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Kendrick Lamar (DAMN.), Jay-Z (4:44), and Tyler, the Creator (Flower Boy), lead the list of 20 Best Rap Albums of 2017.

After assembling and releasing the list of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, it’s time to roll out the genre-based, year-in-review lists.  In regards to the album-genre year-in-review lists, many of the selected albums also made the 50 Best Albums of 2017.  In some cases, however, the genre-based lists in general add entries that didn’t quite make the cut in the overall, comprehensive lists. In regards to the 20 Best Rap Albums of 2017, Kendrick Lamar (DAMN.), Jay-Z (4:44), and Tyler, the Creator (Flower Boy), lead the charge.

 

 

 

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”1. Kendrick Lamar” desc=”DAMN.” img=”15047″]

1. Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

Interscope

DAMN! Even after a year chocked-full of incredible albums, Kendrick Lamar still has the ‘one to beat.’ It goes without saying that K-Dot is a god among MCs and everything he releases is certain to be damn good. DAMN. ends up being truly extraordinary.  Unsurprisingly, it’s nominated for multiple Grammys, including album of the year.

Gem of Gems: “HUMBLE.”

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2. Jay-Z, 4:44

Roc Nation

4:44 is by far the best Jay-Z album in years.  Starkly different from the majority of his albums, it’s deeper and notably, more open and personal.  Where it lacks the radio-ready hits that some of his biggest albums have delivered, it makes up for it in substance. 4:44 is deserving of its multiple Grammy nominations including the most prestigious, Album of the Year.

Gem of Gems: “4:44”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”3. Tyler the Creator” desc=”Flower Boy” img=”16037″]

3. Tyler, the Creator, Flower Boy

Columbia

Tyler, the Creator has made a name for himself as one of the most polarizing musicians of recent times.  Despite his penchant for controversy, the talented musician delivers his crowning achievement with his fourth studio album, Flower Boy. The unapologetic rapper allows himself to dig deeper in regards to his material, not to mention showing considerable growth as a producer.

 Gem of Gems: “Who Dat Boy”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”4. Eminem” desc=”Revival” img=”19571″]

4. Eminem, Revival

Interscope

Eminem returns in top-notch form on Revival, his first new album in four years.  Throughout the course of the Revival, he tackles numerous topics including politics, racism, and father-/husband-hood.  Keeping things interesting, Eminem has a star-studded cast and at times does some unique, compelling things with his flow and rhymes.

Gem of Gems: “Untouchable”

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5. Logic, Everybody

Def Jam

For some, the inclusion of Everybody, Logic’s third studio album, will be a polarizing choice. Arguably, Logic didn’t “dig into” some of the racial, social, and political issues he references, but he did at least open the discussion.  The concept of album no. 3 may be far-reaching, but there’s still plenty to like about Everybody, namely the rapper’s ill flow.

Gem of Gems: “1-800-273-8255”

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6. Migos, Culture

300 Entertainment

Was “Raindrop, drop top / Smokin’ on cookie in the hotbox” enough to earn Migos and Culture a coveted spot on the Best Rap Albums of 2017 list? No of course not, but having “Bad and Boujee” among a number of other standouts from Culture didn’t hurt its cause.  It’s not a deep album, but Culture does find Migos flexing in top-notch form.

Gem of Gems: “Bad and Boujee”

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 7. Vince Staples, Big Fish Theory

Def Jam

Vince Staples dropped a satisfying sophomore album with Big Fish Theory. It’s not only one of the best rap albums of 2017, it’s one of the best albums, period. There is a lot to absorb, yet at the same time, a lot to love and appreciate about this album.  Staples tackles racism and inequality, his come up, and love among other topics throughout the course of the project.  

Gem of Gems: “Yeah Right”

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8. Joey Bada$$, All-AmeriKKKan Bada$$

Pro Era / Cinematic Music Group

Joey Bada$$ became the latest musician to RESIST President Donald Trump.  While the sensational ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ references the 45^th president of the United States, the album can be most accurately characterized as taking a stand for justice for blacks.  Not the flashiest album of 2017, Joey Bada$$ has assembled a consistent, thoughtful record that transcends the normal subject matter and the confines of hip-hop. 

Gem of Gems: “Y U Don’t Love Me?”

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9. Big KRIT, 4eva is a Mighty Long Time

BMG Rights Management

Big K.R.I.T. definitely doesn’t get the credit he deserves.  Perhaps it is because the Mississippi rapper-producer is a throwback – incredibly old-school.  Nonetheless, throughout his underrated career, he’s shown he has some great skills on both the boards and in regards to the bars. Double album 4eva is a Mighty Long Time is top-notch, regardless of K.R.I.T.’s underrated profile; soundly executed and enjoyable.

Gem of Gems: “Everlasting”

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10. 2 Chainz, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music

Def Jam

On his fourth studio album, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, 2 Chainz is consistent more often than not.  Perhaps he doesn’t deliver a masterpiece, but Pretty Girls is definitely a fun, worthwhile listen, particularly for southern rap enthusiasts.  It runs long, but it’s chocked full of trap hits.

Gem of Gems: “It’s a Vibe”

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11. Big Sean, I Decided.

Def Jam

On I Decided., Big Sean exhibits a reflective approach, showcasing a different frame of mind compared to previous albums. All in all, there is plenty to both appreciate and like about I Decided.  It isn’t devoid of flaws, but it’s clear that Big Sean is indeed making “Moves.”

Gem of Gems: “Sunday Morning Jetpack”

 

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12. Rick Ross, Rather You Than Me

Epic

On his ninth studio album, Rather You Than Me, little has changed for southern rapper Rick Ross.  Ross continues to rap about the subjects that have consistently graced his albums – sex, money, and drugs.  Although Ross in in his comfort zone, Rather You Than Me gives him another solid addition to his discography.  “Trap Trap Trap” gives him a killer banger.

Gem of Gems: “Trap Trap Trap”

 

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”13. Future” desc=”FUTURE/ HNDRXX” img=”14687″]

13. Future, Future / HNDRXX

Epic

In 2017, we got a double dose of Future as a lead artist with albums Future and HNDRXX.  On Future, he keeps the trap lit, dropping bangers like “Rent Money,” “Draco,” and “Poppin’ Tags,” as well as the smoother top-five hit, “Mask Off.” Arguably, the rapper showed ‘great range’ on HNDRXX, led by gems including “My Collection,” “Comin Out Strong,” and “Selfish.”

Gem of Gems: “Mask Off” (Future); “Selfish” (HNDRXX)

 

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14. Drake, More Life

Cash Money

Technically, Drake didn’t release a ‘proper’ album in 2017.  Even though More Life is more playlist than album, it has its fair share of notable moments.  Among those highlights are “Free Smoke,” “Portland,” and “Fake Love.”

Gem of Gems: “Free Smoke”

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[nextpage title=”15. A$AP Ferg” desc=”Still Striving” img=”16741″]

15. A$AP Ferg, Still Striving

RCA 

Still Striving is a strong project from A$AP Ferg.  Some folks weren’t onboard with his sophomore album, Always Strive and Prosper.  Those who didn’t like that album will love the straightforward, all-in banger-status of Still Striving.  Ferg doesn’t cover new ground, but throughout this album, it feels as if he’s in his lane.

Gem of Gems: “Plain Jane”

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16. Dave East, Paranoia: A True Story

Def Jam

Dave East shines on his major label debut, Paranoia: A True Story.  What makes this such a strong album is the tough, gritty persona that East presents.  He has an excellent flow, and his rhymes have some bite.  Furthermore, the production work is strong throughout the album.  The east coast is well represented in his hands.  

Gem of Gems: “Paranoia”

 

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17. NF, Perception

Capitol

Don’t let the ‘Christian rap’ label fool you. NF proves he has bars throughout the course of Perception, doing so sans profanity.  His energy is infectious to the nth degree, particularly on the ‘bangers.’ Yes, ‘Christian rap’ can have bangers.

Gem of Gems: “Let You Down”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”18. G-Eazy” desc=”The Beautiful & Damned” img=”18920″]

18. G-Eazy, The Beautiful & Damned

RCA

G-Eazy returns strong on his third studio album, The Beautiful & Damned.  Why then is it near the bottom of this list? It’s a product of being among the last albums released in 2017. Likely, it’s impact will be bigger heading into 2018.  Still, plenty to like, including sick banger, “No Limit.”

Gem of Gems: “No Limit”

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19. Gucci Mane, Mr. Davis

Atlantic

For whatever reason, Gucci Mane had one of the more underrated rap albums of 2017.  Perhaps it’s partially due to the delayed release of the project, but Mr. Davis certainly didn’t get the attention deserved.  Nonetheless, he flexes throughout the course of the affair. Sometimes he’s overshadowed by his guests, but, when he’s on, he’s on.

Gem of Gems: “I Get the Bag”

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20. Action Bronson, Blue Chips 7000

Atlantic

Action Bronson delivers a respectable sophomore album with Blue Chips 7000.  His flow is awesome, his sense of humor ripe, and at times, his rhymes are imaginative.  Furthermore, the production work is great throughout. It’s not all smooth sailing, particularly given the fact that Blue Chips 7000 is ‘all over the place,’ but it’s enjoyable and satisfactory more often than not.

Gem of Gems: “Let Me Breathe”

Photo Credits: Interscope, Roc Nation, Columbia, Def Jam, 300 Entertainment, Pro Era, Cinematic Music Group, BMG Rights Management, Epic, Cash Money, Atlantic, Capitol

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