2009 Midway Point Rankings

Two things...

1. What are the 5 best albums to you that have came out so far?

2. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best how would you rate the overall quality of the albums in 2009 so far?

Holy shit, it's already midway.

Top 5, so far:

Jay Stay Paid- A full 5 stars from me
UGK 4 Life- 4.75 stars. May reach 5 stars with time
Relapse- 4.5 stars. Great comeback album, I'm not even an Em fan
Double Barrel- 4 stars. Overrated by this forum, IMO, but one that grew on me over a few listens. 'Double Barrel' and 'Hold Up' are classic tracks
Boss Of All Bosses- 4 stars. Slim Thug holds down the South with a good ass album.

Haven't heard a few albums, yet, and Budden will probably make the list after a few more listens (only played "Padded Room" once or twice), but 2009 will be one of the better years in recent history. I mean, Royce and Slaughterhouse haven't even dropped, yet!!

I haven't heard Jay Stay Paid, but trust that it won't crack my top 5, or even top 10.

1. Relapse - 5 stars
2. Padded Room - 4.25 Stars
3. The Last Kiss - 4 Stars
4. Finale - A Pipe Dream and A Promise - 4 Stars
5. Blackout! 2 - 4 Stars


HM: BlaQKout - Still making my mind up on this one, there are some truly garbage tracks on here, but some 5 star tracks too. If you haven't heard it "Do You Know" is the track of the year and a summertime anthem dogg, turn the system up and roll the windows down and blast this shit up and down the block.
Slim Thug - Boss of all Bosses
Saigon - All in a Day's Work




Overall this year gets a 3 so far. Some weak ass shit (Mos Def, DOOM, Reks, Stoupe, Tech N9ne, Tanya Morgan, Cunninlynguists, B-Real, etc.) and besides the 8 albums I listed, not feeling anything else at all from this year, and only one album above 4.25 Let's hope the 2nd half picks it up, but I see nothing on the horizon that makes it look that way.

1. D-Sisive - Let the Children Die
2. Mos Def - The Ecstatic
3. P.O.S. - Never Better
4. Tanya Morgan - Brooklynati
5. K-Os - Yes!

Don't know how to rate the year, I've found enough good Hip-Hop to have a good rotation, but I listen to a lot of stuff outside Hip-Hop, so I might not need as many albums to be satisfied as some people.

no order

Dilla - Jay Stay Paid
Eminem - Relapse
Mos Def - The Ecstatic
DOOM - Born Like This
Meth & Red - Blackout 2

honorable menion:
Raekwon - Blood on Chefs Apron (mixtape)

wouldnt be surprised if by the end of the year my list is completely different with albums like Cuban Linx 2, Street Hop, Relapse 2, Slaughterhouse, Dopium, KRS ONe/Buckshot, and Random Axe yet to come out...i havent heard BlaQkout yet but im probably pickin it up Tuesday, im disappointed at the underwhelming reviews

Eminem-Relapse
POS-Never Better
Bizzy Bone-Back With The Thugz
Tech N9ne-Sickology 101
Haystak Natural II
Haystak & Oktaine-Double Jeapordy



Honorable MentionPaleface-Feast Or Famine, Jelly Roll-Hate Goes On, Brother Ali, Cage

Shit I still need to buy-Joe Budden, UGK, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, DJ Paul, Dj Quik/Kurupt, Bubba Sparxx


Shit that's comin out: Slaughtahouse, Twista, Prozak, Tech N9ne, Bizzy Bone/Bad Azz, Bone Thugs, Bizzy Bone, Haystak, Royce, Crooked I, LCN, Q Unique, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Jay-Z, Eyedea & Abilities, Big Boi, Sandman, Chino Xl, Cage, Copywrite...and many many more

UGK 4 Life
Relapse
Padded Room
Smoke N Mirrors
The Truth Is Here

Why is Steve the only one to rate the year so far? Read people..lol.

My top 5

Bro Ali- Truth Is Here
J-Ro- Rare B-Boy Funk Vol. 2
Enimen- Relapse
UGK- 4Life
Jadakiss- The Last Kiss

2009- 3.25 I must admit I am impressed so far with the quality dropping. B-Real, T KASH, X-Clan, Meth/Red, Asher Roth, I mean all these bang.

Wow...cannot believe it's midway yet.

UGK - "4 Life" - 4.75/5 - Definitely my favorite this year. Coming from a biased UGK stan.

Bizzy Bone - "Back With The Thugz" - 4/5 - Another personal favorite of mine.

Tech N9ne - "Sickology 101" - 4/5 - I liked every song on here except "Ghetto Love". Definitely better than I anticipated.

J. Dilla - "Jay Stay Paid" - 4/5 - I'm a sucker for instro albums. This is no exception.

Eminem - "Relapse" - 4/5 - I don't think it's as good as Steve hypes it up to be. But definitely a great comeback.

It's not midway yet... that's at the end of june... dummies...

But anyways, I cosign Shon's list with the exception of Torae - i replace that with Sickology 101...

everyone else's list is hot garbage except Linker - but linker's bizzy bone pick puts his list in the recycling bin...

overall year is rated at 3.5 - solid - nothing amazing.

smh

i still have to pick up Smoke N Mirrors how is that album?

id give the year a 3.25 so far agree with Kev

Replace my Bizzy Bone pick with Smoke N Mirrors. I forgot about that one.

Joe Budden- Padded Room (4.5 stars)
J Dilla- Jay Stay Paid (4.5 stars, would have rated it a classic if it had more rhyming)
UGK- 4 Life (4.5 stars)
Eminem- Relapse (4.25 stars)
Mos Def- The Ecstatic (4 stars)

So far this year is about a 3.25. No classics as of yet so I can't rate it higher. There's defintely hope though with the stuff that's coming out.

Dilla - Jay $tay Paid
POS - Never Better
Mr. Lif - I Heard It Today
Grouch & Eligh - Say G&E!
DOOM - Born Like This

Damn, I haven't heard Mr. Lif, G&E, or Finale. I forgot all about those

nobody likes the new Lif CD but me Shon, hiphopdx gave it 4 stars tho. I think it's his best album he's ever done

I've heard a few samples and it sounds real good. I was gonna pick it up the other day at FYE, but I got Double Barrel and JSP instead

Top 5 so far:

Tanya Morgan "Brooklynati" (5 stars)
Bicasso & DJ Fresh "Rebel Musiq" (5 stars)
Brother Ali "The Truth Is Here" EP (5 stars)
UGK "UGK 4 Life" (4.5 stars)
B-Real "Smoke N Mirrors" (4.25 stars)

Honorable mention:
Blame One "Chasing Days" (4 stars...so far)

Still gotta cop Jay Dee, which will probably make the list.

Just thought I'd mention a few that aren't getting attention.

Divine Minds and Soulklap: The Quan (free album)
Del: Funky Man (free album)
U-N-I and Ro Blvd: Love Supreme (free album)
Kero One: Early Believers
Rise and Avid Record Collector: Risen
Braille and Symbolic One: Cloud Nineteen

Kid Joe wrote:

Just thought I'd mention a few that aren't getting attention.

Divine Minds and Soulklap: The Quan (free album)
Del: Funky Man (free album)
U-N-I and Ro Blvd: Love Supreme (free album)
Kero One: Early Believers
Rise and Avid Record Collector: Risen
Braille and Symbolic One: Cloud Nineteen

Definitely liking that Rise & Avid. I REALLY need that Kero One. I may buy that soon. Is it better than "Windmills"?

Torae, Tanya Morgan, J Dilla, K'Naan, Method Man & Redman, K-Os, Doom, Classified, Mr. Lif, Moka Only, Abstract Rude and Grand Analog all dropped shit i was really enjoying. I have not played these albums enough as of yet to rank them or even pick a top 5. I well say that so far this year i have heard a lot of different types of sound, not your typical hip hop albums. Some hate this, but im kind of enjoying the change but i dont know if i can really call from of it hip hop.

"Del: Funky Man (free album)"

I got this off Myspace, but I forgot to listen to it

Shon wrote:

"Del: Funky Man (free album)"

I got this off Myspace, but I forgot to listen to it

This is pretty damn good material, Shon. I'd say it's FAR better than "11th Hour", but still not up to par with his best....I don't think he'll ever top his debut or Deltron 3030 though.

KRob86 wrote:

Two things...

1. What are the 5 best albums to you that have came out so far?

2. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best how would you rate the overall quality of the albums in 2009 so far?

Kev, forgot the 2nd one. I must say I have not checked out as many albums this year as I did last year and the year before. Out of the 12-15 I have heard, I'd give them an average of about 3.75 stars. But I have not checked out many albums I thought I would dislike either, so I have been playing it safe and listening to more old school (and just plain older) stuff this year.

"Overall this year gets a 3 so far. Some weak ass shit (Mos Def, DOOM, Reks, Stoupe, Tech N9ne, Tanya Morgan, Cunninlynguists, B-Real, etc.)"

Damn Steve!! The weak list you mention is not on point except for Tech N9ne album, which was really weak. The Stoupe was just ok but definitely needed more work. But, everything was pretty good.

hmmm

Jadakiss-The Last Kiss
Mobb Deep-The Safe Is Cracked
Joe Buddens-Padded Room
Tanya Morgan-Brooklynati
Red And Meth-Blackout 2

2009 so far is holding HUGE testicles in it's mouth...my rank would be 2.5 stars for the year as a whole

D.Powell wrote:

hmmm

Jadakiss-The Last Kiss
Mobb Deep-The Safe Is Cracked
Joe Buddens-Padded Room
Tanya Morgan-Brooklynati
Red And Meth-Blackout 2

2009 so far is holding HUGE testicles in it's mouth...my rank would be 2.5 stars for the year as a whole

What do you think of Tanya Morgan, Powell? I know you like Little Brother, and they seem to share a lot of the same vibes.

D.Powell wrote:

hmmm

Jadakiss-The Last Kiss
Mobb Deep-The Safe Is Cracked
Joe Buddens-Padded Room
Tanya Morgan-Brooklynati
Red And Meth-Blackout 2

2009 so far is holding HUGE testicles in it's mouth...my rank would be 2.5 stars for the year as a whole

Powell, you seriously need to check out UGK if you have not done so.

I love Tanya Morgan Pounds, that is really good hip-hop man, another rec by you that has proved successful man

Terry I have that UGK For Life but I still haven't had the opportunity to spin it but I will by this weekend and get back to you on it...I've heard good things about it so far man

D.Powell wrote:

I love Tanya Morgan Pounds, that is really good hip-hop man, another rec by you that has proved successful man

Terry I have that UGK For Life but I still haven't had the opportunity to spin but I will by this weekend and get back to you on it...I've heard good things about it so far man

Glad to hear it. I definitely enjoy that one too. I agree that this year has been underwhelming so far though. Or maybe I just haven't been as interested in new material. Lack of funds (or rather job security) has also kept me from checking out more.

I'm so shocked a guy with such limited musical tastes would say that.

Lord Emperor N3R0N0N wrote:

I'm so shocked a guy with such limited musical tastes would say that.

Who are you speaking to?

Okay I was just gonna type definitely not you but you'd take that as sarcasm.

Powell, I was seriously talking about Powell.


Pounds obviously I respect your tastes overall or I wouldn't take your recs (which I do ie heiruspecs, knonam, etc). And I understand Powell's respect for your tastes because you rec him shit he'd like not your favorite shit but you've gotta understand it's frustrating for the rest of us because he's somebody who's opinions you should dispise because you were one of the few people on my side last year talkin about how dope last year was for hip hop and this year, too, where Powell has already proclaimed hip hop dead.

Pounds, how do you rank that Tanya Morgan joint?

Lord Emperor N3R0N0N wrote:

Okay I was just gonna type definitely not you but you'd take that as sarcasm.

Powell, I was seriously talking about Powell.


Pounds obviously I respect your tastes overall or I wouldn't take your recs (which I do ie heiruspecs, knonam, etc). And I understand Powell's respect for your tastes because you rec him shit he'd like not your favorite shit but you've gotta understand it's frustrating for the rest of us because he's somebody who's opinions you should dispise because you were one of the few people on my side last year talkin about how dope last year was for hip hop and this year, too, where Powell has already proclaimed hip hop dead.

N3RO you sound feminine right here man...

are you actually trying to start a conspiracy theory on people's opinion??

what's wrong with you man??

Pounds is throwing shit my way that he loves man...he said he loves Tanya Morgan and I do too...we've agreed on quite a few things man..where the fuck have you been??

I already told your extra sensitive ass that if you don't respect my opinions I don't really care, now you've got keep typing how you don't respect it to get your sensitive ass point across

People of the forum if you even give a fuck N3RO does not respect my hip-hop opinions....

I stilll respect his although I rarely agree with them but that's what debate is for....

Okay N3RO now everyone knows how you feel....do you need me to burp your ass too??

D.Powell wrote:

hmmm

Jadakiss-The Last Kiss
Mobb Deep-The Safe Is Cracked
Joe Buddens-Padded Room
Tanya Morgan-Brooklynati
Red And Meth-Blackout 2

2009 so far is holding HUGE testicles in it's mouth...my rank would be 2.5 stars for the year as a whole

Jada as your top album? Hmmmmm I disagree with that entirely. That album is only about 3.75 to me, but I respect your opinion nonetheless.

But anyway Powell, how does "The Safe Is Cracked" compare to Mobb's other work? I was thinkin about coppin it, but I've been so disappointed with Mobb Deep (especially Prodigy) lately that I passed on it. Is it their best work since Murda Musik? Holla at me.

Lord Emperor N3R0N0N wrote:

Pounds obviously I respect your tastes overall or I wouldn't take your recs (which I do ie heiruspecs, knonam, etc). And I understand Powell's respect for your tastes because you rec him shit he'd like not your favorite shit but you've gotta understand it's frustrating for the rest of us because he's somebody who's opinions you should dispise because you were one of the few people on my side last year talkin about how dope last year was for hip hop and this year, too, where Powell has already proclaimed hip hop dead.

Powell and I have had or disagreements, debates, and arguments. But it's always been pretty clear our tastes are pretty similar IMO...as far as new shit goes, and a lot of the old stuff. We may have exchanged some unkind words a time or two, but he is usually always here to talk music, which is what I'm here to do.

J. Harris wrote:

Pounds, how do you rank that Tanya Morgan joint?

I got it at 5 stars now. I've spun just about everyday since I bought it. I love it!

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Haterex wrote:

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Now I know why you changed you name. lol

yo Powell is the Safe is Cracked actually good? i didnt pay any attention to it cuz Mobb hasnt released anything quality in a while....

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Now I know why you changed you name. lol

I'm not trying to be a hater with this one, but I checked out Tanya Morgan from all the hype, and I just don't see what all the noise is about.

Haterex wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Now I know why you changed you name. lol

I'm not trying to be a hater with this one, but I checked out Tanya Morgan from all the hype, and I just don't see what all the noise is about.

It's not your style at all. So I understand why you don't like it. Obviously, people like other styles that you don't like. I like all the rappers in the group. I think they have fresh styles and charismatic personalities, and are all nice songwriters. Moreover, they work great together and have great chemistry. However, the album wouldn't be that stellar without Von Pea's production, which is extremely dope IMO, and ties it all together nicely. In fact, Von Pea, based on this album alone, is now on my radar as a new favorite producer of mine. All the ingredients make up a collection of skip free tracks IMO.

Powell, I respect your opinions, I just didn't respect the way you came at me with that bubba shit and the way you started voting on the GOAT list, but I respect your opinions, I still love Juice Crew, I'll still try to put you up on something I might think you like but that's gonna be few and far between, that's all I'm saying. I was basically joking about you not liking anything this year because I honestly think you have limited tastes but you don't really present yourself as loving everything (ahem, Kool John).

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Now I know why you changed you name. lol

I'm not trying to be a hater with this one, but I checked out Tanya Morgan from all the hype, and I just don't see what all the noise is about.

It's not your style at all. So I understand why you don't like it. Obviously, people like other styles that you don't like. I like all the rappers in the group. I think they have fresh styles and charismatic personalities, and are all nice songwriters. Moreover, they work great together and have great chemistry. However, the album wouldn't be that stellar without Von Pea's production, which is extremely dope IMO, and ties it all together nicely. In fact, Von Pea, based on this album alone, is now on my radar as a new favorite producer of mine. All the ingredients make up a collection of skip free tracks IMO.

but they're gay.

Jeeeeeeeez. I say that about Little Brother and everyone crys. And Ex actually means it, too

Lord Emperor N3R0N0N wrote:

Powell, I respect your opinions, I just didn't respect the way you came at me with that bubba shit and the way you started voting on the GOAT list, but I respect your opinions, I still love Juice Crew, I'll still try to put you up on something I might think you like but that's gonna be few and far between, that's all I'm saying. I was basically joking about you not liking anything this year because I honestly think you have limited tastes but you don't really present yourself as loving everything (ahem, Kool John).

Why you gotta bring MY name up??? My taste is VERY diverse (see my 2009 list). While I don't love EVERYTHING, I do like a lot of stuff, more than this forum recognizes.

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Top 5 so far:

Tanya Morgan "Brooklynati" (5 stars)
Bicasso & DJ Fresh "Rebel Musiq" (5 stars)
Brother Ali "The Truth Is Here" EP (5 stars)
UGK "UGK 4 Life" (4.5 stars)
B-Real "Smoke N Mirrors" (4.25 stars)

Honorable mention:
Blame One "Chasing Days" (4 stars...so far)

Still gotta cop Jay Dee, which will probably make the list.

Pounds, have you checked out "Padded Room" by Joe Budden? If not you should do so sometime.

Haterex wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Now I know why you changed you name. lol

I'm not trying to be a hater with this one, but I checked out Tanya Morgan from all the hype, and I just don't see what all the noise is about.

It's not your style at all. So I understand why you don't like it. Obviously, people like other styles that you don't like. I like all the rappers in the group. I think they have fresh styles and charismatic personalities, and are all nice songwriters. Moreover, they work great together and have great chemistry. However, the album wouldn't be that stellar without Von Pea's production, which is extremely dope IMO, and ties it all together nicely. In fact, Von Pea, based on this album alone, is now on my radar as a new favorite producer of mine. All the ingredients make up a collection of skip free tracks IMO.

but they're gay.

LMAO!! Well, I let you know why people like them. Like I said, they are not your style. We all know you have specific tastes Ex...it's not a surprise.

KJ Styles wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Top 5 so far:

Tanya Morgan "Brooklynati" (5 stars)
Bicasso & DJ Fresh "Rebel Musiq" (5 stars)
Brother Ali "The Truth Is Here" EP (5 stars)
UGK "UGK 4 Life" (4.5 stars)
B-Real "Smoke N Mirrors" (4.25 stars)

Honorable mention:
Blame One "Chasing Days" (4 stars...so far)

Still gotta cop Jay Dee, which will probably make the list.

Pounds, have you checked out "Padded Room" by Joe Budden? If not you should do so sometime.

I have not. I'll check it sometime. 2009 has been a fund lacking year...

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend wrote:

Haterex wrote:

Tanya Morgan sucks ass!!! You guys are crazy.

Now I know why you changed you name. lol

I'm not trying to be a hater with this one, but I checked out Tanya Morgan from all the hype, and I just don't see what all the noise is about.

It's not your style at all. So I understand why you don't like it. Obviously, people like other styles that you don't like. I like all the rappers in the group. I think they have fresh styles and charismatic personalities, and are all nice songwriters. Moreover, they work great together and have great chemistry. However, the album wouldn't be that stellar without Von Pea's production, which is extremely dope IMO, and ties it all together nicely. In fact, Von Pea, based on this album alone, is now on my radar as a new favorite producer of mine. All the ingredients make up a collection of skip free tracks IMO.

but they're gay.

LMAO!! Well, I let you know why people like them. Like I said, they are not your style. We all know you have specific tastes Ex...it's not a surprise.

but people are gay. Kool Jon likes those dudes, nuff said.