Top 10 Albums List

1) “Scaring the Hoes” – Danny Brown, JPEGMAFIA

Two of Hip-Hop’s most interesting, creative and entertaining artists come together to make an album that is just as unique and innovative as it is downright hilarious. Peggy lets his imagination and abilities run wild on this one, leaving little to be desired as Danny does just the same with his signature wit and skilled presentation. Fantastic album.

2) “Voir Dire” – Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist

While Earl’s style is not for everyone, it is difficult to deny the level of rapping proficiency he has risen to, particularly in recent years. On this latest effort, the skilled MC pairs up with infamous producer The Alchemist to deliver an album that showcases Earl’s style at its best – filled with both bare boned and extremely bountiful lyrics.

3) “Palermo” – Conway the Machine, Wun Tu

This is another solid effort from Conway. It isn’t his best work, but its crime-fixated thematics, something the Buffalo rapper does so well, are delivered seamlessly alongside the production of Germany’s own, producer Wun Tu. If you’re a fan of Conway the Machine’s other work, or of any of his like minded and equally skilled cohorts from Griselda Records, you definitely don’t want to sleep on this one.

4) “Herbert” – Ab-Soul

Per usual, Soul’s craftiness and lyrical dexterity defies expectation on this one. It’s a record that says so much and leaves listeners with so much to think about.

5) “We Buy Diabetic Test Strips” – Armand Hammer

This is a musical duo with so much promise and such a great catalog. On “We Buy Diabetic Test Strips”, their art only gets better.

6) “2-3 Zone” – Flee Lord, Crisis

These two are agile on the mic, and, to put it simply, this album deserves your attention.

7) “And Then You Pray For Me” – Westside Gunn

Gunn shines on this one, even when some of the songs don’t quite come together as they ought to.

8) “Quaranta” – Danny Brown

Danny is back in solo form and neither his outlook nor art is particularly bright. This is a pretty dark one, in fact, and the way Danny expresses and explains his emotions is truly notable.

9) “Utopia” – Travis Scott

“Utopia” makes this list primarily on the grounds of its downright fantastic production, something that continues to hold up as the year comes to a close.

10) “Too Good to Be True” – Rick Ross and Meek Mill

Although it certainly comes with its flaws (a few too many cringe lyrics, songs that lack clear substance), the pure energy and movement this album has its moments and makes for a more enjoyable listen than most.