Matter of fact, by now his production may be wearing thin on your ears and you may be regretting just how popular being conscious, positive, and chanting “Jesus” has become because of him. Kanye West’s catapult to fame is no longer news. In its essence “Madvillainy” is dope rhymes and dope music that does not need to concern itself with topic or concept to convey its brilliance. The song structure is unconventional as is Doom’s rhyme structure, but that only adds to the mystique surrounding the music’s makers. Doom’s gruff-voiced and abstract flow transcends any labels or preconceptions. The mix of Madlib’s jazz-inspired production and M.F. Doom produced one 2004’s most unique and original albums. On their own, the members of this super-group are capable of making amazing music.
Hidden in this mess of college radio play-lists and coffee-house concerts can be found the genius that is Madvillain. Many an average emcee has used the underground tag as a crutch to gain a larger fan base than his or her mic skills befit. Praising underground rappers has almost become the popular thing to do among college students and hip-hop fans in general. The Wu as a whole may never return to its former glory, but albums like “No Said Date” will keep the legacy alive and keep setting the standard for dope Hip-Hop that can make you think without losing its street credibility in the process. The album as whole is noteworthy as it featured almost the entire clan dropping guest appearances and The Rza reclaiming his rightful place behind the boards for 3 of the albums best tracks. Tracks like “Grab The Microphone,” “Love Spell” and “Masta Killa” displayed MK and the Wu in their best form in years. Almost unexpectedly, and almost ten years late, Masta Killa finally delivered on his promise with the humorously titled “No Said Date.” The classic Wu-material that packs MK’s solo debut makes the wait well worth it. When rumors first circulated concerning the release anticipation did fill the air, but that feeling slowly turned to annoyance, apathy, and eventually complete ignorance.
Classic or not, Ghostface’s gritty rhymes gave the Wu another reason to proclaim “The Wu Is Back!” in 2004.Īnticipation can not describe the feeling felt by those who have been awaiting the release of Masta Killa’s solo album. The only track that may have failed to make the mark was the dance floor single “Tush.” Beat-wise the single was catchy and even the song itself was good for what it was, but the blatant attempt at a radio hit may be the only thing keeping “The Pretty Toney Album” from being universally hailed as a classic. The beat and rawness of “It’s Over” is enough to give you goose bumps and the hectic energy on “Run” might make you break a sweat just listening. The sweet soul on “Save Me Dear” and “Tooken Back” is not Ghost succumbing to the current trend but instead taking it back to 1994 when The Rza and the Wu first made it popular. The lush mix of pianos, vocals, and strings on “Biscuits” is unmatched by anything released by Kanye or Pharrell. Musically, “The Pretty Toney Album” was as close to perfection as any Wu album and better than any Hip-Hop album dropped this year. But in a year that in my opinion lacked a true classic album such as last year’s “The Black Album” or Scarface’s “The Fix,” Ghostface Killah continued his tradition of being the only Wu member who consistently drops great albums. Two Wu-Tang Clan albums occupying the top spots is something I never expected entering 2004. And while I will admit I probably have missed a few albums worthy of making the list (My apologies to Masta Ace, Xzibit, and De La Soul, I’ve heard nothing but good things), the following countdown is a pretty comprehensive collection of rap albums from all coasts, walks of life, and sub-genres that should have found their way onto your play list in 2004. Others have failed to hold my attention for more than one listen outside of a few songs (Fabolous, Ja Rule, and Lloyd Banks come to mind). Some have evaded my reach due to availability and my refusal to pay more than 15 dollars for any CD, shipping included. 15 years ago such a task may not have been impossible to do, but in an age where we are bombarded with anywhere between 30 and 50 nationally released albums every month its hard to say I’ve even heard all the notable albums released during the year. Ideally I would like to say I heard every rap album released during the past year.