Since this is our first encounter I couldn’t properly give you an overview this month but instead I will give you our Top Ten list of the year so far. Just so you won’t stray away we will keep it simple to start out and just provide you with the Top Ten Albums of the Year for Hip Hop/ Rap and R&B Soul. However, I must warn you that no genre is excluded from this section as music comes in all forms and limiting your taste is like ordering from the same menu every day. Life is too short to place restrictions on yourself. With that said let us begin with the Top Ten Hip Hop/ Rap Albums of 2011.
Top Ten Hip Hop/ Rap Albums of 2011.
1. Kendrick Lamar: Section 80
Released: July 2nd, 2011
Ok, ok, I know many of you are saying who? Well that’s just why we are here, to put you up on things. Although Kendrick Lamar formerly known as K. Dot is not new to the game he is still simmering in the underground ready to burst out this year. With a co-sign from just about every prominent West Coast artist in the game Kendrick Lamar is quietly putting together a remarkable year. Nothing more remarkable than his latest offering “Section 80”. Following in the same vein as the previous classics “The Kendrick Lamar LP” and “O(verly) D(edicated)” Section 80 provides a wide range of quality songs, story telling, and top notch production. Give it a listen and you are sure to be intrigued by this new talent out of the West Coast.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
2. Maybach Music Group: Self Made: Vol. 1
Released: May 23rd, 2011
Not sure if any of us saw this coming, well I sure didn’t but Rick Ross has established himself as a force in the rap game. Displaying consistency on all his features Ross has now built one of the best groups in the game. Ok, I’ll say it. The best group in the game and one of the great up and coming stars in Meek Mill. Careful you may blow your speakers on this one. I sure did and better I park in the fire lane each time I play it.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
3. Lil Wayne: The Carter IV
Released: August 29th, 2011
Yes, ladies and gentlemen the self proclaimed best rapper alive came back with a vengeance. Witty punch lines and even a shot at Jay help boost this album on our list. Although probably too many guest appearances, the album was well produced and Weezy’s witty lines kept coming. With an opening week of close to a million sales Weezy proved he is here to stay on top of the game for the foreseeable future. Now some of us may not like it but you might as well get used to it. Young Money!
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
4. Big K.R.I.T.: Return Of 4Eva
Released: March 28th, 2011
One of the clear emerging talents in the game Big KRIT came back this year to hit everyone over the head with a superb album. With outstanding production and profound lyrics KRIT showed why he is gaining fans by the minute. One listen to “Free My Soul” will sure send a chill up your spine and remind you hip hop is far from dead. Its alive, its alive!
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
5. Meek Mill: Dreamchasers
Released: August 11th, 2011
Not sure if anyone saw this one coming either. When Rick Ross started to formulate his new group of talent. I was quite sure that Wale would be the standout of the group. I had to reformulate my opinion after Mills outshined the click on the compilation cd. Then he bested that with this offering and went global. Accumulating fans far from his Philadelphia base and setting himself up for one of the most anticipated released of 2012.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
6. Random Axe: Random Axe
Released: June 14th, 2011
I’m sure I’m going to get that “who, who”, thing but this here is an acquired taste. The Underground Titans of Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, and Sean Price came together to form Random Axe and they were sure to deliver. Filled with underground elements this proved to be the grittiest release of the year. The lyrical performance of Sean Price and production performance of Black Milk are equally remarkable. If you loved Boot Camp or Wu Tang in the 90’s you will love this. No youngins allowed.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
7. J. Cole: Cole World: The Sideline Story
Released: September 27th, 2011
Although fans waited over a year for this release J. Cole was sure not to disappoint. Fresh with a number 1 debut J. Cole met expectations and provided some much needed lyrics to the game. One listen to his cd and his determination becomes clear. Carefully crafted rhymes and challenging subject matter make this album one to enjoy for months to come.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
8. Fabolous: The Soul Tape
Released: April 21st, 2011
This was another one that came out of nowhere. Just like a veteran should, Fabolous put together one of his best efforts in recent memory. Although he followed it up by getting a speed knot from Ray J. Not sure what to do when your favorite rapper gets snuffed by an R&B singer. I’m not touching that one but I will say the production and punchlines on this album won’t disappoint.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
9. Jay Rock: Follow Me Home
Released: July 26th, 2011
Although this album fell short of expectations sales wise, it still lands on the list as probably the hardest album of the year. In a climate where gangsta rap is non existent, Jay Rock delivers in the same vein of the gangsta rappers of the 90’s. Ahhhh that’s refreshing! Great production and always solid lyrics Jay Rock shows he is one to watch out for next year. As a side note please recognize that Top Dawg is the most underrated label in hip hop. With a roster of Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Ab- Soul, Schoolboy Q, Top Dawg is set to make an imprint on the game sooner or later.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
10. Wiz Khalifa: Rolling Papers
Released: March 29th, 2011
Powered with a breakthrough single in “Black n Yellow” Wiz took the game by storm. Luckily he delivered a solid album to backup the single. There were mixed feelings on this one but his core fanbase was very pleased and there was plenty of material for you to blast if you are on the top floor of the hotel.
Volume Meter: 7 out of 10
Honorable Mentions:
Square Off: Money, Moet, Memories
Phonte: Charity Starts at Home
Dom Kennedy: From Westside with Love, Part 2The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Holland Turner Media Group, or any employee thereof. Holland Turner Media Group reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter content in any manner it sees fit or deems unacceptable.
