It’s unfortunate that UK hip-hop has not taken off in this country like it’s pop and rock counterparts. The sad thing is that the cats in the UK have been consistently pushing the envelope for the past two decades, creating some of the most imaginative sounds most US rap fans would kill over.

Enter Kano. The UK rapper might still be flirting with the underground but he consistently is putting out some of the most forward thinking (yet accessible) hip-hop on the market. His latest album, Method to the Madness drops in the UK in August and includes collaboration and input from Hot Chip, Chase & Status, Dilpo, and Daman Albarn (of Blur/Gorillaz). The track “Upside,” with songstress Michelle Breeze. Check it.

Kano – Get Wild (ft Aidonia & Wiley)

Even though he’s not a household name over in these parts, Kano has made more than a name for himself in his native UK. Starting off in the UK grime scene with the N.A.S.T.Y. crew, the MC has since gone on to drop 4 dope albums abroad, working with everybody from Dizzee Rascal to Kate Nash.

Although his roots are in grime, most of his solo material has evolved more from US pop and hip-hop–with a UK spin of course. Kano’s 2010 release Method to the Maadness is a follow up to 2008′s 140 Grime Street, and 2007′s excellent London Town. This week he dropped a new single in the UK called “Get Wild,” with Aidonia & Wiley.

Like Wale and Dizzee before him, Kano switches up his sound for more danceable beats, but unlike his grime partners, he keeps the beat rather dark and London-ey. Let me know what y’all think.

BONUS: My favorite Kano song – “Brown Eyes”

Even though I cant’ stand this song, ‘Ye turned the phrase “beatmaker” on its end, and essentially pissed off every hip-hop producer I know. It’s a good thing, I promise.

6.) Kid Cudi – Day and Nite (produced by Dot Da Genius)

While most songs this year have become complex autotune monstrosities, Day and Nite thrives in its simplicity.

5.) Kano – Hustler (produced by Mikey J)

With Hustler, the Londoner Kano and producer Mickey J create the East Coast street banger that New York rappers should’ve made this year.

4.) TI, Jay-Z, Kanye West – Swagger Like Us (Produced By Kanye West)

This track redefines the posse cut, and this MIA sample has started the new hip-hop/hipster crossover movement. Look for said movement to dominate 2009 like Autotune did in 2008.

3.) Jay-Z featuring Santogold – Brooklyn Go Hard (produced by Kanye West)

Even though Black people can’t stand Santogold (just check out any comment section on Concrete Loop where her name is mentioned), Kanye and Jay-Z’s track just might give her enough street cred to achieve mainstream status in 2009.

2.) MIA – Paper Planes (produced by Diplo and Switch)

How does song from a relatively unknown UK rapper/songstress about the working poor somehow became one of the most popular songs in America? It’s the quintessential musical rags to riches story. Diplo and Switch created a monster and they didn’t even know it. Oh, and can just I say….best. hook. evar.

1.) Lil’Wayne – A Milli (produced by Bangledesh)

Bangledesh’s sample of a obscure Fatboy Slim UK remix of A Tribe Called Quest became the top anthem of 2008. This track was so hot, even R&B dudes were rapping over this beat.

VIDEO NSFW (The nipples are blurred out, but still…)

I already think that this video is one of the best of the year, but could this take this the best beat of the year honors as well? Kano’s album 140 Grime Street dropped in the UK last September and some over there are billing this as the London’s answer to Tha Carter III. If you don’t know what the video is referring to, then I suggest you re-watch New Jack City. I think this is probably one of the best videos of the year. What do y’all think?

Wiley – Cash In My Pocket

Wiley – Cash In My Pocket

Last time we heard from Wiley, the dude was calling his record company out on the Internets. Apparently, Wiley and The Man hugged it out, because his album, See Clear Now drops in the UK in January. His track Cash In My Pocket just dropped on the Internets (via DDoff) featuring Daniel Merriweather, and although the beat is dope, the hook is one of the most annoying things I’ve heard this year. Seriously, I can’t stand Autotune, but they need to throw some on this track.

Wiley describes See Clear Now as an “official” pop record, featuring collaborations with Lily Allen, Hot Chip, and Mark Ronson. I take it grime is officially dead, however, I’m curious to see how this album turns out.

Taiwah

Taiwah - Every Step

Sorry people, I have a MAD late pass with this one. If you don’t know, Taiwah is a South London based soul artist who is dropping some killer tunes right now. The 21 year old songstress is best known for working with Mark Ronson (who seems to be the Lil’ Wayne of the UK producer game right now), on his Versons LP that dropped last year though I wasn’t really feeling her contribution. However, her EP, titled In Jodi’s Bedroom, is simply amazing. It’s vaulting up my best album list as I type.

myspace.com/tawiah