What up world! We are back at it again. Thanks for checking out our albums of the year. The first month numbers were very successful for the site. So we appreciate the support but we need ya’ll to comment and participate. Get involved and with that said let’s take a look at the albums that came out last month. We ran through everything so that you don’t have to.
October Hip Hop Music Releases
Styles P: Master of Ceremonies
Released: October 4th, 2011
Ok, we aren’t going to spend much time here. By now we all know what to expect from a Styles P album. No doubt Styles fans will be satisfied here as this is probably Styles best effort in some time. However, at some point you get the, been there done that syndrome with him. A few bangers sprinkled throughout but nothing memorable that will stay in your rotation more than a few weeks.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
9th Wonder: The Wonder Years
Released: September 27th, 2011
This is one that 9th Wonder fans have been waiting on for quite some time. One of hip hops most talented and underrated producer’s has failed to deliver a complete album on previous occasions. However, this time 9th doesn’t disappoint. Littered with star appearances throughout 9th shines with his signature sound combined with veteran rhyme spitters. This combination works and provides a good listen with rare skips. Some memorable moments include his collaboration with Marsha Ambrosius and his connection with the highly underrated Kendrick Lamar. Tanya Morgan, Phonte, Skyzoo, Murs, Mac Miller and many other underground favorites drop in to lend support. This release gives something for the hip hop lovers to ride to for quite some time.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
Phonte: Charity Starts at Home
Released: September 27th, 2011
Phonte has made an impact on the hip hop seen with two separate underground favorites. Through his classic mixtapes and albums with Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange, Phonte has gathered quite a following. Phonte is a dynamic talent that can lend to multiple styles of music. On this album Phonte shines with a fusion of hip hop and soul. There are a few moments on this album that will just make you feel comfortable. There is no lack for lyrics either and certainly some rewind lines. Unfortunately, artist like Phonte may never make it to the mainstream but you get a sense that if it doesn’t happen Phonte will be just fine.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
DJ Drama: Third Power
Released: October 11th, 2011
Not gonna spend much time here. I don’t like to spend too much time when it’s not good. As a fan of DJ Drama I have always been thrilled with his releases. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t work. Packed with many guest appearances this effort somehow fails to make an impact. Not sure if Don Cannon should be more involved or what’s going on. But we will have to wait until his next release to really enjoy quality music that Drama can bring to the table.
Volume Meter: 4 out of 10
October R&B Soul Music Releases
James Morrison: The Awakening
Released: September 27th, 2011
Since his landmark album “Songs for You, Truths for Me”, James Morrison has gained a huge following. Already an award winning artist across the pond James has gained much traction here in the states. Oh and by the way if you don’t have “Songs for You, Truths for Me”, there is a deficiency in your music collection. With one of the most unique voices in music and part of the blue eyed soul movement James is certainly leaving a mark. Although this album is not as good as his last album, this effort certainly does not disappoint. There are some very special moments on the album where James hits that sweet spot that will leave you listening for hours. He is one of the few “artist” in an era where we don’t even know what that means. Look for him to improve as the years go by and become one of the most prominent musicians in music.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
Goapele: Break of Dawn
Released: October 24th, 2011
I remember watching Soul Train one day and this woman comes on. After about 15 seconds I immediately fell in love with her. Her voice was one of a kind and her subject matter was raw and purposeful. Very unusual for this day and age. This woman happened to be Goapele and months later she would hit mainstream with her classic hit “Closer”. Closer was followed by a great album and then another stellar effort. These efforts were followed by a hiatus. But now Goapele returns and you remember all of the things that made you fall in love with her the first time. Some great beats here as well and Goapele fans are sure to be satisfied. We also have a song of the year nominee on here but I’ll let you all listen and figure it out.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
Lalah Hathaway: Where it All Begins
Released: October 18th, 2011
Lalah Hathaway has been a favorite of soul lovers for quite some time. All of her releases seem to grab you and let you know what music is supposed to sound like. On this latest release Lalah does not disappoint and gives listeners a reminder of the neo-soul movement that vanished way to soon. With her signature sound and classic smooth grooves Lalah makes a statement with this album. Give this one a listen and you will find yourself going back to her earlier cds to make a day of it.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
Joe: The Good, the Bad, the Sexy
Released: October 18th, 2011
Being one of the most talented and consistent artist of a generation could have its drawbacks. I think Joe is caught in this situation and pretty much a victim of his own success. People are so used to him being good they don’t pay him any attention. Once again this results in good music being overlooked. Similar to his last release “Signature”, his latest release delivers. Before we move forward you can’t call yourself a fan of R&B if you don’t have a copy of “Signature”, arguably his best effort to date. When it’s all said and done we will sit back and say Joe never released an album that wasn’t quality. This release follows in a long line of quality albums by an all time great.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
As you can see it was a slow month for music. You can also see that it was a much better month for R&B than Hip Hop. Hopefully this will switch around with all the big titles dropping in November.
Peace until next time.
G.
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