Music

Top 5 Hip Hop Releases: January

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 Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, and Pop with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.

Top 5 Hip-Hop Releases:
January

The Roots – Undun

Somehow, The Roots have managed to increase their output since becoming the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Most would imagine that their cushy jobs and limited time might have led to an opposite effect but late night television has lead the band into a renaissance period. At this point in their careers it’s hard to believe they could have put a better album than this. And by the way, this is The Roots’ best album. Key track(s): “Sleep” and “Lighthouse”

ScHoolboy Q – Habits & Contradictions

The daunting potential of the Black Hippy crew is gradually being realized. ScHoolboy Q is the last to emerge from the crew and this project shows that Q is another solid act on the Top Dawg imprint. The fresh eccentric sound the album pushes towards is the most impressive part of this release. Key track(s): ScHoolboy shines even brighter on songs with guest appearances. Along with his Black Hippy co-members spread out on three separate songs. A$AP Rocky shows up on “Hands On The Wheel” while Curren$y and Dom Kennedy are on the Lex Luger-produced “Grooveline Pt. 1.”

Common – The Dreamer/The Believer

Though Common’s time away from No I.D. allowed him to work with Dilla, Kanye West, and The Neptunes it’s hard to say they shouldn’t have separated. Their individual projects brought them more notoriety and success and also their time apart allowed their legend to grow. This is what makes their rekindling feel like such a blessing. Luckily, they still have the chemistry to deliver yet another timeless LP. Key track(s): “The Believer” featuring John Legend

Rick Ross – Rich Forever
	Rick Ross is entering his third year as the (arguable) King of Hip Hop. His recent success and trend-leading actions make this hard to deny. We can start setting odds as to when we’ll see some sort of shark jumping behaviour but there’s no sign of that on this mixtape. Key track(s): “King Of Diamonds” which features one of Ross’ most simple and best choruses ever

Young Jeezy – Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition
	This seems like a comeback album for Jeezy. He’s been here the whole time though. Unfortunately, his approach to mixtapes doesn’t match his penchant for creating brilliant, almost always underrated, albums and 3 years is quite a long time in hip hop years. If it’s not too late this new album can bring him back into fold. Key track(s): Lead single “Fame” featuring T.I.

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

Surprise of the month: Jay-Z “Glory”

Jay leaked a track featuring his daughter Blueprint 4 (get it? Blue IVy?) on the first working day of her life. Now that’s big pimpin’ baby!

Disappointments: Common vs. Drake

Common and Drake have found themselves in this bizarre tiff. It’s extremely funny and entertaining but neither of these artists need this. In Drake’s case, he’s making great music and a very large amount of people like it. While his level of hardness has always been questioned because of his background and because he sings his own choruses, he’s overcome that to become a beloved international rap star. He shouldn’t be responding to any disses. That’s not his game (even though he’s a good enough rapper to hold his own). And Common, yes, he’s used a diss track to gain popularity before. But that was 18 years ago. He’s graduated but he’s like Matthew McConaughey in Dazed & Confused, still hanging out at the high school. It’s embarrassing.

Out next month: A new project from Top Dawg affiliate BJ The Chicago Kid and Tyga finally gets his turn to cash in on some Young Money.