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Top 10 Rap Albums of 2008
It's been an exciting 6 months for the hip-hop world. Perfect time to pause and rewind the hands of time, as we explore the top 10 rap albums of 2008...so far. Walk with me.
10. N.E.R.D. - 'Seeing Sounds'
Seeing Sounds, an eclectic blend of soul-metal, alt-rap, and funk-rock, sees N.E.R.D. thriving on innovation in a business that favors conformity.
9. Nicolay & Kay - 'Time:Line'
Sonically, Time:Line is more soul-hop than boom bap. Lyrically, it's hard-edged hip-hop at its underground finest.
8. 9th Wonder & Buckshot - 'Tha Formula'
"We share a comfort level that allows me to be at ease when it comes to recording and that natural sound translates into great music," Buckshot once said of his partnership with veteran hip-hop producer 9th Wonder. We have that musical chemistry to thank for the magical moments on Tha Formula, a follow-up to their 2005 debut, prophetically titled Chemistry.
7. The Roots - 'Rising Down'
Like they've done for the last decade or so, The Roots turn anger into an art on Rising Down. It's a great album, but with a price. In the words of writer Shannon Barbour, "it is arguably the most thoroughly listenable album since Things Fall Apart, yet effusively lighter than Game Theory, but with the equally hard-hitting lyrical content of the latter."
6. J Live - 'Then What Happened?'
The verbal energy and inspiring production that J Live brings to the table on Then What Happened? makes it a strong contender for Rap Album of the Year. With only a few guests (Posdnuous, Oddisee, and Chali 2 Na), J Live holds down most of the album on his own.
5. Estelle - 'Shine'
Superb songwriting and eclectic vocal stylings help keep Shine one of 2008's best hip-hop albums. Estelle may not be the next Lauryn Hill, but her U.S. debut is one of the best hybrids of hip-hop and R&B we've seen in a while.
4. Akrobatik - 'Absolute Value'
Akrobatik debuted in 2003, got lost in the shuffle, and kind of disappeared for five years straight. But you wouldn't know it from listening to Absolute Value. Ak is in top form here, tackling serious issues like societal imbalance and gang violence on "Rain" and "Front Steps Pt. II (Tough Love)" as effectively as anyone since Chuck D.
3. Bun B - 'II Trill'
One sign of a great MC lies in artistic growth, and Bun B truly showcases his maturity on II Trill. For every braggart anthem there's at least 2 or 3 thought-provoking gems. Bun also dedicates 2 tribute tracks to the memory of the late Pimp C.
2. eMC - 'The Show'
The Show is as good a concept album as it gets. It chronicles emc's journey as a rap group, from the streets to the stage. Each song tells a unique story and the skits add sugar and spice to the narrative. Masta Ace brings his storytelling knack to the forefront while allowing the other 3 MCs (Strick, Punchline, Wordsworth) to shine as well. It's a thoroughly cohesive album.
1. Atmosphere - 'When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold'
It's often said that the true test of a classic material is time. With that in mind, it's too soon to examine Atmosphere's When Life Gives You Lemons through the masterpiece prism. That said, it's the best thing standing in 2008. From Ant's rich, organic layers of instrumentation to Slug's metaphor-heavy, crisply delivered lyrics, When Life Gives You Lemons is a breath of fresh air in an atmosphere sullied by the stench of mediocrity.