2015 was definitely one of the most exciting years in hip-hop. Drake vs. Meek, Future's 4peat culminating with DS2, solidifying himself as ATL legend, Tyga and his Ls, DJ Khaled's 🔑s to success, Young Thug showing us what rap, as a form, can do with Barter 6, plus a shitload of other releases, from high profile and underground rappers alike. We may have never gotten SWISH, but we did get a shitload of great music. Here's to 2016 being just as good, with its music and its fuckery.
And now my personal picks for 2015:
Artist/Group of the Year - Future
Producer of the Year - Metro Boomin
Rookie of the Year - Jazz Cartier
Feature Killer of the Year - Future
L of the Year - Meek Mill
Biggest Disappointment - Jay Rocks album and the buildup to its release
Intro of the Year - Thought It Was a Drought
SONGS OF THE YEAR
1. Future - March Madness ; 4 points
2. Dalek - Masked Laughter (Nothings Left) ; 3 points
3. Kendrick Lamar - How Much A Dollar Cost ; 3 points
4. Young Thug - Halftime ; 2 points
5. Death Grips - On GP ; 2 points
6. Jamie xx - I Know Theres Gonna Be (Good Times) ft. Young Thug, Popcaan ; 2 points
7. Earl Sweatshirt - Grief ; 1 point
8. Vince Staples - Norf Norf ; 1 point
9. Action Bronson - Actin Crazy ; 1 point
10. Freddie Gibbs - Fuckin Up the Count ; 1 point
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
1. Future - Dirty Sprite 2 ; 4 points
I never imagined that 2015 would be Futures year. After the lukewarm Honest, I expected him to stagnate with sappy, syrupy ballads. Monster releasing late last year corrected that assumption, and started his hot streak of albums thatd continue on to this year. On DS2 Future brings together his elite team of producers, which contributed to his recent output, and make one of the most memorable trap releases thus far. Southside, Metro and Zaytovens beats set a dark, sinister tone that permeates throughout the album. This is coupled with Futures typical nihilism and bravado, dialed all the way up to eleven, as if hes been possessed by lean after his breakup with Ciara and does not regret it one bit: Bitch, Ima choose the dirty over you/ You know I ain't scared to lose you. Its an album of Future overindulging in all his pleasures, whether when hes fucking his groupies, blowing a bag a day, or fucking his cash up on a new toy. DS2 may seem like an endorsement of Future's lifestyle, but theres also an undercurrent of depression and pain in its lyricism that does not paint a pretty picture. Its a gut-wrenching, potent album and the perfect way to end his run this year.
2. Death Grips - The Powers That B ; 3 points
Death Grips once again pushing rap to its limits, with a fantastic combination of glitchy, industrial production and MC Rides aggressively relentless roars.
3. Billy Woods - Today, I Wrote Nothing ; 3 points
Billy Woods continues to improve in Today, I Wrote Nothing, where his vivid, thought provoking lyricism continues to shine via his off-kilter delivery and bitesized track lengths, both ostensibly inspired by MF Doom.
4. Young Thug - Barter 6 ; 2 points
Thuggas most consistent project yet; a subdued canvas in which he flexes his technical aptitude and eccentricity, while also making some of the catchiest songs of the year. s/o to Slime Season 1 and 2, which are just as good.
5. Earl Sweatshirt - I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside ; 2 points
Earl continues to mature as an artist with IDLS, IDGO, ditching the monotony of Doris and providing darker soundscapes, solely produced by him, along with denser, harder hitting nihilist raps.
6. Denzel Curry - 32 Zel / Planet Shrooms ; 2 points
Psychedelic rap done right. Take notes ASAP Rocky.
7. Dr. Yen Lo - Days With Dr. Yen Lo ; 1 point
Ka builds on his signature style, with a more nuanced and complex album than Nights Gambit. Preservation's eerie production is intentionally understated, in order to highlight Kas incredible rapping.
8. Freddie Gibbs - Shadow of a Doubt ; 1 point
Exactly what I wanted from Gibbs after Piñata. He goes back to his melodic trap sound, as he flows seamlessly on a variety of beats. Its as catchy as BFK with none of the weed carriers that held back ESGN.
9. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly ; 1 point
This has grown on me throughout the year. Although I was initially apathetic towards the jazzy production and Kendricks surreal delivery, I ultimately couldnt resist this album's warmth.
10. Milo - So the Flies Don't Come ; 1 point
Atmospheric but not boring like Toothpaste Suburb. In fact, Milo improves his rapping and the album remains engaging yet easy going during its 32 mins.