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Top 10 Hip-Hop albums of 2013 | Hip Hop

by Peter Foy

Coming to the end of the year, my brother and I began talking about who should write what best-of-the-year-lists for certain mediums. We both agreed that he should make a top 10 list for music, but the more he talked about his process towards completing a list, it made me wonder how much different a list by me would look. It made me realize that while I had enveloped just as much music this year as he did, there were just too many different genres and styles that I listened to, that I began to feel that a top-ten music list from me would be a nigh impossible task for me. That said, there is most certainly a genre of music that we both agree is more my area of expertise. That area is hip-hop music, and it didn’t take me long to realize that I simply needed to do a top ten list for it this year, and immediately!

I have to say 2013 was a great year for hip-hop, and one that really re-sparked my interest in the genre. I often say hip-hop music was my gateway drug towards becoming the music nerd that I am today, and this year proved actually nostalgic for me in that regard. There was just such a platitude of great artists working at the top of their game this year, from ones that recalled rap’s golden age in the 90s (Ka, Action Bronson), to highly popular acts moving rap even further into the 21rst century (Drake, Kanye West, Danny Brown), as well as some new alternative acts that seem to have already found their own unique niche that lays calmly in between these two points (Chance the Rapper, Earl Sweatshirt). I left off some albums that I deemed too “experimental” to carry the misnomer of hip-hop (with all due respect to the excellent albums Death Grips and The Weeknd put out this year), but I did include releases that artists were referring to as mix tapes this year (As holy shit, we saw some great “mixtapes in 2013!). So sit back, relax, and strap on your seat belts (courtesy of Dr. Dre I suppose), as this young journalist takes you down his top recommendations for 2013 rap music.

10. Le1f – Fly Zone/Tree House

images

I know it’s kind of cheating to put two mix-tapes on this list, but I feel that Fly Zone and Tree House both reflect such engaging-yet-conflicting sides of the New York beat-maker/rapper. Fly Zone is clearly the more upbeat of the two, with Le1f demonstrating that his unique talent for rapping over electronic beats could become a club sensation, while Tree House is smoother and sexier, and shows he could be Marvin Gaye if he wanted to. Like Action Bronson, I feel that Le1f is just warming up with this steady stream of mix-tape releases before giving us his first studio release sometime next year, but both of these records give us all something to be really excited for.

9. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris

Earl_Sweatshirt_Doris

It took years to get here, and arrived after the whole hot topic of “Free Earl”, so it was a bit of a dismay when listeners of the 19-year old rapper’s major label debut record began calling the album “merely good”. Still, Earl Sweatshirt (easily the best rapper in the LA-based hip-hop collective Odd Future) made a very strong record here, and showed that his subject matter had evolved beyond the already-tired horror-core raps that had made his brand name popular among America’s impressionable youth. A little too abstract at times, as Earl’s rap persona is still a tough nut to crack, but a brilliantly rapped record with some of the most playful use of production you’ll see all year (check out the song Molasses to see what I mean).

8. Drake – Nothing Was the Same

Nothing_Was_the_Same_cover_1

I have to admit that at first I was a little upset with Drake’s third LP. I thought Take Care was a brilliant album that trumped his freshman release in every regard, and I found that Nothing Was the Same was a bit of a return to the style that was on Thank Me Later. Thing is, this album does indeed use the raw honesty that the rapper conveyed on Take Care, just in a flavor that’s closer to hip-hop, rather than the R+B stylings that saturated his last release. It’s overall a very moving listening experience, and Drake may very well go down as the Prince of our generation (at least until Andre 3000 finally starts putting out albums again!).

7. Pusha T – My Name is My Name

Pusha_T_My_Name_Is_My_Name

Clipse was one of the best hip-hop duos of the 2000s, and for Pusha T’s solo record he proves that he can hold his own without his brother Malice backing him up. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that he has Kanye West executive producing the record, but aside from the high-end production and polish, Pusha T shows he has the wit, charisma and energy to be his own voice, and not just another protege of Yeezy’s. Also, I just have to say that Kendrick Lamaar gives possibly the best guest spot of the year on Nosestalgia, and I already can’t wait to hear his next album!

6. Ghostface Killah – 12 Reasons to Die

220px-Twelvereasonstodie

After two decades of being the Wu-Tang Clan’s most eclectic and evolving emcee, one has to ask if there’s anything more the 43-year old veteran can do…clearly a lot! Enlisting American composer Adrian Younge (who supplied the soundtrack for the blaxploitation spoof Black Dynamite), Ghosftace has given us a giallo-film-inspired concept album about a crime lord who is killed in a gang war, and then resurrected to lay bloody waste to his enemies. Spitting violent imagery and pulp narratives at a rate and quality that would make Tarantino proud (would it be asking too much for him to direct a film adaptation?), and featuring guest appearances by most of the other Wu-Tang Clan, as far as I’m concerned, this is the best thing to invoke the group’s spirit to come out of 36 Chambers 20th anniversary year.  I’ve been calling Ghostface my favorite emcee for years now, and 12 Reasons to Die is proof enough to me that he’s going to remain so

5. Ka – The Night’s Gambit

ka-nights_gambit-304x304

If it wasn’t the most under-appreciated rap album of the year, then it’s only because not enough people listened to the damn thing! Ka, a Wu-Tang affiliate who some of you might have heard rap a solo track on the GZA album Pro-Tools, is that rare breed of rapper that uses his middle-age as a benefactor. At 41, Ka’s mindset seems to still be inherent to the 90s, with his talk of thug life, street poverty, and that era when New York was known as the Concrete Jungle, all while using eerie beats that recall early Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang. Yet he approaches these well-worn topics with a sense of maturity and wisdom, that lets you feel like you are really hearing the words of a wise street prophet, who has managed to survive the chaos of urban decay. Whether talking about spiritual re-awakening after violence, or rapping a street narrative that also happens to be a hip-hop history lesson (the track Off the Record incorporates the names of classic hip-hop records in the lyrics, similar to how the GZA referenced record companies on his famous track Labels), The Night’s Gambit is serious, no bull-shit, hardcore rap, and it’s up there with Savages’ Silence Yourself as one of the most awe-inspiring throwback albums of the year.

4. Chance the Rapper – Acip Rap

220px-Chance_the_rapper_acid_rap

He’s barely out of his teens, raps while on drugs, often rhymes using the most nonsensical sentences, and he sounds like Ol’ Dirty Bastard as a pimply faced teenager with asthma…I love him already. The Chicago emcee is certainly unique, but it’s also surprising how heartfelt and thought provoking his songs can be. On songs like Acid Rap and Everything’s Good (Good Ass Outro), the rapper brings up all his woes concerning death, addiction and loss of innocence, all while coming off as a cute-and-cuddly teddy bear who happens to be a chain smoker. I’m hoping that in the future Chance realizes that Acid Rap is just too good to be called a mix tape, and will indeed be seen as his proper debut (I felt something similar happened with Danny Brown’s XXX). Regardless, Acid Rap is my pick for best debut record from a rapper this year, and possibly the genre’s most unique new voice since Danny Brown.

3. Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels

220px-Run_the_jewels_ep_album_cover

El-P and Killer Mike both released great albums last year (which El-P both produced), so obviously the only question remaining was this: what if they made one together? Well, fans got their answer through Run the Jewels, a project that both rappers said was intended to merely be a fun little exercise for them, but it ended up being one of the best and most succinct hip-hop releases of the year. Over the album’s ten tracks, Killer Mike and El-P mostly restrain from being overtly political or meaningful, and instead just talk shit and try and have a good time. It’s a half-hour of witty verses, El-P’s futuristic beats, and an attitude that’s as tough-as-it-is-intelligent, and must be the most consistent and compact rap record this year. It sounds like a Method Man and Redman album from the year 2054, which sounds all the more awesome the more I think about it.

2. Kanye West – Yeezus

Yeezus_Kanye_West

Technically it should be number 1 on this list, but something kept me from putting it there. No, it’s not that it’s too obvious, it’s more that I’m not exactly sure how well the album will age down the line. Right now, however, Yeezus is a brilliant release from hip-hop’s most discussed personality, and one that acts as sort of an inevitable destination point for him. While certainly a bizarre album, both lyrically and production wise, Yeezus is very much a culmination of all of Kanye’s past albums and his always evident obsessions, from his infatuation with his egotism, to his possibly clinical sex drive. At forty minutes also, the album is lean and filler-less, and even seems to fit the format of some of the synth-groups that Kanye appears to be imitating (i.e. Suicide, Throbbing Gristle). It’s still unclear whether Yeezus will go down as the rappers crowning achievement (might be hard to do, cause shit, that guy’s put out some really fucking good albums), but it’s likely that it will go down as his most Lynchian work. Like Eraserhad, I’m not entirely sure what it is or what the artist behind it is trying to say, but I am sure that it’s fantastic!

1. Danny Brown – Old

Danny_Brown_Old_Cover_Art

Is Danny Brown the single most crazy, endearing, vulgar, eclectic, distinct and original emcee in the game right now? That’s certainly a helluva claim (especially as a lot of those adjectives seem to contradict each other), but after listening to Danny’s latest release it’s hard to think of another. Over Old’s 19 tracks, the rapper touches on a plethora of different music styles that range from gangsta rap, to house, to alternative pop, while never breaking his singular character. What’s more, he’s a rapper that always has something to say, such as when he’ll spit party rhymes that are as ugly as they are lively, and then speak on darker issues such as his struggles with depression and addiction. Hell, as much as I love Danny Brown’s on-stage persona as a drug and sex fiend, I’m hoping he only continues to show more of his softer side on later records. A masterpiece of an album from a performer completely in control of his image and artistry

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, uncategorized Tagged With: 12 Reasons to Die, Action Bronson, Danny Brown, drake, El-P, Ghostface Killah, hip hop, Ka, kanye west, Killer Mike, Nothing was the same, Old, Pusha T, rap, Run the Jewels, Yeezus

Album Review: Death Grips – Government Plates

by Rio Toro

death-grips-government-plates

Death Grips: Government Plates

Similar Artists: Danny Brown, Shabazz Palaces, Crystal Castles, Hella

Genre: Left field Hip-Hop, Post Industrial Rap, Noise Techno

Label: Self-Released

 

I can forgive Death Grips for canceling their show at Webster Hall earlier this year. It’s not because I’m not still angry about it, because believe me, I am, but at the same time, I admire how they do things on their own time and don’t give a fuck about the orders of whoever it is that’s supposed to be in charge of them. Also, it’s not like I’d be able to find a replacement for their groundbreaking brand of crazed industrial hip-hop (…if that can even be considered an accurate descriptor). Although I’m sure they respect their ever-increasing fanbase, Death Grips are that rare band that are 100% formative on artistic expression. They care so much about constantly releasing new music that is bursting at the seams with expressiveness, that they care very little about whether or not they’re making any sense in the process.

Ever since their debut full length/mixtape, Ex-Military, Death Grips have been on an unstoppable roll that has garnered them near worldwide acclaim. That’s not too shabby for a sadistic, S&M crazed junkyard act, who by the way, have no intentions of appealing to such a large crowd. The Money Store (my personal favorite record from last year) — with its psychopathic intensity — was perhaps always going to prove successful though; why else would Sony’s Epic Records choose to sign them? Death Grips didn’t care much about that deal either though, as they chose to leak their subsequent album, the equally rampant No Love Deep Web — originally planned for a 2013 release date — a mere 6 months after The Money Store. It seems as though they have been on an anxious, paranoid, drug fueled frenzy to release as much music as possible within a 2 year time frame, because last Wednesday, Death Grips leaked their entire new album — this time intended for a 2014 release — months ahead of schedule. Maybe it’s because they think it’s funny, or maybe it’s because they actually are coked out of their minds, but we should be glad, because the music world really needed an act like Death Grips to shake things up a bit.

After the more dreary, lyrical focus of No Love Deep Web, Government Plates is both Death Grips’ return to the shape shifting arpeggiations of The Money Store, as well as a move away from structurally evolving songs. The majority of these tracks are short, and often consist of Burnett’s violent, antagonistic lyrics being looped around each other in heady fashion. Opener, the hilariously titled, “You might think he loves you for your money but I know what he really loves you for it’s your brand new leopard skin pillbox hat” (a Bob Dylan reference, of all things) still features Burnett’s cranium expanding stream of consciousness rapping, but otherwise, this is Death Grips taking on the repetition of hardcore dance music more fully than they previously have. Tracks such as “Big House” even recall UK techno titans such as Regis or Surgeon; if only for brief snippets at a time.

This change up works, as they are just as noisy and difficult as ever, and the album’s electronic component is the heftiest and most adventurous to Death Grips’ name. It’s their most layered album in terms of beats, and Zach Hill’s drumming is at times even more riotous than how we remember it. “This Is Violence Now (Don’t Get Me Wrong)” is the most accessible representation of this new direction, and tracks like “Feels Like A Wheel”, and the title track follow suit in providing 2 and a half minute blasts of punishing, nose bleed worthy techno. Death Grips have never been ones for lengthy tracks, but the only two tracks here that exceed 3 minutes are the previously released “Birds”  and the epic 7 minute closing track, “Whatever I Want (Fuck Who’s Watching)”. Both of these tracks are notable for how they break the framework of the album. “Birds”, which was already confounding upon its release, is even more perplexing within context, as it’s the one track that stops to let you breathe and think about what has been happening during the previous four tracks. With its twangy, somewhat off key guitars and melding vocals (the lyrics will likely be disputed forever), it’s Death Grips taking their sound to an even less understandable level; I’d also like to point out that it’s unrealistically addictive. On the other hand, “Whatever I Want (Fuck Who’s Watching)” takes their sound to its extremes of sonic frequencies, and is even a step above the previous ones in terms of its club influences…or at least, it is until it begins trailing off into blasts of ambient feedback a minute or two in.

Overall though, Government Plates doesn’t feel any different than what we expected it to be: a Death Grips record. I’ll admit, I knew I was going to love Government Plates before I even listened to it, simply because I consider Death Grips to be one of the most important acts of this generation, and I’d be damned if I was going to change my mind about them now, after all my endless praise. As it stands now, from the first track to last I’m in heaven, and until my euphoria begins to fade, I’ll be incapable of dissecting the record any more than I already have.

 

Track Listing:

1.) You might think he loves you for your money but I know what he really loves you for it’s your brand new leopard skin pillbox hat*

2.) Anne Bonny*

3.) Two Heavens

4.) This Is Violence Now (Don’t get me wrong)*

5.) Birds*

6.) Feels Like A Wheel

7.) I’m Overflow*

8.) Big House

9.) Government Plates*

10.) Bootleg (Don’t Need Your Help)

11.) Whatever I Want (Fuck Who’s Watching)*

Album Highlight – *

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, OPINION, REVIEWS Tagged With: Album Review, death grips, ex-military, government plates, industrial, left field, no love deep web, post hip-hop, rap, the money store

Charity, Music, and Prom; My interview with Brittany Smooch

by Ryan Shea

Brittany Smooch
Brittany Smooch

Brittany Smooch is a young, up and coming teen pop star and Hip Hop artist.  Brittany’s music is fun and catchy and her personality is similar.  I had the pleasure of speaking to Brittany yesterday about her music and charity work she has participated in.  On the phone, Brittany seems sweet and determined.  She knows what her goals are and she is pursuing them with great success.  Brittany recently did work with the WGirls for their charity Project G.L.A.M, which gives prom dresses and accessories to girls who can not afford them. You can check it out at http://www.wgirls.org/get-involved/project-glam/

 

Brittany Smooch at Project G.L.A.M
Brittany Smooch at Project G.L.A.M

As soon as Brittany answered I knew she was going to be fun to interview.

When did you get into hip-hop?

I have always been into hip-hop music.  But when I started writing my own songs it just came out that way.  It just sounded like a rap.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music?

I have been involved in music my whole life!  At 5 years old I was taking singing lessons and by 7 I was writing my own music.  I have always known that this is what I wanted to do.

Who is your favorite rapper?

Oh my God!  I have so many favorites.  But I guess if I had to pick it would be T.I.  He is amazing!

You have a unique Urban style, where do you love to shop?

I love Patricia Field.  They have a store in the City and the clothes are so crazy and cool.  I really like anything that has a unique feel.  I also really like Betsey Johnson.

Brittany Smooch
Brittany Smooch

How did you become involved with the WGirls and Project G.L.A.M?

I have always been involved with charity work.  I really enjoy it.  I was working with the NY city charity NY Cares and when the chance to do Project G.L.A.M came along I took it.  Its really an awesome charity and I love being able to help young girls.

This charity is so amazing, and it must have been cool to see the girls faces as they got their dresses, how was that?

Seeing their faces was priceless.  Watching the girls try on dresses and find ones they loved was really exciting.

Brittany Smooch at Project G.L.A.M
Brittany Smooch at Project G.L.A.M
Brittany Smooch Project G.L.A.M
Brittany Smooch Project G.L.A.M

What did you wear to your prom?

Well, I’ve actually been to a few proms.  But my favorite dress was one I wore to a Long Island prom.  It was really girly and looked like a Princess dress.  It was pink and lacey.  Usually I don’t like really girly clothes but this dress was beautiful and really made me feel like a princess.

Do you have any advice for prom goers this year?

“Don’t fall into peer pressure.”  Have fun and enjoy this time in your life but don’t think you have to do something you don’t want to.  That is really important to me.

What do you have coming up?

Well, I just released my EP and now I am working on my new album.  I just finished up my High School concert tour and am getting ready for my next performance.  I am performing at Six Flags Boston on June 29th.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Well of course, T.I. since he’s my favorite rapper, but I also think it would be really cool to work with powerful women in music.  I’d love to do something with Nicki Minaj, Fergie, or Britney Spears.

What is one lyric to describe your life right now?

It would definitely have to be the chorus of my song, “Super Turned Up.”  Because that’s how everything in my life is right now, “Super Turned Up.”

You can check out Brittany Smooch on her website http://www.brittanysmooch.com/

Follow Brittany Smooch
Follow Brittany Smooch

 

You can also check out her interview in Vibe magazine.

http://www.vibe.com/article/new-music-brittany-smooch-booty-bounce-gal-behind-booty

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, NEW YORK, STYLE, U.S., uncategorized Tagged With: betsey johnson, britney spears, brittany smooch, charity, clothes, dance, dancing, fergie, hip hop, long island, music, NEW YORK, nicki minaj, NY, patricia field, project G.L.A.M, project glam, prom, prom dress, rap, t.i., Urban, vibe, vibe magazing, wgirls

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