5. .L.W.H. - CIA TV

CIA TV was probably the biggest surprise this year for me. I have been a fan for a while now of 2011's The Tape Hiss Hooligan, and have since been eagerly awaiting his next project. Only a year later, we get CIA TV, a (mostly) instrumental album, that not only doesn't sound like his previous work, but doesn't sound like most anything I've heard all year. It would be too easy to lump him in with other hip-hop producers like Friendzone, Astrronomy, or even bigger, Clams Casino, even though he has collaborated with some of them. While .L.W.H. is similar , he uses more of an emphasis on atmosphere and emotion, rather than simply say, a "sick-as-fuck" beat. I think it would be a disservice to actually try and break down the music within CIA TV, as I feel this is one you just have to let breathe. Highlights include "REGULATE UR GAT," "THE DEAD CHRIST," "PENTAGON Q & A," and "MEDU6SA." But again, there two surprises at the end of this album. The first is "DRACO JR," which features Squadda B and MONDRE Man of Main Attrakionz. You've never heard such slow hip-hop in your life til now. And there is violin! Oh, the violin... Finally, we get "MONUMENT" which is so ridiculously good, and so unlike the rest of the album, and yet, CIA TV wouldn't be whole without it. Complete with a different picture for each song, and later now custom music videos (check out this one for "FIGUREHEAD" http://vimeo.com/48846411 ) as well, CIA TV is clearly not your average affair. It's an album that takes a while to see the brilliance, but when you do, you'll be be wondering why you hadn't gotten into it sooner. Recently, he announced a new album in the works. I can guarantee you'll want to follow this guy, and again, if you haven't yet, ALL THINGS Green Ova.