In 2011, it’s fair to say that the amount of music, and “hype” created around some of it, could’ve been considered pretty overwhelming for most consumers and fans. Music dealt with a lot this year, from a lot of it going unnoticed, to some of it being declared “classic” before even being heard, to the labeling of bodies of work (mixtapes, albums, etc.) becoming more obsolete and misleading by the day. Being a DJ nowadays has not only demanded that my pace of keeping up with material stays accelerated but has also allowed me to see and hear a wide variety of reactions from the public when it comes to music, whether it be on a dancefloor, listening session, casual debate, or a social networking timeline/feed. This is where I’ll step in to offer the KillerBoomBox readers some of my insight as a Boston-bred, Atlanta-based DJ in his late-20’s with a passion for street-oriented hip-hop. You might be surprised at the absence of many of the year’s “biggest” projects from the following list, but here are the top twenty-five projects of 2011 (in order) that captured my ear, and that you might have missed out on…
25. Pac Div – “The Div”
It’s taken some years for the Southern California trio to break through, but after multiple mixtapes and some major label struggles, Pac Div delivers with their debut LP. The project harkens back to The Pharcyde or Souls of Mischief, with an unmistakable west coast flavor and non-intimidating yet intricate lyrics from the group. The Div plays out like the perfect soundtrack to a summertime house party and the styles of members Like, Mibbs, and BeYoung are developed plus different enough to keep the listener far away from any boredom.
Highlights: “High Five”, “Brown”, “Chaos (The Recipe)”
24. Statik Selektah – “Population Control”
The Showoff Records takeover showed no signs of slowing down this year as New England heavyweight Statik dropped numerous projects, with his 4th solo album/compilation being one of the most compelling. Population Control not only highlights Statik’s continuous growth behind the beats but also his talent in choosing artists to lace them, with a great balance of both legends and up-and-comers shining throughout the album.
Highlights: “Down” feat. Push Montana, LEP Bogus Boys, & Easy Money, “They Don’t Know” feat. Reks & Pill, “Never A Dull Moment” feat. Action Bronson, Termanology, & Bun B
23. Usual Suspecktz – “Under Investigation”
Another entry from New England, the Under Investigation album showcases a crew that sounds ready for the national spotlight. The three distinctive voices and styles of Medisin Man, Bobby O, and Shiva excel over street symphonies handled mostly by J.Cardim and Surefure Music Group. Holding their own beside big features like French Montana, Maino, and Freeway, and crafting street tales into both melodic hooks and hard-hitting 16’s show why ‘versatile’ is one of the best ways to describe U.S.
Highlights: “Cash In Them Duffle Bags” feat. French Montana, “G Code”, “Damn” feat. Juan Diablo
22. Alley Boy – “Definition of Fuck Shit Pt.2”
DOFS2 clearly backs up Alley’s claim of being the real face of Atlanta. The mixtape is overloaded with cold-hearted anthem after anthem and an unadulterated southern sound, but not the typical one most might associate with the A. If you’re not familiar with the term “fuck shit”, you will be after these 21 tracks of traplife hysteria. With a combined 4 critically-acclaimed mixtapes released in 2011 between them, both Alley Boy and Trouble have Duct Tape Entertainment’s buzz steadily increasing, keeping the infamous DTE reputation strong in the streets.
Highlights: “Four” feat. Young Jeezy & Yo Gotti, “Fake N***a”, “Rob Me A N***a” feat. Freddie Gibbs & BIg K.R.I.T.
21. Elzhi – “Elmatic”
The task of tackling a re-make of Nasir Jones debut seems pretty outlandish, but it’s one that the former Slum Village member handled more than smoothly. It didn’t hurt that Elzhi may be one of the few current emcee’s able to hang with God Son’s lyricism and smoky delivery, an accomplishment which is displayed throughout the project. Detroit’s Will Sessions handles the production side, a batch of re-played Illmatic instrumentals expanded by live band instrumentation, a perfect compliment to El’s new verses inspired by Esco’s flow.
Highlights: “Life’s A Bitch” feat. Royce Da 5’9″, “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”, “The World Is Yours”
20. Smif-N-Wessun & Pete Rock – “Monumental”
Tek & Steele keep the Boot Camp torch burning on a team effort album with the legendary Chocolate Boy Wunda. Collaborations hold a lotta weight on this one, and the dusty sample-based tracks are crafted to take listeners back to the days of BCC projects carried solely by Da Beatminerz production, a feat that Pete Rock pulls off pretty easily. Going back to an old-school formula of artist plus producer for an entire project works effectively here, with all parties involved still sounding hungry as ever after decades in the game.
Highlights: “Roses” feat. Freeway, “That’s Hard” feat. Sean Price & Styles P, “Monumental” feat. Tyler Woods
19. Reks – “Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme”
The criminally slept-on Lawrence, MA spitter came with it in 2011 with his 5th and self-titled LP. Reks puts his foot on whack rappers necks as he mercilessly attacks tracks with the next-level flow and vocab his fans have become accustomed to. He enlists the services of an absolute goldmine of boom-bap producers (Alchemist, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Nottz, Hi-Tek, Statik Selektah, etc.) and does justice to an array of beats that the average emcee could only dream of. With Reks once again providing a sharp balance between battle-tested 16’s and society-questioning songs, it seems even more confusing as to why the industry doesn’t show this vet the respect that’s well overdue.
Highlights: “25th Hour”, “Why Cry” feat. Styles P, “This Or That”
18. Jon Connor – “Season 2”
As Busta Rhymes proclaims on one of the skits, Jon Connor can probably claim the title of king of his hometown Flint, Michigan. With projects like Season 2 though, Connor shows why he’s ready to make the transition from small-town newcomer to one of the elite artists in the game. There’s not much material that merits skipping out of the bulky 22 disc, with Connor’s confidence and wordplay glowing over dramatic backdrops and a wide variety of concepts. It’s clear that Connor has his eyes already set on hip-hop MVP in his future seasons after his sophomore project.
Highlights: “True Colors”, “Love Me Now”, “No Thrillz”
17. Meek Mill – “Dreamchasers”
As if having arguably the biggest record of the year with “Ima Boss” wasn’t enough, Meek proved his place within the MMG family with Dreamchasers. Meek’s high-energy flow fit right at home over beats that sounded tailor-made for Rawse, a change from his usual up-tempo tracks during his early Philly years. The mixtape also gave Meek another certified hit with “House Party”, in addition to highlighting his hood story-telling skills and ability to make freestyling over industry beats sound good again.
Highlights: “House Party” feat. Young Chris, “Tony Story”, “Y’all Don’t Hear Me Freestyle”
16. Kool G Rap – “Riches, Royalty, And Respect”
Although his current relevancy may be debatable, G Rap’s longevity still remains mind-blowing. Not many emcees can claim to be at the top of the lyrical royalty for the duration of their careers, and his 5th solo album only strengthens that legacy for the Queens veteran. Giancana doesn’t stray from his perfected method of ghetto mafioso tales over grimy production, which seems to just never get rusty as his lyricism continues to stay in top-notch form. This is a project that’ll delight older fans and make the newer artists step their game up.
Highlights: “Sad”, “Maggie”, “Pages Of My Life”
15. Trae The Truth – “Street King”
Trae’s name has been certified in Texas for some years now, first with his Screwed Up Clik, Guerilla Maab, and ABN crews and then by his grassroots powered solo career. “Street King” is his solid offering to the masses. Trae switches his sound to build a well-rounded album, but without forgetting to include more than a few tracks drenched in the dreary Houston thump that his fanbase is used to. Although crowded with features, the guestlist is spectacular, with rappers from nearly every region showing up to support. His vocals may be an acquired taste, but the vibe on “Street King” make it clear why Trae sits at the throne.
Highlights: “Strapped Up” feat. Pyrexx, “Keep On Rollin” feat. Gorilla Zoe”, “I Am The Streets” feat. Rick Ross, Game, & Lloyd
14. DJ Burn One – “The Ashtray”
The lone instrumental project on the countdown comes from one of the most respected producers in the independent scene. After years of being the go-to guy for artists such as Rittz, Pill, Freddie Gibbs, P.Watts and many more, DJ Burn One and his Five Points Music Group team spoil the public with some free concoctions that will have emcees scrambling for the pens, as well as their herb. Burn’s drums and guitarist Ricky Fontaine’s riffs brew up a distinctly southern soundscape with the bluesy beats speaking for themselves, amounting to a highly entertaining and organic ride. Listening to The Ashtray, I can’t help but imagine how productions like this would put some ATLien heavyweights (i.e. Outkast, T.I.) right back where they need to be.
Highlights: “And then there was… The Green Machine”, “4 Oz”, “The Mighty”
13. Curren$y & Alchemist – “Covert Coup”
This surprising collab made for one of the best EP’s of 2011. The pleasant thing about this project was neither artist really altering their styles, with Spitta’s cloudy thoughts floating nicely over ALC’s trademark chopped samples. The lack of any real theme or direction becomes irrelevant, as the tracks each stand strongly on their own and cater to the highly-under-the-influence audience. Features from Freddie Gibbs, Prodigy, Fiend, and Smoke DZA wrap this audio blunt up properly. With another project on the way, Curren$y and Alchemist are sure to continue to bring more new fans to each other from both coasts down to the N.O. and back.
Highlights: “Smoke Break”, “Double 07”, “Scottie Pippens” feat. Freddie Gibbs
12. 2 Chainz – “T.R.U. REALigion”
Anyone in the peach state has been witnessing the artist formerly known as Tity Boi’s chokehold on the music scene for almost a couple years now. On T.R.U. REALigion, 2 Chainz shows the rest of the country why he’s the next sure-shot out of the A. Riding off of the momentum of his hit single “Spend It”, the project packs plenty of bangers that can heard pounding in almost every hood club throughout the south. And with the issue of lyricism still being up in the air for some critics, 2 Chainz beefs up his repertoire by locking horns alongside features from east-coast rhyme slingers Raekwon, Jadakiss, and Meek Mill. The hat, and the styrofoam cup, are tipped to the southside duffle bag boy!
Highlights: “Got One”, “Riot”, “One Day At A Time” feat. Jadakiss
11. Freddie Gibbs – “Cold Day In Hell”
Gangsta Gibbs definitely made some nice additions to his resume in 2011. He began the year by signing with Young Jeezy’s CTE and dropping an EP with Statik Selektah, then topped it off with a project that would probably make both Scarface the rapper and Scarface the movie character proud. The Gary, Indiana native weaves in and out tracks with a leaned back delivery and rapid-fire flow, shooting syllables on top of each other like bullets. Choosing a wide variety of beats, Gibbs sounds comfortable whether its aggressive slammers or smoked-out cruising music. Cold Day is midwest gangsta rap at its finest.
Highlights: “Heaven Can Wait”, “Neighborhood Hoez” feat. 2 Chainz, “Two’s And Fews” feat. Young Jeezy
10. Young Jeezy – “The Real Is Back 2”
Who said anything about a comeback? “The Real Is Back 2” catches Young Jeezy at his peak of feeding the streets with hard mixtapes. Although only about half the length of part one, the sequel’s feel is even heavier, packing enough trunk beaters and dopeboy lingo to lock that lane back down for Mr. 17.5. Hiding himself in the studio for months with new in-house CTE producer Lil’ Lody also proved to be worthwhile, with the Memphis producer’s backdrops putting Jeezy back in the zone it seems like he’s been searching for.
Highlights: “Intro”, “Chickens No Flour”, “Gotta See This” feat. Freddie Gibbs
9. Termanology & Ed Rock/Easy Money – “S.T.R.E.E.T.”
It may have taken these cats from Murda Mass some years to bless the streets, but it sure was worth the wait. These fourteen tracks of raw east-coast rap will have you convinced you’ve just heard the new-age Jada & Styles or AZ & Nas, with Ed & Term going bar for bar like they’re fighting over hip-hop quotables. The duo doesn’t limit themselves to strictly braggadocio content though, as “S.T.R.E.E.T.” contains plenty of different concept records and messages. Up-and-coming producer Lee Bannon also deserves a lotta credit on this one, handling all of the beats and as Term says in one track, sounding like “RZA had a son”… no exaggeration there.
Highlights: “Compared to You”, “Soul Brothers”, “Value Your Life”
8. Lloyd Banks – “Cold Corner 2”
Things just ain’t the same for gangsters, as I’m sure the G-Unit can agree when looking back. Cold Corner 2 (along with Curtis’ “The Big Ten” mixtape) will probably revoke your doubts though. A few weeks after the Great Mixtape Flood of 2011, Banks gave everyone a serious run for their money with this one. The bars are tough, and the tracks sound up-to-date yet still fresh off the block, something the Unit has been trying to pull off for a while now. New producers SOI (Tha Jerm & Doe Pesci) also deserve a major salute, handling the bulk of the production and giving CC2 a consistent feel from start to finish.
Highlights: “Predator” feat. Styles P, “Make it Stack” feat. A$AP Rocky, “Come Up”
7. Nipsey Hussle – “The Marathon Continues”
Quality over quantity must be one of the principles that Neighborhood Nip Hus abides by. Taking nearly a full year off between projects, the Slauson Ave. resident doesn’t disappoint with the follow-up to the classic The Marathon. Nipsey continues to push the boundaries for the new crop of artists throwing the dubs up, experimenting with his production choices while still managing to keep a traditional west-coast authenticity feeling alive on every track. Whether it’s partying, gang-banging, or going deeper into his conscience, Nipsey taps into all sides with ease on TMC. With an impressive mixtape track record now behind him, hopefully this XXL-freshman list alumni has a ground-breaking album on the way in 2012.
Highlights: “10 Toes”, “I Need That” feat. Dom Kennedy, “Road To Riches”
6. Young Jeezy – “TM103: Hustlerz Ambition”
The trap’s leading motivator made up for lost time and finally lives up to the hype with the long-awaited TM103, now undoubtedly giving him one of the most thorough catalogues in the game. Although Jeezy isn’t widely regarded as a rapper’s rapper, he still displays growth with a wide spectrum of potential hits and a guestlist packed with superstars (even a RAPPING Jill Scott on the emotional “Trapped”). Mr. Jenkins can do no wrong when he sticks to his formula of a hustler’s hunger verbalized over menacing beats, and there’s enough of that on TM103 to make it go down in thug history. With two entries in the top ten of this countdown, it’s no mystery who a large part of 2011 belonged to.
Highlights: “Way Too Gone” feat. Future”, “Supafreak” feat. 2 Chainz, “Trapped” feat. Jill Scott
5. Big K.R.I.T. – “Return of 4eva”
Big K.R.I.T. sure has set expectations pretty damn high for himself, after giving away two classics for free to the fans in just about a year’s time. Saying this music is well-rounded probably wouldn’t do it justice, as Return of 4eva has just as many cadillac jams for you to bump on the way to and from the strip club as it does reflective songs for you to zone out to while staring at the stars. K.R.I.T. sharpens his double-edged sword to perfection on Return, sonically with his own soulful work behind the boards and vocally with a distinct Mississippi drawl combined with an analytical sincerity not heard from the south in quite some time. Just like the titles to one of the songs, Big K.R.I.T. is upping the ante for what it takes to be an American Rapstar.
Highlights: “Time Machine” feat. Chamillionaire, “Player’s Ballad” feat. Raheem Devaughn, “Free My Soul”
4. Kendrick Lamar – “Section.80”
With an insight beyond his years, Kendrick creates a masterpiece with Section.80. This vivid journey through a new generation’s place in society is accentuated by the Compton emcee’s surgical flows and in-depth look into a range of topics on peoples minds, whether young or old. When the beats are not experimental, they are capturing the crack era and Reaganomics themes of the project by implementing old school drums on top of spaced out melodies and samples. West coast without being overly gangster, and conscious without coming off as preachy, the Dr. Dre protege built a classic with Section.80. Yet another “mixtape” that goes above and beyond its labeling.
Highlights: “A.D.H.D.”, “Ronald Reagan Era” feat. RZA, “Poe Mans Dreams (His Vice)” feat. GLC
3. Prodigy – “The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP”
The shortest project on the list is still probably the grimiest and most refreshing. Fresh off a three-year bid, Mobb Deep frontman Prodigy proves the naysayers wrong by returning to form over the deadly production we’d been waiting to hear him spit murder muzik on. The laziness is gone as P elevates his lyrics, delivery, and jabs back to a level not heard since the H.N.I.C. era. He rounds up his usual cohorts Alchemist and Sid Roams for the beats, which end up sounding like some of their best work they must’ve been saving for dunn’s welcome home party. Throw in some skits from the movie Hoodlum, and you have the best EP of the year.
Highlights: “Black Devil”, “Twilight” feat. Havoc, “Go Off”
2. Action Bronson & Statik Selektah – “Well Done”
The title simply says it all. The Queens-to-Boston connection truly brought the best out each other on this one, which says a lot considering individually they’ve had no problem releasing quality product. Statik continues his habit of putting together beats that give you that feeling of real hip-hop still being alive while remaining up-to-date, with Bronson letting loose his unique but vintage brand of NYC lyricism on top of them. There’s plenty of rappers that can get busy on the mic, but Action sets himself apart from the pack by adding the personality, humor, and east coast pride that compliments his mastery of bars. A guaranteed head-nodder from start-to-finish, Well Done is sure to spend a mighty long time in every hip-hop purists’ rotation and hopefully won’t be the last time we hear these two work together on a full-length project.
Highlights: This is where picking just three tracks got too difficult…
1. Saigon – “The Greatest Story Never Told”
Delayed and anticipated nearly to the point of Detox mythology, Saigon shot fans’ expectations through the roof. But with Just Blaze at the helm and Sai sounding at his most inspired in his career, TGSNT didn’t fail to live up to its creator’s promises. It becomes clear to the listener why Saigon fought so hard for years for this album’s release, as he resists the easy route of typical thuggery and cookie-cutter formulas to touch upon society’s ills rarely addressed by artists with his street cred or skills. The potency of the social commentary alone pushes the album’s content above any others. The structuring is also illmaculate, with each track carefully blended into the next, giving the album the feel of a complete work of art. Not to mention a whopping 14 tracks are productions from one hip-hop’s greats, with Just Blaze undoubtedly on his A-game. Contributions from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Devin the Dude, Marsha Ambrosius and more round out an impeccable guestlist. Overall, Saigon and Just gave us the most powerful and timeless classic of the year and the best project of 2011.
Highlights: Truly an album meant to be heard in its entirety and in sequence.