Christmas may be over, but Santa has one more gift for all of you fine curious folks out there.
Below are my top 10 hip hop albums of the year, a couple honorable mentions and three mixtapes that came out through the year that I think are also worth a listen.
ALBUMS
1. Oxymoron by Schoolboy Q ( Spotify link )
Enough variety between West Coast beats had me playing this album regularly since it came out in February.
2. Pinata by Freddie Gibbs & Mablib ( Spotify link )
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, one of the most slept on MC's in the last four years meets one of the most eccentric producers of the last thirty years. Listen to it now.
3. Cadilactica by Big K.R.I.T ( Spotify link )
Young Krizzle gives us that soulful sound with some country bump and a bit of spacey oddness to keep things fresh in 2014.
4. Directors of Photography by Dilated Peoples ( Spotify link )
Back from the dead in 2014, they've managed capture a lot of the energy and positivity they had back in the early 2000's with the help of some all star producers like DJ Premier, DJ Babu, Oh No, and The Alchemist.
5. PRhyme by PRhyme ( Spotify link )
Mix the passion of Detroit MC Royce Da 5'9" with the beat selection of the legendary DJ Premier and you get an album that does not disappoint.
6. Under Pressure by Logic ( Spotify link )
Last year I recommend his mixtape, this year on his debut commercial album you'll be amazed by how much this young MC has improved his craft in just a year.
7. Dark Comedy by Open Mike Eagle ( Spotify link )
This album isn't for everyone, it's filled with dry, nerdy, painfully self-conscious humor and I love it.
8. PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by Pharohe Monch ( Spotify link )
A thoughtful sequel to Monch's 2011 LP, this album parallel's PTSD and the aftermath of the MC's fight with music industry to become a legitimate independent artist. Twenty plus years in the game and Pharohe still has it.
9. If There's a Hell Below by Black Milk ( Spotify link )
The Detroit producer/MC continues to bring it. Put this album on random play and if you aren't bobbing your head to the beat within three tracks you're listening to hip hop wrong.
10. Cilvia Demo by Isaiah Rashad ( Spotify link )
If you were looking for a chill, jazzy album that tells a smart story, this is your pick.
Honorable Mentions
What Goes Around by Statik Selectah ( Spotify link )
Lord Steppington by Step Brothers ( Spotify link )
MIXTAPES
1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels ( Spotify link )
2. Ivry by 100s ( Datpiff link )
3. Shyne Coldchain Vol 2 by Vince Staples ( Datpiff link )
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