The Rap Year in Review: The Top Ten Hip-Hop Albums of 2003!
Jan 25 '04 (Updated Feb 05 '04)
The Bottom Line Even Eric Roberts knows these are the Best of the Best...
Better late than never right? Actually with 1st Quarter 2004 already shaping up to be little more than crates and crates of forgettable rap releases, now might truly be the best time to take a look back at the best Hip-Hop albums that dropped in 2003 and catch up on what was missed last year. Gratefully, 2003 was a bit better than the two previous years in terms of quality rap releases so selection was a bit more difficult, but the below albums would most definitely top any Hip-Hop aficionado’s list. So, without further ado, madtheory presents The Top Ten Hip-Hop Albums of 2003.
10. Rip The Jacker - Canibus
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_107696918148
No one thought it would ever happen, but somehow Rip the Jacker managed to dig his way out of one of the worst rap career slumps ever to create this remarkable album. Solving his omnipresent production problems with dramatic beats by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind from Jedi Mind Trick, Canibus is able to concentrate on adding depth, relevance, and introspection to his relentless raps. Though ‘Bis could still benefit from diversifying his subject matter Stoupe’s production method grows monotonous toward the end, Rip The Jacker is a firm step out of Hip-Hop’s “where are they now” graveyard for Canibus.
9. The Black Album - Jay-Z
Apparently tired of owning commercial rap for the lion’s share of the past decade, Jay-Z finally decided to call it quits this year with The Black Album as his curtain call. Not exactly the "super-underground, unpromoted” effort Shawn Carter initially said it was going to be, the effort still saw Jay-Z occasionally putting aside the carats, concubines, and cars to add more introspection and honesty to his rhymes – something many heads have been begging him to do for years. Coupled with the usual assortment of blazing beats by some of the genre’s best beatmakers, The Black Album is how Emmitt and Michael Jordan should have gone out – on top.
8. Black August - Killah Priest
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_106079030916
Another return to grace for the Horsemen clique, Killah Priest shakes off the uncertainty created by his two previous efforts with this impressive outing. His lyrics on Black August continue to blend the disparate ingredients of apocalyptic battle raps, spiritual and political introspection, and vivid storytelling into one singularly homogenous offering. Plus, since finally utilizing dynamic production that suits his dark style, Killah Priest finally proves to any remaining doubters that there’s more to him than Heavy Mental.
7. Music, Magic, Myth – The Last Emperor
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_118288191108
It says something when a label has so much talent that their throwaways are still tighter than 90% of the artists in the industry. Long before Rakim was dismissed from Dr. Dre’s Aftermath, The Last Emperor was handed his walking papers in lieu of developing a new young talent named Eminem. Now years later, TLE is back with a mind-bending debut album that is just as much a testament to his dedication to the art as it is to his skill. Given the flawlessness with which the strong production mixes with the emcee’s serrated battle raps with vivid storytelling and introspection, it wouldn’t be surprising if The Last Emperor’s debut was actually more magic than music and myth.
6. Exit - K-os
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_91683262084
Acoustic rap? It’s not a contradiction in terms. not since Canadian emcee K-os hit the scene with this fantastic debut. Blending the eclectic goodness of the Fugees with tribal funk grooves of Native Toungers like A Tribe Called Quest and Jungle Brothers, and a love for Hip-Hop that would rival even the most zealous member of the Zulu Nation, Exit is an album that truly doesn’t deserve to be slept on. Music lovers waiting to hear an artist push the limits of Hip-Hop need look no further than the harmony in K-os.
5. Boy In Da Corner – Dizzee Rascal
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_113498099332
Those who missed the garage-driven debut of UK rapper Dizzee Rascal definitely need to hit their local record shops with their late passes in tow. A Mercury Prize-winning album across the pond, Dizzee’s music successfully blends his subtly thoughtful East London grimy street poetry over production that uniquely blends hard Hip-Hop beatmining with the askew electronic stomps of UK garage. The sound is a bit of an acquired taste, but once you sink your teeth into it, you’ll love it.
4. Champion Sound - Jaylib
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_115558944388
This is what happens when two of the best producers in Hip-Hop join forces like Voltron. Blending the dissimilar but equally addictive beatmaking styles of Detroit’s J. Dilla and Madlib from the West Coast, Champion Sound exemplifies the best in underground Hip-Hop production. While the rhymes may not be the sharpest display of lyricism ever heard on a rap album, but Jay Dee and Madlib are certainly capable emcees, and the way they integrate their musical know-how into their rhythmic vocal deliveries makes this union an aural buffet for lyrics lovers and beatheads alike.
3. Odds & Evens - Defari
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_108640112260
Heads unfamiliar with the name Defari probably have not been paying much attention to the resurgence of West Coast Hip-Hop over the past few years. Taking advantage of some killer guest appearances on high-profile work such as Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001 and Dilated Peoples’ Expansion Team, Defari Herut’s sophomore LP showcases the best of this veteran emcee. His use of simple, skillfully crafted rhymes riding over some impressive beat work by familiar names with include Dilated’s Evidence and Babu unquestionably earns Odds & Evens a spot in any rap fan’s music collection.
2. Escape from Alcatraz - Rasco
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_110702661252
Having tunneled his way out from under the thumb of former label Copasetik Records, West Coast emcee Rasco returns to the game in style with his new album Escape from Alcatraz. His work here is not exactly new territory for the Cali Agent, but it is a near-flawless example of what makes his solo and CA work with Planet Asia so impossible to ignore: intelligent yet gruff vocals laid over sharp, soul-blessed production.
1. The Listening - Little Brother
Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_128747474564
Quite an appropriate name since Little Brother’s sound is like the younger sibling the Native Tounges never knew they had. For those who missed this spectacular outing, you’ve missed hearing the best parts of groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and Digable Planets all rolled up and modernized into two excellent emcees in Big Pooh and Phonte, and one outstanding producer in 9th Wonder. Replete with soul-sparking grooves and sharp, introspective lyrics, there’s no question that The Listening is the 2003 jawn that everyone should hear.
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madtheory
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DON'T CALL IT A COMEB... wait. I guess you actually can call it a comeback.
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