The 30 Best Albums of 2017
2017 was the best of times and the worst of times.
And I’m not just talking politics. I’m talking music too.
From Dec. 24, 2016 to Dec. 15, 2017, I listened to 138 albums. And over the course of those 12 months, I endured rappers attempting to sing, singers attempting to rap, bloody shoes, drugs the same color as T-shirts and albums so long that it made those Lord of the Rings movies feel like six-second Vines.
Yo, seriously ENOUGH with the gargantuan album releases. Lord.
But for every disappointing comeback (sorry, Lupe and TLC) or sad attempt at mainstream relevance (poor Tank never learns), there were powerful statements on social justice, womanhood, faith, love and life.
Don’t believe the naysayers – good music never left the building.
I’ve scaled those 138 albums down to the 30 best that rap and R&B had to offer in 2017. You’ve read those other “best of 2017” lists. Here’s one you can trust.
The best of the rest – 10 noteworthy honorable mentions
N.E.R.D., No_One Ever Really Dies
Niia, I
Freddie Gibbs, You Only Live 2wice
Roc Marciano, Rosebudd’s Revenge
Mary J Blige, Strength of a Woman (read our review here)
Daley, The Spectrum
Vivian Green, VGVI
Vince Staples, Big Fish Theory
Leelah James, Did It For Love
Run The Jewels, Run The Jewels 3
30. GoldLink, At What Cost
GoldLink has been a fixture on the mixtape scene for the last couple of years, helping to keep the DMV in hip-hop’s spotlight. His first official album, At What Cost, may feel like a slight departure from those earlier mixtapes but never fear – GoldLink doesn’t lose himself by widening his appeal. Producers like KAYTRANADA and Teddy Walton give GoldLink a fresh, mainstream sound but the man of the hour continues to lace those beats with his trademark intriguing concepts. It’s catchy but full of substance – it was the perfect combo for our summertime playlists.
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29. dvsn, Morning After
Mood music has been at the forefront of R&B for a few years now – often to the detriment of the genre. Singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, collectively known as dvsn, ride that wave of murky production and heartbroken lyrics too. But it’s the duo’s palatable chemistry that makes their sophomore album a success. Daley vocals come into their own here, along with Nineteen85’s blend of hip-hop and soul production. In a genre saturated with vibey projects, Morning After shines.
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28. DJ Jazzy Jeff’s The PLAYlist and Glenn Lewis, Chasing Goosebumps
Chasing Goosebumps is the result of a simple but incredible concept: the legendary Jazzy Jeff gathered some of the greatest songwriters, singers and musicians with one goal – create the best music possible in seven days. They succeeded. Chasing Goosebumps is a neo-soul dream, blending an eclectic mix of musical stylings together into one cohesive, stirring package. Glenn Lewis steps up as the project’s lead vocalist, nailing every note flawlessly. This album is a must for R&B fans and proof that Jazzy Jeff is still unmatched at his craft.
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27. Kelela, Take Me Apart
There’s been much discussion in R&B circles about the industry’s shift to “alt-R&B,” the electronic hipster stepchild of late-90s R&B, but I’m here for it. When done well, it’s a refreshing take on the genre. Kelela’s debut, Take Me Apart, helps lead that charge. Bouncing from hip-hop influenced bangers to minimalistic soul sessions, Kelela balances tenderness and toughness with her brand of Afro-futurism. If this is R&B’s new direction I’m down for the ride.
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26. Styles P & Talib Kweli, The Seven
When you have two MCs the caliber of Kweli and the Ghost, there is no way the project can fail. The Seven, their appropriately titled seven-track EP, lives up to its billing. The duo dive headfirst into socially charged concepts, spitting the honest truth about police brutality, politics and racial identity. Guests like Common, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Rapsody bring their A-game too. This set is a must for boom-bap fans.
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25. Musiq Soulchild, Feel the Real
My biggest complaint about albums in 2017 is that THEY’RE SO LONG MY GOD MAKE IT STOP. Double albums, “playlists,” whatever that thing was that my Cousin Chris Brown dropped – 90-minute albums are becoming the norm. But applaud Musiq for being one of a handful of artists who actually made their gargantuan projects work. Despite being a double disc album Feel the Real is surprisingly cohesive, giving Musiq fans a huge portion of his homegrown, sweeping soul. It’s a lot to take it but it’s a very satisfying experience.
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24. Le$, Midnight Club
If Houston rapper Le$ isn’t on your radar, it’s time for an upgrade. Midnight Club feels like an amalgamation of Southern and West Coast hip-hop – no surprise considering this ties to both Los Angeles and the Dirty South. Midnight Club is powered by impressive samples, ranging from Childish Gambino to Nas to 8ball & MJG, laid-back production and Le$’s effortless delivery. If you’re aching for the sound perfected by greats like Snoop Dogg and UGK, Le$ is your fix.
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23. Jarren Benton, The Mink Coat Killer LP
Though his name might not ring bells, Jarren Benton is far from a rap rookie. He’s spent well over a decade honing his craft and finding his voice. While he might be best known for his Hospin-esque mix of violence and humor, Jarren refined his lyrical arsenal on The Mink Coat Killa LP by drawing inspiration from the Wu-Tang Clan. And it pays off big time. Dusty samples and aggressive bars propel this project, which serves as both an ode to the 90s and a new direction for a talented artists seeking direction. Jarren has no problem turning back the clock, and we’re here for it.
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22. Brockhampton, Saturation II
Roll your eyes at their tagline of “The Internet’s first boy band” if you must, BROCKHAMPTON is nothing like those interchangeable pop kids from the early ’00s. It’s hard to properly characterize this collective – their blend of diverse production and catchy, poignant lyrics are better heard than described. It’s sort of like N.E.R.D. and The Roots had a baby that splits its time between art shows and episodes of Wildin’ Out. Of the three parts of the Saturation trilogy, it’s the second installment that hits hardest. These guys definitely deserve a spot on your playlists.
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21. Lalah Hathaway, Honestly
When it comes to great albums, less is almost always more. I wish some OTHER artists learned that lesson this year. But don’t worry, Lalah Hathaway would rather lead by example. It takes Lalah less than a half-hour to bare her soul and deliver one of R&B’s best albums this year – solidifying her birthright as music royalty. Quirky, almost video-game inspired production serve as a backdrop for her flawless vocals, which still remain unmatched. It’s proof an album ain’t gotta be long to be strong.
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20. DJ Quik and Problem, Rosecrans
Last year DJ Quik and Problem teamed for a Rosecrans EP, showing that the duo has a surprising amount of chemistry. That collaboration birthed a full-length version of Rosecrans, and it’s even better than its predecessor. West Coast hip-hop fans dying for a taste of G-funk finally get their fill here – this album rides as hard as any of those classic records circa 1994. While there is some repetition from the previous release, there’s enough new content to differentiate it from its little brother. Superb production and insanely catchy rhyme schemes made this a summer hit.
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19. CyHi the Prynce, No Dope on Sundays
After a head-turning feature on Kanye West’s “So Appalled,” it seemed like CyHi was on track to make his mark on the rap game. But that was back in 2010 and as the years rolled on, CyHi’s momentum grinded to a halt. But 2017 became CyHi’s year of redemption. His long-awaited debut album, No Dope on Sundays, capitalizes on that potential he showed almost a decade ago, showcasing strong storytelling laced over memorable production. While he’s known for his one-liners (and honestly, those punchlines don’t always connect) it’s the album’s concepts that really make the set noteworthy. No Dope on Sundays feels like a long-awaited homecoming and our patience has been rewarded.
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18. Tone Stith, Can We Talk
Let’s be real, the R&B we grew up with is in hospice on life support with the family putting down a deposit on a tombstone. But Tone Stith ain’t letting it go down without a fight. Tone brings a youthful exuberance and perspective to his music, building upon the foundation of R&B’s great legends. If you miss 90s-style R&B, Tone Stith is your new favorite artist.
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17. Miguel, War & Leisure
Miguel loves to keep us guessing. From his beloved R&B-rooted sophomore effort to his rock-tinged third release, you just never know what he’s going to give us. War & Leisure sits between the extremes of the Kaleidoscope Dream and Wildheart albums, resulting in a diverse listening experience that sometimes leans pop, sometimes leans R&B but always remains entertaining. The album weaves together themes of romance and social justice – it’s strong, yet subtle social commentary spoken in Miguel’s personal love language. It’s an album we didn’t really see coming, but with Miguel, expect the unexpected.
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16. Oddisee, The Iceberg
Oddisee is one of those artists who seemingly has been around forever, quietly releasing strong albums and mixtapes that resonate with hard core fans but rarely make it to mainstream ears. And while I wouldn’t call The Iceberg “mainstream,” I think it’s his best shot at moving his message forward. Oddisee’s keen observations on the current political climate resonate loud and clear, along with the fantastic production that has long been his trademark. Hip-hop soul has a new champion – just make sure y’all don’t miss out.
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15. Syd, Fin
When the lead singer of the acclaimed R&B band The Internet announced that her solo album would be a departure from her group work, my eyes nearly rolled out of my skull and down the street. That’s usually code for “I’m going to half-rap over trap beats like everyone else.” Thankfully, that’s not the case here. Syd embraces more mainstream production on her debut album but doesn’t drift from the sound that made her a star. No, it’s not an Internet album, it’s a Syd album – and it’s great.
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14. Joey Bada$$, All-Amerikkkan Bada$$
When Joey emerged in 2012 with his throwback 1999 mixtape, rap pundits couldn’t wait to place him on hip-hop’s throne. It was amazing that someone so young seemingly mastered his craft so soon. Later releases, including his debut album, showed that Joey still had plenty of room to grow. But here, on his sophomore release, Joey finally starts to capitalize on that potential we saw all those years ago. There’s been no shortage of politically charged albums this year (this list is filled with them) but few are as poignant as All Amerikkkan Bada$$, a clear depiction of America’s flawed facade. It’s bold, scathing and most importantly, real.
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13. Lecrae, All Things Work Together
Lecrae is one of those artists who sneaks in a new project every couple of years that is immediately critically acclaimed by some, yet totally ignored by others. Don’t be one of those people who ignore this one. Lecrae wisely eschews the somewhat-loaded gospel rap label to deliver a project that’s rooted in his faith but not too holy enough to get down with trap. In fact, Lacrae’s insight into race, religion and America laced over hard-hitting production make All Things Work Together the best trap record of the year. Yep, the church kid went harder than your favorite fake dope boy. Funny how that works out.
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12. Talib Kweli, Radio Silence
Music has always been a sign of the times and in 2017 we’ve been inundated with protest songs pushing for change. But few artists mastered that message better than Talib Kweli. From calls of unity on “All of Us” to recounting the controversial story of Bresha Meadows on “She’s My Hero,” Talib cements his status as hip-hop’s griot. Though his career has spanned two decades, Radio Silence stands among his greatest works ever.
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11. Thundercat, Drunk
Sure, Drunk is probably the weirdest R&B album of the year but that’s part of its charm. Sonically it’s in a league of its own. Thundercat’s soulful production has served as the highlight of many recent hip-hop albums and also proves to be the perfect backdrop for his own oddball crooning. R&B purists probably will turn up their noses at Thundercat’s bizarre lyrics – one minute he’s pretending to be a housecat, the next singing about blowing cash on anime in Tokyo – but it’s all in good fun. It’s feel-good R&B at its finest.
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10. Stokley Williams, Introducing Stokley
Introducing Stokley? Nah playa, if you’re a true fan of R&B, there’s no introduction needed. Stokley has been the face of Mint Condition, one of R&B’s most renowned bands, for nearly three decades. But it wasn’t until 2017 that we received a solo Stokley album. And it was definitely worth the wait. Wisely, Introducing Stokley doesn’t come off as a Mint Condition nostalgia act. Instead, it’s a showcase of Stokley’s musical diversity, ranging from more traditional R&B to modern hip-hop influences, all while spotlighting his celebrated vocal ability.
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9. SZA, Ctrl
Talk about a breakout year – 2017 was SZA’s time to shine and she quickly capitalized on that opportunity. High-profile cosigns from stars like label mate Kendrick Lamar (more on K. Dot later…) raised anticipation for SZA’s major label debut, Ctrl. And she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it was loaded with some of the year’s biggest singles – “The Weekend” was downright inescapable – it was far more than a showcase for radio. The vulnerable songwriting and minimalistic production created a raw and revealing listening experience. SZA bared her soul, and her listeners could relate to every note. If you doubted SZA’s star power before, Ctrl will make you a believer.
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8. Avery Sunshine, Twenty Sixty Four
I really hate to classify Avery*Sunshine as a “hidden gem” or “underrated” – those of us who have been following her for years already know how great she is. But Twenty Sixty Four takes things to another level. The album runs the romance gamut, from tracks that mock her ex (before she winds up calling the dude back home for dinner by song’s end) to love songs so relatable that you’ll feel like you penned them yourself (“I’d give up ice cream just for you”). Her music is so authentic and engaging that you’re pulled into every note – thank her shimmering vocals for that.
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7. Raekwon, The Wild
Never doubt a legend. With legit classic albums already under his belt and a 25-year career that reshaped the face of hip-hop, Raekwon had nothing left to prove. But on The Wild, Rae proved one key fact – he’s still one of the best to ever grip a microphone. Rae’s superior wordplay is in full display, along with some of the best production since his mid-90s heyday. From the cinematic excellence of “Marvin” to the brutal braggadocio of “The Reign,” The Chef’s meals are still unmatched.
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6. Sampha, Process
While many American R&B artists have spent the last few years wrestling with identity crises, British soul singers have slid in the back door, making huge names for themselves stateside. Sampha Sisay is no exception. After gaining ground by teaming with the likes of Drake and Solange, Sampha struck at the right time, dropping his debut album at the peak of his notoriety. That album, Process, proves to be a powerful thesis – a sobering, 40-minute tribute to the mother he lost to cancer. The eclectic blend of soul, electronica and alt-R&B is captivating and entirely unique. Instead of following trends, he’d rather create his own.
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5. Daniel Caesar, Freudian
Caesar pricked the ears of R&B critics a few years back with a couple of critically acclaimed EPs, both of which built upon his gospel roots. Freudian, Caesar debut LP, keeps the momentum rolling – and is blessed assurance that young Canadian vocalists can bring more to the table than hollow “trap&B.” Thoughtful songwriting and superior instrumentation prove that quality R&B hasn’t gone out of style. Freudian reigns as the best R&B album of the year.
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4. Big KRIT, 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time
Big KRIT is really tired of being rap’s most underrated artist. And the frustration that comes with being immensely talented yet constantly overlooked fuels 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time, a double album that wrestles with the duality of being a braggadocious, overachieving rap star and an insecure black man still searching for direction. 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time is a bridge between fame and frailty, giving us a look inside KRIT’s life as a rap celebrity and his very human struggles. As always, his stories are presented over authentic Southern production, from system rattling trunk bangers to laid back soul samples. 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time is KRIT’s best – and most important – LP thus far.
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3. Jay Z, 4:44
OG fans of Soul In Stereo know that for years I defended Jay Z as the best rapper alive. Bar none. That all changed in 2012 when, after a string of mediocre releases, I passed Jay’s crown to Nas, who had just delivered yet another 5-star album. Jay would always remain a legend but in my eyes, his star definitely was dimming. 2017 became his redemption. Pulling from his personal marital problems, Jigga got his groove back with 4:44, a thrilling ode to fatherhood, fidelity and maturity – three words I thought we’d never associate with Jay. I hope you think piece writers still aren’t misunderstanding his message: The album is about not blindly forgiving infidelity, it’s a cautionary tale warning men to mature or risk losing it all. No ID’s immaculate production and Jay’s most personal lyrics ever make it one of the better albums in his legendary catalog.
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2. Rapsody, Laila’s Wisdom
2017 has really been the year of the woman. From black women voters denying a racist homophobe a Senate seat in my state of Alabama to those breaking their silence against sexual assault, women have been in the forefront of change. Laila’s Wisdom is the soundtrack for that movement. Despite the hard bars and braggadocio that are customary for every Rapsody release, here she embraces her femininity and speaks through the perspective of a woman. It’s an album about women’s triumphs, their fears, their love and their dreams. It’s hip-hop’s version of Solange’s A Seat at the Table; black womanhood personified. Though her career has spanned nearly a decade, Laila’s Wisdom cements Rapsody as the strongest female voice in hip-hop today. Right on time.
And that leave the No. 1 album of 2017:
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1. Big Sean and Metro Boomin’, Double or Nothing
PLAYA PLEASE. I’m not a 17-year-old who begs my mom for overpriced Yeezy Boosts on eBay.
The REAL No. 1:
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1. Kendrick Lamar, DAMN
Yeah, there was little doubt that Kung-Fu Kenny would top the list, and there’s good reason for that. Kendrick’s fourth LP is yet another bold statement that he, legitimately, should be mentioned among the greatest rappers of all time. DAMN is elite-level storytelling, with every vocal inflection and shifting soundscape adding new layers to his thesis. On DAMN, Kendrick almost seems at war with himself, trying to convince himself to be a voice of change in a world that happily covers its ears. His turmoil manifests into yet another near-classic on his resume. In April, I proclaimed that DAMN would be the album of the year. And when have I ever steered y’all wrong?
What were your favorites of 2017? Share them below.
No way Daddy. Mary J. Blige’s, Strength Of A Woman is a large cup of hot coffee or how the gay’s say it, “hot tea.” And, yes Mary served it boiling in a pot hot at 375F degrees plus. She got all the way ghetto on, “Glow Up.” Lord knows, she did sucka. And, uplifted these low self-esteem and #MeToo children on, “Love Yourself,” and gave these girls that ol’ Jeezy #LoveMotivation. Stepped to a nigga properly on, “U + Me (Love Lesson).” She showed that mutha (man) the mirror on, “It’s Me.” Emptied out her heart and soul and put her business in the street and out to the whole damn world on, “Thick Of It.” Now, hold up honey, Mary had the nerve to give Miss Kendu a Hallmark card on, “Thank You,” and personally thank him, cause his shit made a bitch stronger. Tripped a little but gave us that Donna Summer/ Evelyn “Champagne” King flavor on, “Find The Love.” Yes, then Momma gave her Electronica Dance, R&B Soul, House audience her pain on the booty shaking Dance club anthem, “Telling The Truth.” And, went to church for these girls on, “Survivor.” none of that Destiny’s Child pop-ish. See the first 10 songs was for her old-school core audience. And, the last four was for the others. Then, let hell break loose on, “Set Me Free.” So, “Hell No,” what was a fight for this album meeting the masses was Miss Kendu and the drama queens lawsuits cause no major company from Fed-Ex to UPS, K-mart to Walmart, Kroger to Whole Foods, Burger King to McDonalds to Wendy’s to hire his ass. And, not even an IHOP and Mary got connections with five of the companies that I just listed. Shit, Subway and Taco Bell denied his applications, child, please. Kendu is like what Al Green was when he cheated on that woman, and she lit his ass up with them #HOTGRITS and then the nigga found God. Well, Kendu can find God and repent his sins. A half million dollars of Mary’s money has gone on, clothes, a hoe, side hoes, trips, and whips. No part-na, Mary served some of the best shit this year, and gave us the billion bitch march on, “Strength Of A Woman.” Amen, Hallelujah. Yes, took us through hell, the club, the block, the bedroom, the house, the street, bible study and church on one damn album. School yourself, don’t fool yourself.