As the year quickly comes to a close it's time to look back on the projects 2018 has provided us. Though I still firmly believe 2017 was a much better year in hip hop albums there are still some outstanding projects that are worth recognition. Here are the 10 best hip hop/rap albums of 2018...
8. Smino - NOIR
Easily some of the most fun I've had listening to an album this year. It's as diverse and creative as an album put together by various artist. Tracks like "Pizano", "Hoopti", and "Merlot" show how many directions Smino can take his music without ever losing his identity. This album reminds me of a great mixtape to show the ideas an artist may have before they release a groundbreaking album. When I usually complain about an album that most consider a "vibe" or not to be taken seriously this album is my counter album. There's not a single beat that carries Smino, he is one with the music not matter the production and manages to have some fun and witty lyrics as well. If you are looking for an album you can make love to, to turn up to, or just want a change of pace. If you can looks past some questionable features, Smino is worth your time.
10. Various Artist- Black Panther the Album
I'm sure there are just as many people that have heard the album as there are that have seen the movie, but if you haven't you're in for a treat. Yes, this album is executive produced by Kendrick Lamar, and yes, this album is for a movie, but it may easily be the best movie soundtrack since Phil Collins did Tarzan. The album is balanced with the instrumentation influenced by all the things that remind you of Africa. There's also no lack of substance here either, most of the songs come with some message or concept that revolves around situations in the Black Panther film. With strong performances from all of the TDE artist, Jorja Smith, and outstanding track by SOB x RBE this album is fun and an easy listen.
9. Kids See Ghost - Kids See Ghost
This wasn't an easy choice, but I have to give Kanye and Kid Cudi their credit, this album exceeded my expectations A LOT. The production is dark and ominous which complements the lyrical content well, though Kid See Ghost isn't going to blow anyone away, it does get their points across. But, this album isn't as perfect (to me) as some may lead you to believe. The title track "Kids See Ghost" is F-L-A-T. The chorus is easily the most boring on the album, and they lyrics make you go "What the hell are they talking about?!". Sad thing is this isn't the only track where Kanye or Cudi's verse has nothing to do with anything. Same goes for Kanye's verse on "4th Dimension". Now I know some are wondering why this album is so high with glaring issues and that's easy... "Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)" for example, Kanye and Cudi cannot sing to save their life, but good God isn't this an amazing display of production, direction, and why Ty Dolla Sign is a feature killer. What this album does well, it does really well.
Easily some of the most fun I've had listening to an album this year. It's as diverse and creative as an album put together by various artist. Tracks like "Pizano", "Hoopti", and "Merlot" show how many directions Smino can take his music without ever losing his identity. This album reminds me of a great mixtape to show the ideas an artist may have before they release a groundbreaking album. When I usually complain about an album that most consider a "vibe" or not to be taken seriously this album is my counter album. There's not a single beat that carries Smino, he is one with the music not matter the production and manages to have some fun and witty lyrics as well. If you are looking for an album you can make love to, to turn up to, or just want a change of pace. If you can looks past some questionable features, Smino is worth your time.
7. J.I.D. - DiCaprio 2
Hard hitting beats, face paced rapping, witty lyrics. J.I.D. makes a strong mainstream debut with DiCaprio 2. There's not only something for everyone on this project, it's one of the most balanced topically. If you want a full breakdown of this album and why it made the top ten, check out the review here.
6. Royce da 5'9" - Book of Ryan
If you are looking for a story driven, true to form hip hop album...this is it. Royce never fails when it comes to bringing his A+ game lyrically, but this time around he also gave a huge part of himself on the album. Book of Ryan is literally a biography of what makes Royce who he is today. With tracks like "Cocaine" depicting the life of living with a father battling addiction to tracks such as "Boblo Boat" sharing his childhood experiences of the good times he had. This album is fantastic at giving you some insight on how Royce has made decisions and even identifies his own struggles. By the way...don't sleep on "God Speed" it sounds pretty light hearted, but there's some extremely dope bars, and sets you up for the album ahead. The album is a little long, but no good journey has shortcuts.
5. Noname - Room 25
Arguably the best woman in rap dropped a gem this year. I really wished more people knew about her. Noname's jazzy spoken word sound has been complimented by great production and some years of growth in Room 25. Noname gives us a look into the journey of her growth in all aspects of life, from growing into more fame, to the culture shock of leaving her home of Chicago. She also empowers women like herself in various bars on this project. Noname is basically the Jill Scott of rap, and for that alone this album (and Noname) deserves more attention... oh yeah, and the features are AMAZING.
4. Denzel Curry - Ta13oo (Taboo)
This album has gotten plenty of praise this year, but I'm here to give it some more. Denzel really brought together a great project, the concept of a 3 part album (light, grey, dark) split up the content and how it is approached on this album. I literally have the chorus to "Cash Maniac" playing in my head as I type this. The production is great, Denzel has great technical rap ability, and man this guy has some bars for you. The best part is he fits a unique mold of being very lyrical hype music. You put him on your workout playlist and you might learn a few things while working up a sweat. Also, J.I.D. may have written one of the best guest verses of the year on this album.
3. Pusha T - Daytona
I'm not one for drug dealing raps, but man...this album...my God. Kanye did an amazing job producing. It built an atmosphere that sounds like the time period of Frank Lucas and Freeway Rick Ross at the same time. The lyrics...I've never wanted to know more about the life of a pusher than now. What makes it even better is the sharp and strong delivery Pusha T provides, even if he didn't live the life he raps about you can't help but to believe him anyway. From top to bottom this album is full of replay value, and the short list of seven tracks makes replaying the album even easier to do. Pusha T has had one hell of a year.
2. Lupe Fiasco - Drogas WAVE
This year and last year have proven there is a place for double albums in hip hop...as long as they are executed well. Disc one of Drogas WAVE tells the story of the Longchains, former slaves who were sailing across the ocean when their boat has been destroyed. Instead of dying these slaves become one with nature and begin wrecking other slave ships in order to save the African slaves and bring them to their underwater Atlantis, making them Longchains as well. This is an incredible project. Lupe Fiasco IS definitely the greatest lyricist of our time, and disc one alone provides all the proof you need. Disc 2 is more about resurrection and redemption. Lupe revives his SLR flow and destroys beat after beat with lyrical miracles. But there are also stories to be told here, "Alan Forever" and "Jonylah Forever" will bring you to tears. "Manilla" and "Kingdom" will empower you, and tracks like "King Nas", "Timbucktoo Day", and "Haile Salassie" will simply make you say..."damn". Remember that this is a double album, it may not be best for a full sit through the first time, but it's an album worth every music lover's time.
1. Saba - Care for me
We have finally made it to our top spot for the year of 2018, and I cannot possibly praise this album too much. Chicago artist Saba is not the most mainstream on this list, but he's been able to do something most mainstream artist in this climate cannot do...be relateable and enjoyable simultaneously. From beginning to end Saba lays out the various parts of what makes him Saba. Saba isn't afraid to touch on topics such as depression, loss, love, lust, and hope on this project. The production is a mix of hard hitting bass like "Life" to the jazziness of "Grey". One thing I did not expect from this album was how it changed my view of Chicago all together. We remember the drill era of praised gun violence, ruthless lyrics, and intense music videos. This album showed the other side...the victim, the promising student who wants to change the city, the families torn apart. There are no tracks worth skipping on this album, there isn't one lazy verse, and the very slim list of features fit their track perfectly. The closing track "Heaven All Around Me" was the perfect way to end the project, bringing home all the themes that make Saba into who he is currently. This album comes off as more than just a great project for listeners to enjoy, it is a full blown therapy session for this young talent.
Honorable Mentions:
1. J. Cole - KOD (Most important album of 2018)
2. Phonte - No News is Good News (Best old school sound of 2018)
3. Jay Rock - Redemption (TDE always delivers)
4. Meek Mill - Championships (Best "something for everyone" album of 2018)
5. Nipsey Hussle - Victory Lap (Best Gangsta Rap album of 2018)
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