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Overground Sewer: Half.Baked's Top 10 of 2007
~ by Half-Baked
Well 2007 has come and gone and it's time to do a little retrospective on which albums got me hooked the most. OK, I know I'm a bit late for such a thread but I hope this post makes up for it.
Here's a little top 10 list I've compiled. Note, those are all albums I've listened to most, so if a "major" album is missing, blame it on these fine gems.
DJ Jazzy Jeff - The Return of the Magnificent
The return was in fact magnificent as the mix master Jazzy Jeff released his first album since 2002's "The Magnificent". Jeff stepped up to the plate and produced the whole thing, to the opposite of his first BBE release, which he had crafted with his "A touch of Jazz" crew. The result is a voyage into modern hip-hop through the mind of a legend who's seen the golden age of hip-hop come and go. An absolute must have for every hip-hop head hungry for souled out/funked up beats.
Notables: "The Definition"/"All I Know"/"Hip-Hop"
Will.I.Am - Songs about girls
The Black Eyed Peas have been around for a while, way before their breakout hit "Shut up" and Will.i.Am has been around the block a few times. With "Songs about girls", we see his first attempt to top the pop charts in solo mode. 2001's "Lost Change" & 2004's "Must be 21" were both good, but didn't pretend to reach for the top of the charts. The winning elements in this album are the diversity of beats Mr. Will.i.am chose to go with as his selection is very diversified. This Means songs to dance your buddocks ("Make it funky"/"Get Your Money") to as well as pop-ballads ("One More Chance"/"Invisible") This is a definite winner.
Notables: "One More Chance"/"Invisible"/"Fantastic"
Common - Finding Forever
Common teams up with Kanye West for the second straight album. People were even calling "Finding Forever" "Be, part 2". The production feels similar with Kanye handling the majority of the tracks, but the impact is much heavier than their previous effort. Common is as good as he gets lyrically and life seems to shine bright as ever in the city of wind.
Notables: "The People"/"The Game"/"So Far to Go"
Talib Kweli - Ear Drum
Talib Kweli is considered to be one of this generation's most gifted rappers and he reminds us of that status with "Ear Drum". 20+ tracks long, you'd look for some album fillers in there. Instead, what we get is gem after gem and collaborations that make a difference ("The Perfect Beat" feat. KRS-One). While the album definitely misses the touch of a J Dilla, the production altogether is solid as Will.I.Am, Kanye West & Just Blaze all bless the BK MC with a solid foundation for Kweli to build punchline after punchline onto.
Notables: "Listen"/"More or Less"/"Hot Thing"/"Say Something"
Moka Only - Vermilion
Moka Only might be Canada's best kept secret. The BC native dropped a summer-feel-good album with some neck breakers that had been in the works for years. The result is gruesome and jaw-dropping. Be on the lookout for Moka Only aka Torch in the near future as he will definitely make some waves in the music industry.
Notables: "Ice Cream"/"Banana Pancakes"/"So Kona"/"Let Me Down"
Funky DL - The 4th Quarter
This British MC has all the tools to put out quality album after another. That is exactly what he did with "The 4th Quarter". Soul, funk and mostly jazz mix up with DL's witty lyrics, crosing over storytelling ("The 3 minute preview") and pure rhymes ("The Bump") as well as elements of success ("Love, Honesty & Discipline")
Notables: "Love, Honesty & Discipline"/"Watching the World"/"Danger"
Little Brother - The Getback
Fresh off a stellar debut album (The Listening) and an equally solid major label debut (The Minstrel Show), it still was time for another first for the North Carolina duo. The challenge: respond to the thousands of fans hesitation towards Little Brother parting ways with producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder. MCs Phonte & Rapper Big Pooh both responded with solid rhymes and surrounding themselves with knowledgeable producers helping them craft their sound. Among those we find Khrysis, Nottz & Hi-Tek. What we get is delicious beats aimed at a feel-good/party vibe songs ("Breakin' my heart"/"Step it up") while more introspective than you'd expect. Phonte's charisma on the mix shows on multiple skits and song intros while both attack serious issues off the bat like the nature of the african-american slang language recently attacked in the american media ("Sirens). Food for thought my friends.
Notables: "That ain't love"/"Can't Win for losing" "Sirens"/"Good Clothes"
Mr. J Medeiros - Of Gods and Girls
Officially released in the summer of '07, The Procussions' Mr. J Medeiros brought forth the sound we've come to enjoy from the Colorado crew. Soulful and jazzy beats while leaving enough space for some boom-bap and experimental rap, this album delivers a palette of sounds for every mood. On the introspective "Amelie", Medeiros welcomes the help of 20Syl of french rap group Hocus Pocus on production. 20Syl laces a handful of production credits,The Procussions' in house producer, Stro the 89th Key, does the same and Medeiros himself produces a few tracks. Guest appearances by 20Syl of Hocus Pocus, Pigeon John, Strange Fruit Project and a few exclusive remixes by Joey Beats & Ohmega Watts make this one a no brainer.
Notables: "Amelie"/"Half a dream"/"Change"
Murs & 9th Wonder - Murray's Revenge
Well this is it. One of the most prolific underground rappers, Murs, and one of the most sought producers of Hip-Hop renaissance team up for the second time. This Time around, Murs comes off with some revenge to exerce. If you're hungry for tight lyrics and dope beats, you'll be in for a treat. Check out the videos to "Yesterday & Today" & "Murray's Revenge" as they're both amazing.
Notables: "Murray's Revenge"/"Yesterday & Today"/"Dreamchaser"
Blu & Exile - Below the Heavens: In Hell Happy With Your New Imaginary Friend...
This one was a late bloomer in my case. Release at the end of this past summer, the duo of MC Blu & producer Exile team up for the second time, after Blu's 2006 "Lifted EP". The result is concluant. Blu gives us stories of love, faith, the rap hustle and good times while Exile provides a soundtrack of boom-bap beats with just enough of soulful tip that they will resonnate your ears for a long time. Watch out for these guys in '08!
Notables: "Blu Collar Worker"/"The World Is (Below the Heavens...)/"Dancing in the Rain"
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