Phil Ade - Much More (Freestyle Video)

Just realized I haven't posted any Phil Ade since returning to blogging. Time to right that wrong. Phil just dropped this about 20 minutes ago and I'm posting it right before I have to leave for work. Nice to start my day off with some Phil Ade and a classic Dilla beat (from De La Soul's "The Grind Date" album).

Top 7 Free Releases of 2011

It's that time of year where every website you go to is putting together their "year-end lists", well, TOTR is no exception. Oh except for the fact that these lists only include free releases from the artists. I was on hiatus for a few months so there's a good chance I missed some great releases. If you feel like I left something off the list, please leave a comment. Well, with no further adieu, I present Top Of The Roof's Top 7 (because why not?) Free Releases of 2011.

1. Childish Gambino - Freaks & Geeks EP
Freaks & Geeks was actually my introduction to Childish Gambino's (aka Donald Glover) music. I was absoultely blown away. The production was impeccable, the lyrics were on point, and on top of all of that, it really gave the listener of sense of "this is who Donald Glover really is". Ludwig Göransson is also due a ton of credit for the beautiful backdrop to Glover's vocals. Great production can really help set you apart from everybody else. I can't tell you how many times I listened to this whole EP on my way to work and then get off work and listen to the whole EP again on my way home. This came out in March (at least that's when I found it) and it never got old throughout the course of 2011. I had trouble narrowing down this list however, I had no trouble figuring out that Freeks & Geeks would be #1. If you've been living under a rock and still haven't heard it, check it out HERE.

2. The Weeknd - House Of Balloons
Canadian singer-songwriter Abel Tesfaye dominated 2011 releasing 3 full length FreeLP's with each one being met with critical acclaim. None, however, garnered quite as much attention as his debut, House of Balloons. Teaming up with fellow Canadian producer, Noah "40" Shebib, The Weeknd delivered what was easily the most unique, and yet still, top shelf releases of 2011. Breaking the norm for standard R&B, The Weeknd crafted epic 7 minute tracks that didn't stick to any standard song structure and definitely broke the profanity barrier rarely crossed in todays R&B scene. There's no better album (retail or free) that is better suited to be played in it's entirety while driving at night, and driving in the rain. If there was a "Sexiest Music of 2011" list, this would be #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5. Check out House of Balloons HERE.

3. XV - Zero Heroes
TOTR All Freshmen Team representative continued his strong showing releasing yet another great FreeLP with Zero Heroes. When I first heard Zero Heroes, I didn't expect it to end up being one of my favorite releases of 2011. But as I continued to listen to it, I continued to be more and more impressed by the sheer awesomeness of XV. Vizzy made some great moves by enlisting long time collaborator, Seven to handle a large portion of the production. Nobody knows how to help the Kansas native shine quite like Seven does. He's come a long way since 2006 and with Zero Heroes, he only further solidified his spot as one of my favorite "up-and-coming" artists. "Pictures On My Wall" literally gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it. Check out Zero Heroes HERE.

4. The Airplane Boys - Where've You Been
The Toronto duo followed up their great 2010 year by delivering one of the years best relesaes in Where've You Been. They're really in a league of their own and this release really showcases the group's unique sound and identity. I don't feel like you can listen to them and go "Oh yea, these guys sound like..." because nobody is doing what they're doing. NOBODY. I'm usually not even a fan of hip hop groups because often times you have one quality emcee surrounded by mediocre ones. That's not the case with The Airplane Boys. Time and time again, they manage to deliver memorable verses with each member taking turns with spotlight. Where've You Been really provided the group with an opportunity to show off their range and versatility and they totally capitalized on it. I think my 3 favorite tracks on this are "Sleep", "Escape", and "Gold Ribbons". Check out Where've You Been HERE.

5. Phil Adé - A Different World
DMV representative Phil Adé led into his LP by releasing a track every Friday as a part of his #PhilAdeFridays series. Genius move on his part. The problem most artists have with a weekly song series is their inability to put out that much quality music. Not a problem for Phil consdering he manage to drop all of those tracks and then still put out a full length FreeLP that was better than you favorite rappers album this year. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Phil Adé is the emcee Wale should have been but never will be. At the time of writing this, "Second CHance" is likely the favorite to win Song Of The Year. Easily the most played song of the year for me. I love how Phil Adé manages to write amazing bar after bar without ever dipping in the quality. My only knock against A Different World is the guest appearances. I'm sorry but nobody hold their own on tracks with Phil. Check out A Different World HERE.

6. Chiddy Bang - Peanut Butter & Swelly
Hands down my favorite release from the former Drexel students, Chiddy & Xaphoon Jones. Peanut Butter & Swelly saw Xaphoon Jones at his best production wise and Chiddy at his best on the mic. In short, PB&S is the result of when it all goes right. The groups last big hoo-rah before they release their debut album next February, Chiddy Bang pulled out all the stops and gave us one of the most enjoyable albums of the year. The music really speaks for itself with this one. Check out Peanut Butter & Swelly HERE.

7. QuESt - The Reason: A Defense Mechanism
The Reason was actually the first FreeLP TOTR posted in 2011. Prior to it's release, I had zero exposure to QuESt so I had no idea what I was getting myself into. What I managed to stumble into was mix of Lupe Fiasco  and Kendrick Lamar. That should really be all I have to say about this to make you want to check it out. Track 2, "In My Defense" was a song I played literally every morning on my way to work at TSA for the 3 months that I worked there and yet, I never grew tired of it. There are quite a few tracks on here so I'd be lying if I said I loved all of them, but truthfully, this release was probably better than 90% of the retail hip hop albums that came out this year. I love when an emcee can be super lyrical and yet still craft songs. It seems to be a lost art to balance the two but Miami's QuESt acts as if there's no alternative. Check out The Reason: A Defense Mechanism HERE.

Phil Ade - A Different World (FreeLP)

Shortly after drifiting of into music blog obscurity, Phil Ade released his free LP, A Different World. I apologize for not sticking around long enough to post this album. The thing that I love about Phil Ade is how he seems to treat each bar with the mentality that it may be the last bar you listen to from him so he really makes it count. Bar for bar, he's got to be one of my favorites doing it right now. Anyways, I'm sure you know who he is and what he does (HE SPITS HOT FIYA!!!) so just download this album and enjoy. SIDE NOTE: "Second CHance" may just be my favorite track of the year.

Second CHance (prod. Mark Henry)

See You Again feat. Kevin Ross (prod. Nieze)

Monte Carlo Dreams feat. US Royalty (prod. Sunny Norway)

Download: Mediafire

Tracklist:

01. ADW Intro ft. Laura Song (Prod. By Mark Henry, Q-Heff, Dre King)

02. King (Prod. By Bink!)

03. Monte Carlo Dreams ft. US Royalty (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

04. Cloud 9 ft. Tracie Josephine and GLC (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

05. High On Life ft. Raheem DeVaughn (Prod. By 9th Wonder)

06. Otherside (Prod. By Mark Henry)

07. A Different World (Prod. By Oddisee)

08. Scoreboard ft. Black Cobain (Prod. By Bink!)

09. The Let Out (Interlude) (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

10. You're The One ft. Killa Kyleon (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

11. The Weekend ft. U-N-I (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

12. Second CHance (Prod. By Mark Henry)

13. See You Again ft. Kevin Ross (Prod. By Nieze)

14. Incense ft. Mac Miller (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

15. Your Hand (Prod. By Mark Henry & Dre King)

16. Coming Home (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

Phil Ade - One In A Million (Video)

Phil Ade's upcoming FreeLP A Different World, will be dropping next Tuesday. Can't wait to hear more from the DMV representative. I can't lie though, I was really hoping he was going to be rapping over the Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth track at the beginning of the video.

Phil Ade - Monte Carlo Dreams (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

Phil Ade leaked another track off his upcoming FreeLP, A Different World. A Different World drops 7/19/11. Sunny Norway on production.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - #PhilAdeFriday (Mixtape)

In case you missed any part of the #PhilAdeFriday series, you need to download this mixtape now. It's really amazing that Phil was able to drop a hot song week after week. Can't wait for Phil Ade's A Different World, dropping 7/12/11.

Second Chance (Prod. By Mark Henry)

Phillin Em

Break Me Off (Prod. By Brandun Deshay)

Download: Mediafire

Tracklist:

01. (Intro) Spazzin

02. Phillin Em

03. Devils Pie

04. Cloud 9 ft. GLC & Tracie Josephine (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

05. De La Soul

06. Afterparty

07. Break Me Off (Prod. By Brandun Deshay)

08. Downtown (Prod. By Mark Henry)

09. Something True (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

10. Used To Be (Prod. By Jahi Chambers)

11. 1Something Outta Nothing

12. This Feelin

13. Get Wicked

14. Second Chance (Prod. By Mark Henry)

15. Transform (Disco Flow Remix) (Prod. By Bmore Original)

16. Whatchu Want Phil (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

17. Take It Slow

18. Outro

19. Speed Of Sound (Prod. By Mark Henry)

20. Never Left

21. Your Hands (Prod. By Mark Henry)

Phil Ade - Speed Of Sound (Prod. By Mark Henry)

Mark Henry samples Coldplay's "Speed Of Sound" for this week's edition of #PhilAdeFridays. Phil Ade's A Different World drops 7/12/11.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Second Chance (Prod. Mark Henry)

#PhilAdeFriday continues with a Mark Henry assisted track. Henry flips a Peter Bjorn & John sample. This will be on Phil Ade's upcoming, A Different World project dropping sometime this summer.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Something True (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

Another edition to the #PhilAdeFriday brings us yet another collaboration between Phil Ade and Sunny Norway.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Your Hands

#PhilAdeFriday brings us a new track from Phil's upcoming, A Different World project. Coming soon. Produced by Mark Henry.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Whatchu Want (Prod. By Sonny Norway) (Video x Audio)

Phil Ade announced that this will be the last song of the #PhilAdeFriday series. He leaves us with a video for a track off of his upcoming project, A Different World, coming soon. Audio Below.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade & Greenspan - Keep Up (Prod. By Mark Henry) (Video x Audio))

Great track from the DMV trio off of the upcoming Got Green 2 project. I'm a sucker for horns. Audio below.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Used To Be

The 1/28/11 installment of the #PhilAdeFriday series. Also, Used To Be will be the lead single on A Different World project dropping in April.

Download: Mediafire

Artist Spotlight: Phil Adé

DMV artist Phil Adé managed to slip under the radar for my 2011 All-Freshmen Team but I have a feeling that will come back to bite me in the ass. Since the new year started, all I keep hearing is great music from Phil. My introduction to 368 Music Group artist was on Rockie Fresh's Living track featuring Naledge and Phil Adé. Receiving the co-sign from RnB star, Raheem Devaughn, among many other established and respectable artists, Phil will easily become one of your most played in iTunes. By now, I'm sure you've seen the many #PhilAdeFriday series tracks posted here at TOTR but I did some digging around and found his previous 2 albums and luckily, they're free. Although at times Phil Adé can resemble a younger Kanye, Kid CuDi, or even a more talented Wale, he also manages to demonstrate a certain lyrical dexterity and embodies an updated, nostalgic hip hop vibe bringing him an original and fresh style. Check out some of his earlier albums and keep an eye out for him 2011.

The Letterman

Download: Mediafire

Starting On JV

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Ms. Temptation (Prod. By Sunny Norway)

"Another Phil Ade post?" YUP. The more I look around the more I am able to find more music from this guy. And until I stop finding good music, I'm just going to keep posting. I must have missed this last week when this dropped on 1/14/11 as part of his #PhilAdeFriday series. #LatePass. Produced by Sunny Norway.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - Spazzin' (Video)

This dropped yesterday while I was at work so forgive me for being late. This is part of #PhilAdeFriday series. It might be redundant at this point, but every time I hear something from this dude, I just need to hear more.

Download: Mediafire

Raheem DeVaughn - Early Mornings ft. Phil Ade

As #PhilAdeFridays continues, this week, we get Phil Ade on a track with Radio Raheem with Boola on the beat.

Download: Mediafire

Phil Ade - This Feelin' (Video)

This dropped yesterday as part of the DMV artist's, #PhilAdeFriday. Haven't heard a whole lot from Phil but I really like what I have heard so far. I was surprised he was rapping over Common's The Corner for this "freestyle".

Rockie Fresh - Living ft. Naledge & Phil Ade (Video)

Latest set of visuals from my favorite release of 2010, The Otherside.

The 2011 All-Freshman Team

The 2011 All-Freshman Team features 15 artists who aren't necessarily rookies but, up and coming artists who have yet to release an official album. Look for their names to continue to pop up here at Top Of The Roof and look out for debut albums. Also, any artist previously featured in XXL's Freshman Class, is disqualified (Sorry Mickey Factz, J. Cole, Big Sean). See who made the team.

Kendrick Lamar

I'm sure by now, Kendrick is no secret. After a dope EP, a classic mixtape, and multiple guest spots, this kid from Compton has the street and blogs buzzing about his music. In 2010, he even received a co-sign from Dr. Dre when Dre stated that Lamar was the one person he really wanted to work with, without even speaking to him before hand. Multiple labels are trying to sign him and any of them would be lucky to have him. It seems everything is clicking for this "overly dedicated" emcee and 2011 should be his year.

XV

After inking a deal with Warner Bros. in 2010, The Kid With The Green Backpack is gearing up to release his debut album in 2011. It's kind of unjust to place him on a freshman list considering the 1st time I heard him was in 2006 on his Complex album. And back then, these was just this dope kid from Kansas who drew comparisons to Jay & Kanye. After paying his dues, it seems as though 2011 (or 2015 on Squaria) will be the year Vizzy becomes a household name.

Theophilus London

No stranger to the blogosphere, Theophilus London has already managed to gain quite the international following. With each release more successful than the last, Theophilus has managed to fuse Hip Hop with whole mess of other genres, which has undoubtedly played a part in his worldwide success. Still without an official album release, London qualifies for this list but almost with an unfair advantage. Hopefully we'll get a retail album out of this producer-emcee-singer-engineer from Brooklyn sometime in 2011.

Rockie Fresh

With no disrespect to any of the other artists mentioned in this list, Rockie Fresh may have been my favorite thing about 2010. Hearing his mixtape, The Otherside, I got the same feeling as I got the 1st time I heard Lupe Fiasco, or the 1st time I heard Mickey Factz. I had no idea what I was getting into as I hit play on my iPod but I have to say, downloading The Otherside was one of the best decisions I ever made. As cliche as it is to say, the Chicago emcee was "a breath of fresh air". Backed by amazing production from The Cartoonz, "Sofa King Cole" killed track after track with a sick flow, original lyrics, and the presence of veteran. Only 19 and honestly, a CLASSIC mixtape (which was really more of an LP) under his belt, Fresh is definitely going to be the next big thing out of the Chi.

Diggy Simmons

The best 15 year old emcee since Shyheim (you might have to do some homework on that one), Diggy has gone from reality show star, to reputable emcee. I can't lie, before I heard him rap, I was prepared to dismiss him and not take him serious. Then I heard his verse on Oh Yeah! and I was sold. Preemo even co-signed the kid and hosted his Past Presents Future tape. In addition to Preemo, Lupe & Pharrell have also co-signed Simmons. A legitimate emcee with only time to grow, 2011 should be another stepping stone in this young mans career.

Nitty Scott, MC

I didn't grow up listening or even caring about female emcees such as Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim, MC Lyte, or even Jean Grae. Truth be told, I was just never impressed by them. Nitty Scott is by far the best female rapper I've ever listened to. And she's not just a great "femcee" she's a great EMCEE period. Listen to that Deep Cover Freestyle and you'll be asking yourself, "Nikki Minaj who???" She doesn't mirror Minaj or really any artist for that matter. Her originality and lyrical arsenal make her one of the top artists to watch in 2011. Be on the lookout for Boombox Diaries which should be releasing sometime in the near future.

Laws

Brazilian-born, Florida-based emcee, Laws made some major moves in 2010. Dropping 2 hot mixtapes and collaborating with fellow Florida producers, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, earned Laws a spot on this list. Although sometimes compared to Drake, Laws is an excellent songwriter and has an amazing ability to shine just as much as his production on every track. Flashback (off of 4:57) was one of my top 5 songs in 2010. With many up-and-coming artists eager to co-sign and work with him, I'm sure he'll be putting in some "Overtime" in 2011.

The Airplane Boys

Canada's music scene really just doesn't get enough credit and these guys are a perfect example. After gaining a large following in Toronto, their track "Escape" definitely opened the door for American fans to start pouring through. I initially thought they were going to be Drake imitators because of their beat selection and their singing, but once they started rapping, they squashed that notion. They have a great ear for music and an even greater ability to put words together. I am extremely excited and eagerly awaiting any future release from The Airplane Boys and you better believe if they drop an album, they'll get my $10.

MeLo-X

A jack-of-all trades really, MeLo-X came out of left field when he dropped More Merch. One of the better releases of the year, Melo managed to bridge the gap between hip hop and alternative music whether it be through lyrics or his production. Melo seems like that guy that will always be making quality music whether or not anybody is listening. A true Artist, Brooklyn-bred MeLo-X will find his way to your iPod one way or another in 2011.

Paris Jones

If you would have mentioned Paris Jones a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have the slightest idea of who you were talking about. In fact, it was until Nitty Scott, MC tweeted that she was on a track with Paris Jones and a whole slew of other artist for PJ's Pop A Bottle Remix, that I had even heard of him. After hearing the track and immediately falling in love with it, I dug around and found his previous 2 releases, 1 of which was released in 2010. 2 mixtapes later, Paris Jones has established himself has one of the most dangerous dual-threats (Producer/Emcee) in the game. All it took was 1 track for the world to take notice of Paris Jones and in 2011, we'll continue to watch and wait for more of his music.

TiRon

If you visit hip hop blogs, at all, then chances are you've heard of TiRon. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't until recently that I actually heard his music. Well, it didn't take long for me to see the very apparent talent and skills of this west coast emcee. With many claiming that his MSTRD mixtape of 2010 was one of the best releases, he's already begun to carve his name into 2011. Just a side note, if you ever get around to listening to MSTRD which I strongly recommend, the entire mixtape was recorded in his room, no booth, no engineer. It really makes an impressive release like MSTRD all the more impressive.

Skewby

With the release of his FreeLP, More Or Less, Skewby etched his name on quite a few Best Mixtape lists of 2010. Hell, More Or Less etched his name onto this list. This Memphis emcee brings hard lyrics with smooth flow capable of painting sonic landscapes. Excellent wordplay and imagery are just a few characteristics that Skewby embodies which makes for real hip-hop experience every time you listen to him. More Or Less got the internet talking but if his track record is any indication of his future, his next release will have the country talking.

Chris Faust

Trying to describe Chris Faust's sound is a challenged only rivaled by the enjoyment you get from listening to his music. Far from a mixtape rapper, Faust crafts songs in their entirety and blesses them with gifted wordplay and poetry. With a flow as smooth as a Sax solo, Mr. Good Day Good Night almost effortlessly adds his name to this list. You won't have to wait long to hear more from the artist formerly known as Print either, his debut album FAUST will be released 2/15/2011 and it'll surely be a must buy.

H.O.P.E.

After collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Mickey Factz, and U-N-I, this Compton representative really garnered plenty of attention in 2010. His upcoming project, Believe In Hope Wright has been quite the hype generator and after his Compton's Finest track ft. Kendrick Lamar, many can't wait to hear more.

Vic Mensa

Last but not least, we have the wunderkind of Naledge's Brainac Society. Still in high school, this Chicago emcee stays busy by not only working on his solo stuff, but also leading his alternative-hip hop band, Kids These Days. One of the few live bands in hip hop, Kids These Days are suppose to be releasing their Hard Times EP sometime this month. Displaying true lyrical fortitude, Vic really conveys his love of music through his music resulting in quality, original music. His Straight Up EP which dropped in 2010, was a brief but impressive introduction to Vic Mensa. Download it now and get a preview of what he has in store for 2011.

As with any list some people may have been left off the list and please understand, it's not an insult to them, it's just a compliment to the artists on this list. I originally wanted to do a list of 10, then 11, then 12, and then I finally had to give in and do a list of 15, and that was still hard. The 15 is what resulted in the the whole "Team" thing seeing how a basketball team would typically have 15 players (granted 3 would be reserves). All the artists mentioned in this post are featured on this blog and will obviously continue to be featured in 2011. Go ahead and backtrack through Top Of The Roof and get ready for 2011.

Who do you think should have made the team? Leave a comment.