5 Great Rap Albums You May Have Missed This Year

We’re nearing the end of 2015, and you know what that means — everyone and their grandma will be publishing Best Albums of the Year List.

Here’s the good news — if you’re reading this post, at least you know where to find the DEFINITIVE Best Albums list. Your big homie never steers you wrong.

Although I’ve spent the past 11 months breaking down the best and worst in music, there are a few albums that flew under my radar, or that I just didn’t a chance to review. Y’all don’t pay me enough to review everything that drops, you know. Let’s take a look at five released that I didn’t have a chance to discuss at length this year but definitely deserve a spot in your collection.

Scarface, Deeply Rooted

Every time Scarface delivers an album, success is certain. His 12th album is no exception. It’s a surprising mix of styles that drifts from classic hip-hop to the fringes of pop, but Face’s iconic delivery remains intact, no matter which canvas he’s using. It’s easily among the top five rap releases of the year.

Vince Staples, Summertime ’06

Of all the artists XXL magazine’s annual Freshman 15 list, Vince Staples has the most potential to be a huge star. His debut album surpassed my expectations, blending poignant lyricsm and engrossing production. And even though Summertime ’06 is a two-disc set, the content remains tight and focused — it doesn’t become the overblown mess that characterizes most double-disc albums.

Big Boi and Phantogram, Big Grams

Big Boi and electronic rock duo Phantogram are no strangers to each other — they’ve had some very strong collaborations in the past. That’s why I was extremely excited for their seven-song EP Big Grams. The set starts out slow, but once you hit track 3, they REALLY find their groove. It’s a brief but fun ride.

Statik Selektah, Lucky 7

Remember those old DJ Clue albums from the late 90s/early 00s that just featured random rappers spitting bars without inhibition? That’s the spirit of super producer Statik Selektah’s latest offering, a showcase of veteran artists and hot up-and-comers going nuts over his expert production. Fans of 90s rap will love this one.

Big KRIT, It’s Better This Way

Yeah I know, this is a mixtape, not an album. But it’s Big KRIT, and I’m gonna talk about the playa any chance I get. While most of his major label released have been (unfairly) met with shrugged shoulders, KRIT’s mixtapes always are revered, and his latest is no different. KRIT continues to capture the true essence of Southern life, balancing spirituality, relationships and the pursuit of happiness on 24-inch rims.

What are some of your favorite hip-hop albums of the year? Share ’em below.