My top ten favourite albums of the year:
Joey Bada$$ – All-Amerikkkan Bada$$
“Due to the project’s themes, it is likely that All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ will be likened to Kendrick’s To Pimp A Butterfly, adding fuel to those stoking the fire that insists Joey is the east coast’s equivalent to the Compton rapper. Whether you agree with that idea or not, via All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ Joey has displayed that he is among the best of his generation of Hip Hop artists, using his accomplished rapping ability to accommodate a specific subject throughout an entire project.”
Action Bronson – Blue Chips 7000
“Bronson once again appeases his core fan base by employing the same winning formula that has brought him his success to this point. This is demonstrated by the fact he calls upon usual collaborators on production duties such as Party Supplies, Alchemist and Harry Fraud, among others, who help to curate the sound that is now associated with his best work, while Bronson himself continues with his off-kilter rhymes.”
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
“Despite the overall success of DAMN., it would be dishonest to act as if the project is completely faultless, with tracks ‘LOVE.’, and the initial part of XXX (that doesn’t actually feature U2) could easily be forgotten among the other outstanding moments. Irrespective, Kendrick Lamar manages to reach levels that still astonishes listeners, further adding to the argument that he’s has made another classic album, even if it is to be considered a slight downgrade to To Pimp A Butterfly and/or good kid, m.a.a.d city. It’s difficult to imagine another Hip Hop album in 2017 earning the plaudits DAMN. will.”
Sango – De Mim, Pra Voceq
“The consistency of Sango’s work is unquestionable and is once again proven with De Mim, Pra Voceq. With the fantastic success of his previous Da Rochina series, there was always going to be fascination surrounding his next body of work, but the extremely gifted producer quelled any such doubts with another compelling project.”
Syd – Fin
“After her impressive contribution to the success of The Internet, there was always going to be a great attention paid to Syd’s debut solo work and it’s fair to say fans of the singer won’t be disappointed. Showing her versatility by stepping away from the primary sounds heard on The Internet albums, Syd’s performances throughout Fin have drawn comparisons to Aaliyah, which in itself acts as a resounding compliment to her work.”
Rick Ross – Rather You Than Me
“After an underwhelming run of albums that included Hood Billionaire, Mastermind and Black Dollar, Rick Ross managed to salvage the form that put him into the upper echelons of Hip Hop artists of the modern era. Instead of just relying on speaker-knocking beats to grab the attention of the listener as he had done in the aforementioned projects, on Rather You Than Me Ross once again combined them with insightful perspectives which resulted in spectacular efforts such as ‘Santorini Greece’, ‘Idols Become Rivals’ and ‘Game Ain’t Based On Sympathy’ to name a few highlights.”
Dizzee Rascal – Raskit
“An artist as important to Grime as Dizzee Rascal is has had nothing to prove since he decided to attain more commercial success away from the genre. Much like Jay Z’s position in Hip Hop, Dizzee has done more than enough to satisfy any uncompromising Grime fans with his earlier work, simply capping off his achievements with Raskit. His early accomplishments mean he didn’t have to do another Grime album, but the genre’s current climate has allowed the boy in da corner to once again take centre stage.”
Tyler, The Creator – Scum Fuck Flower Boy
“Scum Fuck Flower Boy is most definitely Tyler, The Creator back to the level of artistry that was developed, honed and showcased on Wolf. He has managed to effectively harness all of his influences without losing the mark of originality that has made him such a popular figure since the turn of the decade. Unlike on Cherry Bomb, Tyler’s talents both as a producer and an emcee can be fully appreciated, making for Scum Fuck Flower Boy becoming one of his finest and most accomplished projects to date.”
The Cool Kids – Special Edition Grandmaster Deluxe
“The Cool Kids have made a welcome return with Special Edition Grandmaster Deluxe, undoubtedly appeasing fans with more than enough positive moments that help to modernize their unique sound that was born a decade ago. It’s always difficult to find a balance between satisfying longtime fans and attracting new ones, especially after a lengthy interval, but The Cool Kids seemed to have found a happy medium.”
Jay Z – 4:44
“Even twenty-plus years into his music career, Jay Z is still one of the most important voices in Hip Hop and proved as much with the anticipation that surrounded 4:44 and the resulting response to the project. He once again takes advantage of his unique perspective within the Hip Hop environment by offering views from the impoverished street corner as well as the new sights he’s seen as a wealthy adult, refusing to ignore speaking on social issues or, perhaps more surprisingly, his own personal issues, which make for an entertaining and relatable listen.”
Honourable Mentions:
Big K.R.I.T. – 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time
Wiley – Godfather
Roc Marciano – Rosebudd’s Revenge
Bryson Tiller – True To Self
Giggs – Wamp 2 Dem
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