I think 2006 is going great so far. Ghostface, T.I., Murs, Little Brother, CunninLynguists, J-Zone and Celph Titled, Soul Position, Tanya Morgan, E-40, Aceyalone, Juvenile, and Scarface have all put out quality albums, among others. Young Dro and J.R. Writer have dropped good mixtapes, among others. J-Love, DJ Drama, and DJ Neil Armstrong are killing it as they always do.
Busta Rhymes has put out some all right singles, which is what he does best. "Followres" and "New York Shit" are dope. I'm not that much of a fan of "Touch it", but I do giggle everytime I hear the remix and listen to Lloyd Banks try his hardest to raise his voice.
The DJ Shadow joint with Keak Da Sneak and the one with David Banner are dope as fuck. It's been good to hear B.G. and Mannie Fresh together again.
Nature Sounds is doing some great shit and will continue to do so, if that compilation is any indication. "Angeles" alone...
I'm feeling that Mike Jones and UGK, Trae, Suga Free and Snoop, and the new Clipse. I think the albums I'm anticipating the most right now are Clipse's, the Coup's, and the Roots'.
I hope Danger Mouse stays away from hip-hop.
I doubt I'll ever hear Saigon's, Outkast's, or Pharoahe Monch's albums.
It's a damn shame what happened to Bubba Sparxxx.
It's terribly fucked up what the New York media and DJs are instigating, and dragging up and coming emcees with potential (Papoose) with them.
No one likes hip-hop.