Common

While I personally enjoyed Electric Circus, I did miss the Common that I grew to be a fan of: the lyrical wittiness, the neck snapping beats, and the fresh rhyme flow. All of that returned as Common connected with Kanye West for his new album, Be, a collection of some boom bap hip-hop and a return of the lyrical dexterity that Common used to attract his hip-hop followers in the 90’s. Songs like "Be", "Real People", "The Corners" and "Testify" just make you love hip-hop again.

Little Brother – Minstrel Show
Little Brother who? This North Carolina trio caught the underground hip-hop world by surprise a couple of years ago when they dropped their debut album, The Listening. The album was so hot; each member did solo projects and came together this year to put out, The Minstrel Show. There was a lot of controversy surrounding this album, not only the name of the album, which is how the group sees hip-hop in 2005, but they were awarded a 4.5 album rating in The Source magazine and then had it snatched away when shady magazine owner Benzino lowered the rating to 4, with no explanation. Regardless, the album is fire with the lead single and video "Lovin’ It" which makes a mockery of the current state of hip-hop. Good stuff!

Damian Marley – Welcome to Jamrock
Ahh yes, the son of the legend Bob Marley has a lot to live up to. Well, Damian did that and then some when he dropped Welcome to Jamrock this year.

Damian Marley

Although it may be found in the reggae section, this album carries a true hip-hop spirit, and features Nas and Black Thought (of The Roots). The album is full of that soulful, revolutionary message and energy that is sorely missed in mainstream music today. This is Damian’s third album and definitely his best. If you could buy only one album this year, this one has to be it.

Danger Doom – The Mouse and the Mask
This album is a project by two underground legends, rapper MF Doom and DJ/producer Danger Mouse. The theme of the album is based around Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming and features some of the characters from the animated programs they show on Adult Swim. While it may sound cheesy at first, the lyrical prowess of MF Doom and the creative and head-bopping production from Danger Mouse makes the album one of the most creative projects of the year. You won’t see any videos of the songs or hear any singles from the album on the radio, so the only way to hear the music is to get the album!

Best Videos

"Testify" – Common
Although Common’s other two videos this year, "The Corners" and "Be" are super sweet, "Testify" is a fresh song with an interesting story. The video shows exactly what is being said in the song which is a rarity nowadays. The video features performances from familiar actors from The Wire and Hustle & Flow.

"Still Tippin’" – Mike Jones featuring Slim Thug and Paul Wall
While some may be offended by some of the objectifying of women in the video, it’s really not as bad as some of the other stuff that’s shown on BET and MTV. I picked this video because it showcases the Southern hip-hop culture, which before now was barely seen. Long, dropped Cadillac’s and Monte Carlo’s swerving down the streets of Houston reminds me of the summers I had in high school.

"Hate It or Love It" – The Game featuring 50 Cent
The director does a great job in visualizing the song in bringing a New York environment when 50 is rapping and going all the way to Los Angeles when The Game is rapping. This is one of the better videos this year.

"Diamonds from Sierra Leone" – Kanye West
Although the song that actually discusses conflict diamonds (or blood diamonds) is the remix featuring the Jay-Z, the video pretty much makes the point of where some diamonds are coming from with the images of children mining for diamonds. The best part? When the blood goes up homegirl’s arm after her man proposes to her and puts a diamond ring on her finger.

"Man I Used to Be" – K-Os
Last year, K-Os released the best album I’ve heard in years from anyone called Joyful Rebellion. Although he doesn’t get much spin on the radio or TV, his video for "Man I Used to Be" released earlier this year, incorporates a lot of new millennium breakdancing (or b-boying) that people need to see. Some of the dance routines are just incredible. Plus, it’s just a dope song!


Best Hip-Hop Moments

Fugees Reuniting
The Fugees put out one of my favorite albums back in 1996 called The Score. Lauryn Hill, my favorite female emcee, had her coming out party on that album and Wyclef Jean finally got to showcase his true production skills. After the success of that album the group members went on to do solo projects which also during that time, animosity grew. To make a long story short, they came back together in 2004 for Dave Chapelle’s Black party and then this year they recorded a new single called "Be Easy". The song isn’t all that but it’s a start. I’m looking forward to more!

Kanye West Taking a Stand
You all know what happened! A week after being on the cover of Time Magazine, Kanye West called out Bush on national TV. Couldn’t have done it better myself.

The Roots Signing with Def Jam Records
The Roots are a Philadelphia hip-hop band that has been putting it down for over a decade. They’ve backed up everyone from Jay-Z to Eminem and put out seven great albums, but have never seen a platinum album. Now they’ve signed with hip-hop’s longest running and arguably most success record label, Def Jam Records, now headed by Jay-Z. Hopefully, with this machine behind them, The Roots will get the accolades they deserve.

Cam’Ron Getting Shot
Now don’t get me wrong, shooting someone or getting shot is not cool, but I believe everything happens for a purpose. Although I can’t stand Cam’Ron or his crew the Diplomats, I would never wish death on anyone. But maybe Cam’Ron getting shot in an attempted car-jacking is a good thing, as in, it may knock some sense into him. Instead of using his talent to promote negativity, he can put out some positive stuff. Because honestly, look where the negativity got him… almost dead.


Best Local Hip-Hop

Deux Process – In Deux Time
Even though the group moved to California they rep Colorado like they were still here. It’s a great album, cool cats, so support them.

Proxy – 2nd Coming
Who said Christians can’t make good hip-hop? Proxy definitely proves you wrong with this project.

Greenweedz & G. Riot – G-Strings
Greenweedz is in Chicago and G. Riot is in Maine, but the entire album was recorded here in Denver while G.Riot was at DU. They give nothing but love to Colorado hip-hop.

Black Pegasus – Knuckle Up
Although the album doesn’t have the spark to get you to listen to it more than a couple of times, Pegasus hustles and puts a lot of work into his craft. You can't do nothing but respect his hustle.


Editor’s note: Quibian Salazar-Moreno is a freelance journalist living in Denver, Colorado. You can reach him through his website at www.qsviews.com.