TOP 8 HIP HOP ALBUMS OF 2015
By: Adam South
8. “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside,” by Earl Sweatshirt. Selling 30,000 copies and reaching number 12 on the billboard top 200. In this newest release comes off with a bitter, blunt, and down to earth album delivering bars abo ut the raw and honest look at both sides of success. Evan Rytlewski of The AV Club said, "At just under a half hour, it's even more understated than its predecessor, with fewer guests, almost no outside producers, less variety--less everything, really. That may sound like a downgrade, but it's not, since here the anti-spectacle becomes a kind of spectacle of its own, as Earl tests how far his music can retreat into itself." 8/10
7. “When it’s Dark Out” by G Eazy. Gerald’s third official studio album dropped December 4th 2015 receiving very mixed reviews. While G Eazy sounds faceless and kind of bland the production on this album is a masterpiece. With a very layered, smooth, and sort of grimy feel to it, his vocals almost pop over the smooth tracks. "A few blatant crossover-R&B attempts feel faceless, but they're largely outliers on an album that gives this former greaser novelty three dimensions," said Billboard Critics. 6.5/10
6."Cherry Bomb," by Tyler the Creator.” Tyler’s third studio album is a strange one, but it has some really solid songs amidst the rough. Tyler really started to branch of the generic hip hop styles today really tweaking the vocals in many songs which I was not a fan of. I honestly loved the smoother tracks on this record like,”F***ing Young,” and,“ Smuckers.” Tylers style remains like poetry of the class clown, and I love it. 8.5/10
5. “Dreams worth More than Money,” by Meek Mill. After serval delays due to legal struggles and short period time in jail, on Megacritic which assigns an average score out of hundreds of critics the album received a 74 out of 100. On this album I personally love Meek’s passion and the energy he really came at this album with a lot of ambition and you can hear it in his bars. Ironically the most popular song on this album is R.I.C.O. featuring Drake the last song between them before the most overhyped beef of 2015. 8/10
4. “The Incredible True Story,” by Logic. Robert Bryson Hall II, better known by this pseudonym Logic, released his sophomore album, “The Incredible True Story,” on November 13th, 2015. Released under Def Jam Records the album sold beyond expectations. The album was created in the format of a story with a combination of songs and scenes which consisted of dialogue between the main characters of this sci-fi epic. The story stars Steven Blum (as Thomas), Kevin Randolph (as Kai) and Anna Elyse Palchikoff (as Thalia). Overall the album is a great cinematic esc album. 9/10
3."Surf," by Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment. The ragtag band of collaborators called The Social Experiment — a self-described group of bohemian musicians, mad up of Donnie Trumpet,Chance the Rapper, Peter Cottontale, Greg Landfair Jr. and Nate Fox. The album is a big melting pot of neo soul/jazz fusion/ hip hop melodies along with smooth, clear, and relaxing melodies. A strange combination of styles, an uplifting vibe, and overall, a good deep listen. 9/10.
2. “G0:0D AM,” by Mac Miller. After parting ways with Rostrum Records, Miller packs a punch in this rollercoaster ride of his third studio album. Probably my favorite creation of his so far, this project was very well produced the different styles are very balanced and the lyrics are as clever as ever. The full package for any hip hop head. 9.5/10
1.”To Pimp A Butterfly,” by Kedrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath Entertainment, and distributed by Interscope Records. The album was recorded in studios throughout the United States, with executive production from Dr. Dre and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. Boi-1da, Flying Lotus, Terrace Martin, Pharrell Williams, Knxwledge, Sounwave, Thundercat and several other hip hop producers also contributed. Its music was influenced by aspects of funk, jazz and spoken word. My favorite album of the year by far. All I can tell you is to go experience this album. 10/10