Kid Cudi (A Kid Named Cudi (Mixtape)) [2008]

This was the first Kid Cudi release I ever heard and he definitely was a breath of fresh air into the world of hip-hop in 2008.

5. Man on the Moon (The Anthem) (prod. by NOSAJTHING)


7. Day n Nite (prod. by Dot Da Genius)


8. Embrace the Martian ft. Kid Cudi (Original Artist: Crookers)


16. Cleveland is the Reason (prod. by Dot Da Genius)

Zion I (True And Livin') [2005]

Members: Baba Zumbi & AmpLive
This duo is from Oakland, California and definitely represent the Bay well. Here is their third album, which I used to bump 24/7 when it came out.

2. Doin' My Thang


3. Bird's Eye View


4. The Bay


9. Temperature ft. Talib Kweli

One Be Lo (S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.) [2005]

One Be Lo makes up the better half of the former rap duo Binary Star. This album is his second studio release and is definitely his best so far. S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. is composed by the production team The' Trackezoids (One Be Lo, Magestik Legend, Decompoze & Chic Masters).

3. enecS eht no kcaB


7. The Ghetto


8. Axis


18. E.T.


20. Rocketship


22. Follow My Lead

Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley (Welcome to Jamrock) ]2005]

I was just looking for some newer reggae to post and then came across this album from 2005. This one isn't very hard to find but I figure there are some people who may enjoy this post. Rip Bob Marley...

3. Welcome to Jamrock


4. The Master Has Come Back


5. All Night ft. Stephen Marley


11. Road to Zion ft. Nas


14. Khaki Suit ft. Bounty Killer & Eek-a-mouse

Blu (And If You See The E Drop 'Em (Mixtape)) [2011]

Give this Blu mixtape a listen. Here are the more memorable ones...

4. Pour Another Glass ft. Blu (Original Artist: Presto) [2008]


6. Hi(gh) Music ft. Blu (Original Artist: Shingo Suzuki)


8. DreamLand ft. Blu (Original Artist: Andy Allo)


9. Life of a Lover (Remix) ft. Blu & Jesse Boykins III (Original Artist: Theophilus London)


12. Jazz (Tribute Remix) [Sorry No Link]

J. Rawls (The Liquid Crystal Project) [2006]

Enjoy this jazzy album from one of the smoothest producers out there...

2. The D Effect (Sorry No Link)

5. A Tribute to Dilla


6. Remember When (Sorry No Link)

10. A Tribute to Bobby


13. A Tribute to Troy

The Primeridian (Da Allnighta) [2005]

Members: Tree Tha Scarecrow & See-Me-On
These guys are from Chicago and they represent the underground scene well.

2. Floatin'


5. Trumpets of Zion (prod. by Stoney Rock)


6. Yeah, Yeah We Know (Sorry No Link)

8. Pose to Do


12. Off Tha Track

Wax Tailor (Tales of the Forgotten Melodies) [2005]

Wax Tailor is a French trip-hop and hip-hop producer. He has been in the game a long time but this 2005 release is his debut album. I think you will appreciate the musical journey he takes you on...

2. Que Sera


3. Ungodly Fruit

Eulorhythmics (Extended Play (EP)) [2006]

Members: Adad & Kenny Keys
I saw these guys live at the Abbey Pub years ago and bought this EP after the show. It is certainly worth listening to and these two are from the Chi (represent!)...

3. Blam! (Sorry No Link)

5. Listen


6. L.I.V.E (Sorry No Link)

Chiddy Bang (The Opposite of Adults (EP)) [2010]

Here is a really short mixtape by Chiddy Bang...not sure why it is so short...

1. Opposite of Adults (KIDS)


2. Chiddy Freestyle (aka Pro's Freestyle 1.0)


3. Sooner or Later

Chiddy Bang (Air Swell (A Mini-Mixtape)) [2010]

Members: Chiddy & Xaphoon Jones
I now present to you a mixtape Chiddy Bang did with UK artists such as the Gorillaz, Ellie Goulding, Hot Chip, Tinie Tempah and Kate Nash. Its dope...

2. Breakfast


3. Hey London


4. Pass Out (Freestyle)


6. Stylo Remix ft. Mos Def & Chiddy Bang [Original Artist: Gorillaz]

Chiddy Bang (The Swelly Express (Mixtape)) [2009]

Members: Chiddy & Xaphoon Jones
By now you have to know who Chiddy Bang is...here is their first mixtape ever!

1. Get Up In The Morning


3. Danger Zone


4. Fresh Like Us


11. Dream Chasin'


14. Decline

B.o.B aka Bobby Ray (The Adventures of Bobby Ray) [2010]

This album put B.o.B on the map commercially, probably because of all the soft stuff. Too many of the tracks from this album got played out on the radio unfortunately but here are the few that didn't:

3. Past My Shades ft. Lupe Fiasco (prod. by B.o.B)


9. Fame (prod. by The Knux)


11. 5th Dimention ft. Ricco Barrino (prod. by B.o.B, T.I., Lil' C)


15. I See Ya (Deluxe Edition Bonus Track) (prod. by DA Honorable C.N.O.T.E.)

Pete Philly (Open Loops) [2010]

Here is a brand new release from Pete Philly and despite recording it without the help of his associate Perquisite, he manages to put out a masterpiece.

2. Free


3. Changing


4. Non A Dem ft. Ziggi Recado


5. Remember You ft. Roos Jonker


6. Movin' On


7. US ft. Collective Efforts


9. R Hood


10. Truth Be Told


13. Movin' On with Benjamin Herman Quartet


14. Changing (SirOJ Remix)

Pete Philly & Perquisite (Mystery Repeats) [2007]

The first track of this album is insane! The rest is just super chill...definitely a good album to take a nap to.

1. Clap Kick Flow


2. Womb to Tomb


3. Fish to Fry


5. Believer


11. Third Degree


13. Empire


15. Mystery Repeats


16. Time Flies

Pete Philly & Perquisite (Mindstate) [2005]

I just heard this album for the first time and decided to post it ASAP. I love the vibe this Amsterdam duo gives off. Its like jazz, soul, and hip-hop all mixed together! Pete Philly is the MC and Perquisite is on the beats...

1. Intro


3. Insomnia


6. Lazy


9. Conflicted


14. Cheeky ft. Ceemajor

Lupe Fiasco (The Cool) [2007]

I saw Lupe Fiasco live in 2006 (before he blew up) and I knew then what I know now...that he is as rare as they come. 2 years later he put out this musical masterpiece and if you haven't heard it you must have had your head in the sand...

3. Go Go Gadget Flow (prod. Soundtrakk)


4. The Coolest (prod. Chris & Drop)


5. Superstar ft. Matthew Santos (prod. Soundtrakk)

6. Paris, Tokyo (prod. Soundtrakk)


8. Gold Watch (prod. Chris & Drop)


9. Hip-Hop Saved My Life ft. Nikki Jean (prod. Soundtrakk)

11. Streets On Fire ft. Matthew Santos (prod. Chris & Drop)


12. Little Weapon ft. Bishop G & Nikki Jean (prod. Patrick Stump)


14. Dumb It Down ft. Gemstones & Graham Burris (prod. Soundtrakk)


20. Blackout (Bonus track) (prod. Soundtrakk)

Lupe Fiasco "Shining Down ft. Matthew Santos" [2010]

It is hard to believe that a song this good has no album to call its home yet. We won't know till Lupe's next album is released whether or not it makes the cut. Either way this track is one of Lupe's finest...

Camp Lo (Uptown Saturday Night) [1997]

Members: Geechi Suede & Sonny Cheeba

2. Luchini AKA This Is It


6. Sparkle

14. Coolie High

Lupe Fiasco (Food & Liquor) [2006]

I can't wait till Lasers drops in the spring! Lupe Fiasco is hip-hop turned mainstream but still hip-hop...makes me proud! This album had a few tracks that were removed prior to its release, I've posted those too:

4. Kick Push (prod. by Soundtrakk)

5. I Gotcha ft. Pharrel Williams (prod. by Neptunes)

8. Sunshine (prod. by Soundtrakk)


9. Daydreamin' ft. Jill Scott (prod. by Soundtrakk)


10. The Cool (prod. by Craig Kallman)


11. Hurt Me Soul (prod. by Needlz)


12. Pressure ft. Jay-Z (prod. by Prolyfic)


14. The Emperor's Soundtrack (prod. by Soundtrakk)


17. Carrera Lu (limited edition bonus track) (prod. by Prolyfic)


18. Tilted (limited edition bonus track) (prod. by Needlz)


These 3 were removed from the album pre-release:

Make Sure


Spaze Out


What It Do


Ghetto Story (Steady Mobbin')

Devin The Dude (Suite 420) [2010]

Not a lot of hits on this album, but give these two a preview:

2. We Get High


7. What We Be On

Devin The Dude (Just Tryin' ta Live) [2002]

There aren't really any hits from this album when you compare them to this instant classic...probably my favorite DJ Premier beat.

11. Doobie Ashtray (prod. by DJ Premier)

Devin The Dude (Landing Gear) [2008]

What else can you say about these two that hasn't already been said?

1. In My Draws


7. Highway ft. Dee-Rail

Devin The Dude (Waitin' To Inhale) [2007]

Devin should be considered a comedian in addition to being an all in one hip-hop machine. He has been in the game a long time, doing big things, and this album is by far my favorite...

2. She Want The Money ft. Odd Squad


4. Hope I Don't Get Sick A Dis


5. What A Job ft. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000


13. Somebody Else's Wife

B.o.B aka Bobby Ray "Fuck The Money ft. Wiz Khalifa" [2010]

“Fuck The Money” originally was on another B.o.B mixtape (May 25th), however he replaced Asher Roth and re-released it as a single (great decision in my mind).

Organized Konfusion "Wake Up Show Anthem '94" [1994]

Members: Prince Po & Pharoahe Monch
Featured Artists: Nas, Lauryn Hill, Ras Kass, Shyheim, Saafire & Dread Scott
Gotta love this single from 1994. Can you count the number of dope artists?

The Pharcyde (Sold My Soul: The Remix & Rarity Collection) [2005]

Check out this one track off of the 2005 remix album of the legendary group The Pharcyde.

8. Pandemonium

The Pharcyde (Bizzare Ride II The Pharcyde) [1992]

Members: Imani, Bootie Brown, Slimkid3 & Fatlip (prod. By: J-Swift)
As far as old school albums go, how can this not be one of the best of all time?

2. Oh Shit


5. I'm That Type of Nigga


7. Soul Flower (Remix)


11. Ya Mama


12. Passin Me By


15. Pack the Pipe

B.o.B aka Bobby Ray (B.o.B vs Bobby Ray (Mixtape)) [2009]

B.o.B knows whats up. Check these tracks out (already classics in my mind).

13. Satellite (prod. B.O.B)


15. Mr. Bobby (prod. B.O.B)


20. Put Me On (prod. B.O.B)

Exile (Radio) [2009] & Exile (AM/FM) [2010]

Exile has such a unique style I just love listening to his solo projects once in a while. It just so happens that my favorite track off his 2009 album (Radio) features Blu on it in Exile's 2010 album (AM/FM).

Radio:
13. Love Line


AM/FM:
13. Love Line (Remix) ft. Blu

Zion I (Atomic Clock) [2010]

Members: Baba Zumbi & AmpLive
Haven't had much of a chance to listen to this album but this one track stuck out plus I know there are a few Rebelution fans out there. When I get a chance I'll edit this post and maybe add a couple more from the album.

8. Many Stylez ft. Rebelution

Mac Miller (K.I.D.S.) [2010]

For a 17 year old kid I'd say Mac ain't bad but he definitely has plenty of room for improvement. The album is pretty much garbage but listen to these three tracks and let me know what you think.

4. Nikes On My Feet


14. Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza


18. La La La La (Bonus Track)

Damu The Fudgemunk (How It Should Sound, Volume 1 & 2) [2010]

Finally a release of everything Damu has been keeping secret from us....

2. Another Introduction (2007)


4. Clap & Form Your Soul (2007)


9. Its Called The Chill Out (2004)


10. Gone With The Sunset (2005)

Wiz Khalifa (Kush & Orange Juice (Mixtape)) [2010]

I never really liked Wiz, but I do like this mixtape (he should have released it as an album though).

1. Waken Baken


2. Mezmorized


5. The Statement


10. Never Been


13. Still Blazin

The Roots (How I Got Over) [2010]

This album was a complete 360 in terms of quality compared to their last album. Also, Blu somehow managed to get featured on some of their tracks, which really helps make the album.

4. Radio Daze ft. Blu, P.O.R.N. & Dice Raw


5. Now or Never ft. Phonte & Dice Raw


6. How I Got Over ft. Dice Raw


8. The Day ft. Blu, Phonte & Patty Crash


9. Right On ft. Joanna Newsome & STS


11. The Fire ft. John Legend

Hieroglyphics (Full Circle) [2003]

Members: Casual, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Domino, Pep Love, & Souls of Mischief (A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, & Tajai)
This album is my favorite Hieroglyphics of all time, it may have been the first hip hop album that sparked my interest in real music.

2. Fantasy Island


3. Powers That Be


4. Make Your Move ft. Goapele


5. Shift Shape


6. Classic


8. Heatish


9. Halo


10. Love Flowin'


11. 100,000 Indi ft. Abstract Rude


16. 7 Sixes

Johnson & Jonson (Johnson & Jonson) [2008]

Members: Blu & Mainframe

3. Mama Told Me


5. Wow!


7. Spell Check ft. Gang Sign Language By Big D Menace (Sorry No Link)

Living Legends (The Gathering (EP)) [2008]

2. She Wants Me


7. After Hours (Extended Euromix)

U-N-I (Fried Chicken & Watermelon) [2008]

Members: Y-O & Thurzday
This album could use a bit more production and less repetition.

1. Intro


11. Castlevania


13. Beautiful Day

DJ Heat & Blu ((So)ul Amazing (Mixtape)) [2008]

Blu is always fire and DJ Heat comes up with a few interesting beats for this one.

2. Local Legends (prod. Flying Lotus)


3. Spanish Winter


6. Git It Now f. MoveMent & Trek


7. City Of Los(t) Ang(e)les ft. Co$$


9. Its Okay (Pt 1) ft. Myth & Definite


10. My Boy Blu


13. Mars (Remix)


14. Fly (Song of Liberation)

Tanya Morgan (The Bridge (EP)) [2008]

Members: Donwill, Ilyas & Von Pea

2. We Doin' Our...


4. Got 2 Get Done


5. Be You ft. Czelena


9. How Low

J. Rawls & John Robinson Presents Jay Are (The 1960's Jazz Revolution Again) [2009]

J. Rawls is a very smooth, jazz influenced producer.

2. It's Jay ARE (Sorry No Link Available)

3. Know U ft. Invizible Handz


10. 1 Of The Greatest

2 Hungry Bros (My Crew's All Thinner) [2009]

If you don't know who these guys are you better get on it.

4. Bed-Stuy Bullett Dodge ft. Fresh Daily & $trictly Busine$$


6. Glass House ft. 8thw1


12. Harlem Hendu ft. 8thw1


19. I Wanna Do Something Freaky To You ft. 8thw1 & Leon Haywood


21. Parallel Perpendicular ft. Homeboy Sandman


23. Te Conozco ft. Willie Colon

Oddisee (Mental Liberation) [2009]

Check out some hidden gems from one of my favorite producers:

1. Hip Hop's Cool Again


5. Q & A ft. Kenn Starr


6. Rhymes Get Written ft. Silent Knight & XO


8. Cold For That ft. Trek Life


11. Drugs Outside (Remix) Feat. Black Milk, Rapper Pooh & DJ Romes

Elzhi (The Leftovers Unmixedtape) [2009]

Elzhi is a newer member of Slum Village and after listening to this album he may be your favorite (current) member.

2. Deep


4. Like This


6. Glow


7. Living

Blame One (Days Chasing Days) [2009]

Now Blame One may not be a great MC, but lucky for him Exile does the production on this album.

5. Wonder Why ft. Blu & Exile (prod. by Blu)


6. Disturbed ft. Sean Price


7. Days Chasing Days ft. Aloe Blacc & Beleaf


8. Sat Night Special

Oddisee (Traveling Man) [2010]

Traveling Man is a solo project by the up and coming producer Oddisee. There aren't any rhymes over these beats but they are still quite elaborate.

8. Tokyo


9. Brixton


11. Long Beach


24. Houston

Panacea (12 Step Program) [2010]

Artists include: K-Murdoch, Raw Poetic, and Damu The Fudgemunk

2. Collard-fried Grey Sky


3. Stumble Home


5. Blue Oceanwave


6. Black Coffee


8. Natural Selection


9. Revolution World Crazy


11. Immortal

Tanya Morgan (Brooklynati) [2009]

Tanya Morgan is one of those groups you have to see live! The amount of energy they bring is amazing. Von Pea and Brickbeats are a powerhouse production duo on this 2009 release.

1. (We) On Our Way


2. Alleye Need ft. Piakhan


3. So Damn Down


4. Bang & Boogie


6. Hardcore Gentlemen


12. Morgan Blu ft. Blu

Blu & Exile (Below The Heavens) [2007]

Here is one of my favorite albums of all time. Exile is such a sick producer and when you add Blu into the mix its just unreal. The whole album could play on repeat for days and I wouldn't get sick of it.

1. My World Is...


2. The Narrow Path


3. So(ul) Amazin' (Steel Blazin')


4. Juicen' Dranks ft. Taraach


6. Blu Colla Workers


7. Dancing In The Rain


9. No Greater Love


10. Show Me The Good Life ft. Aloe Blacc


11. Simply Amazin'


12. Cold Hearted


13. The World Is... (Below The Heavens)


15. I Am...

Nas & Damian Marley (Distant Relatives) [2010]

Saw most of this album performed live at Northcoast and it was superb. Damian Marley produces most of this album with the exception of the few tracks that Stephen Marley produced. The whole album is worth a listen but hear are my top choices.

1. As We Enter


5. Friends


7. Dispear


10. Nah Mean


11. Patience