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Ethereal (aka E The Real)

Multiple Projects in 2010

E The Real, as I and many others like to call him, has made noise in the past as part of the Social Light Sounds crew and a member of the Nite People (who put the excellent, What Do You Mean You People album this summer). Well E has decided recently to go in a different direction as a solo artist and the newly Kinda Dusty collective/website/label. In some ways, I guess I saw this coming as he has put out some excellent EPs with conjunction with the likes of Paul Mighty and Frank The Butcher on the Recognizing The Real and Social Light Sounds & The Butcher Block in the recent months. E brings a no nonsense approach to the mic, he’s not going to amaze with his off the wall voices, flows and styles. He is like a full back running right up the middle of the defense, running fools over.  To me, that’s what hip hop is, forget the flash and fluff, straight up lyrics and take no shorts. I was kinda disappointed that his move would be the end of the Nite People (NOTE: SLS representatives contacted us and let us know that the Nite People will continue on) , but maybe this scenery change will really light his fire. Already with the backing of the previously mentioned producers, he seems hungry and on the right path. I expect some big things out of E The Real by the time 2010 ends.

Kooley High

Upcoming Album: The High Life

Consisting of six cats that went to NC State together, I’ve had the pleasure to see the Kooley High cats mature and grow into what they are now. What are they now? Well they are a talented crew ready to make some noise in the twenty ten. This past year, they’ve been building steam with the Kooley Is High mixtape, then members Tab One and Charlie Smarts (both also form Inflowential) dropped mixtapes to generate some buzz and the talented female MC, Rapsody, is set to drop her mixtape any day now. With producers Foolery and Sinopsis on the beats and Ill Digitz on the board, the groups sound is on that follows the blueprint laid down by their mentor 9th Wonder and his group, Little Brother. Not to say that Kooley is biting Little Brother, far from it, but if you dig that sound, you are sure to be into what Kooley High is doing.  I can see Kooley making waves in the upcoming year, and truthfully, I expect nothing less from this crew of talented MCs, producers and DJ.

Whygee

Upcoming Materiel: Multiple projects

Yes, I lived in Denver for awhile, so before some of you cry “foul!” on my placing of Denver MC Whygee on this list, know that it ain’t where he from, it’s where he at. While I lived in the Mile High City, Whygee and I never crossed paths, so it wasn’t until Kid Hum sent me his EP with Sunkenstate and himself that I was introduced to Whygee the MC.  He’s come with a multitude of projects this past year, every thing from a second Suicide Watch EP with Kid Hum and Sunkenstate, to his The Saga Of Mr. Bitches project, to his album with Denver legend Sounds Supreme, Hype Killz, which might be the best out of all of them (and I LOVE the first Suicide Watch EP, but can I get a separated tracks version?!). Whygee reminds me of the cats back in the early days of the hip hop culture who rhymed strictly for the love of it. Like he wakes up rhyming and goes to sleep rhyming. His intricate word play is something that you have to listen to multiple times to catch everything that is being said. Not like in complex, made up words, but just the multiple meanings some of his rhymes contain. Already the best MC I’ve heard out of Denver, I think this cat is close to being a made man on the national level, time will tell, but Whygee has only just begun.

Illite

Upcoming Album: ?

I’ll come right out and say it, Detroit is ruling this hip hop shit right now in my humble opinion. Elzhi, Black Milk, Royce, One Be Lo, Buff1, 14Kt and so many others just make that city the most creative and musically superior city/region going presently. With all the quality artists coming out of The D, it would be easy to be overlooked. Hopefully, former Subterraneous member (Binary Star/One Be Lo/Senim Silla) Illite (pronounced Elite) doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. As I mentioned, this cat has been around the block, appearing on the Subterraneous project, Water World Too, back in the day and even dropped some projects with fellow Detroit native and producer Octane. Illite has that Detroit sound; hard slamming drums, and generally hard production, edgy production. That makes sense since he has a lot of Detroit producers that have his back. Lyrically he reminds kinda of Black Milk, but maybe with more of a razor tongue ala Elzhi. Nah, he’s all himself, as he flip rhymes like flapjacks as evident on his Champion mixtape that dropped earlier this year. With backing from the likes of Baby Paul (of the Beatminerz, 14KT, Decompoze, Nick Speed, Magestik Legend, and Denmark Vessey, Illite just does his damn thing on track after track, sometimes just giving us a peak of what the future holds. I’m not completely sure what he has on the schedule in 2010, but my money is on him for the next Detroit artist to blow.

http://rapidshare.com/files/254421024/Il lite_Champion_Mixtape_Hosted_by_Nick_Spe ed.rar

Diz Gibran

Upcoming Album: TBD Album First Quarter of 2010

Out of all the artists I named these past two days, Diz Gibran is probably the closest to really blowing up on a hip hop level and probably the one I knew the least about. Part of the new school of LA artists, which is hit and miss to me, Diz came out nowhere for me to drop an album with NYC producer Moonshine in the form of Soon You’ll Understand. The free album grabbed me from the first listen and hasn’t left the rotation on the iPod since then (physical product anyone?). From the deep rattling bass line found on “Once Again”, to the blaring horns on “Exactly”, to the very somber and emotional “Impossible”, Diz carries what a lot of MCs lack; passion, feeling and the ability to get the listener really “INTO” his music. Sounding like a new age Lord Finesse both in vocal tone and in lyrics, Diz shows great versatility as an MC. As I said, the new found LA scene is kinda hit or miss for me, but it isn’t going way, and I think we’ll see Diz Gibran as the one that rises to the top in 2010.

Diz Gibran & Moonshine – Soon You’ll Understand
Download Here: http://diznmoon.com/

The Barely Missed It List:

Zilla Rocca – This cat has gotten nothing but better over the past year, with his Bring Me The Head of Zilla Rocca remix project, to the 5 ‘O Clock Shadow Boxers, this cat makes music that I would make if I had an ounce of musical talent in my body.

Crew54 – This Texan group has that southern twange over soulful production, I really expect them to drop a project that takes the hip hop world/blogosphere by fire in the very near future, like next year.

The Physics – This Seattle group dropped a hellva EP this past year that got slept on, but with some push, this group could catch some cats off guard next year and I’ll be sitting back saying, “I told ya so.”

Joe Sinister (ala “Payback II” on Erick Sermon’s No Pressure LP) – This is his year, I tell ya, dude is going to finally make his comeback to the game. Now if someone could just find him…..

Following up the rear, if you have read much from me in the past, you know I’m always kinda on my own thing. My love in hip hop anymore is the golden age shit (’86-’95, we’ll argue why I think those are the years later), obscure 80′s and 90′s rap, and of course quality new hip hop. That usually consists of cats that are hungry, trying to make a name for themselves more than the artists that are complacent and more concerned with what the label tells them or what they might think the internet wants. I enjoy pushing quality music that needs that extra exposure. I’ve always enjoyed digging and shying away from the obvious, which is why I was excited when Eric hit us up with this idea. I’m not sure if this is who I think will be the next 30 or I think DESERVES and HOPES is the next 30. Enough of the yappin’ it’s time to make it happin’ (yeah, I was never an MC). -Trav

Castor Pollux

Upcoming Album: “Family & Music”

Coming straight outta SoCal, Castor Pollux is an MC I’ve been bumping fairly non stop since discovering his album with Ariano, In Name of The Father, then his Guts & Garbage: A Collection of Shit, both which dropped last year. With his production crew, Dysposable Heroes, Castor brings an array of topics and moods to his songs. He can go from dark, depressing topics such as shady friends on “Half Friend” to a party feeling, happy-go-lucky vibe of “Tres Hermanos”, it only shows Castor’s diversity musically and lyrically. His gruff, from the pit of his stomach vocal tone only adds to the richness that are his lyrics. He can paint a picture as well any MC as he slays MCs, tells tales of the darkness or just kicking lyrics, once again it’s his lyrical diversity coupled with his wicked voice and vocals that just have me checking for anything this cat decides to put out. As a cat that is always working on something, we are sure to see more from him in the upcoming year, with a rumored album titled Family & Music, and also showing up with many of his cohort’s projects. As part of the Gutter Water Music family, you’ll often find him collaborating with other artists such as Oddity, MSNGRS Crew, Annihilate 76, Iota Arcane, Jen Raye and others. A little sampler can be found on the Gutter Water Summer Soulstice, which features two Castor Pollux tracks.

Gutterwater Singles Vol.2 – The Summer Solstice E.P. (DOWNLOAD)

Dillon

Upcoming Album: Studies In Hunger

Coming out of the ATL, Dillon Maurer runs with a group of cats that I’ve longed trumpeted their talent in Paten Locke, Daisey and Batsauce, otherwise known as The Smile Rays. It was through them that I was introduced to Dillon, a cat that is long on humor and short on any bullshit hip hop stereotypes. He was featured on The Smile Rays track, “It’s A New Day,” which is featured on their Party Place LP. He then released a mixtape, Southern Scramble, which introduces the world to his quirky humor, his obsession with food, and his good musical taste as a lot of it features music he is digging, in true DJ stylee. Dillon probably won’t win any MC battles, but that’s not what makes him an entertaining artist, it’s his sense of humor, something that he uses to his advantage to get his point across and something that is sorely lacking in today’s hip hop atmosphere. His upcoming album, Studies In Hunger,  that is dropping next month features all vocals from Dillon himself and beats and cuts provided by Therapy aka Paten Locke. It’s that combination that makes this album one that I’m anxious to hear.

Dillon’s upcoming album with Paten Locke titled “Studies in Hunger” to be released 12/8/09 on Domination Recordings.

Dillion – Hot Mess: (Download Track)

“Studies of Hunger” features Dillon on vocals with Paten Locke (aka Therapy of The Smile Rays & The AB’s) on the beats and cuts. Plus guest shots from Chuck D, Supa Dave West, Akrobatik, Stacy Epps, Cool Calm Pete, Lady Daisey, H20 (of Mass Influence) and Willie Evans Jr.

Arablak

Upcoming Album: Fresh Heir

Can you really pile a bunch of expectation(s) on an MC based off of one single track? It’s happened before in the past, before the internet sometimes one track is all you had to base much on an artist. I wouldn’t say I’m basing all my eagerness, excitement and expectations based on one song from the Atlanta by the way of Massachusetts MC known as Arablak, but the track gives me a reason to be excited. The song in question is “The Deed”, which is in the running for track of the year in my year end list. It has that intense energy that evokes the desire to throw a bar stool across a dance floor and bust up tables that is usually reserved for tracks such as Pharahoe Monch’s “Simon Says” or other equally adrenaline pumping tracks. It’s both the beat and ‘Blak’s commanding presence on the mic that cultivates to a chorus that most classic tracks posses. All that should qualify as enough to put some big expectations out on Arablak. But I’m not claiming him as the next raw MC to deliver the goods based on that song alone. Nope, I’m placing my lofty expectations on him based on that song AND the other stuff I’ve been lucky enough to hear. Coming out of the Social Lights Sounds crew, Arablak isn’t new at doing this, far from it, but it’s about time this dude blew the figgidy fuck up and I think 2010 is the year he does that.

Has-Lo

Upcoming Album: “In Case I Don’t Make It”

After dropping a couple of great EPs (F*ck Has Day and Small Metal Objects) the past couple years and a booming remix project earlier this year (You Can Live Thru Anything If Magic Made It), the Illdelphia MC Has-Lo is set to come on the scene with his debut album, In Case I Don’t Make It. It’s no secret I’ve been a fan of this cat’s music for the past two years, based off his effortless flow that seems to just glide over a track. It’s this flow that is perfect for his often serious topics of just how fucked up this life can be or he can bring some good ‘ole fashioned battle rhymes, choose your poison. Has also has that sense of humor factor going for him as well, although sometimes it can be masked in a dry and sarcastic tone, such as that found on the title track of the F*ck Has Day EP. Rhymes that are both intelligent and funny? Who would have thought it? It should also be noted that Has is a dual threat, offering the heat both in the vocal variety and on the boards. His production is reminiscent of that dusty, dirty, boom bap type of feel, the sound that is comparable to RZA or the Beatminerz in their prime. The vastly talented artist is set to make his mark in the upcoming year, nothing but intricate rhymes and slammin in production is on the deck.

Blacastan

Upcoming Album: Blac-Sabbath

The Blacastan story is an interesting one, one which I’ll let him tell in a future interview. Blac has been making some noise the past couple years, most notably his “Life of a Tape” track that made some noise around the blogger scene and got some love on WYDU. He also released a mixtape in ’07, Me Against The Radio, which was overseen by his fellow Connecticut citizens and hip hop legends, Dooley-O and Stezo. I’ve had a problem with a lot of east coast “dunn” music, mainly because I can only deal with the subject of murder, drugs, and life on the streets so much and usually the beats sound the same on every song. Now I’m not saying this is the only thing Blac raps about (check “Life of a Tape”), but he does cover some of that subject matter and he does it in a fresh, innovative way. I’m all for tales from the street when they have originality and Blac brings that. Give this cat some quality beats and his MC skills will do the rest. Armed with an unique voice that only makes his flow sound even better as he just attacks a track. Old school flava with a new school twist, if this guy doesn’t make a BIG name for himself in the Twenty ten, then I don’t know if I’ll have any faith left in the game.

Blacastan – Life of a Tape

Here it is, the first half of my 10 picks for the Bloggerhouse “Next 30″. Enjoy:

1. Quelle “Blue Mondays” & Crown Nation (Denmark Vessey & Quelle) “Slut Bag Edition”

So..maybe some of you aren’t on Twitter but if you are and you happen to follow DJ Houseshoes or subscribe to his podcasts then you’re already aware of who Quelle is. His tracks on the compilation “The Shimmy” really stood out to listeners. Recently, Shoes announced that he was leaking the entire Quelle project “Blue Mondays” track by track via Twitter. Once you finally hear the entire album it will all make sense as to why it’s on this list. But that’s not all…

Quelle and Detroit producer Denmark Vessey have also formed a group called Crown Nation. Their upcoming album “Slut Bag Edition” should be dropping soon (sometime this week) and trust me, it’s crazy. You can follow them over @ Facebook as Crown Nayshun or Quelle on Twitter @QuelleChris. In any event, be sure to be on the lookout for both projects in the near future.

2. Danny! “Where Is Danny?”

This album is the talk of Twitter along with “Felt 3: A Tribute To Rosie Perez” and the “BlackRoc” project that I can’t get excited about because Jim Jones is involved (I regard him as “human pork”, anything he’s involved in I automatically regard as off limits). Danny Swain’s Def Jux project has been long awaited and it doesn’t disappoint in the least. Danny doesn’t take himself too seriously but after the 26 tracks are done you’ll find yourself wishing it wasn’t over yet. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played it already. Look for “Where Is Danny?” to drop this December…or I’ll hurt someone @ Def Jux.

3. Saigon “Greatest Story Never Told”

Saigon & Just Blaze have been playing and leaking tracks from “Greatest Story Never Told” in the past month. Saigon even decided to preview the album for a limited amount of time. The story is that Fort Knocks in association with Amalgam Digital will be releasing the project either late this December or early 2010. Considering how long I’ve been waiting for this project to drop and the buzz surrounding Just Blaze’s upcoming work with Jay Electronica and Eminem on his “Relapse 2″ release this should be an event that should give the Hip Hop world another much needed shot in the arm.

4. Donwill presents Don Cusack in High Fidelity/Lessondary Crew

Donwill of Tanya Morgan and the Lessondary Crew was involved a gang of great releases this year (“Brooklynati”, “Everything’s Good Ugly”, etc.) but his track & video for “Laura’s Song” produced by Astronote had everyone anticipating the concept album “Don Cusack in High Fidelity” based on the popular John Cusack film “High Fidelity”. At first it was supposed to drop in February but it interfered with the “Brooklynati” release so it got pushed back. It’s all finished but it’s not scheduled to drop until Spring 2010. What’s a year long wait for music that’s timeless? Also be on the lookout for another wave of Lessondary releases as 2009 was the Year Of The Lessondary Crew (Von Pea, Donwill, Ilyas, Che Grand, Spec Boogie, Elucid, Jermiside, Aeon, Brickbeats, Suhburb, etc.)

5. Where The Ladies At? (Georgia Anne Muldrow, Tokimonsta, Suzi Analogue, Shuanise, Muhsinah, etc.)

With the emergence of female producers like Georgia Anne Muldrow, Muhsinah, Tokimonsta and Suzi Analogue the profile of other female performers has been raised and it will hopefully usher a new wave female producers as well. Whether they appear on the Brainfeeder/beat circuit or produce for upcoming releases it’s all good. Also, new artists like Eglo Records’ Shuanise will be dropping their debut LP’s to go along with her 2009 “Voice Of Reason” EP. Georgia Anne Muldrow, Suzi Analogue and Muhsinah already provide their own vocals for their projects while Shuanise sings over production from labelmates like Floating Points. Tokimonsta will be providing production and remixes in the near future as well.

Next up: Bloggerhouse’s Next 30, Dart’s Picks 6-10

One.

6. Aarophat & Illastrate

The Album: Black Noise

With the exception of yU’s “Before Taxes, it’s safe to say that Aarophat & Illastrate’s “Black Noise” has been the most underrated album in Hip Hop in 2009. Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, emcee Aarophat has made his presence felt on the scene working with Rasco of the Cali Agents.  Rasco soon noticed the emcee’s confidence and potent delivery potent, inking Aarophat immediately. He soon sided with Pockets Linted/Fat Beats and later with Rawkus, yet it took “Black Noise” to really get us open to this prolific microphone controller.

Illastrate’s phenomenal qualities are always approaching newer levels as well, along with his knack for top-notch production, quality and style. Illastrate’s name now echos in the industry for his trademarked “dirty drums”, which can be heard on Akir’s “Legacy” as well as Dynas’, “The Apartment”.  Illastrate’s has also served behind the boards are for Tiye Phoenix and Lords Of The Underground.

“Black Noise” is already being viewed as a “classic” underground LP amongst the masses. Both separately and jointly this duo has definitely proven themselves worthy of their rightful place on our “Next 30″. Aarophat and Illastrate have upped their ante for 2010, and because of this, their is no glass ceiling to what the future holds for this duo that are cut from the same cloth as Pete Rock & CL Smooth.

7. Apollo Brown

The Album(s): Skilled Trade & Make Do

Funny Story (not really):  By now you’ve all heard, what I also consider to be the most stellar beat of the year, the second half of Finale’s “Arrival”, the opener from “A Pipe Dream…”.  Being that the track was produced by two relative “unknowns” (at least to me), the first half of the track laced by V-Tech and the later half, by Apollo Brown, I hadn’t really done my homework to venture into the discography of the two.  So,  stop at a local kicks spot in Little Rock (Rock City Kicks) and I hear these tracks blaring through the speakers that are giving me a Craig Mack face, so damn funky they stink.  Now, what’s booming isn’t just a typical “beat” cd, these tracks are playing more as songs which by now has really got my attention.  So I ask the owner, “Corey, who in the hell is this playin”? while pointing up at the speakers.  With his thick Arkansas accent Corey turns to me and replies: “Awww man, that’s Apollo Brown, some beat CD I downloaded last year”.  Now, mind you, Corey’s musical taste has always been somewhat mind-blowing to me judging from his appearance.  Of course, this is coming from the same dude that’s out shopping for WeSc & Triumvir in a 3-piece suit, so who am I to judge when I’m a walking contradiction?  Needless to say, Apollo Brown was the first thing I entered in my Google “search” bar when I returned home.

Upon downloading “Skilled Trade”, I was very impressed with the first dozen or so cuts when I first heard the album.  Then..BOOM!  The angelic vocal sample that reeled me in on Finale’s “Arrival” (or “Depature” if you wanna’ get technical) blessed my eardrums with it’s mother, “Invisible”.  Ahh, now it all comes to fruition, no wonder this sh*t is so dope, it’s from the same cat who blessed Finale!  No joke, Apollo Brown’s got some serious beats!!  Displaying a nice range of samples, flips and techniques on both “Skilled Trade” and his recent release, “Make Do”  there’s no doubt that we’ll be hearing more from this Cleveland import by the way of Detroit City.   Peep “Skilled Trade” HERE.  “You’re Welcome! You’re ALL Welcome!!

8. Astronote

The Song: “Come On” (Astronote Remix)-Biggie f. Sadat X

Hailing from Paris, France, producer Astronote is quickly becoming one of the most respected new producers in Hip-Hop. The newest member of the A-Side Worldwide roster, Astronote is easily one of the most well rounded producers you’ll come across, with the ability to turn out top notch Hip-Hop, R&B, Funk, Soul & Pop tracks with or without samples. Having already built a resume that includes works with notable artists such as Talib Kweli, Buff1, Donwill of Tanya Morgan, Joell Ortiz, Guilty Simpson and Mayer Hawthorne, Astronote is poised to be one of the most notable producers in the game.

Astronote (producer of Now On’s “All You Ever Knew”) nailed it with his remix for the Biggie mixtape-favorite “Come On” (aka “C’mon Muthafu*kas).  Capturing the true spirit of Biggie, Astronote ventured away from the futuristic/eclectro production found on Now On’s “Tomorrow Already” to truly take it back to the era when Bad Boy was runnin’ tings.  Hell, the production on this joint (I think the original was recorded somewhere between 93′-94′…no later than 1995, I’m sure) even makes Sadat X come off as “rejuvenated”.  Astronote’s reworking of some of Big’s “Greatest Hits”,  has to go down as my favorite remix albums of all-time.  If you haven’t peeped the best remix album on this side of Small Pro’s “Crooklyn Gangster”, slap yourself silly…Astronote captured the true essence of BK’s finest on “Bigger & Better”.

9. D. Black

The Album: Ali’ Yah

Fresh off of his appearance on Jake One’s “White Van Music”, Seattle MC D.Black delivered a fine sophomore project with “Ali’Yah”, released on Sportn’ Life/MYX Music Label. The album explored the soulful side of hip hop, with thought provoking lyricism atop hard hitting beats.  Boasting production from the likes of Jake One, Vitamin D and B. Brown, Ali’Yah was somewhat of  a departure from Black’s debut CD (2006, “Cause and Effect”). His confident flow added layers to the music, making the album seem like a veteran created it. Laced with a spiritual essence, “Ali’Yah” has the strength of a mass choir and will leave you feeling rejuvenated.  The album inspired, and took you to  a place that’s needed, to get through the tough and trying times we live in today. It’s a brilliant work that further confirmed that the Northwest is still one of the world’s hot beds for musical talent.

10. Huntor Prey

The Album:  “Motion Sound Picture”

Well, it looks like Ohio has done it once again!  One album that I consider my “go to” joint is Ill Poetic’s “The World Is Ours”, no matter what frame of mind I may seem to be in, this album seems to always give me the goosebumps with each passing listen.  After listening to one of the most overlooked posse cuts of the last decade, Ill Po’s “As I See It” (f. Piakhan, Illogic and the gentleman to your left), I decided to check up on one of the track’s featured artists Huntor Prey a bit.  Luckily, I peeped his MySpace and found a “warm-up” of sorts available as a free download.  As a precursor to Huntor Prey’s forthcoming full-length LP, “Motion Sound Picture”, this promo EP has found itself amongst the “25 Most Played” songs on my IPod over the last month (and, I’m not talking about a particular cut either, I mean the WHOLE EP).

Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Huntor Prey follows a strong line of artists (producers and emcees) that have emerged from one of the most overlooked states in Hip Hop over the last few years. Produced entirely by the aforementioned Ill Poetic, this promo has me foaming at the mouth for the official release of “Motion Sound Picture” (Definition Music). One can only imagine that the album has to be up to par with Illogic’s “Diabolical Fun” (also produced by Ill Poetic), in terms of both lyrics and beats. For someone that lists influences that range from Island Soca Music to Nine Inch Nails all the way back to 80’s power chord classics, Huntor Prey is quite an eclectic character that packs a backpack full of potent lyricism intertwined with vivid imagery.

The track that has truly blown me away is the pulsating tones of “Eventually” (click to listen), which has recently served as my “get open” track for those mornings where I can barely drag my ass into the gym for 5 a.m. workouts.  One listen to this Ill Poetic-laced gem and it’s easy to see why “Eventually” gets the blood flowin’ at a rapid pace.  Plus, a lil’ hint of M.O.P. thrown into to spice up the hook never hurt matters much either, considering that the vocal sample originates from the folks responsible for “How About Some Hardcore”, “Stick To Ya’ Gunz” and “Ante Up”.  However, after speaking with Ill Po recently, it is yet to be decided if “Eventually” or another stellar track from “Motion..”, “Cornerstore” (click to listen) will serve as the first single from Huntor’s debut.  Whatever the case, there’s no denying that “Motion Sound Picture” is destined for success with Huntor Prey spittin’ verbal wizardry and the most slept-on producer in the game behind the boards.  Grab the promo for “Motion Sound Picture” (free DL) HERE.

1. yU (1/3 of Diamond District)

Album:  “Before Taxes”

Simply stated, yU is THAT DUDE, with his debut “Before Taxes”  it was easy to gravitate to his delivery and his voice, in particular on tracks like “Beats And Rhymes (From March 25th)” and the head-nodder supreme, the Oddisee-produced “Lunchin”.  I mean, not even knowin’ dude and judging from his music, yU just seems like a real likable, down to earth cat that speaks truth from the heart. And while Diamond District pal Oddisee may have a very distinguishable and easily identifiable “twang” (for lack of better wording) with the way in which he spits, yU has that same Southern drawl in his voice that is even more pronounced, that meshes perfectly with traditional East-Coast boom-bap that took you back to 1993 on cuts like “Corners” (f. EyeQ) and the ridiculous flip of James Brown’s “Funky Drummer”, “InTheReign”. What also struck me as very impressive was that the majority of the project (“Before Taxes”) was actually produced by the 1978ers (yU & Slimkat78), but it also featured some guest production from Kev Brown, Oddisee & Bilal Salaam.  Quite possibly my favorite new artist from 2009, this dude’s got it all, including a promising future.  Also, if you haven’t heard Diamond District’s “In The Ruff” by now, you lose.

2. Finale

Album: “A Pipe Dream And A Promise”

By all accounts, one glance at the track listing, along with the notable producers involved, would make Finale’s solo debut, “A Pipe Dream And A Promise” a sure-fire classic, right?  However, you know just as well as I do that we’ve seen it all before: up and coming emcee gets various co-signs (ahem, “throwaway” beats) from highly regarded beat makers and proceeds to drop a bullsh*t album filled with topics ranging from the newest Air Yeezy’s (Jesus, who in the hell would wear those out in public, really? Supras? same thing) to all his swag, cars, etc.  Thankfully, Finale’s performance  did not disappoint on his debut and in some instances (”Issues” & the Black Milk-produced “Motor Music”, which wasn’t one of the more notable beats I’ve heard from him as of late) his lyrical display outshined that of his producer’s performance behind the boards.  CONSISTENT, Finale exemplifies the term as his flow doesn’t incorporate many hills and valleys within his no-nonsense, straight to the point delivery.  Matter of fact, and I know this may be waaaay left-field here, but he actually sounds like a more lyrical 50 Cent on some of his tracks.  Of course, we won’t hold that against Finale, as 50 could only dream of crafting an album half this dope and have as many years left in the game as this Detroit native does.  Word on the street is that Finale and Oddisee have a lil’ sumthin’ up their sleeves in 2010, we shall see indeed!

3. tha Connection

Album: “Love Royale”

In ’09 Tha Connection emerged with “Love Royale”, fresh off the heels of the duo’s phenomenal effort, 2008’s “Trapeze” (click to read W.T.R.’s take on the album) which was released on Domination Records.  One of the strongest albums and biggest surprises of ‘08, “Trapeze” displayed a crazy chemistry between emcess SmooVth & Hus (think of a waaay more lyrical Group Home, but with production on the same level of consistency that DJ Premier blessed “Livin’ Proof” with) over eerie RZA-like production from a host of overseas talent (Vans Cal, whoever you are, hit a brotha’ up for an interview….your beats are AMAZING!!).  Clocking in at 19 tracks deep, many could argue that albums as lengthy as “Trapeze” and “Love Royale” was quite risky, with most Hip Hop fans electing “quality” over “quantity”.  However, tha Connection have mastered the art of “staying in the public eye”, releasing numerous efforts over the course of the last two years without supersaturation of B.S. material, dropping free releases on what seemed like a bi-monthly basis.

Take it to heart when I say “Love Royale” was LOADED with flair and originality.  It’s a simple equation for success, really….ill beats and ill rhymes=a dope ass album!  As I’ve always mentioned, tha Connection aren’t the most lyrically-potent duo that you’ll ever come across, but it’s their cadence and deliveries that have won me over from day one.  Plus, you can’t help but respect the work ethic that SmooVth and Hus put in, persistence is a muhfuc*a’ I tell you!!  I don’t just like the music that Hus and Smoovth craft, I fuc*ing LOVE it!!  It’s hard to not to argue, that tha Connection isn’t my favorite group that’s poppin’ right about now as “Love Royale” flowed seamlessly from end to end.  Still, considered “new jacks” to some, tha Connection will surely end up on your radar by the close of 2010.

4. “Thaione Davis”

Album: “Still Hear”

This is truly a travesty!!  Thaione Davis’ “Still Hear” was sooo overlooked this year, that when I’ve posed the question “have you heard the Thaione Davis joint yet?”, many people look at me as if I have a dick protruding from my forehead.  Released on the little-known Jericho Lounge Music labele and produced entirely by one of my favorite “under the radar” producers, Chi-Town’s Rashid Hadee (Little Brother, Chapter 13) , “Still Hear” offered us a vivid snapshot of  the struggles that an independent may endure. Rashid handled complete production and provided an extremely soulful backdrop comprised of dense, sample-heavy melodies over sparse drumbeats.  On the M-I-C, Thaione spit with the ease of a 10-year veteran in the game, who could give two shits about how many units he moves, as long as the album is looked upon as an “underground classic” one day.  Quite honestly, Thaione’s “Still Hear” isn’t to far from “that one classic” you may have skipped over only to fall in love with a year later.  “Still Hear” was packed to the rim with poignant content  and relevant lyrics for these relevant times.  A refreshing presentation of dope beats and rhymes full of integrity and conviction, this album was yet another page  in Thaione’s catalog of quality music.

5. Dynas

Album: “The Apartment”

Hailing from South Florida, Dynas has been a creative force within the South Florida music community for years. Originating from New York City, Dynas is credited as a true master of ceremonies, able to rock a crowd of few to many. He has hosted and performed with the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, and Wu Tang Clan. Noted for his ability to visually depict urban tales with melodious harmonies. His artistry is head and shoulders above the normal Top 40 music landscape.  Coming straight from the mouth of the ruler “Ain”t nobody got a style like he’s got, kid is ready” (Slick Rick- Def Jam), Dynas displayed flashes of brilliance on his BBE debut, “The Apartment”.  Boasting an All-Star production line-up (Jazzy Jeff, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna, J Dilla, Khrysis and someone you’ll be seeing more of this week, Illastrate) that would make an aspiring emcee drool, this “Rawkus 50″ campaign alumni delivered a well-planned “official” debut that is sure to end up on more than a few “Top 10″ lists for 2009.