TOP 10 MIXTAPES OF 2010

I've been looking forward to this post for a while now. The hip hop end of the music business has gone over a lot of changes these past few years, and with labels so worried about declining album sales they are controlling which songs artists are putting on their albums. In a lot of cases, if the label executives don't think a song is marketable to the general public, they won't put it on the album, no matter how good the song may be. So a lot of rappers are putting some of their best music on their mixtapes these days. There were a lot of great mixtapes this year and picking a top ten was difficult of course. Just like I did with the top top albums I asked a couple of friends to form a panel and give me their top ten lists so I could sort of "combine" them with mine. The panel included Ced (@dinkawatkins), Josh (@TheJoshOquendo), and JR (@jayAREra). My only qualification for my list is to be a signed artist, because I know a couple artists that you all aren't quite familiar with (but will be soon) that would shake this whole list up. With all of that said, I hope you enjoy yoDJaintnoDJ's top ten mixtapes of the year....

10) Big Sean- Finally Famous 3

I'm not going to lie, I wasn't too big on Big Sean, and I'm still not completely sold. But this was a solid mixtape so here he is opening up the top 10. With clever punch lines and a co sign from Kanye West, Sean had a big year. Looking forward to his debut album in 2011.

Favorite Songs: Memories, Love Song

9) Young Jeezy- Trap or Die 2

Snowman hops in at #9. A strong follow up to his classic tape "Trap or Die". This was the highlight of Jeezy's lackluster year that's got us wondering of TM103 is ever going to drop.

Favorite Songs: Ill'n, Insane

8) Rick Ross- Ashes to Ashes

By now it's no secret that I'm not the biggest Officer Ricky fan, but once again I can't deny that he makes good music. He shows off his ear for music on this one with great beat selection. A great for him to end 2010 which was a big year for him.

Favorite Songs: 9 Piece, Retrosuperfuture

7) Fabolous- TINC2

Funeral Fab comes in at number 7 with his first quarter mixtape. A lot of good material on this one, sadly I kind of feel like Fab has fallen off since then. We hear too much of the same weak punchlines from him these days.

Favorite Songs: The Wake, Love Come Down

6) Joe Budden- Mood Muzik 4

Who I think is the most underrated rapper of all time comes in at number 6 with his latest offering. Say what you want about Joey, but if you're basing his career off of "Pump It Up".....you're in imbecile.

Favorite Songs: Inseperable, Dessert 4 Thought

5) Vado- Slime Flu

SLiiiiiiiiiiiiiME! Harlem's Vado breaks into the top 5 with his debut solo mixtape. With rap up north slowly fading, we can look for Vado to change that in the upcoming years.

Favorite Songs: The Greatest, Snapped

4) Wiz Khalifa- Kush & Orange Juice

Representing my hometown Pittsburgh, PA...Wiz comes in at #4 with KushXOJ. When I first heard Wiz back in 06 I knew he would break out eventually, and this was the tape that did it for him. With party anthems from start to finish you can't help but fuck with Wiz.

Favorite Songs: Mezmorized,  Glass House

3) Wale- More About Nothing

Mr. Folarin opens up the top 3 with his follow up to the critically acclaimed "Mixtape About Nothing". Wale kind of dropped this on us as a surprise during the summer and I've been riding to it ever since. With ill sample and ill lyrics as usual, this is definitely deserving of a top 3 position.

Favorite Songs: The Trip, The War, The Cloud, The EVERYTHING.

2) J. Cole- Friday Night Lights

North Carolina's own J. Cole slides in at number 2. I really don't think I've ever heard a bad verse from Cole, and he ALWAYS has the best verse when he's a featured artist. He plays both sides of the ball (production and rapping) and is doing his thing at both of them. It wasn't too long ago that people in his own state were bashing him, and now everyone is on. Can't say I'm surprised.

Favorite Songs: 2Face, See World

1) Big K.R.I.T.- K.R.I.T. WUZ HERE

Man I could literally sit here and talk to you all day about what this mixtape has done for me. I feel like he took shit I was going through in my life and wrote a mixtape about it. I think this is the best album/mixtape of the year by far and I don't ever see it getting old. K.R.I.T. shows that southern dudes aren't all about dumbass dances, gold teeth and other stereotypical shit that the south gets. Lyrics aren't dead down here and as long as he's rapping I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Favorite Songs: Something, Children of the World, They Got Us, Good Enough, Country Shit....everything start to finish.

Honorable Mention: M.e.Z- Something Special Nothing Extra

I believe this tape is actually better than a lot of the tapes I did include in my top ten, I just decided to keep it as signed artists only so that the playing field would be even. But I feel like M.e.Z. can rap with anybody on this list and I expect big things from dude in the future. Do yourself a favor and click the link that follows this sentence to download this tape, you have my word you won't be disappointed by any means. #SomethingSpecialNothingExtra Follow his Twitter while you're at it, I've got a special post coming when he hits 500 followers. @ItsM_E_Z

There we are, after a long 2010 and 12 months worth or music, you have my top 10 mixtape list. I appreciate Ced, Josh and JR for their suggestions and input into my list and I hope you all enjoyed it. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Hit me up in the comments section and/or Twitter (@djayare) to let me know what I did right or wrong. Thanks, til next time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On behalf of Ced and I, I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas! Look forward to our "Top 10 Mixtapes of 2010" post coming Sunday or Monday. I'm thankful for all of you all that have been checking me out, and trust me...this is only the beginning!! I hope to continue to help you out with your music needs and giving you an honest opinion at all times! Thank you!


-D.J.

ALBUM REVIEW: Best Night of My Life, by Jamie Foxx

One of the most talented men in the whole entertainment industry is back at again with a fresh album just in time for the new year. Whether he's making us laugh, winning Oscar's, or hitting high notes, Jamie rarely disappoints. Let's see if he can stay on that right track with this latest effort.

1) This Will Be (Intro)

Just a light intro to start the album, has a little gospel feel to it. Not the message he's trying to portray with this album I'm sure. Not the best start.

2) Best Night of My Life (Feat. Wiz Khalifa)

The title track featuring Pittsburgh's own Wiz Khalifa. Pretty much what you expect it to be, typical radio anthem for a good night. Tricking on women and trying to get em home with you. Wiz is my dude but he drops a lack luster verse.

3) Living Better Now (Feat. Rick Ross)

This makes two tricking anthems to start off the album. Bink laces him up with ill production, I like the Biggie sample on the chorus. Officer Ricky slides through with a solid verse and kind of saves the song.

4) Winner (Feat. Justin Timberlake & T.I.)

The first single featuring N*Sync's front man and Clifford. Came out around April and has been on airwaves ever since. Not the best first single but it will suffice. T.I. drops a solid verse. Ironically he talks about just getting released from prison....now look at him.

5) Freak (Feat. Rico Love)

Production by Timbaland's right hand man Danja. A straight techno sounding joint, pretty much what you expect it to be due to the song title. I like Jamie's parts and the chorus, but I can do without Rico Love's verse.

6) Hit It Like This

I could see this getting some spins in the club. Seems like one of those catchy songs you can dance to easily. I fuck with this one other than the random rambling in the background throughout the chorus.

7) Yep Dat's Me (Feat. Ludacris & Soulja Boy)

The catchy swag song for the radio. Sounds like it would have been better off as "Soulja Boy f/Jamie Foxx" instead of the other way around. Catchy as hell though, it will be in my head all day. Ludacris drops a weak "Battle of the Sexes" type verse on this one.

8) Fall For Your Type (Feat. Drake)

First heard as a reference track by Drake sometime early this year/late last year. Now Jamie hits us with the official version. This has been one of my favorite songs for a minute, most people can relate to it. Jamie's vocals are on point, as well as the lyrics. Rihanna's side bitch comes through and drops a hot verse.

9) Gorgeous

Jamie's ode to a beautiful woman. Yet another tricking anthem, that's 3 now. I like this one though, smooth production and an ill vibe. I'll be keeping this one on the iPod.

10) Let Me Get You on Your Toes (Interlude)

Sounds just like Ron Browz' "Pop Champagne". Quick little minute and a half joint for the bed room, not really necessary but it doesn't hurt either.

11) 15 Minutes

Another ill joint for the bedroom. Throughout the song he sings about how all he needs is that 15 minutes to get his woman right. Similar to a track off of one of his other CDs, just a different title this go around.

12) Sleeping Pill

I listened to the first minute of this song and busted out laughing, he compares a woman's VAG to a sleeping pill throughout the song. Remember when all the basics were all of a sudden "Ambitious Girls" because of Wale? Or "Fancy" because of Drake? Now we get to see them claim they've got that "Sleeping Pill". Thanks Jamie. 

13) Rejoice

Another slow joint for the bedroom. Singing about how his love is going to make his woman rejoice....again.

14) All Said and Done

A more up tempo song for the most part. More talk about pulling a woman in the club and getting her home with you. Best part is when he slows it up in the last minute and a half, good showcase of vocal ability and versatility.

15) Sex on the Beach

A song about Sex on the Beach, the actual drink. Throws in a couple lines to boast about how good he's smoking. Also has a little techno sound, not feeling it.

SUMMARY:

Jamie Foxx is one of my favorite people in the entertainment industry. He's funny, can act his ass off, and is also capable of making great music....but he let me down with this one. The album's title is "Best Night of My Life", and he definitely did a good job of painting a picture of just that with this album. From beautiful women, to expensive liquor and lots of money...sounds like a good night to me. The problem is that minus a couple songs, the whole entire album sounds exactly the same. Not exactly a BAD album, but a bad album for Jamie Foxx. He fulfilled his concept, but didn't really deliver with the good music that we're used to. There were a couple bright spots, but for the most part the album is dim. I still know what Jamie is capable of though and won't lose faith on him bouncing back with a great compilation next time around.

BEST SONGS: Fall For Your Type, Best Night Of My Life, Gorgeous

WORST SONGS: Sex on the Beach, Rejoice

SPINS: 3

ALBUM REVIEW: Death of a Pop Star, by David Banner & 9th Wonder.

I've been waiting on this album for a whiiiiiile, and it's only fit for me to review it on it's official release date. Death of a Pop star was originally supposed to just be a mixtape, but with two high profile acts such as Banner and 9th I'm glad that they decided to make it an album. David Banner has always been highly underrated to me and hopefully this effort will show that southern rappers can be lyricists too. 9th Wonder on the other hand has been my favorite producer since the early 2000s.

By the way, my partner on this website Ced, (@dinkawatkins), came up with a good way to rate albums. We're going to be doing it on based off spins, 5 being classic, 4 being great, 3, being average, 2 being poor, and 1 being "Nigga I should have never reviewed this", so look out for that at the bottom, as well as in future posts. Death of a Pop star ladies and gentlemen....

1) Diamonds on My Pinky

Great way to begin the album. Banner kills it with crazy punch lines and touching on all sorts of different issues  from Obama, to slavery, to things in Mississippi...all in one verse! Ill beat to go along with it.

2) No Denying (Channel 4)

"The richer you get the more you stray away from God, the poorer you are the more you steal cuz it's hard." Enough said. Good, but not great production from 9th.

3) Mas 4

Crazy beat from 9th, I could see a lot of different rappers hopping on this one. Light one minute rant from Banner, a few hot one lines, but nothing too impressive or worth noting.

4) The Light

Banner touches more on issues in the hood and all through society. He makes GREAT points on how a lot of black people lost focus after Obama was elected and simply thought that everything was going to fix itself after that. I like the concept that listening to conscious music can lead listeners to "The Light" and show what's REALLY going on in the world. 9th KILLS this beat.

5) Slow Down (Feat. Heather Victoria)

The first single. Heard this song for the first time about a year ago and I've been playing it ever since. The beat is different than the version that was previously released as just a single, but I don't believe it takes away from the song at all.. Banner talks about how a lot of young women in society need to slow it down and live a little better, then the young lady singing explains that sometimes they don't have a choice. Kind of like a new "What Would You Do" by City High.

6) Be With You (Feat. Marsha Ambrosius & Ludacris)

The second single. Definitely one of my favorite songs receiving radio play. Marsha's one of my favorite to hear on hooks so I'm happy to see her getting some mainstream spins. Ludacris drops some ill bars on this one, showed flashes of his old self and not that "Battle of the Sexes" bullshit he's been putting out as of late. Banner doesn't disappoint of course.

7) Stutter (Feat. Anthony Hamilton)

The NC to NC connect from 9th Wonder and Anthony Hamilton. Smoooooth beat from 9th, smooooth hook from Hamilton. Banner raps about how this particular woman makes him lose his words and makes it hard for him to say things. We've all seen a woman or two like that.

8) Silly (Feat. Erykah Badu)

9th drops a rare verse as his alter ego '9thmatic', says some ill shit too. Mrs. Jay Electronica drops a ill little bridge. No stand out lines or anything....but definitely a smooth track.

9) Something is Wrong (Feat. Lisa Ivey)

Back to touching on the issues, such as homosexuality, name brands, and racism. Also talks about how it's not too late and big changes can be made around the world for the better. I don't really like the hook on this one, but you can't let that take away from the message of the song. The last verse is one of the stronger ones on the album. He raps about a convo he had with a gay man and how he became that way. Shows that you can't judge every book by it's cover because you never know what that person may have been through.

10) Strange (Feat. Big Remo)

I've fucked with this song for a minute. 9th murdered this one. Banner and Remo rap about a few different topics with the big message being that they want rappers to be known for the art that lies in their music, and not clothes, gold teeth or other materialistic things. Don't we all?

SUMMARY: 

After the long wait, I really enjoyed listening to this joint. It's a great work from start to finish, hopefully people will go out and do the right thing and purchase this one. Their goal when they first thought of this album was to show that real music still exists, and they damn sure accomplished it with this one. With every single song having a strong message and a meaning behind it, David Banner shows that southern rappers aren't all about cars, chains, hoes, etc. My only peeve with this one is how short it is (30 minutes) and how it has a lot of old, but great, material on it. Other than that minor concern, I can't complain too much about. Shout out to David Banner and North Carolina's own 9th Wonder.

BEST SONGS: Stutter, Diamonds On My Pinky, The Light.

WORST SONGS: Silly

SPINS: 4.5

New Spitta

Curren$y - Daze of Thunder from Creative Control on Vimeo.

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After just dropping Pilot Talk 2, Curren$y is back on his grind with visuals to the first single of his new mixtape, Return to the Winner's Circle,coming soon!

*Peep the Cement 4s Curren$y rocking too smh*

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2010

With about two weeks left in the year 2010 you can expect to see a lot of top 10 lists floating around the internet. Mixtapes, albums, songs, verses or whatever you can come up with. I planned on covering mixtapes first, but with the news of my favorite rapper, Lupe Fiasco, is dropping a tape on Christmas, I figured I'd wait and give him his shot to take one of the spots. With that being said I moved top albums as my top priority since MOST of the good albums that were supposed to drop this year have come out already. I always have trouble creating lists because I have so many favorites, so I asked my boy Ced (@dinkawatkins) and my homegirl Janae (@cheeseundpeas), to create lists of their own to kind of "combine" with mine to make one strong list. It took me a while but I finally have a result. Let me know if you agree, disagree, or whatever your opinions may be...positive or negative. With all of that said, here's yoDJaintnoDJ's top 10 HIP HOP albums of 2010....

10) Lloyd Banks- The Hunger For More 2

After a slight fall from grace, Banks bounces back with a more than solid album. 50's best henchman has always been known to provide some solid bars on everything he touches...this album was no different. 

Favorite songs: Start It Up, So Forgetful.

9) Big Boi- Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Andre 3000's partner slides in at number 9 with his debut solo effort. While I believe 3 Stacks is a top 5 rapper alive, I always felt that Big Boi was always slept on. With this album he proved that he can EASILY stand on his own two.

Favorite Songs: You Ain't No DJ (Inspired the name of this blog), Daddy Fat Sax

8) Little Brother- Leftback

To me Little Brother is a top 3-5 duo of all time, and my list wouldn't be right without an appearance from their final album. Big Pooh and Phonte can rap with anybody. Sad thing is that they're from our own state of NC, and a lot of heads don't even know about them. I'm definitely gonna miss hearing them on tracks with one another.

Favorite Songs: Curtain Call, Tigallo For Dolo.

7) Curren$y- Pilot Talk 2

Curren$y has been doing this and doing it well for a looonngg time, I'm just glad to see son finally get a little bit of shine. With two albums put out in this year alone you can't deny that the man is doing his thing. Just.Enjoy.This.Shit. Jets fool.

Favorite Songs: Airborne Aquarium, Real Estates

6) Bun B- Trill OG

As a vet in the game, Bun rarely...never mind...NEVER disappoints. Trill OG is no different. A lot of joints on this CD that you can't listen to just once, gotta let them ride two or three times. Southern music at it's finest.

Favorite Songs: Just Like That, Let Em Know.

5) Rick Ross- Teflon Don

Breaking into the first slot in the top 5 is Officer Ricky. While I'm not the biggest Rozay fan, I can't deny the fact that the man makes good music. There's not too many rappers in the game with a better ear for music than Ross.

Favorite Songs: Free Mason, Live Fast Die Young.

4) Drake- Thank Me Later

Rihanna's side bitch comes in at number 4. After a TV show and a couple mixtapes, Drake blew up in 2009 with the release of So Far Gone. Thank Me Later is a very versatile album...one second Aubrey will hit you with the ill punch lines, then the next second he'll be singing for the ladies. Can't knock really knock talent.

Favorite Songs: The Resistance, Light Up.

3) Kid CuDi- Man On The Moon II

I give Cudi a looootttt of shit for not being a traditional rapper, but you simply can't deny good music. I kept every song off this one, good album from start to finish. I anticipated a sophomore slump from Cudder, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Cudi's another credit to Ye's ability to find talent.

Favorite Songs: The Mood, The End.

2) Eminem- Recovery

After two sub par albums, Eminem bounces back with a new look on life with the same skills from the old days. A lot of people gave Em heat for cleaning up his lyrics and changing his subject matter. What the fuck is wrong with cleaning up a drug habit and making music with better messages? I applaud Em for completely switching it up and STILL being better than 90% of the rappers out.

Favorite Songs: Space Bound, Seduction.

1) Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Did you really think anyone else would be at the top of this list? Kanye West drops another crazy album on us just in time for the new year. Kanye has always been a little "weird" or "different", but as usual it worked for him on this album. Same reliable Yeezy as far as lyrics and wordplay though, with a slightly different type of production than he's had on past albums. Kanye West is truly a genius.

Favorite Songs: Blame Game, So Appalled.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Reflection Eternal- Revolutions per Minute

Ski Beats- 24 Hour Karate School

There you have it, my top 10 albums of the year. Based of lyricism, production, and a little bit off of commercial success. I thank everyone who input into my list, hope you enjoyed it. Hit me up and please tell me any and all criticism...whether it's good or bad I'm trying to hear all opinions. Look forward to my top 10 mixtapes list around the 27th and all posts in between.

ALBUM REVIEW: All I Want Is You, by Miguel.

Miguel's an ill young dude coming out of Los Angeles, California. I started listening to him around 2007 when I first heard him on Blu's "Below The Heavens" composition. Ever since then I've followed his shit and looked forward to his debut album. And a few years down the road, here we have it.

1) SURE THING.

Strong opening track for the album. Kind of an ode to his lady to let her know that he's going to be there through thick and thin. Shows his strong songwriting ability with hot one liners and ill metaphors throughout the song.

2) ALL I WANT IS YOU (Featuring J. Cole)

The albums title track, featuring NC's own J. Cole. This was his breakout single for a reason, he kills it throughout the song with his wide vocal range. Bringing J. Cole along for the ride with a solid first verse and a stellar second verse. His girl left him and this song was his way to try and get her back, with all the begging son does in this song she has no choice but to come back!

3) GIRL WITH THE TATTOO ENTERLEWD

Strong minute and a half to display his vocal ability. Describes a woman's beauty and a few of her good qualities.

4) PAY ME

He initially wrote this song for Usher and honestly it should have stayed with Usher. I don't really feel the whole techno vibe or whatever he's trying to get going on. Nice attempt, but he should stick with what's been working.

5) QUICKIE

An older song that was so good they had to keep it for the album. Describes what a lot of people feel, but won't say sometimes. Ever felt like getting straight to it and skipping all of that foreplay, hickey, etc, bullshit? Let this one ride a couple times.

6) GIRLS LIKE YOU

An alright song. Describes the certain type of woman that makes him realize that he's been settling for less, or in other words make him realize that he's "lonely". I feel him though, why settle when you can set your sights high?

7) OVERLOAD ENTERLEWD

A little robot kind of interlude...not really necessary for the album's big picture.

8) HARD WAY

I really like this track, especially the production by Salaam Remi. I fuck with what he's saying too, because I've experienced a lot of it. He discusses how he's been warned about something, but he ignores it and ends up learning the hard way by actually having it happen to him.

9) TEACH ME

Ill track, dope production. Talks about how he wants to learn from his woman, and also learn everything about her, how to please her, all that cute shit.

10) HERO

Another track that released a while ago and reworked for the album. Words are all the same, just different, bring a whole different vibe than the original. It changed for the better though. Talks about and how he wants to protect and serve his lady. I really fuck with the bridge in like the last minute and a half of the song. He hits all the right notes at the end, not too many male singers are doing that these days...they're too busy trying to rap smh.

11) VIXEN

Yet another older, remasted track. I'm not complaining though, this is all good music. Vixen is a great compliment to his ill songwriting ability. This is another one to be used in the bedroom, he talks about how he's willing to cater to his woman and do whatever it takes to make her happy in the sheets. As usual his vocals are on point. I definitely hope to use this in my room with the right young lady one of these days.

12) TO THE MOON

A good song, but one of the weaker ones on the CD. Another one wrote for the bedroom, unlike the previous ones this one is more up tempo.

13) MY PIECE

I really fuck with this song. Kind of compares a woman he is going after to a gun, a nice play on words. Describes how together they can shoot down anyone else. Good production, all of that.

SUMMARY:

I waited years for Miguel's debut album, and by no means am I disappointed. It's pretty much good shit from start to finish other than a few slip ups. From songs confessing his love for a woman like Sure Thing, all the way to songs that focus on happens behind closed doors like Vixen, he pretty much has a complete album. His songwriting may be his strongest quality, and that's saying a lot for somebody who possesses a vocal range like that. The only thing dude can really improve on for his sophomore album is the wack ass album cover lol. May just be my favorite R&B album of 2010.

BEST SONGS: Sure Thing, All I Want Is You, Vixen.

WORST SONGS: Pay Me.

The Beginning...

What's good fam? My name's D.J. Reynolds, I'm a 19 year old college student at The Winston Salem State University with ambitions to be a writer someday in the near future. I'm originally from Aliquippa, PA...which is right outside of Pittsburgh. I've also lived in Syracuse, NY and Fayetteville, NC...but my heart is where I was raised at which is Charlotte, I've been living here for about the past ten years. I figured starting this blog would be a good way to hone my skills, voice my opinion, and hopefully put my name out there. I plan on updating and posting a lot so I'd appreciate it if you stayed tuned. This first and foremost will always be a HIP HOP blog. Whether it's music, clothes, sneakers, or any other form of hip hop culture...we'll touch on it. I listen to all types of music so expect a few posts outside of the hip hop genre. I plan on bringing in a couple other writers to post and help out so if you're interested just hit me up at yoitsdjay@gmail.com. Stay tuned for my first couple of posts in which we'll discuss the top ten mixtapes...then the top ten albums of the year. It's not all music though, we've got jokes too. All comments good and bad are welcome, fuck with me. Follow me on Twitter to, @djayare. Until next time...