He’s gonna be releasing a major label record later this year, which I have to admit chafes a little–wish he could be indie! But at the same time, the major labels have really done their job this year. Usually there’s maybe two or three major rap releases that I find anywhere near as good as what I hear from the underground, but this year’s releases by Em, Big Boi, The Roots, and B.O.B. have been pretty great. (Wish B.O.B. hadn’t relied so heavy on guest shots, but it’s still a solid record.) And there is even a major label rap/rock album that’s pretty damn good: the new Black Keys. Maybe there’s still hope!
