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RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #2 Maino “…If Tomorrow Comes”

A few years ago, Maino was written off as another “mixtape rapper”. After many postponements, he proved naysayers wrong and in June finally released his debut album …If Tomorrow Comes. Though Maino isn’t the most gifted wordsmith, he’s probably one of the most palpable. His warrior cry is echoed on cuts like “Remember My Name”, “Gangsta”, and “Kill You”. Meanwhile, he enjoyed the fruits of his labor on “Million Bucks”, “Hi Hater” and “Celebrate”.  Shame only 59,000 experienced it with […]

RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #3 Jim Jones “Pray IV Reign”

Following the classic record that defined his career, “We Fly High,” Jim Jones put the suits at Sony in a headlock and they put them dollars up and backed Dip Set’s engine. Unfortunately, it only paid off for Da Capo. Maybe it was the juvenilish first single, “Na Na Nana Na Na” but this project never connected with the masses. Despite highlights like the Ryan Leslie two-step punch of “Precious” and the emotionally chest-clearing “Frienemies,” the album was marred with […]

RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #3 Method Man & Redman “Blackout! 2”

As much as I enjoy the Reggie Noble and Clifford Smith chemistry, I must admit I had zero expectation that a reunion album ten years later would be something I would enjoy. But thankfully I was wrong. Rae wasn’t the only Clansman who made a comeback in the final year of the decade, as Meth sounds rejuvenated paired with a rhyme partner who still got sword-sharp metaphors. A potent playlist can be easily be formulated from the soaring intro (“BO2”); […]

RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #3 Method Man & Redman “Blackout! 2”

As much as I enjoy the Reggie Noble and Clifford Smith chemistry, I must admit I had zero expectation that a reunion album ten years later would be something I would enjoy. But thankfully I was wrong. Rae wasn’t the only Clansman who made a comeback in the final year of the decade, as Meth sounds rejuvenated paired with a rhyme partner who still got sword-sharp metaphors. A potent playlist can be easily be formulated from the soaring intro (“BO2”); […]

RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #4 Jadakiss “The Last Kiss”

The stakes are high for Jadakiss. As one of the game’s premiere spitters, the Yonkers native’s forced to meet towering expectation with profitable return. The release of The Last Kiss proved no different in pumping out impressive first week numbers. There’s no denying Jada’s skill set (“Pain & Torture”) or songwriting ability (“Rockin’ With The Best”, “Can’t Stop Me”).  His Achilles heel however is song selection. Tracks like “Who’s Real”, “Something Else” and “I Tried” should’ve been left on the […]

Snoop Dogg On

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.4398843&w=425&h=350&fv=] Snoop played himself last night. Not literally, but on CBS’s celebrity prank show, I Get That A Lot. Parking lot pimpin’ never looked so easy. Hang Hang: 57th Ave

RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #4 Wale “Attention Deficit”

Wale ain’t famous but all the famous people know him. Ha. Although, critically-acclaimed, Attention Deficit hasn’t fully connected to the general public and that’s a damn shame. It’s a solid debut that displays the promise of an even brighter future. Few MCs are versatile enough to make a record with Lady Gaga (“Chillin”) and Gucci Mane (“Pretty Girls”) and sounds as comfortably in command. Tell me the Tribe-inspired “World Tour” doesn’t knock. Can’t get Kanye to give you a track, […]

RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #5 Busta Rhymes “Back On My B.S.”

Back in 2006, Busta was at the top of his game with The Big Bang. Three years—and a few delays later, Mr. Smith sought to win listeners again on his eighth LP. But things seemed doomed from out the gate as Busta switched labels and got off to a rocky start with the controversial lead-off “Arab Money”. Things didn’t fair better on the following singles “Hustler’s Anthem ‘09” and the Estelle-assisted “World Go Round”. Album tracks like “We Want In”, […]

Clipse “Grindin” On Jimmy Fallon

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.4398224&w=425&h=350&fv=] After performing “Popular Demand“, Virginia’s own rocked their hit 2002 single. And once again Black Thought joined the fray. Here’s to making this duo a trio! Previously: Clipse & The Roots “Grindin” Backstage (Jimmy Fallon)

RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #5 UGK “UGK 4 Life”

Back in ego trip’s Book of Rap Lists, we wrote about how underappreciated the Kingz from Texas were. Now 10 years later, I’m still waving the flag for one of the finest groups the Dirty South has ever produced. Their final album dropped last March and fits rather nicely in their terrific catalogue. After Pimp’s passing, Bun put together these final recordings and did justice to their legacy. The twangy thump of “Da Game Been Good To Me,” the strip […]