BEST of 2012: HIP-HOP ALBUMS

I have a few of these Best of 2012 lists to post but I wanted to start with the one every blog/website loves to do: ALBUMS!!! For this category I'm going with major label releases, and I'm keeping it to five, but I do share a few honorable mentions. I'm also proud to say that one of the homies made this list along with two emcees I'm huge fans of [like Top 10 emcee status]. Don't worry I'll have a Best of 2012 R&B albums going up next.  Hit the jump to see my choices for 2012. Remember these are my thoughts...so no need to argue.

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LUPE FIASCO f/ ELLIE GOULDING & BASSNECTAR - LIGHTWORK (MUSIC DOWNLOAD)

When Lupe Fiasco lands in my inbox I don't ask too many questions.  Enjoy.

Lightwork f/ Ellie Goulding & Bassnectar - Lupe Fiasco

LUPE FIASCO f/ TREY SONGZ - OUT OF MY HEAD (MUSIC VIDEO)

Lupe films this one right here in Los Angeles, some may not like this "pop" sound for Lupe, or even the fact he has Trey Songz on a hook...but as a Lupe fan I really don't mind this song.  So therefore I'm posting the video...deal with it.

LUPE FIASCO "LIVE" at UCLA JAZZ FESTIVAL (VIDEO)

Lupe Fiasco Live At UCLA from Seven Eight Photo on Vimeo.

I'm mad I missed it but like I said...I have eyes everywhere.  The good people of SevenEight Photo took this and Vashtay of Westside Storyy sent it over.  Peep it out.

UCLA JAZZ REGGAE FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

If there is always a fun outdoor event that let's you know that summertime in the city (L.A.) is here.  The UCLA JazzReggae Festival is the two day event we seem to have all known about for years.  Now hitting the 25 year mark it will be a great place to see good music, eat good food and mingle with good people this holiday weekend.  Lineups include Lupe Fiasco, Steel Pulse, Los Rakas, Little Dragon and more.  Plus The Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble will be rocking with Bilal, Pharoahe Monch, Meshell N'Degeocello and Talib Kweli.  Quadron will also be there.  For more info make sure to head to the site now. Hope to see ya'll there.

LUPE FIASCO - LASERS PHOTOSHOOT (BEHIND THE SCENES)

This is an album I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for...with a photoshoot going down, I think it's safe to say that this album is finally on it's way.

LUPE FIASCO - THE SHOW GOES ON (MUSIC VIDEO)

Because I'm a Lupe fan...period.

DREKIDD - DON'T STOP FREESTYLE (MUSIC DOWNLOAD)

Dre' has some fun with the leaked CRS joint...enjoy.  And don't forget to pick up that "City of Champs" project as well.

Don't Stop Freestyle - DreKidd

HARDKNOCK TV: TERRY KENNEDY TALKS LUPE BEEF, BEING CALLED WHITE BOY & MORE (VIDEO)

I overlooked this video I think...well it ended up in my inbox so it's only right to share with you all.  TK talks about some serious topics in his life, career, etc...check it out.

LUPE FIASCO: AT WAR WITH LASERS (VIDEO)

Lupe Fiasco: At War with Lasers from Ruby Hornet on Vimeo.

This was created by Ruby Hornet:

"At one point it wasn't about Lasers, it was about 'yo, we want out," says Lupe Fiasco about his long standoff with Atlantic Records.  Lupe had a completed project, and an eager fan base awaiting it, yet Atlantic Records did not want to release Lupe's 3rd studio album, citing creative differences and corporate concerns.  Lupe Fiasco's fans took up the battle, staging protests and circulating online petitions for the album's release.  They got what they were after this fall, when Lupe Fiasco's Lasers was given a March 2011 release date.

In this interview we talk to Lupe about his feelings during the holdout, as well as how this ordeal has affected his relationship with the music found on the new LP and his enthusiasm to promote it.  We also talk about the impact of all the protests and demonstrations on future of the music business, and how he finds grounding and support in the Lasers Manifesto.

Shouts to Numonics for sending this over.

TED CHUNG RECEIVES TASTEMAKER PACKAGE from REPLAY & GATORADE (VIDEO)

Ted Chung, the President of Doggystyle Records was presented with a tastemaker package from Replay and Gatorade the other day.  This package is only given to a select few.  Replay and Gatorade will be presenting a pretty cool documentary on the Fox Sports Network this Sunday, November 7th.  A controversial buzzer beater tip-in at the end of a high school playoff game is the reason for this "Replay".  10 years later the two teams will square off again to settle the score.  You may have seen the record on the nets that feaures Chi-Town artists Common, Lupe Fiasco and Jennifer Hudson called "We Can Do It Now".  To find out more about the documentary go here NOW!!!  Props to Cashmere for the heads up, now how do I get one those red vinyl records???

NUMBERS DON'T LIE MIXTAPE f/ LUPE FIASCO, J. COLE, JANELLE MONAE & MORE... (MUSIC DOWNLOAD)

With the election coming up folks need to be aware...hence this mixtape here.  Peep it out:

To continue the campaign of getting our urban youth to show up at the polls during the November 2nd midterm elections, The League of Young Voters Education Fund (LYVEF) has teamed up with DJ Willie Shakes (host) for an allstar mixtape. 

Comprising of the best political/civc engagement based hip-hop songs, The League of Young Voters Education Fund Presents: Numbers Don't Lie: The November 2nd Edition features musical heavyweights including Lyfe Jennings, J.Cole, Yelawolf, Paul Wall, Glasses Malone, Jay Electronica, MURS, Raekwon, Lupe Fiasco, Lauryn Hill, Janelle Monae and more.  

The goal?  To activate not only urban youth, but our young adults as a whole to stand up and fight for the issues they want to see changed in their neighborhoods and states by using the power of voting. - Cashmere

Numbers Don't Lie: The November 2nd Edition Mixtape

JANELLE MONAE f/ B.O.B. & LUPE FIASCO - TIGHTROPE RMX (MUSIC VIDEO)

Here is a remix to Janelle Monae's dope single...I've been bumping the remix since it dropped and to see a video is always cool.  Janelle be spittin' on here if you didn't know.  Enjoy.

LUPE FIASCO - I'M BEAMIN' (MUSIC VIDEO)

We've been waiting for this...enjoy.

TERRY RICHARDSON SHOOTS PHARRELL & LUPE FIASCO (PREVIEW)

A small sample of an event that went down involving these three men...the finished product should be dope with these three creative minds in a room together.

LUPE FIASCO & KENNA - RESURRECTION (VIDEO)

Mike Shinoda produced Haiti relief song.  It has Lupe on it...two good reasons to check it out.

LUPE FIASCO - I'M BEAMIN' (UNOFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

While I'm posting videos from OnSmash I figured I'd post this.  It's not Lupe's actual video for one of my favorite songs right now but he did co-sign this director's take on it.  So peep it out, directed by Jameel Saleem.

LUPE FIASCO TALKS " ENEMY OF THE STATE" on MTV'S MIXTAPE DAILY (VIDEO)

I had to put this up since they featured the homie Shake's artwork and not the official artwork...plus it's Lupe.

MVPUPPETS: KOBE & LEBRON - KOBE, LEBRON & SANTA (KRS-ONE) vs THE REINDEER (LUPE as BLITZEN) VIDEO

As all of us Laker fans get ready for that big game on Christmas Day versus LeBron and the Cavs, the Kobe/LeBron commercials are in full effect for the holidays.  These two newest commercials are much better than the ones about the missing shoe.  And when KRS-One & Lupe Fiasco get down as characters...I'm all ears (and eyes) to check it out.  Enjoy.

LUPE FIASCO - SOLAR MIDNIGHT (MUSIC VIDEO)

I brought you the behind the scenes yesterday courtesy of AplusFilmz and now the bonus track for the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack has the official visual for you to see.  Enjoy.