2009 was a fantastic year for music and as we head into a new decade, its time to reflect on the best releases of the previous year.  Since the focus of this site is live music and we’re discussing studio albums here, we decided to add a new, exclusive live song from each artist who made our list.  So without further ado, here is ATWL’s Top 10 Albums and Mixtapes of the year.

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Last week, Blitz The Ambassador, armed with his band The Embassy Ensemble, a string section and a slew of special guests (John Forte, Bajah, Kate Mattison, Tess and more) took over Royal Blue Studios in Brooklyn to record a live session for MTVU’s House Band series.  The studio is run by Robert Honablue, who has worked with legends such as Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone and Aretha Franklin.  Blitz can now proudly add his name to that list as he recorded 5 songs during the session including “Kill the Radio”, “Remembering the Future”, “Nothing to Lose”, “Dying to Live”, and “Something to Believe”.  The live performance videos will be released later this month, accompanied with behind the scenes features with Robert Honablue, Blitz, the guest musicians and the recording process.  Below is a video trailer with the live intro to “Something To Believe” as well as an audio snippet of “Remembering The Future”.  Its no secret that I’m a huge fan of Blitz The Ambassador, but I must say, this sounds phenomenal and it looks like he truly stepped up to the plate with this one.  Check back here at ATWL once the videos are released for complete audio and video downloads of this amazing live session, which will surely make for a great stocking-stuffer this holiday season.

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Last week I posted some of the rehearsal footage for Blitz’s album release show at 92Y Tribecca and had promised to provide some exclusive audio after the show.  Well, Blitz absolutely tore down 92Y this weekend and ATWL was in the building to capture all of the magic.  Check out performances of “Dying To Live”, “Remembering The Future”, “Something To Believe” and a Michael Jackson tribute jam.  Also be sure to get your copy of Stereotype, available worldwide today.  Props to Potholes In My Blog for the great pics in the gallery.

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Blitz The Ambassador is getting ready to hit the world with Stereotype, his much anticipated new album thats been over 2 years in the making.  It will be officially released on August 4th and is currently available to purchase/download here.  I was lucky enough to get the advance about a month ago and I am proud to say this is hands down one of the best albums of the year.  If you are in NYC or the surrounding areas, 92Y Tribecca is the place to be Saturday night as Blitz will celebrate the release of Stereotype backed by the amazing Embassy Ensemble band.  Here we have some awesome footage of Blitz and the band rehearsing for the show at Soundclash Studios.  Check back early next week where we’ll have some exclusive audio treats from the show.

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Blitz may not be a household name just yet, but he most definitely will be come August 4th when he hits the world with his new album, Stereotype.  While you’re waiting for that drop, check out his live set from a recent show at the Highline Ballroom in NYC.  In case you aren’t familiar, Blitz and his band, The Embassy Ensemble, put on hands down one of the best live shows in hip-hop. Check out our exclusive recording of his complete set, some vids from the show and the album trailer for Stereotype.

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I have to show some love to Blitz The Ambassador here.  In case you don’t know, he’s a very talented young rapper originally from Ghana and has quickly become one of my favorite artists.  In addition to being a dope emcee/musician/producer, he has hands down one of the best live shows in hip-hop, backed by his band, the Mighty Embassy Ensemble.  He opened for Nas at Hunter College this past Friday and killed it despite some audio mix issues out of his control.  I included his performance of “Remembering The Future” from the show, as well as some awesome live videos from Blitz and a live download of “Kill The Radio” to boot.  Be on the lookout for his new album, Stereo Stereotype in stores August 4.

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