10: G.O.O.D Music - Cruel Summer (Sept 18th)
Although the album seems to lack concept, coherence, and fails to have a similar feel to other Kanye projects, the G.O.O.D Music associates do deliver some brilliance throughout. The Hit-Boy produced 'Clique' being the most memorable with Big Sean stepping up to the mark to match The Throne.
Must Listens - Clique, New God Flow, Dont Like (Remix).
9: Meek Mill - Dreams & Nightmares (Oct 30th)
Maybach Music Group rapper Meek Mill did Rozay proud with his debut studio album. The star-studded album featured his MMG associates as well as big names such as Drake, Nas and Mary J. Blige. The main talking point however is the controversial 'Amen' featuring Drake which sparked fury amongst many due to blastphemous content. Despite this, the single arguably succeeded in gaining attention, influencing Meek Mill's massive first week sales.
Must Listens - Young & Getting It, Maybach Curtains, Amen.
8: Rick Ross - God Forgives, I Don't (July 31st)
As ever the boss delivers. Improving with every album, the most hard-working rapper drops another album to universal acclaim. Like Rozay's previous album Teflon Don, the appearance of Jay-Z on the track '3 Kings' proves to be one of the tracks of the year, showing that Ross can be associated as a 'King' within the genre along with two of the best ever.
Must Listens - 3 Kings, So Sophisticated.
7: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist (Oct 8th)
The duo consisting of rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis's independent album has achieved unthinkable success since its release. This has been helped greatly with platinum selling single 'Thrift Shop' playing through our radio's all day. Beyond this, the track 'Jimmy Iovine' shows a clever and creative outlook at 'stealing' a record deal, yet the success of The Heist has shown that the duo are better off without one.
Must Listens - Ten Thousand Hours, Thrift Shop, Jimmy Iovine.
6: Schoolboy Q - Habits & Contradictions (Jan 14th)
Kendrick Lamar is constantly in competiton with his friend and fellow member of Black Hippy, Schoolboy Q. Luckily for us, this provides music of the highest quality, with the benchmark initially set with 'Habits and Contradictions'. Q delivers incredible lyricism through his aggressive flow, showing that he has the personality to last in the game. The standout track named 'Hands on the Wheel' is accompanied by a Kid Cudi-come-Lissie sample and a memorable verse from A$AP Rocky.
Must Listens - Hands On The Wheel, Blessed.
5: 2 Chainz - Based On A T.R.U Story (Aug 14th)
Following the success of his 2011 mixtape T.R.U REALigion, 2 Chainz released his debut solo album providing Chainz with a No.1 and a Grammy nomination. With an array of high profile guest appearances including; Weezy, Drake, Kanye and Nicki, he creates an album with great production, catchy hooks and clever boastful lyrics.
Must Listens - Crack, No Lie, Birthday Cake.
4: Frank Ocean - Channel Orange (July 10th)
Frank Ocean is the most sought after singer in hip-hop. 2011 saw the singer-songwriter sign to Def Jam, pen tracks for Beyonce and perform with Jay-Z and Kanye. Yet somehow 2012 has been even bigger for Ocean. Channel Orange digs deep into the life of the star, with subjects including fame, fortune and his highly publicized same-sex relationships. The latter is shown in the personal favourite 'Forrest Gump'. Ocean's year nicely ended with 6 Grammy nominatons, including; Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Album of the Year.
Must Listens - Thinkin Bout You, Super Rich Kids, Forrest Gump.
3: Killer Mike - R.A.P Music (May 15th)
This outstanding album comes from one of raps most underrated. The Outkast associate along with exceptional production from El-P provides more of an experience than an album. The loud, powerful, funky beats made for partying are then met with serious subject matters including the political questioning of the impact of the Reagan years in the track 'Reagan'.
Must Listens - Big Beast, Reagan.
2: Nas - Life Is Good (July 17th)
Nas is back. It's been a while since Nas released a record which met the expectations of critics and fans, yet out of nowhere comes his best work since Stillmatic. Unlike previous albums, he shows a more emotional side exploring subject matters including his high profile divorce (the cover art shows Nas holding Kelis's wedding dress) and of course his daughter. One of the tracks of the year 'Daughters' is a powerful insight into Nas as a father and the troubles he experiences.
Must Listens - Accident Murderers, Daughters, Summer On Smash.
1: Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city (Oct 22nd)
A Classic. It is very rare that an album is branded as a classic album, yet people were using the term within a week of its release. K.Dot's major label debut has the production feel of 90's west coast hip-hop, coming as no suprise from Dr Dre's new protege. Kendrick Lamar presents himself as the best storyteller in music with his 'Poetic Justice' truley being justified. West coast hip-hop has finally found a new king.
Must Listens - Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Poetic Justice, good kid, Swimming Pools (Drank).
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