2015 has now come to a close, and the hip hop world was gifted with many solid albums. It was a much more impressive year for rap than 2014 was, but couldn’t top the insanity that was 2013. This Top-10 list will be based off of the quality of the album. It does not matter how popular it may have been throughout the year. There are plenty popular rap artists who released a very mediocre album, so you won’t see Fetty Wap or Future on this list. There may even be albums on this list you didn’t even know about, but they are all worth your attention!
10. Black Market - Rick Ross
While he had an impressive mixtape release with Black Dollar earlier in the year, Ross treated us in December with an album that focused on mostly high quality production and solid features like Mary J. Blige, Cee-Lo Green, & Nas. Unlike the rather lazy Hood Billionaire from 2014, Black Market strives to present Ross at some of his best moments. Tracks like ‘Smile Mama, Smile,’ ‘Ghostwriter,’ and ‘Very Best,’ are definitely worth a listen.
9. The Album About Nothing - Wale
We remain with Maybach Music for a very introspective release from Wale. Inspired by his favorite series Seinfeld, the album even features Jerry Seinfeld himself as the narrator throughout. Wale strived to make a much more personal album that isn’t intended to appeal to the radio, and his fans were just fine with that. Be sure to check out songs like ‘The Helium Balloon,’ ‘The God Smile,’ & ‘The Success.’
8. The Incredible True Story - Logic
Logic truly was the dark horse of hip hop albums this Fall. While his 2014 debut Under Pressure was underwhelming to say the least, his skills on the mic backed by stellar production created a project that shocked a lot of fans for being one of the best albums to come out the year. ‘Fade Away,’ ‘Stainless,’ & ‘Young Jesus’ are some of the many chapters in The Incredible True Story that deserve your attention.
7. The Documentary 2/2.5 - The Game
The Game really pulled out all the stops with the sequel honoring the anniversary to his legendary debut The Documentary. Needless to say, with two full-length albums featuring over 18 tracks each released over a two-week period, The Game had a lot to share in 2015. Tracks like ‘The Ghetto,’ ‘Dollar and a Dream,’ and ‘On Me’ are only few of the many tracks that definitely need multiple listens.
6. Summertime ’06 - Vince Staples
Vince Staples finally released his full-length debut this Summer and surprised many with what he delivered. With No I.D. at the production helm, Staples released a double-disc album that tells the many stories he experienced during his younger days. While it’s not your everyday hip hop album, that’s what makes it so special. Not to mention the fact that the lyrics come across as very personal experiences. ‘Birds & Bees,’ ‘Like It Is,’ & ‘Street Punks’ are perfect examples of the album’s solid production and lyricism.
Be on the lookout for Part 2 of the list, where we'll dive into the top 5 hip hop of 2015!
