The 10 Best Rap Albums of 2014
As of early November, I seriously considered not counting down the year’s best rap albums — because there was barely anything worth mentioning. We were just one month away from ending the year and there were probably only three or four albums worth shouting out. Pitiful.
But then, in late November, the floodgates opened and hip-hop fans were FINALLY treated to quality content.
It was a Christmas miracle.
Let’s look back at the 10 best albums to be released in the past calendar year. Oh, and for those of you reading this post in the far future, with your flying cars and hoverboards, this list was crafted prior to the release of Fabolous’ Roc Nation debut album. Nor does it include Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint, but, I mean, if you thought THAT was being included, you have bigger issues to worry about.
Honorable mention: 50 Cent, Animal Ambition
10. Skyzoo & Torae, Barrel Brothers
Sometimes, you just get tired of constant rap gimmicks. The awkward features, the overly shiny production, the oversung hooks — it’s just too much. When times get tough, turn to the Barrel Brothers. Sky and Torae are wordsmiths at heart, simply laying down tough lyrics over even tougher tracks. Sometimes, that’s all you really need.
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9. Ab-Soul, These Days…
While TDE cohort ScHoolboy Q got the bulk of mainstream attention this year, it’s Soulo who released the superior product. Ab-Soul has always positioned himself as one of hip-hop’s enlightened artists, and he freely spreads his gospel here. Ab-Soul’s never afraid to pull back the curtain and bring truths to light — it’s one of the reasons why he’s remained so engaging.
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8. Joell Ortiz, House Slippers
Joell claims he named this album House Slippers because he’s never felt more comfortable in his career. You can tell he’s at ease on this one, effortlessly spitting gut-rattling punchlines and gripping concepts. He’s more than just a cog in the Slaughterhouse machine, he’s a potent solo artist too.
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7. Big K.R.I.T., Cadillactica
We know KRIT has a classic album in him. It’s inevitable. Cadillatica doesn’t quite reach the heights of hip-hop’s greatest tomes, but it’s a fine concept piece. KRIT looks to the stars for inspiration while breaking down life’s struggles. As always, his rhymes are razor-sharp and his production is soul-soothing.
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6. J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
There are two sides of J. Cole: the mainstream artist who delivers solid material, and the mixtape artist who crafts masterpieces. This album finally brings Mixtape Cole to the main stage. This Cole is more soulful and introspective, making his content that much more meaningful. Cole stans were quick to christen this album “their Illmatic” — chill, playa. I wouldn’t go that far but it’s arguably Cole’s best LP to date.
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5. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Pinata
This album dropped last spring and spent the next eight months as one of the few highlights of a dismal year. It was finally surpassed late in the year, but that shouldn’t discredit its greatness. Gangsta Gibbs is a throwback to the rugged, authentic sounds of the 90s, and Madlib’s production is the perfect backdrop for his street tales.
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4. Wu-Tang Clan, A Better Tomorrow
Admit it, you were expecting this album to be a total disaster. I know I was. But how dare we doubt the mighty Wu? The Clan’s problems have been well-publicized, but on this album, the beef is squashed for the greater good — dope lyricism and creative concepts. It’s certainly no 36 Chambers, but it’s not meant to be — these aren’t d-boys on the block, they’re grown men looking at the world through wiser eyes. The growth is appreciated.
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3. Ghostface Killah, 36 Seasons
The concept so nice that Ghost had to do it twice. GFK’s last concept album, Twelve Reasons to Die, was a conceptual smash, playing out like a gory B-movie. 36 Seasons serves up more of the same, with Ghost returning from a bid and trying to reclaim his neighborhood from disloyal former friends. Each track seamlessly flows into the next — it’s like binge watching your favorite Netflix show.
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2. Royce da 5’9 & DJ Premier, PRhyme
I’ll admit to being late to the party on this one, but better late than never. The concept here is simple — team arguably the best producer of all time with one of the game’s best lyricists. The results is a no-frills ode to boom-bap that served as an early Christmas present to lyrical junkies.
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1. Killer Mike & El-P, Run the Jewels 2
I’ll be honest with y’all, I thought Killer Mike & El-P’s original Run the Jewels record was slightly overrated. It wasn’t bad at all, mind you, it just didn’t stick with me on repeat listens. That all changed with this sequel. More gripping — and angry — than it’s predecessor, rap’s new Dynamic Duo run roughshod over 11 tracks with reckless abandon. It’s funny, it’s thought-provoking, it’s emotionally stirring — it’s easily the album of the year.
What’s on your top 10 list this year? Share ’em in the comments below. And while you’re at it, check out the 10 best R&B albums of 2014.
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