4th Annual BallerStatus Year-End Awards
Tuesday - January 1, 2008By: Bear Frazer, Allen Starbury, Arnold T. Pants, Gritz, Jay Casteel & Jorteh Senah
It's been a gradually different, yet more charismatic year for the hip-hop culture in 2007. While several new stars and one-hit wonders have been spawned, it appears like some seasoned rappers have lost the edge they once had. Most notably, G-Unit is on life support and the Houston movement lost the spotlight the industry set up years back (but shouts to UGK on debuting no. 1 on the Billboard 200 and R.I.P. Pimp C). Basically, veteran artists haven't done the "Shoulder Lean" as much.
Kids have actually dominated the culture... and every facet of the media this year, for that matter. Chris Crocker claimed YouTube.com celebrity status when his freaky-looking ass cried over a bloated Britney Spears and Jeff Foxworthy proved that fifth graders are indeed smarter than the average Hollywood A-lister. With all this oddball activity going on, it shouldn't be any surprise that teenagers and grown 40-year-old men decided to "Crank That (Soulja Boy)."
That could be the single biggest story in hip-hop this year. Teenagers have jumped to the forefront of the urban market with memorable songs people can't seem to get out of their heads... despite smashing their eardrums with a cinderblock half a million times. Soulja Boy has "Superman-ed" a few ho's here and there; Hurricane Chris got Ratchet on the industry and introduced the popular catchphrase "Ay Bay Bay," which means virtually nothing; that chubby Sean Kingston fellow sang about "Beautiful Girls"; and Lil Mama proved to be classier than both Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. They may be kids, but these adolescents brought everyone's ass to school -- even Beyonce's.
Like every year, the commercial market entered a slow period. For a brief moment, the industry seemed stagnant. But despite what anyone says, the ensuing war between Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Kanye West electrified the masses. Both megalomaniacs kept the world's attention in the grasp of their titan-like hands. Fiddy was the commercial favorite to debut at no. 1 on the charts, and even went as far as saying he'd retire if he was unable to outsell the Louis Vuitton underdog.
This was serious. Hell, these guys even did a UFC stare down for the cover of Rolling Stone. Evidently, West's Graduation moved 957,000 while Jackson's Curtis moved 691,000. Despite losing this unofficial bet, 50 Cent plans to drop his fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, in April 2008. This isn't the first time we've heard an artist vouching retirement, however. Jay-Z went back on his word to retire as well (that's just because he's an American Gangster, though).
It's ok. Record sales as a whole have been on the decline. But fortunately, the ringtone revolution is in full effect, so rappers will still be able to "party like rock stars." Well, except for the Shop Boyz. Their dreams of "Guitar Hero" stardom are officially over.
As the page turns to 2008, Ballerstatus.com is ready to commemorate those extra outstanding artists with our annual cyber awards. If you're a rapper of a diva who happens to win, feel free to add it to the resume because our certified recognition means something.
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This year, there wasn't a standout for the Album of the Year category. In fact, the category could have gone a couple different ways, which would be very debatable too. But despite great albums by both Kayne West and Jay-Z, BallerStatus names Common's Finding Forever as the best of 2007. Why? It's very simple. It was the follow-up to his critically acclaimed breakout album Be and he delivered once again, despite disappointing sales wise (but hey, who didn't disappoint in the sales category). The back to back collaborative efforts with West on both albums gave Common some much deserved shine, where he showcases a well-balanced body of work. Unlike most artists did this year, Common delivered hip-hop minus gimmicks, dances and trends. Instead, he was abundant in positive social and political messages. While it was only gold certified to date, it is our pick for best of the year and is sure to be a slept on gem for years to come.
Honorable mentions: Graduation (Kanye West), American Gangster (Jay-Z)
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There have been plenty of catchy records to come out throughout 2007, but "Crank That" has transformed into a monster of its own. Considering Mr. Collipark is in the teenager's corner, it isn't a total surprise.
When the banger premiered in the summer, it was a minor dance floor sensation that got a few boys and girls tingling in their pants. But then, the club-friendly cabaret made Beyonce and Samuel L. Jackson strut around stage to hype a crowd. Most recently, Jimmy Kimmel did the dance on stage with Soulja Boy and Kelly Pickler at the American Music Awards (and surprisingly, the 40-year-old late night host served the former "American Idol" contestant).
"Crank That" became the rap version of "MMMbop," but with a unique dance. Though Soulja Boy has faced a lot of criticism for his simplistic and elementary lyricism, the 16-year-old is caking right now. Oh, and if you got a problem with that, take it up with Samuel L. He'll "Superman" your "Ho" ass.
Honorable mentions: "This Is Why I'm Hot" by Mims, and "Buy U A Drank" by T-Pain
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For the last decade El-P has led the hip-hop vanguard. As the boss of Def Jux, he acts much like the master craftsmen of colonial times. From his Brooklyn atelier, youth matures and seasoned veterans breathe new life. While his hand touches each of the labels quality offerings, when he steps to the limelight the stakes are raised. 2007 brought El-P's sophomore solo offering, I'll Sleep When You're Dead. Balancing direct and abstract language, shifting soundscapes and the precise commentary that has become his trademark, El-P proves again he is a conductor of incomparable dexterity. Whether manning both boards and microphone all alone or working in collaboration, the MC/producer/boss takes comfortable charge. With rumors rampant about future work with Bun B, 2007's Indie Album of the Year winner will no doubt see his star rise in '08, while keeping his independent as f--- outlook intact.
Honorable mentions: Getback (Little Brother), Popular Demand (Black Milk)
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Yeah, you're probably yelling obscenities at the computer screen and feel like Hurricane Chris, Mims or Soulja Boy should've gotten the nod. While there have been plenty of young artists like the aforementioned shinin' with a hot single and a decent follow-up, they come across more as the flavor of the week. Their longevity is truly questionable.
Perhaps the same could be said of the winner, Lil Mama, but she differs in a few areas. Aside from being a female, she hasn't been forced down everyone's throats with a sub par single (well, at least not yet). The 18 year-old femcee earned credibility without the help of a major label and accidentally, received some mainstream acclaim. After all, she made Avril Lavigne's hit single "Girlfriend" listenable when she jumped on the remix and, did the same to Britney's "Gimmie More."
Honorable mentions: Soulja Boy Tell Em, Rich Boy
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When people say T-Pain is the sound of the future, they often mean it quite literally. Utilizing his trademark vocoder to achieve a robot-like sound, the Tallahassee-bred crooner dominated the airwaves this year. His sophomore EP, Epiphany, picked up where 2005's Rappa Ternt Sanga left off, debuting at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 and delivering two certified bangers in "Bartender" and "Buy U a Drank." But it was in the features department where the self-proclaimed "Nappy Boy" displayed his supremacy. From Chris Brown's "Kiss, Kiss" to R. Kelly's "I'm a Flirt (Remix)," he gave Akon a run for his money as the R&B guest du jour in 2007. And while he proved time and time again that he can hang with the top dogs, he also used his infectious sound to launch newer artists like Plies ("Shawty") and Flo-Rida ("Low") onto the radar. Grammy nominations and a Vibe award for "Song of the Year" lent some credence to the airplay. But if the greatest praise comes from peers, Teddy Pain got the co-sign of a lifetime from Kanye West, who called him the most important artist in hip-hop today, after the two collaborated on "Good Life." Hate him or love him, T-Pain manages to retain his "one-of-a-kind" flair despite having what might technically be the most easily imitated voice in music. His dreadlocks, sunglasses and playfully suggestive lyrics all help complete the package of "FutureSex" personified.
Honorable mentions: Chris Brown, Rihanna
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After the huge success Timbaland saw with his solo release Shock Value, the producer solo album seemed to be a no-brainer for longtime mega producer Swizz Beatz. It looked promising when his first single, "It's Me Bitches," took off quickly. But after a few delays with the album's release and with the follow-up single, "Money In The Bank," not catching on like the first did, the album was ultimately doomed. While debuting high -- at no. 7 on the Billboard 200 -- sales declined drastically in the weeks to follow. To date, it has sold less than 150,000 in the U.S. Sure, the producer extraordinaire proved he could rock a party, but not many expected him to be exceptional on the mic and he didn't do much to sway anyone's opinion either.
Honorable mentions: Curtis (50 Cent), Adrenaline Rush 2007 (Twista)
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The third time was the charm for Rihanna in 2007, with the release of her chart topping third album Good Girl Gone Bad. In retrospect, a more apt album title would have been Good Girl Goes Glamorous, because before her aforementioned album, Rihanna was amongst a wave of solid female vocalists tugging at each other's hair extensions to get a step ahead of the field. The Barbadian bombshell is no longer a crab in the R&B-bucket, however, mainly due to her ubiquitous hit single "Umbrella," which set all sorts of records in '07 including being the longest running no. 1 single by a female artist since Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." If Beyonce is the superwoman of R&B, Rihanna was definitely tugging at her cape this year, encompassing all the trappings that made Beyonce the HBIC she is today, from being a style magazine staple to rumored relationships with high profile playboys like Hollywood heartthrob Shia Labeouf and even B's beau Jay-Z. If she wins half of the six Grammy awards she's nominated for in '08, it will undoubtedly cast Rihanna as part of the pop-princess holy trinity, along with the Ms. Knowles and Alicia Keys.
Honorable mentions: T-Pain, Chris Brown
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Timbaland could easily be considered the best producer of the year, every year. Ever since he entered the hip-hop game in the mid '90s, Timbo has changed the musical landscape of urban music. In 2007, he didn't just cement his career as arguably the best hip-hop producer of all-time, but he also made a case to be considered the best music producer period. Before anyone was pimpin' rides, Timbland was pimpin' careers. His off-kilter productions made Missy Elliot the star she is today, and in 2006, he rejuvenated and excelled the careers of Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, respectively. Timbaland stepped his game up in '07 when he started pimpin' the careers of legends like Madonna and Duran Duran. And he also re-established his label Mosley Music Group -- once known as Beat Club Records -- as well as his own solo career. His compilation album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value, not only showcased his underrated song-writing prowess, but also showcased his versatility as a producer, crafting songs for the likes of Fall Out Boy as well as Elton John. Timbaland, once considered solely a hip-hop producer, transcended all genres of music and created a sound that is now craved by most artists. As hip-hop faced its most criticism in '07, Timbaland was a shining beacon of the unlimited potential and creativity that hip-hop can birth.
Honorable mentions: Polow Da Don, Mr. Collipark
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DJs did the damn thing this year, but Khaled became the breakout spin doctor in 2007. Though the Miami native hasn't truly excited in the mainstream in the past, he changed that with a little help from Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Birdman and Lil' Wayne, for his summer burner "We Takin' Over." Khaled continued parading producers and rappers around throughout his full-length collection We The Best. To date, it's moved over 250,000 units -- impressive for any mastermind who doesn't do anything but spew elementary catchphrases like "We The Best."
Nevertheless, the project established him as a prominent player within hip-hop and filled his pockets with wads of cash. And if you're still not convinced of his baller status, then check out MTV Cribs. Khaled fills his pool with imported water from the Bahamas and only important people do that.
Honorable mentions: DJ Envy, DJ Drama
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Several artists have the talent and potential to become the one to watch for the upcoming year, but some have had the talent for quite some time and year after year, they've failed to show and prove. This year's candidate has the markings of a bonafide star and with his rising fame, it looks like he can deliver as well. After E-40 introduced the world to the term "hyphy" early in 2007 and put the spotlight back to the Bay Area, one artist from the region took the small window he had to break out of the Bay bubble and ran with it -- that being Mistah FAB. After gaining steam through NorCal with mixtapes and indie albums, FAB (a.k.a. Fabby Davis) landed a label deal for Thizz Entertainment through Atlantic Records and quickly got his name buzzing via his controversial single (and accompanying video) for "Ghost Ride It." That, coupled with his publicized beef with Royce Da 5'9 and somehow managing to show up everywhere around the country, is proving that Mistah FAB is an uncut diamond waiting to be polished, so he can shine to his full potential. With his major label debut, Da Yellow Bus Rydah, slated for next year and an indie collabo album with Los Angeles' G. Malone on deck, the Bay Area spitter is poised for greatness in 08.
Honorable mentions: Lupe Fiasco, Crooked I
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