Mike's Top 10 Albums/Mixtapes of 2009

Hello everyone, I have finally compiled my top 10 albums of the year. This year for me was pretty crazy music wise. I got into a lot of music that's a few years older (example Champion Sound from Jaylib) so this top 1o was harder for me to compile. Also it didn't help that a lot of people released singles that I loved (example Money to Blow by Drake/Weezy/Birdman) but they weren't necessarily on an album. But here it goes my top 10 albums from 2009!

10.) Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3

This CD was hyped for quite some time before it came out. I thought it was some good work but I didn't think this CD was Jay-Z's best work. There were some pretty good songs that came out of this album though (Young Forever, Empire State of Mind). The one thing I really did enjoy about this album however is he teamed up to make some songs with some rappers that are on the rise such as Drake and J.Cole. I have no doubts that Jay-Z will keep making good stuff and I hope he keeps making music.

9.) Chiddy Bang - The Swelly Express

I didn't get this CD until pretty recently however it has amazed me in the little time that I've had it. The samples that they use are some of the best I've ever heard. My personal favorites are The Opposite of Adults (KIDS) and All Things Go. Some use of auto-tune but not overdone which many rappers do over-use. If you haven't already given it a listen find it and get it. The beats are crazy and the samples are crazy!

8.) Taking the Stairs - Taking the Stairs EP

Okay so I may be a little bit biased. Well very biased. I've lived next to Chris for about 15 years + and I've known Matt my whole life. But that doesn't take away from the unique sound that their band gives off. They remind me a lot of an Explosions in the Sky type band mixed with an Early November type band. Andrew also compared them to Bon Iver. Their album is free for download at HERE. It's a pretty cool concept how each song has a picture that comes with it. I'd say give it a try. Excellent sound for two guys who just wanted to make music for people who love music!

7.) Wiz Khalifa - Deal or No Deal

Okay, we all know how much I love Wiz. This is his first real album that has hit shelves and it has not disappointed. He uses the auto-tuner to perfection but this CD really shows off his flow. Not to mention the beats that he uses are excellent and fresh. Again, keep a lookout for this guy in the future with new mixtapes that I'm sure he will put out next year. Go out and support Wiz and check out Deal or No Deal. You will not be disappointed!

6.) Super Mash Bros - All About the Scrillions

This is the sophomore album from Super Mash Bros. Everyone knows about Girl Talk by now and Super Mash Bros is doing the same type of work. Their sophomore album All About the Scrillions did not disappoint. They did a great job of sampling many different artists and they mixed up the songs very well. I'm sure you'll hear a song that you love in one of their mixes and before you know it you will love their album. The best part of their music is going into a store and hearing a song you know that they sample and you start singing or humming to the beat of the Super Mash Bros song but the actual song will be playing. It has happened countless times to me and I hope you all go out and enjoy their music as much as I do!

5.) Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse

I had no idea who Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden, or Royce Da 5'9" were before this album hit. I was somewhat skeptical of getting this album but as soon as I saw some of the reviews I knew I had to at least sample it. Once I got it, it amazed me. The first song I heard was The One and I loved it. This album certainly swept away any skepticism that I had. Their beats are catchy and the lyrics are insane! Keep a look out for more from them in the coming years!

4.) Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon

I remember waiting for this album to come out. I was insanely hyped for it and boy it did not disappoint in anyway. I love just about every song on this album. The beats are insanely catchy and well put together. The only downer if you could say there is a downer is that the lyrics aren't very upbeat. However he did do something that I didn't see happening. He did a song with MGMT & Ratatat which quickly became one of the hottest tracks from this CD. Keep a lookout for more from Cudi as he is rapidly making his way to the top of the rap game!

3.) Carmine - EightEatEight

One month. That is how long I have had this mixtape and wow. This guy blew me away right away. His ability to change his flow and rap about just about anything amazed me. The beats to his songs are unbelievably catchy. This guy is on the rise big time. Check out EightEatEight on his Myspace. This mixtape will not disappoint you. A few of his songs have already become part of my ski playlist and they will be on there for a long while.

2.) Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II

I was never a big fan of Raekwon but then again I never really had a lot of his music before I got this album. The first time I listened to this album I was blown away. He has such a different type of flow than so many of the new upcoming rappers (Cudi, Drake, J.Cole, etc.). I love the angry type of flow not to mention how he slays lyrically. Plus I love the introduction's that he has to some of his songs. It's much different than a lot of rap today. The beats he uses as well are a lot different which I like. This just proves that Raekwon is still at the top of his game.

1.) Wiz Khalifa - Flight School

Yes, this is a mixtape. Yes, it's free for download on the internet. However, it has been my favorite album that I've listened to in all of 2009. This is the album that really launched Wiz into the picture for me. Right away, Boarding Pass caught my attention. And then I listened to the rest of the album and wow it still blows my mind. The beats he uses are crazy good and they are quite catchy. I like how he uses auto-tune but he doesn't over do it and you also get to hear him straight up rap and he's very talented at just rapping as well. This has become a go to CD on long rides in the car. Wiz is on his climb to the top and this mixtape just helps prove that.