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Most year-end music lists are fairly useless.
They tend to be focused on a narrow concept of success – i.e., what was the ‘hottest’ of the year. But if something is/was that hot, why does a reader need to be again told what they already know? Compiling a most-hyped-this-year list doesn’t really do anybody much good.
In most cases, just like how album reviews are obsolete, outlets only put out these lists so that everyone can argue about them on social media.
Still, some lists do shed light on lesser known works that deserve shine, so I do believe there can be value in year-end “music you might have missed” lists that are smartly curated. Ideally though, for me, the best ones focus on something in particular.
After all, either I want to discover the best in Mongolian Reggaeton or I don’t.
A niche list by a niche expert ensures I’m not wasting precious oh-please-oh-please-I-hope-no-one-else-dies-this-year! time sifting through things I’m not likely to enjoy, which is often the case when recaps are just things-some-semi-random-person-happened-to-like-in-the-past-year.
So, in that spirit, here is my list of the best Mongolian Reggaeton for 2016!
Ha. Just kidding. Look, we all hear the murmuring — New York hip-hop is supposedly on some kind of ‘resurgence’ — but in reality, the only thing “coming back” to New York hip-hop, is people’s attention.
Despite the hype of the latest batch of buzzing artists, New York hip-hop has been the most vibrant and progressive hip-hop place on the planet for years. That hasn’t changed.
Instead of waiting for disloyal, opportunistic music-industry indentured servants and aging FM radio employees to be incentivized enough to tell the masses who, what or where is popping, I’m always hoping those who think otherwise would just take the time to dig a little deeper and realize the greatness of New York hip-hop extends way past the artist(s) of the moment.
So, to do my part, a few paragraphs below, are my picks for notable New York hip-hop releases of 2016.
There are plenty of others worth mentioning — of course the obvious, De La Soul (…And the Anonymous Nobody) and A Tribe Called Quest (We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service), but other OGs like Sadat X (Agua) and Masta Ace (The Falling Season), mid-career vets like Torae (Entitled), Joe Budden (Rage & The Machine), Talib Kweli (Fuck The Money), Joell Ortiz (That’s Hip Hop) and Mickey Factz (The Achievement: circa 82) energetic upstarts like A$AP Ferg (Always Strive And Prosper), indie vets like Napoleon Da Legend (Steal This Mixtape Too) and Nutso (REDSunday), late-year drops like Charles Hamilton (Hamilton, Charles), CJ Fly (Flytrap), Siya (SIYAvsSIYA), The LOX (Filthy America… It’s Beautiful), Run The Jewels (Run The Jewels 3) and a highly acclaimed release by Smoke DZA & Pete Rock (Don’t Smoke Rock).
Plus a very New York-inspired mixtape about some guy named Hamilton.
Even with all that, I probably missed a bunch. But the one’s I’m highlighting below are, I believe, a very fair representation in case someone needs to get a really good overview of what New York hip-hop is really all about these days, and work toward that mission of shedding light on some projects that might not make other lists.
You’ll note, however, that nobody on my roundup is an overnight success or a complete unknown. They, and many others, have been delighting audiences and dropping quality projects for years. So while a list is cool, the more important takeaway is that when you hear someone saying that “New York hip-hop is back,” understand the person saying it probably has about the same amount of actual knowledge on the subject as you do about Mongolian Reggaeton.
Wink emoji.
With that, I wish you all a happy new year.
🍻 To New York hip-hop. **Cheers**
Your friend,
Manny Faces
Kemba – Negus
Popping up on a few year-end lists because of timely appearances on Peter Rosenberg’s Late Night radio show and a quick on-stage appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar, Kemba (formerly YC The Cynic) has been our pick for standout New York lyricist since at least 2010, ever since his outstanding You’re Welcome mixtape put me on to his clever, beyond-his-years wordplay and flow. Since then, Kemba dropped several quality projects, culminating (for now) with the release of Negus, along with a well-attended headlining show at NYC’s Rough Trade.
Kemba speaks on important issues in a way that captures the attention of the youth, and earns respect of elders. He is the perfect bridge between eras, blending message and style in an expert manner, yes still wears his vulnerability on his sleeve. Personable and approachable, Kemba is, quite simply, one of the area’s most valuable rap exports.
There is a reason his name is swirling among rumors of a TDE signing.
We’re glad people are finding out about Kemba, and extremely proud to have been played even a small part in spreading his gospel throughout the years.
Listen below, but for the love of the culture, support this man and buy Negus.
Skyzoo x Apollo Brown – The Easy Truth
The idea that “New York hip-hop”is somehow being reincarnated in 2016 is downright laughable to those who have paid even the tiniest attention to what the scene has actually produced in the last decade, while the industry was off chasing pots of gold at the end of strip-club-and-turnup-influenced, intellectually understimulating rap rainbows.
Skyzoo has been at the forefront of lyricism in hip-hop for years. Smart, meaningful and often mesmerizingly visual, this Brooklyn MC is one of the first I mention when dispelling the idiotic beliefs that lyricism in hip-hop is a rarity, or worse, practically extinct.
His latest effort, coupled with exceptional production by Detroit beatsmith wunderkind, Apollo Brown, is an elegantly soulful, personal,
For you, the idea that this kind of masterpiece could still exist in 2016 might be new. To us, already familiar with Skyzoo’s work, it’s yet another in a long line of solid offerings from one of Brooklyn’s finest.
Listen/stream below. Buy there or on iTunes.
Ka – Honor Killed The Samurai
Brownsville’s Ka has been delivering rough and rugged introspection over soulful, gritty New York tracks for years, part of a class of artist (unfortunately) routinely ignored by the very people — often older New York rap fans — who are heard pining for rap’s Golden Era days when gigantic boom-bap classics roamed the Earth. It’s ironic, and unfortunate, that it takes a little but of drama for Ka to gain a bit more notoriety, especially after his exceptional 2013 project, The Knight’s Gambit, but that’s exactly what happened earlier this year when the NY Post ‘exposed’ the Brooklyn spitter’s “day gig,” as an FDNY sergeant. While this in of itself is respectable work, the paper decided that Ka’s anti-police brutality stance somehow equates to “cop-bashing,” in a slanderous (and culturally insensitive) profile.
Though the paper’s ignorant take on the matter was rebuked by this writer in a statement released by advocacy group The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy, anyone coming across the project the article was referring to, would be well-served by the bump in attention. Honor Killed the Samurai is another audio trip through the mind of a veteran New York thinking MC, over beats that purists would be proud of.
This kind of “Grown Folk Hip-Hop” is supposedly in high demand, yet inconceivably perceived as being in short supply, thanks to the narrow-minded, selfish and disloyal-to-the-culture participants in hip-hop’s overall music-and-media business landscape. Thankfully, Ka is once again proven to be a worthy soldier for the cause, and exactly the kind of thoughtful, forceful mic commander the genre needs.
Honor Killed The Samurai on iTunes – On vinyl
Dave East – Kairi Chanel
Obligatory, but deserved. The Nas co-sign has given Dave East a high bar to hurdle, and while the come up has been gradual, the culmination was a strong album debut with a few interesting concepts and a blend of grit and flow that, along with Young M.A. and a return of The LOX, has spearheaded a cheer for the return of the classic, grimy “New York sound.” We know it never left, but it is nice to see that it’s back in style. Dave East is a big part of the reason why. Stream Kairi Chanel on Spotify. Grab it on iTunes.
Flatbush Zombies – 3001: A Laced Odyssey
This crew has been heralded for their new school sensibilities, progressive, daring production, emphatic delivery and energetic stage performances. They represent a growing, independent flavored sub-set of hip-hop’s music business — one fueled by the internet and by touring, without much need for radio or overtly corporate guidance and support. Their huge following is more the turnup crowd than other new school NY crews like Pro Era, so purist-types won’t likely gravitate to Zombieland, but those with an open mind might find a joint here and there that could help bridge that gap. Either way, a notable release for sure. Stream 3001: A Laced Odyssey on Spotify, grab it on iTunes.
Kon Boogie – Spaceships
One of the best albums I heard this year. Outstanding production and content with much repeat value. If you’re reading this, you probably already trust me and like some things I like. So just trust me on this one.
Westside Gunn – Hitler Wears Hermes 4
For those who dig the grittier, grimier New York-styled flow, Buffalo is a bubbling hotspot of activity, particularly within the Griselda music family. In particular, the one-two combination of Conway The Machine and Westside Gunn have been heating up the underground, dropping Mobb Deep-esque joints for the nextgen hip-hop crowd. Stream Gunn’s latest on Spotify. Purchase on iTunes.
Homeboy Sandman – Kindness For Weakness
A perennial crown jewel in New York’s hip-hop crown, this king from Queens delivers another headnoddable, lyrically effervescent master class, the latest in an ever-expanding catalog of truly exceptional, envelope-pushing projects. Cop from Stones Throw Records.
Crimdella – Bury Me In Gold Vol. 1
Smart, biting flow, enjoyable production, thoughtful work, strong features. Just getting into this project, but it caught my ear immediately, so I’m passing it on.
Oddisee – Alwasta
I know. Technically a DC guy, but… All-around, one of the best lyricists/producers/performers in the game. Not a native NYer, true, but we’re glad Oddisee’s hanging around BK these days. Dropping “The Iceberg” in February, 2017. Check for his new one, “Things” while you wait. Keep him on your radar.
Genesis Be – Gulf Coast Queen
She made noise this year by making noise. Her previous project, PoliTrap, gave us a taste of what this young, gifted and outspoken voice is going to bring to the table. Good timing. It’s at a time when we really need it. She’s from the Gulf, but has been a New Yorker for years, and we have welcomed her with open hip-hop arms. Check the latest from this Gulf Coast Queen:
No Panty – Westside Highway Story
Unorthodox name, but this trio of Latino lyricists (Joell Ortiz, Nitty Scott, Bodega BAMZ) teaming up with iconic producer Salaam Remi put a flavorful twist on the classic New York rap sound. Couple of gems on Westside Highway Story, and folks seem to like the idea of artists teaming up like this, so go commando for a bit and check it out, if you haven’t already.
A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – Artist
The artist whose name is Artist got his buzz on in ’16, thanks to his slightly unorthodox mix of street and radio-sounding music and flow. “Bag on Me” made the initial ruckus (along with another buzzing upstart, Don Q), but the follow up “My Shit” and other releases like “Jungle” fueled the internet/Soundcloud/YouTube fanbase. His hybrid vibe is mainly catching the attention of younger heads, so it’s never anything too deep, but we can’t ignore the impact he’s making. Grab (or gift) Artist’s Artist on iTunes
Silent Knight – See You in Hell
This veteran indie spitter regularly holds court as frontman for the more-than-outstanding fusion outfit, The Band Called FUSE, yet still finds time to put together solo projects that showcase his exceptional pen game and introspective courage over well-chosen tracks — including production by heralded New York indie beatsmiths Audible Doctor and J57. Catch Silent Knight’s latest, See You in Hell, and be sure to catch The Band Called FUSE’s live concert album due out in early ’17. It will undoubtedly be on next year’s version of this list.
Elucid – Save Yourself
After laying down great work as part of Armand Hammer with frequent collaborator Billy Woods, Elucid drops a musically lush, lyrically fit solo gem in Save Yourself. Finally found the time to get into this project, and I’m liking what I’m hearing, so I snuck it into this list just before I ran out of time and had to