#9
Controlsystem by Ab-Soul
Top Dawg had a stellar year in 2012, led of course by Kendrick Lamar’s mainstream breakthrough and critical acclaim. But there were other bright spots, not the least of which was this laid-back and lo-fi masterpiece. “Top notch to my f—kin’ socks,” Ab-Soul raps over the twinkling keys of “Bohemian Grove,” an anthem that tosses government disses in together with youthful misogyny. Always lyrically engaging and blessed with some of Digi-Phonics most left-of-center production, Ab-Soul built on the promise shown on 2011’s Longterm Mentality. Another feather-in-the-cap for what may be the best crew in hip hop right now.
