Wait what it’s 2008?

It seems like every rappidy rap site did some sort of best-of wrap-up lists for 2007.

I’d love to do that sort of thing, store but real talk? I can’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning, much less remember what I was doing last January. So now that the euphoria of the new year has passed, I figured I’d talk about some stuff I liked.

So here we go, open thread. What impressed/depressed you this last year? I’ll get us started and keep it positive:

RAPS.

I’ve got to say, producerwise? I really really think Suburb is the bizness. I’m trying to con him into giving me some more of his stuff for a future episode. We’ll see how that works. For now, though, you can grab a few exclusive tunes over at sweeney kovar, who was kind enough to let me write a bit on the subject at his site.

the man himself


Jay Electronica
. GOVERNMENT PLANT. This dude popped up on the internet out of nowhere (well, unless you’re FMWJ, nowhere), and stole the hearts of millions. Then he announced that he was dropping a new project on Xmas (which I was patiently waiting for, and fully planned to make an episode of), and then the 25th rolls around, and…

poof. Nothing. Facebook account is deleted, his myspace account points to some white dude with a camera, and really ladies and gentlemen this is smoke and mirrors and theatrics at its finest. Not even so much as a “hey guise brb lol”.

where you at?

From what I hear this is standard procedure for the dude, but I’m not too mad at him. I can wait.

Speaking of Jay, can’t forget about the producer behind some of his joints – Sol Messiah and his new group, The Labratz (I need to remember to ask Sol about the name). You maybe haven’t heard it yet – I just got it, but it’s bananas.

Think Atlanta, think classic Goodie Mobb, think classic Outkast, and then think next level. Watch this site for more, very soon.

Have I mentioned that Dam Funk is also killing it with this analog funk boogie sound? I can’t even describe it, just go listen.

Plus he can really wear a Cosby sweater.

More importantly – what were you bumping in 07?

BLOGS.

So Sweeney Kovar’s jumpoff. It’s quite often spectacular. If you’re not already reading that, you should do so – especially if you find yourself curious about what’s really good in the LA beat scene. Plus he takes some nice pictures.

You know what, I’m not going to get into a blog list thing here. If you have found any good ones, tell everyone in the comments.

TV.

I don’t have one, do you? What’s good on the telly nowadays?

JAWNS.

Mad Anthony of NYC
has some pretty dope stuff. Apparently there are like no pictures of any of it anywhere, though. Man, I need a camera.

Elliott G of Ultra Vitalence has put together a pretty wild line of stuff. I got this purple jacket with the Spongebob lining. Bananas.

And I have to thank Elliot “with one t” F for the Hong Kong connection with those like 10 shirts he brought back. Remember the “Tangerine” shirt from the first video podcast? I got like 4 more flavors – Plum Cake is probably the favorite. No watermelon, unfortunately.

Plus I got the powder blue Filas.

What have you been flossing? (SC, that Eazy-E outfit doesn’t count.)

VIDEOGAMES.

You know I stay on these games. Aside from the NBA 2K8 whose soundtrack makes it the business, we’ll start this off with Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the DS. A little easy, but fun.

Then we got the throwback: Kickmaster for the 8-bit nintendo. Made by the same people that put together Werewolf. You know I get down with the NES.

Ghosteo
got himself a PS3, and introduced me to Ninja Gaiden Sigma. I’m what, halfway through? It’s all about that Lunar staff, I stay chopping zombies. I coulda done without the overly developed female though.

Until I get back to Ghosteo’s, though, I got that Final Fantasy 4 for the DS.

They upgraded the graphics, but left the music alone, which is definitely a good thing. Not sure when it comes out stateside.

What have you been playing?

PARTIES.

Are you in southern Cali? Then you need to be on board when the Do-Over starts up again in 08. Runs from like 2pm to well past midnight, it’s free, and all your favorite artists are known to run through there. If they’re on Stones’ Throw, they’re there – plus many many more – and kids know how to party.

Pure Filth. Dubstep will probably never break into the quote unquote mainstream, and if that’s what it takes for parties like Pure Filth to stay good, I’m fine with that. Epic soundsystem, perfect basement venue, way too many rewinds, and the MC – again, epic. Going to these joints was like going to church. Unfortunately the venue was torn down and their soundsystem was stolen from their U-Haul after the final party (did I mention that it was epic?). I hear they’re gearing up for 08 again, though.

What was good in your city though?

YOU.

You all pretty much made my 07 kinda dope. So thank you.

Your turn: share your best (or worst!) of 07. On the podcast front, plenty coming down the pipeline. Just wait.