Best Of 08 As of Late

Best Of 08 As of Late

Erykah Badu's New Amerykah (Part One: New World Order)

Badu returns with her first new album in 5 years. Even though her last record is titled World Wide Underground I feel like this album is more "underground" than the last. Whatever underground is... I say it 'cause she uses independent hip hop producers. Sa-Ra handles most of the production, while Madlib, Karriem Riggins, and 9th Wonder have beats too. With mixed reviews and ok sales... I feel this album has been slept on, but once I put it in the player, I can't help but to listen to the whole thing.



The Black Keys: Attack & Release

Ohio native rock band The Black Keys brings you yet another great album. In my opinion they are still not known by many, but this band has nothing but greatness ahead of it! Produced by Dangermouse, most of the record still feels like the good ol' Keys... but now I can hear a bit Demon Days or Gnarls if you will. If you see it, pick it up yesterday!




J Dilla : Jay Love Japan

Finally, the late great Detroit native producer Jay Dee's Jay Love Japan album comes out in the US... or at least I think so. I went to go pick up Guilty Simpson's (see below) new record and I saw this next to it, you know I had to buy them both. I've had this for about 3 years now, this version is a little different, but it's still worth the buy. 9 tracks, 19 minutes, but if you're truly a Dilla fan, you will buy it NOW!



Guilty Simpson: Ode To The Ghetto

Detroit Rapper Guilty Simpson finally comes out with his debut LP Ode To The Ghetto thru indy label Stones Throw. Most of the production is handled by Madlib. Oh No, Black Milk, J Dilla, Mr. Porter, and DJ Babu also have beats on the album. If you're looking for some grimey hip hop, Guilty is your man. On some M.O.P. gutter rap shit, backed with great production... this Detroit eMCee delivers a powerful debut!




Atmosphere: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

Minneapolis hip hop legends Slug and Ant bring you yet another Atmosphere album. This is one is titled When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. Sean and Anthony deliver yet another great project, even though it's a bit on the mellow side, real Atmos fans should feel right at home. With a powerful first single and a 'different' guitar driven second single, this group seems to be re-inventing indie hip hop once again!