Author: Paul “Big Homie” Duong

’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”) […]

’12 Best Albums: #9 MMG Self Made 2

Since the release of the first installment, Self Made, the Bawse added a few new recruits to his untouchable empire. Stalley brings his A game to the table. The Ohio rhyme slinger purifies hustling tales with Nipsey Hussle on “Fountain of Youth” and his opening verse reaches the highest point on “The Zenith”. The latest addition, Omarion woos the ladies on “Let’s Talk” and juggles them on “M.I.A.” In addition to Rozay’s superb ear for production, he also knows how […]