A friend commented to me on Tuesday that this blog has become “increasingly hip-hop centric.” He’s got a point, but it just speaks to the number of quality artists that have put out stellar material this year (Open Mike Eagle, Nocando, Isaiah Toothtaker, 5 O’Clock Shadowboxers, El-P, etc.). Ideally, the site serves as a somewhat accurate representation of my listening habits, so if I’m leaning one way, it’s probably an indication of what’s influencing me every day.

Between the Str8 Killa No Filla mixtape and the Str8 Killa EP, Freddie Gibbs is another artist in 2010 that’s held my ear. Raised in Gary, Ind., and now living in Los Angeles, Gibbs is booked for a date in Arizona (his first?) at Chaser’s in Scottsdale on Jan. 29, thanks to the guys at Universatile Music. Gibbs’ Crushin’ Feelin’s – from the Str8 Killa mixtape – is a highlight of the year for me, a ridiculous freestyle that cuts to the chase: “Rap ain’t nothin’ but talkin’ shit / I’m just the best at it.”

While you’re booking plans for this show, keep Jan. 21 open as well. I got something lined up with the Universatile boys that I’ll be announcing soon.