Best Rap, 2009
For as long as I’ve been doing these year end lists the number one slot has always been occupied by anthems, rap records so ubiquitous that most everyone from club hopping Beckys to hard core lyrical obsessives had to acknowledge its relevance. Nearly indisputable records of the year like “A Milli,” “Player’s Anthem” and “What They Know” helped to anchor the the stranger local and underground and old man rap tangents that followed on previous year end lists. This year, rap didn’t have that song so this list doesn’t have that song.
“Best I Ever Had” was, for all intents, an R&B record with three rap verses. “Empire State Of Mind” was a goddamn showtune. “Wasted” may have come closest but Gucci’s still too divisive, the oh-wait-he-can-rap realization still a few years off and it’s hardly one of his more
But maybe the absence of such a record is appropriate, with the widening cultural divide in rap. We might never have another track like that and that’s okay. As above ground hip hop gets safer (again), the underground is cracking open in all sorts of exciting directions. New distribution models are exploding, fans are engaging their tastes on more personal levels, artists are engaging their fans on more personal levels, local scenes are still thriving and more great rap is being made than ever. (You will notice that the list clocks in at 50 this year, ten more than past years’ lists. This was a necessary expansion. It was actually trimmed down from a selection of close to 100.)
In the interest of diversity the list is limited to one slot per artist, selection leans in favor of singles, with consideration given to particularly notable mixtape and album cuts. All inclusions are compensatory, all omissions malicious. You are free to imagine whatever humble opinion or particular order disclaimers you find appropriate.
1. Gucci Mane – “Wasted,” “Hurry,” “Wonderful,” “Frowny Face,” “Classical” (Warner)
2. Big Boi f/ George Clinton & Too Short – “Fo Yo Sorrows” (Jive)
3. UGK f/ Big Gipp – “Purse Come First” (Jive)
4. Z-Ro – “Doin Just Fine” (Rap-A-Lot)
5. Lil B – “I’m God” (Permanent Marks)
6. Soulja Boy – “Turn My Swag On” (Collipark/Interscope)
7. Slim Thug f/ Z-Ro – “Associates” (Koch)
8. Waka Flocka Flame – “O Let’s Do It” (So Icey/Asylum)
9. Busdriver f/ Nocando – “Least Favorite Rapper” (Anti)
10. Raekwon f/ Beanie Sigel – “Have Mercy” (Ice Water)
11. Wale f/ Gucci Mane – “Pretty Girls” (Allido/Interscope)
12. Lil Boosie – “Mind Of A Maniac” (Trill Ent.)
13. Cold Flamez – “Miss Me Kiss Me” (Asylum)
14. Young Dro – “Clean Wit It” (Mixtape)
15. Cam’ron – “Ohio” (Asylum)
16. Chalie Boy – “I Look Good” (Dirty 3rd)
17. DJ Quik & Kurupt – “Watcha Wan Do” (Mad Science)
18. G-Side – “Whose Hood?” (Slow Motion Soundz)
19. OJ Da Juiceman f/ Gucci Mane – “Make The Trap Say Aye” (Asylum)
20. 50 Cent – “Death To My Enemies” (G-Unit/Interscope)
21. Jay Electronica – “Exhibit C“(Bootleg)
22. Freddie Gibbs f/ Pill – “Womb To The Tomb” (Mixtape)
23. Cyhi Da Prynce – “Georgia” (Mixtape)
24. Mariah Carey f/ OJ Da Juiceman, Gucci Mane & Big Boi – “HATE U (Remix)” (Island)
25. Max B f/ Mack Mustard – “All My Life” (Mixtape)
26. Mark DeCoca – “My Trigga” (Mixtape)
27. Clipse f/ Cam’ron – “Popular Demand” (Columbia)
28. Killer Mike f/ T.I. – “In My City” (Mixtape)
29. Roscoe Dash f/ Travis Porter – “All The Way Turnt Up” (Mixtape)
30. Eightball – “America” (8 Ways)
31. Fat Joe – “Hey Joe” (EMI)
32. Chamillionaire f/ Z-Ro – “Denzel Washington” (Mixtape)
33. Abstract Rude – “Rejuvenation” (Rhymesayers)
34. Playa Fly – “Great Nite” (Mixtape)
35. 6 Tre G – “Fresh” (Battery/Jive)
36. Ghostface Killah – “Stapleton Sex” (Def Jam)
37. Attitude & Jackie Chain – “Money” (Mixtape)
38. XO – “Crabs In A Barrel” (Mixtape)
39. Frenchie – “Nightmares” (Mixtape)
40. G-Mane f/ G-Side – “No One Does It Better” (Mixtape)
41. Themselves – “Rapping 4 Money” (Anticon)
42. Yo Gotti f/ Gucci Mane, Boosie, Trina & Nicki Minaj – “5 Star (Remix)” (Jive)
43. Treal Lee & Prince Rick – “Mr. Hit Dat Hoe” (None)
44. Pink Dollaz – “Never Hungry” (None)
45. Juelz Santana f/ Yellawolf – Mixing Up The Medicine” (Def Jam)
46. Don Juan – “Lookie Lookie” (Mixtape)
47. Grafh f/ Sheek – “Bring The Goons Out” (E1)
48. Playboy Tre – “Everybody’s Lookin For Something” (Mixtape)
49 Drake f/ Trey Songz & Lil Wayne – “Successful” (Mixtape)
50. New Boyz – “You’re A Jerk” (Warner)
December 15th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I hate to be this guy… but no Shine Blockas? Seriously?
December 15th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
“Fo Your Sorrows” >>>>>> “Shine Blockas”
Don’t let Pitchfork tell you otherwise.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
It’s a shame 9 Times Outta 10 didn’t blow like it should’ve done, as that had the potential to be the true anthem of the year.
No On Oil by E-40? You were the only person i ever saw to post that, and surely it deserves a spot before anything by Drake?
December 15th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Great list – some of my fave songs on there for real.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
In thought My Job was better then Ohio, Cam’ron being human and relatable is so few and far between. Plus who doesnt hate their job?
December 15th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
If you say that Gucci “can rap,” I wonder what you say about the rapping abilities of this list’s actual lyricists, like Raekwon and Pusha T. Surely you realize that Cuban Linx essentially falls into a different genre than, say, Wacka Flocka Blocka Cocka Firey Flamez?
Not to say that one must choose one type of music or the other. My favorite albums of the year were Cuban Linx II and MOP’s the Foundation, but I loved the Guccimerica tape. The thing is, I realize that those artists make their music with different intentions. You act as though people who deny Gucci’s “artistic vision” are haters. Gucci himself would likely admit that he could give a fuck about rapping skill, so why do you insist on defending him as an equal?
I play Broken Safety when I wanna chill and vibe to some dope lyrical shit. That doesn’t mean I can’t ride out to Follow Me. But let’s not pretend that those two songs do the same thing.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
No two songs do the same thing.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
“Shine Blockas” vs. “Fo Yo Sorrows” is a legitimate debate. “Shine Blockas” is just so glistening, shimmering, drive-slow majestic though…
This threw me though: why “Whatcha Wanna Do?” Quik’s verse is aight, but all things considered it might be the weakest song on the album. What about “9X Outta 10,” or “Do You Know?” Hell, “Do You Know” has one of the most spectacular, complex instrumentals ever, fifty thousand parts perfectly mixed.
Also, while Lil’ Wayne didn’t do anything interesting for most of this year he did drop “Yes” with Pharrell back in January, and that remains completely sick.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
It’s my favorite Quik verse on the album.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Also, I seriously cannot listen to Waka Flocka Flame introduce himself at the beginning of songs without cracking up.
Waka! Waka! Flocka! Flocka! Waka! Waka! Waka! Waka!
Waka Flocka Flame has an Awkward Fucking Name.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Good list, Noz. Pleased to see “O Let’s Do It” so high, because seriously, what other 09 song has that kind of energy/presence? Can’t agree with having a Wale track (even one as good as “Pretty Girls”) flirting with the top 10, but to each his own.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
“Can’t agree with having a Wale track (even one as good as “Pretty Girls”) flirting with the top 10, but to each his own.”
Regional bias.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
can’t say i disagree with much of this, would’ve liked another g-side joint or two (maybe “huntsville international”?);
i also thought that “run up to me” was better than the “womb to the tomb” — and also find it odd that you didn’t put a Pill track like “coastin” or “glass”
other thoughts: …”fresh” should be higher…good looks on Beanie/Rae over other OB4CL2 stuff…no Kid Daytona “Air Born”?…no “Ten Toes Down remix”?
last, i find it very frustrating (liberating?) that i have no sense of when a lot of stuff was released — i got the internet goin nuts — or vice versa
December 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
there’s one thing i think is missing, that’s a juicy j song and project pat’s “gang signs”.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
is that z-ro song “Doin Just Fine” on Cocaine under a different name or is it not on it at all?
December 15th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
He he, I see you snuck a Drake song in there right at the end in the hope no one would notice. Good call though. Successful is a pretty great song.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
So why do you try to justify the rapping skills of a Gucci Mane when his rapping skills are irrelevant relative to the quality of his music?
December 15th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
“is that z-ro song “Doin Just Fine” on Cocaine under a different name or is it not on it at all?”
It’s on the retail Rap-A-Lot release but not the underground 2xCD.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Hasn’t Noz been posting Gucci songs all year? Usually with a positive write-up? Yet readers are STILL surprised to see Gucci at the top of his list. This isn’t an Internet inside joke — Gucci has made a lot of fans because of his RAPPING. Wordplay. Word choice. Flow. Delivery. Charisma. It’s all there in the songs if you get past the (false) notion listeners only like Gucci because he talks about ice.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Casey — you listen to Broken Safety when you want to chill? I listen to that if I am about to dead lift a tow truck
AK — forgot about Yes, that was Pharrells best beat in a minute…
December 15th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
great list…I def played the shit out of allot of the stuff on here this year…
just wanted to point out, and i’m sure ya know that #18 has Yelawolf featured on it…
peace.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
LCR- Sorry? Maybe you would be less offended had I said Sonny’s Missing or Ason Jones instead. You know what I’m saying dog.
Wes- My point is that I have no problem enjoying Gucci’s music, but I don’t see the need to try to pretend we enjoy it for lyrics, or that it’s characterized by clever wordplay. If you listen to Gucci because he has clever wordplay, then what do you think of an artist like Pharoah Monch?
Gucci is good, but you can’t justify him as a lyrcist.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
that DeCoca is excellent. solid list as always. happy holidays andrew.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
what the fuck happened to the “no hoe” remix? that shit is top 10 on my list. and “trap goin ham” wasn’t doing it for you? this is a pretty good list but i’m really surprised you stuck a drake song on there ahead of both of those, especially one as boring as “successful”. coulda gone with “mo milly” off the birdman album at least.
sorry to be a h8r
December 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Casey — sarcasm homie, i love Broken Safety, but i seriously rock it on my gym playlist b/c its pretty intense
December 15th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Casey, stfu please. Gucci can rap in the very traditional sense of the word. Lyrics, flow, delivery, word play, charisma. Dude is the total package. If you disagree, I feel bad for you.
Also, noz, #48 woulda been #2 for me.
-e
December 15th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I thought Big Boi had left Jive and signed with LA Reid at Island Def Jam?
December 15th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
also anyone who thinks Gucci can’t do traditional rap forms or whatever should go listen to “Timothy” which is as hard-hitting a story rap as anything on OB4CL2
December 15th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Yeah, the list is fine. I’m guessing the absence of Shine Blockas has less to do with Pitchfork being wrong than it has to do with your efforts to stick to one song per artist/album. They’re both in the top 10 to me, at least.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
“what the fuck happened to the “no hoe” remix? that shit is top 10 on my list.”
Oh shit, yeah. I rewound 40’s verse on that a couple times for sure.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I am going to listen to Noz’s top Gucci tracks and see if I’m won over.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
yea dis list really sumz it up mayn ta me great work noz 2009 haz been mah favorite year in rap in a long time.
MAYNHOLUP’s top albums/songz uv de year coming wit de nexx RO Uv De Week! i give yall a hint doe…Cocaine iz numba 1.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Not even a top 50 for ‘New Wu’ (or ‘Wu ohh,’ or whatever it was called)? This is a fine list – I’m just a little confused about Turn My Swag On as I seem to recall it making my own humble top best rap of 2008 list.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
noz is clearly swagger jackin your style, tray.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I know you don’t fuck with so called “Backpack” rap, but the new Mos Def is really good, as well as Fashawn’s “Boy Meets World,” and Sene’s “ADayLate&ADollarShort,” do you guys listen to the latter?
December 15th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
no i listen ta Z-Ro.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
“Empire State Of Mind” was a goddamn showtune.
well played, sir.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
H-Town State of Mind>>>>>Empire
and let the record show that I am in full agreement with Maynholup! that Cocaine was the best of the year
December 15th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Fo Yo Sorrows is a better song, but Shine Blockas is soo catchy.
Also, I know it’s not a single, but Ohh! off blaqkout is so sick.
And not even “On to the Next One” or some Ricky Ross?
No Aisha Sekhmet?
December 15th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
And, while gucci isn’t the best to ever touch the mic, he IS a lyricist, with some smart-dumb wordplay. My only misgiving is that some times he comes across as being too one dimensional without enough varied song concepts, but then again, what’s a good rap song if not somebody making saying nothing sound good? And Gucci did go in on those Cold War mixtapes. Danger’s Not A Stranger is the shit.
But that “Georgia” song sounds too much like Aw Naw Hell Naw for my tastes.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Gucci’s skills are as good as any rapper out now. How could somebody claim that a rapper could make great music without being skilled (I mean a weak rapper could have a great song if the production and guest spots were amazing but I don’t think this is what Casey is claiming)?
How would you define rap skill besides ability to make good rap music? “Ability to make good rap music that wouldn’t sound out of place in 1996 NYC?”
And anyone who makes great rap music is a great lyricist. Take a great song and change the lyrics, it won’t sound as good. Just because someone isn’t the hip hop equivalent of the dude awkwardly using big words in convo doesn’t mean they don’t have the ability to find the particular lyrics which will make a great song.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I guess you can say Fabo “Spaceship Man” was a pop song, but it’s a brilliant one. Surprised that no music writer has mentioned it on their year end lists.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Gucci writes retarded rhymes. He may say some clever-ish shit, but the actual rhyming is elementary. “I got dumb money, my bank account is foolish/ red rubies in my belt buckle, did it for tha groupies.” He just rhymed “foolish” and “groupies.” That’s just unimpressive rapping. That doesn’t take away from his ability to make good music, but why pretend that he has to also be some kind of lyrcist?
And a good lyricst isn’t just someone who sounds like they’re from the mid-90s. Lil Wayne displays GREAT lyricism. He comes up with wordplay that’s beyond creative, and puts it together in a natural flow with complex rhyme schemes. Lyricism. Not Gucci’s (entertaining) ABC flow.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
*wonders whether anyone’s gonna humor casey*
December 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
my quik & kurupt choice would be “do you know”
December 15th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
iss safe ta say de official CocaineBlunts mantra iz “we dont bump the blueprint 3″ mayn.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Casy, a mastery of slant rhyme is the cornerstone to any good rapper’s toolshed.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
“On to the Next One” is a good track, though Jay’s voice just annoys me now
December 15th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I’m always mystified by your inclusion of Busdriver on these lists. What is the difference between him and Gift of Gab or Lyrics Born again?
December 15th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
“Watcha Won Do” is the one song I dont like on the Quik/Kurupt album. Which is hands down the best rap album of the year, if one takes resonance with the masses out of the equation.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
“Lil Wayne displays GREAT lyricism.”
“He just rhymed ‘foolish’ and ‘groupies.’”
Not to burst your bubble bro but there are about 300 lil wayne verses i could make this same argument with, just replacing “foolish” and “groupies” with other things
December 15th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
But Wayne also comes with some next level shit which Gucci isn’t capable of providing.
Idk whether anyone is going to “humor me,” but I am wondering whether anyone is actually going to provide a legit defense of Gucci, rather than just vaguely addressing a singluar facet of my argument and acting as though I’m an outsider who isn’t worth the time it takes to type a sentence because I don’t like Gucci Mane for the right reasons.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
i’ll start providing a legit defense of gucci when you quit using vague and useless descriptions of why wayne is better than gucci like “wayne also comes with some next level shit”
December 15th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I’m not arguing Wayne vs. Gucci, don’t try divert the issue. My argument is against bloggers and fans trying to rationalize Gucci as a good lyricist.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I pointed out irrefutably why Gucci is a good lyricist. You admit Gucci’s rapping sounds good. Rap won’t sound good with bad lyrics. It just won’t. Take the lyrics you posted and then write new ones with the same cadence and meter. they won’t sound as good. For any verse, any line, there are a narrow set of lyrics which will make them “work” and the rapper has to have the skill to make them.
Good lyrics need not have “complex rhyme schemes” or metaphors that can stand alone as clever. That’s probably why you got the feeling everyone thinks you’re an outsider. Its easy for a rap neophyte to identify a complex multi or a metaphor that would sound clever outside of a rap song. Unfortunately the fact that most of these neophytes come from a demographic guaranteed to think their tastes are superior (and to have a voice on blogs and publications) combines with the existence of a bunch of “purists” stuck in the past to propagate the meme that this stuff defines rap skill.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Thanks WB…
So what you’re basically saying is that defenders of Gucci as a lyricist have a definition of lyricism than most rap fans? Can’t argue with that haha… and I guess you guys would label what we call “lyricism” as “boring backpack shit.”
I wish fans of “backpack rap” and “LCD rap” could just see the positive sides of each genre instead of dismissing new music…
December 15th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I say if anyone but Gucci Mane was responsible for “Frowney Face”, same lyrics and flow in a different voice, it would’ve been nailed to the wall as a gimmicky hack job hook.
Let me see if I understand, “Best I Ever Had” is an R&B song with 3 verses and I would assume is disqualified COMPLETELY from the list under that logic? Meanwhile the social worker from Precious gets a spot because OJ Da Juiceman makes a cameo and “Successful” is somehow a legit rap song despite a pervasive Trey Songz hook and 3 morose beta verses. Regional bias? Popular bias? Can we just stop beating around the bush and change the blog name to Cocaine Blunts and Gucci/Z-Ro tapes?
December 15th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
I have a different definition of lyricism from the arrogant rap neophytes who are vocal on the internet, not from the majority of rap fans. Gucci is very popular, after all.
I’d define a good lyricist as someone who is good at making lyrics that are enjoyable to listen to. Since Gucci has a ton of great songs, and I don’t think he made them by accident, he is a good lyricist.
And backpack rap inherently sucks. Rappers with a “complex” east-coastish style who are good will never be called backpack rap since that category is defined as rap that appeals to a group defined by their outsider status. I suppose every now and then something falls through the cracks and finds almost all of its audience there even though its good. The Cannibal Ox album is a good example.
…and since you’ve been talking about what is more “impressive” or “skillful”…because there is no ceiling you can’t say one style is more difficult than the other, but its way easier to achieve basic competence going with “complex” lyrics. Anyone with some patience can write some multis that will impress people and make some cool metaphors, but you have to know what you’re doing to make them feel something simple.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
“Let me see if I understand, “Best I Ever Had” is an R&B song with 3 verses and I would assume is disqualified COMPLETELY from the list under that logic? Meanwhile the social worker from Precious gets a spot because OJ Da Juiceman makes a cameo and “Successful” is somehow a legit rap song despite a pervasive Trey Songz hook and 3 morose beta verses.”
He’s got a point there. Honestly, I don’t understand including “Successful” but leaving out “Best I Ever Had” or “Every Girl,” but to each his own.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
But if you describe good lyrics as any lyrics that are “enjoyable to listen to,” then is a song made up of catchy gibberish a lyrically good song?
December 15th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
“I say if anyone but Gucci Mane was responsible for “Frowney Face”, same lyrics and flow in a different voice, it would’ve been nailed to the wall as a gimmicky hack job hook. ”
And if, instead of Jay-Z, a teenage girl had rapped all the lyrics to “Dead Presidents” through her retainer while Ski replayed the beat on a sousaphone, it too would’ve been nailed to the wall as a gimmicky hack job.
It’s a good thing we have context and reality to save us from these fates.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
If Marley Marl had been born with stumps instead of hands, Biz Markie would be considered the greatest producer of all time.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
If Wolfman Jack joined the Furious Five they’d be the Furious Six.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
If you guys noticed the 49 rappers I listed who are not named Gucci Mane then this would be a more interesting discussion.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
“But if you describe good lyrics as any lyrics that are “enjoyable to listen to,” then is a song made up of catchy gibberish a lyrically good song?”
Obviously
Are you dense?
December 15th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
iss not dat complicated yall. if u aint sold on gucci listen ta ‘Classical’, de song wuz made for you.
lmao @ “CocaineBlunts and Gucci/Z-Ro tapes” doe haha ahh mayn
December 15th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
one of the weirdest things about this gucci lyricism argument is that the “lol hipsters” are notoriously bad at describing why gucci is better than, say, yung la. the kinds of folks that ride the bandwagon & are REALLY FEELING diplo remixes of gucci songs often dont seem to ‘get’ gucci’s appeal as a rapper or think its about the ‘vibe’ or the ’sound of his voice’ — like dude on prefixmag saying shit like “It makes you wonder if Gucci could make a track work just by repeating his name for 4 minutes.” Motherfucker no.
rap heads are the predominant gucci fanbase. ive spent this year memorizing verses of his, in a way i haven’t done w/ a new rapper for quite some time. how many times we have to post lyrics on somanyshrimp until folks look at them & say “hey — dudes actually kind of killing it as a lyricist.” this is not some pretend-play-ignorant shit. he is a good rapper, a southern rap lyricist in the vein of a dude like bun b.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
what else is “the aroma from the arizona stronger than ammonia” than a bun-b style “thats how these g’s be, we three, me, C and Master P sippin on Gin and Kiwi, fuck poppin’ in your CD bitch we poppin in them clips”
December 15th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
“But if you describe good lyrics as any lyrics that are “enjoyable to listen to,” then is a song made up of catchy gibberish a lyrically good song?”
Of course. To make an awesome rap song out of gibberish would be a great feat requiring supreme skill. Then again the dictionary definition of “lyric” says it has to be words, so I guess I would call it “very well written vocals.”
I think other genres can have vocals you want to hear without having good lyrics (and I suppose I could add qualifiers to my definition to make it universally applicable), but rap is way more dependent on lyrics.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Hip hop is a genre that was named after catchy gibberish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diiL9bqvalo
December 15th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I think that the fact that you guys are at this point LITERALLY defending the lyrical merits of gibberish satisfies my need to argue with you. We’ll have to agree to disagree.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
noz, top non rap songs/albums?
December 15th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
noz and WB pretty much win this comments section
December 16th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Casey, do you think that if someone had a really good voice and a nice flow they could just plug in any old lyrics and make song of the year quality stuff? Its not hypothetically impossible (imagine Pharoahe time traveling to 1980 and writing some lyrics in 5 minutes) but its not gonna happen.
If you agree that it wouldn’t happen, would you agree that someone who is really, really, adept at finding just the right words to make a song awesome is a good lyricist? I mean, you can’t get a more basic definition than “someone who is good with words in a piece of music”. Therefore, Gucci is a good lyricist.
Would so many people remember the beginning of Rapper’s Delight if it went “i made a ding dong the willie the billie
is a ding ding dong and you wear thongs
the buttocks to the shag shag scoobie say george bush is stupid
to the shaggy of the scooby the snack?”
December 16th, 2009 at 1:12 am
As for the list itself, I agree mostly. I think Mind of a Maniac should have been higher and I’m a Dog on there too. I also think Best I Ever Had and Empire State of Mind should be there. Noz’s explanation of why they’re not implicitly endorses the concept of “real hip hop.”
December 16th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Listen, the argument about Gucci can go on for years. The same thing was going on when P and No Limit were around. I mean, there are people who still geek off of old No Limit shit. Some of the No Limit stuff was so simple, it was brilliant; which is what I believe most see as the appeal of Gucci and his music. I mean, some of Gucci’s music can be hypnotic because of how simple and mind numbing it is, but I think that is the effect Gucci is going for. I am not here to hate on Gucci or those that support him. I believe that most of Gucci’s detractors are upset because there are alot of other artists who put so much effort and emotion into their music and never blow up. I think that most who are into hip-hop are tired of the trap-star turned rapper bit and that is what Gucci epitomizes to the 10th degree.
Truth is, you either like Gucci or you don’t. I particularly don’t care for him but that is because I don’t relate to the content of his music, not because I don’t think he has any talent. I could see myself bumpin’ him in my Ac Legend back in the day because most of his beats thump, but I have grown out of that phase.
Nowadays, I would rather listen to PUTS or some of the shit I grew up listening to. You don’t have to be a fan of what the mainstream is pumping out to you in order to like hip-hop. Just listen to what appeals to you and let the other shit slide!
December 16th, 2009 at 2:00 am
dood what the fuck this list is so much worse than last years
December 16th, 2009 at 2:00 am
I don’t have a horse in the Gucci Mane debate but:
“But if you describe good lyrics as any lyrics that are “enjoyable to listen to,” then is a song made up of catchy gibberish a lyrically good song?”
isn’t this the exact definition of that Blackalicious song where dude raps words in alphabetical order? by the end he’s just yelling out “xylophone” & whatever. & I don’t want to insult those dude by calling them backpack rap but Gift of Gab is certainly a lyrically lyrical type. actually aren’t there tons & tons of lyrically lyrical songs that are made up mostly of catchy gibberish? at least half of what Ghostface says, anyway.
it’s a stupid argument, is what I’m saying. I dunno, just my .02 but it seems pretty obvious that the most simplistic of lines can be absolutely vicious in context. Pimp C was a master of that.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:01 am
“If Wolfman Jack joined the Furious Five they’d be the Furious Six.”
I loved that tho
December 16th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Just forgot one more point.
I think artists like Gucci have their place in hip-hop, that’s for sure. However, I think most are tired of the media, websites, blogs and what have you touting this guy as the next big thing. I mean, I don’t care for Wayne but at least he pumps some emotion and content into his music. Gucci and artists like him make hip-hop appear so one-dimensional and I think that is the major point of contention for those that don’t like him.
Putting a new spin and injecting new wordplay on subjects like partying and getting wasted and rocking chains is one thing, but when that is what is being represented as hip-hop, it gets to the true fans because we know that there is some much more out there that doesn’t get any of the spotlight. It just plays up the stereotypes that most people have of hip-hop fans and miniorities in general.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:33 am
why do people keep parroting the “gucci’s good and all for what he is but it’s simple” line. what’s simple about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6GSzErrLrs
?
December 16th, 2009 at 3:27 am
I think the thing to note about Gucci is that for whatever reason, he doesn’t immediately come across as a “complex” rapper. But, the more you listen to him and the more you pay attention, the more you realize the intricacies and nuances of his style. My response to basically anyone who thinks Gucci isn’t a great rapper is that they simply haven’t listened to enough of him or closely enough to him. He doesn’t always smack you across the face with his perfomative virtuosity the way a Drought 3 Lil Wayne does, but the more you listen to a song like “Frowney Face” or “Hurry” or “Photoshoot” or “At The Store” the more there is to appreciate it.
So yeah, to me, if you’re really arguing that Gucci doesn’t have lyrics and isn’t one of the best rappers doing it right now, you’re either not listening closely enough or haven’t bothered to listen to much more than “Wasted” and his R&B verses.
And lastly, whoever the hell said that Gucci is one-dimensional is down right insane.
-e
December 16th, 2009 at 3:29 am
All that being said, I’m really happy to see Gucci being the most polarizing figure in rap right now. Last year we were having the exact same conversations about Lil Wayne with the exact same polarized response (”He’s the best!” vs “He sucks!”) and i hat polarization was a good indication for Wayne’s career. Hopefully the same will be said of Gucci’s career a year from now.
-e
December 16th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Ummm, why does anyone have to defend Gucci anyway? Can’t you either agree that his music is awesome, or not? Co-sign whoever mentioned “Timothy.”
Was Trap Goin’ Ham ‘08? Also, thank you for putting that Soulja Boy as high as it is, I loved it. “The Bible” was my favorite Lil’ B track, tho. Also, Waka Flocka – Rock Hop was my jam, and G-Side – So Wonderful might be the most original joint that I heard all year. Some others worth mentioning: Beanie – In The Ghetto, and Boosie – This Is What Made Me.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:53 am
On a non-Gucci subject, when is Jay Electronica going to drop something I can hold in my hands?
December 16th, 2009 at 5:25 am
casey
I think that the fact that you guys are at this point LITERALLY defending the lyrical merits of gibberish satisfies my need to argue with you. We’ll have to agree to disagree.
Dec 15th, 2009
you are such a cornball — “i’ll wait till someone LITErALLY defends the lyrical merits of gucci, then dismiss them for doing it.”
December 16th, 2009 at 5:38 am
To high and drunk to read whatever ya’ll dudes talkin bout…
#18 has yelawolf featured on it.
Noz,
Can u correct that please?
Thanks,
-DJ Dirrty
P.S. Or just let these guys go at it, its all good either way. Keep doin yr thang.
December 16th, 2009 at 6:01 am
I think Gucci is a good rapper but I can see where Casey is coming from. He’s hardly the most rabid Gucci hater I’ve encountered. The problems start when everything becomes polarized. Any Gucci fan should be able to explain to themselves why, say, T.I. or Andre3000 are better rappers than Gucci is, even if Gucci is able to make his lyrics sound good over a hot beat. Gucci is a way better rapper than your average trapper, but if you compare him to the cream of the crop, he’ll fall through. If you can’t acknowledge this, there is little point to the discussion. (I know that both Noz and David are perfectly capable of making such a distinction, I’m merely stating what should be obvious here.)
December 16th, 2009 at 6:34 am
When is it safe to start comparing dude to the TIs of the world? I am late to the Gucci bandwagon, but damn if he hasn’t killed 2009
Still curious to hear why no Pill track or Ten Toes Down
December 16th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Just for the record, I am *NOT* of the opinion that either TI or Andre 3000 (two rappers I love) are significantly better than Gucci Mane.
-e
December 16th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Shine Blockas has a better beat and arguably better rapping, but it just isn’t as good of a song as For Your Sorrows is. I’ve listened to the latter probably 10x as much.
Also, has there ever been a guest “verse” shorter than Too $hort’s on that song?
December 16th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Not attempting to question Gucci’s lyrical prowess, I’m a fan but “Frowney Face” fucking blows. It’s a dumb song with an emoticon hook piggy backing off the even worse “Smiley Face”. Not even threatening. If some dude texted me a frowney face I’d laugh and assume he’s a fag. How about “Bachelor Pad”?
December 16th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Arguing about the inherent superiority of backpack rap against all others is like arguing the inherent superiority of Yngwie Malmsteen against all others.
Also, the fact that Max B seems so long ago is emblematic of how fucking fast rap moves.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Great list. I was wondering if you’ll be starring any, or if there are any to star this year.
Also, you didn’t like “Ice Cream Paint Job”?
December 16th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I mostly agree with what Stunt said, except I wouldn’t say dudes like Pharoahe and Acey are the Yngwies of rap. They’re more like the Eddie Hazels.
“Lyricism” is a term that has never been properly defined as far as rap is concerned. Even if you don’t consider Gucci to be a “lyricist” in the traditional sense (I don’t really, but again, poorly defined), you can’t deny that the dude finds more creative ways to express himself than most other rappers in his lane. Compare Gucci’s first verse from “Wonderful” to a Shawty Lo verse some time and you’ll see what I mean.
I mean do you actually think ALL of these people are just making it up and lying to themselves when they talk about Gucci being a great writer?
December 16th, 2009 at 10:30 am
For the record I’d exchange that for Mr. Hit Dat Hoe any day, if that’s the decision it came down to.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am
“Frowny Face” is probably my favorite Gucci song of this year. I’m not sure how it’s “piggy backing off of ” Smiley Face. The 2 songs couldn’t be more different. And honestly, the fact that it’s a response to “LOL Smiley Face” is not only a hilarious act of self-awareness, but the reference also makes for a really effective inversion. Not to mention the song is hard as hell and Gucci just murders it on both verses.
Oh well.
-e
December 16th, 2009 at 10:51 am
That Cold Flamez shit is terrible.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Andre 3000 is 15 years plus into his career. Ok Gucci may have released about as much music as Outkast but at the moment I think he still at a stage of ‘finding his voice’. Over the many, many, many mixtapes he has put out this year (and last) he has experimented with party tracks, trap music, wordplay binges, r&b verses etc. etc. and yet on the album he still seems like he lacks focus. I, perhaps unwisely, said that I wished it was just 10-15 tracks like ‘Dope Boys’, ‘Frowney Face’ and ‘Timothy’ like a modern day Ready To Die but Gucci doesn’t really have the frame of mind or the focus to do it (possibly due to the rumoured drug abuse) and even so, a full on trap album may not be wear his strengths lie.
If there is a traditional route of being a good lyricists though, Gucci is certainly on it: He has his ‘Childrens Story’ (Timothy), his Gin and Juice (Wasted), his Big Poppa (She Got a Friend), his Microphone Fiend (Lemonade). I don’t really care for direct comparisons though and it is disingenuous to say ‘well he can do this and he can do that a high standard, so all is cool.’ I love his rhymes and so to me, he has to be a good lyricist. I think the further down the rabbit hole he goes though (in terms of wordplay, hopefully not a drug reference) he can become a GREAT one.
Also re: Gucci being able to hold a song for 4 minutes saying his name- it is obviously a retarded argument but must point out that Gucci Bandana is halfway there already.
Ok, going to listen to the rest of the 50 because I’ve talked enough Gucci this year already. It’s snowy outside though, buuuuuuuuuurrrrrr.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Noz,
What did you think of that Danny! album ?
December 16th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Is Gucci Mane a good rapper or does he suck? comment section arguments are the ‘09 version of Jay-Z vs. Nas – who won? message board threads.
Forgot to mention Y’All Know What I’m Doing by Tha Dogg Pound ft. Turf Talk. That should’ve been in here instead of that Drake song too.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:15 am
And Big Guns by Black Rob.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:28 am
2. DOOOOPE 10/10
3. Pretty good but I never feel the need to listen again w/ UGK. Glad it exists though. 7/10
4. DOOOOPE need more z-ro in my life. 9/10
5. Really like this. Not used to that nasal voice, def. need to hear more. 9/10
6. Unashamed in my love. Guaranteed smile on my face. 8/10
7. Don’t really like Slim Thug. Z-Ro kills it. J Dawg sounds alright for a fella I am never going to remember or hear again. 6/10
8. Giving a weed carrier a dope beat is tradition. I can see potential for the future but don’t care enough at the moment. 6/10
9. Can’t stand this shit most of the time. 2/10
10. beanie is a dude. still need to buy ob4cl2. 7/10
my internet is dyling, will try the rest later.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:38 am
This entire discussion is 2009. People deciding to discuse Gucci Mane on a blog post that’s actually about something else.
Noz you should just make a post that says nothing but “hey people if you wanna discuss Gucci Mane do it by commenting here, and not on a trillion other blog posts that I wrote that aren’t mainly focusing on Gucci Mane.”
I shouldn’t complain though, atleast we aren’t discussing Drake still…
December 16th, 2009 at 11:59 am
But, anyway, let’s talk about other songs that should’ve been on this list before anything by Drake :
Witchdoctor – Rich And Poor
Curren$y – Scared Of Monstas
Cormega – The Other Side
8Ball & MJG – Ten Toes Down
The Jacka – Crown Me
Otherwise, stellar list.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
@abe beam — dude, the ‘frowney face’ thing is dude being ironic. u think a song w/ lyrics like ‘they bloodied my face badly my last visit to the slammer / but they put me in the hole because i beat him like a hammer’ is earnestly making phone emoticons??
December 16th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
the husulah single that came out right after he was freed had the most incredible beat & despite its lack of rapping is still one of my favorite rap songs this year
December 16th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
i think ten toes down is ok but not really touching ball & g’s best shit this year — if noz’s list is short on anything its that bay area gangster shit which has made up 90% of my non gucci listening this year
December 16th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’d like to see the original top 100
December 16th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
“the husulah single that came out right after he was freed”
do you have a link for that?
December 16th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I think I’m the only person that heard it that didn’t love Jacka’s album. It just ain’t touching The Jack Artist, not even close.
Cosigned on that Hus song though, if it’s the same one I’m thinking of.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
i actually agree with emynd but dude needs to shut the fuck up about it already
December 16th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Husalah – “Pray For You”
http://www.zshare.net/audio/627446980e0f78e8/
December 16th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Does the overlooking of Juice Mannen Hugo’s statement of relief about the dearth of Drake discussions mean there’s still the possibility of discussing where on the hierarchy of innocuity do Rick Ross* and Drake deserve to fall, individually, and the equal measure of potential danger? Drake felt so much more real when he was acting in a wheelchair. But rick Ross felt so much more real when he was a badge and a babyface. I could tell from the pictures! But Rick Ross had the whole uncomfortable CIA/Contras/Crack-Cocaine connection via his non-kingpin related profession, which obvs begs the q, does his promotion of its twin facilitators – real law AND street law – perpetuate or trivialize it?
Possibly of the same importance there’s Drake, who actualized the plight of the disabled rapper’s inability to get genuinely assessed on his abilities, only to become a rapper that’s being assessed on a different type of constraint on ability, specifically lack of rapping prowess. Would his ability to overcome his inability be a success story or a justification of corporatized fictionalization? It’s imperative as the genre classification of “Best I Ever Had” is apparently contentious, and also because the true nature of his stardom ALSO begs closer scrutiny.
*He IS on Gucci’s All About the Money, thus the conversation would invariably lead back to Gucci with a potential factor in the jeopardization of his going straight. Is Rick Ross actually a parole officer in disguise, a secret rent-a-cop the labels keep around? Perhaps a low-level double agent? I mean, he might be the good cop, there to keep a helpful eye and mediate with the real cops in private, or maybe he’s the bad cop, there to get all the benefits while still bring in the counter-rapper evidence. If not Rick, then who? Why is it that Drake REALLY left degrassi?
All I’m looking for is the TRUTH.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
David- what were ball and gs best songs this year, iyo?
Plus, for anyone wants to know the definition of lyrical, listen to “Super Lyrical” by Big Pun. I mean it’s not the best song ever, but to me, lyrical is going in on some Rakim metaphor shit, or some G Rap rhyming-every-word superrappin’ shit.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
PS Gucci can do boh when he wants to
December 16th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I thought Rick Ross had some great songs this year, i don’t care about his checkered past.
And honestly I think Drake has some good punchlines. I just can’t stand his delivery. Smug bastard.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
There’s just something about this list that smacks of “taking my ball and going home”. Then you look at the first half of the Passion list, and I got money on Soderberg simply posting the Huntsville International tracklist. Maybe SFJ had a point.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Also, why has no one mentioned My Own Worst Enemy? I can understand why Noz might put it off, as it might promote the co-optation of pure rap culture by white, moderate, middle class idealism (perhaps the same reason Ohio is on here instead of My Job on account of one’s overt topicality as opposed to the other’s?). I mean there’s Gucci deconstructing/redelineating the paramaters of causality in a rap beef, addressing the other half of the derision directed at his rap celeb status, his unweildy inclinations towards aggression, including the mourning and admonishing of violence against women. The video makes a few shoutouts to the blank check wars on whatever, tieing in to a righteous indignation at him being labeled as ignorant on account of material posessions when the real waste is taking place elsewhere. Then he looks at into the mirror at this one crucial moment, and all of a sudden we’re glimpsing a palpable alienation in a really affecting way. I mean, it’s not an anomaly in his catalogue, but it’s overt, and probably a good way to bait haters invested for the next safeguarding against as of yet unperched preferences.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
“Some of the No Limit stuff was so simple, it was brilliant; which is what I believe most see as the appeal of Gucci and his music. I mean, some of Gucci’s music can be hypnotic because of how simple and mind numbing it is, but I think that is the effect Gucci is going for.”
I think that may be true of some of his pop shit, like Freaky Girl, but ‘Wonderful’ or ‘Lemonade’ are not mind-numbing. Gucci Mane is less Master P than he is Mia X (not that Mia is a good comparison whatsoever, much more straightforward and conventional sort of rapper, but as far as talent and lyrical complexity, he’s closer to her than P).
December 16th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Yeah, Tear Gas was everything The Jack Artist wasn’t, but Jacka made up for it as The Street Album mixtape and the 2 albums with Berner had tons of jams.
Pray For You,/i> by Hus’ is the sort of trend-hopping corniness the Mob Figaz crew used to be the perfect antidote to, so i’m fuckin’ with that A-Wax & Gonzoe in the meantime. Either Natural Disaster with C-Murder or Designer Drugz & Beatdownz with E-40 off that.
Choppa To Ya Dome by Pat, The Ghetto by Beanie and Last 2 by State Prop also deserves a mention.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
“one of the weirdest things about this gucci lyricism argument is that the “lol hipsters” are notoriously bad at describing why gucci is better than, say, yung la. the kinds of folks that ride the bandwagon & are REALLY FEELING diplo remixes of gucci songs often dont seem to ‘get’ gucci’s appeal as a rapper or think its about the ‘vibe’ or the ’sound of his voice’ — like dude on prefixmag saying shit like “It makes you wonder if Gucci could make a track work just by repeating his name for 4 minutes.” Motherfucker no.”
Well yeah he’s lyrically pretty great, has an interesting flow, but it is in part about ‘the sound of his voice.’ Like someone said, ‘Gucci Bandana’ is largely him repeating his name – as you’ll recall he begins or leads in to his verse going, ‘Gucci Gucci Gucci Gucci Gucci Gucci Bandana.’ And that’s actually one of my favorite parts of the song, and I do think there are few rappers with enough personality to pull something like that off. As for why Gucci’s better than Yung LA, it’s partly the lyrics but isn’t it also that Yung LA’s very much a one-trick pony? You listen to a Yung LA mixtape, it’s going to be 20 songs of the same weird delivery and same flow talking about how he’s so futuristic and oozes with fruity swag. Fairly entertaining the first go-around but no variety. Whereas Burrprint’s got a different and novel flow and, uh, ‘vibe’ on each track.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
The main problem with Yung LA, and it’s a big one, is that he completely fucking sucks. Worst shit ever.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Thoughts:
-’Regional bias’ is no excuse for a Wale song imo. Not when Kingpen Slim and Whitefolkz were snapping all year. Especially given that you were practically the only one who noticed in the first place.
-How is it that you hate Drake even more than you do Asher Roth, yet he’s here ahead of Beans or Free Meth & Red or Pill or Juvenile or Doey Rock or Yelawolf? Or even “Do It, Do It”, which you said was the song “Successful” should have been?
Responses to the comments of others:
“What did you think of that Danny! album?”
I would be ashamed if I knew Noz had listened to the Danny! album.
“Gucci Mane can’t rap.” (précis of Casey’s argument)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSE7lztmM04
“Is a song made up of catchy gibberish a really good song?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niklgPHPTAs
December 16th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Wait, what trend is Husalah jumping on with that song? I don’t think I’ve heard anything else like it recently.. Unless you just mean the singing? The beat definitely sounds “Bay” as fuck, in any case.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Autotune, Mark.
Can’t disagree that the beat doesn’t knock, but it’s a little too clean and i guess i’m more of a fan of older Mob Figaz shit where they were a great synthesis of Bay gangsta shit and NY thug rap.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
no curren$y no j cole no slaughterhouse other than that pretty good
December 16th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
.I request the full decade list!
December 16th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
i know where yr coming from but im really digging the bay’s pop moves lately, its like an alternate world pop charts where g rappers make really musical shit appealing to lots of diff audiences … i dont really think the hook on that joint sounds anything like trend-jumping autotune either, its really nothing like a t-pain/akon style track
December 16th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
on i continue before the football
11. Fun. Wish it became a big radio hit that 2009 was missing (Drake didn’t really fulfill). 8/10
12. yr vid stopped working btw. One of those dudes I feel I need to listen to more often; can’t really get it from just one tune. 6/10
13. DOOOOOPE. Wish Jerk would go global. 10/10
14. This guy is dope, need to investigate more. (Sensing a theme here, have really been slacking lately.) 9/10
15. Never really cared for Dipset but this is cool enough. 6/10
16. One of those great singles I’ll forget about for 10 years and reap the rewards of remembering in 10 years time. 9/10
17. Not as good as 9x but still great. Best album rap album I’ve heard this year. 9/10
18. Will download later.
19. “AYE!” is such a horrible sound on these ears. Maybe if it wasn’t every 2 seconds I could deal. Verses are pretty good for a weed carrier. 4/10
20. Dope album, if Fif weren’t such a easy-to-hate personality it wouldn’t have got so slept on. 9/10
21. Kinda dope, would like to hear more from this dude and just. Talking of which, what ever happened to lol saigon? 8/10
22. DOOOOPE. 2 fav breakout artists of the year even if I understand the CBRAPP hesitance. 10/10
December 16th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
‘tear gas’ is def not as good as ‘the jack artist’ but the shit that i dont like is pretty much all those attempts at crossing to other audiences … i dunno i dont want to hear freeway on a jacka album
December 16th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
all albums should have cormega verses though
December 16th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
“No Currensy no J. Cole no Slaughterhouse.”
I think we can rest assured that Noz will never put Currensy, J. Cole or Slaughterhouse on a best-rap list.
But for what it’s worth, I think “Not Tonight”, the one pure triumph on the otherwise mostly shitty Slaughterhouse record, goes harder than a motherfucker. And J. Cole’s verse on the Wale album is incredible.
Speaking of great verses on bad songs, most of the best verses I heard all year were on bad songs. The best:
Freddie Gibbs here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifBuc-MwjIo
Beanie Sigel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS2FfSTr9a4
Bun B here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_2C4o2Gb5s
And, on a song you might have reasonably expected to be bad that turned out to be great, Malice here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbsbv8yHJKA
The very best verse I heard all year was probably Mike Bigga on “Street Cred”, but I can’t call that a bad song. Not with that beat.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
It’s not Husalah’s natural voice, is it David? It’s had something done to it and it just sounds too pristine. It sounds like Enya.
Hearing it just makes me think he’s going to put out another album like The Tonka Boyz, which was an abomination, and the reason the Bay has been so strong this decade has been that it’s existed in its own little world free from trend-hopping and albums full of contrived tracks trying to appeal to every regional demographic.
But i’m kinda stuck in the mud and would just prefer Mob Trial compilations and Jacka/AP.9/Husalah albums executively produced by RobLo or Berner.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I’m not sure how I feel about all the backpack hate here. Sure, it can at its worst be pseudo-intellectual and artsier-than-thou, but I’d rather have that than music that fuels violence, no matter how well it’s done lyrically. I yearn for the day hip-hop returns to the originality in delivery (i.e. Gucci) matching originiality in content (traps, trunks, birds, yadda, yadda, yadda).
December 16th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I’m not exactly sure what everyone’s beef is with Wale, but I would’ve easily put “Diary” on here. Solid track with beautiful production.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
The singing on “Pray For You” reminds me a LOT more of the way modern dancehall/roots reggae singers use auto-tune than Drake or Weezy or anything. I’m pretty sure it’s just a one-off anyway (can you imagine a guy who loves rapping as much as Hus does just giving it up completely?), but it’s a good ‘un.
On a side note, does anyone else think Hus sounds exactly like Ghostface would if he was from Cali? Not talking about rapping styles or anything, but their voices are so similar it’s scary.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Speaking of Bay rap though, that new Souls Of Mischief was surprisingly hot.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
i shd be clear on my ‘appealing to other audiences’ thing cuz im contradicting myself here — i like the pop/musicality of a lot of bay shit, the glossy production of dudes like dj fresh for example, because it feels like the kind of shit that could appeal to a lot of people, including myself — its v. inclusive music but it sounds very much like its own thing at the same time. im w/ you that its this insularity that has allowed the bay to sound so unique, develop in a petri dish kinda thing, but i also like that the scene is open to tons of other influences that are not very overt
stuff on jacka’s record that annoyed me was when it tried to overtly sound like rap outside the bay, shit like the freeway track … it just doesnt work, breaks the illusion of insularity that the scene works in
December 16th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
“David- what were ball and gs best songs this year, iyo?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMkfDlBLSHw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NTZsOSvJm0
December 16th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_27HCgduO4
December 16th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
23. Don’t really like acoustic geetar in hiphop. At least Cadillacs on 22 had a dope beat. Dude’s flow is aiight I guess. 3/10
24. Can’t be bothered finding it.
25. Pretty dope, might find the mixtape if I remember. 8/10
26. See 25. Wish stuff like this was more widespread. Lots of ‘hip hop is dead’ types would most probably be fewer if this was played instead of Asher Roth. 9/10
December 16th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Outta all the songs on Wizard Of Poetry Stapleton Sex makes the list. Granted its funny and Ghost at his filthey best but Lonely, Paragraphs of Love, and Guest House are far better shit Guest House is beyond epic and a fun lil story plus fabo does a good job proving a little does go along ways sometimes
December 16th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Gucci? Flocka? Juiceman? Jesus Noz……SMH……
December 16th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I don’t have much to say cause taste is taste and I happen to agree with many of your picks but..
- Beans ‘The Ghetto’ was stellar, I think that deserves a spot.
- and Jadakiss / Wayne’s ‘deathwish’ was the shit. They both kilt it and that was a strong Alchemist beat. Speaking of which, Alchemist, 36 & Juvie’s ‘That’ll work’ was def top 50 for me.
Blaqkout was album of the year imo.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
“I’m not sure how I feel about all the backpack hate here.”
You are confusing indifference for hate.
Also a lot of my favorite backpacky stuff of the year – Diamond District, Finale, Cormega – was more album oriented.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
“Death Wish” was on last year’s list.
December 16th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
@Jesse S:
“I’m always mystified by your inclusion of Busdriver on these lists. What is the difference between him and Gift of Gab or Lyrics Born again?”
Not that I know Busdriver that well but he seems like much more of a freaking weirdo than Gab or LB with the self-deprecation and super oddball sense of humor. Gab and LB seem more like hippies than Busdriver with the neo-soul/funk throwback shit and they’re only kinda weird, and in a more friendly sort of way.
re: Blaqkout
Quik’s verse on “Fuck Yall” wins for “I only get a temper when I’m talking to the simpletons.” If not that, his talking-to-himself verse on the last song kills too. I’d take either of those ahead of “Watcha Wan Do” but whatever, I’m being nitpicky.
December 16th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
@Supreme Neck Protector
noz had Currensy on one of the prior years best of and “Scared of Monsters” is his best work to date.
the Slaughterhouse stuff is punchline rap at its finest I agree completely on “Not Tonight”.
J. Cole destroys “Beautiful Bliss” and deserves a spot for that or “Grown Simba”
also noz how do you put “Stapleton Sex” on there over “Guest House”?
December 16th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
“Guest House” was cool but I think I prefer this new pervy old man vibe Ghost is coming with on “Stapleton.”
The Slaughterhouse album was pretty wretchedly produced. And I’m a moderate fan of Crooked and Royce.
I didn’t listen to much Currensy or J. Cole this year. I’m open to suggestions though.
Re: Gift of Gab, the first Blackalicious album is an all time favorite of mine so…
December 16th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
“Stapleton” was just too raunchy for my personal tastes but I understand that was the intent of the song. “Guest House” with Fab as the Verizon Fios guy fucking killed me tho.
like I said “Beautiful Bliss” or “Grown Simba” are the standouts from him this year but “Dollar and a Dream II” and “Lights Please” are also very good.
as for Currensy other than “Monsters” these are my favorite tracks
“Elevator Music” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1D-DZNeeHw
“Sleepless in New Orleans” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYbTKm7ZJ0g
thats what these lists are all about tho exchanging and debating music. without this I wouldn’t have ever heard that Playa Fly track and that would be a damn shame.
December 16th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
This is way late, but W.B. or others who consider Gucci Mane to be a top-quality lyricist, how is Plies lyrically?
December 16th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
i was kind of hyped about curren$y dropping a full length this year but the beat selection was too wack to keep on the ipod.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Thanks for including Purse Come First off the UGK album. Definitely one of my favorite songs of the year.
I think this is my favorite top list year after year. Just straight dope always!
December 17th, 2009 at 12:25 am
i got two friends girl and they my nuts
and all my ex girlfriends hate my guts
even tho they out the pond, they still my ducks
and even tho we dont fuck, they still fucked up
cuz you know i hit the pussy like a easy pitch
i take a church girl and make her sleazy bitch
i put out my own records so i’m easy rich
i’m reppin like i’m ruthless so i’m eazy quik
^^if you don’t feel this what is wrong with you, def best quik verse
December 17th, 2009 at 12:56 am
MF,
I forgot about the A-Wax & Gonzoe, there was some good shit on that.. I’m putting it back on my iPod.. A-Wax had another decent ablum this year. Actually I think he’s been sounding better this year than he has for a while, as he was only ever good before on his debut album and when he dissed Mob Figaz, in my opinion.
Also I would have put Ice Cream Paint Job by Dorrough on any top 50 list of the year, forgot most of the verses but still it’s jammin.
And Roach Gigz needs to be mentioned as a Bay Area stand out, with two mixtapes out (one dropped mid-december or so last year).
December 17th, 2009 at 1:42 am
“Also I would have put Ice Cream Paint Job by Dorrough on any top 50 list of the year, forgot most of the verses but still it’s jammin.”
Meh, that was an oversight but I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the record.
Roach Gigz are kind of annoying.
December 17th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Am I the only one who doesn’t find “Stapleton Sex” that raunchy? Like, is everyone prudes when it comes to sex? Ghostface sounds like he’s just old enough that he doesn’t give a fuck about coming off as “weird” and is embracing what he likes to do when fucking. And good for him, I say.
December 17th, 2009 at 8:53 am
This list made for some great listening – I keep up as best as I can, but I’m glad this site exists, otherwise there are some songs on this list I wouldn’t have heard.
I know this is a songs list, but mixtapes get more coverage than albums here (with a few exceptions). What are the handful of albums that came out this year you think are worth spending $10-$18 on?
That question’s for everyone, but Noz too.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Kidd Bristol — I think a number of folks’ lists are gonna be mixtape-heavy because so much of the best rap music nowadays is released on mixtapes. It’s almost a cliché at this point that any given artist’s official album will be a watered down or otherwise inferior version of what made his mixtapes worthwhile. I heard a few pretty good albums this year, but the only genuinely great one was Cuban Linx II. The others in my top five — Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik, 4075 The Refill, The Broad Street Bully, Liquor Store Mascot, all of them near-classics — weren’t actually albums at all.
Speaking for myself, I did spend cash money to pick up a CD copy of Marco Polo & Torae – Double Barrel. The production is fucking bonkers. But Torae is so crushingly bland as a rapper that, even though he pretty much does what he has to do to prevent it from being a less-than-great listen, it’s still a little dispiriting to think about what a more inventive rapper could’ve done, knamtalmbout?
I also quite liked Us, the Brother Ali album, but then I’m a big Brother Ali fan, and I know Noz isn’t. Besides which, it’s not quite in the league of his other two anyway. But it’s still a damn good listen — the first two tracks, “Street Preacher” and “House Keys”, and the fifth, “Tight Rope”, are incredible. And there’s a great Freeway guest shot.
Surprised to see Noz enjoyed Finale. That isn’t an album I’m passionate about, but it’s very accomplished. “A Reason” is a great song.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:09 am
The beats on Double Barrel are INSANE. Marco Polo is doing Premier better than Premier right now.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Something from the DOOM too, maybe? Cellz, Gazillion Ear or Batty Boyz.
Cold Hard World by MJG ft. T-Rock & Daz is the shit too.
Noz, i’d recommend these 3 Curren$y tracks from This Ain’t No Mixtape :
Scared Of Monstas
Get It Ya Self
Power Button
December 17th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
27. It’s like they took what was great about Clipse and spat on it. Can’t even pretend to care. 4/10
28. DOOOOOPE. We can all hope in the future Wacka Flocka can take Killer Mike’s route of finessing yr skills till no longer thought of as a weed carrier but as good as yr bros. 9/10
29. LOVE THIS. It sucks though that 900k youtube views doesn’t translate to 900k radio plays or purchases or whatever though. Stuff like this deserves to go global instead of just being buried on rap blogs. 10/10
30. 8ball and mjg are legends in an alternate hiphop history to the one I was bought up to believe, just before the southern boom. Its been nearly a decade but I’m still trailing behind. This is dope but I couldn’t pretend like I’m up on the context or whatever, in terms of career. 7/10
31. The death of the market seems to have bought back the DITC spirit, which can’t help but make me smile. 8/10
December 17th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
“Marco Polo is doing Premier better than Premier right now.”
This I’m not sure I can agree with. I think the folks who and lambaste New York for having run out of creative energy are on point, for the most part, but I hate it when they add Premier-bashing to the mix. Because unlike, say, Nas or DITC, I think Premier is every bit as creatively vital as he used to be, easily still one of the greatest producers in the game and the world, right now. He’s been so consistently impressive that no fewer than three of my personal top ten Premier beats were made in the last three years. Looking at that, and then thinking about how long it’s been since Diamond D or Large Professor or even Pete Rock did anything similarly vital, it’s striking. His taste in rappers is still shitty (Evidence? Termanology?) but his beats matter as much as ever.
Unfortunately, the rest of New York is completely fucking moribund. I still enjoy the new shit by vets like M.O.P, AZ, Dres, G Rap, and I do respect Joell Ortiz. But realistically Raekwon is now the only rap act in New York who really matters. And he’s 39!
December 17th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
props to noz for remembering that playa fly track btw
December 17th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
and props to u David for putting me on to that Red Café “Heart n soul of NY” that Pete Rock produced
December 17th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
@ Supreme Neck Protector
I agree about Diamond D and Extra P, but I would say that the Pete Rock/Kurupt record from about 18 months ago totally clears him of any other wrongdoing of late (not that I’ve been following enough to notice any of it).
December 17th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
“and props to u David for putting me on to that Red Café “Heart n soul of NY” that Pete Rock produced”
That was a massive omission, I jammed that a lot this year.
December 17th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
tangerine dream samples 4ever
December 17th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
that Mouse single had me goin retardo since i heard it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZrJuO3dgL0
December 17th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I’M GOD WAS DEFINITELY MY SONG OF THE YEAR
I LISTENED TO IT EVERY DAY DRIVING TO MY JOB ON THE FARM
December 17th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
@Supreme Neck Protector
Dude, please don’t misunderstand me. That was mostly a comment about how shockingly good Marco Polo’s production on Double Barrel was than any sort of backhanded diss toward Premo. While I am certainly NOT of the opinion that he’s as good as he used to be (his drums don’t hit as hard anymore), he’s still one of the greatest producers to ever do it, and he hasn’t fallen off THAT much. He can still chop up a sample and scratch a hook better than just about anyone alive. His beats on that Blaq Poet album were pretty fantastic. It’s just a shame that for the past several years he’s insisted on working with rappers that are just destined to stay mediocre forever (Termanology, not Poet).
I still think that Marco Polo had a stronger year than he did, though. It’s insane how a guy that does literally nothing but pay tribute to his influences can perfect his style so much that his music could easily be mistaken for one of the greats.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:55 am
@ Kid Bristol: The albums that I actually bought this year were I’m Thraxx, BlaQKout, Georgiavania and Tinted Incubators. I realize that I’m probably the only person on earth that likes those last two…
Also, Noz, as much as I love Mind of a Maniac, why does it get the nod over This is What Made Me? Just curious.
December 18th, 2009 at 1:23 am
[...] 4. Best Rap 2009, from someone that would know [Cocaine Blunts] [...]
December 18th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Looking at your list shows how bad rap has actually got.
When a short yellow bus riding rapper takes the top spot you might as well just kill the Genre.
If it’s not dead already.
It really say’s more about us as a people and where we are at.
The day Gucci is seriously considered the best rapper of the year
tells you all you need to know.
The dumbing down is complete.
I just could never listen to him because I don’t usually sit and listen to conversations between retarded people.
Seriously. It sounds like I’m listening to a person with a learning disability.
It’s so easy a caveman can rap and the south would think he’s hot.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:11 am
“fuck a hater i blow acres of jamaica in decatur”
December 18th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I miss the asterisk signaling availability on vinyl.
December 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
the shark’s got it rite, y’all.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Amazing.
“Or is there some sort of creepy manchild contingent that pushes records like “Stanky Leg” into the upper reaches of the charts? ”
No disrespect but who did you list as your #1 artist for 2009.
Gucci. The next Lil Flip.
POSK: The hater is the person that hates the truth. I’m sorry but I come form the rewind that tape era. The era when you had to actually have a brain to get the lyrics.
I know what Gucci is going to say before he say’s it because he raps like a Dr. Seuss book. Maybe that’s your reading level.
One syllable or two syllable words. That’s it.
Lyricist, Word play and Gucci in the same sentence should be a crime. LMFAO
Maybe your easily impressed or maybe your just simple.
I come form an era when rap used to help you learn about your blackness instead of every song telling us how to kill the next black man and fuck up our communities.
You could put on a Public Enemy, Ghost, Nas, Krs1 album on right now and it still knocks. Are you still listening to Lil Flip. Master P, Slim Thug etc.
In two years you will be like Gucci who.
Go listen to Lyrics of Fury by Rakim and then your favorite Gucci song.
It’s like pee wee and the pros.
mrfrosty
the shark’s got it rite, y’all.
Peace Mr. Frosty.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
“POSK: The hater is the person that hates the truth. I’m sorry but I come form the rewind that tape era. The era when you had to actually have a brain to get the lyrics.”
So the best lyricists are those who make lyrics that are difficult to understand? Does this apply to math teachers and instruction manuals?
December 18th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
do you fools listen to jigga or do u just
skim through itjock himDecember 19th, 2009 at 5:33 am
That Sharksbreath post made me feel like I was reading some sort of peculiar postmodern poetry about rap criticism, what with the line breaks and all.
December 19th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
i agree, “fo yo sorrows” over “shine blockas” is an easy choice
but so is shine blockas over… “never hungry” by pink dollaz (and probably numerous other songs on the list)
December 19th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I also miss the vinyl asterisk. I copped a lot of good 12″s from the 2008 list that I didn’t know existed on wax.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Yeah, i never knew Haterz Everywhere came out on 12″ before the ‘07 list.
Is this the first ever year end list here where none of the entries got released on 12″? I think the only new 12″ i bought in ‘09 was the J. Period Q. Tip tribute sampler EP with De La’s version of Excursions on it.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:01 am
There was a 12″ for “Turn My Swag On” and I think that’s it. I wrote an article for NPR about all this. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121483273
Comments are disenchanting: “I became a vinyl collecter this year too, and I love it! There’s not a lot of rap I like, so I don’t have any records like these. If someone like John Forte released to vinyl, I’m sure I’d spring for that.”
December 20th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
haha john forte??!
December 20th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
are the people who dislike gucci the same people who still ride for Guru in 2009?
December 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
“Doing Just Fine” is far and away my favorite rap song of the year. Great to see it on the list. When Z-Ro gets on that smooth slow riding country rap tune shit, nobody can really fuck with him. Hell, that song might be my favorite Z-Ro song ever.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
…and no, I didn’t just start listening to the dude.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:39 am
Interesting wax piece.
I’m not so much bothered about albums not getting vinyl releases anymore as a cd is handier to have, but it’s really sad to see the death of the 12″ in rap as its the best format ever.
I’d sell Joe Budden’s soul to Lucifer without a 2nd thought for a copy of 9 Times Outta 10 on 12″.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:36 am
Noz, always thought you were forward-looking (still do), but no Plies? He made “Wasted”! (Unless you had an uncle who actually drank Thunderbird.)
December 21st, 2009 at 7:03 pm
nobody will read this since im too late, but what about california? the jacka’s album tear gas came out this year. even more importantly, what about the livewire crew? dj fresh is the worlds freshest dj. all that j stalin has done this year? young gully?
this would definitely be #1 on my list (besides gucci):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GduWHoDKDkY
i really have been diggin what pill and freddie gibbs have been doing, im glad they made the list. and the year has undoubtedly been all about gucci mane.
December 21st, 2009 at 9:05 pm
yeah ive been listening to tons of that stuff lately, did a brief email interview w/ dj fresh that’ll be up on the shrimp in the next week or two
December 21st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
i look forward to reading that interview. i appreciate your blogging as well, david shrimp.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:48 am
not very best
December 24th, 2009 at 11:17 am
So “No Hoe (remix)” fills the spot for the song you champion early in the year during a dry spell that I really like that winds up near-topping my year end best list an absent from yours? I’m still shocked you left out “Look back At Me” last year.
Good list, particularly considering this has been the least interesting year for rap music since you started this site. How was that Busdriver album?
December 26th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Starlito’s new tape with Burn One might be the best thing he’s released all year.
January 1st, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I just discovered I can neatly plot my dwindling enthusiasm for hip-hop using NOZ’s best-of-year lists. Below are the numbers of song per year I’ve even heard, regardless of whether I hate or love them. Sad. The one this year is Purse Come First, which I only heard because I’m an inveterate UGK fan. But I preferred Harry Asshole and Game Been Good to Me to Purse Comes First, even if the latter was pretty much a remake of Game Belongs to Me.
2005: 18
2006: 10
2007: 5
2008: 4
2009: 1
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:25 pm
So having been overseas and not paying attention to hip-hop seriously since ‘07, I gotta admit I’m confused and am looking for answers to a few perplexing questions:
1) Why do people find Gucci Mane a good artist? I can’t find anything good about him. In my mind, he’s the second-worst artist of the decade, after T-Pain.
2) How come so many songs are focused on the club scene? I guess since I have zero interest in clubbing, listening to lyrics about being up in the club and getting drunk and taking chicks home doesn’t appeal to me. But where’s the diversity?
3) Why doesn’t anyone consider “Death of Autotune” the hottest record of the year? Both the lyrics and the beats, that was my favorite jam of the year by far. It’s an instant classic to me.
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:21 pm
What about I’m A Dog by Lil Boosie? That song is top 100.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Noz,
Give Roach Gigz another try he’s gassin. In the next few weeks he has a tape with Messy Marv coming out. He’s making the most exciting music out of the bay right now.
January 20th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
fuck this is all trash…. Gucci Mane should be nowhere near this list. His lyrics are absolute shit, and his beats are crafted with little to no expertise. If this is the top hip hop for this year, we should start jumping ship.
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:49 am
only good song. 41
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 pm
[...] it a lot with Rappin 4 Money getting a majority of play. I was also reminded about it when I sawnoz’s 09 list mention it. It really is a great track that just brings some of that enegry of greenthink tapes but [...]
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:38 pm
mäh rappiN4money,,,,,iis not the only good song but the only giggity giggity goo one. (sometimes shortened to simply “giggity” or slowing it down, replacing “goo” with “gi-ggi-ty”)