PTSD? Pharoare Monch's joint? I need to listen that one! I wasn't expecting RTJ2 to be as energetic as it was! RAP Music was cool, lyrically, but El-P's production didn't fit Mike's flow IMO so I wasn't expecting to dig any further collabos. I need to revisit DD and BM. These Bammas and Back Up Plan were the two cuts that jumped out at me on the former. BM's definitely stepped his game up lyrically. I also dug the jazziness of the production. He's very underrated.

I feel like I skipped a lot of the acclaimed releases of the year too. As always, I came across a slew of albums that I really loved. Yet, I'll admit to coming across a lot of disappointments too. Hip-hop wise, The Roots, Common, Future, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and others all kinda left me cold. D'Angelo's albums seem to reveal their true character after multiple listens. I didn't truly 'get' Voodoo until four years after its release myself. I agree, Forest Hills is Cole's best full-length so far but not by much IMO. I also appreciate some of the themes he used but would love he'd actually evolve further. I plan on revisiting Cadillatica. I initially would've added it to the disappointment list but TBH, I wasn't really in the mood for it when I gave it an initial listen.

What's going on, bro? I've been pretty good lately. Man, I'm still shocked that a new D'Angelo album dropped. I'm also shocked that it was released w/o notice this morning. And lastly, I'm shocked that it's as strong as it is! It sounds like a natural progression of Voodoo. 1000 Deaths, The Charade, Really Love, Til It's Done (Tutu) and Another Life are my favorites thus far. What do you think? Cole's latest is slightly stronger than its two predecessors even if the sound isn't all that different. Dude clearly has a formula that he's sticking to and I can't say that I fault him for it. All in all, I only like/listen to 4 tracks from it. RTJ2 was a surprise. I dig it's energy. I'm not the biggest fan of El-P's production style but the album delivered. What do you feel about Diamond District and Black Milk's latest? KRIT's joint was a disappointment. He's 0-2 as far as official albums go IMO.

Hey, bro! It's cool, life is hectic! I have a couple Jaspects tracks but never listened to an entire release. Wouldn't mind a link.

Check your inbox. I skimmed that Jaded Inc. LP on Spotify a few nights ago. Yoo, I swear MH has stepped his game up vocally. Was not expecting the Detroit techno and new wave flavor of many of the songs. 14KT has range. The reception to the new Ab Soul has been lousy for the most part. I only like a few tracks myself. I think TDE is on its way to peaking early TBH. Q's album was mostly weak as well. We'll see what Jay Rock and K. Dot come with when they drop their new LPs this year. I wasn't thinking about the new Comm album until I heard and saw the video for Kingdom. That made me interested. It'll probably be just another late period Common record but we'll see.

I'm definitely on that Jaded Inc. LP and The Physics. It's funny you mention MH. I came across a $10 copy of a brand new copy of Where Does This Door Go? on vinyl at Urban Outfitters last weekend. It was a nice surprise since new releases on vinyl have risen to $25+. Are you into the Stepkids? I'm looking forward to the new Ab-Soul and Common.

Thanks for accepting my request! Freddie and Kendrick in top 5, two of the greatest active artists in the game _b Freddie's E.S.G.N. surprised me with big time, even i excepted A LOT + album with Godlike Madlib _b

After yet another try, I see that the new Roots album is designed for multiple listens before it 'sinks in'. I will say that a lot of the lyrics are very poetic and vivid. I need to check out the new Pharoahe Monch! Agreed on Blu. I want to check out his new album but after hearing that it's unmastered, I'm not sure if I should even bother. Wasn't he supposed to retire anyway? I listened to Chromeo's White Women. It's slicker than their previous releases but I really like the duet w/ Solange. Never heard of the Physics. How would you describe their sound? Are you up on K. Raydio & Psymun? They're very recommended, if you haven't.

Sooo true about The Roots'! While I loved How I Got Over and undun. after one listen, I'll admit that Game Theory took a few years to grow on me. It's now one of my favorite albums of theirs, if not THE favorite. On first listen, so you shoot... seems kind of rushed and surprisingly light on Black Thought lines. Is it a concept album?

What's up, man? What do you think of the new Roots?

I'm not a fan of him.

As of now, I'm in the middle w/ it. The only tracks that hit for me are Los Awesome (great un-Pharrell-sounding Pharrell beat), Collard Greens, Break The Bank, His and Her Fiend and Grooveline Pt. 2 (although the hook is horrible!). The rest is forgettable or merely passable. I appreciate the experimental, almost psychedelic production on both the Hoover St. and Prescription/Oxymoron joints but overall, Oxymoron seems like just another overhyped major label album that doesn't justify its hype. What do you think? Also, have you heard Cudi or Ross' latest?

have you checked it out?

I'd heard that he worked with Slakah back in the day. His nasal pitch might sound a little better over that type of production. I also liked the early, pre-major label Wale. His flow hasn't really changed or anything but there's something about his current incarnation that's just so lame.

Thomas Prime - Waiting For Tomorrow

I really enjoyed Acid Rap and didn't expect to. His homie Vic Mensa also dropped a very solid mixtape, Innanet, last year. I also give Cole props for his come-up. One thing I will say about him is that he comes across as very sincere and humble. I first discovered him when Friday Night Lights dropped. As a college kid, I could really relate to his rhymes. I used to like Wale wayyyy back in like, 2006, when he was just a D.C. rapper that rhymed over go-go beats. He sucks ass now. Sean raps like a valley girl IMO. He's wack. And Drake...I'm probably the only person in the world who isn't on his nuts musically. I never liked him. His voice is the worst. LOL.

Hmm...sounds interesting. Do you like Chance the Rapper? I revisited Cole's last album earlier. I feel the same way. The production was lacking---he's in desperate need of outside producers--and his rhymes were redundant. I did like some of his commentary on race and class during certain verses but they were out-shadowed by tales of coming up, pseudo-playa talk and a slew of name-drops. He seems to mean well but he's not a star IMO. I also listened to Wale's The Gifted. Bleh! I can't stomach either Drake or Big Sean's voices so they'll remain skipped. Mainstream rap was wack last year.

Anytime, man. I'd heard about Topaz Jones in passing. I have his mixtape in my queue. How would you describe his sound? Did you like J. Cole's last album?

sick charts, yo!

Thanks also. Yeah! Thomas Prime I could recommend if u don't know yet... Thats more like relaxed underground-Stuff with smooth/chilled Vibes.. kinda dreamy

Check your inbox, bro!

What's up man? That's a nice Artist list right there!

I'm feeling Civilia Demo! I will say that it seems to slightly taper off after the first six tracks but it's still tight. The mixtape/album plays like a Southern version of Section .80 IMO. Have you heard AB & 14KT's Saturn Return? Dope shit, man.

I'll listen to RTJ again. Did you like it better than RAP Music? Nah, I didn't check the WTT diss on Sea Legs. 'Bout time somebody stood up to them. Do you listen to Sango and Kaytranada? I rediscovered JMSN via their recent albums. He's definitely grown as an artist. Overdoz's rhymes often suck! I really wish they'd drop an instrumental version of the mixtape since the production is fire. You up on Ty Dolla $ign?

Run the Jewels sounds like a continuation of Killer Mike's RAP Music. While I always like Mike's rhymes, I'm on the fence about El-P's production. I don't think it completely fits Mike's voice and flow. @Peace and JMSN are dope! The latter's production is crazy. I'm so glad that he finally found his own voice and stopped biting The Weeknd! LMAO. I downloaded the latest OverDoz mixtape that you listed as an honorable mention. The production is SICK but I'm 'eh' on their flow. Still need to properly check out Boldy James, BSBD and CharlieRED.

I wouldn't mind that. Thanks. Inc.'s album is quite addictive. It's almost like an audio equivalent of a mist-filled dream. It just feels good, know what I mean? I noticed that most of my favorites of last year leaned more into the indie/alternative side of things. I wasn't too big into most of the hip hop that dropped. Hopefully, this year will be better for the genre. I really liked Objects in the Mirror from Mac's album. It was a different vibe f/ him that actually worked. He definitely stepped his game up. So, I listened to some of your favorites that I was previously unaware of.

I mostly hang out with my family, I don't have anyone my age that I hang with . It may sound depressing to most but I rather do things alone. When you can find a person that you connect with it is a nice change though, but I just rather listen to music all day lmao. I will try to stay off the computer this year, I might break that resolution though lmao.

Yeah, he's still on Stones Throw but I guess there's some issues preventing him from releasing his sophomore release. It was originally supposed to drop in 2011. Cool list, bro! While we share many of the same albums as favorites of last year, your list included a bunch that I need to check out: Run the Jewels, @Peace, Boldy James, Terrace Martin (couldn't find a link when it dropped), JMSN, Blue Sky Black Death, CharlieRED (dug their mixtape). Are you into Blood Orange?

As an adult I have became a borderline loner lol. I don't know it's hard to trust people these days and people in general overall are just crazy. I'm kind of anti-social in ways, but if someone wants to talk I have no problem being friendly towards them. I admit I'm a computer addict and it is something I have to work on for this year LOL.

That's interesting. I agree it is better to communicate with people in person, but i'm not really a people person, I stay to myself lol.I think the internet is an escape for most.

No I never saw that movie..what was the quote? And my top albums are in my best of 13 tag, I didn't care that much to broadcast it through a blog post LOL. But i'll check out yours.(:

7 Days of Funk is such a nice "low-rider" record, ain't it? Dam and Snoop were definitely in a zone. I also love Dam's music. Matter of fact, I saw him live in D.C. about three years ago. I got to take a pic w/ him after the show. He's a really cool dude. I really wish he'd release a new album but he's having label issues at the moment.

Social networking is overrated honestly lol. And my top two favorite albums were Toro Y moi and Disclosure.

What's going on, man?! Here's my list: http://www.last.fm/user/jdotperiod/journal/2013/12/16/5z7kju_2013 I must add Kelela's Cut 4 Me to the list. I was 'eh' on it on first listen but it's since taken over me. Have you heard 7 Days of Funk, Dam-Funk and Snoop Dogg's EP collabo?

Ha ha I used to love Will Smith growing up. You decided to get back into last.fm for the new year? (:

I didn't realize that I hadn't responded to your shout. Am I crazy or does No Posion No Paradise seem to be a concept album with a linear storyline? I got that impression as I listened to it in the gym earlier today. Deion's House is a standout, for sure. I also like the instrumental with Robert Glasper and Dwele. You know, I wasn't moved by the new Foreign Exchange. I immediately loved their previous three releases but the new one? After like 5-6 listens, I still wasn't really enthralled. *shrugs* Loved Monae, Hawthorne, The Internet and Bad Rabbits though. Quadron's album should be added to the list.

I skipped Random Axe myself. I love the transition between Sunday's Best and Monday's Worst. That was brilliant IMO. Are you into Oddisee? I really liked The Electric Lady. It's not as eccentric as The ArchAndroid but it's still a beautifully produced and inventive soul album. Have you ever seen her live? If so, you must!

oh, what up? I should have added you but didn't want to come off creepy since I don't know you. But yeah, your library is dope. Definitely going to check out some of your artists that I haven't heard before. Nas is my favorite rapper.

dope music taste, kid.

I'm feeling it too! Did you like Album of the Year?

Hey bro! I would be more than happy to be a part of the 70's soul tournament. Anything that involves 70's soul is a win-win for me.

A Love Supreme and Headhunters would take the title(s) for my favorite Coltrane and Hancock albums. I also have to shout out Om, one of 'Trane's last albums. It was recorded during an intense acid trip. No lie. LOL. I have Sango's North release. It's not bad at all. Reminds me of his labelmate Atu.

I'm a big jazz fan. I prefer a lot of the fusion-y stuff to hard bop although I love both. I used to love The RH Factor and of course, Miles is the man. Herbie Hancock is another one I love.

LOL. Told ya! You might like DVA's Pretty Ugly, which is in a similar vein. Also, do you like jazz?

LOL. Nah, it's not live. My personal file of the album was taking forever to upload hence why I provided that other link. I finally got it to work so the actual album is in your inbox. Sorry 'bout that, man.

Check your inbox. Let me knows if it doesn't work. You know what's crazy? I wasn't crazy about Bad Rabbits either when I first heard their EP a year or two ago. They were just 'iight' then but I'm feeling American Dream. What did you think about the new Mayer Hawthorne? Woooowww...BNH may just have to go to retirement home and chill out. That song is type wack! That's not the Bones we all knew and loved.

SBTRKT's entire album is golden but I'd say these are the best tracks: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErYAGQZs8e0 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdUINbi4wSY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6IFYMJ63V0 Let me know if you need a link. I'm already up on the Bad Rabbits! American Love is a grower. That description sums them up perfectly. I actually couldn't describe them any better. If I'm not mistaken, they play at some festival in Boston this summer if they haven't done so already. Have we ever discussed Thundercat?

You'd like SBTRKT...I think...LOL. I'd recommend that. The whole "Miley twerk" line had me laughing. Jay's always been a hustler so I'm not surprised by what he's become. 5 million is a drop in the bucket for Samsung but like you said, for a rapper, it's unheard of. Two months from now, MCHG will be out of the public's consciousness though.

Good looks for the zip, bro. Mar's EP was a bit of a disappointment to me but CWH is hard to followup. In terms of electronic music, are you familiar with SBTRKT? I listened to Magna Carte earlier in the evening. Overall, I'd give the production a 7.5 and the rhymes a 4. Because of Jay's name and status in the game, producers give him their best. But lyrically, Jay wasn't even trying IMO. He's waayyyy past his prime. You can tell that music for him is just a tax write-off.

LMAO! My little brother loves Drake and J. Cole. I used to hate Drake so it was very annoying to hear him go on and on about great dude is. But I soon adjusted and learned to take Drake for what he is. Definitely agree about MeLo-X. He remade Maxwell's album? Yeah, man, I wouldn't mind a link. CWH is a classic in my book. Mar released a solo EP last year. It wasn't bad but it was far more conventional than CWH. It sounded like "regular" bedroom R&B. What are you feelings about electronic music? I might have some recommendations for you there.