 Our underground blog maven, Michelle Cavanaugh, has spent the better part of the year reviewing some of the hottest underground albums. Here are her picks for the Top 10 Underground R&B/Soul and Rap/Hip-hop Artists of 2006.
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| 1. |
Strange Fruit Project - These three Texans have put out two albums prior, but neither had the buzz like The Healing. Upon its release, SFP has been compared to the organic vibes of The Roots, mashed with the innovative mentality of Outkast. Review
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| 2. |
J Dilla - Celebrating the life of producer-extraordinaire J Dilla, who passed away in February, is easy while listening to one of the most amazing albums of the year. Donuts is not an average hip-hop instrumental record with borrowed beats and mixes. It is “a sick, surreal tapestry of thumps, bumps, hip-hop scratches, souljazz snatches, moans, and grunts that aims to disturb and please in equal doses (Mallory O’Donnell in Stylus Magazine).” R.I.P Jay Dee
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| 3. |
Alice Smith - While her style is not quite classifiable, the soulful voice of Alice Smith has been exposed worldwide. For Lovers, Dreamers, and Me has received astounding reviews from critics of every genre. Currently wrapping up her tour with Citizen Cope, Alice Smith will soon become a household name. Get used to it. Interview
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| 4. |
Wax Tailor - It’s impressive when a French producer has more knowledge of American hip-hop then most Americans. Wax Tailor, born JC Le Saoût, released his debut album Tales of the Forgotten Melodies in the States this year. His cinematic hip-hop beats will blow your mind. |
| 5. |
Soul Position - The second full length album by lyricist Blue Print and producer RJD2 was released earlier this year. Things Go Better With RJ and Al follows up an equally magnificent 8 Million Stories (2003), except adds a touch of humor.
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| 6. |
Randevyn - While most musicians got caught up in the sound of dirty-dirty southern rap, Randevyn kept his faith in the underground soul movement of Atlanta. His debut album, Soltrain, was nominated for three top Indie Awards. Randevyn’s already back in the studio recording, and preparing for his Grammy awards. Interview
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| 7. |
Zion I and the Grouch - It is not the first time this threesome have worked together. It took nearly a decade to gather Zion, I, and the Grouch to create Heroes in the City of Dope. MC Zion said, ““[T]he creativity just flows when we get together in the studio.” Review
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| 8. |
Planet Asia - He has been in the underground scene for a while, but has never had a year of such magnitude. Planet Asia released three albums, part of "The Medi-Cali Trilogy," this year; The Sickness, The Diagnosis, and The Medicine. Review
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| 9. |
Papoose - Newly signed, still strong, this Brooklynite has put out a dozen mixtapes and over 220 songs/freestyles in the past year and a half. According to mentor DJ KaySlay, Papoose is the future. |
| 10. |
Elevaters - This time last year, the six talented members of Los Angeles’ soul-funk band Elevaters would have never thought they would be headlining at infamous venues like The Viper Room and Avalon. Let’s get real, without this year’s success, the release of their debut album early next year would not be possible. |
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