The following albums came dangerously close to making my Top 10 list, but for reasons discussed below, didn’t quite make the cut:

Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor

Despite having Food & Liquor for only a few weeks, I’m completely obsessed. Like Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury, there is no filler on Food & Liquor. But unlike Clipse, Lupe Fiasco seems to have a conscience. He raps about poverty, politics, skateboarding, and the state of hip hop (to name a few topics). But whatever the subject matter, the beat is always dope and the lyrics thought-provoking.

[mp3] Lupe Fiasco :: Daydreamin’
[mp3] Lupe Fiasco :: American Terrorist

CunninLynguists – A Piece of Strange

After going through most of 2006 without hearing any good hip hop, I get slammed with Clipse, Lupe Fiasco, and then CunninLynguists at the end of the year. Of the three, CunninLynguists’ A Piece of Strange features the most beautiful production. And similar to Lupe Fiasco, CunningLynguists rap about heavier subjects. I guess I identify more with someone trying to spark societal change than someone talking about how much money they pull in from pushing rock.

[mp3] CunninLynguists :: The Gates

Division Day – Beartrap Island

I was randomly browsing Amoeba a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon Division Day’s Beartrap Island in the used section. I was happy to finally find the damn thing; I’d been searching for it for the better part of the fall and winter. Unlike the original owner, I’m really digging this album. It’s consistently great and often fantastic. Give “Colorguard” a listen. I guarantee you’ll like it the first time through.

[mp3] Division Day :: Colorguard
[mp3] Division Day :: Dayenu