I’m a big fan of that new Busta Rhymes. I’ve been meaning to write about it for about the last three weeks, but you know how it goes. I’ve heard mixed reviews of it, but I’m incredulous about those folks that don’t dig this one. The beats are killer, and Busta finally has what he needs to really make things happen–a guiding hand. He’s no different than LL Cool J in that he needs someone to help him focus his energy into something that works in an album format. Cuz as dope as we all know Busta is, he’s only had one really good album (Extinction Level Event).
Well, make that two.
Anyway, that got me thinking about the hip hop albums that have dropped this year. It’s been a relatively slow year–especially compared to the great year that was 2005–but there have been some really great records to drop so far. I talked on here about how much I love the Tip, Ghost, Juve and–never thought I’d live long enough to say this–E-40. I dig One Hunnid from The Product. I’m also hearing word that the new Mr. Lif is hot, but I haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe another day.
But which has been the best so far? At the year’s halfway point, I figure we’re at the right point to start thinking about these things. So here are my five best records of the year, offered with the caveat that I’m not on top of new music like I once was and am open to any listening suggestions.
5. E-40 – My Ghetto Report Card. In ten years, this one may be on the top of the list for 2006. That’s dependent on this hyphy thing blowing up, though. If it does, it’ll be impossible to deny that this record is a perfect introduction to the scene. And the best part–40 spends a lot less time talking in riddles and rips damn near very track with power and brevity. I honestly didn’t know he had it in him.
4. Ghostface – Fishscale. Just three months ago, I had this chalked up as the best record of the 2006. It hasn’t gotten any worse to me, but I’ve reconsidered some other albums. It’s classically soulful Ghostface, full of all his invigorating and disturbing sincerity. “Back Like That” is probably still the best single of the year, though.
3. Juvenile – Reality Check. If you’ve never heard an old school New Orleans album, this is something you must hear. The tracks are fire and the rhymes are what we’ve come to expect from Juve–very matter of fact stuff from the Scarface lineage. Juve’s caught a lot of hell for the line about using FEMA checks to buy cocaine, but it’s unfair to look at that line separate from the thought process he’s been spittin’ since ’98. His thought is that people should do whatever they must do to get out of poverty, even if that means selling dope. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but that’s pretty easy for me to say from my upper middle-class background. But that line shows that Reality Check is a continuation of his extended treatise on poverty and, like it or not, it’s hard to say he’s not compelling. Check the videos for “Ha” and “Get Your Hustle On” if you need to see more. Oh yeah, “Addicted” is the most unexpected song of the decade.
2. Busta Rhymes – The Big Bang. You know the most interesting thing about this record to me? I learned just how important the mix is on a beat. Pretty much every beat sounds like a Dre track, even the ones that aren’t. The reason is that Dre mixed every song. That’s why every snare snaps, every key hits just right, all of that. Dre made his mark on the record from the background, and that’s really impressive. As for Busta, I shouldn’t have to say anything. Check the record and enjoy. Just try to ignore the mindlessness of “I Love My Bitch,” which proves again that Kelis is the chick to call when you need someone to ride along with gratuitous use of the “bitch.”
1. T.I. – King. You knew this would be on the top. The Big Bang and King are the only records on this list that improved to me after the first listen. My first run through King wasn’t unimpressive, but it wasn’t what I expected. Then I bumped it at the gym and was amazed. There are a couple of disappointing moments–“Front Back”–but the heat is incredible. Mannie Fresh puts his foot in “Top Back” and Young Dro used that song to get me hype for his album. “What You Know” is incredible. “Live in the Sky” hits me in a special way. “Get It” has proven that Swizz Beats is really back. “Hello” is vulnerable without being totally simpish. “Ride With Me” is cool, if for no other reason than shouting out lots of neighborhoods in Atlanta you should work to avoid (thank goodness Little Vietnam is gone). I could go on and on about this one, but I’m not sure who anyone could argue is, right now, the King of the South other than ol’ Clifford. And he’s only 25 years old. More is coming.