One of my favorite producer/MC's, Black Milk, recently announced that he's coming out with a number of releases in 2010. Hailing from Detroit, he's made it a known fact that he means to continue the late J Dilla's legacy, while establishing his own. I'm a huge fan of sample-based producers like Just Blaze and Kanye West, but Black Milk's style is completely unique. His ability to chop obscure samples into something totally unrecognizable, yet dope, is what sets him apart from everyone else. Below I've posted the latest leak from one of his upcoming projects. It's classic Black Milk, so enjoy.
Take a look at a preview of Black Milk's upcoming releases in 2010, including the highly anticipated collaboration with Guilty Simpson and Sean Price, known as, Random Axe.
Back from a self-imposed hiatus, Charles Hamilton is back with his latest mixtape, Normalcy. I haven't listened to it all the way through, but it's great to see him back to doing what he does best. Love him or hate him, the kid can spit. And yes, while his antics from time to time are baffling, he makes good music, and that's all that matters.
*This is a .rar file, so you need a .rar expander to open it up. Once again, just google ".rar expander" and it should be one of the first links. It's free, and it takes two minutes to set up.
Also, check out the vid for "Charles Hamilton Is Back," below...
As the New Year approaches, my excitement is growing just thinking about the sheer amount of potentially amazing CDs that could come in 2010. Included in that list is The Cool Kids' official debut, When Fish Ride Bicycles. While no release date has been set, The Kids have never failed to deliver great music. Once again teaming up with DJ/Producer Don Cannon, they've decided to drop a 4 song EP just in time for Christmas. As always, the music is fresh...
As the 4th quarter of 2009 comes to a close, we can only look ahead to the future. And my God does it look bright. As good as this past year was (and it was pretty damn good), I think it's fair to say that 2010 could blow away '09. So without further ado, let's see why next year could be one of the greatest in Hip Hop history.
The Game- The R.E.D. Album
When Game announced that L.A.X. was going to be his last album, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who smelled 'BS' in the air. As soon as he announced that he would be releasing The R.E.D. Album, Hip Hop fans began to wonder what direction he would go in this time. Thus far we know that the album is going to be executive produced by Dr. Dre (which marks the first time they've worked together since his first album) and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. A virtual 'who's who' of producers are said to be contributing including Timbaland, DJ Premier, Just Blaze, RZA (!) and Polow Da Don. Since Dr. Dre is co-executive producing this album, hopefully it'll be a little more cohesive than his last two albums, which had one too many filler tracks.
Common- The Believer
Many fans (including myself) were disappointed with Common's last album, Universal Mind Control. While there were definitely some jams on there, it simply lacked the 'Hip Hop' feel that we've come to expect from Common. Well, consider this a return to form because Kanye is back as executive producer, with No I.D. and Twilite Tone (who produced the majority of the songs on Common's first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar). In a recent interview, Common stated, "we know that we want to do some raw Hip Hop. That's exactly the direction and feel we want, so that's the basis of it. 'Ye and I definitely know we want to do some pure Hip Hop." That's good news for the rest of us.
Dr. Dre- Detox
Ahhhh, yes... Dr. Dre's Detox. Is it real? Is it a myth? Well, the good news is that it is real, and there are rumors that it is near complete. Supposedly, it's going to be released after Relapse 2, but once again, the only person who really knows for sure is Dre. This is easily my most anticipated CD of all time, regardless of the genre. Armed with the usual suspects of the Aftermath production crew (Denaun Porter, Mel-Man, DJ Khalil, Dewaun Parker) as well as outside production from Timbaland and Just Blaze, I think it's fair to say that this album could be one of the greatest ever.
Eminem- Relapse 2
When Eminem declared that he would be releasing two CD's after quite a lengthy hiatus, I was skeptical to say the least. To say that I loathe album filler tracks is an understatement. I'll always take an album with 13 songs, that I can play all the way through, over a double-disc album that I have to skim through. Personally, I thought Relapse was a bit of a let-down. It was great to hear Em rhyming again, but once again, I found myself skipping a lot of the tracks just to get to the few that I liked. Dre's production, which is usually always on-point, seemed uninspired and lackluster. Fast-forward to the sequel, and we're set for what one writer claimed to be "The Dark Knight of Hip Hop album sequels." If Relapse was more along the lines of The Slim Shady LP, then Relapse 2 is The Marshall Mathers LP. Said to be more personal than his previous albums, Em said he went in an entirely different direction than originally planned since he decided to work with Just Blaze and Denaun Porter for the majority of the album.
NaS & Damian Marley- Distant Relatives
Shrouded in mystery, little is known about Distant Relatives, and that's exactly how NaS and Damian Marley want it. Meant to shed light on Africa, DR is more than just a collaboration of two great artists. Both Nasir and Damian have stated that they have looked for an opportunity to speak 'the truth' regarding Africa's standing in the world, and this is the opportunity to do so. Regardless of how you feel about the topic, one thing is certain... the music will be dope. Damian is doing most of the production, although I'm sure Salaam Remi and other past contributors will make appearances. Check out the EPK below for an exclusive peek at some new fire off the album.
I'll admit, when I first heard about Drake, I was not impressed. It wasn't that the dude was bad, he was actually decent, I just didn't understand what all the hype was about. I still think he's way over-hyped, but after hearing "Fear," "Successful," and "Forever," I'm starting to believe in him a little more. Everyone and their mother is going to be featured on this album... it's said that Jay-Z, Eminem, Kid Cudi, Game, Pharrell, and obviously Lil Wayne are onboard. Most of the production is going to come from Drake's in-house producers Noah '40' Shebib and Boi-1da, but apparently Eminem, Dewaun Parker, and The Neptunes have made contributions as well. For more information, check out The Orlando Magic's recent post 'Thank Me Later.'
Madvillain- N/A
A few months ago, when word began to spread that Madlib and DOOM had finally hit the studio to work on the official sequel to Madvillainy, I'm pretty sure the Hip Hop world rejoiced. The first Madvillain album was nothing short of incredible, and Madlib and DOOM complement each other perfectly. Who knows when this album will get released, but representatives from Stones Throw said it's coming in 2010. If you're not familiar, you need to get familiar...
Lil Wayne- Tha Carter IV
With most of the attention on the upcoming Young Money and Drake albums, as well as Wayne's foray into the rock world with Rebirth, it's easy to forget about what we all know is coming somewhere down the line... The Carter IV. Obviously not much has been said about it, but Wayne recently announced that it will be released late in 2010. In the meantime, check out one of the most recent (and best) leaks off of Rebirth...
Ghostface, Raekwon & Method Man- Wu Massacre
Without a doubt one of my most anticipated albums, the minute I heard about this collaboration I was in near disbelief. First of all, with Raekwon signed to EMI/Ice Water, and Ghostface and Method Man signed to Def Jam, I had no clue how they could make this happen. Although details have not been announced regarding the label situation, apparently they have it all figured out as a release date has been set for February 9th, 2010. So far, word is Allah Mathematics and RZA are doing most of the production but that could change as more information comes out. And if you missed it, make sure you check out Meth Vs. Chef Pt. II.
The LOX- New L.O.X. Order
As a collective group, the last time we heard from Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch, otherwise known as The LOX, was way back in 2000 with their album We Are the Streets. Since then, all three have released albums, some better than others, but no one has ever denied their chemistry. Not a lot is known about this album, but it's safe to assume that the usual suspects from the Ruff Ryders crew will make appearances, and Swizz Beatz will be doing a vast amount of production. Recently, Diddy announced that The LOX re-signed to Bad Boy, and the new album will be jointly released with Interscope. This is also great news, because no matter what anyone says, Diddy knows Hip Hop; the dude executive produced all of Biggie's albums. With Puffy in their corner, expect The LOX to come out swinging.
If you've never heard of Rhymefest, he's an artist from Chicago, who released his first album Blue Collar back in 2006. He is a great lyricist and is also known for co-writing Kanye's Jesus Walks.
Here is the video for the song Give It To Me of his upcoming album El Che. Not only do I think the song is dope, but this could be one of my favorite video concepts in a while.
After much anticipation, the first song from the upcoming Method Man, Raekwon & Ghostface CD has leaked online. The track, which is supposed to be a sequel to the first "Meth Vs. Chef," off of Method Man's first CD Tical, is a banger. And if this track is any indication of what's to come, then this album is going to be one of the best of 2010. Produced by Wu-Tang in-house producer, Mathematics, Meth and Rae trade bars over a grimy Wu flavored beat. However, one of the best parts is when Meth and Chef exchange 'yo momma' disses a la the song "Method Man" off of Enter the 36 Chambers... it's pure comedy, check it out.
As much as every Kid Cudi fan was excited for Man on the Moon: The End of Day, I could probably say I'm anticipating the Cudder LP ten times more. I'm about as excited for this as I originally was for The Clipse's 'Til The Casket Drops. In an interview he did with MTV News, Cudi talks about the album, saying "It's gonna be the complete opposite of what Man on the Moon was. Man on the Moon was so serious. This one is gonna be more playful and fun. It's about having a good time."
This makes me especially optimistic because I'm hoping for Cudi to take what originally attracted me to him, his impressive mixtape catalog, and use that same upbeat and progressively flow he has to the next level. According to Cud, he has already lined up Snoop Dogg, Travis Barker, The Clipse, and Pharrell for the album, and I'm sure we can expect some involvement from Kanye - be it with a featured verse or production. He also mentions that he was looking to involve Green Day and Kings of Leon, as well.
Until then, we can only hope that he continues to release freestyles and features for all of us to enjoy alongside his mixtapes and album. A few days ago, he put out this freestyle over Vampire Weekend's Ottoman. The name Cudderisback is misleading though, because the creative Cudi never left.
Cudi was also recently featured on the G.O.O.D Music remix of Consequence's Whatever U Want. The remix features a line-up of artists from Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label, and they all showcase their individual skills on the track.
Drake is argueably the rapper with the biggest buzz in the hip-hop industry right now. His talent and rise to popularity with the help of Lil' Wayne has made him quite successful very quickly. But with several mixtapes out to date, everyone is waiting on his freshman album, Thank Me Later.
The album is expected to release in March of 2010, so we will have to wait a few months before you can "buy two and claim you got it for your sister." According to Drake, in the below interview, his debut album is set to feature the likes of Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Young Jeezy, as well as a "mystery guest" who I hear is rumored to be Kings of Leon. With a line-up like that, this album has the potential to set the bar high early in the year for other hip-hop albums.
With at least four months until the albums release, I'll leave you with some real early Drakeuntil we next hear from the kid. Not quite sure where this track is coming from, but it is circa 2006, around the time he released his first mixtape, Room For Improvement. His style remains the same, maybe with a little more emotion now, but this verse he serves up is pretty tight.
Another track that he recently released, comes from a studio session with Colin Munroe, who I featured here, but it doesn't seem to be featured on Thank Me Later. This track couldn't be any different from the early track above. Personally, this track doesn't really do it for me, but it's something to hold Drake fans out there over.
