This is my list of the best albums of the year. Feel free to comment. I feel like this is the best group of rap albums since 2010.
1.
Kendrick Lamar-good
kid, M.A.A.D. City:It seems that a another westcoast artist has come out on
top again. This year had a lot of great rap albums, but Kendrick Lamar’s 2nd
album (1st official) is a modern day classic. It reminds me a lot of
the old Ice Cube albums. It has a little bit of everything, with a nice
storyline as well. His lyricism is really incredible here, and the beats are
very cohesive also. I like all the songs…I really can’t wait to here more from
the new best rapper in the westside.
2.
Nas-Life is Good:
A lot can be said about Nas’s latest album. I didn’t think it would be as dope
as it is. It has a lot of very personal and introspective songs. All the guest
spots seem well used as Nas is joined by Rick Ross, Mary J. Blige, and Miguel
just to name a few. I didn’t feel Nas lyrics were up to his usual perfect
standards but they are elite however. The fact that Nas could make an album
this good, this far into his career speaks volumes. The Don, Daughteres, Loco-motive, Bye Baby, and Cherry Wine are some highlights.
3.
Killer
Mike-R.A.P. Music: I’ve always thought Killer Mike was a good rapper, but
after hearing this album, I’d have to say he’s one of the GREATS. His lyrics
here are top notch. The El-P beats are hot as well. Some songs are better than
others, but the album is constructed very well. The first song Big Beast, is really hardcore, “This is
R-A-P, opposite of that sucka s*** they play on TV”. The album just doesn’t miss
hardly at all.
4.
Slaughterhouse-Welcome
to Our House: This terrific album sounds like an Eminem album although he
only appears on 3 of its tracks. It reminds me of those D-12 albums, except its
clearly on a higher album. Joe Budden and Royce Da 5’9 are the best of the 4,
but the other 2 rappers(Joel Ortitz and Crooked I) are also dope. The album has
a lot of good songs, and it runs a bit long, but I really enjoyed it. The
albums biggest weakness, are its beats, which aren’t bad.
5.
Kanye West &
G.O.O.D. Music- Cruel Summer: Kanye and company tie with #4 but I felt this
was a tad bit below Slaughterhouse’s effort. However I love this album’s
variety. No 2 songs seem all that similar, but the beats are very cohesive
which is quite a feat. The best songs are in the front, Clique, Mercy, New God Flow, and Cold. Kanye is the star here, but
he’s not on every song. Kid Cudi got his own song, as did John Legend and
Teyana Taylor. This was a great addition to Kanye’s impressive catalog.
6.
Big Boi-Viscious
Lies and Dangerous Rumors: Ah, Big Boi returns, and with a pretty damn good
album too. This album feels a lot different than his near classic 2010
album(Sir Luscious Left Foot). The album doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. I
don’t really like the way its constructed, but it’s still a dope album. My favorite
songs are Cpu, In the A, Shoes For
Running, Mama Told Me, and Thom
Pettie.
7. Lupe Fiasco-Food and Liquor II(The Great
American Rap Album): Lupe has redeemed himself from a somewhat decent
outing in 2011(L.A.S.E.R.S.). His lyrics are impeccable but the beats aren’t as
good as F&L I. However Lupe really spits some stuff for you to think about.
B*tch Bad is my favorite song, which
is funny because I didn’t like it when I first heard it. This album doesn’t really
seem that similar to F&L I but it’s a great album that requires a few
listens to digest.
8.
El-P-Cancer 4
Cure: I had to give underground rap some love this year. This guy can
really rap is a** off. The beats sound futuristic and his lyricism is unique.
My biggest complaint is sometimes its hard to follow what he’s talking about.
This album is one of the more creative albums I’ve heard.
9.
T.I.-Trouble
Man(Heavy is the Head)-I regret to say I haven’t heard this album that many
times, but I could tell it was good enough to redeem T.I. after a terrible
outing in 2010(No Mercy). The album has some weird construction until u get to
the last 2 songs. T.I. seems to have changed up his style, kind of a mix of old
T.I. with his T.I. vs. TIP style(that album’s style). There’s a little bit for
everybody on this album.
10. Rick Ross-God Forgives, I Don’t- Ross
returns with a dope album. The beats are really hot, and Ross continues to
provide good lyrics, even if they aren’t stellar. The album’s contructed so
that there’s 4 songs for the ladies in a row. An odd move but it works out. Sixteen, 3 Kings, and Maybach Music IV are
great songs.
10. Game- Jesus Piece: Game won album of
the year last year. However this album isn’t quite up there with The Red Album.
It’s a decent album that ties with Ross. Theres quite a few good songs, but not
enough great songs. As with most Game albums theres a lot of guest features and
name dropping.
