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The List 2016

THE LIST '16

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME, I SHOULDN'T HAVE LEFT YOU... at all really. 

Thats my bad. 

 What's up world? It's def been a long time. And if you know me I've been working my butt off but I had to make some time to come back to the music. Also because my friend Kyle Knowlton doesn't know what rap music to listen to if I don't give you this list. The list as in previous years is not in any order. It's just a collection of the best music from front to back I've listened to this year. The synopses are short because I don't want my words to describe the music. I want the music to describe the music. Just give it a listen and if you like, you like and if you don't then don't ever come to my site again. :-) I'm kidding.

 Without further adieu, Jarilla Warfare's list 2016

Artist: Frank Ocean
Album: Blond
Label: Boys Don't Cry

I really don’t want to compare this to Channel Orange… So I won’t. It’s a completely different album than his debut. This album is Frank in his emotions, this is him being controversial and emphatic. The album doesn't have too much production (but he’s listed on every song) so I can’t speak heavily on it, but the soul he puts behind every track makes your hearts palpitations pulsate with the feelings he’s trying to convey.

Production: Frank Ocean, Om’Mas Keith, Malay, Pharrell Williams, James Blake, Thornalley, Uzowuru, John Brion, Rostam Batmanglij, Buddy Ross, Francis Starlite,

Guest Features: Amber Coffman, Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, Austin Feinstein, Yung Lean, Andre 3000, Kim Burrell

Beats: 4
Rhymes: 9
Life: 8

Kanye West
The Life of Pablo
Getting Out Our Dreams (G.O.O.D.), Def Jam

 I kinda like this Kanye. This more relaxed Kanye. The more jovial and witty banging on wax Kanye. Why do you repeat your lines so much Kanye? Do you think we don’t get what you said Kanye? Please believe all you have to do is say it once Kanye. Back to the wax Kanye. These tracks made math Kanye. Because you went back to booth and made us laugh Kanye. Ultralight Beams Kanye. Is what the people need Kanye. And this is why you made the list, thank you Kanye.

Production: Bump this I’m just gonna link the wiki for both. Too many features.

Guest Features: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_of_Pablo

Beats: 9
Rhymes: 7
Life: 7.5

Chance The Rapper
Coloring Book
Independent

 This album made all of want to go to church, albeit high, but go to church. This is just a fun album made by an artist that is full of charisma and promise. Chances’ bars are original and draw a vivid picture of happiness. People wanted another Acid Rap, but I think they got a bit of Holy Water and are quite pleased with it.

 Production: Kanye West, Social Experiement, Basstracks, Francis and the Lights, Lido, CBMIX, Stix, Rascal, Cottontale, Kaytranada, Garren, Cam O’bi

Guest Features: Kanye West, Chicago Childrens Choir, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, D.R.A.M., Jeremih, Francis and the Lights, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Saba, Justin Bieber, Towkio, Know Fortune, Jay Electronica, Nicole, Future, T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane, Noname, Ty Dolla $ign

Beats: 9
Rhyme: 8.5
Life: 9

A Tribe Called Quest
We Got it From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service
Epic 

What a pleasant suprise this was to hip hop and music in general. To many people (myself included) this is an Album of the Year contender off name alone, but the ability to get cohesive tracks from Q-Tip, Phife, Jarobi, Consequence and Busta Rhymes after all these years is a testament in itself. This album is political, lyrical, and a fitting end to a legacy of music that will live on forever. Just… enjoy.

Production: Q-Tip

Guest Features: Kendrick Lamar, Talib Kweli, Marsha Ambrosius, Busta Rhymes, Consequence, Elton John, Anderson Paak, Kanye West

Beats: 9
Rhymes: 10
Life: 10

Danny Brown
Atrocity Exhibition
Warp

The best part about Danny Brown is the part where he didn’t sign with 50 Cent. Look that whole thing up. He found a label that allowed him to be creative and produce music his way and let the public either follow or become his downfall. Atrocity Exhibition (which is a Joy Division song that's really creepy) is a compilation of futuristic/psychedelic productions and rhymes to match. Those that can get past Danny Brown’s high pitched voice that dominates the majority of the album will be in for quite the trip.

Beats: 8.5
Rhymes: 9
Life: 8

Anderson Paak
Malibu
Steel Wool

After hearing his coming out party on Dr. Dre’s Compton last year, I had high expectations for his second album. This album did not disappoint. His scratchy voice mixed with the variety of different beats and harmonies used for production (some self produced) gives this album replay value. The different topics touched on from love to race and politics are fully encompassed within Malibu and its truly one of the best albums of the year.

Production: Anderson Paak, DJ Khalil, Madlib, 9th Wonder, POMO, Jose Rios. Kaytranada. Like, Chris Dave, Hi Tek, Dem Joints, Callum Carter

Guest Features: BJ the Chicago Kid, ScHoolboy Q, Rhapsody, The Game, Talib Kweli

Beats: 8.5
Rhymes: 8
Life: 8

Kendrick Lamar
Untitled Unmastered
TDE

This is basically a compilation of tracks K. Dot did on different guest spots during late night shows and other live performances before the release of To Pimp a Butterfly. It doesn’t mean it isn’t ridiculously well written and performed however. It shows the transformation from Good Kid, MAAD City’s Compton influenced and themed album to a more politically charged and jazz-fused TPAB.

Production: Ritz Reynolds, Cardo, Yung Exclusive, Astronote, Thundercat, Sounwave, Terrace Martin, Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Frank Dukes, Egypt Dean, Mono/Poly

Guest Features: None

Beats: 8
Rhymes: 10
Life: 7.5 (overshadowed by concept albums & mixtapes)

Nx Worries
Yes Lawd!
Stones Throw

Oh YES LAWD, Anderson Paak makes another appearance on the list with his album produced by Knxwledge. It doesnt sound like Malibu because of Knxwledges ability to create a diversity of sounds… and it’s a bit more… raunchy... PLUS IT HAS A RICK AND MORTY SKIT

Production: Knxwledge

Guest Features: None

Beats: 8
Rhymes: 9
Life: 8

Maxwell
BlackSUMMERS’night
Columbia 

Man… I’m a sucker for a new Maxwell album. Nothing stands out because everything is so consistent with his previous bodies of work, it’s all excellent. The deeper meanings in certain songs such as Gods makes me believe he will go down as one of the greatest singer songwriters of this era.

Production: Hod Davis, Musze(Maxwell), Stuart Mattewman

Guest Features: None

Beats: 8.5
Rhymes: 9
Life: 7.5

ScHoolby Q
Blank Face LP
TDE 

THis is probably Q’s most anticipated and compreHensive album wHicH has lead to accolades and an even bigger ego for tHis dude. Oxymoron gave tHe world and introduction to a unknown weed-Head wHo made party records. Black Face LP gave you a look at the potential of an artist waiting His turn.

Production: Alchemist, Tyler the Creator, Cardo, Cubeatz, Dem Joints, DJ Dahi, Frank Dukes, J.LBS, Larrance Dopson, Sounwave, Metro Boomin, Nez & Rio, Southside, Swizz Beatz, Tae Beast, Tony Russell, Willie B, Yung Exclusive

Guest Features: Kanye West, Jadakiss, Lance Skiiwalker, Candice Pillay, E-40, Tha Dogg Pound, SZA, Anderson .Paak, Miguel, Justin Skye, Traffic, TF

Beats: 10
Rhymes: 8
Life: 8.5

Noname
Telefone

This album is great to me because I used to only hear Noname Gypsy on features. Now with a full length album/mixtape she’s able to show her versatility from her own perspective and not have to follow someone else's cadence.

Production: Cam O’bi, Monte Booker, Pheolix, Saba

Guest Features: theMIND, Raury, Cam O’bi, Xavier Omar, Eryn Allen Kane, Akenya, Rayven Lenae, Joseph Chilliams, Saba, Smino, Pheolix

Beats: 7
Rhymes: 8
Life: 7.5

Ka
Honor Killed the Samurai

Roc Marciano and Ka are my guilty pleasures. Most people may call his flow boring and his asthetic the same but if you take time to actually immerse yourself in the music and listen to the message, you will realise the message. Honor Killed the Samurai is dark and feels like a training manual for those seeking to achieve the mindset of a warrior through street knowledge.

Production: Ka

Guest Features: none

Beats: 6
Rhymes: 9
Life: 7

Pusha T
Darkest Before Dawn
Def Jam/GOOD Music 

This isn’t My Name is My Name so don’t come into the album looking for it. This was supposed to be King Push but since that album isn’t fully complete we basically got a mixtape in album form. Pusha T doesn’t dissapoint however, the coke-flow is still well polished and it seems he always has an ear for beats and a knack for guest features

Production: Deafh Beats, Boi-1da, The-Dream, Metro Boomin, Frank Dukes, G Koop, Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Hudson Mohawke, J. Cole, Mario Winans, J Gramm, Kanye West, Nashiem Myrick, Q-Tip, Sean C & LV, Timbaland, Yung Dev, Gianfranco Reverberi, Claudio Ghiglino, Susan Duncan-Smith, Rico Love, Baauer

Guest Features: The Dream, Rick Ross, Beanie Sigel, Ab-Liva, Kehlani, Jill Scott, Kanye West, A$AP Rocky

Beats: 8.5
Rhymes: 9
Life: 8

Skepta
Konnichiwa
Boy Better Know

Not gonna lie, when I was introduced to this, I was quite skeptical (ha!) but UK’s Grime scene deserves some love. This album is full with a different sound that has a laid back trap feel to it. The lyrics are on point and have the UK/Jamaican feel to them.

Production: Skepta, Blakie, Footsie, Jason Adenuga, Pharrell Williams, Ragz Originale

Guest Features: Pharrell Williams, A$AP Nast, Novelist, Wiley, Chip, Young Lord, D Double E, Jme, BBK

Beats: 9
Rhymes: 8
Life: 8

Vince Staples
Prima Donna 

Vince Staples has never been one to just give you a glimpse of what he has on his mind. Even with a 7 track EP, he still finds a way to justify his thug and take you on journey through Compton. He’s also never been a stranger to abstract production, this EP only shows his versatility.

Production: James Blake, No ID, DJ Dahi, John Hill

Guest Features: A$AP Rocky, Kilo Kish

Beats: 9
Rhymes: 8
Life: 5 

J. Cole
4 Your Eyez Only
Dreamville / Def Jam 

I’m loving the drop an album out of nowhere and create your own buzz without marketing techniques labels are doing nowadays. Coles’ 4th (4 Your Eyez Only) kinda clever for his fourth album is similar to 2014 Forest Hills Drive, this album is much more intimate and has a serious tone than his other mixtapes. I would however like to see him have at least 1 feature… collaboration is what hip hop was built on and he seems to only want to stay in his own lane… I guess I’ll just wait for the Kendrick collab album… *sigh*

Production: J. Cole, Elite, BLVK, Boi-1da, Cardiak, Chargaux, Childish Major, Deputy, Elijah Scarlett, Frank Dukes, Nate Fox, Nate Jones, Nico Segal, Peter Cottontale, Ron Gilmore, Steve Lacy, Theo Croker, Velous, Vinylz

Guest Features: None

Beats: 7.5
Rhymes: 9
Life: 8 

Solange
A Seat at the Table
Columbia 

 I really liked this album. Like Kevin Gates… Really Really. It was met with much (and deserved) acclaim and review. She’s different from big sis because she has a different message and a way she views the world and while she may not have the worldwide acclaim Queen B does, she’s well on her way. And the production…. whew...

Production: Solange, Raphael Saadiq, Troy R8dio Johnson, Raymond Angry, Questlove, Majical Cloudz, Q-Tip, John Kirby, Rostam Batmanglij, Sean Nicholas, Savage, Sampha, Kwes, Olubenga Adelekan, Adam Bainbridge, Patrick Wimberly, Dave Sitek, David Longstreth, Bryndon Cook, Sir Dylan

Guest Features: Lil Wayne, Sampha, The Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Kelly Rowland, Kelea

Beats: 9
Rhymes: 9
Life: 9.5

Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker The Berry

Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker The Berry













This shit is grimey....

The List 2014 Edition

What's up everyone? Y'all know the deal, the list is in alphabetical order and are rated on the following:

Beats - Quality of total production

Rhymes - Quality of lyricism

Life - Shelf life and replay value

Enjoy and share!

Ab-Soul -These Days

TDE

As a critic, (is that what I am now?) I have to judge this work based on the quality of his past work.  This is definitely not Control System, and I think he did that for a reason.  It sounds a bit more upbeat, tons more features, and an unexpected 10+ minute freestyle battle to end the album.  Never one to bite his tongue to the outspoken TDE misfit delivers a quality project, right in line with his discography.

Production: Dave Free, Sounwave,Tae Beast, DJ Dahi,Skhye Hutch,The Kathy,Tommy Black,DNYC3,Rahki, Kenny Beats, Blended Babies, Curtiss King, Corin Roddick, Terrace Martin,Larry Fisherman (AKA Mac Miller), Like (Pac Div) , J. Cole

Guest Features: SZA, ScHoolboy @, Lupe Fiasco, Nikki Jean, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Action Bronson, Assad, Delusional Thomas (Mac Miller), RaVaughn, Danny Brown, JMSN

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7

Asher Roth - RetroHash

Federal Prism, Pale Fire

I slept on Rawth, I slept on the  Greenhouse Effect, I slept on Pabst and Jazz, but he wasn’t pulling a fast one on me this time. Asher I one of the most underappreciated emcees in the game and his subject matter and flow adapts to current events and reflects on past experiences.  The same guy that made my college 10x better by dropping the aptly themed ‘I Love College’ is all grown up and has some insightful things to say about society and expresses his views with poetry… and a hint of THC.

Production: Asher Roth, Blended Babies

Guest Features: ZZWard, Curren$y, Coyle Girelli, Vic Mensa, Major Myjah, Chuck Inglish

Beats: 8.5

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 7.5

Big K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time) - Cadillactica

Def Jam

I swear I can’t spell Cadillac, spell check save me now.  KRIT delivers big time with this one.  Sticks to the same formula that got him to this point in his career: bass + slang x subtle political commentary = gold.  Minimal hip hop features and more soulful/slowed down production is what makes Cadillactica smooth interstellar ride in through Mississippi.

Production: Alex da Kid, Big K.R.I.T., DJ Dahi,DJ Khalil, Finatik & Zac, Jim Jonsin, Raphael Saadiq, Rico Love, Terrace Martin

Guest Features: Raphael Saadiq, E-40, Wiz Khalifia, Kenneth Whalum III, Mara Hruby, Rico Love, Bun B, Devin the Dude, Big Sant, Jamie N Commons, Lupe Fiasco, ASAP Ferg

Beats: 9

Rhyme: 8.5

Life: 8.5

clipping. - CLPPNG

Sub Pop Record

I had no idea what to expect going into this album, but I’m glad I sat through the entire project and actually rewinded what my ears couldn’t pick up the first time.  clipping. is an experimental rap group from California that specialize in noise-rap.  Basically I thought my speakers had broke till vocalist Daveed Diggs came through with some spitfire lyrics that literally made me pull over to the side of the road and wonder WTF I just listened to.  Go into with a clear mind, come out of it with a new appreciation for hip hop.

Production: clipping.

Guest Features: Pistol Cree, King T, Gangsta Boo, Mariel Jacoda, Guce, Tom Erbe

Beats: (Most of it is just...nvmd just listen) 6

Rhymes: 9

Life: 6

Common - Nobody’s Smiling

Def Jam

I feel like this album was personal for Common.  I feel like he went back to his roots and took heart to what was happening in his city and wanted to speak out about it.  He has stated that this a concept album, but the only concept I see is him addressing the crime and violence in his home city. The album does shed light on some up and coming artists from Chi-town and around the genre.  I feel like he is passing the torch and I think this is the right way to go about it.

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 7.5

D’Angelo - Black Messiah

RCA

This is a breath of fresh air.  A single that was announced and performed at the BET Awards and then an album that came without promotion.  Don’t go into this thinking that it’s going to be Brown Sugar, its more political than that.  Don’t go into this thinking it’s Voodoo, it’s more organic than that.  Black Messiah is a collection of ideologies with like minded peoples through music. Enjoy the journey.

Production: D’Angelo, Questlove

Guest Features: None (some ghostwriting by Q-Tip)

Beats: 9.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

Dilated Peoples - Directors of Photography

Rhymesayers

I have a small love affiar with Evidence’s music, I still bump The Weatherman and was elated when he did an entire EP with samples from the Beatles.  This album hyped me back up to Neighborhood Watch ‘Walk This Way’ levels especially everytime I hear the posse cut ‘Hallelujah’.  Rakaa and Babu keep things cohesive and the squad delivers their first cut since 20/20.

Production: Evidence, DJ Babu, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Twiz the Beat Pro, Jake One, Diamond D, Bravo, 9th Wonder, Oh No,

Guest Features: Vince Staples, Aloe Blacc, Catero, Gangrene, Sick Jacken, Krondon, Fashawn, Rhapsody, Domo Genesis, Vinne Paz, Action Bronson

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 7

Life. 6.5

Flying Lotus - You’re Dead!

Warp

If you’ve never heard of FlyLo you’re in for a treat.  Like all of his albums, the entire LP needs to be listened through at once but that doesn’t mean the album lacks individual tracks.  This is one of his more commercial LP’s, majorly because of his features.  The entire ride is a trip and for a nice mashup [ADULT SWIM] put together, check this out. *WARNING* Viktor Vaughn x Odd Future x FlyLo (As Captian Murphy) https://soundcloud.com/flyinglotus/between-villains

Beats: 10

Rhymes: 7

Life: 8

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib - Pinata

Madlib Invazion

We all know who Madlib is, one on the most influential samplers, and beat makers of our time.  You may not be familiar with Freddie Gibbs, former label mate of Jeezy.  Take this as an invitation to be introduced to the most soulful gangsta rap album of the year.

Production: Madlib

Guest Features: Earl Sweatshirt, Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Danny Brown, Raekwon, Scarface, Polyester the Saint, BJ the Chicago Kid, Domo Genesis, G-Wiz, Casey Veggies, Sulaiman, Meechy Darko, BJ the Chicago Kid)

Beats: 10

Rhymes: 8.5

Life: 9

Isiah Rashad - Civilia Demo

TDE

New Top Dawg signee come through with some refreshing and down to earth lyricism with a dirty south twist.  Now when I say dirty south, I’m talking the state of mind because this is far away from trap music and Lil Jon, this is more jazzy more smooth.  And even though almost every track is produced by someone different than before, the album stays together.  Let Isiah take you on ride in Cilvia.

Production: Ross Vega, Mr. Carmack, Joseph the Stranger, Black Metaphor, The Antydote, Farhot, Sounwave, Chris Calor, D. Sanders, Danny Dee,

Guest Features: SZA, Jean Deaux, Michael Da Vinci, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock

Beats: 7

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7

J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Dr.

Dreamville, Columbia

I hated on this when it first came out because I was so amped up on Cadillactica, so to J. Cole, my bad brother.  Your maturity and promise cannot be contained to one listen.  I still say this has some tracks that sound like other mainstream artists, but the subject matter stays true.  Cole fans rejoice, Young Simba is grown.

Production: Willie B, Vinylz, J. Cole, !llmind, Cardiak, Ron Gilmore, Nick Paradise, Dre Charles, Team Titans, Phonix Beats, Pop Wansel, Jproof, Critacal

Guest Features: none

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 8.5

Life: 8

Logic - Under Pressure

Def Jam

First and only DMV native on the list (Gaithersburg MD). This CD goes, and shouts out to my cousin @therealjstark sorry I didn’t put you on earlier.  This album is really diverse and covers a lot of topics from violence, drug abuse, his newfound fame, and his family troubles. I’ve had the title track ‘Under Pressure’ playing every morning when I work out, his lyrics and experiences are inspirational.

Production: 6ix, Alkebulan, DJ Khalil, Dun Deal, Logic, S1, Tae Beast, Skhye Hutch, DJ Dahi, Rob Knox, M-Phazes

Guest Features: Big Sean, Childish Gambino

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7.5

Mick Jenkins - The Water[s]

CMG

I’ve had this album for the Chi-Town native in the rotation for about a month or so trying to write something simple to describe something so complex. The whole concept of the album is that everything needs water, and he relates the water to every necessity.  Food, music, drugs are all components to life and understanding. I may be wrong but hey thats how the music made me feel.  The production is transcending and ominous and has dark tones, his voice is gives me chills.

Production:Statik Selektah, Kirk Knight, OnGaud, Spacetime, THEMpeople, THC, Dream Koala, DJ Dahi, High Klassfied, Da P, J Money, TJ Osinulu, and Cam for J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.

Guest Features: The Mind, Jean Deaux, Noname Gypsy, Joey Bada$$

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 7.5

Prhyme - Prhyme

Prhyme Records

This is the most hip hop album to be released this year.  I knew as soon as they announced it that it would be a banger and they didn’t disappoint.  Royce’s resurgence into the rap game has given new life to all those who work with him, and he stated he isn’t here to replace guru, but boy does he try his damnedest. The features on this album are fitting as well, you have Slaughterhouse (obviously), and a few surprises. The Adrian Younge assisted To me, to you is the most outstanding track on the album.

Production: DJ Premier

Guest Features: Jay Electronica, Joe Buddens, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, ScHoolboy Q, Killer Mike, Common, Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Dwele

Beats: 9.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 8

Rick Ross - Mastermind

Def Jam/MMG

As long as he is connected with Def Jam, he will continue to use his coke-boy persona to make hits.  He has a particular ear for production and knows how to line up a roster when it comes to making an LP and Mastermind is just as consistent.  WHOO! The guy can’t lose… weight…(double entendres!!)

Production: Bink!, Ben Billions, Boi-1da, Beats, Black Metaphor, D-Rich, J. Manifest, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Timbaland, K.E. on the Track, Major Seven, Mike Dean, Messy, Mike Will Made It, Reefa, Scott Storch, Vinylz, The Weeknd, DJ Mustard, Kanye West

Guest Features: French Montana, Jay-Z, Sizzla, Movado, Jeezy, The Weeknd, Kanye West, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 7.5

Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2

Mass Appeal

2 for 2! I told you guys years ago when Killer Mike made RAP Music that this duo would do big things.  Last year, RTJ gave us an album of the year, they did it again this year as well with brash political commentary and in your face no-nonsense lyrics.  I feel like Jerry the King Lawler is coming to come out eventually because RTJ consistently has no holds barred.

Production: El-P, Little Shalimar, Wider Zoby, Boots

Guest Features: Zach De La Rocha, Boots, Travis Barker, Gangsta Boo, Diane Coffee

Beats: 9.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

ScHoolboy Q - Oxymoron

TDE/Interscope

This joint gets me hyped just talking about it.  I’m a TDE stan and everyone knows it.  But this album didn’t grow on me like Habits and Contradictions.  This album just seems like its a bunch of singles put into an album.  There’s nothing wrong with that approach but I really want to know what he does it for, I want him to open up a little bit and tell us what motivates him and what he’s been through.  Given he has the backing of the rest of TDE, he won’t be put in the Wiz Khalifia box and burn out (haha), but here’s to the growth of the Boy.  Not that there’s anything wrong with PMW though.

Production: Boi-1da, Clams Casino, DJ Dahi, Frank Dukes, LordQuest, The Maven Boys, Mike Will Made It, Marz, Nez & Rio, Pharrell Williams, Rocket, Sounwave, Swiff D, Tae Beast, THC, Tyler, The Creator,The Alchemist, Willie B

Guest Features: Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, BJ the Chicago Kid, Tyler the Creator, Kurupt, Raekwon, ASAP Rocky

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 6

Life: 7.5

Skyzoo and Torae - Barrel Brothers

First Generation Rich

2 of my favorite underground artist come together and spit some retrospective and (to quote Big Pun and Black Thought) super lyrical flows. These two NYC-born rappers have had their fair share of notable features and small time success on compilation albums and mixtapes. With a slew of top notch production, this collaborative record is what New York/East Coast rap needs and I hope you take my recommendation and give it a listen.

Production: DJ Premier, Illmind, Black Milk, AntMan Wonder, The Stuyvesants, Oh No, Apollo Brown, Khrysis, MarcNfinit, Jahlil Beats, Auréli1, Praise, Cyrus Tha Great,

Guest Features: Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Sha Stimuli, Livin Proof, Blu

Beats: 7.5Rhymes: 9Life: 6.5

Vince Staples - Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2 & Hell Can Wait

Blacksmith / Def Jam

This was Vince Staples year, I’ve been a fan since he started riding with Mac Miller and Odd Future but it seems we are seeing a star rise before our eyes.  The brash, scratchy, and unnerving lyrics scathe and leave you wondering what kind of life has this kid had to have recite such things.  Imagery and vividness in his lyrics paint pictures or drive byes, neglect and abuse.  I know it sounds depressing but just think, at least he made it out.

Production: No I.D., Evidence, DJ Babu, Childish Major, Scoop Deville, Hagler, Infamous, Anthony Kilhofer, JGramm Beats

Guest Features: Jhene Aiko, James  Fauntleroy, Teyana Taylor

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 8

Life: 9

YG - My Krazy Life

Def Jam

The west coast is in the right direction with young talent like YG steady at the helm. His debut album is heavy in both big name features and is produced entirely by DJ Mustard.  Its a concept album as well so think Good Kid Maad City if Kendrick was grown up and ‘doin hood rat things with is friends.’

Production: DJ Mustard, Terrence Martin, Ty$, Metro Boomin

Guest Features: ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, DJ Mustard, Tee Cee, Jeezy, Rich Homie Quan, TeeFLii, Tory Lanez, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Big TC, RJ, Ty$

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 7

Life: 7.5