Author: Paul “Big Homie” Duong

’12 Best Albums: #2 Nas Life Is Good

Prior to 2012, life wasn’t always so good for Nasir. After the lackluster work on his previous release, Nas shocked the world with his formidable tenth album. As if one is needed, Esco re-introduces himself on the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League-assisted “No Introduction”. Nas can’t pick good beats? On this go-round, the quality behind the boards took a giant leap forward. Nas’ go-to producer Salaam Remi provides the foundation behind the boards on the well-narrated tale of his borough (“Queens Story“), the […]

’12 Best Albums: #3 T.I. Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head

Despite his run-ins with the law and underwhelming No Mercy, T.I. found redemption with last year’s release, Trouble Man. Marvin Gaye ushers in “The Introduction” but “Go Get It” proves T.I. needs no helping hands. Lyrically, Tip steps his rap game up. He’s confident (“G Season”), reckless (“Trap Back Jumpin” ) and even a bit arrogant (“The Way I Ride”). But trap muzik isn’t the only thing Cliff’s serving. His R.Kelly collaboration “Can You Learn” is on the easy on the ears. He allows Andre […]

’12 Worst Singles: #3 LL Cool J “Ratchet”

It breaks our hearts to hear this coming from the G.O.A.T. Ironically off his forthcoming Authentic Hip Hop, Uncle L decided to pass on the sophisticated ladies for the trashy and obnoxious chicks “She’s so ratchet, she’s so ratchet/But she’s so bad we could throw cash at it/First I’m gonna smash it, then I’m gonna leave it”. And you can take this track here with you. Sorry, Todd. The around-the-way girls are the ones for us.

’12 Best Albums: #4 Rick Ross God Forgives, I Don’t

The MMG general is the epitome of a hustler. After dropping an acclaimed mixtape at the top of the year, Rick Ross kept the grind going into the summer before finally delivering his fifth album, God Forgives, I Don’t. William’s rags-to-riches story rings off with the riveting”Pirates” and grows more sinister on the Cool & Dre-produced “Ashamed”. The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League returns to spearhead “Maybach Music IV” while the soulful bed provided by Cardiak brought Miami’s street life to “Amsterdam”. Rozay […]

’12 Best Albums: #5 Big Boi Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors

Off the heels of Sir Lucious Left Foot, one half of OutKast released another solo album, Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors. However, on this go-round, Antwan took a different approach musically by bridging the gap with his signature sound and other genres of music. Indie pop group Phantogram joins him on the hard-knocking “Objectum Sexuality”. Meanwhile the Swedish electro band Little Dragon provides the soothing tempo grooves on “Descending” and “Thom Pettie” with Dungeon Family member Killer Mike. Still General Patton stays true to […]

Joe Budden No Love Lost Tracklist

With a lil smirk on Joey’s face, a few vintage pics rip across the front cover of his forthcoming album, No Love Lost. Hey, it is Throwback Thursday. But the album drops January 22. UPDATE: New cover. New date (February 5). Tracklist below. Pre-order now. 1. Our First Again (Intro) 2. Top of the World (Feat. Kirko Bangz) 3. She Don’t Put It Down (Feat. Lil Wayne & Tank) 4. NBA (Feat. Wiz Khalifa & French Montana) 5. You And […]

’12 Best Albums: #7 Meek Mill Dreams & Nightmares

With his critically-acclaimed Dreamchasers mixtapes under his belt, Meek Mill carried over the success to his much-anticipated album, Dreams & Nightmares. We’ve all heard the prison walls to the hall of fame storyline repeatedly, but no one this year told it quite like Meek Mill. The title track rolls out his journey from the gutters of the Philly to the exotic penthouse suites. Meek continues his murderous tale (“Tony Story Pt. 2”), watches jealousy turn friends to strangers (“Who You Around”, “Polo & Shell Tops”) […]