New Music 2011: Hip Hop
Contents
Looking for the best new hip hop music of 2011? Check out our top picks, including tracks from Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, and more.
New Music 2011: Hip Hop
If you love hip hop, then you’re in for a treat. This year has seen some great new music from some of your favorite artists. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best new hip hop music from 2011.
J. Cole – “Work Out”
J. Cole’s first single “Work Out” off of his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story has been getting a lot of buzz lately. The song, which is about a girl who J. Cole used to have a crush on in high school, is a feel-good summer anthem with a positive message. “‘Work Out’ is basically me addressing my insecurities head on,” J. Cole said in an interview with MTV News. “A lot of people are gonna be like, ‘Oh, he’s just speaking from experience,’ but I feel like everybody can relate to that feeling of unrequited love or just being disappointed by someone that you thought was the one.”
Kendrick Lamar – “HiiiPower”
Kendrick Lamar’s “HiiiPower” was one of the most talked about hip hop songs of 2011. The song, which is from Lamar’s debut album Section.80, samples NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s “The Black Mamba” Nike commercial.
Big K.R.I.T. – “Country Shit”
This summer, Big K.R.I.T. had one of the most effective and original marketing plans in recent memory for his mixtape Return of 4eva. The Mississippi MC gave the project away for free, but also released a limited-edition, hand-numbered hard copy via his website for $100. The well-received mixtape boasted a bevy of top-shelf production, and tracks like “Country Shit” solidified K.R.I.T.’s place as one of the most promising young talents in hip hop.
New Music 2011: R&B
There is a lot of new music that has been released in the last few months. This music includes hip hop, R&B, and even some pop. There are many different artists that have released new music, but there are a few that stand out. These artists include Drake, Rihanna, and Bieber.
Frank Ocean – “Novacane”
Frank Ocean is a singer, rapper, and songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known for his work with the hip hop collective Odd Future, and his mixtapes Nostalgia, ULTRA. and Channel Orange. “Novacane” is the first single from Frank Ocean’s debut studio album, Channel Orange. The song was released on May 10, 2012.
The Weeknd – “House of Balloons”
The Weeknd’s “House of Balloons” is one of the best R&B albums of 2011. The Toronto-based singer/songwriter (real name Abel Tesfaye) made a big splash with this debut mixtape, which features nine hazy, atmospheric tracks inspired by his experimentation with drugs and excess. At times sensual and at others downright eerie, “House of Balloons” is a unique and truly impressive debut.
Miguel – “Sure Thing”
Miguel’s “Sure Thing” is a standout track from his debut album, All I Want Is You. The song has a classic R&B feel to it, with a smooth beat and Miguel’s silky-smooth vocals. The lyrics are about a man who is sure about his feelings for a woman, and he is ready to take their relationship to the next level. “Sure Thing” is the perfect song for a romantic evening, or any time you want to show your special someone how much you care about them.
