Going into 2010, I knew very little of Declaime or Georgia Anne Muldrow. As July draws to a close, they are both defining the year in music for me. They put out a great album together, and Muldrow released a stellar solo album on which Declaime was featured. With this release, the journey through smart psychedelic hip hop funk continues.

As is quickly becoming a pattern for me, I love the tracks with Muldrow. They have a great chemistry together. There are also some great songs critical of hip hop culture, especially the biting and funny “Gangsta,” which humorously takes jabs at macho posturing in the rap game. “Brotha” also looks at male relations in hip hop, with the chorus proclaiming “A dawg is a homie’s best friend.” Most of the subject matter on the album is positive, though. Songs like “Light,” “Hungry,” “Dreamer,” and “God,” all challenge the listener to achieve their dreams and to make the most of their lives.

One of the things I love about Declaime’s flow, aside from it’s unique sing-song quality, is how he often sets up for the listener to anticipate a cliché rhyme, but then switches up the following line with something more challenging, making your ears work harder to listen to his lyrics.

At the risk of repeating myself, I’ll just leave you with this: while other labels and artists are experiencing a lull this summer, Declaime and Muldrow are providing a positive, funky soundtrack to my life, and for that I am grateful.