The ONE...COHESIVE

Shock-rappers Odd Future may have been the hip-hop rookies of the year, but this fiercely independent Southern duo were the year’s secret MVPs. The One…Cohesive is classic Southern hip-hop in many respects, from ST 2 Lettaz and Yung Clova’s vivid tales of having “a jones in my bones for the streets” and constantly dodging prison to Block Beataz’ rich, lava-lamp-slow production. But, as they profess on the symphonic epic “Inner Circle,” G-Side are more than just OutKast copycats: “Y U Mad” might be the only hip-hop jam to feature a full minute of solo classical piano.