Hard-Hitters of '08

Now that I'm done reminiscing on the ghosts of hip-hop's past, it's time to get my Nostradamus on and make some predictions for this year in my first ever Hard-Hitters awards. I know there's always great expectations with a clean slate to work with, so first I'll discuss some of the people and projects I'm looking forward to... Don't sleep!

Hard-Hitters of '08 (In order of expected release dates, sort of):




Katt Williams' rap debut

The pint-size pimp of the comedy world is branching out to rap with his debut album It's Pimpin' Pimpin', set for a January 28 release on Diplomat Records. What Money Mike lacks in lyrical complexity he makes up for with consistent humor and well-chosen collaborations (minus Da Brat, please stay in the 90's). Pimpin' ain't easy, but it sure is funny for Katt.

Sneak Peak:






AZ

One of the most overlooked MCs of our time, Nas' right-hand man AZ will put out his 7th solo album in the first quarter entitled Undeniable. Expect the Brooklyn native's sure-fire delivery and illustrious verses to flow heavily on the East Coast.

Sneak Peak:






Pete Rock

The legendary producer that helped define the Big Apple's sound during the 90s will drop NY's Finest next month on Nature Sounds, and the expectations are huge. Known for his excellent selection for guests over his soul-laced sampling not to mention his own microphone mathematics, Pete enlisted the help of Styles P, Ghostface, Redman, Slum Village, and Phonte among others for what should be a bona fide treat.

Sneak Peak:







Nicolay & Kay

Straight out the Netherlands and now reppin' NC, Nicolay began as an eclectic producer and now runs his own record label. For his next effort, Nic teamed up with Texas rapper Kay in an intriguing intersection of hip-hop flavors. The LP, Time:Line, will drop next month and I'm expecting live instrumentation and neck-snapping drum sequencing from Holland's top-notch hip-hop export.

Sneak Peak:




Nas

This one is an obvious pick. When Queensbridge vet Nas stirred up controversy by naming his newest solo LP Nigger, I deduced that this album will either prove he is a brilliant contemporary mind or bite him right in the ass for thinking the masses could possibly embrace the idea behind the title. Either way, all eyes will be on him in February.

Sneak Peak:





Lil’ Wayne

Has anyone else noticed the self-proclaimed "best rapper alive" hasn't released an actual CD since '05? Wayne's overexposure in the media, mix-tape circuit and gossip circles is borderline sickening to the point where he should be dubbed the "guest rapper alive" instead. But, between all the nonsense, the boy from 'Nawlins does put out enough quality product to keep real heads interested. Tha Carter III is the most severly hyped disc next to Detox but the difference is that Dre's won't see the light of day this year (we'll get to that later).

Sneak Peak:








Snoop Dogg

If there existed an award for best timing for implementation of the Vocoder voice, the Doggfather would take the cake; plus, Snoop is so damn likable and downright entertaining that only he could pull off a video like "Sexual Eruption." The Long Beach, Cali superstar has been honing his skills behind the production boards for his 9th LP Ego Trippin', which is slated for a March release and rumored to feature collabs with Madonna and the Rolling Stones' lead-man Mick Jagger. Please Mr. Broadus, show these young'ns how it's done!

Sneak Peak:






Guilty Simpson

It was J Dilla's wish to put fellow Motor City brethren Guilty Simpson on the map. Though he can't be here to witness it, Dilla would be proud that March 2008 marks his homeboy's first LP Ode to the Ghetto on underground imprint Stones Throw Records. Boasting a solid production line-up of Madlib, Black Milk, Mr. Porter, DJ Babu and Dilla himself, expect raw content and boom-bap ballistics on Guilty's debut.

Sneak Peak:






Kidz in the Hall

Naledge and Double-O met at UPenn, graduated, and now have full-time jobs. Though it's not your traditional 9-5, the rappers known as Kidz in the Hall work just as hard as any cubicle clone. 2006's School Was My Hustle gained recognition as critics compared their style to MCs in the conscious rap circle. Their sound has changed slightly since then, adapting to commercial interests but clinging to the lyrical intelligence and golden era appreciation that separates the Kidz in the Hall from the boys on the block. The duo's new disc, The In Crowd, will drop in April. Here's one more reason to stay in school, junior.

Sneak Peak:





The Roots

The group that originated the hip-hop organic jazz band sound should release their 10th studio album Rising Down sometime this year, most likely in the first half. Drummer ?uestlove is pumped, telling AllHipHop.com, "I’m amped that not many groups get ten opportunities to make a statement. Not even Hip-Hop, just period. You can’t even count ten records from the same group, that much, maybe on a few fingers. We’re very fortunate, and happy, and we are definitely pushing our envelope again.” Expect more synth and keyboard experimentation but I predict the foundation of ?uest's drums, Black Thought's vocal onslaught, Kamal's ivory tickling and Hub's bass grooves to drive this one.

Sneak Peak (from Superbad's soundtrack since no tracks have leaked yet):






Matisyahu

After witnessing Matisyahu's live show, I gained a newfound respect for his music and message. The Deadhead-turned-Chassidic Jew reggae star combines spiritual concepts with island-type riddims and enthralling guitar riffs for a unique fusion of reggae, rock and hip-hop influences. Not much is known about his 3rd disc, except that it is untitled and should come out this year on JDub/Or Music/ Epic. The sneak peak here is a 2006 Swisha House remix to Matis' hit "Jerusalem," a personal favorite of mine.

Sneak Peak:

Clipse

2007 brought an end to the label troubles plaguing brothers Gene "Malice" Thornton and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton, collectively called the Clipse, as the dynamic duo landed a deal with Columbia last October. Since then, the complex coke-rap connoisseurs have been promoting their upcoming mixtape with partners-in-rhyme Ab-Liva and Sandman, altogether known as the Re-Up Gang, called We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 3 The Spirit of Competition (We Just Think We're Better). After that, the Thornton Bros are set to drop their Columbia debut later in the year sans the assistance of long-time collaborators The Neptunes - it will be interesting, indeed.


Sneak Peaks:

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Outkast

ATLiens Big Boi and Andre 3000 have been grinding heavily since the mid-90s, experimenting with untraditional topics and branching out for crossover appeal, but 2008 could be their busiest year to date. Big Boi confirmed in December his intent to put out his first truly solo disc (Speakerboxxx & Love Below were released together, technically) tentatively titled Sir Luscious Left Foot and wanted to release his first single on News Year's Eve but as far as I know that didn't happen. Still, Big Boi claims that the album is almost completed so fans will most likely have a taste quite soon. As far as Andre, he too expressed intentions to drop a solo album this year but has yet to reveal any details. As a grand finale, the two want to make an Outkast LP before the year is up. Personally, I doubt that all three projects will come to fruition but if there's any two dudes in the industry that could pull it off, it'd be these two. Still, I wouldn't bet your hard-earned paper on it.

Sneak Peak:

Jadakiss

Though Jadakiss embarrassed himself on stage by forgetting his lyrics after Jay-Z announced his Roc-A-Fella signing , the expectations are high for his debut on the new label due out later this year. The slick-talking Yonkers representative hasn't released a solo effort since 2004's platinum Kiss of Death, so this year may be a make-or-break for Kiss' career.

Sneak Peak:

Al Green & ?uestlove

Two great modern music minds in soul legend Al Green and Roots rhythm man ?uestlove have been in the studio for about 2 years working on an upcoming album on Blue Note Records. ?uestlove is the primary producer, hoping to give Green the sonic counterpart to break the mold of "adult contemporary" old-and-young collaboration albums and make soulful crooning and old school R&B relevant for today's youth that might not have heard of Al Green.

Sneak Peak:

Child Rebel Soldier (Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, & Lupe Fiasco)

Though collectively they've only released one song, Child Rebel Soldier (CRS) has great potential if the three parties can find the time to record an album. Kanye, Pharrell & Lupe compliment each other well but this project is up in the air to say the least.

Sneak Peak:

Wale

Talk about unsigned hype. Cosigned by super-producer Mark Ronson, the D.C.-bred Wale (pronounced Wah-lay for the lames out there) is a brand new look for a supposedly dead genre. Picture a dude harder than Lupe or Common, clever like Lil' Wayne or Cam'ron, and conscious like Kweli or Kanye and you have the game's freshest face that effectively combines hip-hop with the Capital City's go-go energy. Now all he needs is a record contract, then it's off to the races.

Sneak Peak:

Fresh New Look for '08...

After days of painstaking Photoshop work, Hits from the Blog has a new look for the new year. How do you like it? Leave a comment and let me know how I can improve your viewing pleasure.

Anyways, coming soon is the Hard-Hitters of '08 awards - where [dom corleone] gives his take on who and what in hip-hop will make headlines this year. Stay tuned!

p.s. got that new Katt Williams album, hilariously ridiculous

[it's pimpin' pimpin']

2007 Hit-Lists Part V - Essential Playlist/ Guilty Pleasures

There's nothing like a song that fits your mood perfectly. For [dom corleone] in '07, these two playlists sport tracks for all emotions in various environments - the car, the club, the chill-out session, the streets and between the sheets. Fire up your iPod and make sure you didn't miss out on these last year (In alphabetical order):

Real Heads Recognize:

9th Wonder ft. Little Brother - No Time To Chill

Aesop Rock – Bring Back Pluto prod. Blockhead

Aesop Rock – None Shall Pass prod. Blockhead

Army Of The Pharaohs - Dump The Clip

Bone Thugs & Harmony ft. Akon – I Tried

Black Milk ft. Guilty Simpson – Sound The Alarm prod. Black Milk

Blu & Exile – So(Ul) Amazin’ (Steel Blazin’) prod. Exile

Blu & Exile - The World Is (Below The Heavens) prod. Exile

Beanie Sigel ft. Jay-Z – Gutted

Beanie Sigel ft. Ozzy Osbourne – Judgment Day

Busta Rhymes & Mick Boogie – Step Back prod. J Dilla

Collie Buddz – Blind To You

Collie Buddz – Come Around

Common – The Game

Common – The People

Common – Forever Begins

Common ft. will.i.am - A Dream

David Banner ft. Akon, Lil' Wayne & Snoop Dogg - Speaker

Drama ft Outkast & Marsha Ambrosious – The Art of Storytellin’ Pt. 4

Fabolous ft. Junior Reid – Gangsta Don’t Play

Fabolous – Yep, I’m Back

Freeway – Spit That Shit

Freeway ft. Jay-Z – Roc-A-Fella Billionaires (Big Spender)

Ghostface & Prodigy – Trials of Life prod. Green Lantern

Ghostface ft. Kid Capri – We Celebrate

Guilty Simpson – Make It Fast

Havoc ft. Prodigy & NYCE – Set Me Free

Hell Razah, Talib Kweli & MF Doom – Project Jazz

Hi-Tek ft. Raekwon, Ghostface & Dion – My Piano

J Dilla – The $

J Dilla ft. Guilty Simpson - Take Notice

Jay-Z – Fallin’

Jay-Z ft. Beanie Sigel – Ignorant Shit

Jay-Z ft. Nas – Success

Joe Budden – 5^th Gear

Joe Budden ft. Mr. Probz – Long Way To Go prod. SoulSearchin'

Joe Budden - Thou Shall Not Fall prod. The Klasix

Juelz Santa ft. Just Blaze – The Second Coming

Kanye West – Can’t Tell Me Nothing

Kanye West – Everything I Am

Kanye West ft. Lil’ Wayne – Barry Bonds

Kanye West ft. Chris Martin – Homecoming

Kanye West ft. T-Pain – Good Life

Lil’ Wayne – Gossip

Lil’ Wayne – Pray To The Lord

Lil’ Wayne – Love Me Or Hate Me

Lil’ Wayne – Outstanding

Lil’ Wayne – I Feel Like Dying

Little Brother – Can’t Win For Losing

Little Brother – Extra Hard

Little Brother ft. Lil’ Wayne – Breakin’ My Heart

Lupe Fiasco ft. Nikki Jean – Hip-Hop Saved My Life

Lupe Fiasco ft. GemStones & Graham Burris – Dumb It Down

Mathematics ft. GZA, Method Man, U-God, Raekwon & RZA – Da N Rmx

Mike Jones ft. Bun B & Snoop Dogg – My 6-4

Mims – Where I Belong

Nas – Surviving The Times

Nicolay and Kay ft. Oh No & The Love Bugz – Tight Eyes

Papoose ft. Snoop Dogg – Bang It Out

Pharaohe Monch – Free

Prodigy – Return of the Mac

Quasimoto – Hydrant Game (Jaylib Remix)

Redman – Put It Down

Redman – Freestyle Freestyle

Redman ft. Method Man & Roc Ready – Blow Treez

Saigon – Wake Up

Saigon ft. Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz & Just Blaze – Come On Baby Remix

Sean P ft. DJ Khaled & Dre – Everywhere We Go

Sean Price ft. Chaundon – Hearing Aid

Slim Thug – Wood Grain Wheel

Stephen Marley ft. Damian Marley & Snoop Dogg – Traffic Jam Remix

Styles P ft. Swizz Beatz – Blow Ya Mind

Styles P ft. Black Thought – Cause I’m Black

Talib Kweli – Holy Moly

Talib Kweli – Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us) prod. Just Blaze

Talib Kweli – More or Less ft. Dion prod. Hi-Tek

Talib Kweli ft. Jean Grae – Say Something

T.I. ft. Wyclef Jean – You Know What It Is

UGK ft. Outkast – International Players Anthem (I Choose You)

Wale – Nike Boots

Wu-Tang Clan – Take It Back

Wu-Tang Clan ft. George Clinton – Wolves

Wu-Tang Clan ft. Sunny Valentine - Gun Will Go

---

Guilty Pleasures of '07:

50 Cent ft. Diddy, Jay-Z – I Get Money (Million Dollar Remix)

50 Cent ft. Justin Timberlake – She Wants It (Ayo Technology)

Akon ft. Snoop Dogg – I Wanna Fuck You

Alex Guadino ft. Crystal Waters – Destination Calabria (Club Mix)

Cassidy ft. Lil’ Wayne & Sean P – Pop It For That Paper

Chris Brown ft. Jadakiss – Wall To Wall Remix

Chris Brown ft. T-Pain & Wale – Kiss Kiss Eli Escobar & Doug Grayson Remix

Cupid ft. DJ Unk & Fabo of D4L - Cupid Shuffle

DJ Felli Fel ft. Ludacris, Lil’ Jon, Akon & Diddy – Get Buck In Here

DJ Khaled ft. Rick Ross, T.I., Fat Joe, Birdman & Lil’ Wayne – We Takin’ Over

Enrique Iglesias ft. Lil’ Wayne – Push

Fabolous ft. Ne-Yo – Make Me Better

Fallout Boy – Thnks Fr The Mmrs

Jay-Z – Roc Boys (And The Winner Is…)

Justin Timberlake – Summer Love

Justin Timberlake – LoveStoned

Kanye West – Stronger

Lupe Fiasco ft. Matthew Santos - Superstar

Mims ft. Sha Dirty, Sean Kingston, Red Café & N.O.R.E. – Like This Remix

Nicole Scherzinger Ft. T.I. – Whatever You Like

Pitbull ft. Lil' Jon - The Anthem

Rihanna ft. Jay-Z & Chris Brown – Umbrella (Cinderella Remix)

Smashing Pumpkins – Tarantula

Snoop Dogg – Sexual Eruption

Swizz Beatz ft. R.Kelly Lil’ Wayne & Jadakiss – It’s Me Bitches

T-Pain ft. Akon – Bartender

T-Pain ft. Kanye West, UGK, & Trey Songz - Buy U A Drank Remix

Talib Kweli ft. will.i.am – Hot Thing

Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson & D.O.E. - The Way I Are

Timbaland ft. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake – Give It To Me

Timbaland ft. One Republic – Apologize

The Plain White Tees – Hey Delilah

The White Stripes – Icky Thump

Twista ft. Pharrell Williams – Give It Up

UGK - Like That

Wyclef Jean ft. Akon, Lil’ Wayne & Niia – Sweetest Girl (Dolla Bill)

Ying Yang Twins - Drop

---

Now that's what I'm talking about, a serious list for serious listeners.. Enjoy.

[i won't stop rockin 'till i retire]

2007 Hit-Lists Part IV - Best and Worst Mixtapes

Street hip-hop's stage of all stages, the mixtape game, has become an integral part of building buzz before an album drops for veteran and novice MCs. Some are spankin' new verses over old beats, some are blends of old rhymes and original production, and others are just cold garbage. Here's [dom corleone]'s person picks for those with their ears to the streets last year:

Thumbs Up - Best Mixtapes:

DJ Mathematics presents – Return of the Wu-Tang

Wu-Tang's behind-the-scenes producer/DJ extraordinaire released this tape as a prelude to 8 Diagrams. Featuring album tracks, remixes and unreleased jams, Allah Mathematics' compilation held heads over until the official LP.

Essential Listening:

The "W" Remix (Unreleased)

John 3:16

State of Grace (Raekwon Exclusive)




DJ Skee & Jay-Z – American Godfather

American Godfather stands out from the hundreds of American Gangster remixes not just because of the concept but also its delivery. The Left Coast's DJ Skee gathered a group of producers to reinterpret The Godfather's score, effectively remixing AG for a truly gangster sound.

Essential Listening:

American Dreamin' produced by THX

No Hook produced by Rome

Ignorant Shit produced by Ervin "EP" Pope & THX

Guilty Simpson – Stray Bullets Mixed by DJ Rhettmatic

Indie imprint Stones Throw Records' hardest MC Guilty Simpson built up massive hype for his debut with this mixtape. Teaming up with DJ Rhettmatic, the Detroit-raised Simpson shows off a raw flow and in-your-face lyrics on Stray Bullets.

Essential Listening:

For The D produced by Eric Lau

Sound The Alarm Remix ft. Black Milk & Royce Da 5'9

Man's World produced by J Dilla

Joe Budden & DJ On Point – Mood Muzik 3 (For Better Or For Worse)

The much-anticipated MM3 from Jersey City's Joe Budden almost lived up to the hype, which is a feat in itself. Budden's heartfelt content shines throughout, especially on inspirational songs like "Thou Shalt Not Fall" and "5th Gear," but his meandering 30-plus bar verses might cause unfamiliar listeners to skip tracks quickly and the production is so-so. All in all, Jumpoff Joey's passionate and uplifting intent is reason enough to check out MM3.

Essential Listening:

Long Way To Go ft. Mr. Probz produced by SoulSearchin'

5th Gear produced by WMS Sultan

Thou Shalt Not Fall produced by The Klasix

Lil’ Wayne – Da Drought 3

Yup, here it is - the tape everyone was talking about and some critics even labeled as the best "album" of the year. My opinion is that the critics are only part right. While Da Drought 3 is undoubtedly Wayne's best mixtape of last year, the beats are not originals and the songs need to be tightened up a bit to warrant the number one spot. Still, the verses on "Seat Down Low" and "We Takin' Over (Remix)" are examples of why Wayne seems justified claiming the "best alive." Major props for addressing the haters and admitting he puckered up with his Daddy, now who's game to place a bet that Carter 3 will drop this year?

Essential Listening:

Seat Down Low

Black Republicans ft. Juelz Santana

We Takin' Over Remix

Mick Boogie & Little Brother - …And Justus For All

Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte, the duo known as Little Brother, put it down for underground collective Justus League on this early '07 tape with Mick Boogie. This disc's intelligent rhymes, humorous wit and industry commentary make it enjoyable from play to stop.

Essential Listening:

Can't Stop Us ft. Chaundon

A Word From Our Sponsors ft. Von Pea

Let It Go ft. Mos Def & Talib Kweli

Mick Boogie & Busta Rhymes – Dillagence

Boogie and Busta gave fans a treat last year, as this tape contains unreleased beats from the late great J Dilla that Busta had stored away for the perfect opportunity - and the time is now. Props to both for this collection with guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Raekwon, and Q-Tip among others.

Essential Listening:

Psycho ft. Cassidy & Papoose

Step Up

Lightworks ft. Q-Tip & Talib Kweli

Nicky Catchdubs & Wale – 100 Miles and Running

Washington D.C. newcomer Wale showcased his lyrical dexterity and clever wordplay on this tape mixed by Nicky Catchdubs. Whether he's paying respect to hip-hop's forefathers or spittin' lines about fresh gear, Wale proves he's on a serious mission here.

Essential Listening:

Payback

Daytona Squared produced by Judah

W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.

Tapemasters Inc. Presents Kanye West & Andre 3000 – You’re All Welcome

The good people over at Tapemasters Inc. released this prior to Graduation and after Idlewild so a lot of tracks overlap, meaning the real treats here are the blends and unreleased tracks. It also brings to light an idea that would make for a very interesting collaboration LP.

Essential Listening:

You're All Welcome

Skew It On The Bar-B 2007 produced by DJ Mills & Hasan Insane

Kanye West ft. John Mayer - Bittersweet

Andre 3000 ft. Lloyd - You Remix

Saigon – The Moral of the Story

Just Blaze's Brooklyn protege MC Saigon continues his push to hype his debut LP Greatest Story Never Told with this tape and an appearance on the next season of Entourage. Here, Saigiddy keeps it gritty kickin' street knowledge, gets insightful on real-life 'hood tales, and even stands toe-to-toe with Jay-Z on their collab (gasp!).

Essential Listening:

Come On Baby (Remix) ft. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

South, The West, The East Coast

Wake Up

Other Notable Mixtapes:

Big Mike & The Empire ft. Lil’ Wayne & Jadakiss – The Drought is Over Pt. 3 (Who Is The Predator)

DJ Green Lantern – Sirius Invasion

DJ Premier – Outside Lookin’ In

DJ Trigga – Fantastic Four ft. Fabolous, Cassidy, Lil’ Wayne & Juelz Santana

DJ Whiteowl - The Come Up Lil’ Wayne Meets Jay-Z (The Carter Files)

Joell Ortiz – The Brick: Bodega Chronicles

Mick Boogie presents - Jay-Z & Marvin Gaye Produced by Shuko & The Gunna

Sean Price – Master P

Thumbs Done - Most Disappointing Mixtapes:

DJ Clue – The Storm Ultimatum

Cam’ron – Public Enemy #1

DJ Enyce And Dipset - Byrds Of A Feather 2007

DJ White Owl – Can’t Knock The Hustle Vol. 5

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Whew, now that's why I call a blog post. Now that I've recapped last year's albums and mixtapes, I'll move on to the individual songs that everyone should have on their playlists for '07... Until then, peace!

[paid in full]

2007 Hit-List Part III - Essential Non Hip-Hop Albums of '07

Despite a obsession with hip-hop culture, don't think for one second that [dom corleone] doesn't appreciate others. This Hit-List represents a variety of artists from many genres, from soulful divas to experimental rockers, proving that there are truly only 2 classifications of music - good or bad:

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

Media coverage of Winehouse's out-of-studio antics overshadowed the reality in '07 - the girl can sing her damn heart out. The British 20-something's soul-jazz voice on Back To Black resembles that of Ella Fitzgerald. Winehouse's sophomore effort has a nostalgic sound paying homage to the 50's and 60's jazz scene blended with modern-day subject matter for a revitalizing fresh feeling.

Essential Listening:

Rehab

Addicted

To Know Him Is To Love Him (Incredibly spiritual live acoustic song released on Napster)

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Montreal-based indie collective Arcade Fire delivered their most commercially successful album to date last year, Neon Bible. The group experimented with many instruments beyond the typical rock guitars and drums for an orchestral sound perfect for its subtle social commentary and personal revelations. Neon Bible debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 behind only Notorious B.I.G.'s greatest hits CD - these Canadians ain't too shabby, aye.

Essential Listening:

Neon Bible

Intervention

Windowstill

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Exodus [30^th Anniversary Edition]

A reissue of Bob Marley's timeless Exodus 30 years after the original release featuring classic songs like "Exodus," "Jamming," "Three Little Birds" and "One Love/ People Get Ready" and lesser-known but equally inspirational tracks such as "Waiting In Vain" and "Natural Mystic." Tuff Gong's quintessential album is as good as new - 'nuff said.

Essential Listening:

Three Little Birds

Exodus

Natural Mystic

Bruce Springsteen – Magic

Asbury Park, New Jersey's famous rockers Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band return with Magic, a collection of upbeat rock anthems and familiar down-to-earth content. Lead single "Radio Nowhere" questions "Is there anybody alive out there?" - the answer here is an enthusiastic "Yes!"

Essential Listening:

Radio Nowhere

Magic

Terry's Song (Hidden Track) (an emotional tribute to Bruce's late assistant and long-time friend Terry Magovern)

Pressure Busspipe – Love and Affection

Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pressure's voice is smooth and well-pronounced on his sophomore album Love and Affection. From the uplifting "Be Free" and "Touch The Sky" to the agony of "Ghetto Life" and "Why," the disc is a genuine, purifying experience.

Essential Listening:

Be Free

Why

Touch The Sky

Radiohead – In Rainbows

These Brit alternative art-rock heroes made history by releasing In Rainbows exclusively online and allowing fans to choose the album's price themselves, later distributing a physical deluxe box set with a second disc and vinyl copies of each. The album is artsy and intriguing, blending Thom Yorke's poetry with lush, climactic instrumentals for a colorful musical concoction.

Essential Listening:

All I Need

4 Minute Warning

Weird Fishes / Arpeggi

Slightly Stoopid – Chronchitis

Chronchitis signals this SoCal band's sound shift towards reggae and bluesy rock from their previous albums of heavy ska and punk influences. The LP's bouncy rhythms plus nifty guitar work let leadmen Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald describe beach-side memories while slower love songs make the listener want to lay out a towel for two - perfect tunes for a breezy summer afternoon at the shore.

Essential Listening:

Jimi

2am

Above The Clouds

Chris Brown - Exclusive

Eagles – Long Road out of Eden

From Dubplate to Download: The Best of Greensleeves Records

Luv Fyah & Million 7 – Ethiopia We Belong

Miles Davis – The Complete on the Corner Sessions

Ne-Yo – Because Of You

Ras Shiloh – Only King Selassie

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand

Sigur Ros – Hvarf-Heim

Stephen Marley – Mind Control

Smashing Pumpkins – Zeitgeist

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This January is the last relaxing month for me since I'll be graduating in May, so I'll use it for a couple more '07 lists.. stay up!

[babylon is falling]

2007 Hit-List Part II - Most Disappointing Albums of '07

It's inevitable, life is full of disappointments and music is no exception. You know that feeling - you pop in a fresh disc with certain expectations, listen to it through then feel like you just wasted your time. And in my world, time is money. So not only did these albums mess with my money in '07, they were at times borderline painful on my ears. Call me a hater, the feeling is mutual for these frisbees...

Hit List Part II - Most Disappointing Albums:

1. 50 Cent – Curtis

The industry's biggest pimp's last quality album was Get Rich or Die Tryin', but he could care less after this year's $100 million Vitamin Water payout. Curtis is on the wrong side of the industry divide between generic and innovative; "I Get Money" and "Straight To The Bank" quickly became the most played of the many mindless songs about green paper and "Amusement Park" is laughably simple. Timbaland and Justin Timberlake saved "Ayo Technology" from flopping and 50 just doesn't have the hunger that made GRODT a corner classic. No wonder Fitty got embarrassed by Kanye West's sales numbers in their September SoundScan scuffle - now where's that retirement he promised?

Everyone Point and Laugh Award:

Amusement Park prod. Chris Styles

Thank You Mr. Mosley and Mr. Timberlake Award:

Ayo Technology ft. Timbaland & Justin Timberlake prod. Timbaland

2. Hi-Tek – Hi-Teknology 3

This one just saddened my hip-hop soul. Hi-Tek, one of the game's most underrated producers, has been on his beat grind since the Reflection Eternal days but struggles to put together a cohesive album on his own two. The production is good but not his best by any means - the urgent strings of "Handling My Bizness" and intense guitar riffs on "My Piano" are great but the LP suffers from too much pillow-soft, sleepy R&B loops. Although appearances from Talib Kweli, Ghostface, Raekwon, and Little Brother help make certain songs on Hi-Teknology 3 somewhat tolerable, it is plagued by no-name, C-list rappers (Chip the Rippa, anyone?). I'd rather have an LP of instrumentals, por favor.

Wish I Never Heard It Award:

Ohio All Stars ft. Cross, Showtime Mann & Chip The Rippa

Loved It:

Time ft. Talib Kweli & Dion

3. T.I. – T.I. vs T.I.P.

This album was sorry - T.I.'s half-assed attempt at a conceptual album pitting one personality against another (gasp! how creative). "Big Shit Poppin'" and "You Know What It Is" are catchy enough to bump occasionally but don't push the envelope of Southern rap like "Live In The Sky" or tear the club up as much as "Bring 'Em Out." The skits are horrendous and it takes a verse from Jay-Z to keep listeners' attention. Did we really need to hear from Nelly again? Next.

Would Not Subject My Worst Enemy to the Torture of this Track Award:

Show It To Me ft. Nelly

Let it Rock:

Watch What You Say To Me ft. Jay-Z

4. 9^th Wonder – Dream Merchant Vol. 2

The ex-Little Brother Fruity Loops expert compiled Dream Merchant Vol. 2 haphazardly - the beats are stale and seem forced, the rappers and singers don't flow well, and the songs are random rants on topics ranging from an enchanting quest for crack ingredients ("Baking Soda") to a corny picnic anthem ("Sunday"). The only bright spots are "No Time To Chill" where 9th's verbal counterparts Phonte and Big Pooh discuss their constant hustle and "Saved" as Saigon and Joe Scudda drop knowledge. Plus, I want to smack the person who gave 9th permission to try and resurrect Memphis Bleek from rap's metaphorical graveyard.

Worst Drug-Related Reference Ever Award:

Baking Soda ft. Big Treal

Always Grindin' Award:

No Time To Chill ft. Little Brother

5. Drama – Gangsta Grillz The Album

When Outkast & Marsha Ambrosious dropped their track off Drama's debut CD, I got excited for this one. Little did I know, that's where the creativity stopped. Gangsta Grillz is as prepackaged, commercial, and generic as can be - you know your album is in trouble when the Katt Williams interlude outshines the majority of songs.

Ignorance At Its Worst Award:

Makin' Money Smokin' ft. Willie The Kid & LA The Darkman

Great Song, Not So Great Album Award:

The Art of Storytellin' Part 4 ft. Outkast ft. Marsha Ambrosious of Floetry

Rounding Out the Top 10:

6. Young Buck – Buck The World

7. Boot Camp Clik – Casualties of War

8. Evidence – The Weatherman LP

9. DJ Khaled – We The Best

10. Caltroit - Black Milk presents Caltroit

Other Notably Agonizing Albums:

Acelayone – Lightning Strikes

Chamillionaire – Ultimate Victory

Consequence – Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Cormega – Who Am I?

Median – Median’s Relief

Percee P – Perserverence

Paul Wall – Get Money, Stay True

RJD2 – The Third Hand

Twista – Adrenaline Rush 2007

2007 Hit-Lists Part I - Best Albums

[pop bottles]

I know I'm a little late, but Happy New Year to all. I needed a day to recover, relax, and formulate the lists I will be presenting over the next couple of days. Plus, my wireless router was actin' a fool for the past couple of days, but anyway. 2007 definitely had its ups and downs, for both my personal life and the music biz, which is why it's refreshing to start fresh in '08! Now, on to the real festivities...

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Before saying peace and good riddance to the year that was, [dom corleone] needs some closure. Hits from the Blog proudly presents the first ever Hit Lists for your reading pleasure:

Top 10 Albums

1. Kanye West – Graduation

‘Ye put out his best all-around LP during an eventful, humbling year for the Chi-town native which included being named the GQ Man of the Year and and the untimely death of his mother Donda. Graduation is the ideal finale for West’s educational trilogy, boasting finely-tuned production and crossover appeal while maintaining his hip-hop edge. Grabbing eight Grammy nominations and including arguably the most-recognizable global anthem in “Stronger,” ‘Ye’s third solo release is the most consistent and fulfilling in his catalog.

Favorite Songs:

Can’t Tell Me Nothing prod. Kanye West & DJ Toomp

Homecoming ft. Chris Martin prod. Kanye West & Warryn Campbell

Everything I Am prod. Kanye West, scratches by DJ Premier

2. Common – Finding Forever

Common deserves the silver medal of ’07 for Finding Forever, where he packages an eclectic track-list that attracts a variety of listeners and solidifies his position as a compelling entertainer. The disc contains raw joints (“The Game,” “Southside”) alongside estrogen-friendly jams (“Drivin’ Me Wild,” “I Want You,”) combined with touching deep tracks (“Forever Begins,” “Misunderstood”) – the result: Common’s first ever debut atop the Billboard 200 and three Grammy nominations.

Favorite Songs:

I Want You ft. will.i.am prod. will.i.am

Forever Begins ft. Lonnie "Pops" Linn prod. Kanye West

The People ft. Dwele prod. Kanye West

3. Talib Kweli – Eardrum

Kweli broke free of the designation as a strictly “conscious rapper” on Eardrum, his most commercially-acclaimed album to date released on his Blacksmith Entertainment imprint. Though the rapid-fire lyrical complexity is still present, Kweli experiments and excels with radio-ready songs “In The Mood” and “Hot Thing” in addition to the contemplative “More or Less” and the thought-provoking mastery of “Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us)” and “The Nature” featuring pop sensation Justin Timberlake.

Favorite Songs:

Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us) prod. Just Blaze

More or Less ft. Dion prod. Hi-Tek

Say Something ft. Jean Grae prod. will.i.am

4. Redman – Red Gone Wild… Thee Album

Redman gains respect for doing his own thing amid a hip-hop community tarnished by ring-tone rap and dumbed-down, one-hit wonders. The Newark, NJ veteran quietly released Red Gone Wild, one of the year’s most entertaining, humorous and rambunctious albums. Lead single “Put It Down,” produced by Timbaland, and the Scott Storch-assisted “Freestyle Freestyle” showcase Red’s unique, no-frills approach to his art. Blend that with odes to THC (“Blow Treez,” “Merry Jane”) and carefree concoctions (“Gilla House Check,” “Gimmie One”), and Red Gone Wild is ‘07’s street selection.

Favorite Songs:

Put It Down ft. DJ Kool prod. Timbaland

Freestyle Freestyle prod. Scott Storch

Blow Treez ft. Roc Ready & Method Man prod. Watts

5. Jay-Z – American Gangster

Jay-Z receives props for returning to his hustling ambitions on American Gangster but it’s a shame it took a Denzel film to inspire this rapper-turned-executive to finally do so. Jigga sounds the best since his premature "retirement" over dramatic sonic backdrops fit for rap's kingpin.

Favorite Songs:

Success ft. Nas prod. No I.D. & Jermaine Dupri

Fallin’ prod. Jermaine Dupri

Ignorant Shit ft. Beanie Sigel prod. Just Blaze

6. Lupe Fiasco – The Cool

Dubbed as a concept album, The Cool is actually a well-rounded sophomore effort from the Windy City’s golden boy in terms of beats, hooks, and content. Though the conceptual framework is frustratingly abstract, Lupe only dedicates five songs to his tales of assorted interacting characters and uses the rest of the disc to tell intriguing stories (“Hip-Hop Saved My Life,” “Little Weapon”) and comment on the industry (“Dumb It Down,” “Put You On Game”). Though the sound is more pop and R&B than his debut Food & Liquor, The Cool is a thought-provoking display of Lupe’s microphone mechanics.

Favorite Songs:

Hip-Hop Saved My Life ft. Nikki Jean prod. Soundtrakk

Go Go Gadget Flow prod. Soundtrakk

Dumb It Down ft. GemStones & Graham Burris prod. Soundtrakk

7. Wu-Tang Clan – 8 Diagrams

The super-group recombined in ’07 after a long hiatus for 8 Diagrams, a musically experimental disc that proves refreshing for hardcore fans. Despite internal creative differences within the Wu, the album delivers verbal onslaughts ("Gun Will Go," "Rushing Elephants") and intriguing stories ("The Heart Gently Weeps," O.D.B. tribute "Life Changes"). Rounded out with a lil' somethin' for the ladies in "Starter" and the stealthy hit-and-run of "Wolves" featuring an off-tune George Clinton chorus, 8 Diagrams is not as gritty as 36 Chambers but rather represents a new musical direction for the Clan.

Favorite Songs:

Gun Will Go ft. Sunny Valentine prod. RZA

The Heart Gently Weeps ft. Erykah Badu, Dhani Harrison &-John Frusciante prod. RZA & George Drakoulias

Wolves ft. George Clinton prod. RZA

8. Little Brother – Getback

In the absence of producer 9^th Wonder on all but one song, North Carolina’s throwback duo of Phonte and Big Pooh put out Getback with the help of Illmind, Hi-Tek and Khrysis on the boards. A concise disc describing the angst of elevating in hip-hop while keepin’ it real (“Can’t Win For Losing,” “Dreams”) and the do-it-yourself stick-to-itiveness that defines the duo’s career (“Extra Hard,” “When Everything Is New”), Getback embodies LB’s rise to underground stardom.

Favorite Songs:

Can’t Win For Losing prod. Illmind

Extra Hard prod. Mr. Porter

Breakin' My Heart ft. Lil' Wayne prod. 9th Wonder

9. Ghostface Killah – The Big Doe Rehab

The Wu-Tang Clan’s hardest working lyricist (3 albums in 2 years!) released The Big Doe Rehab one week before his crew’s latest 8 Diagrams, successfully outshining the latter with his hyper, story-telling mystique. Though the album's sales don't reflect the quality here, Pretty Toney is unrelenting in his quest to continue pleasing Wu heads and gain new fans along the way.

Favorite Songs:

We Celebrate ft. Kid Capri prod. LV & Sean C

Supa GFK prod. Ghostface & Anthony Acid

White Linen Affair (Toney Awards) ft. Shawn Wigs prod. Frequency & Scram Jones

10. Collie Buddz – Collie Buddz

Bermuda’s suave reggae sensation Collie Buddz took the world by storm with his summer anthem “Come Around.” This self-titled debut is a rhythmic stroll along sandy beaches, displaying his multifaceted style equipped with a pleasant singing voice perfect for bouncy island melodies and dance-inducing riddims.

Favorite Songs:

Come Around prod. Crown N Kah-So Real

Blind To You

Sensimillia ft. Roache

Honorable Mention:



Blu & Exile – Below The Heavens

This debut album from West Coast newcomer Blu and producer Exile is the hidden treasure of ’07. With Blu’s creative, inspirational rhymes and golden era samples provided by Exile, Below The Heavens is truly satisfying for the hip-hop enthusiast.

Favorite Songs:

The World Is (Below The Heavens) prod. Exile

So(Ul) Amazin’ (Steel Blazin) prod. Exile

Dance In The Rain prod. Exile

Also Worth Checking Out (Alphabetical):

Aesop Rock – None Shall Pass

Atmosphere – Sad Clown Bad Winter 11

Beanie Sigel – The Solution

Black Milk – Popular Demand

Bone Thugs & Harmony – Strength & Loyalty

Bone Thugs & Harmony – T.H.U.G.S. (Rare & Unreleased)

Cassidy – B.A.R.S.

CunninLynguists – Dirty Acres

Dalek – Abandoned Language

El-P – I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead

Fabolous – From Nothin’ To Somethin’

Freeway – Free At Last

Guru – Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip-Hop Jazz Messenger: Back To The Future

Havoc – The Kush

Hell Razah – Renaissance Child

J Dilla – Ruff Draft

Jedi Mind Tricks presents Army of the Pharaohs – Ritual of Battle

Mims – Music Is My Savior

Nicolay Presents – The Dutch Masters Volume 1

One Be Lo – R.E.B.I.R.T.H.

Peanut Butter Wolf Presents - 2K8 B-Ball Zombie War

Peanut Butter Wolf Presents - Stones Throw Ten Years

Pharaohe Monch – Desire

Prodigy – Return of the Mac

Scarface – MADE

Sean Price – Jesus Price Supastar

Styles P – Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentlemen)

Swizz Beatz – One Man Band Man

The Cool Kids – Totally Flossed Out EP

Timbaland – Shock Value

UGK – Underground Kingz

Wyclef Jean – Carnival Vol. II Memoirs of an Immigrant

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There you have it, let the hate begin!

Coming up next will be Most Disappointing Albums of '07..... Peace for now

[simply amazin']