Favorite of the Year

The Death of Adam by 88-Keys

Not since Andre 3000's " The Love Bellow" have I been able to listen to a full album over and over again. Stringing together the story of a guy, Adam, and his sexual mishaps this CD truly fits the "concept-album" title. With cameos from KiD CuDi, Redman, Kanye West, Shitake Monkey give each song their own individual flavour but yet keep a cohesiveness that makes the album work. I can't believe this album didn't get more hype or airplay past "Stay Up! (Viagra)" but hopefully 88 has more on the way for us.

Runners-Up

The Hundreds- Streetwear gods, blogging maniacs and a big part of my christmas presents. I love their stuff and the Disney collab was done tastefully.

Baron Davis- Basketball player, Philanthropist , Streetwear Junkie, Movie Producer, Viral Video Star...

Jonah Hill- With great movies and cameos under his belt, I feel a big year for Jonah coming up this year. Yeah I know Micheal Cera is Canadian, actually from my hometown, but fuck him! Go Jonah!

808's & Heartbreaks- "It's amazing, I'm the reason, Everybody's fired up this evening...I'm exhausted, Barely breathing, holding on to what I believe in..."

Twitter- Just got it yesterday and I'm hooked.

Happy New Years, heres to Twenty-Oh-Nine!

Hate of the Year

Internet Haters

It seems like today everybody has an opinion about everything, and it's always negative. To quote a Chapelle skit, "hate, hate, hate..." Whether it's a new song, movie trailer or anything for that matter there seems to be someone behind a glowing screen hating on it. Why not do something constructive with your time? Write something with some meaning or factual basis behind it. Yes I understand the internet is an open forum, but use it for constructive criticism. In 2009 I hope that "I ain't feeling it", "thatz whack" and other responses with terrible grammar just don't cut it. Spread love.

Runners-Up

None- Then I myself would be an internet hater.

TV Show of the Year - Weeds - Season Four

Nancy Botwin could definitely win MILF of the Year. This show is constantly hilarious while proving that weed is a gateway drug. A gateway to fun and adventure! Kevin Nealon (Doug) is always good for a laugh and the plot-lines get you at every corner. Now that shes pregnant (with the corrupt mayor of Tijuana) I can't wait to see what happens in 2009.

Runners-Up

So Many- The Office, Lost, 30 Rock and Heroes all have had great seasons so far. Here's to more laughs and gasps in 2009.

Upcoming Hip Hop of the Year

XV

This year was full of gimmicky hip-hop and played out trends, but one concept that I really enjoyed was "40 Days/40 Nights". Keeping it fresh everyday and never treading back on worn-out territory XV kept me coming back every morning and night. XV comes off well-rounded and has a wealth of knowledge in pop-culture, allowing for great bars and metaphors. With tracks like "If I Could Draw", "Shuck Jive", and "Go Motorcycle Go Ghostrider" constantly bumping through my speakers, my ears can't wait to hear "The Kid With The Green Backpack" in 2009! 

Runners-Up

Jay Electronica- The greatest emcee from New Orleans, yeah I'm no Lil Wayne fan, who chops truth with audio clips from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". "Trolley-Stop" a standout track of his, displays love of true hip hop. No one in 2009 will be asking "What The Fuck Is A Jay Electronica?".

Wale- March 2009, new album. March 2009, new day in hip hop.

Movie of the Year - Burn After Reading

The Coen brothers made such a great commentary on our social climate with this one. We get so caught up in the smallest things these days and in the hands of idiots (the press and their sensationalism) they get blown out of proportion. George Clooney's character kills me and (SPOILER ALERT) when Brad Pitt gets shot the realism and shock factor are perfect.

Runners-Up

Pineapple Express - Never has a stoner-comedy and action film melded so well together. The ensemble cast had me from beginning to end. Literally from Bill Hader's cameo as the solidier to Danny McBride's (Red) "friends schpeel" in the restaurant.

The Dark Knight- I can't tell you the amount of times I watched this movie. Really. My favorite part of the movie is obscure though, the parts with others trying to be vigilantes. I loved this story-line in the comics (ie The Sons of Batman) and it worked well in the movie.

Six Through Ten

Tommorow brings: "Upcoming Hip-Hop of the Year", "Movie of the Year", "TV Show of the Year", "Hate of the Year" and "Favorite of the Year". All these categories will have runners up, twitter or comment me with any of your thoughts.

Comic Book of the Year

Omega: The Unknown by Johnathan Lethem and Farel Dalrymple

Technically this comic book started in 1976 and was revamped in October of 2007, but I was late and didn't get on it til' early 2008. All 10 issues leave your craving for more much like an episode of "Lost". The imagery used in this comic is amazing and each character is unique and unlike your regular cliche superheroes. Go pick up the omnibus at your local comic book store, the hardcover without the sleeve looks badass.

Brand I Wish I Owned More of...of the Year

Mishka

       EastWest X Mishka "Andrew WK" Tee 

Mmmmmishka...this collection of streetwear is like a threesome with urban culture, communist Russia and some of the scariest creatures from the deepest darkest realms. You may also know them for the ultra-creative fitted caps they have at the New Era flagship stores or some of the crazy colorways they have done with e-capcity. Already doing collaborations with Adio, Extra Butter, and Andrew WK (as seen above) to name a few, I see even bigger things for Mishka on the horizon. Check them out at www.mishkanyc.com

Music Video of the Year - The Teenagers - Make It Happen

I feel like this song should only be available on VHS. The Teenagers have slowly become one of my favorite bands over the past few years and pick up where Bloc Party left off. I have my fingers crossed for a follow-up to "Reality Check" in 2009.

Website of the Year

The Elitaste (www.elitaste.com/blog/)

Written by Daniel Weisman, the real life version of Entourage, this dude is a real 5 percenter. Agent of one my top five rappers...alive Wale, he definitely has gained some hook-ups and luckily shares them with his viewing public. Consistently breaking that "new-new" the elitaste contributes to my daily fresh.  Some of the highlights of this year were The Highline Ballroom Show (Wale, KiD CuDi, and that unforgettable "balcony" picture.), Collin Munroe, and countless hilarious viral videos.

Concert of the Year-(N.E.R.D. and Common) Common ft. Pharrell - Universal Mind Control (Live @ the Koolhaus 09.29.08)

This show was incredible! N.E.R.D opened and got the crowd moving. I had seen them at Glow in the Dark in July but this was way better. Hearing their full band sound is such a different experience than any CD or MP3 version of their music. Common then hit the stage which had been reformatted to look like a old nightclub with accompanying bar and bartender. Common showcased many of his new tracks and then ended with a freestyle about Toronto. After much applause he came out a rocked some of the oldies. Definitely kept that ticket stub.

Top Ten

It's one of the last days of the year so to be as cliche as possible I'm gonna drop my own personal Top Ten of 2008, this will just be a mix off all media, events, clothing, personalities and other intricate pieces that make up Zachmorrism. To say the least 2008 has been one of the best years of my life and I can't wait for 2009 to begin. I am so appreciative of my friendships, but my deepest thanks goto my enemies (boardroom meetings, american eagle, and long list of others...) because you fuel me. Here's to Twenty-Oh-Nine!

Holidaze

Took a step away from the minute, had to "un-plug" myself for exams and holidays...