The Top 11 of ’11: Dime’s Cultural Guide To The Year That Was

Without the NBA in our lives, we fans might have time for the things we’ve been putting off for too long. Maybe we’ll have time to finish that historical biography that sits next to the bed getting dusty. Maybe we’ll get more exercise. Maybe we’ll start following hockey? As we get closer to the end of year, we’ll take a look back at all things — inside basketball and out — that occupied our attention alongside the game we love. That means over the next few weeks, we’ll break down the best music, movies, styles, plays, players and more. Each debate will be put to a vote by you the readers, and by the close of the year, we’ll have compiled a list of the Top 11 of ’11.

Best Song
2011 was a breakout year for many artists and a return to power for others. Kanye West and Jay-Z finally teamed up for a much awaited full album – as did Eminem and Royce da 5’9″ – proving why they might be the two best MCs in the game. Rick Ross created his own Dream Team known as Maybach Music Group and the power of Twitter helped catapult young guns like Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, J. Cole and Big K.R.I.T into the mainstream. And that’s just the hip-hop game.

Here are four hits that had us boppin’ our heads this year. Hit page 2 for our explanations and vote…

Rick Ross and Lil Wayne – “John”

This year, Rick Ross, the Big Boss, a.k.a. Ricky Rozay somehow managed to find a way to recreate the same song over and over again. I mean I’ll give anyone five dollars if they can tell me any actual difference between Lex Luger produced songs “B.M.F.” (Blowin’ Money Fast), “MC Hammer” or “I’m Not a Star.” You can’t. But building off the success of 2010’s Teflon Don, Rick dropped Ashes to Ashes around the end of last year, which featured the slow, melodic radio cult hit “John Doe,” presumably a guide for how to respond when police ask for your name. Fast-forward a couple months, on the heels of Ross’ collaboration effort Self Made, Wayne joined the party on “John,” and spit one of the most lethal opening verses of the year, somehow mentioning Redd Foxx, Basquiat paintings, and Palmolive soap. Although the beat (and lyrics) are pretty much indistinguishable from “I’m Not a Star,” this song gets me hyped every time I hear it. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. –MICHAEL AUFSES

Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”

People that know me know that the NBA Draft is my favorite night of the year. So when having to make a case for the best song of the year, it only makes sense that the two have something in common. After traveling over to the Prudential Center in Newark this June, you can only imagine how elated I was to watch the special intro featuring Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and the rest of the green room dressed like they’re in the 1930s, set to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” with Taye Diggs narrating. The song is that good. –ARON PHILLIPS

Common Feat. Nas – “Ghetto Dreams”

I might’ve played Bad Meets Evil more often this year. “I’m On One” might’ve had the more infectious chorus. But I’ll still go with two hip hop legends resurrecting the spirit in me that used to listen to hip hop, pumping my chest full of explicit visuals of addictive females and timeless mic-driven stories. The lyrics are simple enough to read. The beat, hard enough to nod your head. Common and Nas. Two of the best, and they’re still putting out good music. Am I a musical homer? Um… yes. So what? -SEAN SWEENEY

Ace Hood, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross – “Hustle Hard Remix”

This track was nothing short of perfection. Lex Luger was without a doubt the hottest producer in the game this year. Anything he touches turns to gold, so the fact that this song blew up as big as it did is no surprise. But on “Hustle Hard,” it’s clear to see that Wayne definitely outshined Ross. Not to say that Rick Ross dropped the ball, (he never does) but even he knew that he had some catching up to do after this one. It’s one of those songs that has the same effect on you every time the epic beat drops. If there were some way we could tally up how many different teams used this as their court entrance/warm-up song this year, the results would prove that “Hustle Hard” is in fact the song of the year. Ace Hood really came up big time with this one. When it’s all said and done, people are going to have to remember that it’s actually his song. The main reason this song is the song of the year is because it has the best message. Nothing better than a track inspiring the nation to get off their asses and start hustling. Everyone needs that sometimes. -JAIMIE CANTERBURY

What was your favorite song of the year?

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