[as told through Twitter screenshots, YouTube videos, and mixtape covers]

Some of this has been covered extensively by the Rap Desk throughout the year, some of it has not. It’s easier to work 2 Chainz or an irrational love for “I’m On One” into the conversation on a skateboard website than Starlito and Don Trip, so that accounts for it.

We decided what the “Song of the Year” was back in June, and offered a few runners up two weeks ago. If you haven’t wrapped your mind around its brilliance yet, you’d be well advised to follow this guide, which deciphers it wonderfully:

(In the above instance we went with “Make It Rain” because the impact of “Racks” hadn’t completely settled yet.)

French figured out that the wave just doesn’t sound right with Max locked up. He decided to make trap shit instead, and the results were way better than expected.

T.R.U. Realigion was solid, yet somewhat anti-climatic. Codeine Cowboy introduced the world to “Spend It,” so it wins.

Speaking of which…

“Ball Forever” might still be the most important piece of music released in 2011 though. Streetz Calling is a close 2nd to True Story. Dirty Sprite is a close 3rd.

Skateboard magazine writers decide that after not paying attention to rap for 12 years, they’re just going to focus on Odd Future and only Odd Future to make up for it.

Odd Future, Krayshawn, and the The Game somehow still releasing albums scared us away from California rap for the next ten years. It’s the reason the Rap Desk is hesitant to give Kendrick Lamar a chance. The equation of early-20s and California makes us think he’s going to start talking about raping goats even though he’s probably not. Maybe one day.

DJ Quik still puts out great albums though. Maybe he needs to eat a cockroach for people to notice that.

Hearing “Where Do I Go” and “Tattoos On Her Ass” properly mastered was like hearing them for the first time.

Can’t begin to say how awesome it is that one of the biggest rappers out is from Philly. Him being able to actually rap well is equally awesome.

Ok, ok, back to the south…

This dude needs to stop falling off. He also needs to stop going to jail. This tape was solid though.

Remember when Waka said he was retiring a few months ago? Imagine how tragic that would have been if he was serious and not just high at an interview.

Skaters continue to love Juicy J.

Underrated.

Underrated.

Yo, the Weeknd is boring.

This is less album and more prophecy.

BIGGEST FALL-OFF OF 2011: It’s no secret that QS is/was a huge Lady Gaga supportive enterprise (see below for a glimpse of the glory days, or click here), but she fell off super hard in 2011.

Shout to Britney.

BIGGEST GROWN AND SEXY HIT:

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE YEAR:

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE YEAR 2009 THAT STILL HASN’T BEEN ANSWERED IN 2009:

Reword it a bit so it’s a question.

BEST SONG BY A SKATEBOARDER IN 2011:

Rihanna skates, remember?

WORST SONG BY A SKATEBOARDER IN 2011:

This whole garbage-ass album.

“THAT SONG WAS WHATEVER UNTIL…” EPIPHANY AWARD:

This dude made “Niggas In Paris.” Not those other two dudes.

“JUICE WHERE YOU BEEN?”

The Rap Desk will always have a special place in its heart for Da Juiceman. He definitely failed chemistry class though.

“CAM WHERE YOU BEEN?”

Cam released the full version of “Oh What a Night,” and that’s pretty much all he had to do. It took a good five years, but it was worth it.

“JIMMY WHERE YOU BEEN?”

Wait, no one cares.

THE “YO I’M SUPPOSED TO HATE THIS SHIT, BUT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO IT 17 TIMES A DAY FOR 7 MONTHS” AWARD:

Two things… 1) Hearing “I’m On One” in Miami will make you resentfully fall deeper in love it. 2) Let’s point this out before we proceed and embed the video:

FREE ADVICE THAT PEOPLE ARE TOO STUPID TO TAKE:

2011 — SUMMARIZED IN ONE TWEET: