As we continue to run down the standouts from the first half of 2017, here are the albums that have moved the needle for the DX editorial team so far. To get the final list, we all ranked our Top 10s individually, and then added up the cumulative totals.
Interestingly, this led mostly to a list of the quality big-name releases that we all gave time to, as opposed to the ones that we loved individually that might not have caught the ears of everyone who voted (which is where our Favorite Slept-On Albums list comes in — stay tuned).
Still, these results miiiiight placate anyone enraged by our Top Songs list, which dared to include artists like Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert (GASP!), but then again, Drake is listed below, so get ready for some vitriol in the comment section regardless.
Again, a caveat: We finalized this list before the release of 4:44 so come back for our year-end review to see where those cards fall.
10. MC Eiht & DJ Premier — Which Way Iz West
Only a handful of West Coast gangster rap vets from the ’80s/’90s have been able to keep up the quality into 2017, and surging to the head of that pack is MC Eiht, the man behind “Streiht Up Menace” from the Menace II Society soundtrack and a founding member of Compton’s Most Wanted.
His new DJ Premier-executively produced album, Which Way Iz West, takes it back to the sound of the gangster rap golden era with features from The Lady Of Rage, B-Real, Kurupt, WC, Xzibit, Bumpy Knuckles, and Compton’s Most Wanted, putting an authoritative exclamation point on his storied career.
9. Future — HNDRXX
While Future’s self-titled fifth album — which contained “Mask Off” — was a mixture of ignorance, opulence, sadness, remorse, pettiness and some open-book truths, HNDRXX was something almost entirely different. It was less of a trap-house soundtrack and more of a slow night drive.
The album was unanimously regarded as emotionally raw, honest and loaded with incredible production. It also made history, dethroning Future from the Billboard 200 albums chart, making him the first artist to have back-to-back No. 1 debuts in successive weeks.
8. Raekwon — The Wild
It’s been more than 20 years since Raekwon’s iconic solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, made an indelible mark on Hip Hop, but The Chef proved he’s still got a lot to say on his new album, The Wild.
After venturing into a more stylish vibe on the appropriately titled Fly International Luxurious Art, Raekwon returned to his roots for The Wild, which peaked at No. 88 on the Billboard 200. Lex Diamonds displayed his ruggedness on “Nothing,” showed his pen game is as good as ever on “M&N” and displayed top-notch storytelling on “Marvin.” The Wild is great example of how Wu-Tang really is forever.
7. Oddisee — The Iceberg
Washington, D.C. producer/MC Oddisee quietly delivered a monster album in the form of The Iceberg. Although it failed to make a commercial impact, there’s a sense that was never the goal anyway since the Mello Music Group signee’s dense, intellectual lyrical content isn’t exactly easily digestible for a mainstream audience.
Album highlight “You Grew Up” dives into topics of race and police brutality, which he illustrates through a highly personal anecdote. Coupled with the jazz-influenced and slightly danceable beats, The Iceberg temporarily caps off an already colorful catalog.
6. Joey Bada$$ — All Amerikkkan Bada$$
B4.DA.$$ was more than an adequate debut from Joey Bada$$, steeped in the Golden Era vibes that have become his calling card. For All Amerikkkan Bada$$, the Pro Era leader shifts toward more sonically experimental production and lyrically tackles some heavy subject matter.
Joey’s sophomore album also features a great supporting cast ranging from ScHoolboy Q and Styles P to J. Cole. What’s more, he proved his worth on radio with the gold-selling “Devastated.”
5. Big Sean — I Decided.
People still sleep on Big Sean’s graduation to elite status, but when it comes to Hip Hop hitmakers, Sean Don is definitely near the top. That versatility translated well on his Dark Sky Paradise follow-up, I Decided., with bangers like “Moves,” “Jump Out The Window” and of course, his instant classic, “Bounce Back.”
Whether he and Kendrick Lamar will take their cold war to the hot lyrical battlefield remains to be seen, but make no mistake: Sean can keep up with the best of ‘em these days.
4. Vince Staples — Big Fish Theory
After staking his claim in Hip Hop with songs like 2014’s “Blue Suede” and 2015’s “Norf Norf,” Long Beach rapper Vince Staples returned in 2017 with Big Fish Theory, which stood out from the sea of homogenized mainstream rap music.
With its futuristic take on ‘90s minimalist techno and uptempo house music, the album contains some undeniable bangers (“Big Fish” and “Party People”) and more subdued vibes (“7:45” and “Rain Come Down”), showcasing Staples’ versatility and lyrical aptitude.
2. (tie) Drake – More Life
Drake did exactly what he needed to with his VIEWS follow-up: kept up the hit parade, addressed his rivals head-on (for anyone that can spot a subliminal), and expanded his global street cred with savvy international features, all while keeping the stakes low by framing the release as a “playlist” rather than an official album.
Aside from the breakout songs “Passionfruit” and “Portland,” the rest of the project is filled with sleeper hits rather than just the snoozers that filled out VIEWS. High-profile appearances from some of the year’s biggest artists (including Young Thug, Quavo, 2 Chainz, Sampha, Travis Scott and Kanye West) didn’t hurt either.
2. (tie) Migos — CULTURE
Donald Glover’s co-sign notwithstanding, Quavo, Takeoff and Offset worked their asses off to become rap’s most ubiquitous flashy primetime players. And their best album to date — the bad-n-boujee-momma-sell-work-T-shirt-touting CULTURE — puts their current boss status in perspective.
Push play from the start and it works as a solid party playlist, from the Gucci Mane-assisted “Slippery,” to its identical cousin “Get Right Witcha,” to the flex-zone anthem “Casting Call,” there are songs here that vibe with all walks of Hip Hop life.
1. Kendrick Lamar — DAMN.
Consistency is hard to maintain in Hip Hop, and when you’re soaring at the heights of Kendrick Lamar, it’s even more difficult. On the heels of the tremendous and varied works of (DX’s 2012 Album Of The Year) Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City and (DX’s 2015 Album Of The Year) To Pimp A Butterfly, it wouldn’t have shocked anyone if K. Dot slipped a bit. Hell, it would’ve been understandable.
Instead, the Compton MC swung for the fences and hit another home run with the nearly perfect DAMN.
The LP’s lead single, “HUMBLE.,” scored him his first ever Hot 100 chart-topper. The album, filled with imaginative storytelling and witty lyrics, earned him rave reviews (including a 4.9 from DX) and the third No. 1 album of his career.
In the end, DAMN. reaffirmed why Kendrick is the best in the game today.
—
Words by Trent Clark, Kyle Eustice, Ural Garrett, Justin Ivey, Chris Mitchell and Riley Wallace.
Votes by Narsimha Chintaluri, Trent Clark, Kyle Eustice, Jesse Fairfax, Dylan Fleming, Ural Garrett, Scott Glaysher, Justin Ivey, Shirley Ju, Carl Lamarre, Aaron McKrell, Chris Mitchell, Jake Rohn, Dana Scott, Chris Thomas, Riley Wallace and Marcel Williams.
What were your top albums of 2017? Let us know in the comments below.
Kendrick and MC Eiht – the rest is trash…
DJ Quik Problem, LMNO Twiz Beatpro, RTJ, Roc, OH NO Tristate…way better than the crackheads that you have listed,
efff off…the Raekwon is super doodoo sticks…
kendick is trash! n so is your ass and the idiots sitting on his nuts who compiled this list.
Where is Jay-Z 444? Should be coming in after Drake
They stated that this list was created before 4:44 dropped
After drake? Are you serious. That more life shit is a1 garbage
ya”ll expect any one with ears to believe Migos released better music than Jay-Z lmao
Bad and boujee most spins/sales than any Jay single ever released. Sit on that
you on Spotify with streams to your ears, that’s a disconnect, we don’t call that sales over here
Men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t. Sit on that.
why you so obsessed with sitting on s h i t, you SUS AF, but your name gave that away
Why are you so obsessed with me saying “sit on that?” Your name gives your dumbness away.
Yeah Jay Z calls it having a phone company buy his albums as sales. GTFO
There’s only three good albums on this list, rae ken and eiht
Where’s beautiful thugger girls? Wtf
Man y’all got a good system here doe. Yall 1-10 10 bein da BEST finally y’all maek sense doe. Cuz on da da rilla WHICH WAY IZ WEST str8 killin da computishun doe. I knew mc eiht still had it doe album str8 bang doe. Give a fucc bout da rest of da nin9 fa66ots. WEST CIZZOAST FA LIZZIFE we aint claimin dat big eared hom0 real spit doe.
NEW WAVES…BONE THUGS
HOT TO DEATH..YES WE KNOW ITS N INDEPENDENT ALBUM..WHO GIVES A SHIT ..YES THEY R BLACK BALLED FROM THE IND..WHO CARES
New waves from bone should def be on the list
“Too positive for you…” as your comment is filled with negativity. Lol. Sure, buddy.
Bitch if u read wht dx has been saying bout the album then u would understand
Wrekonize – Into the Further & Budden’s Rage & the Machine
Into The Further was awesome. I think Ces Cru’s album was horrible slept on as well.
Wheres the ces love. Super talented super under appreciated duo.
man fuck this shit why the industry and DX doesnt give credit to Bone Thugs ? New Waves is fucking dope fuck Migos fuck HIPHOPDX and fuck this fucking music industry i only agree here for Kendric,Raekwon and Mc Eiht
No one gives a shit which ones you like lil bitch sit down and be humble. And everyone sees you spamming the comment s with that Bone Thugs bullshit pussy!!!
Humble ? Lol to what :)) migos better than bone ?? U stupid or what ? I agree with raekwon,mc eiht and kendric lol rest is shit !! Let me guese ur a mumble rapper fan :)) bone thugs bullshit pussy haha bone thugs new waves is more real than any of this mumble rappers get the fuck out off here bitch
Go down and see the comments idiot how many people agree with the bone thugs album better but its okay i understand ur a fake fan rapper who likes to listen to those fakes ass mumble rappers
That Bone album should be in there though along with Big boi and freedie Gibbs, this list seems to be a paid for list especially when getting to the top with Migos, that album was horrible, Kendrick album also wasn’t as good as Jay Z
hell dude New Waves is fucking dope
Shitlist! so Rick Ross’s Rather you than Me isn’t better than any of these albums listed above.. right? keep lying to yourselves. such top shitlist is unnecessary anyways to be honest. really what’s the motive? Migos? Future? fuck outta here!
01. Freddie Gibbs – You Only Live 2wice
02. MC Eiht – Which Way Iz West
03. Joyner Lucas – 5085072209
04. Esham – Scribble
05. OC – Same Moon Same Sun
06. SmooVth – Medellin
07. Showbiz & AG – Take It Back
08. Kool G Rap – Return of the Don
09. Page Kennedy – Torn Pages
10. DJ Quik & Problem – Rosecrans
honorable mentions :
Roc Marciano – Rosebudd’s Revenge
Binary Star – Waterworld 3
Hus Kingpin – Cocaine Beach
Onyx & Dope D.O.D – Shotgunz In Hell
Bones – NoRedeemingQualities / Unrendered
Domo Genesis – Red Corolla
Sadat X & Diamond D – Sum of a Man
Jarren Benton – Mink Coat Killa LP
Willie The Kid & V Don – Deutsche Marks
y’all don’t even listen to albums, y’all listen to whatever that’s hot / poppin at the moment, smh.
Only upvoted because Freddie Gibbs as album of the year
I don’t agree with your list only because I haven’t heard all of the albums you mentioned. But I respect it highly because you are doing what HipHopDX doesn’t do well at all these days and spread the word about good hip hop music. Seriouslyf uck hhdx and its lazy crap journalists.
I think Hov gonna get album of the year. Kendrick gonna get screwed once again.
4:44 is such hot garbage, we’ll look back in a few years and realize it was another mediocre Jay Z album.
4:44 is nothing more than a marketing gimmick that isn’t even being listened to by many people. Jay Z had to have sprint buy his albums and the streams were so low on Tidal they refused to report the number of streams
My top 5 projects of 2017 (just my opinion)
1. Roc Marciano – Rosebudd’s Revenge
2. Hus Kingpin – Cocaine Beach
3. Da Buze Bruvaz – Adebisi Hat
4. Your Old Droog – Packs
5. Milano Constantine – The Way We Were
Honorable mentions:
6. Shaz Illyork – The Sleepwalker
7. Starvin B – Choose Your Own Adventure
8. Da Villinz – Cashmere Dice
9. Mach Hommy – Dump Gawd Hommy Edition
10. Conway – Rejects on Steroids
Solid picks! I would add Willie The Kid Deutsche Marks as well. I want to grab Adebesi Hat if I can find it available online.
Peace!
Yeah that WTK dope as fuck! Salute!
Perfecto, u can’t knock this!! My full support
Real recognize real. Salute!
That was to Tony madu
Considering how tabloid this website decided to become, this list is relatively well balanced.
This list was done by some kid from the burbs that knows dick about hiphop. Why don’t you just label it as a list of artist that you like. Jay isn’t on the list but his album was the most talked about. Big Sean was played more then anyone before him, excluding K Dot. DX loves hiring non-hiphop people to write bad articles.
1. Jay Z
2. Kendrick Lamar
3. Big Sean
4. Joey Bada$$
5. Vince Staples
6. Raekwon
7. Oddisee
8. MC Eiht & DJ Premier
The rest can suck a dick…
LOL you just named 70% of their list DICKWAD and youre mad?????
List loses ALL credibility when you have Migos at #2.. They’re “trendy” today, so I can accept them at #10, but #2, from a website that used to be reputable in terms of Hip-Hop? Nah….
Being a fan of hip hop I don’t align myself with these preferences but peep the part in the article “We finalized this list”. Hip hop is about promoting different viewpoints and this is their viewpoint. Get over yourselves and step outside the box
what 4youereyez only by j cole #1
j cole go platinum without features ✌
1.ROSEBUD REVENGE…roc marciano
Curious. Do you consider $200,000 a year broke?
No Logic???
Not a good list IMO, Gotta have that Gansta gibbs on there, Jay Z and Krayzie and Bizzy album on there. That MC Eight album was a huge let down, dj quik and problem album was way better.
Drogas light
10. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 9. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 8. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 7. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 6. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 5. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 4. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 3. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 2. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange 1. ROC MARCIANO – Rosebudd’s revange
ISAIAH RASHAD!!!!!!!!!!!
???
His album came out last year I think, it wasn’t that good. I think he is talented but for some reason the production just wasn’t matching same with Jayrock’s album. Jayrock’s first album on Strange was way better.
Big Boi and Bone Thugs is missing best 2 rap albums of the year also Jay z project was banging too
I think Devin the dude 2017 release should be mention.
I gotta check that out had no clue he dropped this year. I’m still waiting on a collab with him Z-ro and Krayzie bone
1. Kendrick Damn 2. MC Eiht which way is west 3. Vince Staples Big FIsh Theory 4. Joey Bad Ass All American Bad Ass 5. Big Boi Boomverse 6. Young MA Herstory 7. Raekwon The Wild 8. Snoop Dogg Neva Left 9. Jidenna The Chief 10. Lady Leshurr Mode
Correction 9. BONE thugs new waves 10. Kool G RAP return of the don 11. Jidenna The Chief 12. Lady Leshurr Mode 13. Rick Ross 14. Talon Kweli and Styles P
Yea that Bone album is way better than snoops joint, I felt like dj quik and problem joint was better than which way is west. A lot of people are sleeping on Boomiverse
1. Jay Z 4.44, 2. Freddie Gibbs you only live twice, 3. Bone thugs New waves, 4. Big boi Boomiverse, 5. Drake more life, 6. Raekwon the wild, 7. Dj quik and problem, 8. Kendrick Damn, thought it would be better, 9. Rapsody Crown best female rapper in the game if you like hip hop, dope lyrics and production check her out. 10. Joey Baddass
Get Drake outta here and replace it with Rick Ross. Wale is a solid 6
More life is so wack overall, only able to listen to it once I edit that playlist heavily. Joey badass needs to be higher. Also, David Banner’s Godbox is better than half that list. In the year-end review I expect this list not to change much aside from adding Jay-Z. Hndrxx being on this list is blasphemous.
No love for Ross album though!
Kendrick Lamar damn album is blowing my mind. A friend of mine is nt much obsessed with hip hop music as I am, but he admitted that Kendrick can rap after listening to the humble and DNA singles on the damn album. He wasn’t able to listen to the element and the other singles but he testified, K. dot is mad adding that no doubt he is the master of the game now in hiphop music
So, effectively, what you’re saying is that Migos’ “Culture” is better than Rick Ross’ “Rather You Than Me?” Foh.
Bro Ross has been garbage for awhile now, that album is wack as fuk
No Logic???
No Logic, no Wale, no Ross? Gtfo
NEW WAVES BONE THUGS..SHOULD BE ON THE LIST…DX UR DUMB AS FUCK
I’m not sure what makes them follow this new school crap mumbles. I agree with bone thugs or how about big book and his album. Stop playing to wannabe artists. I agree with Kendrick on the list and Raekwon as well. But hendrxx wasn’t that good and Migos and Drake was terrible.
Big boi! Stupid spellcheck
Top 10 (so far):
1. Damn.
2. 4:44
3. Rather You Than Me
4. blkswn
5. Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
6. Bar Exam 4
7. Culture
8. More Life
9. Big Fish
10. Boomiverse
Yup, I liked Roc Marciano’s Rosebudd’s Revenge the most this year. Also enjoyed Oddisee and couple of songs of Jay, Yachty, Vince Staples, Kendrick Lamar, Raekwon, Big Sean. As for full albums the new Calvin Harris joint is fire all around
it is not a list without YACHTY. LIL BOAT IS THE FUTURE… lmao… just kiddin… but this horrible list w Migos at 2 might as well have that clown on there too
Migos album was garbage
Drakes album was trash
Futures album was basura
No Superior – The Journey?
1.-Kendrick Lamar 2.-MC Eiht 3.-Jay-Z 4.-Snoop Dogg 5.-MC Shan 6.-Kool G Rap 7.-KRS One
You gatta be kidin me, numbers 2 to 5 are straight ass. First off where is prodigy’s, Jay, nick grant and krs ones albums not on the list.
1. Joey Bada$$ -Amerikkan bada$$ 2. Kendrick Lamar -Damn. 3. Brother Ali- all the beauty in this whole life 4. Jay-Z -4:44 5. rick ross -Rather you than me 6. Raekwon- The wild 7. Vince Staples- Big Fish theory 8. Tyler the creator-Flower boy 9. Migos-Culture 10. MURS- Captain California..
ICe Cube,Public Enemy , Paris ,Kam, Eight Ball and MJG, Rakim, real hiphop Snoop Dogg
WAYMENT, No 4:44? But Future & Migos? Kill Yo Self.