It’s been an interesting 52 weeks. As we wind down towards the end of the world, we’ve seen the music industry evolve at a faster rate than ever. Collaborations coming from every which direction, electronic music infiltrating every aspect of our lives, and artists giving away music for free like they’re on the Venice boardwalk. The best part of all the competition and lack of record label influence on releases is the amount of shit that’s coming out now. You can’t go more than a week without grabbing a mixtape/EP/album that you’ve been waiting to listen to. I love it. Since we’re not doing “Worst of” lists, I’m just gonna throw it out there that Tha Carter IV was the worst album of the year. I’m not a big numbers guy, so here are the best albums/EPs/mixtapes I think 2011 produced. If you don’t agree with my opinion tell me why! I wanna hear what I should’ve been listening to this past year.
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Vince Staples, the semi-Odd Future affiliate, still remains somewhat of a mystery. Claims to not truly have an affiliation with Golf Wang but is featured on plenty of Odd Future tracks and routinely teams up with their producers. I guess it really means shit. His Death of Eros EP remains unreleased. The original tracks that are out there though showcase his baby bottom smooth flow and lyrical finesse. It’s about as smooth as you can sound while rapping about some of the fucked up shit he does. Kinda sounds like Earl Sweatshirt on a Xanny. He just released “Gold Chain Ricky,” teaming up with MIchael Uzowuru again. A full release is supposedly coming out the 30th, stay tuned. In the meantime check out his interview at Rap Genius and this post for full info on him on the OF forums.

| You fix your own problems, tame your own conscience
All that holy water shit is nothing short of nonsense
Not denying Christ, I’m just denying niggas options
Cause prayer never moved my Grandmama out of Compton |
– Versace Rap

Vince Staples – Gold Chain Ricky (prod. by Michael Uzowuru)
Vince Staples – Martin Ruger King (prod. by Michael Uzowuru)
Vince Staples – Versace Rap (prod. by Michael Uzowuru)

Vince Staples: Facebook | Twitter

Crizzly‘s been on an impressive rise this year, building a solid buzz after releasing a couple bangers in the past few months. He gave out a treat this Boxing Day, a remix of Dream‘s ‘Go Hard.’ The w0mp has a kind of vintage Rusko feel to it. He seems to be really perfecting his sound, looking forward to what he comes up with in the future. Catch him on tour with 12th Planet and Flinch starting February.

Crizzly: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

Dream – Go Hard (Crizzly Remix)

New jam from The Jealous Guys featuring production from UK producer Kwes. Kwes really shines, creating a harmonious mix of soft synths and snares with a mellow bassline. I’ve come to expect tracks from BizYCasa and Ayinde to be accompanied by proper production. Show ’em some love, it’s that music with a message. Less braggadocio more provoking of thought. Throw it up if you’re tryna live life. (YOLO)

| All good I’ma livestrong
I’m pedalling on life’s bike
Ignore the yellow on my wrist
Hintin to slow it down right |

The Jealous Guys – Life (Kwes Remix)

Scope their video for Walking Around from The Audiobook EP

I think the natural human reaction to watching a video of Araab Muzik goin’ to work on an Akai instrument is dry mouth from keeping it open for 3+ minutes. The ‘MVP of the MPC’ just released an extended Deluxe Edition of his Electronic Dream album with some interesting re-works of popular electronic jams. Here his edition of Deadmau5’s “I Remember” takes the chilling vocals and throws in his own haunting head-nod-inducing drum work. In the next video watch how he transforms a few different Skrillex tracks into something more acceptable to those who can’t tolerate the brofilthgrime-step. Notice the faces of everyone watching. Catch him at the Key Club in LA on February 1st for $15 (Tickets) and grab Electronic Dream here.

Childish Gambino remains one of the more unique acts in hip-hop — simultaneously supporting an acting career that most would be content with. The intertwining of the two forms of art in his music is very interesting to witness as his writing ability really fully shines on his debut full-length album, CAMP. While his raw talent in wordplay was evident before, he’s really taken it to the next level with this release, displaying a talent in creating metaphors that I think is only rivaled by the Lil’ Wayne we knew and loved. In addition to refining his writing skills, he displays a more conscious ability to make better, more complete tracks. Firefly shows him going in on an uplifting beat reminiscent of early Drake. He addresses the hate with no caution, acknowledging that he’s hard to define but still standing on stage willing to challenge anyone.

|The only white dude who’s allowed to say the n word/Fuck the cool kids, not Chuck Inglish but anyone who hates to feel distinguished |

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On November 8th, Mac Miller released his debut to the world outside of the 1m+ twitter followers and countless youtube viewers he’s racked up. He shortly thereafter became the first independent artist to hit #1 on the Billboard charts since 1995, a testament to the strength of his fanbase. The buzz he built without a major label is more impressive than label-mate Wiz Khalifa’s because the foundation was a series of very well received mixtapes and gradual ascent rather than a hit that found its way to the airwaves. And also because he has, you know, talent. Blue Slide Park is a deeper look into the mind of Malcolm McCormick, a young artist who has made his way into the limelight and the struggle to prove that he’s stayed true to his roots. The message is clear throughout the album–

| They thought the money shoulda changed it/Slide still blue why the world keep trying to paint it?/ When life around you changes/Try to keep your sameness/Try to keep your brain, maintaining through the lameness. |

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