R.I.P. Hip Hop December 19, 2006

What do you think of when you hear Ice Cube? More than likley some kiddie movie, but don't let that fool you. Cube shows why he is a pioneer in the industry. He isn't afraid to touch any subject matter. I am glad to see that some rappers are still honest. This album isn't for the weak. Twenty plus years in the game and still Cube has as much lyrical venom as when he started in N.W.A.

Thank God that the Ganster is back!
So we don't have to put up with this brainless rap!

Kanye has it hard in Hip Hop. He gets hated on for not being "Black" or "Hood" enough then asked by the same rappers to produce an album for them. If he refuses then he is an asshole and gay. This album released the same day as 50 Cent's Curtis album and smashed it. Kanye shows so much diversity that I am surprised that the Village People didn't guest appear on his album. Thank you Mr. West!

6 years after the last Wu-Tang album finally Wu fans are treated to this. If you are looking for another 36 Chambers prepare to be dissappointed. An essential track that surprisingly features a Beatle sample (more than likley for the price of somebodys first born child) is why RZA and the Wu continues to amaze till today.

A (younger) rapper that doesn't consistly rap about bling? "Hip Hop Police" and "Evening News" made alot of rappers nervous because he actually was talking about something worth talking about. It's unfortunate that fans who perchased The Sound of Revenge didn't want to hear that. The album floped. Baller rap had won...for now. Back to the drawing board.

Lupe is a breath of fresh air in Hip Hop. Already he is touted to be holding the tourch a few years from now. The man has word play for decades and I am curious to see how far he can go with the right producer.

A concept album based on...food? Yes, you read right food! "Kookies", "Deep Fried Friendz", and "Hoe Cakes" are just some of the titles of the tracks. MF Doom has always been animated in his raps and this album is no diffrent. The Genius/GZA would be proud.

Supposedly The Game's last album. This is one of the best marketing tools ever in any business. Akin to the sofa business down the street from your house who has the "Going Out of Business" sign for almost 4 years now. I never have much faith in these promotions. Hypothetically speaking though, if this is Game's last album then it is a must purchase. You can practically smell the chronic smoke in the air right after you place the CD in the player.

GZA is a god MC among mere mortals. Just listen to "0% Finance" and tell me another MC that can do what the Genius does? Go ahead I'll wait.

It is widly known that Common is a amazing artist, but seems to produce lousy sales figures. Hopefully this album can break the mold. It is simply put amazing. Hands down some of Common's best work. The Neptues have done an amazing job making their odd beats match with Common. This is a body of work that can be digested for the critics and the fans alike. I think it will even bring in some new ones while not isolating the old ones. Amazing material.

Here it ends full circle. Nas said it [Hip Hop] was dead and here Nas is releasing his most controversal piece of work yet. How else could he top himself. If the album cover wasn't enough the orginal title for the album was orginally (if you happen to be the one person who didn't hear about it) N****R. Yeah good luck trying to market that album. A sigh of relief was probably heard althrough the PR department when Nas decided to self title. Anyways, this album is some of Nas' best work. A must listen to is "Sly Fox". It was rumored that FOX News wanted to have the album banned. No avail. A must listen to if you are a fan of Hip Hop even a passive fan.