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Ten Projects Celebrating a 10 Year Anniversary in 2019

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Let’s take a look at some of 2009’s hip-hop projects that are celebrating a 10 year anniversary.

Man on the Moon: The End of Day – Kid Cudi

Man on the Moon: The End of Day - Kid Cudi cover art

September 15, 2009

Cudder’s Man on the Moon: The End of Day proved to be an instant classic. Whether it is your favorite album from the Cleveland rapper or not, Man on the Moon birthed fans for years to come. From his introspection to galactic sound, Cudi released a project that set the hip-hop world on fire.

Essential tracks: Soundtrack 2 My Life, Solo Dolo (Nightmare), Day N Nite, Cudi Zone

The Blueprint 3 – Jay-Z

The Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z cover art

September 8, 2009

Thirteen years into his illustrious career, HOV released The Blueprint 3. With star-studded features like Kanye West, Drake, and more, this project is sonically much different than the original Blueprint but stays true to the native’s motif of success.

Essential Tracks: D.O.A (Death of Autotune), Empire State of Mind, Hate, Young Forever

The Warm Up – J. Cole

The Warm Up - J. Cole cover art

June 15, 2009

J. Cole made his introduction into the world with the emergence of The Warm Up in 2009. This 22-track mixtape highlights the arrival of one of hip-hop’s most consistent artists. Cole grapples with women, self-improvement, and striving to reach the upper-echelon of his craft.

Essential Tracks: Lights Please, Dreams, I Get Up, Losing My Balance

So Far Gone – Drake

So Far Gone - Drake cover art

February 13, 2009

Drizzy has been incredibly successful – no pun intended – since the appearance of his third official mixtape So Far Gone. Despite Thank Me Later providing major hits and more insight to Drake, SFG prefaces the emotional and in-tune nature that October’s Very Own has made a career of. SFG found its way to major streaming platforms as of this year.

Essential Tracks: Houstonlantavegas, Successful, Say What’s Real, Uptown

Bastard – Tyler, the Creator

Bastard - Tyler, the Creator cover art

December 25, 2009

A not-so-jolly Christmas day release in 2009 gave us Bastard. This project is a stark difference when compared to newer projects like Flower Boy or IGOR but gives listeners an inside look at Tyler’s polarizing mind. Heavy with Odd features, Bastard is as honest as it is dark.

Essential Tracks: Bastard, Seven, VCR Wheels, Sarah

Relapse – Eminem

Relapse - Eminem cover art

May 15, 2009

Em’s sixth studio album Relapse was debuted 10 years ago following a five year layoff from Encore. Divisive as its content may be, this album further projects Eminem‘s ability to use wordplay and raw energy to . With perennial hip-hop legend, Dr. Dre, beside him for another album, Em gets another chance to showcase his irreverence and overall talent.

Essential Tracks: 3 a.m., Bagpipes from Baghdad, We Made You, Crack a Bottle

Flight School – Wiz Khalifa

Flight School - Wiz Khalifa  cover art

April 17, 2009

A 22-year-old Wiz gave us Flight School in 2009 following his second mixtape of the City 2. Wiz Khalifa keeps it simple on this project: stay fly. We see the development of the marijuana mogul as he realizes a high ceiling for himself through Flight School. When it comes to Wiz mixtapes, Kush & O.J. and Cabin Fever are highly favored but keep this one in mind, too.

Essential Tracks: Boarding Pass, Teach You to Fly, Sky High, Hollywood Hoes

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II – Raekwon

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II - Raekwon cover art

September 8, 2009

Now, while this album doesn’t compare to its predecessor, OB4CL Pt. II still delivers with at the helm. Anything to do with Wu-Tang should lead you to believe the lyricism will be sharp and the production clean. This 24-track project puffs its chest out as Raekwon shows he can thrive as the main emcee.

Essential Tracks: House of Flying Daggers, Gihad, The New Wu, About Me

The State vs. Radric Davis – Gucci Mane

The State vs. Radric Davis - Gucci Mane cover art

December 8, 2009

Despite its unconventional rhyme schemes and cadence, Gucci Mane delivers a menacing yet catchy project. With help from artists like Waka Flocka, , Lil Wayne and Rick Ross, The State vs. Radric Davis lets Gucci boast about his circumstances. This heavy trap album also happens to sneak in some feelings with Usher and Jason Caesar to complement tracks.

Essential Tracks: Lemonade, All About the Money, Im a Dog, The Movie

Deeper Than Rap – Rick Ross

Deeper Than Rap - Rick Ross cover art

April 21, 2009

Florida’s finest dropped Deeper Than Rap in 2009 with an emphasis on a smooth delivery, a life of luxury, and working through adversity. Ricky Rozay proved to his public doubters that he would not relent. Consistent low-key funk and lyrics show this is one of Ross’ most complete projects.

Essential Tracks: Mafia Music, Usual Suspects, Rich Off Cocaine, Valley of Death

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