Some of my favs of 2008

SINGLES

Q TIP-Move
Superb single from "Renaissance" that beefs up an old Jacksons sampling Dilla loop from "Donuts" to great effect, this even had a cool video to match in a tidy return from the Tribe Called Quest legend
COCOA TEA-Barack Obama
My anthem of the summer from the Sly and Robbie assisted reggae man. There were literally hundreds of different Obama tributes in the last 12 months but this was easily the best and became a huge track in Cork as the enthusiasm for change sparked a worldwide feeling of optimism.
M.I.A.-Paper Planes
This was really a track from last year (sampling the Clash) but 2008 saw it go into overdrive as it became probably the most remixed track of the year in hip-hop. They all had a go and it even got to a stage where the track got re-worked into a new tune by T.I., who's "Swagger Like Us" ended up with a million versions too.
JAY Z Feat SANTOGOLD-Brooklyn Go Hard
A bit of a late entry but a funky collaboration between another of the best singers of the year and Jay Z.
SOLANGE-I Decided
Proper soul music from a great young singer who has finally stepped out of sister Beyonce's shadow with a superb album and amazing lead single.
ESTELLE-American Boy
Monster track that still sounds good!

ALBUMS
MENAHAN STREET BAND-Make the Road By Walking
One of the big singles of last year is now expanded into a full length jazz soul opus.
RAPHAEL SAADIQ-The Way I see It
Another soul classic from one of the best modern day songwriters, singers and instrumentalists.
FLYING LOTUS-L.A.
Heavy beats and relaxed grooves made for one of the albums of the year.
ERYKAH BADU-New Amerykah Part One
A modern soul classic from a singer who has always been really interesting, this brought her back into the public eye!
ROOTS MANUVA-Slime and Reason
Hip-hop and reggae blended seamlessly together in another quality album from the U.K. rapper, check out the dub version too, it's equally brilliant!