Music

Top 5 Hip Hop Releases: November

by Chayne Japal

Each month, tons of new music from many taste-spanning genres is released into a fast-consuming, unforgiving market; it can be tough to get a handle on what’s new before it’s on to the next. In an attempt to highlight the standout releases, at the end of each month, AUX staff re-cap the month in Punk, Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, and Pop with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.

Top 5 Hip-Hop Releases:
November

Drake – Take Care

The comfortable Aubrey Graham that created this album must be very comfortable with the results. As most of this record was put down in his hometown of Toronto, surrounded by his by friends; most of all, Drake was able to deliver a sincere opus. The album is an ace. It is laced with perfect production, catchy hooks, and ideal guest appearances including an ingenious use of Kendrick Lamar for a solo interlude. But the best parts of this album play out like a therapy session in which the listener can act as Drake’s personal psychiatrist. The boy needs help. At times, it gets a bit depressing but that makes it all the more gripping. While his loneliness might be a bit of concern, let’s face it, with this album, and its ensuing success, Drake took care of himself. He’ll be okay.

ASAP Rocky – LiveLoveA$AP
	It’s difficult to figure out who this guy is. And this mystery is exactly what’s most engaging about him. How a kid from Harlem could have such a Houston swagger with such a Cleveland flow is a testament to Rocky’s pluck. Producer Clams Casino’s beats work best here as his trippy compositions create the perfect backdrop for Rocky’s skewed reality.

Yelawolf – Radioactive

Almost exactly a year after his major label debut Trunk Muzik: 0-60 was quietly released comes Yelawolf’s second offering Radioactive. This time things aren’t as quiet as he’s currently backed by Eminem’s Shady Records. It’s hard to believe but in the last year, Yelawolf has become even more of a character. He has a more intense and dark demeanour and he still wants to party, but he just wants to do more of it. His exclusive lineup of guests is very exclusive — Eminem, Mystikal, an unfortunate appearance by Kid Rock, Fefe Dobson and a rare appearance from former Three Six queen Gangsta Boo among others keep things interesting as Yelawolf goes rapid-fire over some speaker-busting beats.

Freddie Gibbs – Cold Day in Hell

As we venture into this post-rap era, gangster rappers seem like they’re making fun of themselves nowadays. Not Freddie Gibbs, he’s serious and it’s actually refreshing. On this mixtape, he continues his Midwest saga. One of the stand-out tracks is the controversial “187 Proof” on which he takes aim at Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group, it’s a tad mean. Freddie Gibbs has decided to become the thuggish voice of reason in gangsta rap and it’s quite entertaining. Don’t laugh though.

Mac Miller – Blue Slide Park

It’s a bit too easy to root against Mac Miller. He’s a young white kid from Pittsburgh. He has the coolest friends and he always seems to be happy. And worst of all your little sister loves him. This might be the case but it’s hard to ignore how he’s gotten to where he’s at now. The slightest Wiz Khalifa co-sign followed by a diligent work ethic and an exceptional ear for beats have brought him boatloads of deserved followers. His debut album is a great example of what drew his fans in. It’s impressive that he doesn’t lean upon any guests to create his idealistic, cheery music and he didn’t need them either. Also, worth noting, this is probably one of the best hip hop album covers ever. You can’t hate the kid for doing his thing.

Surprises, disappointments and tracks/albums to watch for next month

Surprise of the month: Wale – Ambition

This doesn’t happen. The embarrassing performance of Wale’s major label debut should have been enough to bury his young career but somehow he found a way. His appearance on Waka Flocka Flame’s hit single “No Hands” last year introduced a new Wale. He still had his wordplay and quick staccato flow but the conscious aspect woven into his previous verses seemed to have disappeared. While some may have been let down, Wale started gathering a new momentum and ended up getting signed by Rick Ross. On this light-hearted release, social commentary and introspective musings are replaced by braggadocio and sweet love songs alongside party anthems. Like or not, this batch of accessible songs has already and will continue to help Wale get to where he wants to go.

Disappointments: Mary J. Blige – My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act 1)

Blige is and will always be the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. She still seems like she’s trying to prove something though. The idea of doing a sequel to her best album, My Life, doesn’t make that much sense especially when it comes with such a convoluted title. Instead of referencing her legendary past, it would be wise for Blige to forge ahead and use her to talents to produce something of consequence instead of circling back to a place where she’s no longer comfortable.

Out next month: The year wraps up with releases from The Roots, Common, Young Jeezy, and Waka Flocka Flame.