Had to do it. This year will filled w/ tons of great music from Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Drake, Frank Ocean and countless other projects that were worthy of making the cut.
The list started w/ a little over 10, but I managed to break it all the way down to five 6 albums.
This is more a personal favorites list more than anything (much like every list you see on the site).
“READ MORE” to start the countdown.
*Kendrick Lamar – Section 80
-My top choice of this year’s projects hands down. Kendrick Lamar is a new age Compton version of Andre 3000. Yes I said it. His wordplay, lyricism, and overall style is absolutely undeniable. Section 80 is going to be a project that we look back upon years from now and it will only become more and more of a classic as new projects drop. Kendrick symbolizes the post era of kids born in the 90′s and on and has finally given us a much needed voice. If I had a choice, I’d vote Kendrick for president.
Kanye West & Jay-Z – Watch The Throne
-After much anticipation, specualtion, doubts and almost unreachable standards, Kanye West’s and Jay-Z’s collab project finally was released in 2011. Personally, the album was not all great to me, but with songs like “Niggas In Paris” absolutely taking the world over this year, and others like “Who Gon Stop Me” and “New Day” this album had the instant classic feel even after the first listen. This album really makes the list because when we look back at this year, this album will be on 99% of every single top album list, so who am I not to include it. It IS a classic.
M83 – Hurry Up, I’m Dreaming
-Bet you didn’t see this coming. Yup, M83 and their 5th studio release is nothing short of the album of the year. NO one is making music like these guys. From their wild jungle noises, triumphant melodies, and eerie projects – M83 defines what music is. If you haven’t heard quite possibly the single of the year “Midnight City” start there, and from there work your way through their catalog, not just the album.
Drake – Take Care
-Drake’s maturity, and evolution is apparent on his sophomore debut. Deeper lyrics, better songs, a clearer message and an undeniable sound. Take Care was a great body of work, and in my opinion 10x better than his debut.
J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story
-Cole’s debut has been in the balance for years now, and with it finally releasing in 2011, people were immediately comparing it to Nas’ early albums and for good reason. Cole’s story telling throughtout the album is unmatched by most artists now-a-days and invokes deep thoughts and powerful messages from Homelessness, Abortion, Marriage, Money and just about everything else we experience on a day to day basis. Cole doesn’t limit himself to “bragging and boasting” but he can change it up with songs like “Mr. Nice Watch” a rant from Jay & Cole about how much nicer their lives are than ours. However, right after that we get a song like “Lost Ones“. The album has no skip-worthy songs and is one of the best debuts ever.
Big Sean – Finally Famous
-Big Sean’s debut album finally dropped this year, after hearing him say “Finally Famous the album dropping in 09″ on his first mixtape w/ the same title. I’ve been a fan of Sean since that first project when no one even knew who this guy was. Fats forward a few years and now, he’s one of the most sought after feature/artists in the game. Finally Famous is an incredible summary of what Sean has been offering us for free for years with songs like “Memories” and “So Much More”. Sean’s versatility may be his best aspect with the ability to make a song like “Memories” and then a song like “A$$” which features little to no creativity but is still a hit song. It’s that, that seperates Sean from a lot of the newer MC’s in hip-hop. Crossover appreal. Sean’s said to have a new album dropping very soon, along w/ the GOOD Music album. Finally Famous was great, and much needed step in Big Sean’s young career and more than worthy of making the list.
*Albums are in no particular order
-2011 had GREAT albums, and arguably even greater mixtapes. What do you think should have made the list? Leave your love/hate in the c-section below.
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