2007: The Year Hyphy Died?

You don't have to believe me, and I'm not even sure it's true, but it certainly makes a nice title for this post. I get stumped too, you know.

But looking back through posts, I've realized that this might be the case. For me anyway. In January, Mistah FAB dropped his "Ghost Ride It" video. I'd say that was the last noteworthy piece of "hyphy" music that came out this whole year. And with my 20/20 hindsight goggles on, I realized that song kinda sucks, not unlike Mistah FAB's album this year. Maybe it was label bullshit he was putting up with, but I think we're slowly figuring out that you really can't make stupid music laced with social commentary.

You can make some hardbody slaps with social commentary, however. Apparently some dudes from Pittsburg finally found their old Ice Cube or IMP CDs. Either way, the Mob Figaz were probably the most exciting music for me, especially Husalah.

Album/Artist of the Year



Sorry Kalefa Saneh (did you see that Times article with Turf Talk?), Turf Talk's album just wasn't as good as Husalah's. Not even close.

I guess his prison term really got Husalah focused, because Hustlin' Since The 80's is a huge step forward for the man. His last album,Dope, Guns and Religion, has its moments, but it's just not as well tied together as Hustlin. Too dark at times ("So Ill So Dope" - which is a bizarre title for the darkest song on the album), and too fucking wacky at times ("BITCH" and "Cutty" were hidden at the end of the album, and were easily the most fun to listen to).

Back to the point, Hustlin is fucking perfect. Even the fun songs are kinda sad, take "Gear", for example. From the sound of the production, you half expect one of Husalah's rants about how he poisons his community with drugs (which, according to the government, he most certainly did), but instead he raps playfully about just how amazing his wardrobe is. Among other things, Husalah claims that he has enough clothing to keep his whole neighborhood fly for five years; you wear Chinese Coogi; his jerseys are so authentic that he actually appears to be in better shape than he is; your girlfriend cries when she sees his clothing; he does not remove his Nikes while he has sex (probably with your girlfriend).

Husalah "Gear"

"Stupid Dumb" is perhaps the "hyphy-est" track on the album (God I hate saying that); look no further than the name. But if it's hyphy, then where are the synths? The sideshows? The ecstasy use? Nowhere to be found. All you have is a stripped-down (beatboxed?) beat and Husalah's inane rants about how gorgeous he is (on a side note, this is weird shit for a rapper who must know he has a primarily male fan base, and is about to go to prison. Just saying).

Husalah "Stupid Dumb"

How did this album not receive more attention outside of this small Bay Area blogosphere (no homo)? My guess: people expect only hyphy crap out of Bay Area artists, and they ignore everything else.

Where In The Fuck Were You?



Keak Da Sneak. He opened '07 up nicely with "Hyphy Ridin", and I thought he might continue to develop this neo-early 90's West Coast sound he was messing with. Then he followed it up with another song that was almost indistinguishable from "Hyphy Ridin". He called it "In Front of Ya Momma's House". I would tell you which I liked better, but like I said, they're really fucking similar. You decide:

Keak da Sneak "Hyphy Ridin '07"

Keak da Sneak "In Front of Ya Momma House"

This new sound (read:NOT HYPHY) definitely works for the man, but this whole independent hustle bullshit isn't really helping him. I mean, does anyone know how many official Keak da Sneak records actually exist? It pales in comparison to the incredible volume of bullshit bootlegs you have to sort through at Amoeba (or on the internets). I'm talking about quality control here, Keak. Branding. You can't have all that crap floating around and expect people to respect you. Ask JT the Bigga Figga.

Rookie(s) of the Year



Tibs and Sirealz! As if you didn't already know I was going to say this. Sorry if you don't like them, but these dudes go. I don't really feel like reiterating what I've been writing the whole fucking year, so, you know, just go back through posts if you really have to read it again. All I can say is that I'm thrilled I can listen to fun Bay slaps that aren't just older dudes rapping about doing ecstasy. Didn't anyone else find that fucking creepy? Thought so.

For those unfamiliar with Team Knoc, think of the Cool Kids if they were from Berkeley, and a little less obsessed with the year 1988. They're fucking fresh.

Team Knoc "Fresh"

Best New Slang



This speaks for itself. Too bad my spaceship got totaled. I don't want to talk about it. I think I'll have to put some of those glow-in-the-dark star stickers on my bike to make it more spaceship-like.

Lil B, Big Rich "Ride Spaceships"

Worst New Slang

One word: Wet. That it has become acceptable for hetero dudes to say they are "wet" when they mean to see "fresh" or "well-dressed" or whatever the fuck is upsetting, to say the least. Worst offender: Mistah FAB. "I'm wet, so wet, I'm juicy/ n---as love me like Ricky love Lucy". I could have lived without that one. It's too bad Mistah FAB doesn't have Cam'ron's ear for gay innuendo, he might have said "no homo" a few times, or just left that god-awful line out of the hook of the first track of his first wide-release album. Just saying.

Well, I'm just winging this one, and it's finally sunny in San Diego (what the fuck, amirite?), so I think this is where we part ways. Allow me to end this post by wishing you all the best in two-thousand-great (get it? 2008! Sick!).