Ah yes...the end of the year and critics, award shows, and news people galore are all chipping in to remind you of the best moments and memories that will forever be the personality of 2008.
For me personally, this was an epic year in music for the mere fact that my taste buds were exposed to a plethora of new rock music thanks to the wicked invention of Rock Band (both 1 and 2). I developed a love for artists like Interpol, The Donnas, Paramore, Coheed and Cambria, Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, Metallica, and Disturbed.
Being a massive Prince fan, I've always liked rock music but never quite new where to begin exploring the genre. Thanks to the crew at Harmonix (the Rock Band developers) and MTV, I can now comfortably delve into the world of rock, many of its classics and legends. Even before Rock Band became a daily part of my routine, though, I jumped on the bandwagon of a one-time Metallica cover band from the UK named Bullet For My Valentine. Their amazing sophomore album, Scream Aim Fire, is a high-energy, amazing effort that never leaves any of my metal playlists.
Now, onto what I do truly know about: hip hop and soul music. And trust me, this was a big year for both. So let's get it going (in no particular order):
Black Milk - Tronic
Plain and simple, Black Milk is the next big producer/emcee in the hip hop game. With blazing production credits for Slum Village emcee Elzhi's debut CD (also a 2008 must have in the underground hip hop scene) as well as GZA/Genius, Busta Rhymes, Kardinal Offishall, Pharoahe Monch, and more, Black has managed to carve out a J Dilla-esque style that is both amazing and energetic. His emcee skills are also on display on this album, showing that he can hold his own while featuring the talents of fellow Detroit emcee and Eminem affiliate Royce Da 5'9". Standout tracks "The Matrix", "Bounce", "Losing Out", and "Reppin For You" are sure to shock the casual hip hop listener into becoming an underground aficionado.
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