I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine, we were talking about Hip Hop releases over the last few years, shamefully my friend failed to mention five of the best releases of the last few years. Here is my run down of 5 albums that you should own and if you don’t then you have seriously missed out!! Find out which they are after the Jump:
Continue Reading After The Jump…
Cunninlynguists – A Piece of Strange
Southern trio Cunninlynguists dropped this classic back in 2006. The concept album tells the “tale of the pathway to and from sin”. It features Cee-Lo Green, Tonedeff and Immortal Technique. On this album Kno the groups producer shines through, he is honestly the most underrated producer ever. This was their Third studio release and i seriously recommend you check out there whole discography to find out why they are one of the most consistent Hip Hop groups of the last 10 years. Favourite tracks: The Gates, Hourglass, Brain Cell, Nothing to Give. Honestly every song is a favourite of mine in one way or another.
Shad – The Old Prince
Canadian Rapper Shad aka Shad K dropped this album back in 2007. Whilst this wasn’t his debut album it was the record that gained him the recognition he deserved. The mix of humour, punch lines and emotion on this album proves that Shad stands out from the rest. Good news for fans of Shad as his latest album TSOL is due out May 25th. Favourite tracks: Now A Daze, Brother (Watching), I Heard You Had A Voice Like An Angel. It was this album that made 2007 such a great year for hip hop.
CYNE – Water for Mars
Hip Hop group CYNE (Cultivating Your New Experience) released this album in 2009 and it only takes one listen to realise they have found their place as Underground greats. The production (provided by Speck and Enoch) is top notch and the verses are great as always, Covering subjects from the current state of hip hop, how to live a better life and the beauty of women, this album is their most consistent work yet. Its hard to find a flaw with this album. Favourite tracks: This Year, Pretty Apollo, One Day, Electric Blue, I Never.
Blue Scholars – Bayani
Seattle producer and emcee duo Blue Scholars dropped the follow up to their self titled debut album in 2007. Bayani was one of the albums to really highlight the talent out in Seattle and the Northwest. The production on this album is great and even though Geologic ain’t the best of rappers this album is one of my most replayed records, him and Sabzi just work so well together. Each track tells a story wether it be Political, Emotional, Love or Day to Day life. This is another example of how dope 2007 was. Favourite tracks: Loyalty, 50k Deep, Joe Metro, Second Chapter.
Nujabes – Modal Soul
Nujabes – Luv (sic.) pt3 (Ft. Shing02)
Modal Soul is Nujabes‘ second solo album. His typical combination of hip hop and jazz, Modal Soul features Substantial, Shing02, Cise Starr and Akin (CYNE), Uyama Hiroto, Apani B and Pase Rock. This album has some classics, its a great mix of instrumental music and Rap. It came out in 2005 and it didn’t take long for it to get the shine it deserved. Definitely my favourite Nujabes album. Favourite tracks: Luv Sic Part 3, Reflection Eternal, Eclipse, The Sign, World’s End Rhapsody and Feather.
We’ll there you have it, 5 of my favourite most slept on albums. Do you agree or disagree? Also whats your favourite most underrated albums? Let me know in the comments section, be interesting to see other peoples opinions.
Bob42jh
The Author
