HipHopDX’s Top 25 Albums of 2010

    With over 300 albums reviewed on HipHopDX this year, this is our annual list of the 25 best Hip Hop albums of the last 12 months, as determined by our Editorial staff. With two dozen impressive releases from the mainstream and underground, respected veterans and long-awaited solo debuts, these are our best (or “favorite”) albums, presented chronologically.

    Dinner and a Movie
    by Brotha Lynch Hung

    Released: March 24, 2010
    Label: Strange Music
    Highest Charting Position: #64
    Producers: Brotha Lynch Hung, Robert Rebeck, Justinn “Axis” Patton, Dustin “DJ Epic” Worswick, Michael “Seven” Summers, Dana “Young MC” McClain, Andrew “Freddy Machete” Hackler, Nasua “N-Pire” Hamilton
    Guests: First Degree The D.E., Don Rob, C-Lim, G-Macc, Record Executive, C.N.I., BZO, Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Ron Danzy, Tall Cann G, C.O.S., Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound

    Few people saw this coming from Sacramento’s O.G., Brotha Lynch Hung. One of the most lyrical and underrated gangsta rappers of all times kicked off his Strange Music trilogy with a polished, fully-developed version of what the former X-Raided protege made famous in the early ‘90s underground. Lynch influenced Snoop Dogg and Tech N9ne, and Dinner and a Movie pulled a Horror of master out of obscurity.

    What We Said Then:
    “Regardless of what one thinks about the slashings, the bondage, and the eating habits suggested within Dinner and a Movie’s rhymes, the honesty and delivery that mixes with the Horror make this album both a brilliant comeback story, and a career milestone.”

    Wu Massacre
    by Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon

    Released: March 31, 2010
    Label: Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: #12
    Producers: BT, Mathematics, Ty Fyffe, RZA, Digem Tracks Productions, Emile, Scram Jones
    Guests: Streetlife, Solomon Childs, Sun God, Inspectah Deck, Tracy Morgan, Trife Da God, Sheek Louch, Bully, Kevin Cossom

    Fresh off of the heels of Raekwon’s re-energized blueprint in Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II last year, the Chef teamed up with longtime rhyme partner Ghostface Killah and Method Man for a Def Jam melee of hard beats and hard rhymes. What was originally planned to be an attack on the Wu-Tang Clan was the latest flag in their extensive team-wide comeback led by this trio.

    What We Said Then:
    “But regardless of where one places it among Shaolin’s releases, Wu-Massacre stands on its own merit as an assembly of three legendary emcees putting on display what earned them the legendary status in the first place.”

    Before Taxes
    by yU

    Released: April 12, 2010
    Label: Mello Music Group
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producers: yU, Slimkat87, Kev Brown, Bilal Salaam, Oddisee
    Guests: Bilal Salaam, I.Q., Isabella Banneker, ERK, Omun, Grap Luva, Finale, OP Swamp81

    Diamond District’s yU helped make a fan favorite in last year’s In The Ruff. On his own, Before Taxes is a four-track sounding masterpiece that felt made in the late ‘90s underground Hip Hop glory years. The Washington DC emcee made an everyman’s album that touched on Native Americans, patience in paying dues and the fog of war.

    What We Said Then:
    Before Taxes is an ode to Hip Hop before everything complicated it. Before the money is taken from our check we were somewhere with our headphones on embracing every bar, beat and scratch. yU allows us to do that once again.”

    Suite #420
    by Devin the Dude

    Released: April 20, 2010
    Label: E1 Entertainment
    Highest Charting Position: #85
    Producers: Devin the Dude, Q-Stone, Mirawange, L-Dog, Mike Dean, C-Ray, Midas, Quest 
    Guests: Odd Squad, Tony Mac, Jugg-Mugg, Smit-D, Korey-B, Ced-B, 14K, Scool Boy, Alpha-Bet-D 

    Hip Hop in 2010 is as polarizing as ever, making an everyman like Devin The Dude that much more enjoyable. Whereas Devin’s last album was a little too mellow, Suite 420 hits all the right notes. Don’t be fooled, The Dude didn’t switch up the formula. 420 is still all about weed (“What We Be On”), women (“I Gotta Ho”) and weed (“We Get High”) and women (“It’s On You”). While that may sound one-dimensional and far from original, no one does it quite like The Dude.

    What We Said Then:
    “Devin The Dude’s Suite 420 works so well because it does exactly what music, not just Hip Hop, is supposed to: chronicle life experiences in an enjoyable, digestible way. So turn this on and roll one up, pull out your cell phone to text a breezy, or grab a few brews and enjoy the camaraderie of your own odd squad. Whatever your choice is, just don’t forget to invite Devin in for the fun.”

    Marcberg
    by Roc Marciano

    Released: May 4, 2010
    Label: Fat Beats Records
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producer: Roc Marciano

    In an age when Hip Hop is marred with half-assed releases from a bevy of carbon copy acts, Roc Marciano’s Marcberg comes off as nothing short of a miracle. The former Flipmode Squad alum stakes his claim as one of Hip Hop’s most original and exciting artists, with his pulse-pounding ‘90s throwback of a debut. Handling both emceeing and production duties, Roc Marcy sets the standard for independent artistry with his dusty-grooved sampling and hard-hitting street tales. Like the Ultramagnetic MCs’ 1988 debut Critical Beatdown, Marcberg is a sonic tour de force that may go criminally ignored by listeners.

    What We Said Then:
    “In an industry full of copycats and kittens, Roc Marciano is poised to become the undisputed champ. Marcberg is a hard-hitting, unremorseful classic based on the same code of ethics that made the golden era so immaculate. Forget Little Mac; Roc Marciano is the one wearing the title belt.”

    Revolutions Per Minute
    by Reflection Eternal

    Released: May 18, 2010
    Label: Warner Brothers/Asylum Records/Blacksmith Music
    Highest Charting Position: #17
    Producers: Hi-Tek, Jay Electronica
    Guests: Res, Bun-B, Estelle, J. Cole, Jay Electronica, Mos Def, Chester French, Bilal

    We waited a decade for Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek to make a follow-up to their arguably perfect Train of Thought Rawkus debut. Both advanced in their respective careers, the duo picked up right where they left off with sharp commentary, lots of low-end bass and signs of their growth. Album closer “My Life” is a fierce reminder why Kweli’s blunt honesty has made him one of the most soulful emcees of the last 13 years.

    What We Said Then:
    “It’s not everyday that a pair of talented musicians vow to return together to make lightening strike twice…and actually mean it. With Reflection Eternal back in the fold with Revolutions Per Minute, waiting another 10 years for their next album will seem impossible.”

    Distant Relatives
    by Nas & Damian Marley

    Released: May 18, 2010
    Label: Universal Republic/Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: #4
    Producers: Damian Marley, Stephen Marley
    Guests: K’Naan, Stephen Marley, Dennis Brown, Lil Wayne, Joss Stone

    The most globally-minded Rap album of 2010 is a turning point for Nas. The emcee, partnered with Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s deft production hand and fast raps made a thematic masterpiece. The duo unified styles, cultures and continents in a musical dissertation on Black music. Like great Jazz albums of yesteryear, this musical meeting-place for the duo made history and will influence what’s to come for both.

    What We Said Then:
    “Front to back, this album provides no filler and boasts substance. In a genre-bending effort, the duo manages to succeed in creating a best of both worlds collaboration without compromising anything – a feat rarely seen. The relativity between Nas and Marley comes across in this music as well as it does in their message, as both men create a benchmark in their rich careers.”

    I F*cking Hate Rappers
    by PackFM

    Released: May 25, 2010
    Label: QN5 Records
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producers: Tonedeff, Domingo, Kno, J-Zone, Marco Polo, Deacon the Villain
    Guests: Deacon the Villain, Dominion, Poison Pen

    If we had nickel for every time we said we f*cking hate rappers, we probably could have retired back when Ja Rule was still relevant. But at the end of the day, griping doesn’t you anywhere, and that’s exactly why PackFM’s sophomore release succeeds. The album is a brilliantly conceived lament for the glory days of rap music when an emcee’s merit was gauged not on his marketability or his jewelery, but his raw talent and passion for the music. So while we may f*cking hate rappers, we f*cking love emcees like PackFM who have skills the prove what it takes in this business of rap.

    What We Said Then:
    “In less than 40 minutes, he shows his growth from battle emcee to an artist able to deliver a solid piece of work without sounding preachy or contrived. Even if I F*cking Hate Rappers proves to be an album that goes under the radar in 2010, years from now we very well may be talking about its significance on a larger scale.”

    The Good Sun
    by Homeboy Sandman

    Released: June 1, 2010
    Label: High Water Music
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producers: Core Rhythm, 2 Hungry Bros., Ski Beatz, M Slago, Psycho Les, Ben Grymm, KO Beatz, DJ Spinna, Thievin’ Steven, Kentron the Mastadon, J57
    Guests: Fresh Daily, John Robinson, Daniel Joseph

    It’s not a stretch to say Homeboy Sandman possesses the best gift for cadence and rhyme patterns this side of Eminem. Since he kind of resembles your tenth grade biology teacher and has zero desire to make a radio single, most probably missed The Good Sun. Whether you were already up on Sandman or not, lack of access to Dr. Dre-type production means you’ll never have the misfortune of fast forwarding through a dud such as “Crack A Bottle.” But the way he kills the off-kilter beats he does get means you are likely to have a few jaw-dropping, “What did he just say?” moments while rewinding cuts like “Sand Be The Broham.”

    What We Said Then:
    “From mic to plug, The Good Sun is a sleek offering loaded with relentless, genre-pushing musicality, otherworldly rhyme schemes and contextual relevance. It’s the type of album where the sum of the whole is greater than each individual part; a collection of songs so solid and so well placed that, together, they lift the album into rarified air.”

    Recovery
    by Eminem

    Released: June 18, 2010
    Label: Aftermath/Shady/Interscope Records
    Highest Charting Position: #1 (several times)
    Producers: Eminem, Just Blaze, DJ Khalil, Mr. Porter, Dr. Dre, Boi-1da, Supa Dups, JG, Emile, Jordan Evans, Matthew Burnett, Jim Jonsin, Script Shepherd, Nick Brongers, Alex da Kid, Havoc, Magneto7
    Guests: Kobe, P!nk, Lil Wayne, Rihanna

    Recovery was the perfect title for Eminem’s seventh album. Not just because it was the titular companion to 09’s Relapse, but because Em finally sounded like he was truly back to being the emcee who took over the world at the turn of the century. The album certainly isn’t perfect nor his best, but Em made his best album in seven years. More importantly, his otherworldly emcee skills continued to evolve and he once again had subject matter to tackle.

    What We Said Then:
    “It took seven years of fighting through personal tragedy and drug addiction for Em to find his own moment of clarity. And, having found it, beats like the one he supplied Jay-Z are conspicuously absent. Neither of these are necessarily negatives. They just make for one confusingly excellent listen.”

    How I Got Over
    by The Roots

    Released: June 22, 2010
    Label: Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: #6
    Producers: ?uestlove, Richard Nichols, Rick Friedrich, Dice Raw, Alecktrick.Kom, Black Thought, Diplo, Ray Angry, Jeremy Grenhart, Karl Jenkins
    Guests: Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle, Truck North, P.O.R.N., Dice Raw, Monsters of Folk, Blu, Phonte, Patty Crash, Joanna Newsome, STS, John Legend, Peedi Crakk

    Between juggling their weeknight duties on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Roots found the time to make one of their best albums to date. The third, in The Roots’ darker themed albums, How I Got Over touched on God and loneliness, urban survival and perseverance with a brilliant, flowing theme and massive soundscape. ?uestlove’s production continues to expand, as Black Thought shared the mic more than usual, and dabbled in sung vocals to the pleasure of many.

    What We Said Then:
    “The Roots made an album that cannot be shuffled, packaged into buzz-singles or understood unless digested over 42 and a half minutes without touching the needle. But Hip Hop’s most beloved band isn’t even talking about music this time. Speaking to all their audiences over the last 23 years, The Roots are as emotionally-tangible as they’ve ever been, and whether it’s debt, depression or Divine intervention, they’re walking over the bridge with us all.”

    Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty
    by Big Boi

    Released: July 5, 2010
    Label: Purple Ribbon/Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: #3
    Producers: Big Boi, Malay, Mr. DJ, Organized Noize, Salaam Reli, Scott Storch, JBeatzz, Terrence “Knightheet” Culbreath, Andre3000, Lil Jon, Royal Flush, DJ Speedy, DJ Cutmaster Swiff
    Guests: Sleepy Brown, Joi, Vonnegut, Cutty, Big Rube, T.I., Khujo Goodie, Yelawolf, Jamie Foxx, Janelle Monae, George Clinton, Too Short, Sam Chris, B.o.B., Gucci Mane, Bun B, Project Pat

    The musical identity of Andre “Big Boi” Patton came alive this year through Sir Lucious Left Foot. Beyond the Speakerboxx/The Love Below companion albums of the mid-decade, this work refuted beliefs that Big Boi lives in Andre 3000’s shadows. Instead, the spaced-out Funk and positivity heard on this album, with thoughtful love jams intertwined was another poignant moment in the near-flawless Outkast tradition.

    What We Said Then:
    “Big Boi flying solo isn’t as good as an Outkast album, but it serves as a great appetizer until the next one comes along. Moreover, when 2011 arrives, we’ll likely look back at this as one of the year’s best offerings.”

    Crown of Thorns
    by Rakaa

    Released: July 20, 2010
    Label: Deacon Records
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producers: Sid Roams, King Jahzzy, Exile, DJ Babu, Oh No, DJ Honda, !llmind, DJ Rhettmatic & Eric Bobo, Alchemist, El-P, Evidence
    Guests: Aloe Blacc, Mad Lion, KRS-One, Tasha (aka Yoon Mi Rae), Tiger JK (Drunken Tiger), Roscoe Umali, BIGRYZN (CHIEFSONS), MOSHPIT (CHIEFSONS), Dumbfoundead, Tassho Pearce, Tablo (Epik High), Mithra Jin (Epik High), Jay Jaballas, King Kapisi, Krondon, Noelle Scaggs, Evidence, Defari, Fashawn, Chali 2na

    Nearly 15 years into his recording career, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples unleashed his solo debut. Crown of Thorns was described by the artist as “political,” but the album had enough hard beats and scratch choruses the keep the party moving while the third eye wide open. “Delilah” is Evidence’s crown achievement of production, as Rakaa bridged the gap to today’s west coast underground with Fashawn, while bringing Defari and Mad Lion back out.

    What We Said Then:
    “The Los Angeles-based rapper uses this as a chance to further his goal of achieving a higher state of consciousness by working alongside fellow artists who share his singular vision of a world united by righteousness, understanding and Hip Hop.”

    Teflon Don
    by Rick Ross

    Released: July 20, 2010
    Label: Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: #2
    Producers: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, The Inkredibles, No I.D., Kanye West, DJ Clark Kent & The Remedy, Danja, Lex Luger, The Olympicks
    Guests: Jay-Z, John Legend, Cee Lo Green, T.I., Jadakiss, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Diddy, Gucci Mane, Styles P, Drake, Chrisette Michele, Raphael Saadiq

    Every year, Rick Ross manages to survive the type of self-inflicted scandals that usually ruin Rap careers by dropping an album featuring the kind of catchy songs you only sing while alone in the whip—with the windows rolled all the way up. In 2010, with no correctional officer pictures or 50 Cent sponsored shopping sprees, the only thing to focus on was the music. Teflon Don not only showcased top-notch production from the usual suspects of Kanye West and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. Ross also used his underrated ear for production by including Clark Kent and Lexx Luger offerings to display a bit of self-reflection and a continually improving flow instead of the usual cut and paste coke anthems.

    What We Said Then:
    “He has found a way to incorporate more into his music without compromising his mission as evidenced by a shortened track list and less dependency on tall tales about cocaine dreams. Ross prominently references his desire to become a “larger than life” figure, and in due time that characterization may be fulfilled. For now though, making quality music at a respectable rate will do just fine.”

    The Darkside Vol. 1
    by Fat Joe

    Released: July 27, 2010
    Label: E1 Entertainment
    Highest Charting Position: #27
    Producers: Scram Jones, Cool & Dre, Just Blaze, DJ Infamous, Scoop Deville, Raw Uncut, Streetrunner, DJ Premier
    Guests: Clipse, Cam’ron, Young Jeezy, Trey Songz, Rico Love, R. Kelly, Too Short, T.A., Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes

    All you need to do is dig up an episode of MTV Cribs to see how profitable catering to the ringtone crowd was for Fat Joe. But alas, tracks like “Make It Rain” aren’t particularly good for career longevity. So credit Joe for listening to his fans, and both musically and sonically returning to the violent, abrasive style that made him popular in the first place. The Darkside wasn’t so much correcting his previous crossover attempts, as Joe bringing his Phantom back to the block with about a dozen armed goons in the back.

    What We Said Then:
    “This is easily Fat Joe’s best-produced album in over a decade – but that isn’t the key to this album’s success. For whatever reason, Joe believed for years that he needed to “switch it up to south paw” to survive, but here he’s returned to his D.I.T.C.-minded roots in a big way.”

    Trill O.G.
    by Bun B

    Released: August 3, 2010
    Label: Rap-A-Lot Records/Fontana Records
    Highest Charting Position: #4
    Producers: Steve Below, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Drumma Boy, Boi-1da, DJ B-Do, Big E, Play-N-Skillz, DJ Premier
    Guests: J. Prince, Drake, T-Pain, Young Jeezy, 2Pac, Trey Songz, Pimp C, Bluesman Ceddy Saint Louis, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Twista, Play-N-Skillz, Latoya Luckett

    Bun B closed down his trilogy with poise. The chart-shocking performance provided audio evidence of the correlation between UGK and 2Pac, along with a proper collaboration between DJ Premier and Bun. Additionally, in a year dominated in part by Drake, the veteran was honored by Drizzy, Gucci and Jeezy as a forefather of the popularized sound.

    What We Said Then:
    “In the end, fans are left with a pleasant closing to a respected series, and one of Hip Hop’s most respected voices still outshining the vast majority of his peers.”

    Kill Devil Hills
    by DJ Muggs vs. Ill Bill

    Released: August 31, 2010
    Label: Fat Beats Records
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producer: DJ Muggs
    Guests: Sick Jacken, Sean Price, O.C., B-Real, Slaine, Everlast, Q-Unique, Raekwon, Chace Infinite, Vinnie Paz, Uncle Howie, Eric Bobo, Steve Ferlazzo

    While Kill Devil Hills isn’t Muggs’s first collaboration with a single emcee, it’s by far his most sonically impressive and compelling project of the sort to date. Veteran rhymer Ill Bill is in his element over the Cypress Hill producer’s sweeping production, lyrically sparring with heavy-hitters like Raekwon, O.C. and Sean Price. Most importantly, however, Kill Devil Hills is a wholly cohesive head-knocking masterpiece – a welcomed rarity in an industry driven by the power of the single.

    What We Said Then:
    “It’s a good thing that thousands of us will get to hear this memorial to Uncle Howie again and again because Kill Devil Hills is an album that once started can only be finished the right way – straight through to the end.”

    1212
    by 7L & Esoteric

    Released: October 12, 2010
    Label: Fly Casual Creative
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producers: 7L & Esoteric
    Guests: Celph Titled, Inspectah Deck, Sadat X, Alchemist, Evidence, Ill Bill, Reef the Lost Cauze, Vinnie Paz, Statik Selektah

    After four years of solo projects, 7L and Esoteric’s 1212 is a speaker-blasting reminder of why the Boston duo garnered such an impeccable reputation in underground circles. The album finds them returning to fighting form, as both Es and 7L improve upon their already near-impeccable abilities. 1212 is modern underground Hip Hop at its finest: a natural fusion of the new school’s sound and the old school’s ethos.

    What We Said Then:
    “Since their 2001 debut The Soul Purpose, the duo have left ears ringing with their combination of hard-hitting beats and super-lyrical rhymes. Now, after four years of solo and side projects, 7L and Es reunite with perhaps one of their most sonically diverse and lyrically driven efforts to date, 1212.”

    Death Is Silent
    by Kno

    Released: October 12, 2010
    Label: APOS Music
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producer: Kno
    Guests: Natti, Nemo Achida, Deacon the Villain, Thee Tom Hardy, Tunji, Sheisty Khrist, Substantial, Tonedeff

    The Cunninlynguists’ Kno (f/k/a DJ Kno) is often under-praised as a producer, let alone his sporadic emcee work. Like so many albums this year, Death Is Silent is a well-executed concept that looks at mortality and loss with deep emotion and thought. Kno’s latest sound shows growth, as his verses channel back to the brief glimpses of his soul first heard on Will Rap For Food. More emcees and listeners need to get in the know about Kno.

    What We Said Then:
    “The respect he has for beat-making by his sample arsenal in the shadows is a rarity, especially in today’s Internet age. For a producer that knows exactly what things move an audience and how it’s best to keep those secrets hidden, his decision to handle so many of his own rhymes is all the more puzzling.”

    Gas Mask
    by The Left

    Released: October 22, 2010
    Label: Mello Music Group
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producer: Apollo Brown
    Guests: Kool G Rap, Mu, Hassan Mackey, Paradime, Invincible, Marvwon, Guilty Simpson, Finale, Frank West

    There are times when good ol’ back to basics Hip Hop albums fail, because they take the winning blueprint from the golden era and make a cheap version of it. The motivation is great, the execution is not. Breakout producer Apollo Brown did not let that happen with The Left. Along with emcee Jounalist 103 and DJ Soko, he delivers true school Hip Hop at its finest. Just neck snapping beats and gritty rhymes, no bells, no whistles.

    What We Said Then:
    “Some listeners may think that Gas Mask should have more versatility; because once The Left find their groove, they rarely change it up just for the sake of adding a foreign element to their formula…Ironically, by recapturing an essence of the past, The Left cement their place in playlists and disc changers of the future.”

    Nineteen Ninety Now
    by Celph Titled & Buckwild

    Released: October 22, 2010
    Label: No Sleep Recordings
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producer: Buckwild
    Guests: Treach, Vinnie Paz, Apathy, Ryu, Esoteric, F.T., R.A. the Rugged Man, Sadat X, Grand Puba, A.G., O.C., Diamond D, Chino XL, Majik Most, Dutchmassive, Mista Sinista (scratches)

    While the prospect of vintage Buckwild production may be the album’s main draw for many listeners, it’s Celph’s microphone mathematics that make Nineteen Ninety Now one of the best underground Hip Hop releases of the past decade. From start to finish, the album is a blissful and much-needed sonic trip down memory lane, from Buck’s booming sample-heavy production to Celph’s no-holds barred lyrical assault. But, the duo does more than bring the ‘90s back into the musical fold; they prove that the golden era was where some of the best and most creative Hip Hop was made.

    What We Said Then:
    “In an era where commercial interests control Hip Hop music’s every move with an iron grip, Nineteen Ninety Now is a stunning throwback to the mid-‘90s style of things. Armed with full, evocative production and some of the hardest bars heard by man, Celph Titled and Buckwild prove that the golden era isn’t dead by a long shot.”

    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
    by Kanye West

    Released: November 22, 2010
    Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: #1
    Producers: Kanye West, No I.D., Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, Emile, Plain Pat, Andrew Dawson, RZA, DJ Frank-E, S1
    Guests: Kid Cudi, Raekwon, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver, CyHi Da Prynce, Pusha T, RZA, John LEgend, Tony Williams, Rihanna, Fergie, The-Dream, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Elton John, Charlie Wilson, Elly Jackson, Ryan Leslie

    Kanye West might have as many detractors as he does fans, and it’s unlikely that any album he puts out will ever please them. Dark Fantasy has received perfect or near perfect ratings from virtually every source that reviews albums anymore. A feat rarely ever seen. Love or hate the man, no one can deny that Hip Hop – and music in general – would be a better place if everyone put the care, thought and effort that Kanye puts into each record he makes.

    What We Said Then:
    “From nine-minute douchebag manifestos, to enlisting an A-list Grammy ensemble to piece-mealing his album out to the masses every Friday, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy defies logic and it ignores convention. Whether it’s acknowledging his mistakes, measuring his might, or fantasizing of wifing Kristina Rose, Kanye West finds a way to relate to all.”

    The Hunger For More 2
    by Lloyd Banks

    Released: November 22, 2010
    Label: G-Unit/EMI Records
    Highest Charting Position: #25
    Producers: Cardiak, Grandz Muzik, Bliz Money, Nick Speed, Prime, Ryan Leslie, Greg “G’Sparkz” Ford, Jr., Dirk Pate, The Watcherz, Dready, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Frank Dukes
    Guests: Tony Yayo, Styles P, 50 Cent, Pusha T, Juelz Santana, Ryan Leslie, Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Fabolous, Akon, Lloyd, Jeremih, Raekwon

    Just as Raekwon may have refreshed the Wu-Tang Clan with a sequel, Lloyd Banks did so with G-Unit. The Queens underboss brought a critical success to the group and trio after their move from high-profile Interscope to DIY EMI Records distribution. The album opened Banks up to not only collaboration, but was fan-focused on the Punchline King’s strongest lyrical attributes. Lloyd Banks had an amazing comeback with an album that returned him to his roots, and acted as major label polish-remover.

    What We Said Then:
    “Banks has reestablished his sound, and made clear that he is still a major force to be reckoned with in the Rap game.”

    Get Used To Us
    by DJ Premier & Year Round Records

    Released: December 7, 2010
    Label: Year Round Records
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producer: DJ Premier
    Guests: Blaq Poet, NYGz, Khaleel, Nick Javas, Dynasty, Young Malay, Grand Puba, KRS-One, The Lady of Rage, Freddie Foxxx, Royce Da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz, Teflon, Styles P, MC Eiht, Saigon, Papoose

    Aside from the minority of youngsters who’ve familiarized themselves with the classic 90’s catalogue, being a Gang Starr fan usually means you are officially outside of America’s target 18-24 age demographic. That distinction might be a point of contention if Premier cared about such things. Get Used To Us shows he clearly does not, and we’re all better for it. As such, Premier spends the better part of an hour serving up the type of plodding basslines and layered samples that made emcees from coast to coast seek out his beats. Jay-Z and Nas may not include a Premier beat on every album anymore, but the combination of mutual respect and sometimes sheer reverence of Premo makes for the type of chemistry that is a great consolation prize nonetheless.

    What We Said Then:
    “DJ Premier’s signature heavy basslines and custom drum kits are present along with the expected horns and even a few brooding organs for good measure. While tracks like “Policy” and “5%” purposely have a vintage, analog sound, nothing on the album seems dated.”

    Apollo Kids
    by Ghostface Killah

    Released: December 21, 2010
    Label: Def Jam Records
    Highest Charting Position: N/A
    Producers: Frank Dukes, Shroom, Sean C. & LV, Scram Jones, Yakub, Pete Rock, Chino Maurice, Big Mizza, Anthony Acid, Jake One
    Guests: Killah Priest, GZA, Busta Rhymes, Cappadonna, Trife Da God, Joell Ortiz, Game, Black Thought, Sheek Louch, Shawn Wigs, Sun God, Raekwon, U-God, Method Man, Redman

    Ghostface did it again. The most consistent member of Wu-Tang Clan made an album that appeased core fans, with hard lyrics, amazing Soul samples and no concept needed. Hard beats, hard rhymes, what more could we ask for?

    Previous Year’s Top 25 Albums

    The Top 25 Albums of 2009
    The Top 25 Albums of 2008

    281 thoughts on “HipHopDX’s Top 25 Albums of 2010

    1. decent list. i slept on that roc marciano so ill check that out and some of the other shit. but where’s stimulus package and live from the tape deck? im taking them over fat joe and the reflection eternal shit. don’t put em on the list just cus you recognize their name.

    2. Can’t really argue with the list. My only complaint is Devin’s ‘Gotta be Me’ album was a lot better than the ‘420’ album.
      And though I hadn’t heard the Lloyd Banks album, I’m very skeptical it was that good.
      Shout out to Ghostface for making the list once again. I’m picking up Apollo Kids after work!

    3. i agree with starky love. freeway and jake one “the stimulus package” belongs on this list. i would also add strong arm steady “in search of stoney jackson” too.

    4. Alright list, good looks on the Left, Celph Titled, Roc Marciano and yU albums. Always thought Wu Massacre was a bit suspect and got deservedly forgotten about, but I guess not – at least Apollo Kids is a bit better. The Rakaa and RPM were pretty disposable as well. Looks like hhdx isn’t down with the jets int. stuff either, and list could do with a bit more Black Milk, Blacastan and a few more indie bits.

    5. The list is good, cant really complain but how do you leave off Gangrene (Alchemist & Oh No)- Gutter Water and Skyzoo & Illmind- Lve From The Tape Deck? Those albums are top 5 easily!

    6. No Mercy not on here? That album was pretty good but maybe yall got it number 26th. And wheres Pilot Talk? Pilot Talk 1 AND 2 aint on here thats crazy.

    7. yo the 7l & Eso “1212” hasn’t left my deck since i got it, i wasn’t into their last album but this is crack. i’m the last cd buyer in my state but i got a 6 disc changer and this and the ill bill/muggs cd stay in rotation. good list tho, some joints i slept on and gotta cop.

    8. my homey blacastan deserves to be on this list. rawest album of the year next to that 7L + Eso + celph titled.

    9. Wow, the inclusion of Kno and Roc Marciano and the exclusion of Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Wayne leads me to believe that HipHopDX posted this list accidentally. I’ll wait a few days before I post an actual comment.

    10. FREEWAY & JAKE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      What’s a matter with you guys??? That album shyts on most of those albums.

      Nas/Damian should of been album of the year. But people just ride Kanye’s dick till the end. I love Kanye as a producer but that album was overrated.

    11. to not have Skyzoo & illmind up there is insane. I actually believe that was the best — or at LEAST top 3 — hip-hop releases of 2010. easily.

      obviously, i feel Sorry I’m Late should’ve been up there, but i can live with that exclusion. to not have Sky & ill is insane.

    12. If you were to put a devin the dude album why the fuck would you put Suite 420??? GOTTA BE ME IS WAYYYYY BETTER

      1. Somebody always cries when summin they like gets left off, this list isnt perfect but its better then most that I’ve seen so far

      2. “0-60 trunk muzik” is technically a mixtape since there were like 2-3 new songs on it.

        freeway/jake one, i wasn’t too terribly hot on it, prolly like a 3.5, but i could see why it’d deserve to be up there

    13. I like the list. They put more underground albums than I expected. I would probably take Bun B and Lloyd Banks off there and put Canibus’ C Of Tranquility and Freeway & Jake One’s album.

    14. YAY NO LIL WAYNE IN SIGHT. WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT SAY THE SUPPOSED GREATEST OF ALL TIME PUTS OUT 2 ALBUMS THIS YEAR AND THEY AREN’T AMONG THE TOP 25???!?! AHAHHA

      VINNIE PAZ’S SEASON OF THE ASSASSIN SHOULD BE ON HERE

      1. it tells us that ur a fuggin idiot.
        Rebirth was an experimental album.
        IANAHB was songs that were scrapped off of Carter 4, released while he was in jail, and still went #1.
        Rebirth went Gold despite it leaking two months before it came out.
        anything else u wanna say smart ass!?
        didnt think so.

      2. EXPIREMENTAL ALBUM? AHA WHY NOT CALL IT WHAT IT TRULY WAS: BULLSHIT. IM NOT ONE FOR THROWING SUGAR ON SHIT AND CALLING IT SUFLE. AND BRINGING SALES INTO IT…REALLY?

        WHAT IS YOUR POINT EXACTLY? THAT AN ARTIST CAN PUT OUT AN ALBUM AND JUST BECAUSE IT CONSISTS OF B-SIDES ITS DOESN’T HAVE TO MEET CRITICAL ACCLAIM??? STOP MAKING EXCUSE FOR WAYNE…HES A HORRIBLE, TALENTLESS HACK OF AN ARTIST

    15. No Freeway & Jake One?????

      I also felt that these should of made it…
      Statik Selektah – 100 Proof
      Vinnie Paz – Season Of The Assassin
      KRS-One & True Master – Meta-Historical
      Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon II
      Hell Razah – Heaven Razah
      Gangrene – Gutter Water
      Eligh – Grey Crow

    16. Pretty damn good list. I would’ve liked to have seen Vinnie Paz on here, but that Freeway & Jake One was total trash. Y’all buggin’.

      Most well-rounded list I’ve seen to date this year.

    17. i’m glad they got Pack on there.. I Fuckin’ Hate Rappers.. definitely not as good as Whutduzfmstand4?. but still, a good album..

    18. no

      Black Milk – Album of the year

      Canibus -C of Tranquility

      Skyzoo – Live from the tape deck

      KRS – Meta-Historical

      WTF

      I’d even throw

      Nottz – You need this music

      Inspectah Deck – Manifesto

      Ice Cube – I am the West

      over alot of the ones chosen

      BEEZLEBUD hollah on Twitter

      1. i’m sorry man, Cube’s lp was awful. i thought the one before this one was dope as hell, but somehow he killed whatever streak he was on

        canibus i could def see though. his best lp in half a decade by far

    19. Interesting to note Ghostface album hasn’t been officially reviewed yet made the list. GFK hasn’t made one bad album in his career. Consistency is an understatement.

    20. This, surprisingly, is a really good list. With some exceptions of course (hunger for more pt.2 & teflon Don).

    21. Uhh yea, I highly doubt half of everybody that posted didn’t even listen to half the albums on this list, I haven’t even heard most of these people at all.

    22. I like this list,definetly on point! However there some lames in the c section saying how Yelawolf is wack,and by now if your not checking for dude and think he’s garbage your taste in rap must be fucking horrible!

    23. Interesting list, I thought the Freeway album might make this too. Also surprised that albums from Cudi and B.O.B. didn’t make it either. And the album didn’t get a lot of love from this site, but I’m pretty sure a lot of people here gonna trip over Drake not being on the list.

      1. Kid cudi’s new album sucked so did drake’s. One only a stoner could find enjoyable and thank me later could only be liked a woman. So im guessing your a girl that likes her weed

    24. This list sucks. No Gucci Mane? No Waka Flocka? No Justin Bieber? No Taylor Swift? No Nicki Minaj? No Lil Wayne? I mean c’mon… the only underground rap albums even good were Vinnie Paz and Canibus’s last albums. Recovery and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy sucks. Those are pop albums. Glad that losers like Drake, B.o.B, and Kid Cudi failed to get charted because they suck.

      It’s Gucci Time!

    25. thumbs up for not including Thank Me Later and Man on the moon 2, thumbs down for including teflon don and not b.o.b’s debut album.

      1. Ok I agree that Drake and Kid Cudi do indeed suck and are an embarassment to Hip Hop like that Eminem douche but B.o.B? That nigga sucks. All he raps about is paper planes and Magic. That nigga is an embarrassment to Atlanta. Gucci Mane is true Hip Hop. He represents ATL not this pop rapper who sings in every song like those losers who think Drake and Kid Cudi are good rappers.

        It’s Gucci Time!

    26. Man i love wu but how you going put Ghost shit up like he came out yet like be real wid me Drake shit is plat and you not going include his shit c’mon be fare drake shit was aight!

    27. Pretty decent list, but a spot was definitely wasted on Wu-Massacre.

      That was a disappointment even to me, who had no expectations for it.

      TSOL would have been better deserved.

    28. M-Phazes – Good Gracious….Album of the year by far n NOBODY is yet to mention it…..the producers stole the best albums this year, m-phazes, black milk, nottz, illmind wit skyzoo, hi-tek wit kweli

      1. I find it funny that you dedicate your screen name to Drake like in your other post you made. I think you are gay for Drake. Besides, people who use homophobic terms a lot tend to be homosexuals in the closet.

    29. Great list! Some real classic material. Shout to yU “Before Taxes” and The Left “Gas Mask”!!! Of course there were other great albums this year as well, just glad to see Hiphop shining brightly this year! Shout to HipHopDX for striving to be the best!

    30. where the fuck is Shad’s- Tsol? man he never gets the recognition he deserves. is it because he’s Canadian or something? man that pisses me off. It was one of the best albums of the year (actually it is probably the best)Hiphopdx all i gotta say is wow.

    31. oh and B.o.B’s- Adventures of Bobby Ray was really fucking dope too. much more deserving than most of the other albums

    32. My album better make the Best Hip Hop albums of 2011 or HipHopDx will be cursed a 100 years I tell ya

      $WonDough$>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    33. sooo disapointed hhdx. damn…. some wack ass albums on their. how bout thank me later? and recovery not close to number 1? IF NOT 1. damn would expect better. drake should be on their to. god damn,.

    34. Pretty good picks but y’all missed some dope albums like C’Mon Son

      BLACK MILK – Album of the Year

      SHAD – TSOL (And yes Shad is Canadian)

      DRAKE – Thank Me Later (Another Canadian talent from the T-Dot (Toronto Canada)

      LITTLE BROTHER – Leftback

      SKYZOO/ILLMIND – Live From The Tape

      CURREN$Y – Pilot Talk

      SLUM VILLAGE – Villa Manifesto

      R.I.P. Baatin and the King of the Beats since the days of The Ummah (J-Dilla)

      1. wtf is freeway & JAKE ONE- STIMULAS PACKAGE? sKYZOO & iLLMIN – LIVE FROM THE TAPEDECK DEFINITELY WAS ILL TOO. NOT THE BIGGEST DRAKE FAN BUT WTH IS HIS ALBUM?

    35. how the fuck does officer rick false make the list when true artists like black milk dont? this guys a borderline musical genius. last i checked raps – lies = hiphop

    36. lets not forget rah digga classic…oh and j.cole friday night lights even though its a mixtape shoulda really been considered a album too

    37. Teflon Don, best album of the year. My nigga had good lyrics mixed wit crazy beats.

      Bawse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    38. They forgot TSOL by Shad. The best album of the year imo followed by Kanye, roots, nas & damien, big boi then homeboy sandman.

    39. Dinner and a Movie
      by Brotha Lynch Hung ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
      This list knows where it can go!! Whoes the actual person who decided this??

    40. The dark side Vol. 1 Fat Joe??? Who still listens to theses guys??? We need better rappers like Phil Nash in the “new school” to relieve some of theses “worn-out” rappers.

    41. REAL TOP ALBUMS LIST IN ORDER
      #1. The Roots- How I Got Over
      #2. Kanye West- MBDTF
      #3. Freeway & Jake One- Stimulas Package
      #4. Ghostface- Apollo Kids
      #5. Nas & Damien Marley- Distant Relatives
      #6. Big Boi- Sir Lucious Leftfoot
      #7- Rick Ross- Teflon Don
      #8- Skyzoo & Illmind- Live From The Tapdeck
      #9- Kidz In The Hall- Land of Make Believe
      #10- Lloyd Banks- Hunger For More 2
      #11- B.O.B.- The Adventures Of Bobby Ray
      #12- Drake- Thank Me Later
      #13- Fat Joe- The Darkside Vol.1
      #14-Celph Titled & Buckwild- 1990 Now
      #15- Meth/Rae/Ghost- Wu Massacre
      #16- Bun B- Trill O.G.
      #17-Rakaa- Crown Of Thorns
      #18- Eminem- Recovery
      #19- Black Milk- Album of The Year
      #20-Big Remo & 9th Wonder- Entrapement
      #21- Little Brother- Left Back
      #22- Roc Marciano- Marcberg
      #23- Reflection Eternal-Revelution Per Minute
      #24- Murs & 9th Wonder- Fornever
      #25- gAS mASK- tHE lEFT

      1. At least your being honest and not like saying fuck Drake, B.o.B, Rick Ross, Kanye West, Fat Joe or Eminem just because their mainstream. I seriously hate when people do that. It’s ok to have an opinion but wasting your time hating on someone just pisses me of.

    42. Honored to be on the list twice! Loved the Ghostface & Roc Marci albums too.

      Here’s MMG’s 2010 Releases for those looking to dig deeper into the catalog:

      The Left “Gas Mask”
      yU “Before Taxes”
      Oddisee “Traveling Man”
      Georgia Anne Muldrow “VWETO”
      Boog Brown & Apollo Brown “Brown Study
      Trek Life “Everything Changed Nothing”
      G&D “SomeOthaShip”
      Apollo Brown “The Reset”
      MMG “Helpless Dreamer”

      &

      What MMG’s brewing for early 2011

      Apollo Brown “Clouds”
      Has-Lo “In Case I Don’t Make It”
      Finale “Odds & Ends”
      Oddisee “People Hear What They See”
      Kenn Starr “Square One”
      yU “The Earn”
      Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown “Daily Bread”

      Stay tuned!

    43. this list is awful. you had the nerve to put in eminem’s 12 year old white bitch album. and rick ross’ and lloyd banks. even bun b’s was a disappointment. and you didn’t mention Black Milk, David Banner & 9th Wonder, Skyzoo & Illmind, Shad and Joe Budden.

    44. TOP 8 albums of 2010 are

      Big Boi – Sir Lucious leftfoot
      Eligh – Grey Crow
      Reflection Eternal – Revolution per Minute
      Curren$y – Pilot Talk II
      KNO – Death is silent
      Eminem – Recovery
      The Roots – how i got over
      Army of The Pharaohs – The unholy Terror

      PEACE

    45. Can I be honest and say I’ve only heard a few of these albums here, and they were mainstream releases… I cant get jiggy with most of this, mostly because I have never heard of some of the artist on this list. Maybe it’s just me, I’m not looking for the ultra lyrical or that hard hip hop sound that people seem to be searching for again.

    46. wow!i didn’t expect so much “underground”, down-to-earth hip hop, very well crafted and solid releases… i’m happy for all these artists, they deserve a lot of shine, hope they gonna pack arenas… word to
      brotha lynch hung
      roc marciano
      devin the dude
      pack fm
      kno
      ill bill & muggs
      7l & esoteric
      and i’d add yelawolf… trunk muzik (og) is a damn near perfect release.
      also more mainstream records were very good i.e. BIG BOI, Rick Ross and Kanye.
      and even L.L.oyd Banks was a nice surprise.
      Hip hop never died.

    47. kno should do records for everybody in the biz. he should make zillions. word to the qn5 camp. and freeway – jake one was very good too. they’re slept on as a duo.

    48. It’s a damn shame vinnie Paz’s solo album SOA isn’t in this list. Does anyone on this site listen to rap anyway? kanye on #1????????????

    49. Buckwild & Celph Titled not gettin that much love I see, here’s my argument:

      People do not understand the concept of this album..You have an emcee of today rhyming over beats that were leftover from the mid 90’s…from BUCKWILD no less

      THIS HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE

      I’m not trying to disrespect the other albums, but this album was gutter from start to finish, even the friggin interludes!!!..anyone who is a fan of 90’s hiphop has got to have this…

      If you liked DITC, Boot Camp, Organized Konfusion, Artifacts, Bush Babees, Cella Dwellas..THIS IS A MUST HAVE

      Last Point:
      Imagine Royce Da 5’9 rhyming over PRIMO beats left off the 1st Group Home album, or even Moment of Truth..this is what you have right here..

      I’m sorry, but this by far and away the ALBUM OF THE YEAR

      1. Nah, trust me man, that album is gettin serious love. MAD people are lovin that shit and talkin about it. Celph is retarded..in a good way of course.

    50. Theres always somebody left standing to cry like a bitch when one of these lists come out, but I think ya’ll did a pretty decent Job, I woulda included Vinny Paz and Freeway myself, but props for mentioning Lynch and Ill Bill vs Muggs, my 2 personal favorites of the year.

    51. Reading through the list and seeing how many of these albums didnt chart at all is hilarious. Thats why nobody takes the opinions of the internet seriously, because ya’ll dont buy shit

      You know, it only takes selling about 2,000 records in a week to crack the BB 200 now, you mean to tell me that there aint at least that many of you cheap bastards out there to buy one of these CD’s you dickride so hard on the Web???

      And then you’ll cry like lil girls when your favorite artists sell out, lol, dont nobody wanna raise their kids on food stamps and hand-me-downs to amuse you Stuck up motherfuckes that dont even break bread, fuck outta here with that….

    52. Not a bad list overall, but Freeway and Jake One’s Stimulus Package should have been on this list, and quite easily too.

    53. Villa Manifesto and Stimulus Package deserve an honorable mention as well.

      And if you ask me, Wu-Massacre was a major disappointment. Doesn’t even deserve to be on the list let alone the rating it received.

    54. I’m pretty sure the Wu could make an entire record of them taking a shit and hiphopdx would still give it 4/5 and put it on their best of year list.

      Meanwhile Panacea, one of the most original groups in hip hop right now gets snubbed for the 5th year.

      Also Pilot Talk and TSOL are definitely top 25.

    55. One of the VERY best hiphop albums of the year wasn’t on that list, or even reviewed by HHDX… Kid Called Computer & Sadistik – The Art of Dying.
      Seriously, if you haven’t spun that album go get it – Sadistik is the illest lyricist out at the minute.

    56. I cannot give this list any respect since 8 Ball and MJG are not on the list. They made a hell of an album with one of the years most powerful soogs with “Life Goes On” Step yall game up

    57. Vinny Paz sucks. His latest album sucks. I’m glad to see 7l and Esoteric and Celph Titled on the list. Those guys truly deserve it.

    58. I’m a little confused how Rick Ross, Lloyd Banks and Kanye West made this list when there albums were trash as usual. How did Vinnie Paz not get up there, same with the AOTP album. Who makes these lists. I don’t think I even saw Slaughterhouse on the list. HipHopDx, you should change your name to HipPopDX because you guys sure are neglecting the real talent with this garbage.

      P.S. to everyone hating on Vinnie Paz, first spell his name right, and that guy is bringing the truth, maybe his flow is a little repetitive but he stays true to his roots and spits fire.

    59. highly subjective biased idiots front on vinnie paz because of his extremist religious islamic views and his violent words and anti-gay lines, but in reality it dosnt change the fact that season of the assassin murked almost every album out this year. yeah a bit of a departure as far as some production, but well rounded hearfelt , entertaining album with lots of knowledge dropped.
      too many idiots, like DX are super reactionary and defensive and dont see projects for what they are.
      dont believe the hype people. DX is propaganda.

      1. EVen though Stoupe didn’t do the beats, I still think it was one of the ILLEST albums of the year. THe beats were fire!! There were some tracks i coulda lived without but this shit is easily in the top 25…

    60. this list sucks!!!!

      where’s freeway’s stimulus package with JO

      where’s yelawolf’s album

      tech N9Ne?

      B.o.B?

      BUT THE WORST FOR MY EYES WAS NOT TO SEE TI’S ALBUM? WTF IT WAS DEF TOP 5, WHAT UP WITH THAT?

      half the guys on your list are garbage, like top 25 worst rappers-including fatass ross-half these guys i never even heard of

      how retarded are the people that made this?

      25. Vado- Slime Flu
      24. Bun B- Trill O.G.
      23. Yelawfol- Trunk Muzik 0-60
      22. Freeway & Jake1: Simulus Package
      21. 1982- 19882
      20. Cassidy- CASH
      19. Reflection Eternal- Revolutions Per Minute
      18. Nappy Roots- Pursuit of Nappysness
      17. Nottz: You need this music
      16. B.o.B: Adevntures of bobby ray
      15. Ill Bill – Kind devil hills
      14. CNN – The War Report 2
      13. Fabolous – There is no competition 2
      12. Pimp C- The Naked Soul of sweet jones
      11. the left – gas mask
      10. Lloyd Banks
      9. Nas & Damian Marley
      8. Ghostface Killah
      7. Tech N9NE
      6. Eminem
      5. Wu Tang Clan
      4. T.I.
      3. The Roots
      2. Big Boi
      1. Kanye West

    61. HOW THE FUCK IS SKYZOO & !LLMIND – LIVE FROM THE TAPE DECK & JOE BUDDEN – MOOD MUZIK 4 NOT ON THIS LIST? GET THESE IDIOTS THE FUCK OUTTA HERE.

    62. LOOKING FOR THAT RAW….

      UNKUT…

      PURE…ENTER MY DOMAIN AND GET NUMB

      youtube.com/user/305ilovemia#p/u/23/CHf8lFuMEgY

      GET LOST>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

      BEWARE

      ENTER AT YOUR RISK

      MUSIC NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS EFFECTS

    63. i like fat joe and ross but thier albums shouldn’t make the list. not when t.i., skyzoo & illmind, currensy, yelawolf, or freeway’s albums are left off. matter a fact they all could make it and replace some other albums.

    64. half of you dumbass motherfuckers are complaining about how your favorite mixtapes didn’t make the list.. it’s ALBUMS idiots.. ALBUMS..

    65. Alot of great albums on this list no doubt, but I would personally HAVE TO ADD DIABOLIC’S LIAR AND A THIEF album to this as it makes my top 5 along with Roots, Celph Titled, Kno, and probably Distant Relatives…Great overall year for hip hop though. Still Shocked HHDX gave Diabolic’s CLASSIC debut 3/5 when it should of gotten at least a 4, in my books it’s a 4.5/5

    66. HOW THE FUCK do you not include Strong Arm Steady & Madlib’s In Search Of Stoney Jackson album on your list? Easily one of the best albums to come out this year. SMMFH. Dissappointing

    67. LOT of people I’ve never even heard of, guess that’s why their shit didn’t chart. Not sayin they’re automatically whack, just I personally can’t give much credit to no-name rappers. Really happy to not see Pink Friday on here tho.

    68. does anyone listen to or heard of an artist signed to carmelo anthonys new label, named cassidy who dropped his cd this year?

      -sincerely, ignorance extinguisher

      1. notice how u only mentioned Em cos thats prolly the only album u listen to outta this 25 closet stan

        and dont reply to my shit sayin “nahhh uhhh i love kanye’s album and teflon don was dope too”

    69. Pretty good list i thought, people will never be happy no matter who you put in your top 25 “Why isnt so-and-so included” etc who gives a fuck its just a list.

      People get all emotional over it, obviously theres a few i would have changed but music is subjective, so everyone’s gonna have a different opinion.

      And to the people who say they havent heard half of the people on the list – go back and listen to faggit Drake or whatever commercial trash you listen to. Bullshit hip-hop fans.

    70. Decent list, agree with a lot of the other comments. Sad to not see Snowgoons, Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko or Army of the Pharaohs on the list also. But hey, you can only include 25

      1. Oh shit, was Tech N9ne’s album this year?? Damn, if it was, then hell yea that definitely should be on here! Especially if they put Brutha Lynch album on here. Strange Music always has dope ass production!!

    71. P.S. Vinnie Paz Solo, Reef the lost Cauze – Fight Music and Yelawolf should all be on there. Shit I would take a Wiz Khalifa mixtape over Rick Ross…..

    72. Reminder to all readers of this article:

      Don’t act like a bitch simply because YOUR favorite shit didn’t make SOMEBODY ELSE’s list.

      It’s like bitchin’ someone out at the supermarket for choosing to buy salami over bologna. Nobody gives a fuck, and you look like a fool.

      Do I agree with this Top 25 list? Not entirely. Which is the way it should be. SOMEONE ELSE’s list should not entirely coincide with MY tastes entirely, otherwise that’s gettin’ on some creepy shit.

      1. Stop bitchin’ about people bitchin’. That is what the comment sections are for, you don’t have to read them. Get off your fuckin pedestal.

    73. No Joe Budden – MM 4? Persoanlly one of my favourite albums to drop in the last 3 or 4 years.

      I find that a strange choice but to each is his own I guess

      1. That shit was fucking WAAAACK. no hate, but His first tape went harder. that tape was hella boring. and if you disagree….FAWK YOU

    74. im with dude that said”how could cudi’s album not make it”..that album was well produced,had hits on it(THE MOOD,MOJO SO DOPE) and was not over-hyped..YOUR “DEVIN THE DUDE” CHOICE IS ALSO boo-boo because his second album he dropped this yr(GOTTA BE ME) IS ONE OF THE BEST IN HIS LONG CATALOGUE..its smashin SUITE 420..although i enjoyed both..and no JCOLE’S MIXTAPE does not go harder than all of these albums..mixtape dummies(u wont like him next yr after/or when he blows anyway..so your comment is irrelevant “DIRTYBACKPACKER”..AND that FATJOE album is insanely underrated..i agree with that statement..as for his best produced in ten yrs..NO “ME,MYSELF AND I” WAS just as well-produced and the themes were just as good,and the album was just as dark..his best in fact

    75. How can Death of a Popstar not be in the top 25 albums this year? I just picked it up and I’ve already listened to it 3 times, and I have to say its the third best album I’ve heard thid year behind behind Dark Twisted and Pilot Talk II.

    76. Gdammmit for the love of all that’s holy in life please review a damn hip hop music by something other than “Heavy basslines and drum kits. ” LEARN SOME FRIGGING MUSIC Such as chords, melodies. Yes they exist in hip hop you dunces review writers … SMDH LOL GEEES

      1. These reviewers sound like their fresh outta high school, tryin’ to shove kid music down our throats while tryin’ to convince us they know underground at the same time. Nice try doesn’t fool this grown ass man.

    77. This is to the magazine…you understand the greatness of Distant Relatives.I know when I listen to a album and can not put it down …something is cooking..it happen with What’s Going…Marvin Gaye and also with this poetic genius piece of work by Nas and Damian…I saw the Concert and that was it…THE MESSAGE AND THE MUSIC !!!!

    78. Kanye killed all those..Big Boi was dope….T.I. No mercy should be here if your gonna put Ghostface on there after only being out a few days!

      Stat Quo got snuffed and slept on

    79. two of my favorite releases in a looong time, nevermind this tear, were up there. Big Boi & Celph Titled.

      go buy those shits.

    80. man dx ripped fat joe when his album first came out… i think they left out cee-lo, stat quo, devins second cd (his first one to me wasnt his best), but good to see big boi’s on here, i think that was underrated! im gonna have to listen to all of these now

    81. 1. MBDTF, duh moroons
      2.Curren$y Pilot Talk 2, Jets Fool
      3.Teflon Don, Sorry Haters
      4.Thank Me Later, men lie women lie numbers dont

    82. This is why I take this site’s album ratings with a grain of salt. They throw in commercial rap albums and mix in a couple mediocre-at-best underground albums, which gives the impression they are just tone deaf. Heaven Razah already ranks as an instant classic for the new decade and it isn’t even mentioned on this site. Nicki Minaj’s 0 star album meanwhile gets attention and gets rated, only god knows why.

      1. I hope you take a serious look at some of these albums. By no means would I or most people say that Dilated People, Homeboy Sandman, Diamond District, and Kno (of CunninLynguists, possibly THE most consistent hip-hop group period in the past decade). PackFM KILLS I F*cking Hate Rappers and the production on Gas Mask is phenomenal (which should be understood, coming from Apollo Brown) even on the rough copy that leaked last year.
        I understand that HHDX reviews are generally shit, but you shouldn’t make sweeping generalizations based on half the list when all you’re doing is robbing yourself of good music.

        Just a thought.

    83. Today, scientist working on the Human Genome Project have said to have discovered a gene only found in caucasian girls,and it is believed to be the cause for their overzealous friendliness and spunk!Its deep yall, keep reading. Have you ever wondered why white girls are always enthusiastic,smiling, so full of life and have enough energy to put an entire football team to sleep? And did I mention, enough spunk to sleep with every fraternity boy on campus in the span of an hour? Well look no further the answer is near. Genetic scientist say the gene they have coined “Becky-Helix-2.0”, is responsible for these observations that have perplexed us all for years. So how does this gene work? Good question, they say the gene signals for the synapses in their brains to overcompensate for serotonin, much like MDMA does when you roll on a yopper. However, when the gene signals for serotonin to be released to the appropriate receptors in the brain, it attaches a neurotransmitter to its tail that has built in “ditzy dumb dumb” dopamine inhibitors that cause them to be so willing to engage in conversation and other worldly pleasures, with complete strangers. Scientist say, this is why GHB or more commonly known as the “Date Rape Drug”, only works on Caucasian Girls. Deep huh? More on these findings coming soon…….It’s deep yall!!

    84. TODAY MARKS THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

      HE HAS RESURRECTED AND HAS COME BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

      youtube.com/watch?v=_G8rV-zbyrs

      THE SECOND COMING BY $WONDOUGH$

      AINT NO TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK OVER HERE

    85. 26.The Stimulus Package (Freeway/Jake One)
      27.Death of a Pop Star(DavidBanner/9thWonder
      28.Tha Thug Show (Slim Thug)
      29.1982 (Termanology & Statik Selektah)
      30.Album of the Year (Black Milk)
      bonus:The Adventures of Bobby Ray (B.o.B)

    86. Started a hip hop website. And I’m looking for some followers/commenters. Its called TheRapSpot. We have a few things that are different. Any mixtape that comes out, we have a section called Worth the Download? where we review it and let you know if its worth checking out. We also have Sample Saturdays. This is a little game where we stream a sample and you have to be the first to send in an email telling us the sample and who used it. We are more personal. My email is available for any questions (patrick@therapspot.com)

      Thanks if you check it out. (sorry for spamming)
      -Patrick (Owner/Creator/Writer)
      http://www.TheRapSpot.com

    87. Good list
      honorable mentions

      Black milk-album of the year
      Vinnie Paz -solo album
      Mdot-run mpc
      Krizz kaliko shock treatment

      1. Yo, only thing I agree with you is Vinnie Paz’s album. DX, HOW THE FUCK DID YOU MISS THAT SHIT?!?! Some of the best beats I heard in awhile!! You know you done fucked up, right? You know you done fucked up?

      1. BITCH!!!! Haha, Black Milk’s album??? Ahaha..that shit was PURE TRASH. And it’s even better how it was called “Album Of The Year” (even though, supposedly that wasn’t the real meaning of the title) ahahaha….

    88. The Game got robbed on Christmas

      Your Majesty (REVAMPED) by $WonDough$>>>>>

      youtube.com/watch?v=r1EpdtnZ0Mc

      The Second Coming by $WonDough$>>>>>>>>

      youtube.com/watch?v=_G8rV-zbyrs

      No signs of the Grinch this CHRISTmas

      $WonDough$>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    89. Yo if u like some of these albums check out my lyrics…

      Chorus:
      I always finish shit no matter who the fuck starts
      Cuz nobody got nuttin on the poopy butt farts
      U may be good a pool and even shooting darts
      But u still don’t stand a chance against the poopy butt farts
      U might’ve been through struggles and survived the bad parts
      But u still and earned stripes like the poopy butt farts
      U might be fly u might even have smarts
      But u’ll never ever ever be a poopy butt fart
      Verse 1
      I chill all day
      Wit my boys and smoke hay
      Sell a lot of ye’
      I gotta get paid
      We da poopy butt farts so u know we gettin laid
      U never met a dude that speaks so fluently
      After I pull the trigger I’ll present the fuckin eulogy………………………………………………….

      If you want the rest of the song u have to buy the cd…
      Peace y’all!

    90. WTF!!! Why isn’t HOPSIN on this list??!! He IS hip hop! His lyrics speak nothing but tha truth! He doesn’t rap about tha same stuff like all these other artist do which are:: drugs,sex,gurls,&&how much money he has &&how he’s got a glock&&hes a thug &&blah blah blah!! He doesn’t sing &&rap && use auto tune all tha time soundin like a lil 12 year old boy like alot of these artist do…he is very talented he even directs&&produces his own videos!! He also can skateboard! He bust his ass arm his house doin this shit! He Is real &&comes at you raw! I’ve never heard nothing like him!! He’s soooo different&&unique in a good way! You soul be amazed!&&he is startin 2 blow up &&will continue 2 cuz I’m doin mi best 2 promote him in Mississippi! Hopsin is about 2 put soulja boy, drake,nicki minaj&&many others out of business!! && that comin 4rm a girl who likes these artist&&who has pink Friday(nicki minaj)!! Look Hopsin up on YouTube!! && go 2 http://www.myfunkvolume.com & get a free download if his mixtape Haywire And/or buy his RAW album! Promise you will not be disappointed!! Don’t knock him until you try him!! Sincerely,Brittany Colson:)

    91. i meant his is Boston his ass *at his house&& I meant you *will not be disappointed! Sorry 4 tha mistakes! And also u have 2 if soulja boys mixtapes && I’m a fan of lil Wayne,Waka flocka, && tha whole young money crew!! But I’m bein honest when I say Hopsin is tha best!! He’s about 2 make all these artist mad cuz hE spits tha truth!! He’s blown up! I listen 2 his songs everyday nah ever since I discovered him!!&& I added him&& the Funk Volume page on mi facebook! Ohh also Hopsin is involved wit hIs fans unlike other artist!! He gets on tinychat.com && video chats wit people && he has commented in mi facebook page Thanx 4 tha support && he has messaged me back when I asked him a question about his album! That’s also why I like him so much! Even though he’s busy && has all these fans he still takes time outta his life && interacts wit his fans which is a positive cuz no artist do that now well tha ones wit all this money! but without us, tha fans, you wouldn’t freakin have all that money!!

      1. Most of ya niggas is still stuck..hip hop is dead, like my nigga NAS said..Im sorry!!GET OVER IT..life goes on…Pick a new trend..or start a new one..everything is so elavated now…the bar is set high..all that mpc shit and scrathing won’t do brah..ok ok..wale my Spit, KiD, J. Cole..but come on man.. we all already had our 36 chambers, our illmatic and stillmatic, Primo beats and buckwild beats..good memories but come on dog..u cant drive the 93,94,95, or even the 98 bemmer all your life..you need to get a new one sooner or later..i get it..its hard to let go..LOl..but dont be afraid to sing a little or do something diffrent..niggas is gettting left behind..and the record labels have shown it..except capitol records..but fuck capitol them niggas suck..Do be the nigga that gets booooooooooo at the party for putting on triumph from the wu-tang clan….LOL…peace

        p.s. that roots, big boi, nas & damian, fat joe, bun b, kanye west were the shit god bless..

        P.s. 2 da second..The rick ross and eminem were average..
        watch from my nigga yealwolf from alabama…peace L.a. Joe

    92. whoever decides the order of the 2010 awards and this top 25 albums of the year is dumb as rocks…how can u possibly justify yourself saying that the gas mask by the left and death is silent by kno is better than eminems recovery?!?! that shit blows my mind

      1. Kno’s Death is Silent album has a lot more depth than Eminem’s Recovery. I love Recovery don’t get me wrong, but when I listen to Kno’s album there is definitely more emotion evoked. Em only has a few songs that feel real on Recovery, a lot of it is for the mainstream.

    93. Ghostface Killah, Kanye West, Homeboy Sandman, Celph Titled & Buckwild, Kno, The Left, Big Boi, The Roots, yU.
      But I just checked out PackFM, and the dude is good. Well, he is from QN5 after all.

    94. 1. Roc Marciano – Marcberg
      2. The Left – Gas Mask
      3. Celph Titled and Buckwild – Nineteen-Ninety Now
      4. Curren$y – Pilot Talk
      5. The Roots – How I Got Over / Freeway & Jake One – The Stimulus Package

    95. Agree with this for the most part! But Middle Classic by Jermiside & Danny Diggs definitely should of made the cut.. some haunting tracks on that one.

    96. All you guys do is complain about who isn’t included and who doesn’t belong. Try giving the HHDX crew some props. Im sure it wasn’t easy for everyone to come to an agreement.

    97. first time comment longtime reader how makes the choise of how is in your top 25 some of them i have never herd of next time you should do it by region midwest downsouth east west ect because in chciago we sometime dont get what someone else may get so something to think about for next year

    98. Props on the list.

      I’ve kind of lost touch with hiphop over the last couple years and stuck to listening to old shit. This seems like a good starting point on what I need to catch up on. Looks like a balanced list with reliable names (Ghostface, Devin The Dude & Pack FM), rappers I don’t like (Kanye, Rick Ross, Lloyd) and some I haven’t even heard of before (yU, roc marciano, Homeboy Sandman).

      Having only heard the Wu Massacre & Reflection Eternal albums I say the list looks nice. Fuck the haters, expecting everyone the have the same top 25 as them.

    99. List is very good, BUT I don’t know how FREEWAY/JAKE ONE – THE STIMULUS PACKAGE didn’t make a top 25 list. I can understand not being in a top 10 list, even though its in my top 5. But come on. I give DX props for the list but with a major fail. That album has bangin ass beats, dope lyrics, and great original concepts. Just my thoughts. Peace

    100. god bless me!Im soo o happy.Wu massacre,distant relatives,hunger for more 2,
      Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty,and
      dark twisted fantasy are totally the best albums.

      BUt rick ross sucks.Its good that lil wayne is not in list.He sucks and his album was boring.

    101. I’m also glad Wayne didn’t make this list, but why is Rick Ross on here? Commercial much?! That album had good BEATS!! Not an altogether great album at all! Nobody’s going to remember this two years from now! Him or Fat Joe! Why is HE on this list?! I don’t even have to listen to that album to know it’s not deserving for top 25 albums of 2010. I’m glad y’all put Nas & Damian, Wu-Massacre, Roots, Kanye, Lloyd Banks (I checked it out even though I’m not a Lloyd fan, good album), Bun B and Big Boi made this list. Good looking out. There’s a lot of debate about Eminem’s Recovery, and I mean A LOT.

      I think it is a good album, Eminem comes out with the same energy that he usually does on his albums. Yes it’s not goofy like his others but we get to see a serious side of Eminem, which I find crazy with the wordplay. Yes a couple songs have a pop feel, but he did that to get sales up, and sadly that’s what hip hop is all about now…sales…smh…it’s sad but it’s what hip hop is turning into. Eventually at this rate it may not exist in the future (not near, but distant)

      1. ” Commercial Much?! ” ” don’t even have to listen to that album to know it’s not deserving for top 25 albums of 2010. ” Thats just fuckin stupid dude, maybe the mofo happend to make a good album! I haven’t heard the album either but i dont go around making assumptions about it. Not listening to albums because they are ” Commercial ” is as stupid as not listening to albums because they are old

      2. Eminem is wack to me he’s a good emcee, but i cant relate to that zaney crazy disfunctional drug addict shit. It’s wack! Eminem is not relevant anymore. If he was black, his career would have been in the toilet already.

      3. Yo Greeze or whatever the hell ur name is…Eminem isn’t relevant anymore?? The dude has already sold 3.5 mil copies of Recovery JUST IN the US, and ur sayin he isn’t relevant? 3.5 mil in this current music industry with the internet and all the bullshit people downloadin music for free? Can you imagine how much he woulda sold if it was still the 90’s? ur dumb.

    102. I definetly need to cop over half of what on this list. Wow i did not know it was so much hot shit out. They force feed us this bubble gum pop shit,and dont rpomote the hot shit. The artist that should be mainstream are underground

    103. The list looks gud bt cmon man…Officer Ricky only had nice beats bt same candyass cut n paste so called coke lyrics…Lloyd Banks ?????? plzzzzz Lloyd sucks balls…But the biggest thing I ddnt understand is you left out Season of the Assassin by Vinnie Paz bt yet he remembered Celph n Ill Bill even Rakaa bt forget Vinnie’s solo album. Its funnu coz that album is way beta than almost everything on this list except for a few i.e The Roots, Primo, Ghost,etc

    104. Agree with most of the list but i would switch rick ross and lloyd with Strong arm steady and freeway & jake one. Pz

    105. how you gonna talk about “the glory days of rap” and all that shit while givin ups to rick ross, all in the same article?

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