Edd’s MANtra: Best Artists of the Ky. Era Part 1
So, word is out and our secret has finally been revealed – in a little over a week, I’ll be saying goodbye to Louisville after an eight-year prison term, er, tenure.
See? That photo never gets old. Anyway, here are the 10 artists, who, from the summer of 2001 to the summer of 2009, not only put out quality songs, but helped shaped the game for the better. The list is based primarily on consistency and how much I liked their music. Simple.
10. Lyfe Jennings
I still remember watching his first video, “Stick Up Kid”, back on Midnight Love. What do they show in place of Midnight Love now? Judge Hatchett reruns? Soul Plane? Probably Baby Boy. Anyway, after seeing the video, I thought to myself, “here’s another R&B thug…” and totally dismissed him. But after listening to a copy of his debut album, 2004’s Lyfe 268-192, I was hooked. Lyfe brings a combination of sincerity, street cred and realism that no one else has achieved in the past eight years. Who else has sung about feeling guilty about not dating a woman because she already has children? His follow-ups, ’06’s The Phoenix and last year’s Lyfe Change, were just as strong as his debut. Check out all three if you haven’t done so. Hopefully he can shake off his current legal woes to deliver another banger.
Best song – Must Be Nice
9. Aaliyah
Remember where you were when you first heard about Aaliyah’s death? I was in church the following morning where a woman was testifying about how “the Lord can call us home at any time, like that girl who died on that plane.” I said to myself “what is that old lady talking about?” I later found out about the tragic plane crash from the previous day.
Her death was a major blow to the industry, as she was on the cusp of superstardom – imagine something horrible happening to Rihanna around the time “Umbrella” dropped. Although she was technically only around two months into the Ky. Era (her final album, Aaliyah, was one of the first I purchased in Louisville) her death influenced a new generation of female artists, like Ciara, Cassie and the Pussycat Dolls. Ugh, that’s a pretty poor legacy. Still, she remains One In A Million.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Best song – Rock The Boat
8. Clipse
Without question, my favorite rap group of the Ky. era.
Better than Wu-Tang? Yep, besides Ghostface most of ’em spent the last eight years in hibernation.
Better than OutKast? Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was amazing; Idlewild, not so much.
Better than Dipset? What about G-Unit?
Just quit while you’re ahead.
On the surface, Clipse are just a couple of guys rapping about drugs n’ stuff, but unlike Young Jeezy and everyone’s favorite fraud Rick Ross, they don’t simply brag about being gazillionaries. They’re not afraid to talk about the harmful effects of that lifestyle on their families – and themselves. And the fact that they’re master lyricists only helps convey that message more clearly. 2002’s Lord Willin’ and 2006’s Hell Hath No Fury are both critically acclaimed, for good reason. Bring on that third album!
Best song – Grindin’
When new artists begin to pick up a buzz, I can usually brag about knowing of their work before most of the general populace. For example, before Drake hypnotized the nation into believing he’s the second coming of Biggie (with good hair!), I knew him way back when he was making whiny records with Trey Songz.
But Lupe came out of left field. Like many people, I had never heard of him until he dropped an extremely interesting verse on Kanye West’s sophomore album. Any rapper who name-drops oddities like Lupin The 3rd and Thundercats deserves a second look. Not long after that, Lupe’s popularity exploded. His complex rhyme structure and abstract concepts made him a hit with “old-man rap” fans like me. 2006’s Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor stands as among the very best albums in the Ky Era, and although his sophomore album The Cool wasn’t quite as strong, he’s still soaring above his peers. I’m just hoping those retirement rumors are just hot air.
Best song – Kick, Push
Look how far Mr. West has come. From obscure producer in 2001 to annoying pop star in 2009, you could could call the Ky. Era the Kanye Era. I’m sure he would.
The guy has a lot of mouth but his debut, 2004’s The College Dropout, is the very definition of a classic. No, it isn’t flawless, but it helped revolutionize production (remember those sped-up soul samples?) while giving conscious rap a taste of the spotlight. And although his ego grew with every release, from 2005’s Late Registration to 2007’s Graduation, he could do no wrong.
Then he totally went off the deep end and 808s & Heartbreak was born. Crapped out would be a better description.
Thankfully Kanye’s auto-tune fetish seems to have subsided and he’s back to kicking witty rhymes again. If not for 808s, he likely would be No. 1 on the list.
Best song – Throw Some D’s Remix
Come back tomorrow for the Top 5! Bet you’ll never guess who is No. 1.
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