Ok my top 7 of the year in the hip hop category would be
1. Kendrick Lamar- Section 80
This album really blew me away. I had not heard about him till maybe three weeks ago, but everything about this album just meshes with me. From the beats to Kendrick's lyrical style.
2. The Roots- Undun
I had not really delved deep into The Roots prior releases but the hype form Gaf-Hop got me excited for this album. I bought it and ever since it has been on spin. Love the concept of the album and really like the whole live band beats.
3. Grives-Together/Apart
Never had heard of Grieves before, but somebody posted his album in the other thread and I decided to give it a chance and man did I really enjoy this album. It is personal and a great introspective look at things that are screwed up about relationships and the world in general.
4. Drake-Take Care
Yeah thats right I have a mainstream album on this list. I love Take Care it feels a lot more cohesive then Thank Me Later, and the beats are great. Sure Drake can be corny sometimes, but I dont give a what this album is great.
5. Common- The Dreamer/The Believer
Yeah it just came out, but I am really feeling the album and love the beats. Sure it isn't the deepest album ever, but its not to flashy either which makes it perfect balance to me.
6. Big Krit- Return Of 4Eva
This guy right here. Bringing the south back. Love the beats, LOVE THEM and his flow is the best I have heard come from the south in a long time. So gotta give him props for doing his thing.
7. Kanye and Jay-Z- WTT
Now I know this album is deeply contested to be either the worst or best thing ever, but I enjoy the fun this album brings. It isn't a serious record, and I dont diss it for not being that either. I am a Kanye Stan and love me some HOVA so of course it would be on this list.
Ok so I only had a top 7 not 10 since well the rest of my music collection is older hip hop or Rock. I have some albums I need to listen to like Doomtree, but for now that is my list.
Artist I really want to see get better
Tyler the Creator- I listened to Goblin and couldn't even get through the whole thing, its way to angry and just naive at times.
Wale- I like ambition but this is not the same tier as Attention Deficit was for me. Wale really needs to find what he wants and then delve deep into it.
J.Cole- His debut album wasn't anything special for me. I listened to it once and havent touched it since. It was average. I will give it another listen in the coming days an maybe it will click, we will see.
May add 8-10 later will post a new post for 8-10 if I listen to some albums these next couple of days. Need to revisit Hell The Sequel and some others.