Illuminati 2G

Nas does it once again with this album. Unapologetic and honest, Nas continues to go against the grain and has been one of the most consistent rappers over the last decade. Overall a quiet year on the east coast music wise but there were a few dope albums to be had for the most part.

Other Notables: Killah Priest, Pete Rock, Termanology, G-Unit, Prodigy, ASN, Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah, EPMD

Other Notables: Kanye West, Trick Trick, Paypa Boiz, Twista Compilation, Common

A year after his stellar eighth LP, M.A.D.E., the Houston O.G. is back for his purported swan song, appropriately titled EMERITUS. Controversy often makes for compelling hip-hop so Scarface does well to let Rap-A-Lot chief J Prince set things ...    Full Descriptionoff by detailing his legal troubles, the snitches involved, and an alleged conspiracy against the H-Town businessman on the album's intro. From there, `Face sends sniper shots at rival Lil Troy ("High Powered"), examines the Iraq War and recession from a ghetto point of view ("Can't Get Right"), and recounts wrong-road-taken ghetto tales ("Still Here"). Production from Nottz, Illmind, N.O. Joe, Jake One, and Scram Jones mixes soul and blues samples with frenzied key arrangements to a menacing effect. If there are any doubts left as to Scarface's lyrical prowess, the closing title track should put them to rest. Let's hope that `Face's idea of retirement is something like Jigga's.

Other Notables: TI, Plies, Devin, Z-Ro, Bun-B, Rick Ross, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, 6-2, Young Jeezy  

On his first major label release, indie rap mainstay Murs inches a little closer to the mainstream, parlaying his signature observational style into 15 quality cuts on MURS FOR PRESIDENT. Frequent collaborator 9th Wonder is on hand for three ...    Full Descriptiontracks while Murs gleans beats from underground beatsmiths Nottz and DJ Khalil as well as Keith Harris, Terrace Martin, and Scoop DeVille. Far from a sell-out record, MURS FOR PRESIDENT sees the L.A. lyricist doing what he's always done--spitting intelligent but accessible rhymes that range from humorous and uplifting to heartfelt and pensive. Even an unlikely collabo with Snoop over a gospel piano loop on "Time is Now" exceeds all expectations.

Other Notables: Evidence, Bishop Lamont, Convinced, Shame, Snoop Dogg, The Game, Ice Cube, E-40, Blu, Planet Asia, Paris

Emeritus. The name says it all. This may possibly be the last studio album from the hip hop legend known as Scarface. Scarface is every true hip hop lovers' favorite artist. The lyricist extraordinaire. It will be a sad moment in music when Scarface puts down his microphone, however, as the meaning of Emeritus says, he will still retain his title.

Other Notables- Murs, Paris, Game, Ludacris, TI, Pete Rock, Nas, Black Milk, Killah Priest

Best Comeback: 

Best Indie Album: Ice Cube- Raw Footage

Most Slept On Album: Murs- Murs For President

Biggest Flop: Snoop Dogg- Ego Trippin & G-Unit- T.O.S.

Best Mixtape- Indef

Best Group Album- UGK (Rest In Peace Pimp C)

Best New Artist- Dubb Union

Best Producer- Tek, Kanye West, Dae One, DJ Toomp, DJ Muggs,

Most Entertaining Beef- Ransom vs Joe Budden, TI vs Shawty Lo

Most Shocking News of 2007- Pimp C's death

Best Compilation- Jake One- White Van Music

Best Guest Appearance- AZ on ASN's Road To Success

Best Rap Quotable & Diss Song: Nas- Queens Get The Money & TI- What Up, What's Happening 

Best Lyricist- Nas

Best Song- K. Sparks- Hip Hop

Biggest Disappointment: No Detox , AGAIN 

Deaths in Music- MC Breed

Overall, I thought 2008 had some GREAT albums. There once again seems to be a resurgence in consicous rap so hopefully we will hear more of the same in 2009. Region wise, I liked the things that I heard from the South and the West all year. The South was clearly running things again in 2008 as it seemed that everything dropping form there was selling. I loved the music that was coming from all parts of the South. Hopefully Scarface will not retire but if this is it man what a way to go out. Paper Trail was also a incredible album along with Theater Of The Mind from Ludacris. 

The Midwest kind of was quiet this year but Black Milk released of the dopest albums this year. This along with Kanye and Common helped to put the Midwest back in the stoplight. Let's hope yall fans ain't sleeping the next time.  I want to take this time to thank all of the fans and visitors that have supported the site since day one. 82 INTERVIEWS THIS YEAR. I still can't believe it. I could have never pictured this site reaching the heights it did this year. MAJOR THANKS TO JEHUNIKO & LUNATIC. They both put in a ton of work with their interviews and features. Both are truly Illuminati 2G to the fullest. We got more in store including a new blog coming to the site with my boy Rog Dog, and we are trying to build up our forum so alot more is in the works.Too many artists to name, you know who you are. Thank you. Thanks also go to everyone that downloaded our Sanctuary Volume 3 as to date it has over 5,000 downloads. Volume 4 promises to be just as big. Big ups to DJ Johnny Blaze for all the work he did on the last tape. We will continue to bring the heat as we go into our 9th year.  2008 was our best year, and we have alot in store for you guys in 2009 so keep it locked here at Illuminati 2G! Hoped you liked the awards.