>played the crap out of it. sadly i think i'd view it pretty
>apathetically nowadays

But you've joined the majority in that most people didn't love it. I never understood the hate it got, I think it's excellent but flawed.


>Below the Heavens is still great, I love emotive albums like
>that one. Its fun listening to Miguel before he blew up too.

Me too. I was drawn to him cause he reminded me of early Common, who he frequently cites as a significant influence on his style, so it makes sense. The lush, soulful production fit Blu flawlessly. Exile was on a roll for a few years around that time.


>it took me awhile to appreciate the Connected, it probably
>wasn't until 2006/2007 and unfortunately that was just due to
>my preconceptions about what kind of music Phonte should be
>making.

I hear you. Which is funny because Connected is the most hip-hop of all their albums haha. But I know at the time a lot of folks saw it as a vast departure from his Little Brother work. And it was. But it worked. Nicolay's production has such feeling to it. Such great vibes.


>Theres some stuff I'm forgetting because I dont have a record
>of physical spins but Dizzee Rascal Boy in Da Corner &
>Showtime were huge for me 05/06
>
>Drake's Room for Improvement and Comeback Season mixtapes were
>also played ad nauseum
>
>Kev Brown - I Do What I Do, Kano - Home Sweet Home, Lupe - The
>Cool, Royce da 5'9" — Build and Destroy

Speaking of Royce I wore Bar Exam II out heavy.