I chose to showcase this song because of a brief conversation I had with a close friend of mine, Perri, via Facebook wallpost. He said that he felt it was a good year for Hip-Hop; I agreed, only because it became less dependent on guntalk and refamiliarized itslef with artistry and lyrical dexterity.

But being the native New Yorker that I am, I did find a window for my complaints: Despite “H.E.R.” divergence from gunplay, she seems to have instinctly fallen into the arms of materialism. But just for the sake of Perri’s argument, here are some songs that I felt push Hip-Hop/Rap in a better direction and are strong indications of a bright future:

First up is Lupe Fiasco’s “The National Anthem” from the highly listenable “Enemy of the State: A Love Story” mixtape. Lupe sociopolitically raps:

“So when I want them to hear me out/ I just sit them next to some pictures of Rosa splitting with her titties out/ And what’s written on her titties is what it’s really about/ Then her vagina is some poor kids from China/ Nipples nuclear missiles/ Ass is a daughter without a dad/ Back is like Afghanistan, Iraq/ Health care hair, Drive-by thighs/ Education lips, HIV eyes/ Environment feet/ Justice get her so wet, brains get you brains/ You can fuck her if you protest…”

Next is Big Sean’s “Supa Dupa” off of the “UKNOWBIGSEAN“ mixtape. This is one of my favorite song on list, Big Sean playfully but egostically raps:

“I am a supa, dupa, troopa/ Used to the bottom – scuba/ So I’m on the grind – skateboard or scoota/ ‘Til I am the king of my castle – Koopa/ Dawg I took a shot in the dark in an industry of sharks/ That’s surrounded by water – Cuba/ I can make an Einstein’s mind feel stoopa/ And I can make an insecure bitch feel supa/ Realest nigga eva – Kunta Kinte/ Ultra – master, super – sensei/ Dawg, in the ninth inning/ We’re just trying to hit a homer – Marge/ Comprende? Hard – al dente/ MJ – Jordan or Jackson/ Only difference is, I ain’t fucking with these kids/ Sean – Big/ A problem too big – Trig/ You niggas ain’t shit – Pissed? – tsk tsk”

After that is Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth & B.o.B.’s “A Change Gon’ Come” (Which can be found on “Mr. Peter Park: Asher Roth’s Day Off“). Featuring three members of XXL’s “The Freshman 10“, the song makes wonderful use of a Sam Cooke classic. Here are some provoking bars from Charles & Asher:

Charles Hamilton:

“Prisoner to my cerebellum/ so I reach out to the listeners/ And my mission is I better tell’em/ Our fear of a free mind is here and your spirit can die/ And anytime you need to cry so you hide it deep inside/ Reason why, how can you change what was written/ Easy, don’t focus your brain on what they mentioned/ I got so used to tryin’ to make due/ I feel like I’m cheatin’ when I’m faced with a breakthrough/ The man in the mirror keeps sayin’ I hate you/ I respond like little nigga I made you/ Slay those sayin’ they can break you/ So when I take a break I go ape Come back and play fool/ When they think they won that’s when I crush them/ Change is eminent I evolve so it’s nothing/ What’s the discussion?… Charles Hamilton”

Asher Roth:

“We’ve been pompous every since Columbus couldn’t work a compass/ We’ve accomplished what we’ve conjured up while conscious/ And consciously we’ve conquered all the eye can see/ Constantly concocting more options but jobs are still obsolete/ It seems so odd to me an odyssey/
How honesty is honestly/ the rawest thing upon us it’s astonishing/ How did all the honest people vanish from the planet?/ Leaving us a laundry list of problems to acknowledge/ While plotting with my phonics me and Sonic and B.o.B./ Nag Champa rises as I sit down and sketch my rhymes/ Stretch my mind, to figure out what’s next in line/ The next Em, ‘Ye, and André? Nah homie…its just been a longggg, a long time coming” 

Fourth up is Brooklyn’s own Theophilus London’s “Cold Pillow” (Featuring Jesse Boykins) from “This Charming Mixtape“. I chose this song not for it’s lyrical prowess but for it’s soothing versatility. Theophilus is a very gifted MC but the song collectively has a greater impact than his lyrics alone.

Last but not least is Wale’s “90210″, a track off the recently released “Attention Deficit“. This song is also a favorite of mine because  it adapts the typical “urban-plight” rap to “upper class” Beverly Hills socialites, literally. Wale, almost disdainfully, raps:

“Just another day out in Beverly Hills/ She sing, model, and dance, but can’t sit still/ Believing the screens or anything there/ But reality shows ain’t real/ So pretentious with no potential/ She goes to catch up, although her rents up/ In her defense; she part of the crowd/ She gonna borrow some money/ So she can party at Chows/ It’s apart of her goal/ It’s all she knows/ Graduated from rosay, addicted to blow/ Addicted to stardom, a wish to blow/ So she kisses the stars and gives them a blow/ After every show, a dream she hold/ Inhibition is gone, she just wanna be known/ She wanna be know, she just wanna be known/ Pulling down her skirt/ “I never done this before”, Nah…”

Honorable Mentions:

1. Drake Feat. Lil’ Wayne “Ignant Shit” (So Far Gone)

2. Pac Div “Pac Div” (Church League Champions)

3. Blu “Melo” (HerFavoritecolo(u)r.)

4. KiD CuDi “Poke Her Face” (Man on the Moon: End of Day)

5. Wiz Khalifa “Name on a Cloud” (Flight School)

For the past few years, there has been a rumor about a gay rapper. The rapper has a strong lyrical ability, but the fact remains that he is gay. At one point, this supposed gay rapper had dissed Eminem. Until earlier this year, rumors of the gay rapper had died down. That was until N.O.R.E. revealed that he has worked with several gay rappers.

A few days ago, rumors began that the gay rapper may be Asher Roth. It makes sense because he is an advocate for gay rights. He has let it be known in the past that he supports gay rights and the gay movement. But, just because he supports all of this does not mean that he is gay, himself. After all, the white people that fought slavery did not become black because of their support.

Over the course of these days, the gay rumors about Asher Roth have continued and they have gotten bigger. This has prompted DJ Vlad to speak out in support of Roth. He said that the rapper is far from gay. While he was one of the first people to speak out and defend Roth, the person that matters had yet to say anything.

That has now changed because Asher Roth has come out to defend his sexuality. Through Twitter, Roth apologized in advance to all of the entertainment sites that were ready to dub him as the gay rapper. Asher Roth Tweeted that he was indeed straight. He also said that any news sites that reported on the gay rumors were unprofessional.

Asher Roth said that there is no way that a person’s internal feelings can be a part of the news.

This weekend, rumors swirled that Asher Roth was a homosexual. Clearing the air, Ash released this statement:

I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay.  It’s disheartening to know such “news” on someone’s personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source.  This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH.  Further, someone’s sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can’t be themselves without fear of judgment.  Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted.  It’s extremely disappointing that this topic would be used with the intention of being hurtful. We are near 2010….2010!! Yet race, sex and religion still play a major role in a hate driven society.  For the love of the future and humanity….let’s wake up.

Via: Rap Radar

Internet Rumors began circling Asher Roth’s sexuality late last week. You may be asking yourself wat the big deal is but Asher has already responded and made his sexuality clear!!!

All weekend long stories circulated the net stating Asher Roth was gay. Many Blog sites reported this news; we did as well. However, today, Asher is sounding off; dispelling this myth & suspicions of his sexuality. Asher says:

“I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay. It’s disheartening to know such “news” on someone’s personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source. This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH. Further, someone’s sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can’t be themselves without fear of judgment. Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted. It’s extremely disappointing that this topic would be used with the intention of being hurtful. We are near 2010….2010!! Yet race, sex and religion still play a major role in a hate driven society. For the love of the future and humanity….let’s wake up.”

I gotta say I was a tad bit disappointed that Asher IS in fact Hetero, not Homo. He would be the FIRST HUGE Openly Gay rapper, and I wanted to see how receptive the public would be to that. Not only the public, but his peers- especially his peers. In such a homophobic genre I wonder if he would still be respected for his artistry & lyricism. Hmmmm, guess we’ll have to wait a little while longer for that brave soul to bust the hinges off the closet door & say, “This Is Me: love it, or leave it alone”.

-”The BklynBandette”. Mr. Hollywood’s Co-Defendant.

Last night the internet or at least a small hip hop corner of it blew up with rumours Asher Roth was gay. Well Asher addressed the rumours today and he did a pretty good job at doing it and turns out……..HE IS…….NOT.

Asher – I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay. It’s disheartening to know such “news” on someone’s personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source. This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH. Further, someone’s sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can’t be themselves without fear of judgment. Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted. It’s extremely disappointing that this topic would be used with the intention of being hurtful. We are near 2010….2010!! Yet race, sex and religion still play a major role in a hate driven society. For the love of the future and humanity….let’s wake up.

More importantly, according to his twitter, he could be dropping some new music soon.

In the wake of all the hoopla surrounding the “Gay Rapper” and Asher Roth possibly being the poster boy for the cause and coming out the closet, the Pennsylvania MC has put the brakes on the speculation. Asher released the following statement putting an end to the rumors:

“I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay. It’s disheartening to know such “news” on someone’s personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source. This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH. Further, someone’s sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can’t be themselves without fear of judgment.

Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted. It’s extremely disappointing that this topic would be used with the intention of being hurtful. We are near 2010….2010!! Yet race, sex and religion still play a major role in a hate driven society. For the love of the future and humanity….let’s wake up.”

Loud Executive Vice President DJ Vlad has addressed rumors which suggest rap newcomer Asher Roth has decided to come out and admit to being a homosexual.

According to Vlad, the rumors are merely gossip and hold no truth.

“As Executive Vice President of Loud.com / SRC Records, I would like to address the recent internet rumors about Asher Roth: Asher Roth is not gay, and is not scheduled to be interviewed on the E! Channel. Furthermore, Asher has not been dropped from SRC Records, and is a top priority at the label after having sold over a million copies of his ‘I Love College’ single. Asher is currently working on his next album for SRC. DJ Vlad Executive Vice President Loud.com / SRC / Universal CEO, VladTV” (Vlad TV)

Speculation began to grow over Roth’s sexual preference last weekend.

At first, this appeared to be a rumor but I called Terrance Dean, the author of “Hiding in Hip-Hop” and he confirmed that Asher is indeed mentioned in his book. I then went to his blog and saw that he posted this last week: ‘Asher Roth admits he is the infamous “Gay Rapper” in a new book put out by Terrance Dean, formerly of MTV. Dean who at first said he wouldn’t say names, is now not agreeing or disputing that Asher is indeed the “Gay Rapper.” (Team Yee)

Rumors used Roth’s support of gay rights as a hint of his lifestyle.

Asher was recently at a Gay Rights Parade with Lady Gaga, “American Idol” winner, Clay Aiken, Blink 182, and REM lead man Michael Stipe. Besides Terrance Dean posting the news on his own blog, TMZ.com, and E! News all put out newsletters stating the good news about Asher Roth. Asher is currently living in a “gay section” of New York and “loving life”. (Global Grind)

YOU DECIDE?

The rapper that first came out saying that he loved college and loved women may be playing to a new tune as of late as Asher Roth has come out of the closet.

Speculation has been running rampant for the past few months with allegations of the Gay Rapper in Hip Hop, but now the mystery has reportedly been solved. 

Roth will appear on E!News during the Christmas Holiday celebration to talk about his recent “coming out of the closet”. Asher was recently in attendance at a Gay Rights Parade with Lady Gaga, American Idol Winner, Clay Aiken, Blink 182, and REM lead man Michael Stipe.

There have been reports that he has been on numerous rally’s and marches over the past year, but he really became visible in the gay community with American Idol winner, Clay Aiken, of whom there were rumors that the two were dating.

Asher Roth will stand as the first major Hip Hop artist to ever admit that he is gay.

According to Loud Executive Vice President DJ Vlad, however, the news is only allegations being thrown out and he is not gay and will not appear on E!.

Reports have stated that he is currently residing in a “gay section” of New York. 

Roth officially declared his sexual preference in a novel that was created by Terrance Dean, who formerly is an MTV executive.  In the book titled Hiding in Hip Hop: Confession of a Down Low Brother in the Entertainment Industry”, there were no actual names mentioned as to who in the Rap industry was gay, but Roth decided to reveal the news to the world on his own.

Dean was actually happy that the rapper was able to step up to the plate and admit that he was one of the gay rappers as he preferred him coming out openly as opposed to Dean having to reveal the names that he spoke of in the novel.  

The world can only wait to see if the other alleged unnamed rappers stand up to confirm their lifestyle or continue to remain nameless.

Dropping his debut album Asleep in the Bread Aisle, rumors stated that he was dropped from SRC Records and is now in the process of shopping for another label deal to release his sophomore album.

So, shocker, Asher Roth, white rap artist who has been compared to eminem (though i don’t hear or see any resemblance) and has radio hit’s such as “I love College” has come out to the public, admitting he is gay.

When I first heard this I thought it may have been some rumors getting out of control but it appears to be true. He attended the  Gay Rights Parade this past week with Lady Gaga, Clay Aiken, Blink 182, and REM’s Michael Stipe. He’s also currently living in a “gay section” of New York City and “loving life”.

Fabulous homie!

Make sure to watch E!News during the Christmas Holiday celebration when Roth will talk about it.

Clean Clean Clean. That was my afternoon into the night. Nothing special but what I’ve been hearing is that latest rapper Asher Roth is “gay” according to posts on www.krackblog.com stating that He will report on E! News to talk about his recent coming out of the closet and even the his ad for G-Shock (popular brand of watches manufactured by Casio proving to be resistance to shocks such as hard vibrations, water, and hard knocks) where he’s seen posing naked and his wrist with the G-Shock hiding his genitals.

It does sort of hit me because i sit and think of how many singers/rappers/celebrities have “came out the closet” or have been giving out mixed messages whether they’re truly gay or not.

His album cover for his first debut album Asleep in the bread aisle that dropped late April this year is clearly better. You be the judge.

This ad just shows how much fun Asher Roth could be but it doesn’t make sense to assume someone is gay just because they’re posing naked with a watch. www.krackblog.com also says that “Asher Roth was also spotted at a Gay Rights Parade with Lady Gaga, American Idol Winner Clay Aiken, Blink 182, and REM lead man Michael Stipe“. Just because you support the fight for gay rights doesn’t mean you necessarily are. We’ll just have to find out on E! News

But at the end of the day, He’s still making money and we should appreciate him, naked with a G-Shock, “out the closet” or not

Recently at a Gay Rights Parade with Lady Gaga, Clay Aiken, Blink 182, & REM front man Stripe, Asher Roth burst the hinges off the closet door last week when he admitted that he too is gay. Okay. Not the first gay rapper I’m sure, but the first Openly gay rapper, Asher is ready to “spill the tea” on an E! News Christmas celebration special this week. Asher, who was dropped from SRC Records, is the first major rapper to admit his homosexuality. Sources are also saying that HE is the unnamed gay rapper mentioned in former MTV exec Terrance Dean’s book Hiding In Hip-Hop: Confessions of A Down Low Brother In The Entertainment Industry. Mmmm-Hmmm. WOW!

-”The BklynBandette”. Mr. Hollywood’s Co-Defendant.

Bueno, este año esta apunto de acabarse, eso significa que todos daran su opinión sobre lo bueno y lo malo de este año. Are un par de post relacionados con eso, dare mi Top 6 sobre varios temas, este post es dedicado alas canciones del año según mi criterio.

6.Popular Demand – Clipse Feat. Cam’ron , que  mas puedes pedir , produccion por The Neptunes, coro por Pharrell y versos por Malice, Pusha y Cam’ron.

5. As I Em – Asher Roth Feat. Chester French , buena colaboración entre estos dos New Comers , bueno este track trata de que Asher Roth no viene a quitarle el puesto a Eminem y que no lo comparen a el.

4.Not Over You – Chester French , de su álbum debut LOVE THE FUTURE , Max y D.A. nos traen sus sonidos sofisticados y letras intelectuales, estos chicos de Harvard empezaron bien este 2009.

3.Knew We Were Trouble – Mr. Hudson , este británico que salio del álbum de 808’s & Heartbreak para unirse a G.O.O.D. Music vino para quedarse con buenos tracks sin usar autotune, su álbum Straight No Chaser ya salio en Europa aunque todavía falta que llegue a América.

2.Catalina – Raekwon , el Chef regreso este 2009 para mostrarle al mundo que Wu Tang es Hip Hop, y este track lo probo, producido por el mero mero Dr. Dre.

1.Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1) – Kid Cudi , como ya lo e dicho antes soy fan de Kid Cudi ya hace dos años aunque mucha gente lo conoció este año con su disco debut, bueno este tipo de track me da inspiración para seguir adelante, de su álbum debut Man On The Moon : The End Of Day.

Sci Nebula (of the Triangle Offense & the Jersey Boys) has dropped a quick one-shot MV of his track ‘Kapowski In My Audi” from his Sci: Year One project released earlier this year. The song is over the ‘Lark On My Go-Kart’ instrumental by Asher Roth. It’s a fun short & simple video but it looked friggn cold 0ut there haha. The project album is still available for free DL so grab it if you haven’t yet.

I know that’s a lot of tags. Sorry, blame it on me. (Okay, my fault, no more Akon references. Gosh.) Up to this point, I’ve written on and off about any and all kinds of music. Most notably, I’ve contributed a number of entries to the official Rhodes Radio blog, covering everything from Kid Cudi to the Dirty Projectors. This post is an archive of my previous writings.

2009 09 12 “The Pursuit of Happiness“

2009 09 11 “Empire State of Mind“

2009 09 10 “Enjoy a video today, part six“

2009 09 09 “The British Re-Invasion“

2009 09 08 “We’re still here… and so is Talbot Tagora“

2009 08 26 “Let This Beat Ride“

2009 08 26 “awesome authentic autumntime video #259,978“

2009 08 25 “awesome authentic autumntime video #259,977“

2009 08 24 “Who the f*%# is B.o.B? (Who the f*%# is Bobby Ray?)“

2009 08 24 “Enjoy a video today, part cinq“

2009 08 23 “sweet sweaty summertime video #259,976“

2009 08 23 “Enjoy a video today, part quatre“

2009 08 23 “13 Sunny Songs for a Summer Afternoon“

2009 08 22 “ba de ya, dancin’ in September“

2009 08 21 “Enjoy a video today, part trois“

2009 08 20 “New Music: Tegan and Sara do it up with Tiësto“

2009 08 10 “sweet sweaty summertime video #259,975“

2009 08 10 “Jay Reatard documentary: Waiting for Something“

2009 08 07 “Internat’l Correspondence“

2009 07 31 “oh!9 jamz, pt. II“

2009 07 31 “Enjoy a video today, part deux“

2009 07 26 “Artist Spotlight: the Avett Brothers“

2009 07 24 “oh!9 jamz, pt. I“

I’d like to note that, while I do my best to be meticulous in my blogging — often going back and checking links, etc. — some content may not be available at this point. Websites like YouTube don’t own the rights to things like music videos, so they’re occasionally removed. You know this. While we’re on the subject of YouTube though, here’s one from the (Epitaph Records official YouTube page — it’ll stick around) archives called “First One On the Blog.” Huh.

Whats happening Listeners (yes i said listeners) How are we all doing? Good I hope. So here we have it, the famous Music blog. Where on earth do I start with this. 2009 has been a fucking great year for music on both sides of the Atlantic.  Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, Wale, Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Robin Thicke, Ryan Leslie, Fabolous, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Snoop Dogg, Dizzee Rascal, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Timbaland, The Clipse, & R.Kelly just to name a few all dropped MASSIVE albums this calendar year, and of course Lil Wayne released about 10245 mix tapes. (by the end of this blog he will have released about 37 more)

First off I want to start with some of  the XXL’s Hip Hop Freshmen Class of 09

If it wasn’t for my awesome friend Luke Maitland: http://lukemaitland.wordpress.com/(check that out when you get the chance) calling me up at 11pm one night back in March telling me to download a mixtape called The Greenhouse Effect by this random white dude named Asher Roth then I wouldn’t have discovered these newbies to 2009. After downloading and listening to the GHE it soon turned into my most played album on my itunes within about 3 days (Yeah, I literally had it on repeat coz it was that damn Good) so after I realised that I was gaining a slight obsession i decided to check if he had any more material circulating band i just so happened to come across the XXL Top 10 Freshmen of 2009 Mixtape where i then discovered WALE, B.O.B, & CHARLES HAMILTON (The Middle Cover) Obviously we all knew about Kid Cudi because of the massive club banger Day N Nite Crookers remix, which if you ask me has absolutely nothing on the original (but thats just my opinion)

So if you want some new good music for the ipod then i highly recommend: The Greenhouse Effect (MT), Asher Roth’s Day Off (MT), Asleep In The Bread Aisle (LP) by Asher Roth.

Stoner Charm(MT), A Kid Named Cudi(MT), The Moon Man Mixtape(MT), Kid Cudi That Kid From Cleveland(MT), The Man On The Moon(LP) Kid Cudi in my opinion has come along and changed the game in his own way, he don’t stick to the stereotypical Cars Money Ho’s style like a lot of the other rappers he spits about real issues that a lot of us can  relate to. If you enjoy That ‘Mary J’ or that ‘Kush’ from time to time then i highly recommend listening to some Kid Cudi music when under the influence

The Moon Man

B.O.B vs Bobby Ray(MT) I love what B.O.B has done with this one, like Eminem he’s gone for the split personality. B.O.B being his rapper alias and the Bobby Ray being his more creative sides alias. This guy raps, sings, plays his own instruments, and produces. So give B.O.B vs Bobby Ray a listen and lemme know what you think.

Charles Hamilton is DOPE! He too is an innovator, just listen to his mixtape Sonic The Hamilton to see exactly what I’m talking about when I say that. Oh and he’s only 18 or 19 which makes his creativeness that bit more impressive. The Beats on Sonic the Hamilton are SICK. I want to tell you what he’s done to make them so sick but thats part of the surprise. JUST DO AS YOU’RE TOLD AND DOWNLOAD THIS MIXTAPE FROM A TORRENT SITE. (i recommend using torrentscan.com and a download program called utorrent) – Thanks Luke!!! Other Mixtapes of his include, The Dead Zone, The Best Of The Hamiltonization Process, Well Isn’t This Awkward, Every Ex Girlfriends Worst Nightmare, The L Word, Crash Landed, Intervention, and At Most I’m Just…, The Binge Vol.1, My Brain Is Alive, and Dope2Go (Hmmmm at age 18/19 with this many mixtapes out I’m feeling we may have another Weezy on our hands minus the Syrup Addiction)

http://cwebnews.com/entertainment/music-news/543871.html

Asher Roth Confirms rumor that he is in fact the gay rapper. This comes after sources leaked he was dating American Idol winner, Clay Aiken. Those rumors have not been confirmed. Asher is currently living in a “gay section” of New York, and “loving life”.

Asher will be on E! News this week talking about his new lifestyle.

1. Drake – So Far Gone

When a comparatively bad retail-version of your CD sells 73,000 copies in the first week, while a very good mixtape-version is available online for free, your album is #1 in my book. Also, props for songs featuring Sweden’s Lykke Li and Peter Bjorn & John. Everyone better already have at least some version of this mixtape in their library, and get ready for ‘Thank Me Later‘ in 2010.

[Featured artists: Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Bun B, Omarion, Lloyd, Lykke Li, Santogold & Peter Bjorn & John]

2. Wiz Khalifa – Flight School

I still listen to this CD pretty regularly. ‘Flight School’ showcases Wiz better than any of his other CD’s in 2009 by far.

[Featured artists: Kev Da Hustla & John Record]

3. Kid Cudi – Dat Kid From Cleveland

Kid Cudi had a big year, and this is his best mixtape effort for 2009.

[Featured artists: Kanye West, Common, Wale, Chip Tha Ripper, Consequence, Kevin Rudolf, Jackie Chain, 88-Keys & Sharam]

4. Big Sean – UKnowBigSean Vol. 2

I really wish Big Sean would release another mixtape, but this one will have to satisfy until that happens. This tape is solid throughout.

[Featured artists: Mike Posner, Santigold, Jay K, Earlly MacMillion, Dusty McFly, Keely & Pat Piff]

5. Lil Wayne – No Ceilings

Lil Wayne proves he is still ridiculously creative and has unlimited punch lines… gives me flashbacks to his mixtape haydays a few years ago.

[Featured artists: Birdman, Tyga, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Short Dawg, Shanell & Lucci Lou]

6. The Cool Kids – Gone Fishing

The Cool Kids drop another solid mixtape. I wish these guys came out with more music overall, but you can’t knock their consistent quality.

[Featured artists: Ryan Leslie, Shorty K, Jahda & Tennille]

7. Gucci Mane – Gucci Land

Gucci is the most popular rapper right now; I can see ‘The State vs. Radric Davis‘ selling between 250K & 500K this week… it’s a good CD. I had this mixtape, ‘Gucci Land’, on replay more than any of his others in the past year.

[Featured artists: OJ Da Juiceman, The Game, Timbaland, Fabolous, Nicki Minaj, Chip Tha Ripper, Dem Franchise Boyz, Yung L.A., Gorilla Zoe, Shawty Lo, Freeky Zekey & more]

8. B.o.B. – B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray

B.o.B./Bobby Ray/This guy is definitely one of the most talented of the new artists with his versatility rapping and producing.

[Featured artists: Kanye West, T.I., Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, OJ Da Juiceman, Bun B, Mickey Factz, Big Kuntry, Mac Boney, Playboy Tre & Killa Mike]

9. Mike Posner – One Foot Out The Door

My only non-rap mixtape for the year, and it is Mike Posner for a reason. The songs featuring Big Sean are the highlights for me.

[Featured artists: Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Saigon, Bun B, Clinton Sparks, Freddie Gibbs, GLC & XV]

10. Wale – Back to the Feature

Another rapper that had a big year; this is Wale’s best overall mixtape effort in 2009.

[Featured artists: Big Sean, Talib Kweli, Mike Posner, Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Lady Gaga, Currensy, Memphis Bleek, Peter Bjorn & John, Young Chris, J Cole, Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden & more]

11. Tyga – The Free Album

Yeah, I couldn’t narrow my list to 10 selections, and I even had a hard time deciding between this mixtape and Tyga’s more recent, ’The Potential‘.

[Featured artists: Lil Wayne, Gata & Short Dawg]

1. Drake – So Far Gone

When a comparatively bad retail-version of your CD sells 73,000 copies in the first week, while a very good mixtape-version is available online for free, your album is #1 in my book. Also, props for songs featuring Sweden’s Lykke Li and Peter Bjorn & John. Everyone better already have at least some version of this mixtape in their library, and get ready for ‘Thank Me Later‘ in 2010.

[Featured artists: Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Bun B, Omarion, Lloyd, Lykke Li, Santogold & Peter Bjorn & John]

2. Wiz Khalifa – Flight School

I still listen to this CD pretty regularly. ‘Flight School’ showcases Wiz better than any of his other CD’s in 2009 by far.

[Featured artists: Kev Da Hustla & John Record]

3. Kid Cudi – Dat Kid From Cleveland

Kid Cudi had a big year, and this is his best mixtape effort for 2009.

[Featured artists: Kanye West, Common, Wale, Chip Tha Ripper, Consequence, Kevin Rudolf, Jackie Chain, 88-Keys & Sharam]

4. Big Sean – UKnowBigSean Vol. 2

I really wish Big Sean would release another mixtape, but this one will have to satisfy until that happens. This tape is solid throughout.

[Featured artists: Mike Posner, Santigold, Jay K, Earlly MacMillion, Dusty McFly, Keely & Pat Piff]

5. Lil Wayne – No Ceilings

Lil Wayne proves he is still ridiculously creative and has unlimited punch lines… gives me flashbacks to his mixtape haydays a few years ago.

[Featured artists: Birdman, Tyga, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Short Dawg, Shanell & Lucci Lou]

6. The Cool Kids – Gone Fishing

The Cool Kids drop another solid mixtape. I wish these guys came out with more music overall, but you can’t knock their consistent quality.

[Featured artists: Ryan Leslie, Shorty K, Jahda & Tennille]

7. Gucci Mane – Gucci Land

Gucci is the most popular rapper right now; I can see ‘The State vs. Radric Davis‘ selling between 250K & 500K this week… it’s a good CD. I had this mixtape, ‘Gucci Land’, on replay more than any of his others in the past year.

[Featured artists: OJ Da Juiceman, The Game, Timbaland, Fabolous, Nicki Minaj, Chip Tha Ripper, Dem Franchise Boyz, Yung L.A., Gorilla Zoe, Shawty Lo, Freeky Zekey & more]

8. B.o.B. – B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray

B.o.B./Bobby Ray/This guy is definitely one of the most talented of the new artists with his versatility rapping and producing.

[Featured artists: Kanye West, T.I., Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, OJ Da Juiceman, Bun B, Mickey Factz, Big Kuntry, Mac Boney, Playboy Tre & Killa Mike]

9. Mike Posner – One Foot Out The Door

My only non-rap mixtape for the year, and it is Mike Posner for a reason. The songs featuring Big Sean are the highlights for me.

[Featured artists: Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Saigon, Bun B, Clinton Sparks, Freddie Gibbs, GLC & XV]

10. Wale – Back to the Feature

Another rapper that had a big year; this is Wale’s best overall mixtape effort in 2009.

[Featured artists: Big Sean, Talib Kweli, Mike Posner, Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Lady Gaga, Currensy, Memphis Bleek, Peter Bjorn & John, Young Chris, J Cole, Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden & more]

11. Tyga – The Free Album

Yeah, I couldn’t narrow my list to 10 selections, and I even had a hard time deciding between this mixtape and Tyga’s more recent, ‘The Potential‘.

[Featured artists: Lil Wayne, Gata & Short Dawg]

A pop culture reference Asher Roth has yet to make

Via RockTheDub.com:

“Have you ever been out with your younger friends, and as the clock gets closer to 12/1 in the morning, you’re on some “dog, I gotta go home – I have work in the morning!”? Then this slick flip of Asher Roth’s “I Love College” is just for you.”

Download Curly Castro “I Love My 30’s”

And get ready for the mixtape release party for Phatman & Likkle Bwoy here in Philly on Thursday December 17th!  Flyers and info coming shortly.

i’ve had an account on myspace – since probably eighth grade, right? maybe earlier. and i want to bring it back – i think its mostly used for music nowadays, but i still check mine occasionally, it’s how i keep in touch with the bands, its good shit.

i’ll never forget when asher wrote back – i mean, who knows if it was him, but it was last year – hahahah look

i know, i’m a tool – but it’s alright. i’ve loved his beats since day 1 – he rocked the roots concert, gave me a bunch of autographs; we took a few pictures – he promised he’d come to my restaurant whenever he’ hits north jersey – I’M STILL KEEPIN HIM TO IT! hahaha his parents were at the roots concert, they were so cute – hope he brings them to dinner ;p

but anyway, back to myspace – i haven’t updated my about me in forever, but when i read it – i really liked what i’ve got there, my page is pretty fly

most of it is in Polish – and actually, its really nothing about me.. they’re quotes and lyrics

i love them — take a read.

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succeeding is easy, its the failing everyone has to get good at.

Sluchaj ja mowie: Po pierwsze – mam serce

Po drugie – rozumiem

Po trzecie – dwie rece Posiadam i ich uzyc umiem Znam wielu

Po czwarte – wiem cos za cos warte

Po piec – najwazniejsze mam chec Nie siedze i nie czekam Jak chcesz to ty siedz

Szesc – zaklamanym nie mowie czesc Raz juz powiedzialam zegnam Jednak z drugiej strony:

Siedem – wybaczenie to podstawa moich wierzen To wszystko czyni mnie czlowiekiem Boze nie chce mieszac Ciebie do przyziemnych spraw Ale spraw:

Po osme – bym dla bliskich nigdy nie byla oszustem

Dziewiec – moja recepta na sukces Nic za szybko dopracuj wszystko, skup sie Koncze Jeszcze tylko po dziesiate – To nie sa przykazania to zdrowy rozsadek

Dziesiec punktow dla mnie bardzo waznych I ch*j mnie to interesuje co Ci powie kazdy ……

kto z milosci nie umarl nie potrafi zyc
moje serce kiedy zlamane mocniej kocha dzis

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if you don’t know what it says in Polish, well – i’d love to translate, but i’m too lazy – the words are deep though.

try not taking anything for granted – annakay

Well let me tell you, it wasn’t easy filing a provisional selection of literally thousands of songs down to a select ten, but somehow I managed.

I know some of you aren’t in to popular music like I am so I’ve provided you with a handy Spotify playlist so you can enjoy these abominations while you read!

10  – Head, Shoulders, Kneez & Toez – K.I.G.

This is a retelling of a children’s song by a guy called ‘Mr.Bubbly’ containing a request to ‘get down low’ so that he can see your aforementioned body parts.

Unless this guy is very, very short he should be able to see them from an upright position. And to call this a new dance!  The cheek!

9  – Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny) – Pussycat Dolls

You’d have to be pretty naive to expect any sort of principles from PCD. So the fact they would choose to cash in on the success of Slumdog Millionaire is no surprise.

Still this is an incongruous barefaced money-making venture, for that they should be banned from music for life.

8 – I Love College – Asher Roth

Seemingly sincere white suburban rap? About beer pong, keggers, waking up without your shoes on and other Animal House style antics? That sounds stupid! Well, it is.

His deadpan is the best the world has ever seen but I get a creeping suspicion he might actually be serious.

7 – Obsessed – Mariah Carey

Epic fail at diss record by ‘the real MC’ (’cause that’s her initials innit?) wondering why Eminem is so ‘obsessed’ with her. The musical equivalent of a ‘I know you are but what am I?’ riposte.

So out of touch on so many levels, but what else would you expect?

6 – Hiding All The Stars – Chicane

How Gary Numan’s asshole must hurt after this one. Prehistoric dance record samples 80s classic and destroys souls nationwide in the process.

Chicane, step away from your parents record collection and get a real job you bastard!

Part two, coming up in a matter of days!