Thought I'd attempt to do an end of year list of albums I've been bopping to via my iPhone. It's easy to be caught up this year in all the hits that have dominated radio and clubs. But some great albums were released this year, some great EPs also. Even though I've listed just ten, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Chris Brown and Run The Jewels have been on heavy rotation also. So here goes the albums I've enjoyed for 2014.
10. Teyana Taylor - VII
The first lady of G.O.O.D. Music Teyana Taylor's album is sexy, raw and straight up fun. Despite being signed to Ye, it doesn't feature anything of the current Yeezus flavour, but it does have a 90's feel to it. Due to the connections G.O.O.D. Music has at it's disposal, thankfully it's not a crowded album with too many features. Hopefully we get more albums from TT, as she truly deserves her place in making music. Favourite tracks: Put Your Love On, Request, Maybe, Do Not Disturb, Business
9. Big K.R.I.T. - Cadillactica
This album may have got lost in regards to wider mentions in last quarter of the year, due to the anticipation for J.Cole and Nicki Minaj releases. But it shouldn't be because of mainly these two things. 1. That boy K.R.I.T. is getting better with every album and once you buy a ticket for this flight, you also enjoy his tight selection of beats for his imaginative planet called Cadillactica. 2. K.R.I.T. has released an album that more times than not, gaves me that feeling previous Outkast albums have given, would have loved to hear Sleepy Brown get a feature on this album. Favourite tracks: Angels, Soul Food, MT Olympus, Lost Generation, Pay Attention
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8. Ghetts - Rebel With A Cause
It's real simple, if you've allowed Grime and everything it stands for to entertainer you at some stage of your life, then you've wanted to see many of it's contributors win. And Ghetts should be near the top of the list in that sense. The diversity of this album and the subject matters touched upon live upto the title of Rebel With A Cause. This was an important album for Ghetts and he delivered without losing his identity of what many of us have supported over his long standing contribution.Favourite tracks: Man Like, Rags, Born & Raised, Broken Home, Gas Mark 9
7. Jeezy - Seen It All: The Autobiography
Favourite tracks: Holy Ghost, Seen It All, No Tears, Beez Like, Black Eskimo.
6. August Alsina - Testimony
August gave us an honest debut album, which blends alot of elements nicely like a good Bouyon (that's Dominican for combining many things together). What I love about this album most is, despite giving us alot of true life stories, he doesn't get outshine by seasoned MCs that feature on his debut album. The album is honest and smooth but still provides you music to get her into the mood. But as any good artist doesn't cater to just one particular crowd, this album doesn't stick to the formulated R&B blueprint and that's refreshing.
Favourite tracks: Kissing On My Tattoos, Make It Home, I Luv This Shit, Pornstar, No Love
5. Wiley - Snakes & Ladders
10th and final album (if rumours are to be believed, don't be silly Wiley but understand), sees Will doing what he does best. Wiley is Grime, even when he makes songs strictly for the radio. He stills remains true to the art giving that undiluted grimey riddims. JME says it best about Wiley with his verse on "From The Outside", "Our music is made to measure, Wiley is a national treasure". Favourite tracks: On A Level, From The Outside, Snakes & Ladders (part two), Badman, Step 21
4. Ghostface Killah - 36 Seasons
Ghostface Killah is the best story teller in the history of Rap, that's no disrespect to Slick Rick or Nas. Unless fan of Pretty Tone may not have know album was released, but this is his 11th album to date. The album is heavily influenced by old school production which fits the albums vibe perfectly. And has features some well respected MCs like Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch and AZ. Thankfully Ghost still offers alot to this rap game, despite the quality of the culture being watered and being trend based.Favourite tracks: Homicide, Love Don't Live Here No More, It's A Thin Line Between Love And Hate, The Dogs Of War, The Battlefield
3.YG - MYKRAZYLIFE
Anyone with the talent from the West, is more than likely influenced by Dr.Dre. Luckily for the West and surrounding areas, those rappers are providing them with material. YG and DJ Mustard were in clubs more than cheap alcohol thanks to this album. This is a solid album debut album, with just the right balance to get the mainstream exposure but also love from the man dem. West Coast is in a great space with the likes of The Game, Kendrick, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and now YG. Favourite Tracks: My Hitta, Who Do You Love?, I Just Wanna Party, Left,Right, Sorry Momma
2. Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste
We've all enjoyed Banks skipping on that "212" track, it's a new age festival anthem. With all the label and Twitter drama, was thinking will she ever drop an album? The joy of this album is, I don't know what box it ticks genre wise and I guess that was her intention. This album reflects all the touring and festivals that she's been doing over the past couple years. It's obvious from touring and doing festivals that she has wide There's tracks on this album a Grime or Garage MC could easily remix without having to change any of the beats.
Favourite tracks: Soda, 212, Wallace, Miss Amor, Chasing Time
1. J.Cole - Forest Hill Drive
1. J.Cole - Forest Hill Drive
2014 was the year of many one hit wonders, some we may not see in 2015. But this album will carry you into 2016. J.Cole is the balance that we need to be reminded of in Rap. When so much bullshit is released, you start to accept that as the standard. When something of true quality comes out, you go back and hear the bullshit for just what it is. This album has no gimmicks, when he says this album came out how he wanted it to, you can hear that throughout the album. Salute Cole!
Favourite Tracks: Apparently, Fire Squad, G.O.M.D., No Role Modelz, Love Yourz
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