Rap Genius - Top 20 Rap Albums of 2014
It's been 15 years since Eminem was thrust into superstardom with the release of the . As a result, Shady Records commemorated the milestone with the release of - a double disc LP featuring classic, and fresh material
The second disc functions as a greatest hits compilation and Shady Records had every hip hop fan feeling nostalgic. Reliving classics like and over a decade later painted a timeless picture. While the latter half provided the nostalgia, disc one was what we'd really been waiting for. The highlight of the new material was featuring , , , , , and , proving cool delivery and cut throat lyricism continues to define Shady 15 years later.
The most consistent member of the Clan slapped a single up the middle with this one. While the execution and ambition of his previous LP leaves this highly similar offering looking a bit plain, is still another notch in GFK’s belt that achieves more than most 2014 releases
A concept album revolving around Dr. X’s resurrection of Tony Starks 9 years after his death, is aided by AZ, Kool G. Rap, and Kandace Springs who each play a character in this story. Composed of themes we’ve seen before and a vaguely nostalgic, but rather ordinary soundtrack courtesy of The Revelations, wasn’t designed to shake up the game. However, Ghostface’s consistent rhymes and a tracklist that cuts out all the fat combine to make this an album worth listening to.
The fifth album from Flying Lotus is the definition of a headphones album. Soundscapes presented throughout are pure bliss; Flying Lotus blessed us with another thirty eight minutes of delectable ear candy. He blurs the line between stoner philosophy and serious ruminations on death, providing surprising clarity on metaphysical happenings in the form of astral projections and out of body experiences
This meditation on death throughout You’re Dead never gets conquered by the weight of its own concept. Instead, Ellison is able to maintain his playful spirit and in turn delivered one of the albums from 2014 that made us feel most alive. -
Unlike , the self-proclaimed genius takes an unorthodox approach with by poking fun at ignorance present in the hip hop landscape. Soulo dips a bit outside of his comfort zone as he plays around with various styles. The abstract asshole that we all fell in love with proves both entertaining and enlightening
He touches more on the death of his girlfriend Alori Joh on "Closure", features Action Bronson and Lupe Fiasco on album highlights; & respectively, and lets Kendrick Lamar steal the show on . A , where he holds his own against battle rapper Daylyt is the icing on the cake.
While this EP consists of stories on the gang culture of Long Beach, Vince brings a crisp perspective to the “thug life”. Instead of embracing the violence like other mainstream rappers, Vince delivers from the streets. He's not the rapper you look to deliver double entendres and pop culture references, he captures the listener with gritty and descriptive lyrics
Vince's beat selection has gained a pinpoint accuracy. Whether he's snagging production from the legendary No I.D, or the buzzing Hagler, he makes the jump between bangers like to compassionate tales such as with ease. Forget Hell waiting: the world will be at his fingertips come 2015.
While many of the year’s best releases taught us about the artist(s) behind the project or the state of American race relations, Travi$ schooled us in the virtues of sound. The churning chants behind provide a steady momentum of adrenaline before Young Thug bursts forth with characteristic energy. The beat on abruptly jolts forward to make way for the best verse on the album, one that goes uncredited to T.I. And the crowning achievement, fitting because it is Travi$ and nobody else, is the temptation anthem - urging you to act on your basest desires while sounding like the impending regret that so often comes from such decisions
In a genre shifting toward prioritizing sounds over syllabic superiority, Travi$ Scott’s Days Before Rodeo serves as an exciting preview for his debut full-length Rodeo. What’s most exciting is that, given his history, it’ll be a mastering of a sound we’ve yet to even hear.
Premier provides a slick backdrop, with his trademark sound sampling solely from Adrian Younge's material. Not only is the production a nod to the 90's, but it's also sprinkled with semi-modern vibes. In other words - it transcends time. Royce hits the booth with a sober mind and is arguably more focused and polished as an emcee than ever before. His raps are intricate and effortlessly display a plethora of phenomenal flows while dropping plenty of gems along the way
It's worth noting this is the first feature heavy album Royce has crafted, and it's very rare for him to collaborate with people outside of his clique. The features that join the ride all have solid contributions and compliment the tracks they appear on. Royce even got a hand of Jay Electronica, something only a few have dared before him. There's no doubt this will be cherished for quite some time, as Royce said - "consider it a gift to hip hop".
There's always less to say with the best albums. It's crack-rap done in the best ways possible. Flawless soulful beats throughout accompanies vivid narratives from a more than capable MC. Is it Madlib's best work? It's up there. Is it Freddie Gibbs' best work? Yes. Gibbs' flow over the violins on is nothing but superb, and is one of a ton of impressive moments from Gibbs on the LP. The flaws are rare so with tracks like , ,, & this album is definitely worth investing your time and money in.
El-P provides a rattling, gritty sound that packs a heavy punch on every song. Killer Mike launches a war against all the fuckbois of the world, so if you identify yourself as one, it's best to go into hiding. Sucking dicks, running backwards into dicks and generally being dicks are all common occurrences on the LP. We aren't mad at it though - it's stated so eloquently it's like the Queen of England was saying it. Not to mention, the intro track of the year could make the most peaceful person want to beat the shit out of their neighbour, for no reason at all. And they don't feature just anyone, every addition thrown into the mix are unique as well in their own right offering their own flair. We have a rare appearance from Zack de la Rocha, a raunchy verse from Gangsta Boo, and something very mysterious from the talented boots, plus more
In the midst of all the violent antics there are political undertones and social commentary. On Mike speaks with the same urgency that makes Run The Jewels 2 such a powerful experience. He knows what it’s like not to have asylum, and he knows that we’re not in a post-race America
It's intense, it's aggressive, it's dynamic, it's loud and we are still in awe over its crazy beauty - necks were broken during the listening sessions. One things for sure, magic like this doesn't happen every day, so if you're yet to enter the world of RTJ - you're probably listening to cats meowing. Oh wait... -
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