Begin Slide Show »
CATEGORY: ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | TAGS: A Love Supreme, Blackout! 2, Clipse, Come Fly With Me, Crooked I, Deeper Than Rap, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry, Ghostface Killah, If Tomorrow Comes, Jay-Z, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Kid Cudi, Maino, Malice N Wonderland, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day, Method Man & Redman, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II, Raekwon, Relapse, Rick Ross, Ro Blvd, Royce Da 5' 9", Slaughterhouse, Snoop Dogg, Street Hop, The Blueprint 3, The Delightful Bars: North American Version, The Kid Daytona, Til The Casket Drops, U-N-I

Half of that list was pretty decent. Too bad your site got hacked & some jokers put Maino & Snoop Dogg on the list in addition to some other equally laughable choices…
I’ll come back later when y’all post up the real list with Diamond District, Aarophat & Illastrate, Madlib & Strong Arm Steady, Mos Def, DOOM, Finale, Skyzoo, Marco Polo & Torae, Skyzoo or Tanya Morgan on it.
One.
Hey TSS, can we scratch the fuckin ads with volume? I’m tryin to listen to my morning jams and read TSS and some chick is talking about how amazing lysol is??
Mos Def: The Ecstatic
Asher Roth: Asleep in the Bread Aisle
Exile: Radio
Kid Cudi: Man on the Moon
Eminem: Relapse
Raekwon: OB4CL Part 2
That’s it for me really, didn’t really check for much else, but the aforementioned albums oozed with quality.
Kid Cudi and Mos Def in particular took a few listens but these albums were slammin’.
its a whole lot of suspect choices on this list
see you next list Dart… It’s stil love & respect though
Oh yes and of course FASHAWN: Boy Meets World
if BP3 is top 15..this past must’ve sucked…..
Half of those are straight (lol at SH), but Ghost’s LP, really? By far one of the weakest albums of his career, and that might not be saying much in terms of it being a bad album, but it was a really, really mediocre one.
I second that comment on the ads. Its just sometimes they randomly start up and i have to click through all my windows to figure out whats going on
This list makes it look like rap in 2009 sucked. It really didn’t.
I don’t get how Maino’s album came up on a couple of these lists, the same people that say Kiss’ LP was wack like Maino’s album, different strokes I guess no homo…
I thought that Relapse was on the disappointments list but looking back now I see that it was Refill.
Just a lot questionable choices all around. Maino, really? Kid Daytona was ok but certainly nothing to write home about. Snoop and Ross both had vanilla, forgettable albums.
Would have liked to have seen Special Reserve, A & E, or Born & Raised make the list.
In ’09: mixtapes > albums
A Love Supreme was one of my favorites. I listened to it all last year. I don’t know why Pac Div’s people marketing CLC as a mixtape since that was a standout. It definitely sounded like a free album to me.
Relapse’s lyrics were wild. The beats? Not so much. The only ones I flat out disagree with are BP 3 and Deeper Than Rap. I haven’t heard either of ‘em front to back since they dropped.
The Jay-Z, Snoop, Slaughterhouse and Em all sucked
Clipse belongs on the biggest disappointment list
This list makes it look like rap in 2009 sucked. It really didn’t.
^
Agreed
Cuban Linx II was the only album that stood out in 2009.
I also agree with The Clipse, Kid Cudi, Eminem & Jay-Z being on this list. Everything else … not so much.
But then again, I couldn’t think of 15 albums that really deserve to be on a Best Of 2009 list.
I would definitely add Mos Def and BlakRoc though.
For those complaining about ads.
(1) Get Firefox
(2) Download Ad Block Plus
diverse list for sure. about 75% of these could also make the “most disappointing” for 09. can’t please everyone.
for those complaining about ads – if you’re on firefox install the following. ads will be almost all gone.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4364
happy belated new years tss.
Wow people are still rockin’ without adblock plus? I don’t brave the innernets without it. Well after yall get adblock plus go to this page.
http://easylist.adblockplus.org/
…and subscribe to the EasyList and EasyPrivacy on the main page. You’ll rarely see ads in firefox after that.
Replace Ghostface with Mos Def. Wasn’t feeling Ghost’s album at all.
K-Os and Classified both had great albums from up north.
This list makes it look like rap in 2009 sucked. It really didn’t.
^
Agreed
^
Agreed
Sorry, Dart, your brand of grunge rap doesn’t move me. Therefore, when you said DOOM, I said “opinion discredited.”
– No Mos Def?
– Ross’ album sucked ass.
– mixtapes > albums
But, like I always say, lists generally suck b/c it’s an opinion & the internet has given everyone an opinion plus the idea that theirs matters.
Well lists get traffic, discussion and cause controversy so they do serve some purpose right.
==============
I understand them. I like traffic. Enjoy discussion.
I just hate lists.
No MOP??? For shaaaaaaame. Foundation is one of the best of the ‘09.
============
Weak really. And I listened to it on more than one occasion. But I think I listened more out of needing a certain kind of music playing during a certain time and space. Nothing about that album comes near their best work and I’m one of those cats that’s pretty much bought (yes bought) every release they’ve had.
@ Gotty
Well lists get traffic, discussion and cause controversy so they do serve some purpose right.
List needs more Mos Def.
See? I’m contributing to it.
No MOP??? For shaaaaaaame. Foundation is one of the best of the ’09.
“For those complaining about ads.
(1) Get Firefox
(2) Download Ad Block Plus”
They are onscreen ads, not popups. And like the other person said, its rough because I’ve got 15 windows open and one starts playin and I’m like “awww shit”
As far as the original topic, I thought Relapse was a huge let down and I didn’t hear maino’s joint but otherwise I don’t have any complaints.
Dart lost me when he said SKyzoo twice..and DOOM..fuck DOOM.
List also show what type of demographic certain sites cater to, stanning(see: YN’s Camel pole-jockeyin) and/or how broad their listening taste is
I may not agree whole-heartedly with this list but its balanced
I think we should have Gotty make a list full of reasons why he hates lists.
Stop being stans and demand that he actually take up rapping again. Lazy ass crooning.
==========
Mos’ music and art or “lazy crooning” > Most of the game’s fake posturing. I can deal with his tinkering and trying to fine-tune a sound instead of listening to the same tired themes continuously.
I think we should have Gotty make a list full of reasons why he hates lists.
================
I already answered it. My opinion is worth no more than the next motherfucker’s. So a list is usually trash, especially when it comes to rap music, fickle fans and pompous “critics and writers.”
Rick Ross, DOOM…polar opposites yet they’re the same. Both are going to be equally loved and loathed by their respective fans and haters. Fuckin Ross sucks b/c he’s STILL fronting on this drug kingpin history…knowing he was a goddamn correctional officer. DOOM has his fans so blinded, they go see shows where his bitch ass sends ANOTHER EQUALLY LAME MOTHERFUCKER to perform on his behalf lol. Yes, rap is entertainment but they both suck @ entertaining. In 2010, I hope they both die of fiery car crashes. Fuck’em both.
Add 50′s name to that as well. Maybe they’ll all carpool their way to hell.
cant believe people who visit this site listen to asher roth,yes you…laughable list..agree with about 5 choices max
Mos Def = Rated: *Kanye shrug*
Stop being stans and demand that he actually take up rapping again. Lazy ass crooning. He got murdered on that Reflection Eternal track because he ran outta bars.
Me thinks most of you slept on some annnnd you failed to check the slept-on list.
cant believe people who visit this site listen to asher roth,yes you…laughable list..agree with about 5 choices max
______________________________________________________________________
Well G-Wiz look who came riding into town on their high pompous horse.
It’s called personal tastes, different strokes for different folks, and all sort of jazz, and yes you better believe it. ;)
@ Gotty
That suggestion about you making a list was a joke but I’m glad it produced such a funny response.
List fail.
Asher Roth>>>DOOM
oh shit I can’t breeve..there’s a pain in my chest…LMAO @ G’s response
i know that ride to hell is crowded but can yayo ride….. i mean maybe on fifty lap or sumthin
I can deal w/Yayo. YouTube & Shade45 were made for him. Just stop rapping.
@Trill I’m listening to the Asher Roth album as I type, it’s dizope. Man, don’t even get me started on MF Doom, urrrgggh!
In 2010 and beyond I want the Stones Throw Hitmen to shoot down links like bang, bang bang!
See if the swimming pool is less diluted then our eyes wouldn’t sting so much from the chlorine that clogs up this ish we call hip hop, right now.
But yeah Gotty, we hear you, one man’s wheat is another man’s chaff and vice versa.
People just hate on Asher b/c he’s white. I suspsect. Hell, I made it all the way thru 2009 w/o hearing “College” once lol. But the few features & freestyles I heard him on were okay. The kid can rap. Every disgruntled hood aggin & white dude who can’t rap (but most likely think he can) is salty b/c Asher ended up w/money & the machine behind him. Prolly the same herbs who created the rumor he was gay lol.
If you want to make a “list” in 2010, make a list of the artist whose CD you bought or whose show you bought a ticket for. Because when you filter thru all the bullshit, those are the ones you actually believe put in quality work.
I’ll take the DJ, despite her bee stings.
I’ll bend her over her turntables and do her doggy-style while she blends stephanie Mills’ “Something In The Way You Make Me Feel” with the Substitution breakbeat.
If you want to make a “list” in 2010, make a list of the artist whose CD you bought or whose show you bought a ticket for. Because when you filter thru all the bullshit, those are the ones you actually believe put in quality work.
_______________________________________________________________________
Whoomp, there it is!
Cot dang Gotty, what did we have for breakfast today? Grits and Road Grit, there’s fire in your belly today.
Cot dang Gotty, what did we have for breakfast today? Grits and Road Grit, there’s fire in your belly today.
============================
I actually had biscuits and grape jelly, by request.
Mostly, I’m just tired of fuck shit.
Next up on the list will be so-called artists. So-called because not everyone is an artist, word to all the wack mp3s clogging up my inbox right now.
Some people just hate on hype in general…like certain folks used to champion an artist til they get that call to play with the big boys after murkin the minors.
It never made sense as to how people can listen to an artist, like an artist but won’t support said artist…and then bitch n complain when that artist “sells out”
Gotty you claim you hate lists but welcome the debate.
You also say that people always have their own opinions etc.
But it really seems the consensus of the readers (according to comments on this post) is that they don’t agree with at least half the list.
I feel the same, half of them should’ve been replaced.
I don’t see how y’all can front on Ross. Yeah, he’s a liar and we know it but what does that have to do with the music? Most of these rappers out today are liars and couldn’t cook up an album half as entertaining as Deeper Than Rap.
And that Daytona album deserves it’s spot on the list. I’m glad it made the big boy list instead of just being thrown in with the sleepers.
Most of these rappers out today are liars and couldn’t cook up an album half as entertaining as Deeper Than Rap.
=====================
1. He got his skirt pulled…and kept right on lying. When he went that way, I went the other direction.
2. That album was okay @ best and I listened to it. I started w/the whole thing and ended up listening down to the first few tracks, stopping it after “Maybach Music 2.” In the end, all I listened to was “MM2″ and skipped the rest.
Move over 50, Rawse deserves a seat too. We may have to get one of those double-decker buses.
I’ve seen this movie before.
I sat back last year and watched loons go ape for that Q-Tip–not because The Renaissance was a near-classic (please) but because the creator made Midnight Marauders
I’m saying: 11 connoisseurs and only one was adamant about having that Mos Def on here? (A known Mos apologist @ that?) Pfffft. When he makes his real comeback, we’ll be sure to let you know.
If you wanna see a list that obviously won’t stand the test of time featuring Aceyalone, Crispus Attucks & The Martyrs and The People Under The Stairs B-sides to B-sides_H3X_2009, then mosy on down to Dart’s spot cuz like the homie Trill said, it’s all about balance.
Look @ y’alls comments: half of y’all saying Slaughterhouse is wack while the other half is looking @ you stupid. And they’re saying Clipse is wack while you’re looking @ them stupid. If your personal preferences are to a minimum, that’s all fine and dandy, but don’t act like you’re knowitall when you don’t check/digest everything properly.
I personally think BP3 is Jay’s worst solo effort but it still had enough goods to be seen and heard. More so than his all-eyez-on-me comeback Kingdom Come. That’s quite an accomplishment given that album’s hype. Hate all you want, it is what it is.
You have to be visible to make these lists. And don’t give me that bullshit about “people sleep on real Hip-Hop yadda yadda…” cuz NONE of you muthafuckas bought OB4CL2 but it got pub on Pitchfork & Idolator. The real will be heard. Ask Gibbs.
Move over 50, Rawse deserves a seat too. We may have to get one of those double-decker buses.
===========================================================
Fuckin’ *dead*
Again, another one that wasn’t favored by myself. It got the votes though and you couldn’t deny its staying power (even if he did force it down our throats, pause)
1. He got his skirt pulled…and kept right on lying. When he went that way, I went the other direction.
==========================================
I was headed in that same direction but joints like “Cigar Music” and “Mafia Music” pulled me back in. Ross is that kinda dude that even when you know he’s lying, the shit is still entertaining as fuck just watching him squirm lol.
Deeper Than Rap = lt was another step in the progression of Rick Ross and one of this year's best efforts. And with his penchant of turning adversity into musical gold, The Teflon Don is one of my early locks for next year’s list.
damn tc shut it down game over
why u had to come through with the stern talk u ruined all their e-bickering
Thanks for cleaning up that mess lol.
BTW – I kinda dug The Ecstatic but it didn’t deserve to make this list. Too niche.
@ Gotty: It’s whatever. That’s why I have my own blog. If you could look me in the eyes & tell me that Maino’s album is better than Fashawn’s then I have no words like Snake Eyes…
One.
@ Gotty: It’s whatever. That’s why I have my own blog. If you could look me in the eyes & tell me that Maino’s album is better than Fashawn’s then I have no words like Snake Eyes…
==================
Dart, we have different tastes & perspectives. I’m fine w/that. But for the record, half the stuff you choose to champion, I don’t even bother downloading, much less consider buying. The 90′s are over holmes.
Fashawn or Maino? I take Fashawn. No fuckin way Maino makes any best of anything lists if you ask me. But like homey just said, Fashawn’s album had its weaknesses. I wouldn’t buy either one of them.
@AmpGeez, The Ecstatic certainly made my list, not like a top 15 list, but a list nonetheless, a list of good music in 2009, yes that list.
BTW, folks do hate on Asher Roth because he is white, they can’t look past his skin tone and physical to see that the dude is a decent rapper. I find him to be witty, thoughtful and entertaining. Heck his album has even got New Kingdom on it and I ain’t heard from them brothers since like 1997 or something.
Unfortunately, this rap thing here or should I say the audience is still culturely biased it still discriminates on a persons skin tone, geographical location, their physical presence and so forth. When they should really be judged on how dope their music is.
“I thought that Relapse was on the disappointments list but looking back now I see that it was Refill.”
I was about to call ourselves out.
Glad to see Royce made it.
My problem with Rawse is that he’s like the court jester who swears that he’s part of the royal family
I would put DOOM on that bus but how would we know its really him? lol
If you could look me in the eyes & tell me that Maino’s album is better than Fashawn’s
===================================================
It’s all subjective and as much as I wanted to like Boy Meets World, it bored me at spots and the beats weren’t as top notch as you’d expect from Exile.
Maino’s album was entertaining throughout and told a compelling story. Better then it had any reason to be.
I know you’re not saying Maino’s album was trash…
Ross did surprise me with his album, but only b/c it was a progression and not the same album as Trilla. He has his radio songs, but each of his albums have at least 2 or 3 songs that are sonically and lyrically adept. That being said each album also has 2 or 3 tracks that are ass cheeks. My personal fav on Deeper is Rich Off Cocaine. One of the better windows down ride out songs of the year.
The list is sound, but it does look like you picked a couple that were “popular” artist choices. Yes Snoop disappointed. Yes Cudi was a breath of fresh air. Yes Jay made an album just good enough to stay relevant another year (and I’m the biggest Jay stan ever). Fashawn, Mos Def, Curren$y (probably my fav of the year, at least according to Gotty’s description), and Cormega delivered on dope above par albums imo.
Mixtapes did dominate though in 2009 like someone suggested earlier.
Eh at all of this. Lists sure do bring out the comments tho. Not all my flavor of hip-hop but I don’t see anything on there that someone could honestly call a bad album.
BP3 is my favorite off the list but something tells me when I finally get around to listening to The Delightful Bars that might change.
BP3 is my favorite off the list but something tells me when I finally get around to listening to The Delightful Bars that might change.
=============
After Shafiq’s album, BP3 was the album I listened to most. When in doubt, those two got played.
@gotty”If you want to make a “list” in 2010, make a list of the artist whose CD you bought or whose show you bought a ticket for. Because when you filter thru all the bullshit, those are the ones you actually believe put in quality work.”
Hell no man, I don’t buy tickets to shows of performers I enjoy, I buy tickets to shows of performers attractive women enjoy. In these tough economic times a good performance better not be the ONLY thing I get out of the night.
Fashawn or Maino? I take Fashawn. No fuckin way Maino makes any best of anything lists if you ask me. But like homey just said, Fashawn’s album had its weaknesses. I wouldn’t buy either one of them.
====
Yes. Fashawn’s album was better. But this list is not ALL about artistic merit. Unfortunately, when you look at it that way, the subjectivity of people’s opinion comes into play. If you read the intro it says this was the criteria:
“superiority, visibility and replay value throughout the year”
Maino came with a dope album. Fashawn came with a doper album.
But I seen more people w/ “Hi Hater” shirts than receipts for Fashawn’s album.. I heard “All The Above” unintentionally more than the Fashawn album that i BOUGHT.
That’s why we have slept on AND the best of 2009. Just because something is artistically sound doesn’t mean it’s a year end highlight that will stand the test of time..
Street Hop, Relapse,Love Supreme, Delightful Bars, Til The Casket Drops should have been on the other list. The wack one.
Other than those the list is decent enough and having the Rick Ross on there validates the list cuz that shit was ultra jamming.
Shoulda put that Z-Ro COCAINE and BG Too Hood To Be Hollywood on that list to make it more authentic but hey it’s your list so fuck it.
I’ll come back later when y’all post up the real list with Diamond District, Aarophat & Illastrate, Madlib & Strong Arm Steady, Mos Def, DOOM, Finale, Skyzoo, Marco Polo & Torae, Skyzoo or Tanya Morgan on it.
============================
you tried me with that…hopefully you never come back
YO, there are some terrrrible albums on this list, and coupla goods ones on the biggest disappointments list…
…just throwin my two cents into the fountain.
If I can DL or buy a Deeper Than Rap Instrumentals like the Slaughterhouse album w/out Joe Budden, I’d do it.
DTR Instrumentals > Ross rapping over them.
Nearly every CD ya’ll got I put on my list…except I did trade out Snoop for Skyzoo…but I can see how either can make the list…as someone who semi-blogs, I respect what Gotty and TC said…My list was 10 only…
That’s why we have slept on AND the best of 2009. Just because something is artistically sound doesn’t mean it’s a year end highlight that will stand the test of time..
=========================================
Fash was very close to making this list… like # 16 close. I liked both Maino & Fashawn. Reviewed them both, own Maino & will have to cop Boy Meets World before it dissappears. But you can’t call one wack, just because you want the other to get more shine.
thanks u for showing love to the kid daytona! i love that album. come fly with me, man on the moon, wizard of poetry, and if tomorrow comes were dope albums and they were all slept on!
Interesting debates going on in here. Which really is the only good thing that can come out of lists like these since they’re obviously completely subjective.
i dont agree with half the pics on the list but im glad to see daytona get some props i keep his shit on heavy rotation.
i know it was early last year(january09) but spec boogie -kid gorgeous got skipped by like every best of list. it more mixtape but still worth another listen imho
http://sharebee.com/96fe33dc
@ Paw And COPYWRITE> asher roth all day OH 10 stand UP!
no marco polo and torae double barrell, but you have maino and red and meth albums on that list….WOW…..this shit can’t be dumbed down any further
People hate asher because they are culturally biased. That may be true but you can’t LUMP everyone who doesn’t like an artist into a convenient sterotype like that. He was blown up all over MTV and the blogs and still didn’t sell. I’m white, I’m not a rapper and I’ve been listening to hip hop for almost 30 years. Can he rap, sure. Can he rap well… not so much. Take the production away and he is an annoying voice nothing to say gimmick rapper. simple simon rapper. If you like him then that’s cool for you. But please don’t make excuses for his wackness or why “other folks hate” on him just because you like him. You see hip hop is art and it is subjective but from the beginning you can measure an artist level of credibility on certain technical aspects of what they do. For me the dude is a clown and made a mockery of hip hop. he comes off as a modern day vanilla ice. Now a days there a many many white rappers out there and it would seem the majority of them have a respect for hip hop culture, history and also are true to rhyming while this kid is just trying to make a buck. i could write a book on it. and it ain’t hating if it’s the truth.
@Slick Nick, ok let me re-phrase that statement, many people hate on Asher Roth because of his skin tone, and they can’t look past his physical to grasp that he is a decent rapper.
I didn’t mean to lump everyone into the same group when I made my original statement, so apologies if it came across that way.
We don’t have Cable, but I’ll take your word for it that they did hype him up alot on the music channels and yep they did give him hype in the music papers and the blogs.
But I’m afraid I can’t agree with you on the point that he is a simple gimmick rapper with an annoying voice.
After all this whole hip hop thing is entertainment and most of it not all rappers have an image to shift their product this coves the spectrum from Rick Ross, 50 Cent, MF Doom, Tech Nine and so forth.
Therefore, Asher Roth’s gimmick is no greater or lesser than the next artist, he’s got his persona, he flips it well and this conveyed within his music.
If you take a lot of artists production values away and replace these with cheap and nasty bontempi beats, then they won’t be much. Production and Artistic Imagery is a key factor in an artist’s success of failure.
The Vanilla Ice comparison is totally random and I’m not sure where you are coming from with that one, that’s like saying Jay Z is the modern day MC Hammer. On what grounds are you making the Vanilla Ice judgment if I may ask? I would say his style is more akin to MC Paul Barman (remember him?).
Asher Roth might not have gone gold or platinum, but how many major label artists did back in the late noughties? His album retails for less than 5 bucks in many major outlets and I think he will be proud of the number of units shifted within the current economic climate.
I like his style, it’s different from alot of the sex, guns, liquor and materialistic and ‘jansport’ rap we get. I give him his props, he’s dope.
sorry but royce,laughterhouse,snoop,maino, big pooh and cudi are far from being the best albums of the year…therefore i declare this list sucks ass
BISD!!!!
the Ecstatic.
the Broad Street Bully.
Attention Deficit.
Foundation!
UGK For Life!
the State VS Radric Davis.
Losos Way. –
…I Miss my Love is one of the best storytelling-songs I heard in 2009..
Dick Rawse album did NOT deserve the spot! hell, even the Triple C brick was better. He sure can spit at times. Talented IDIOT…
DTR was a compilation with only Khaleds annoying adlibs missing.
Reminded me of Jadas brick..Aiming high^^^<<<total dissapointment..
Kiss my pinky ring.
U guys should do a 30 Best Loosies List of 2009!
The comment section would xplode(hopefully).
Excuse me if this was touched in the 70+ comments, but how can you hate on Maino’s debut LP? Raekwon, Jay-Z, Cudi… those are obvious choices for best hip-hop album of the year. All of those aforementioned albums remind me why I’m a fan of this beloved genre of music, but only one album I’ll fight and write to defend is Maino’s. Dude came out with a conceptually brilliant opus that defined his talent. His work ethic, stage presence, and LP gave NY a voice again. For a scene that tries so hard to find a voice, Maino did his best to put New York on the map with his. He may not be a Biggie, Big L, or Rakim, but he damn sure crafted an album that reminded me how authentic a rapper’s passion for his craft and a love for this music we call hip-hop can be. Call me a stan, but I will stand up for good music any day. For a debut that was based solely on radio play and ringtones: “All Of The Above”, Maino produced a solid work of art that should be heralded as quality material. Top album of the year? Maybe not, but deserving of TSS’s top 15? You bet your candy ass.
Those are my two pennies. Now back to your regularly scheduled Tom Foolery…
Having re-read the comment section (and Gotty’s opinion), I can see why Maino might fall off other people’s radar. I don’t mind being a minority or championing my belief that Maino’s LP was above average, but in a climate where quantity and quality don’t overlap, I think Maino produced a product that stood out.
Rap albums don’t sell like they use to. Maino’s did what… 20,000 in his first week? I have no idea how much he sold, but aside from Slaughterhouse (thank fucking God for lyricism), Jada, and Em’s refill of his funny voice on Relapse, Maino’s album was one of the better purchases of the year. It was one of a very select few albums I actually spent my hard-earned beer money on (when I already downloaded it), and I was proud to bump it in my whip and I cared what Maino was saying to me. A skinny white boy playing “If Tomorrow Comes” non-stop from Phoenix to San Diego… and six months later, I feel compelled enough to share my affinity for Maino’s art on TSS. That says something about what he was able to do.
CO-SIGN on every comment about Mos Def needing to have been on here. HUGE oversight.
This list is all fucked up lol
C’mon man if we all agree Fash’s album is better than Maino’s then why shouldn’t it be on the list? Slightly baffled by that.
IMO BP3 was a grower but it was terrible in spots (off that, young forever, haters). Tbf the lp’s Dart mentioned weren’t that left field or “underground”. Its subjective, but i dunno, there are instances where some ish is just better than others. I would easily trade half the albums from your slept on list for half of them on this.
One other thing, its fair enough if someone isn’t a DOOM fan but to even compare asher roth to him is a bit much. I can understand someone not being able to “get” DOOM but the dude does have bars for days and days. He aint for everyone but he is damn sure far better than an asher roth.
@ TC
Everything you said is on point, BUT:
BP3 is Jay’s worst? Not Kingdom Come?
To follow others talking about Mighty Mos. I’m actually going to put it out there that I think Mos Def’s The Ecstatic was actually my favourite album of the year. In terms of how much I played it and enjoyed listening to it I’d put it #1 of 2009.
Where’s Attention Deficit?
Off the strength of TSS, I’m downloading every CD on this list and listening to it this week. I haven’t heard about 6 of the 15.
@shady grady
Kingdom Come will probably go down as Jay’s most authentic album. And what I mean by that is, it’s like the only one where Shawn Carter was allowed to steer the ship opposed to the mafia don that contolled the Marcy underworld. Even though he rocked over production no one wanted to him over, he still covered weighty topics like the death of his nephew, trying to stay cool while getting old, incarcerated friends and Hurricane Katrina. That counts for something. Actually it counts for a lot.
Go to BP3, you don’t hear any sort of depth. He let Rihanna and Alicia carry him on the radio and didn’t drop any sort of jewels or even a Notable Quotable or 4 like he normally does. Is the music good? Of course, it’s Jay-Z we’re talkin’ about. But no food for thought = empty stomachs for Hip-Hop heads.
=======================================================
C’mon man if we all agree Fash’s album is better than Maino’s then why shouldn’t it be on the list?
^^^
I don’t agree to that. But like K1NG said, both had good albums but Maino was able to get his out there more with the same amount of grassroots label support. Why y’all can’t understand the difference between an all-inclusive list and a personal one is beyond me. Go to some solo-ran blogs and look @ their 2008 “Best Of…”. A lot of those albums were forgotten by Feb. 1st, 2009. Ours? Well…they still come up in discussions as the years progress.
Real talk: Maino probably has the best executed album on this list. The concept, the way it flowed, the reason for “Million Bucks” being #2…it was pretty commendable. #Yallslept
As for Mos Def, he’s still distributed by a major right? You catch him touring his album? You read any interviews on him breaking down the album? Even after the Grammys!?!?
Of course you didn’t.
If the mu’fuckin’ artist don’t even stand by their product, why should you act like a fanboy and pledge your allegiance when he doesn’t give a fucc? You can hear it in the music. All this cheerleading and rave reviews for a half-baked album? The New Danger is still superior and that’s not exactly a Hip-Hop masterpiece now is it? Like I said, whenever he decides to start taking his craft more seriously, we’ll be there in the front row.
NO MARCO POLO & TORAE?!? BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!!!!
GO CHECK MY SITE RAPRADIO.DE
P.O.S – never better.
That’s all I gotsta say
What I bought this year.
Cuban Linx II (Dope)
Til the Casket Drops
Malice N Wonderland (Kinda regret that)
Slaughterhouse
Street Hop
Attention Deficit
Word of Mouf (Yeah I know it’s like 2002 but that shit’s classic)
Wtf is that list ?
No Tanya Morgan, no Diamond District, no Skyzoo, no The 49ers, no Brother Ali, no DJ Quik & Kurupt (DJ Quik, isn’t he an underrated MC, right ? Of course, you never listened to his stuff.
WTF? how can u say em and jay z doesnt belong up there both there albums werent there best but they still beat the shit outta other raps maybe disappointment they didnt blow it outta the water cuz thts wht we expect from them cuz they r sick as fuck…. big props to kid cudi tho he is gonna be big and asher roth is prettty sick too
BROTHER ALI-US…easily the best album of 09′
jay-z>>>>>>>>nerds
Maino?? Lawlz