10. 2 Chainz - B.O.A.T.S 2 #MeTime
The Atlanta native was up to his usual work rate of features with appearances here there and everywhere. So we are lucky he found time to make an album really, I think that's why we had some dud songs on the album. But where it was weak, it made up for it with good music (no pun, ha!) Some good features and standard verses from Epps, makes for a good listen.
9. French Montana - Excuse My French
I've usually been quite critical of French, to the point I didn't take this album seriously and didn't listen for a few months. With the shocking 'Pop That' and equally bad 'Freaks' as singles from the albums, why would I? But then the music spoke for itself to the point where those songs made sense where they were in the album. Right from the intro with a phone call from incarcerated rap partner Max B the project grows from strength to strength. It's a shame that the epic track 'Hey My Guy' didn't make the end product and was only a Best Buy Bonus as this would have been a perfect close to the album with Mac & Cheese sitting on one last track together.
8. Wiley - The Ascent
Coming out at the top of the year in Jan, the godfather of grime put out a great album with the previous summer smash 'Heatwave' and this coined endless anthems, with some fantastic features from the world of grime and from further afield. I imagine all us grime fans were happy to see 'Skill Zone' appear on the album for arguably grimes finest to have a showcase of their abilities. Having only 1 studio album left according to the man himself can this album be topped?
7. Joe Budden - No Love Lost
Believe it or not, this is only Budden's second studio album. He's had a long turbulent career but with this album it shows he is getting back to the top of his game. Along with this and LHHNY Budden had quite a good 2013. Released on the back of Super Bowl weekend Joe and his team went on the promo trail. With an epic single of 'She Don't Put It Down' tearing up airwaves for 3 months the album had a lot to live up to and releasing the remix and video days before the album released was perfect. Budden is one of the few artists I feel that puts their heart and emotions to use in the studio. This came to light on this album, with basics been covered in the club smash 'NBA' featuring French Montana & Wiz Khalifa to the emotional 'Tell Him Something' which features frequent collaborator Emanny where the pair go bcd and forth telling of their women problems as they do so well when part of SLV. As a die hard Budden fan it was strange hearing upbeat and lifting music, I expect in the follow up 'All Love Lost' that we will get a a Mood-Muzik-Esq Budden back, OLS4 on the track list?
Believe it or not, this is only Budden's second studio album. He's had a long turbulent career but with this album it shows he is getting back to the top of his game. Along with this and LHHNY Budden had quite a good 2013. Released on the back of Super Bowl weekend Joe and his team went on the promo trail. With an epic single of 'She Don't Put It Down' tearing up airwaves for 3 months the album had a lot to live up to and releasing the remix and video days before the album released was perfect. Budden is one of the few artists I feel that puts their heart and emotions to use in the studio. This came to light on this album, with basics been covered in the club smash 'NBA' featuring French Montana & Wiz Khalifa to the emotional 'Tell Him Something' which features frequent collaborator Emanny where the pair go bcd and forth telling of their women problems as they do so well when part of SLV. As a die hard Budden fan it was strange hearing upbeat and lifting music, I expect in the follow up 'All Love Lost' that we will get a a Mood-Muzik-Esq Budden back, OLS4 on the track list?
6. Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
#NewRules were in play. Regardless of this album, Hov had a good, no a great year. This was the icing on the cake. The Samsung deal had the world talking and billboard scratching their heads, come July 4th the questions were answered. A few videos of Jay and the super producers; Pharell, Timbaland & Swizz Beatz were put on L+T to wet our appetites to showcase them doing what they do best. As soon as the album begins we are treat to some now legendary vocals from Justin Timberlake over a Timbaland melodic then Mr Carter enters and turns the track on its head with the type of lyrics we know and love him for. Just when we listen to that we are hit with 'Picasso Baby' the ever present Hov, uses word play to showcase his current status but show he isn't stopping. 'Tom Ford' is the next track and we all took notice of who Tom Ford was, and that Hov pretty much killed off the Molly fascination that was taking the world, someone needed to. This Trap Music like song is what people have remembered from the album as anything that was hot in society Hov dismissed it. #NewRules. Personally track 4 was standing out for me immediately due to the monologue from the late Chad 'Pimp C' Butler over the start of the now iconic beat before the immortal words of 'FuckWitMeYouKnowIGotIt' is uttered from Rick Ross' mouth. This track was essential to show that the big money talk rap can be done and done well without brand name shouting.
I could go on reviewing every song on the album as it doesn't falter at all, in summary this album shows that Jay-Z is at the top of the game as well as his own, despite his business work and management he has still shown that he can make music, not just good music but great music at that.
P.S. I've got a great idea for a video for 'Versus' so if you want to make visuals, let me know Hov, ha!
#NewRules were in play. Regardless of this album, Hov had a good, no a great year. This was the icing on the cake. The Samsung deal had the world talking and billboard scratching their heads, come July 4th the questions were answered. A few videos of Jay and the super producers; Pharell, Timbaland & Swizz Beatz were put on L+T to wet our appetites to showcase them doing what they do best. As soon as the album begins we are treat to some now legendary vocals from Justin Timberlake over a Timbaland melodic then Mr Carter enters and turns the track on its head with the type of lyrics we know and love him for. Just when we listen to that we are hit with 'Picasso Baby' the ever present Hov, uses word play to showcase his current status but show he isn't stopping. 'Tom Ford' is the next track and we all took notice of who Tom Ford was, and that Hov pretty much killed off the Molly fascination that was taking the world, someone needed to. This Trap Music like song is what people have remembered from the album as anything that was hot in society Hov dismissed it. #NewRules. Personally track 4 was standing out for me immediately due to the monologue from the late Chad 'Pimp C' Butler over the start of the now iconic beat before the immortal words of 'FuckWitMeYouKnowIGotIt' is uttered from Rick Ross' mouth. This track was essential to show that the big money talk rap can be done and done well without brand name shouting.
I could go on reviewing every song on the album as it doesn't falter at all, in summary this album shows that Jay-Z is at the top of the game as well as his own, despite his business work and management he has still shown that he can make music, not just good music but great music at that.
P.S. I've got a great idea for a video for 'Versus' so if you want to make visuals, let me know Hov, ha!
5. The-Dream - IV Play
The hit machine that is Terius Nash is yet to make a bad album really, despite him saying that in his recent break away from Def Jam. This album was more than was expected, Nash pulled out all the stops and called a few friends. Got Jay-Z on the 'High Art' introduction Kelly Rowland, Big Sean & Pusha T featured and expressed themselves perfectly on their features he also managed to recruit soul legend Gary Clark Jr. to croon over a soulful production by Nash himself. Fabolous found himself with Nash on the first single 'Slow It Down' where both addressed that they weren't going to make "a mother fucking dance song" and stick to making the music that we know and love these artists for. This album also introduced us to a more grown up Beyonce with her appearance on 'Turnt' along with 2 Chainz, a very unlikely collaboration but if anyone was to make it work, it was The-Dream and he did. Each song fit perfectly into this album. The highest placed R&B album on this list, and quiet easily the best R&B album of the year. Would be nice to have another project from the Radio-Killa camp in 2014.
The hit machine that is Terius Nash is yet to make a bad album really, despite him saying that in his recent break away from Def Jam. This album was more than was expected, Nash pulled out all the stops and called a few friends. Got Jay-Z on the 'High Art' introduction Kelly Rowland, Big Sean & Pusha T featured and expressed themselves perfectly on their features he also managed to recruit soul legend Gary Clark Jr. to croon over a soulful production by Nash himself. Fabolous found himself with Nash on the first single 'Slow It Down' where both addressed that they weren't going to make "a mother fucking dance song" and stick to making the music that we know and love these artists for. This album also introduced us to a more grown up Beyonce with her appearance on 'Turnt' along with 2 Chainz, a very unlikely collaboration but if anyone was to make it work, it was The-Dream and he did. Each song fit perfectly into this album. The highest placed R&B album on this list, and quiet easily the best R&B album of the year. Would be nice to have another project from the Radio-Killa camp in 2014.
4. Drake - Nothing Was The Same
I don't think I'd be going too far if I was to say Drake may be the biggest musical star on the planet right now and he has done it without the conformity of what people have expected him to do with his music. The release of SFTB at the top of the year and then the follow up single some months later with 'Hold On, We're Going Home' couldn't have been more different, with the latter going on to be the biggest selling single of Drakes career so far. With these 2 songs and the unexpected release of 'All Me' with 2 Chainz & Big Sean, Aubrey was set up for greatness from this album. Each song was its own work of art and most could and probably will be singles, personally 'Worst Behaviour' and 'The Language' stand out on this album apart from the obvious. The obvious being the 7 minute work of art that gels the Jay-Z assisted 'Pound Cake' and the honest 'Paris Morton Music part 2' where Graham and Carter both reflect on where they are in life and what they've been through whilst over a haunting beat with Ellie Goulding vocals mixed perfectly with the Wu-Tang Classic 'C.R.E.A.M' in 'Pound Cake'. We are then launched into a very clever drum pattern for Drake to give us the next part of 'Paris Morton Music' where Drake lets his emotions run free about missed opportunities. A very honest close to the album.
I don't think I'd be going too far if I was to say Drake may be the biggest musical star on the planet right now and he has done it without the conformity of what people have expected him to do with his music. The release of SFTB at the top of the year and then the follow up single some months later with 'Hold On, We're Going Home' couldn't have been more different, with the latter going on to be the biggest selling single of Drakes career so far. With these 2 songs and the unexpected release of 'All Me' with 2 Chainz & Big Sean, Aubrey was set up for greatness from this album. Each song was its own work of art and most could and probably will be singles, personally 'Worst Behaviour' and 'The Language' stand out on this album apart from the obvious. The obvious being the 7 minute work of art that gels the Jay-Z assisted 'Pound Cake' and the honest 'Paris Morton Music part 2' where Graham and Carter both reflect on where they are in life and what they've been through whilst over a haunting beat with Ellie Goulding vocals mixed perfectly with the Wu-Tang Classic 'C.R.E.A.M' in 'Pound Cake'. We are then launched into a very clever drum pattern for Drake to give us the next part of 'Paris Morton Music' where Drake lets his emotions run free about missed opportunities. A very honest close to the album.
3. Yo Gotti - I Am
A choice that I bet no one expected. The current king of Memphis, Yo Gotti delivered a very solid album. He's established himself over the years and has one of the most recognisable voices in rap due to his raspy tone and blunt lyrics. From the offset Gotti sets to what he does best and giving the gritty lyricism thats expected from him in the first 2 tracks before we are treat to arguably the best song on the album with the melodic 'I Know' featuring Rich Homie Quan. Even after this Gotti doesn't ease up the fast paced and brutal 'Sorry' and 'F-U' follow, the latter featuring Meek Mill so you can imagine that the intensity in the album is at a high. The album then takes quite a somber yet honest turn as Gotti opens up on 'Pride To The Side' before him and J. Cole unite for the ahthemic 'Cold Blood' where they take turns in telling stories with the eloquent delivery. Just as the album appears to be calm Gotti delivers the street anthem 'LeBron James' in all honesty if this song doesn't motivate you, nothing will. The intensity never drops on the album from this point having the 2 singles released from the album; 'King Shit' feat. T.I. (which was a show of solidarity after the none signing debacle of the summer) and the Trap anthem 'Act Right' featuring regular collaborators Jeezy & YG. The album stands 13 tracks long and just under 50 minutes long but at no point is there a low point, a very good project. Long live the king.
A choice that I bet no one expected. The current king of Memphis, Yo Gotti delivered a very solid album. He's established himself over the years and has one of the most recognisable voices in rap due to his raspy tone and blunt lyrics. From the offset Gotti sets to what he does best and giving the gritty lyricism thats expected from him in the first 2 tracks before we are treat to arguably the best song on the album with the melodic 'I Know' featuring Rich Homie Quan. Even after this Gotti doesn't ease up the fast paced and brutal 'Sorry' and 'F-U' follow, the latter featuring Meek Mill so you can imagine that the intensity in the album is at a high. The album then takes quite a somber yet honest turn as Gotti opens up on 'Pride To The Side' before him and J. Cole unite for the ahthemic 'Cold Blood' where they take turns in telling stories with the eloquent delivery. Just as the album appears to be calm Gotti delivers the street anthem 'LeBron James' in all honesty if this song doesn't motivate you, nothing will. The intensity never drops on the album from this point having the 2 singles released from the album; 'King Shit' feat. T.I. (which was a show of solidarity after the none signing debacle of the summer) and the Trap anthem 'Act Right' featuring regular collaborators Jeezy & YG. The album stands 13 tracks long and just under 50 minutes long but at no point is there a low point, a very good project. Long live the king.
2. Pusha T - My Name Is My Name
Quite plain and simply, this album changed my life. It may sound a cliche but the level of powerful music on this album and honest lyrics held so much clarity int he word play it was hard not to be inspired. From the out set of 'King Push' Pusha sets out what the album means to him,
"This is my time, this is my hour, this is my pain, this is my name, this is my power. If it's my reign, then it's my shower"
When Pusha released the track list for this album, he was lambasted by the internet for the volume of features that he had on the album. Every song barring the first 2, the second being the single 'Numbers On The Boards' were the only song with just Pusha on. However, with a project as strong as this and the features used so well, why would anyone complain?
Each aspect of this album is fantastic, whether its the motivation of 'Hold On' or 'No Regrets', the certain grammy winner '40 Acres' or maybe the soulful warnings delivered in 'S.N.I.T.C.H' no part of this project feels weak or wasted. Each song as strong as the other. Pusha carries this project with what we know him for, keen lyricism and dual meaning lines entwined with perfect beat selections. The wait was more than worth it with this album, its a matter of who will this be followed? Talk of a Clipse reunion would be a start...
Quite plain and simply, this album changed my life. It may sound a cliche but the level of powerful music on this album and honest lyrics held so much clarity int he word play it was hard not to be inspired. From the out set of 'King Push' Pusha sets out what the album means to him,
"This is my time, this is my hour, this is my pain, this is my name, this is my power. If it's my reign, then it's my shower"
When Pusha released the track list for this album, he was lambasted by the internet for the volume of features that he had on the album. Every song barring the first 2, the second being the single 'Numbers On The Boards' were the only song with just Pusha on. However, with a project as strong as this and the features used so well, why would anyone complain?
Each aspect of this album is fantastic, whether its the motivation of 'Hold On' or 'No Regrets', the certain grammy winner '40 Acres' or maybe the soulful warnings delivered in 'S.N.I.T.C.H' no part of this project feels weak or wasted. Each song as strong as the other. Pusha carries this project with what we know him for, keen lyricism and dual meaning lines entwined with perfect beat selections. The wait was more than worth it with this album, its a matter of who will this be followed? Talk of a Clipse reunion would be a start...
1. J. Cole - Born Sinner
Desperate to avoid the curse of the sophomore album jinx, Cole had big shoes to fill. Having kept our appetites wet with the 'Truly Yours' series and then releasing the single of the year with 'Power Trip' there was only a higher height to fall from. However, Cole was not going to fall. What in fact happened was Cole delivered an album that cements him among raps elites.
When Cole said in an interview there would be no rap features on 'Born Sinner' a few eyebrows were raised but in true Cole fashion, an album produced by himself and done to his own ideas has not disappointed fans old and new. Cole's best part as an artist is his ability to tell stories, and get you visualising. This happens from beginning to end, whether its conversations with Beyonce or MLK growing up the lyricism to convey such apt points is pretty much perfect. Having single of the year, it would be expected that would be the best song on the album, this is far from the case 'Trouble', 'She Knows' or 'Let Nas Down' all stand out and thats not discounting the second single, the uplifting 'Crooked Smile' which featured TLC one of only 3 features on the album, Let's not forget Jermaine can sing and rap, ha! Don't be deceived though, its impossible to point the finger at one song to call it the worst as it does not exist on this album. A pretty much flawless album. The down point is; how will Cole and the Dreamville camp follow this up?
Honourable Mentions.
The Gifted - Wale, MMLP2 - Eminem, New York City (A Love Story) - Mack Wilds,Yeezus - Kanye West, IANAHB2 - Lil' Wayne, Trill.O.G. (The EPilogue) - Bun B, Beyonce - Beyonce, The 20/20 Experience - Justin Timberlake, Trap Lord - A$AP Ferg
Desperate to avoid the curse of the sophomore album jinx, Cole had big shoes to fill. Having kept our appetites wet with the 'Truly Yours' series and then releasing the single of the year with 'Power Trip' there was only a higher height to fall from. However, Cole was not going to fall. What in fact happened was Cole delivered an album that cements him among raps elites.
When Cole said in an interview there would be no rap features on 'Born Sinner' a few eyebrows were raised but in true Cole fashion, an album produced by himself and done to his own ideas has not disappointed fans old and new. Cole's best part as an artist is his ability to tell stories, and get you visualising. This happens from beginning to end, whether its conversations with Beyonce or MLK growing up the lyricism to convey such apt points is pretty much perfect. Having single of the year, it would be expected that would be the best song on the album, this is far from the case 'Trouble', 'She Knows' or 'Let Nas Down' all stand out and thats not discounting the second single, the uplifting 'Crooked Smile' which featured TLC one of only 3 features on the album, Let's not forget Jermaine can sing and rap, ha! Don't be deceived though, its impossible to point the finger at one song to call it the worst as it does not exist on this album. A pretty much flawless album. The down point is; how will Cole and the Dreamville camp follow this up?
Honourable Mentions.
The Gifted - Wale, MMLP2 - Eminem, New York City (A Love Story) - Mack Wilds,
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