Best of 2009 - Rap

Another list you say...well yeah.

The best of year lists have taken a back seat to best of the decade list this winter. The Sandwich Shoppe doesn't have the memory to go back all the way to 2000 and make sure I hit everything I want to say, so year end list will have to do for y'all.

Music is the way of the world, people walk around constantly with ear phones in, tv shows and commercials now show you which songs they are playing and every artist can create a huge fan base on myspace or facebook. With so much music out there, how do you know which albums to download?

Here is the top 5 rap albums of 2009 that I downloaded;

Honourable Mention: Eminem - Relapse, Jadakiss - The Last Kiss, K-Os - Yes!, Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse, Wiz Khalifa - Deal or No Deal, Raekwon - Only Built for Cuban Linx 2

5. Drake - So Far Gone/Wale - Attention:Deficit/Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon: Had to have a three way tie here. Each could have made the list on their own, but the couldn't really decide who the freshman of the year was. Drake's album was a little slow, but his delivery is on point and had some of the biggest singles this year. Wale had a album full of great wordplay and some great production, but his first mixtape (Back to the Feature) might actually be better. Kid Cudi experimented the most on his release. With some futuristic production and thought provoking lyrics, Kid Cudi will be force in 2010.

4. Cam'ron - Crime Pays: This album had big replay value in my ipod from the week before the release date. Cam has catchy lyrics and hooks, including "My Job" and "Get It In Ohio". He makes up words and sayings that I repeat ad nauseum. Overall, a very good album and something that will keep you nodding your head in your whip.

3. Fabolous - Loso's Way: Fab stepped up his game for this album. Again, huge replay value for this album. It featured many singles (5 in total) including the gem "throw it in the bag" and "Money Goes, Honey Stay" featuring Jay-Z. This album can hang with the best out this year. A great effort from a rapper that has been great at putting out singles, but never a complete effort, this changes that.

2. Clipse - Til The Casket Drops: After a couple of under the radar releases the duo of Malice and Pusha T have released an unbelievable album. Die hard fans have been waiting for this release. Featuring appearances from rap heavyweights Kanye West, Cam'ron and r&b sensation Keri Hilson along with production and appearances from Pharell this album is another you can listen all the way through. With songs like "popular demand" and "kind of like a big deal" it is leaving fans with a reason to look forward to their next album

1. Jay-Z - Blueprint III: Kind of cliche to put Shawn Carter in this spot, but it really was the best album. Great singles and a song that will be an anthem for NYC for years to come (Empire State of Mind). Jay-Z also put an end to the autotune era with "Death of Autotune". Not only did he shine on this album, he made names out of a couple of up and coming emcee's, Kid Cudi, J.Cole and r&b artist Mr. Hudson. A Jay-Z release can never be slept on and this was no different, just check out some of his word play. Trying to figure out all of the Blueprint III will take until Blueprint IV comes out...


Hope you enjoyed the list and if you are looking for any of these albums electronically, just drop me a line in the comments and I'll hook you up.