Ah the winter holidays! I’m still not sure if it’s the best time of the year but it is one of my favorites. Being a busy body student, a radio host, a multidisciplinary artist and a personal trainer, it’s the only time of the year that all my holidays coincide so I’m very grateful for the break. For me the best thing about the holidays is that I can finally sit back with my spiked eggnog and reminisce on the best moments of the year.
Now 2011 was a particularly special year in terms of music for me, cause it’s the first time I’ve felt so proud of the music coming out of my hometown Montreal. There were always the few MTL hip-hop superstars that brought us mad pride and glory but 2011 really marked the start of a new era.
Montreal has finally stepped its game up. I mean seriously you got 19 year old cats making full length beat tapes, next level collaborations, an up rise of hip-hop subcultures and a clan of powerful females owning the scene and stage. In the spirit of giving and all, I think it’s my duty to shout out some of these local acts that released some insane music for you throughout the year, most of which was free or dirt-cheap so if you don’t know, now you know.
[Ranking was based on how long you the album stayed in my stereo]
1. Heavy Soundz ‘Tumba Parlantes’
These guys killed it this year with most show appearances, hypest energy, great collabos, awesome videos, the whole 9 yards. Summer 2011 was seriously the up rise of MTL Latin Hip-Hop and I’m sure it’s not gonna end there. Mad looking forward to more from these guys
Defining Track: ‘Lo Que Soy’ and ‘Que Voy Hacer’ (ft. Boogat)
2. The Narcicyst ‘Live at Transmusicales Rennes’
Now the Narcicyst has been proudly waving the Montreal flag for us for a long time now so it’s not surprising that he made this list. However what’s special about this album isn’t just how he’s an amazing lyrist and producer but rather the intimate feel of this live album. One the best highlights on this album for me is the addition of the voices of Thelma & Louise (Tali and Meryem from Nomadic Massive). These ladies are mad powerful and it really just gives the album another layer of dept.
Defining Track: ‘Ladieapella’ and ‘Sumeria’
3. Dr. Mad ‘People Tape V.2’
This is an insane beat tape from a young Dilla fanatic who figured he could make beats too (ps: He’s Freaking Right!) This beat tape isn’t the kinda album that you can only listen too if you’re really into MPCs (I didn’t even know they were called that until this year) It’s just plain good hip-hop and this amazing young producer is sharing it with you all for free so cop yourself one.
Defining Track: ‘Everybody Sings’ and ‘Drum Master’
4. Full Course ‘Entrée’
This is album is well the perfect “entrée”. All you want is hear more from this smooth NDG spitter. The production is hype, the rhymes are on point and the album has just the right amount grimy for you to play this on Friday night chilling with your boys.
Defining Track: ‘Waiting on You’ and ‘Rencontrer’
5. Sarah MK ‘Worth it’
I reviewed this album last month so you already how I think this album is on point but for those of you who haven’t read that review yet all you need to know is that this album is one of the most honest and organic albums I’ve heard in years.
Defining Track: ‘It’s Here’ and ‘Should’ve (Part 1)’
6. High-Klassified and MusoNi ‘90s Babies vol.1’
So you know how I was telling you that Dr. Mad is an awesome producer, well apparently he has friends and they’re awesome too. These guys have gotten together and created a label called Alaiz and all the music that comes out of there is off the hook so be sure to check out their bandcamp. As for the ‘90s babies v.1’ album it is just the best mix of grimy beats and throwbacks ever.
Defining Track: Chocolate.Chipsounds(High-Klassified), Shampooing Fortifant (Musoni)
7. Street Hearts ‘Debut EP’
These girls are crazy hype and making mad moves in mtl. In one year they dropped a debut EP, a debut video clip, 2 new singles and participated in countless shows. They are for sure making their mark and holding their own in a male saturated rap world. What do they sound like? The swagged out girl next door.
(NB: They go by Heart Streets now)
Defining Track: ‘Make Way’
8. Sarah Linhares ‘Messages from the Future’
This album gets the award for most original style. I honestly lack to vocabulary to fittingly describe what this album sounds like but I can guarantee that you’ll be bumping your head. Sarah’s smooth voice really unifies this album that is produced by so many distinctive and great beat makers.
Defining Track: ‘Here’ (Prod.Think Twice)
9. Jah Faith ‘Secret Revolutionary Mixtape’
I was already a fan of Inword so it was natural for me to be interested in the lead singer’s solo project but I didn’t expect to be so impressed. The album has a wide range of emotions and topics that makes you really vibe with the artist on an intimate level that isn’t always possible when making a group album.
Defining Track: ‘We are One’ (ft. Butta Beats & Monk E), ‘Bless Dem’ and ‘Amor a Primera Vista’
10. CeasRock ‘The Exception’
CeasRock makes best the gansta rap. Now I’m always a little hesitant to use that term cause I’m afraid it’ll make you think of wiz khalifa or something so I’m gonna reiterate I said gansta rap not ignorant rap. I love myself some smart raw real rhymes on neck breaking beats. In Montreal, CeasRock owns that style.
Defining Track: ‘Open’ (ft. The Narcicyst and Uness), ‘On My Wait’, and ‘Backstabberz’
Ruckus ‘Round One’
OG Hindu Kush ‘OG Hindu Kush: In 3D’
Conn Shawnery ’-Cs01-’
Dr. Mad ‘Circuit_Emotionnel’
Happy Holidays! -Mf Gold (Say Word! Wednesdays 4-5pm on CJLO)
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