About a week ago, Brendan did a day of hip hop (Day 11) and it got me thinking about my favorite hip hop tracks this past year. I’m actually a pretty big hip hop fan, just really picky when it comes to what hip hop artists and tracks I like. But honestly, if there’s solid production and beats, and I can skate/snowboard and/or dance to it, chances are I will like it. So without further ado, i’m pleased to present some of my favorite hip hop tracks of 2011.
I’ve never really considered myself a fan of The Roots. I don’t really have a reason not to be, other than I’ve never given them a proper listen. Now not much has changed, I still haven’t give them the listen they deserve, but I heard this track not too long ago and it was an instant favorite.
♪ The Roots – The OtherSide (feat. Bilal Oliver & Greg Porn) (from Undun) [stream only]
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2011 saw the release of Hoodie Allen’s third mixtape, Leap Year. Now I must say, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as 2010’s Pep Rally, but it was still a good outing and worth checking out if you’re a fan of alt-hip hop.
♪ Hoodie Allen – Dreams Up (from Leap Year)
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Philly hip hop duo Chiddy Bang released their third mixtape this year (and preview of their debut LP, Breakfast, due Feb. 2012). Similar to how I felt about Hoodie Allen’s Leap Year, I enjoyed Peanut Butter and Swelly, just not as much as previous releases. With that said, the entire mixtape is worth checking out as there are a handful of really good tracks.
♪ Chiddy Bang – Cameras (from Peanut Butter and Swelly)
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About a week, Lupe Fiasco dropped a brand new track — “American Terrorist III”. The track samples the Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx song “Nightcall”, which was featured on the soundtrack “Drive” and has turned into the remix/mashup sample of choice (I found Biggie and Childish Gambino remixes sampling it a mere 30 minutes ago). This track is rumored to be off of Fiasco’s forthcoming record, Food & Liquor Part 2. I hope that’s the case. Food & Liquor (part 1) is one of my favorite hip hop albums and this track is much more reminiscent of Fiasco’s earlier work (particularly “Kick, Push II” and “Daydreamin”…probably my favorite Fiasco tracks). I’m looking forward to what Lupe has in store for us.
♪ Lupe Fiasco – American Terrorist III (from Food & Liquor Part 2 ??)
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If you’ve followed this here blog in the slightest, you know that i’m a huge fan of actor/comedian/writer Donald Glover’s hip hop, alter ego Childish Gambino. After numerous mixtapes and EPs, Gambino released his debut LP this year. Camp ended up being #10 on my favorite albums of 2011, but I was also a big fan of the EP he dropped earlier this year, so i’m including one track from each. I don’t think you’ll mind much.
♪ Childish Gambino – Not Going Back (from EP)
♪ Childish Gambino – Heartbeat (from Camp)
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