The Beat's 2006 Year-End Awards

Year-end awards time, second annual edition. The votes are all in, and the winners are:

I Done Came Up Award: Keak Da Sneak and Mistah FAB (tie)- Bay Area rap was all over the radio this year, thanks in large part to these guys. Keak came on strong in the first half, thanks to "Tell Me When to Go," with E-40. He got a good look nationally. FAB kept the momentum going in the second half with "Ghost Ride The Whip," which is still getting radio luv. All in all, the Yay Area's two strongest foot soldiers raised the hyphy flag and waved it proudly for the rest of the hip-hop nation to salute. Honorable Mention: Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Will.I.Am.

Biggest L Award: Tupac - This isn't a diss so much as a sigh of relief. I want to see Pac's legacy remain strong, but folks need to let him rest in peace, ie stop releasing 2Pac records! His latest album, "Pac's Life," did poor sales wise, and it was a thrown together compilation mixing his unreleased material with new production and lyrics from artists he might not have worked with in real life. It's time for Pac's spirit to be laid to rest, and for the music he released while he was alive to be celebrated. Honorable Mention: Lloyd Banks, Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Atlanta's hip-hop scene.


Best Local Artist: A Lee - I've been singing her praises of late, but A Lee and her musical partner Jon Bo are the truf! Her album "The Channel" is a musical mural that would do Diego Rivera proud, with it's lush soundscapes and colorful blends. As a lyricist and singer, A Lee is pure fire. Here's hoping ya girl has a big 2007 in store. Honorable Mention: Lil Jordan, MC Lars, Wasted Noise.




Best song: "Lost Ones" Jay-Z - Am I biased? Your damn right. But nothing compares to this scorcher from Hov, produced by Dr. Dre. The production is instant classic material, but what takes it over the top is Jay's introspective lyrics, lamenting the loss of his best friends, his girl, and his nephew. It's the ultimate emo-hip-hop record, from the guy who can't leave rap alone because the game desparately needs him. Honorable Mention: Tell Me When To Go - E-40 w/Keak da Sneak; One Blood - The Game; Crazy - Gnarls Barkley; Long Time - The Roots; Hyphy Juice (remix)- Clyde Carson; What You Know - T.I.; I Gotcha - Lupe Fiasco

Next To Blow Award: Stat Quo and Bobby Creekwater of Shady Records

Best Verse: Black Thought of The Roots, "Clock With No Hands."

Best Show I Went To - Keak Da Sneak in Santa Cruz

Worst Show I Went To -Fatlip (formerly of The Pharcyde) in Santa Cruz

Best Music Movie - Dave Chapelle's Block Party