Top Hip Hop Music of 2008
A look at the top hip hop songs of 2008 and what made them so popular.
Introduction
The top hip hop music of 2008 was a mix of both popular mainstream artists as well as lesser known up-and-comers. For the mainstream, artists such as Lil Wayne and T.I. continued to dominate the charts with their unique brand of Southern hip hop. On the other hand, newer artist such as Kid Cudi and Wale also made waves with their debut albums. Here is a list of the top hip hop albums of 2008:
2008 in Hip Hop
2008 was an important year in Hip Hop. The year saw the release of some of the best music in the genre. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top Hip Hop music of 2008.
Commercial Releases
In 2008, mainstream hip hop music continued to enjoy a high degree of popularity. While much of the hip hop community was still reeling from the subtle and not-so-subtle disses that were traded back and forth throughout 2007 (most notably between 50 Cent and his former protégé, The Game), the mainstream music scene was able to hold its own and remain strong throughout the year. Here are some of the top hip hop releases of 2008.
Albums
-The Cool by Lupe Fiasco
-Paper Trail by T.I.
-Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne
-808’s & Heartbreak by Kanye West
-E=MC² by Mariah Carey
Mixtapes
-Before I Self Destruct by 50 Cent
-TheClassicExample Presents The Movement II: You Need This Music by 9th Wonder & Buckshot
-Death Of Auto-Tune by Jay Z & T-Pain
-1ryde or Die V2: Tha livest one thousand mixtape ever!!! By Bigga Threat & 1rydeout
EPs
-The Warm Up by J. Cole
Mixtapes
In 2008, mixtapes continued to play a significant role in the development of the hip hop industry. The release of DatPiff.com in 2005 allowed for easier online distribution of mixtapes, and combined with the increased popularity of social networking sites such as MySpace, YouTube and Twitter, mixtapes became an increasingly important way for up-and-coming rappers to build a name for themselves. In 2008, mixtapes such as Lil Wayne’s No Ceilings and J Cole’s The Warm Up helped to launch the careers of two of the year’s most successful rappers.
Critic’s Picks
The top hip hop songs of 2008 were a varied bunch, with something for everyone. From club bangers to political anthems, the year’s best hip hop had it all. Here are our critic’s picks for the top hip hop songs of 2008.
Albums
Those who make hip-hop music are constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. 2008 was no different, as a new crop of artists emerged and established themselves as the next generation of hip-hop. Here are some of the best albums that were released in 2008.
Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak
Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak was one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2008, and it did not disappoint. The album was a radical departure from West’s previous work, both musically and emotionally. 808s & Heartbreak found West exploring new territory, both sonically and lyrically, and the results were often stunning.
Nas – Untitled
Nas’ untitled ninth studio album was supposed to be titled N*gger, but due to censorship issues, it was released without a title. Regardless of what it was called, the album was one of the best hip-hop releases of 2008. Nas’ lyrics were as sharp as ever, and he sounded revitalized on tracks like “Hero” and “Sly Fox.”
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III
Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III was one of the most anticipated albums of 2008, and it lived up to the hype. Wayne continued his hot streak with another excellent album that featured some of his best rhyming and strongest songwriting to date. Highlights include “A Milli” and “Lollipop,” but there isn’t a weak track on the entire album.
The Roots – Rising Down
The Roots’ Rising Down was one of the most socially conscious hip-hop albums in recent memory. The album tackled a variety of important topics, including racism, poverty, and violence. Musically, Rising Down found The Roots experimenting with new sounds and textures, resulting in an exciting and diverse album.
Songs
In no particular order, here are some of the best hip hop songs of 2008:
-A Milli by Lil Wayne
-Lollipop by Lil Wayne feat. Static Major
-Put On by Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West
-Blood on the Leaves by Kanye West
-N**as in Paris by Jay Z and Kanye West
-B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe by Kendrick Lamar
-Body Party by Ciara
-Powerglide by Rae Sremmurd feat. Juicy J
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2008 was a great year for hip hop music. We saw the rise of new artists and the continued success of established ones. There were a wide variety of styles represented and it was truly a golden age for the genre. We can only hope that 2009 will be half as good as 2008 was.
