TOP
GROUPS OF 2006 |
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1.
Outkast: Outkast has always transformed themselves musically with
every release. Dropping classic after classic. Since Andre stopped rapping
around 2003 it seemed like it was all over, but they came back in a big
way in 2006. The Idlewild movie and soundtrack sparked their return to the
scene in typical Outkast fashion. Without over doing it they made a great
movie/musical and soundtrack that captivated audiences across the globe
once again proving that they are possibly Hip Hop’s greatest group
ever. |
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2.
The Diplomats: Cam dropped a movie and album while Jimmy dropped
his most successful project to date. With a high profile beef with Jay-Z
that could have virtually ended the careers of Dipset’s core members
(Cam’Ron, Juelz Santana & Jim Jones) they road it out and used
it to their advantage and it worked. 2006 marked a great year for them overall
and they did it with virtually no radio play for most of the year. Now that’s
hustle... |
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3.
Gnarls Barkley: Cee Lo and Danger Mouse made a group??? What the
fuck! Well that’s what most people said when they first heard them
collaborate on the smash single “Crazy.” What started as an
indie project that was being pushed on the internet became a worldwide sensation
out of no where. Coming from very two very humble artists in their own right,
they made a soulful, dark and very “left” album that would have
made Outkast, RZA and MF Doom proud. |
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4.
Da Backwudz: One of the most talented groups to show up out of
the ATL in a long time. With their breakthrough single “You’re
Gonna Love Me” in 2005 they made a good name for themselves in the
mainstream going into ‘06. An even more creative single came afterwards
with “I Don’t Like The Look Of It” in early 2006. Unfortunately
the market for “real rap” from the South was at an all time
low and their album got lost in the mix of ’06, even though it was
one of the best overall. Hopefully they get another shot at it in 2007.
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5.
Birdman & Lil Wayne: Even though they kiss on the lips these
two niggas make some daam good records. “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”
proved to be enough fire for them to sell decent units the first week and
the album shows us again that Lil Wanye is just getting even more into it
on the mic. |
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6.
The Clipse: No matter how you look at it, the game did these niggas
dirty… Overall they are hands down one of the most talented groups
out there, but since “Grindin’” they’ve been a faded
memory. 2006 marked a welcome return, but the industry done changed and
so has the people’s idea of what sells. Even though they crafted another
modern day master piece it wasn’t appreciated like it should have
been. |
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7.
Dem Franchize Boyz: Can’t front on these niggas they did
they thing in ’06 and helped to keep Hip Hop happy and dancin’
even though a lot of “Hip Hop Purists” didn’t like it.
As far as it goes the Franchize held their own for a good part of the year
with no looking back. So let’s “Lean & Rock” our way
into 2007 with a little snap music for that ass. |
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8.
UGK: Between Bun B & the recently paroled Pimp C UGK has remained
relevant to fans across the board even when they were separated. This year
these two Texas emcees made it their duty to stay in the light with a massive
amount of features and solo work. Look out for UGK to be #1 or #2 come next
year. |
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9.
Three 6 Mafia: Off the strength of the hit single “Stay Fly”
off their 2005 album Most Known Unknown these niggas kept it alive by winning
a daam Oscar for their song “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp”
off the Hustle & Flow Soundtrack in 2006. They stayed in the headlines
because of Crunchy Black up and left the group and now they’re doing
it big again because Project Pat is home. 2006 was definitely an interesting
and news worthy year for the brothers of Three 6. |
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10.
Mobb Deep: Well after almost fading to obscurity after defecting
from Jive Records off the strength of their poorly marketed and nearly career
ending Americaz Nightmare; Mobb Deep bounced back in a very major way by
joining forces with the ‘Infamous’ 50 Cent & G-Unit camp.
With a little bit of help from 50 they crafted their best album since 1999’s
Murda Muzik, but signing with G-Unit came at a price and a lot of their
fans jumped ship claiming they were betrayed and heartbroken by the move.
Overall they came out of the deal with a little fatter pockets and a banging
album. |
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Robin Thicke - Ms. Sexy
