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Classic or not, Ghostface’s gritty rhymes gave the Wu another reason to proclaim “The Wu Is Back!” in 2004.Īnticipation can not describe the feeling felt by those who have been awaiting the release of Masta Killa’s solo album. The only track that may have failed to make the mark was the dance floor single “Tush.” Beat-wise the single was catchy and even the song itself was good for what it was, but the blatant attempt at a radio hit may be the only thing keeping “The Pretty Toney Album” from being universally hailed as a classic. The beat and rawness of “It’s Over” is enough to give you goose bumps and the hectic energy on “Run” might make you break a sweat just listening. The sweet soul on “Save Me Dear” and “Tooken Back” is not Ghost succumbing to the current trend but instead taking it back to 1994 when The Rza and the Wu first made it popular. The lush mix of pianos, vocals, and strings on “Biscuits” is unmatched by anything released by Kanye or Pharrell. Musically, “The Pretty Toney Album” was as close to perfection as any Wu album and better than any Hip-Hop album dropped this year. But in a year that in my opinion lacked a true classic album such as last year’s “The Black Album” or Scarface’s “The Fix,” Ghostface Killah continued his tradition of being the only Wu member who consistently drops great albums. Two Wu-Tang Clan albums occupying the top spots is something I never expected entering 2004. And while I will admit I probably have missed a few albums worthy of making the list (My apologies to Masta Ace, Xzibit, and De La Soul, I’ve heard nothing but good things), the following countdown is a pretty comprehensive collection of rap albums from all coasts, walks of life, and sub-genres that should have found their way onto your play list in 2004. Others have failed to hold my attention for more than one listen outside of a few songs (Fabolous, Ja Rule, and Lloyd Banks come to mind). Some have evaded my reach due to availability and my refusal to pay more than 15 dollars for any CD, shipping included. 15 years ago such a task may not have been impossible to do, but in an age where we are bombarded with anywhere between 30 and 50 nationally released albums every month its hard to say I’ve even heard all the notable albums released during the year.
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Ideally I would like to say I heard every rap album released during the past year.