J.Cole’s third album is his best to date. The album is an interesting
one. Its incredibly introspective. It’s a little more creative than Born
Sinner, which was a great album, but perhaps a little too long. Here, Cole raps
about him losing his virginity, the increasing amount of white rappers in the game,
and even the lack of role models today. Lyrically he’s sounds very focused. His
R&B crooning on certain parts of the album is actually pretty effective.
The production is also very good and helps the album stay very cohesive. Some
may still complain that he’s kinda of boring but I disagree. The album is all
about J. Cole, but it doesn’t really come off like most rap albums do. It’s a personal
journey and fun to listen to. J.Cole was the future of rap…but now its his
time.
30) Rick Ross (7.7) Essential Album: Teflon Don Starting off the list is Ricky Rossay. Ross has great delivery and a lot of good albums. He scores really high in the versatility category. Ross’s pen game has definitely gotten better from when he debuted in 2006 with Port of Miami. Ross’s biggest flaws were his storytelling and impact. Otherwise solid MC. 29) Young Jeezy (7.8) Essential Album: The Recession Another dirty south MC. Jeezy is one of my favorite rappers. He has a lot of good albums with no real duds. He does have the best ad libs in the game. His collaboration and versatility are high. He really brings the heat on his features. Storytelling and Impact weren’t that high but hey; hes tied with the next rapper. 28) Nicki Minaj (7.8) EA: The Pinkprint Arguably the most dominant female rapper of all time. Nicki really shines when features on others tracks. She usually steals the show like on Kanye West’s “Monster” song. She’s also really versatile; able to sing also and