The Forgotten Three
On my 2009 music retrospective, I failed to mention three standout albums from last year that definitely deserve a spot on the Honorable Mention list:
Bill Cosby presents: The Cosnarati, State of Emergency
Can an album full of "I Can"s work? Absolutely. The long-awaited "Bill Cosby rap album" turns out to be better than anticipated, though Cos never actually raps (nor does his voice appear at all). The featured MCs provide an engaging, PG-rated look at inner-city issues and the production isn't bad, either. It's not an album that I'm going to play for many friends, but when my kids are small and want to listen to rap, I won't hesitate letting them spin State of Emergency.
Asher Roth, Asleep in the Bread Aisle
Being pasty and a rhyme-writer, you could say I'm a fan of white rappers, but since there are so few worth listening to (Beastie Boys, Eminem, Vinnie Paz, and Joe Scudda come to mind), when a noteworthy MC comes along, I take note. Asher Roth is the latest to cross hip-hop's invisible color barrier, and as far as I'm concerned, he can stay. He's lyrically intriguing, his beats are diverse and fun (two of which sample Weezer's "The Sweater Song" and Ben Kweller's "Falling," respectively), and you can tell that he's having fun. Ultimately, the album's positive vibe is what's important, and with Cee-Lo and Busta Rhymes supporting him, who's to disagree?
Rapper Big Pooh, Delightful Bars
The clear second fiddle to Phonte in NC's own Little Brother, Big Pooh still can't be called a slacker. He may get consistently outshined by his rhyming partner, but he's trying his hardest while staying true to his style. On his 2nd solo album, he's stronger than before even though 9th Wonder isn't around as much as he was the first time (read: once) to coat him with his textbook R&B-sample/FruityLoops beats. Instead, the bulk of production falls to fellow Justus Leaguer Khrysis, who's proved that he fits LB as much as anyone outside of 9th. Otherwise, Pooh is backed by some of the most unique independent production in years and brings along some familiar faces for guest verses (Chaundon, Joe Scudda, O. Dash). And, oh yeah, Pooh's pretty good, too.
Bill Cosby presents: The Cosnarati, State of Emergency
Can an album full of "I Can"s work? Absolutely. The long-awaited "Bill Cosby rap album" turns out to be better than anticipated, though Cos never actually raps (nor does his voice appear at all). The featured MCs provide an engaging, PG-rated look at inner-city issues and the production isn't bad, either. It's not an album that I'm going to play for many friends, but when my kids are small and want to listen to rap, I won't hesitate letting them spin State of Emergency.
Asher Roth, Asleep in the Bread Aisle
Being pasty and a rhyme-writer, you could say I'm a fan of white rappers, but since there are so few worth listening to (Beastie Boys, Eminem, Vinnie Paz, and Joe Scudda come to mind), when a noteworthy MC comes along, I take note. Asher Roth is the latest to cross hip-hop's invisible color barrier, and as far as I'm concerned, he can stay. He's lyrically intriguing, his beats are diverse and fun (two of which sample Weezer's "The Sweater Song" and Ben Kweller's "Falling," respectively), and you can tell that he's having fun. Ultimately, the album's positive vibe is what's important, and with Cee-Lo and Busta Rhymes supporting him, who's to disagree?
Rapper Big Pooh, Delightful Bars
The clear second fiddle to Phonte in NC's own Little Brother, Big Pooh still can't be called a slacker. He may get consistently outshined by his rhyming partner, but he's trying his hardest while staying true to his style. On his 2nd solo album, he's stronger than before even though 9th Wonder isn't around as much as he was the first time (read: once) to coat him with his textbook R&B-sample/FruityLoops beats. Instead, the bulk of production falls to fellow Justus Leaguer Khrysis, who's proved that he fits LB as much as anyone outside of 9th. Otherwise, Pooh is backed by some of the most unique independent production in years and brings along some familiar faces for guest verses (Chaundon, Joe Scudda, O. Dash). And, oh yeah, Pooh's pretty good, too.