Best Rap Albums of 2019
Every time the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the list resets. Reviewers around the world go back to hiding in their corners, listening to an endless amount of albums as our fingers type away another positive or negative review. It's an endless cycle, but it is what people do for a living. It's what the crowd wants; it gets the people going. Therefore, another list is to be released, featuring albums that were received as the cream of the crop.
There are multiple albums that could fill the list of honorable mentions: the job of a reviewer is to listen to as many as we can. The first album on the list is Danny Brown's Uknowhatimsayin¿, an album filled with tact and lyricism. Zuu by Denzel Curry is the love letter to Miami that has been sorely lacking - especially when one considers the lackluster efforts by rappers such as Flo Rida and Pitbull. Everythings For Sale by Boogie is a great listen, made for anyone who wants hardocre rap that slaps. Never forget the stellar showing by Rick Ross in Port of Miami 2. Finally, Fever by Megan Thee Stallion is a powerful statement, putting her best foot forward with an impressive outing. With that, comes the list:
5. The Big Day by Chance the Rapper
No album is perfect and The Big Day by Chance the Rapper isn't an exception. However, what it lacks in certain aspects, it gains in powerful storytelling and a lyrical output that can make anyone's headspins. The beautiful love story with his wife told in an hour and a half ballad is something that should be applauded and appreciated. Plus, tracks like 'Hot Shower' have us bumping 'All Day Long' like a bunch of 'Zanies and Fools'.
4. Rap or Go to the League by 2 Chainz
Executively produced by the Los Angeles Lakers Small Forward LeBron James, 2 Chainz's fifth studio album, Rap or Go to the League takes its spot on this list with ferocity. Supported by strong tracks such as 'Forgiven', 'Money in the Way' and 'Rule the World', the entire album is an ode to black excellence and education. There are few sore spots on the album; from its top-notch bars to its impeccable instrumentation, it is a gold standard for Chainz.
3. Baby on Baby by DaBaby
Do not let the name fool you, this isn't childish rapping. This is an introspective party album. It's a crazy album that proves that the connection between a producer and an artist is impeccable in the success of an album. The tracks feel as if they were made for DaBaby, as he relates how his life is different, inherently better now, but not because of the money and fame, but because of the people that surround him.
2. IGOR by Tyler, the Creator
The entire artistic endeavor that is titled IGOR doesn't - or at least doesn't - seem to be made to fit to everybody's tastes. However, the impressive storytelling that is seen is truthfully poignant: nothing is more relevant than the story of a torrid love triangle, nevertheless being the one who loses. Waiting two full years for a project from Tyler the Creator is worth it if we get projects like these.
1. Revenge of the Dreamers III, by Dreamville
Rap album of the year? Revenge of the Dreamers III by the entire Dreamville squad. DaBaby snaps with JID, Bas, EARTHGANG, Ari Lennox, Cozz, Omen and Lute. The features are solid with features from the immortal featuring artist in Ty Dolla $ign on "Got Me", T.I on "Ladies, Ladies, Ladies" as well Smino and Saba on "Sacrifices". Let's not forget that you have J. Cole that produced the entire affair, with few tracks with his direct rapping in it - which is arguably the weakest aspect in an overall beautifully conceived album with hungry rappers making their mark.