2015 top ten (hip hop)
Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly
Rarely does an album reach so far and accomplish nearly everything it attempts. An all star cast of jazz musicians provide an impressive canvas on which Kendrick lays his soul bear. All the contradictions, anger, depression, and triumph results in a truly epic work.
Dr. Yen Lo - Days With Yen Lo
The best lyricist in rap returns. Preservation's dark production fits Ka's delivery perfectly.
Earl Sweatshirt - I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside
Earl turns inward, and the brutal honesty of his lyrics and moody production results in his most complete and impressive project yet.
Vince Staples - Summertime 06
Staples strips west coast gangsta rap of its "super nicca" nature while exploring black masculinity. Torn between the streets, his conscious, and the lore handed down from his gangsta family members, Staples weaves in and out just trying to survive another day. No I.D. deserves a lot of fucking credit for helping Vince evolve as an artist.
Slum Village - Yes!
Hard drums, booming bass. Detroit hip hop. If you had told me this was an unreleased 90s Slum album that was recently discovered I'd believe you. Rap groups rarely drop a great album so far from their debut but Slum Village pulled it off effortlessly.
Billy Woods - Today I Wrote Nothing
I still don't know how to describe Billy Woods but he did it again. Abstract vignette that touch nearly every emotion you can imagine. If you wanted a DOOM album in 2015 maybe this will interest you.
Freddie Gibbs - Shadow Of A Doubt
Gibbs has it all. Dope flow, melody, and a great ear for beats. That downtempo trap shit is perfect for him.
Alchemist - Israeli Salad
Real talk: I don't remember the last year Alchemist didn't release something awesome. It's not Russian Roulette but it's still a very dope project.
Oddisee - The Good Fight
Too preachy in hindsight but you can't deny the dope production and solid rhymes.
Knxledge - Hud Dreems
I can't think of another beat producer who gets possessed by the ghost of Dilla more than Knxledge. I've probably listened to Aintitovr on loop more than any song in years.
