 2007.

T-Pain tests how much homo-eroticism “No Homo” can shield you from while complimenting Ray J’s package.

UGK Ft. Outkast – “International Players Anthem”

While it’s great to hear Andre rapping again, and Bun B sounds like the long lost third member of the ATLiens, Big Boi’s verse is what makes this one of the year’s top 5 songs. Was there a better line in ‘07 than “send her into outer space I bet he wish he could/Cause he’s paying 20K a day that pussy aint that good?”

Uncle Murdah – “Bullet” & “Run the City”

I knew Murdah’s takeover was official when I heard “Bullet Bullet!!!” as one of the calls on New York radio.

UGK – Underground Kingz

The Kingz of Port Arthur made their biggest national splash in ‘07, thanks in part to the #1 hit “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”. Scoring a rare win in the Hip-Hop double album category, the Pimp and the Bun combined a barrage of realism, well-placed cameos and straight up trill to show the world that talent is refined with age.

Vibe Magazine

I’ve kept a subscription to Vibe over the years, the only one to casually sidestep the “media mayhem” that so many other publications found themselves wrapped in over the years. The fact that they mentioned TSS a few times didn’t hurt their cause when it came time for subscription renewal.

Wu-Tang Clan – “Unpredictable”

Over some dusted off film score shit, the Wu go bananas over this loud, jagged instrumental.

Wafeek – Dead Or Alive

On this track, Wafeek puts it all together: the wordplay and double entendres, (“I was born in Mizzzery”), the humor, and the thoughtful lyricism. Let’s hope we get a full-length in 2008.

Will.I.Am – “She’s a Star”

Will.I.Am creates a dark ambiance on the Polow da Don produced sexy track. Whether mythical creature, vampire, or goddess, this chick is bad and Will is clearly under her spell. A rock guitar etched into the futuristic beat only adds to the seductive sound.

Wu-Tang Clan -”Rushing Elephants”

Vintage Wu.

Wale – 100 Miles and Running (Mixed by Nick Catchdubs)

Sample laws ruined hip-hop, but 100 Miles and Running shows us how much fun we could be having. Wale makes rap fun to listen to, because as the listener you can hear he is having fun. He doesn’t try to be anything he’s not and his music is void any of pretentiousness.

Wu-Tang Clan – 8 Diagrams

Know who shines on this album? U-God. Yes you read that correctly

Wyclef – The Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant

Wyclef brought the Carnival to town once again with an eclectic mix of performers new and familiar such as Paul Simon, Sizzla, Mary J. Blige, and Shakira. Always establishing himself as the show’s ringleader, Clef delivered a verse or two before letting his urges to sing take the center ring. Still Carnival II offered plenty of excursions for the crowd to feel like they got their money’s worth.

Wil.I.Am – Songs About Girls

The BEP frontman stepped out on his own to keep the trendy clubs full of vigor on the energetic Songs About Girls. Playful pop fodder like “Get Ur Money” and “She’s A Star” kept the Peas’ name strong in between albums.

WC – Guilty By Association

WC presents an amazing album full of his notorious slick delivery and comical/gangster lyrics put to hard hitting production from mostly unknown West-coast beatsmiths and a few well known out-of-state producers such as The Legendary Traxter and Denaun Porter. The combination comes together to create one of the best independent albums of 2007.

Who are we kidding? Did anything substantial happen with the letter “X” in it?

Young Berg – Almost Famous EP

A new-comer with a hit radio single seems to always end in disaster this year, but this young rhymer from Chi-town proved on his 6 song EP that he has something special. Although his rhymes are not quite Rhymefest-status, he sure in the hell is no Souljah Boy

Young Buck Ft. LaToiya Williams- “U Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”

“And ya ain’t goin nowhere, how I know because I told you so/And all that cryin shit stop when I’m down below”

Raunchy, misogynistic lyrics with a lush piano.

Z-Trip’s Remix of Nirvana’s “Lounge Act”

DJ Z-Trip continued to build his impressive resume by reworking a classic Nirvana song for the EA sports game skate.

Previous Posts

“T.C. Sings The Bricks – The Most Disappointing Hip-Hop Albums Of 2007″

“The Other 2007 Hip-Hop Awards”

“New Year’s Resolution – Put Your Money…”

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