J.Cole – KOD
Poetic lyricist J.Cole has rocked the hip hop world with his long-awaited fifth studio album. Shying away from 2016’s soulful 4 Your Eyez Only, KOD is fuelled by high-energy beats that appear playful but are layered with serious undertones. Cole tackles problems associated with mainstream rap, addressing serious issues about drug use and addiction. Introspective track ‘ATM’highlights an obsession with money, while ‘FRIENDS’ featuring Cole’s supposed alter-ego Kill Edward, echoes the message ‘meditate, don’t medicate’. Love it or hate it, KOD is definitely one of the most important albums of the year so far.
Various Artists – Black Panther: The Album
This album offers hip hop fans everything they could want: a diverse selection of hip hop tracks featuring collaboration between emerging and established artists on an album curated by none other than the king Kendrick Lamar. The narrative-driven masterpiece features both hard-hitting raps and pop-friendly tracks boasting an impressive list of artists including SZA, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Future, Ab-Soul, Anderson Paak and many more. The well-rounded album takes you on a musical journey through parallel universes, leaving a lasting impression.
Saba – Care for Me
This emotionally charged, sad studio album by Chicago emcee Saba explores difficult issues surrounding mental health and grief. After experiencing the death of a close friend, Saba pours his heart and soul into this painfully personal ten-track project that will send shivers down your spine. Through incredible wordplay and vivid storytelling, he conjures up feelings of loneliness and depression, with each song a glimpse into the artist’s deeply moving personal affairs.
EarthGang – Royalty
First there was Rags and then there was Robots. Now there is Royalty, the third instalment of the three-part EP series by EarthGang. With only five songs, the album offers you a dose of sharp lyricism and jazzy sounds. It’s laced with hilarious skits and values quality over quantity, featuring live instruments and a rapid-fire flow that keeps you on edge. ‘Nothing but the Best’ with Ari Lennox is a standout track and ‘Off the Lot’ featuring Mereba is otherworldly. Keep in mind, Royalty is a teaser for the group’s next full-length project Mirrorland due for release later this year.
Flatbush Zombies – Vacation in Hell
Known for their psychedelic rap, the latest album by Brooklyn trio Flatbush Zombies lives up to the hype. Not pressured by the need to sound like everyone else, the group continue to push the boundaries of their trippy-rap style. The dense 19-track album proves the group is versatile and capable of experimenting with a colourful musical palette that complements their eccentric flow. Featuring collaborations with Denzel Curry, Bun B, Jadakiss and Joey Badass, Vacation in Hell is hip hop paradise.
In 2018, the best is yet to come. Kanye West & Kid Cudi, Brockhampton, Jade Smith, A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj, Anderson Paak and Drake.
