I can’t say the year has been saturated with strong album releases, but there sure have been some interesting moments in the genre.
In no particular order, I want to list major events that took place in the genre during the past year.
10. I want to start with something that didn’t really grab headlines but was incredibly important for the artists involved. Rap equivalent to an energizer rabbit, Tech N9ne has always been an avid Eminem fan. Despite a long winded career, the two never really crossed ways until this track from Special Effects. To see Tech be able to chop it up with his idol is really endearing, and it made for a hell of a track.
9. 2015 will also go down as the year that Action Bronson’s grace period ended. After remarking that Ghost hadn’t dropped anything of worth lately, Ton’ Starks came back with this mafia-esque response. Despite Action’s immediate apology, Ghost maintained that he would never fall back into his graces. You don’t mess with the Clan, Joe Budden can attest to that.
8. Beloved music journalist and personality Nardwuar underwent a stroke and had many members in the Hip Hop community genuinely worried. For those unfamiliar with Nardwuar, this goofy lil’ fella’ brought Pharrell to tears, stumped Afrika Bambatta on Hip Hop knowledge, and has brought more shine to Canada’s role in shaping American music than anyone else. Luckily, Nardwuar was discharged from the stroke unit, and is most likely back to showing the world what good music journalism can be.
7. I can’t leave this out can I? Meek Mill messed up and attacked Drake for not writing his own rhymes. I’m not even a Drake fan like that, but even I can see it was a pointless criticism as Drake isn’t known for lyricism. Half of his appeal is being an R&B artist, most of which have writers. To make it worse Drake played his hand really well and dropped two opportune diss tracks that Meek was not ready for.
6. Hip Hop’s always been a voice for the people. However that voice hasn’t always been heard by the ones in power. Bernie Sanders bridged that gap, connecting with Killer Mike at a rally and then creating this series to openly discuss topics brought up by Mike. To watch Hip Hop, and the people’s voice, take a serious step onto the DC lawn is endearing at the least.
5. On a much sadder note, 2015 started with the passing of ASAP Yams, a major part of the creative direction of the members of the ASAP crew. Rocky was obviously affected by the death of his friend, and that pain was manifested in a lot of the music on At.Long.Last.ASAP.
4. Ye has dominated the year media wise. His yeezy drops have turned hypebeasts into drug addicts looking for a fix. However the loudest thing Kanye has done this past year is easily announcing he would run for president in 2020. I think he broke a record for the amount of “bruh”‘s in a campaign announcement.
3. Another more somber moment was the passing of legendary emcee Sean Price. It’s always sad to see a rapper die, but there’s something especially depressing about watching a legend pass. As a young person who wasn’t really there for all of Price’s career, it puts me (and other young fans) in a weird place. We understand and love the artist, but won’t feel the full force of the loss.
2. Missy Elliott slipped back into the music world this year, linking up with Pharrell for “Where They From”. It was a fun track and it’s cool to see the world excited about a classic artist coming back with such a vigor. Hopefully the same fans will continue their support if Missy comes out with a full album.
1. I think it’s easy to say that Kendrick took 2015 by storm with To Pimp a Butterfly. What I love about the record, aside from the P-Funk, is how it united backpackers and mainstream heads. Now of course it wasn’t a seamless connection, but it’s a step in the right direction. Let’s make it a new year’s resolution to strengthen that bond.
art by your homie, Arthur Banach
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