2012 Hip-Hop Albums (So Far)

As the year is getting closer to an end, there have been some great releases, while others failed miserably. Here is a list of the albums so far from 2012 (With ratings). With a few months left, who will take the #1 spot.

1.      Schoolboy Q: Habits & Contradictions = 8.2

2.      Curren$y: Muscle Car Chronicles = 10

3.      Tyga: Careless World: Rise of the Last King = 7.0

4.      KiD CuDi: WZRD =  1.8

5.      Odd Future: The Of Tape, Vol. 2 = 5.0

6.      Obie Trice: Bottoms Up = 7.5

7.      Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded = 5.7

8.      B.o.B.: Strange Clouds = 9.3

9.      Ab Soul: Control System = 8.0

10.  Big K.R.I.T.: Live From The Underground = 9.5

11.  Curren$y: The Stoned Immaculate = 8.1

12.  Maybach Music Group: Self Made, Vol. 2 = 8.5

13.  NaS: Life Is Good = 10

14.  Rick Ross: God Forgives, I Don’t = 8.6

15.  2 Chainz: Based On a T.R.U. Story = 8.7

16.  DJ Khaled: Kiss The Ring = 6.6

17.  Slaughethouse: Welcome to: OUR House = 9.0

18.  DMX: Undisputed = 2.9

19.  G.O.O.D. Music: Cruel Summer = 8.5

20.  Lupe Fiasco: Food And Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Part 1 = 8.8

21.  Dj Drama: Quality Street Music = 6.6

22.  Skyzoo: A Dream Deferred = 8.0

6 PACK JACK! Ep. 2 & 3

For those who have not seen the "6 Pack Jack" series yet, enjoy episodes 2 and 3.

Episode 2. SPJ Expands his workout to the city.

Episode 3. SPJ Updates your everyday breakfeast routine

Produced by C.R.E.W. Enjoy!

My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket is a band I heard about through one of my favorite TV shows, American Dad. This band was featured on one episode and I liked the music so much I had to look them up to see if they were in fact a real band. They came out doing country music in the late 90's, and has since then expanded their horizons. Possibly ahead of their time with some of their tracks, in my opinion, there is no way you can not be at peace listening to some of their songs.  Here's one that I can never listen to just once, it's called "Wordless Chorus", enjoy.

If you've liked what you heard, check out more of their music and possibly even a show of theirs.  And if you're in good ol' Michigan, they actually have a show coming up August 14, at Meadow Brook in Rochester Hills.

Calvin Harris

For all my true music lovers out there, the ones that don't listen to just one genre of music, the ones that will give an open ear to new releases even if you don't think you will like it, I bring to you the awesomeness that is Calvin Harris. My good friend introduced Calvin Harris to me about a month back through his Pandora station....and I've been hooked since. If you have a Pandora account, I strongly suggest you add his station. He is a Scottish artist and producer who has the ability to make magic...the type of magic that makes you want to blast it, dance to it, tap your fingers, and nod your head to his amazing electronic music.  As you may know, Pandora doesn't just play songs by him, but he also does remixes and if you like what you hear from him, I guarantee you'll like just about all of the other music that is played on the station. With two albums under his belt and two hits on the radio, this guy is making moves and deserves the recognition.


...And for my fellow Jets out there, thank me later.

Laugh on The Regular

As many people get older, they stop watching cartoons...something that once had the ability to make just about every single person in this world laugh. But just because you're older doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying cartoons. And if you put a little effort into it, you don't even have to watch cartoons that are sort of-kind of funny but obviously for a 10 year old (99% of cartoons on TV nowadays). And since you already put some type of effort into getting the 25 Below website up on your screen...and reading this...I'm going to show you an episode of Regular Show. This is one cartoon I make sure I watch just about every time it's on. Regular Show focuses on the lives of Mordecai and Rigby as they try to get through their work day at the park and avoid any troubles with their coworkers and boss. It's hilarious, interesting, and most of all makes absolutely no sense (in the best way possible). The jokes are always there, and although my 4 year old nephew has his laughs, there is plenty of adult humor wrapped into them. New episodes appear on Mondays at 8, only on Cartoon Network.

 "Weekend At Benson's"

 

6 Pack Jack

6 Pack Jack Ep: 1

VaR's Square Ep. 8

Back last year I made the post about my homie TreVar Javrael. Now he is performing here in our own back yard. This man has been on a mission since day 1, and continues to get recognition for his work. Putting out a countless number or tracks & projects (I don't know how he does it) he is only growing as an artist. So check out the performance at The Rittz in Warren Michigan.

Lyrical Genius's

Final single off of the "Everyday Is A-Day" album.

Track: Lyrical Genius's Feat. Lyric & Rell

Artist: A-Day Da Name

Album: Everyday Is A-Day

The Epidemic

Pill has recently left MMG after getting 0 recognition from the group. This may have been a smart move. Pill released his new anticipated mixtape entitled "The Epidemic". After a listen through, this is a very solid mixtape, the only thing missing was his phenomenal wordplay. Maybe next time. Anyways check out the new tape right here at 25below.



Download

The Amazing Spider Man

After seeing the first trailer I could of gave a shit about this movie. I still do not like the fact they are redoing the series (since 3 fucking movies have already been made). I also like Toby McGuire as Spider Man. BUT! after seeing this trailer, this movie is now in my top 5 of movies to see in 2012.

Project X

If you're over the age of 18 and you've never been to a crazy ass house party what the fuck are you doing with your life? Studying to be a doctor? I doubt it... anyway, if you're one of those poor souls who haven't experienced a night where anything and everything can and does happen, then check out the trailer for Project X. The tale of three highschool friends who decide to throw the craziest party ever. Of course everything spirals out of control, and shit hits the fan in the worst way possible, watch the trailer and see for yourself!



Definitely going to see this movie, it looks too crazy not to.

Dolphin Tales

No, not that "Morgan Freeman trying to save a paraplegic dolphin"- dolphin tales, this is about something totally different. Seems with enough time and money you can have these guys build you a dolphin shaped boat/submarine type thing. Sounds weird, looks cool. This is exactly why I need a sugar mama, so she can buy me cool stuff like this!

Attention: Whores

Rock band New Kingdom (who have been featured here before) is getting ready to drop their new project: "Attention Whore". To get everybody ready and pumped up they've decided to release two songs early! Even if you're not a big rock fan I encourage you to give em a listen! You'll be happy you did.

808

Jack Of Spades

Sampling At Its Best

So I was just driving home playing shuffle mode. One of my favorite Jay-Z tracks came on, "Takeover" produced by Kanye West, off of The Blueprint album. Listened once again to this incredible track. Later I went to do my online homework for Rock History. I remember playing "Takeover" for my dad a few years ago. Telling me the sample was by The Doors entitled "Five To One." While reading in this class, a section was ironically brought up about Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors. The Doors performed during the hippie era in the late 60's and was huge in the 70's. Jim Morrison died from a heart attack in 71'. So after listening to the original,

and now going back to the Kanye produced track

I have a huge appreciation for this track and the history behind it. Kanye... One hell of a producer.

Best Of January

Best Album:
Habits & Contradictions - Schoolboy Q



Best Movie:
The Grey



Best Game:... There were not any worthy games in January.

Best Mixtape:
Warning Shots 3 - Saigon

Kanye West doesn't understand Kobe Bryant

Kanye West seems like a pretty smart dude, but even he can't understand what the fuck Kobe is talking about is his new commercial. Check it out!

Hipsters: The Decay Of America

Hipsters. They're everywhere. In our schools, in our cities, in our neighborhoods, and maybe even in your HOUSE!! The hipster threat is very real and very scary, so I thought of a list to help you determine whether or not you or a loved one has contracted hipterism!

Clothes:
Are you experiencing urges to purchase your clothes from thrift stores or boutiques?
Are you suddenly interested in fabrics and pattern blocking? Do you know what the term "power-clash" means when referring to your wardrobe? A sudden fascination with scarves?

You might be a hipster if you do/are.

Speech:
"You go girl"
"Bro"
"No bueno"
Has dated 90's phrases worked their way into your everyday life?
Is every friend of yours simply referred to as bro or yo cuz?
Find yourself using short simple phrases from other languages you aren't fluent in?

You mean you do all of that? Oh, maybe its just a coincidence...

General Temperament/Outlook on Life:
The daytime is suddenly either the best time of day or the worst, it depends on what you did the evening before.
Everybody should start to eat healthier, right? You can't the believe how everyone shoves fastfood poison into their bodies! But you think smoking and drinking alcohol is totally fine?
You believe that nothing is actually cool until you consider it so? Sure it might be interesting, but it can't truly be cool if you don't know about it.

Oh, you actually believe in some of that huh? You feel the exact same way... well maybe you're a...

Music:
That 90's hip-hop is in constant rotation on your iPod classic huh?
Do you say things like, "This mainstream music is ass, have you heard this way way underground guy who makes music in his mom's basement?"
Ever thought, "I mean, I like lil Wayne in an ironic way..."



Yeah bro... you're totally a hipster. No. Bueno.

The Online Gamer: House Party

Knowing how into Call of Duty he is, you could imagine how big of a dbag he would be around others. Check this out to see how "gamer talk" does not work well at a party.

The Online Gamer: Origin

If you didn't see the last post about The Online Gamer, let me fill you in. This is about a man who is obsessed with Call of Duty. But he was not always this way, and here's the origin. Enjoy.





You can visit recklesstortuga.com to watch the uncensored version, and to see more

Top 10 Anticipated Albums of 2012

Here we go again.
Starting at...

#10
Trouble Man - T.I.
Trouble Man is the follow up to 2010's No Mercy. All the music T.I. has been dropping, has been fire. Im Flexin Feat. Big K.R.I.T. was a great way to bring T.I. back into the game

#9
Loso's Way 2 - Fabolous
After many albums, I thought Fab could never make a great album, but he shocked us all with 2009's Loso's Way . With the TINC series, Fab has a huge fanbase and has the tools to make a great album.


#8
Food & Liquor 2 - Lupe Fiasco
Food & Liquor released in 2006 was a breakthrough artist for who else but Lu else. 2011's Lasers was a disappointment to Lupe fans all over. Now that people know he can sell, the record company should let him control the creativity on this album.

#7
God Forgives, I Don't - Rick Ross
Supposed to be released in December of 2011, the push back has led Ross to a top spot on the most anticipated. Ross is one of the hottest MC's in the game right now, and has a knack for picking excellent beats. God Forgives, I Don't should be a classic album to all Ross fans.


#6
Live From The Underground - Big K.R.I.T.
Lets hope this drops this year. Krizzle has released very notable mixtapes/free albums that sound like a masterpiece. This is another album that was supposed to be released in 2011. The Def Jam artist has created a solid fan base and should make nothing less than a classic with his debut album.

#5
Strange Clouds - B.o.B.
Strange Clouds is the follow up the the very successful The Adventures of Bobby Ray. The Grand Hustle MC has a unique yet creative sound that draws people in. With a March 13 release, be on the lookout for another great album.


#4
Life Is Good - NaS
It has been quite some time since Nasir Jones dropped his last album entitled Untitled. Although he released a collaborative album with Damien Marley, Distant Relatives. NaS said the experience of that album, has helped a lot with his solo work. The veteran should give us another classic sometime this year.

#3
Good Kid In A Mad City - Kendrick Lamar
This man has people going crazy. Already considered one of the best rappers in the game, his debut album should establish him as one. Kendrick has the potential to be one of the best to ever hold the mic. With Black Hippy on his side, the world is his.

#2
Untitled - Slaughterhouse
This will be the supergroup's first album since signing to Shady Records. They have tremendous buzz and talent to deliver a great album. With Eminem behind them, there is no telling what this album will sound like. Royce, Crook, Joell & Joey all have stated that they are excited about this project.


THE #1 ANTICIPATED ALBUM OF 2012 IS.....

Bottom's Up - Obie Trice
Since departing from Interscope records, the Detroit MC has not made an album since 2006's Second Rounds On Me. Obie is back February 28 with his third album. The wordplay genius has people ready for this release. Eminem is also expected to appear with his friend on 3 tracks. Obie has stated that he is ready to branch off and experience more. Working with new producers and artists, Obie is ready to deliver another classic.

NEW ARTIST!

I recently stumbled upon this artist. He goes by the name Cobe Obeah out of LA. This video entitled "Dark Night" just swept me away a minute ago, so I thought I would share it. The lyrics and video are really nice, but I am a huge sucker for a heavenly voice in the chorus. I look forward to hearing more from Cobe soon. Enjoy.

The Game - Martians Vs Goblins Feat. Tyler The Creator

I do not know what it is about this song, but it was definitely my favorite of 2011. The video was just released and adds to my liking-ness of this song. I also love the fact that the setting is in a mental asylum. Also if you haven't done so already, purchase The Game's album "The R.E.D. Album" and Tyler The Creator's album "Goblin." KEEP HIP HOP ALIVE BY SUPPORTING ARTISTS!

Best Of December

Best Album Of December

Young Jeezy: TM103: Hustlerz Ambition



Definitely one of the most anticipated for the 4th quarter of 2011. It was not 101, or The Recession that people wanted, but all in all Jeezy delivered a very solid album.

Best Movie

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo



Although I have not seen it, all I have been hearing was great reviews for this movie.

Best Video Game

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception



Although it came out in November, there were not any candidates for December. The reason I have been sleeping on this game... I will never know. Probably one of the best video games I have ever played, along with one of the best franchise's ever played. This game was nothing short of a movie, and can simply change the way games are made.

Best Mixtape

Fabolous: There is no Competition 3: Death Comes in 3's



I am a huge fan of Fabolous, and this mixtape dropping on Christmas day was an excellent stocking stuffer. Fabolous's TINC series always delivers. Although there were a few throw away tracks, Fab also delivered.

A$AP Rocky!

A$AP Rocky has been buzzin around the net for a little while now, and is stirring up a HUGE buzz. If you have heard him, then you understand he makes "Trance" rap. This is a new genre, and direction I feel rap is headed in. For those who haven't heard of A$AP, you may not like him off the bat. Download his tape LiveLoveA$AP and get lost in the beats. The lyrics aren't there that much, but the sounds make up for that. Also this post is about one of my favorite tracks from the tape, entitled "Peso."
Also a little F.Y.I..... He has a 3 million dollar recording contract.

ohhh....... OKAY!!!!!!!!!!!

This is by far my favorite video from 2011. I have been meaning to post it, just haven't gotten around to it. Enjoy.

FKi

FKi is a two man group composed of First Down and Raye Rich, coming out of Atlanta. With three mixtapes under their belt and much respect as producers, they have been making a good name for themselves since their first release in 2010. Doing shows around Atlanta, they have shared the stage with the likes of Curren$y and J. Cole. These are two artist trying to bridge the gap between common hip hop that we know today and the possibilities of so much more; "alternative" hip hop, if you will. If you can wrap your head around that; 808s; completely original beats; uncommon samples; "party" lyrics; and good features, you will enjoy FKi. Because of the depth of their creativity, if there is one song you don't like, there will be another one for you.
Many people may not know, or even pay attention to who produces the music they like, but FKi has been behind some big joints. While producing much of their own music, they have also produced hit songs Bring It Back & Make It Rain (and more) by Travis Porter; Rich & Flexin by Ludacris; and Heisman, Pt. 2 & Dancin 4 Dollas by Tyga. Follow their music to learn many more of the hits they have been behind.
Across their mixtapes they have made songs with XV; Slim Thug; Juicy J; Mickey Factz; Travis Porter; Differenter Gang (composed of FKi, Machine Gun Kelly, & Travis Porter); and many more.
Check out some of their music and videos in the post below and if you like what you hear you can download their projects "Blue Steel"; "Blue Steel 2.0"; and "Zoolandish EP" at the FKi website.

FKi Music

FKi: Red Cup (drinkers and party-ers alike should be able to appreciate this joint)



FKi: Weed & Arizonas (smoker? give this a listen...)



FKi: Smash Mouth (one of the first hip hop artists I heard infuse dubstep with their music, here's to you kids that enjoy it)



FKi: Toxic (interestingly good spin on Toxic by Brittney Spears, with vocals from Yael Naim. from upcoming project Transformers In The Hood. give this at least 3 listens with a very open mind)



FKi: Tung Martial Arts (because there is a freak in all of us)

The Online Gamer

Here's a clip I was showed in one of my classes recently that I thought was funny enough to share. Ever heard of or even seen those kids role playing in medieval clothes in the park that obviously don't care about life? Well here's if you added someone obsessed with Call of Duty. Enjoy.

OK Go: Here It Goes Again

This is not only a catchy song, but it also has a very creative video with a cool use of treadmills. Check it out and enjoy.