50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #26

26.Avenged Sevenfold-City of Evil (2005)

City of Evil is widely known as the record that launched Avenged Sevenfold into super-stardom, in large part due to the mainstream success of single "Bat Country". What City of Evil should be known for is being one of the best pure heavy metal/hard rock records to come out since the dawn of the new millennium. City of Evil saw Avenged Sevenfold pretty much abandoning the metalcore sound they favored on their first two records for a more old-school heavy metal/hard rock approach. The change in sound worked out beautifully for them as the subpar harsh vocals from M. Shadows are no longer in the equation and the unbelievable strength of their instrumentation is pushed into the spotlight. While the first half has some great fast-paced ragers including "Beast and the Harlot" and "Burn it Down", its the complexity of the seven-minute plus epics on the second half of this record that ultimately make City of Evil such an exhilarating listen. The last five tracks are simply astonishing with an abundance of great guitar leads, wild drumming and prominent bass lines that should silence anyone that believes that Avenged Sevenfold lacks talent as a band. City of Evil was a successful reinvention of sound for Avenged Sevenfold and as of right now, is the last consistently great record they put out.


Standout Tracks
1.Sidewinder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9lKttA3K5o
2.Beast and the Harlot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fM3ylFs3hs
3.The Wicked End http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VM4vNmSXkM

50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #27

27.Slipknot-All Hope is Gone (2008)

As someone who grew up listening to nu-metal, I'll always have a soft spot for Slipknot. While they've never been one of my absolute favorite bands, they've made some great tracks and a couple of excellent records over the years. Nine years after dropping their classic, angst-ridden self-titled debut, Slipknot finally buckled down and released another noteworthy album in All Hope is Gone. Slipknot will always be known as the over-the-top angry band, but on All Hope is Gone, their trademark rage was transferred from the more simplistic "fuck the world" anthems of their early years to more dense topics such as politics and dealing with the loss of friends and loved ones. The change in lyrical topics was refreshing for the band and ended up making a huge difference for the quality of the record. It just wouldn't feel natural if they were still making songs like "Surfacing" and "People=Shit" in their mid-to-late 30's so kudos to them for changing things for the better at this stage of their career. That growth in the lyrical department carried over to the actual music as well. All Hope is Gone is simultaneously the heaviest and most experimental record Slipknot has ever released with songs that range from full-on ragers ("Wherein Lies Continue", "This Cold Black", "Gemartia (The Killing Name)" to country-tinged ballads ("Snuff"). Above all,  All Hope Gone will go down as the last Slipknot record to feature the late Paul Grey and Joey Jordison. Grey and Jordison's contributions will be sorely missed on the new Slipknot record- which could end up being released by the end of 2014. All Hope is Gone is a page-turning album for Slipknot that shows substantial growth as musicians without giving up any of the raw energy and anger that put them on the map.

Standout Tracks

1.This Cold Black http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBGnxWSbMc0

2.Wherein Lies Continue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeHfQRVYMeI

3.Dead Memories http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE78EE1TDuU 

50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #28

28.Killswitch Engage-As Daylight Dies (2006)

Timing of release is the only reason As Daylight Dies- the fourth LP from Massachusetts metalcore act Killswitch Engage- qualifies for this list. As Daylight Dies had the daunting task of following two undisputed metalcore classics in 2002's Alive or Just Breathing and 2004's The End of Heartache; which in turn caused the record to be judged by incredibly lofty standards and, eventually led to the record ultimately getting buried within KSE's discography. While As Daylight Dies isn't quite as strong as either of their aforementioned landmark releases, it plays off the same strengths that made those records special. This record is also historic for being the last memorable piece of work they did with Howard Jones as their frontman. Jones-who left the band in 2010-spends all of As Daylight Dies showcasing his stellar vocal range behind guitarist Adam Dutkewicz's energetic and consistently catchy riffs. As Daylight Dies isn't the crowning achievement of Killswitch Engage's career, but it's still one of most fun, well-crafted and all-around best metalcore releases ever made.

Standout Tracks
1.Daylight Dies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l337PIKMKo
2.For You (no YouTube link)
3.Unbroken http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dXDSoe2s6c

50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #31

31.Doom-Born Like This (2009)

MF Doom has made many notable albums both by himself and with high-profile collaborators including Madlib and Danger Mouse over the course of his nearly 20-year career. In a discography that features classic albums such as Madvilliany, Operation: Doomsday, and Mm.. Food, Born Like This is a forgotten gem. While not packing quite as much of a punch as any of the aforementioned records, Born Like This is still an essential record from hip hop's favorite supervillian. Born Like This has all of Doom's mainstays: quirky lyrics, bizarre samples and complex rhyme schemes, behind production that has a little more of a bite to it than Doom's typical jazzy, low-key style. Doom is an artist that won't stop evolving and trying new things no matter how deep into his career he gets. Born Like This is Doom's rage-soaked experiment with more biting, pointed material shows he can be abrasive as all hell without straying from his uniquely abstract persona.

Standout Tracks
1.Rap Ambush http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOMxDVrNlVw
2.Lightworks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpWW9ctBbTc
3.Batty Boyz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc0oKCxiOSk

50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #32

32.Cannibal Corpse-Kill (2006)

Death metal pioneers Cannibal Corpse had already been on the scene for 16 years when they released the most savage attack of their career in 2006's Kill. Kill didn't really differ too much from their traditional horror-infused death metal sound, but they got more out of their established formula than ever before. Producer Erik Rutan gave Cannibal Corpse a cleaner edge that made them sound crisper without sacrificing any of the power of their distinctly raw and evil sound. In addition to Rutan's production work, the songwriting on Kill had a level of energy that hadn't been present since their 1994 record The Bleeding. It was honestly incredible to hear a veteran band pour so much life and passion into their 10th (!) studio album; especially given the fact that Cannibal Corpse had been on a huge cold streak since founding vocalist Chris Barnes left the band in 1995. Ironically, Barnes' replacement George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher had nothing to do with the woes Cannibal Corpse faced on the five albums leading up to Kill. The band simply seemed bored with what they we're doing for quite almost a decade until Kill magically changed that-finally giving Fisher the chance to overtake Barnes as the face of Cannibal Corpse. The Bleeding, Tomb of the Mutilated and Butchered at Birth are all iconic death metal releases that are considered to be Cannibal Corpse's best work, but Kill is the record I will always remember them by.

Standout Tracks
1.Make Them Suffer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9nZoPHLgxk
2.Murder Worship http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_tCkW4LUjI
3.Brain Removal Device http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI9oAsVq3YQ   

50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #35

35.Andrew W.K.-I Get Wet (2001)

Andrew W.K. knows how to party. The self-proclaimed king of partying became the party-starting icon he is today in large part to the success of his debut album I Get Wet- which is possibly the most pure fun 35 minutes of music ever recorded. I Get Wet is certainly not the most complex listen on the planet, but if you buy into it- which is not hard at all given W.K.'s authenticity as an artist- you can't help but get swept up in the record's atmosphere. W.K.'s ability to make a breezy record packed to the brim with infectious party anthems that could honestly get even the biggest party poopers in the world to lighten up and have the time of their lives. I Get Wet is essentially the OK Computer or Dark Side of the Moon of the party rock genre.

 

Standout Tracks

1.Party Hard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ9xveRsWxo

2.Ready to Die http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdB6TGonTms

3.I Get Wet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkjSpq_Uds     

 

50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's: #36

36.Arch Enemy-Khaos Legions (2011)

Sweedish melodic death metal act Arch Enemy is an act that has a discography full of under-appreciated records. However, none gets glossed over more than their 2011 record Khaos Legions. Khaos Legions is the most melodic and wild musical attack the band has released over their nearly 20-year career. The Amott Brothers paid closer attention to writing riffs on Khaos Legions than just simply soloing their asses off the entire time like their earlier records. The use of acoustic guitars and subtle interludes into most of the tracks have a calm before the strom type of effect, making the explosions of musical chaos that much more satisfying. Khaos Legions will also go down as the swansong for vocalist Angela Gossow, who left the band earlier this year. Gossow's imposing and electric presence is surely going to be missed, but at least she went out on top with one of the strongest vocal performances of her career. Khaos Legions is the type of flashy yet beautifully layered melodic death metal that is incredibly satisfying to listen to. Hopefully the loss of Gossow and founding guitarist Christopher Amott won't have a serious effect on the next chapter of Arch Enemy.

Standout Tracks

1.City of the Dead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDZhx9kBo0Q

2.Cult of Chaos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS25j6lNWsA

3.Cruelty Without Beauty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF3td-_vcGU 

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #37

         37.A Loss for Words-No Sanctuary (2011)

No Sanctuary, the third full-length album from Massachusetts pop punk act A Loss for Words, is one of those records that just sucks you in right away. When I first discovered No Sanctuary in the summer of 2012, it was dominated my listening rotation for about 3-4 straight weeks. The whole record is so addictive and fun to listen to that I couldn't help but keep coming back to it. Even in a genre like pop punk that is known for the catchy nature of the material, A Loss for Words has a remarkable knack for memorable hooks and riffs. The soulful vocals of Matty Aresenault and guitarwork that doesn't shy away from taking cues from heavier types of music outside of pop punk gives A Loss for Words that unique flair that makes their music so damn infectious. No Sanctuary is sadly a hidden gem in the ever expanding sea of pop-punk revival records.

Standout Tracks

1.Pray for Rain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CM4IyHKbQU

2.Honeymoon Eyes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOnPpdEmrfc

3.Raining Excuses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad7CYIfawck   

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #38

38.Parkway Drive-Horizons (2007)

Australian metalcore act Parkway Drive had just started to make a name for themselves when they released Horizons in 2007. Their 2005 debut album, Killing With a Smile, had won them a lot of fans with the balance of traditional metalcore and hardcore with a melodic tinge in their sound. Horizons took the blueprint Killing With a Smile laid out and perfected it to make one of the most memorable records this genre has ever seen. A big reason Parkway Drive is one of the shining stars of metalcore is their ability to have an abundance of breakdowns without sounding stale. Each and every breakdown on Horizons is perfectly-timed and pummeling. Even seven years after Horizons was released, I still get pumped at the "All Hell Breaks Loose!" breakdown on "Dead Man's Chest" and the "There's Blood in the Water" section of "Boneyards". How well calculated the breakdowns are to get the maximum emotional effect from the listener is staggering. Of course it's not just the perfect use of breakdowns that make Horizons a special record,  the work of guitarist Luke Kilpatrick and vocalist Winston McCall is also fantastic. Kilpatrick is an excellent songwriter who strikes a perfect balance between heavy and melodic passages in his music. Kilpatrick especially shines at melodic end of the spectrum, loading the album with a ton of gorgeous riffs (the best of which is on "Idols and Anchors"). The power of Horizons is reenforced by McCall's intense, passionate vocals. In a record that has no shortage of memorable elements,  The authenticity of the emotion in McCall's vocals sticks with me more than anything else.     Horizons is a challenging, beautiful and crushing album that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Killswitch Engage's Alive or Just Breathing and Misery Signals' Controller in the conversation of greatest metalcore records of all-time.

Standout Tracks
1.The Sirens' Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5oDYvqyyIw
2.Idols and Anchors http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUqfe_3QO60
3.Boneyards http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0iMI0PMn5c   



50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #39

39.Lamb of God-Resolution (2012)

Lamb of God has been one of my favorite bands since I was 15 or 16 years old. One of the many reasons they've earned that distinction is their ability to put out consistently excellent records over the course of their almost 20-year career. Their most recent record, Resolution, not only continued the trend, but is also one of the strongest releases they've ever produced. Resolution is the work of a band that knows what they're good at, but also adds a little variance to keep things fresh. The Crowbar-esque sludge riffing on "Straight From the Sun" and the classical-inspired strings that drive "King Me" are nice little detours from Lamb of God's trademark groovy sound. On top of the bursts of experimentation, Resolution also sees another stellar vocal performance from Randy Blythe, the best constructed solos that Mark Morton and Willie Adler have ever written and of course, an ample amount of punishing riffs. Resolution doesn't stray much from the sound we've grown accustomed to hearing from Lamb of God, but their ability to still be at the top of their game and still sound fresh at this stage of their career is a remarkable accomplishment.

Standout Tracks

1.Desolation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlrxfORUapU

2.King Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLeqJmNgeKs

3.Insurrection http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxacM166KiU  

Top 50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #40

40. Lazarus A.D.-The Onslaught (Self-Released: 2007; Re-Released by Metal Blade Records 2009)

Wisconsin-based thrash revival band Lazarus A.D. just failed to really win anyone over. The incorporation of modern metalcore breakdowns into their music turned off a lot of old-school thrash fans; who subsequently turned to more "true" acts like Havok and Warbringer to get their new thrash fix. This failure to click with most thrash fans has managed to bury just how exceptional of a record The Onslaught is. The Onslaught embodies its title to the fullest: The entire record is an absolute onslaught on the senses. The music is very fast, the vocals are raspy and punk-inspired and the energy levels are off-the-charts. Ironically, the breakdowns that got them so many detractors drive home the excellence of this record. The groove sensibilities they incorporated into their music gave them an edge over many of their peers. Every breakdown is timed to perfection and really emphasizes the power and chaotic nature of their music. When it comes to straight thrash records of the modern era, none is more criminally overlook than The Onslaught by Lazarus A.D.

Standout Tracks

1.Revolution (The Onslaught Part I) http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyEL7ysSAh4

2.Absolute Power http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeZ96BX1gUY

3.Lust http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXpEEoVLhGo

 

 

 

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #41

41.Fleshgod Apocalypse-Agony (2011)

Agony marked the start of a new chapter for Italian death metal act Fleshgod Apocalypse. The symphonic elements that played a secondary role on their first two releases (the 2009 LP Oracles and 2010 EP Mafia) got moved to the forefront of their music on Agony. Keyboardist Fransisco Ferinni- who became a full-time member of the band on Mafia- really leaves his stamp on the album with a plethora of triumphant orchestral arrangements and beautiful piano pieces that sets an epic tone for the entire record. The more symphonic sound established on Agony really gave Fleshgod Apocalypse a unique edge over a majority of their peers in the European extreme metal realm at the time of its release. The classical instrumentation is made that much more powerful with the support of the rest of the band. Drummer Fransisco Paoli-who remarkably had only been only playing drums for under two years when Agony was recorded- lays down some of the most astonishingly fast blast beats I've ever heard and Tomasso Ricardi shows vast improvement vocally from Mafia with pitch-perfect death vocals here. Agony saw Fleshgod Apocalypse reach the next level as a band and put a fresh spin on the technical death metal genre.

Standout Tracks

1.The Oppression http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sACuX2c9w8s

2.The Hypocrisy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM9PNOJgCio

3.The Violation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JLjOfoQIwo   

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #42

42. Alice in Chains-Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)

There was a lot of skepticism about how Alice in Chains would sound without Layne Staley at the helm. The band took their time to find a new vocalist and record new material after Staley died of a drug overdose in 2002. 14 years after releasing their last album with Staley, Black Gives Way to Blue saw the light of day, and blew away any expectations that were set for it. Black Gives Way to Blue wasn't just a competent Alice in Chains reboot without Staley; it was every bit as good as most of the material they recorded in their heyday. Even after a lengthy hiatus, guitarist/co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell didn't show any rust by composing an album that is chock full of the grunge-metal anthems and moving ballads the band became known for in the '90s. While Cantrell's songwriting was sharp as ever, the unsung hero of Black Gives Way to Blue is new lead vocalist William DuVall. DuVall had to live in the shadow of one of the greatest vocalists in the history of rock music and still managed to deliver the goods on this record. DuVall sounds eerily like Staley on a lot of these tracks ("Your Decision" and "A Looking in View" especially) while also bringing his own unique flair to the mix. DuVall does the damn near impossible by keeping this iconic band in top form after losing such a pivotal member to the group. Staley must be proud of what his bandmates were able to do with Black Gives Way to Blue. Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez kept Alice in Chains alive and well by picking the best possible replacement vocalist and not diverting from the type of music that made them iconic in the first place. Aside from Dirt, Black Gives Way to Blue is the most complete and satisfying record in Alice in Chains' discography.

 

Standout Tracks

1.Acid Bubble http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adojS5sQNJw

2.A Looking in View http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD45VEDgST8

3.All Secrets Known http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0PnJq3Bitc  

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #43

43.Municipal Waste-The Art of Partying (2007)

Virgina metal act Municipal Waste had already become a fixture in the underground scene when they released The Art of Partying in 2007. Their 2005 release, Hazardous Mutation, was met with acclaim from critics and audiences alike thanks to their punk-influenced take on the traditional thrash sound. Hazardous Mutation deserved all the praise that was bestowed upon it, but I felt like The Art of Partying was where Municipal Waste really hit their peak. The Art of Partying took all the chaotic energy from Hazardous Mutation and applied it to a concept record about you guessed it... partying. The result is a ridiculously catchy and intense record that's just an absolute blast to listen to. Its been seven years since The Art of Partying was released and it still manages to bring a big smile to my face every time I put it on.

Standout Tracks

1.Sadistic Magician http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdAAF1JcmXI

2.A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Destroyer) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21UKaokV6oA

3.The Inebriator http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZGcreodvxw   

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #44

44.Alkaline Trio-Crimson (2005)

 The early to mid 2000's was the golden age for punk/alternative rock crossover bands. Jimmy Eat World's Bleed American, AFI's Sing the Sorrow and Say Anything's ...Is A Real Boy have withstood the test of time and a decade later- can now officially be labeled classics of the genre. In my eyes, Alkaline Trio's 2005 record Crimson, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as those widely celebrated albums. Crimson has all the emotion of an emo album with the catchy hooks of pop punk and crunchy guitars that are reminiscent of early '90s alternative rock. While Crimson walks the line of a lot of different genres, it never really settles into one for long, and it's better for it. The versatility of Crimson alone puts it firmly ahead of many of the genre's seemingly countless releases of that era. While Alkaline Trio is still a respectable act today, they haven't even come close to matching the brilliance of Crimson since its release, and I would be very surprised if they did ever again.

Standout Tracks
1.Burn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uggLkcDYc3g
2.Settle for Satin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_2NDvPqPO0
3.The Poison http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FikWqyyI_JM  

50 Most Underrated Albums of the Decade: #45

45. Son of Aurelius-The Farthest Reaches (2010)

Some bands in the realm of extreme metal just get lost in the shuffle for no particular reason despite making music that perfectly fits in with the trends of the times; Son of Aurelius is unfortunately one of those bands. The California progressive/technical death metal act made some of the most savage music in recent metal history on their debut (and sadly only) full-length, The Farthest Reaches. The Farthest Reaches had all the progressive beauty and technical prowess of a band like Between the Buried and Me combined with the punishing brutality of a band like The Black Dahlia Murder behind unique lyrics that focused on Greek mythology. From the melodic opener "Mercy for Today" to the absolute ripper of a closer in "The First, The Serpent", The Farthest Reaches remained an absorbing, genre-bending listen with amazing replay value. How these guys never caught on in the scene after the release of The Farthest Reaches -especially in a weak for metal like 2010- is an absolute mystery to me. Given the fact that Son of Aurelius have technically not broken up, I hope another release from them sees the light of the day eventually so they get another shot of making a bigger impact in the metal world.

 

Standout Tracks

1.Facing the Gorgon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mmhtd_vUcg

2.The First, The Serpent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgbn7A8SqMM

3. Mercy for Today  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7jtGOLYUUI 

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #46

46.3 Inches of Blood-Fire Up the Blades (2007)

Canadian defenders of traditional heavy metal, 3 Inches of Blood, go so far into their vintage-inspired sound that a lot of people don't take they're music seriously. The cheesy lyrics and unrivaled enthusiasm for all things metal may be ridiculous, but that doesn't mean that their music isn't absolutely killer. Their 2007 record, Fire Up the Blades,saw 3 Inches of Blood incorporating more thrash elements into their music- which gave their sound more of an edge- and lead to some of the best riffs of their career on tracks like "Forest King", "The Goatrider's Horde", "Trial of Champions" and "God of the Cold White Silence". 3 Inches of Blood is a fun band with a ton of memorable riffs so naturally their most fun and riff-based record is also their best.

 

Standout Tracks

1.The Goatrider's Horde

2.Trial of Champions

3.God of the Cold White Silence   

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #47

47.Animals as Leaders-Weightless (2011)

 

Weightless- the second full-length from instrumental prog metal act Animals as Leaders- lives in the shadow of their self-titled debut and I'm not quite sure why. Weightless saw the addition of live drums and a second guitarist to back up Tosin Abasi's virtuoso guitar playing, not to mention better songwriting and cleaner production. Abasi's playing on this record is also improved; focusing less on solely showing off his technical ability and more on song structure and memorable melodies to balance out his awe-inspiring leads. Weightless was the album where Animals as Leaders really came into their own as the go-to name in instrumental metal.

 

Standout Tracks

1.Cylindrical Sea

2.An Infinite Regression

3.Earth Departure

 

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #48

48.Dropkick Murphys-The Warrior's Code (2005)

The Dropkick Murphys' 2005 breakout album The Warrior's Code was really the last consistently great album the Dropkick Murphys released. Of course, everyone knows singles "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" from The Departed and "Tessie" from its attachment to the Boston Red Sox; but the lesser known tracks is where the album really shined. "Citizen C.I.A." is the most savage and furious punk song in their discography, "Captain Kelly's Kitchen" is the most rousing cover of a traditional Irish song they've ever made and "Your Spirit's Alive" is the perfect blend of their emotional, punk and anthematic sides on the same track. More than any of their earlier albums, the Dropkick Murphys really went out and made a diverse record that was evenly split between ballads, Gaelic folk songs and straight punk tracks.  The Warrior's Code packs exactly the type of a punch you would expect from an album that features boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward on the cover.

 

Standout Tracks

1.Your Spirit's Alive

2.Citizen C.I.A.

3.Captain Kelly's Kitchen

50 Most Underrated Albums of the '2000s: #49

49. Big K.R.I.T.-K.R.I.T. Wuz Here (2010)

When Outkast went on hiatus in 2006, southern hip-hop lost the leading voice and real spokesmen for the scene. After years of lacking a true leader, Mississippi MC Big K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time) filled the void that Outkast left in southern hip-hop when they stopped making music with his breakout 2010 mixtape K.R.I.T Wuz Here. K.R.I.T.'s music embodies everything that southern hip-hop is supposed to- catchy hooks, infectious confidence from the artist and beats that will shake the living shit out of any subwoofer. K.R.I.T. spends the entire 73-minute duration of the tape not only coming out as the new voice of the dirty south scene, but showing his incredible versatility as an artist. K.R.I.T. Wuz Here features everything from anthematic odes to all things southern (the infectious "Country Shit") to brags about his rapping ability ("See Me on Top") to heartfelt and insightful looks at growing up poor and how that environment effects the people who live in it ("Children of the World"). In an age where trap rap has taken over the south, it's refreshing to see a guy like K.R.I.T. not giving in to the trends and sticking to the roots of old-school southern hip-hop.

 

Standout Tracks

1.Country Shit

2.Children of the World

3.Viktorious