What's happening kind folks?! We are finally at the end of the most underrated albums of each year this decade. While there were a number of notable projects that debuted in the top twenty of Billboard 200 or even won Grammy Awards, there were more than enough albums that got very high acclaim but didn't get as recognized as most of their counterparts. Last year wasn't any different. We saw a modern masterpiece and a couple of other instant classics that will continue to be heralded another decade from now. In 2017, it was all about Kendrick's third straight benchmark release,
DAMN, and the highly successful return of Jay-Z with his hallmark effort,
4:44. However, as you're about to see, others delivered every bit as incredible, if not more. With that said, let's go!
15. Sean Price
Imperious Rex
Production: The Alchemist, Harry Fraud, Nottz, others
The hip-hop world had been really been in a melancholy state with the loss of Sean Price in 2015. The talk was that he was nearly in completion of an album called Imperious Rex. Thanks to his wife, as well as Dru Ha, the late great Bar-barian had his album released and it was as gully as one would expect from P-Body. With releases like this from him, he will forever live on and here's to hoping there are more music he left behind.
14. Quelle Chris
Being You Is Great, I Wish I Could Be You More Often
Production: artist, The Alchemist, Chris Keys, others
One of the most enigmatic, yet intriguing acts from the D is Quelle Chris. Previous efforts such as Ghost At The Finish Line and Innocent Country were very decent projects that exhibited his talent and the ability to help carry the motor city on his back. With Being You Is Great, I Wish I Could Be You More Often, this may arguably be his most well-rounded project, but also his most affirming. Throughout the album, he pushes confidence and self-love in the face of being odd, unique, and different. A very needed album that celebrates individuality, and rest assured, he has no problem being himself.
13. MC Eiht
Which Way Iz West
Production: DJ Premier, Brink Santana
Whenever the term "West coast legend" is used, one name that must be mentioned, Compton O.G. MC Eiht. The former Compton's Most Wanted emcee has been one of the realest spitters to emerge from the left coast. To commemorate over twenty-five years in the game, he gets up with another legend in DJ Premier to deliver Which Way Iz West. With a verbal hunger we haven't heard in years, Eiht sounds damn near like a new man over some fresh production by Brink Santana and Premo. Eiht showed that skills and respect truly have no age limit.
12. Milo
Who Told You To Think?
Production: artist
Milwaukee emcee Milo has garnered a silent yet loyal following. The Hellfyre Club member released his first project, A Toothpaste Suburb, in '14, but it was his his third solo album, So The Flies Don't Come, that started to really have him on more people's radar. Somewhat eclectic but definitely an intriguing listen, Milo's left-brained, spoken word-esque delivery garnered him much ado acclaim. His 2017 effort, Who Told You To Think?, is definitely a continuation, if not better. Milo's poetic-like delivery, over very melodic production that's very intrinsic with his style, seems compelling and notable. This was an acquired taste, but worth the drink.
11. Talib Kweli & Styles P
The Seven (EP)
Production: Marco Polo, Oh No, Khrysis, 88 Keyz, others
It's something about gool ol' fashioned hip-hop with no gimmicks, images, or labels. Just an emphasis on spitting with some education thrown in there. That's what we have here with the exciting collabo between Brooklyn legend Talib Kweli and LOX member Styles P. Their debut EP, The Seven, was a highly intriguing and very knocking project that was quite the listen from top to bottom. Hopefully one day we will get an entire full-length project and it will match the fire that this was.
10. Skyzoo
Peddler Themes (EP)
Production: Apollo Brown, !llmind, MarcNfinite, others
Ah, the ever consistent Skyzoo. One of hip-hop's most prolific emcees continues to deliver heat year after year. In 2016, he dropped a hell of a collabo album with Detroit beat giant Apollo Brown, The Easy Truth. He decided to follow that up with the announcement of a forthcoming full-length solo album, In Celebration Of Us (spoiler alert: possibly the album of his career). Before then, however, we was dropping an EP entitled Peddler Themes, and this was just a KNOCKING piece of work. Absolutely zero sub-par cuts on here, Sky went lyrically nuts on every single track. What can you say? Sky is just THAT emcee.
9. Talib Kweli
Radio Silence
Production: KAYTRANADA, The Alchemist, Oh No, Robert Glaspar, others
Talib Kweli Greene is an all-around emcee. Although labeled as conscious, he can go beyond that box when need be, and often does. Through it all, he educates and informs. With his latest offering, Radio Silence, he focuses on the injustices and social misdealings we currently face among our community, while trying to present hope and pride reminding us of our strength. Lyrically, Kweli is as on point as ever and continues to make his case as one of the most respected and influential emcees of his generation.
8. Roc Marciano
Rosebudd's Revenge
Production: artist, Arch Druids, others
One of the most consistent emcees in the game right now is Long Island native Roc Marciano. Starting things off with his memorable debut, Marcberg, and following that up with the equally mesmerizing Reloaded, then subsequent releases such as Marci Beaucoup and his Pimpire Strikes Back mixtape were also quite dope. After a very brief hiatus, he returned with his anticipated album, Rosebudd's Revenge. Mixing street philosophy with gritty tales of hustling and vengeance, Marci was as cold blooded as ever, but over some painfully soulful production made it sound so good.
7. J.I.D.
The Never Story
Production: Childish Major, J. Cole, Christo, others
While many are in full complaint mode over today's hip-hop scene, especially the mumble rap culture, one young southern emcee is looking to be his own man and establish his own identity. Atlanta's J.I.D. had made a buzz with friends Earthgang, but his talent alone was enough for Grammy nominated emcee J. Cole to sign him to Dreamville Records and deliver his debut album, The Never Story. Filled with intricate, yet clever, rhymes and a unique style makes this an exciting listen. Not to mention his singing ability isn't to be completely slept on either. By the end of this album, you knew the sky was the limit.
6. Freddie Gibbs
You Only Live 2wice
Production: KAYTRANADA, Speakerbomb, BADBADNOTGOOD, others
After releasing the acclaimed milestone that was Pinata (with Madlib) and a strong follow-up with Shadow Of A Doubt, Freddie Gibbs was riding upwards. Until, an unfortunate rape accusation temporarily derailed his career. After having all charges dismissed, Gibbs returned pissed, but more hungry and focused than before. The man behind such excellent gangsta releases such as Str8 Killa and Cold Day In Hell dropped a more reflective project, You Only Live 2wice. While expressing his anger over the accusations and the evening in question, he was also bringing some of his best verses of his career in an effort arguably every bit as incredible as Pinata.
5. Cyhi The Prince
No Dope On Sundays
Production: S1, Lex Luger, Shawty Redd, Novel, others
Kanye protege from Atlanta, Cyhi The Prine, first turned heads on his mentor's landmark My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. From there, the buzz was about this young A-town native that really didn't sound like or fit the typical Atlanta scene. Although he dropped the crazy, Black Hystori Project mixtape, we heard little else from him. That changed with his debut full-length album, No Dope On Sundays. Mixing gritty street tales with spiritual affirmations and redemption, Cyhi delivered a phenomenal album that showed the world how immensely talented of an emcee and writer. Kanye invested well.
4. Jonwayne
Rap Album Two
Production: artist
Jonwayne comes across as the least hip-hopish guy you would ever meet. Long hair, glasses, and no good fashion sense, he resembles one of the hippy culture than hip-hop. However, this Cali native is a fantastic emcee, poet, and producer. This was displayed on Rap Album Two. Although he had released a few other albums prior, this one may likely be his most acclaimed body of work. Filled with introspection and, at times, painful transparency, this was an album that told us more about him than ever. It's clear Jonwayne has a pronounced love of hip-hop in the most anti-cliche form possible. He doesn't want to be a star, but he does want to make some sort of impact. He's on his way more and more.
3. Oddisee
The Iceberg
Production: artist
D.C. native Oddisee has been steadily having his light grow for around a decade. The Diamond District member has been among the most highly touted talents you've likely never heard of. That is until 2015 when dropped the highly acclaimed The Good Fight and more people started tuning in their antennas towards this very talented emcee. He followed that up with the equally impressive EP, Alwasta, and his acclaim and following was growing. Once 2017 hit, he dropped The Iceberg and it was clear this was gonna be an album to pay attention to. No gimmicks, just immensely dope music and transparent lyrics. This was just a very well-constructed effort.
2. Brother Ali
All The Beauty In This Life
Production: Ant
It had been some years since we had heard anything from Brother Ali. The emcee behind one of the most breathtaking debuts of the first millennium decade with Shadows On The Sun, as well as other very highly acclaimed efforts such as The Undisputed Truth and Us had finally returned with All The Beauty In This Life. Reuniting with longtime producer Ant of Atmosphere, Ali delivers a powerful album that centers on beauty, from the internal to the external, the sweet and the bitter. As very impactful as this album had potential to be, no better example of how essential his return was than the touching and gripping "Dear Black Son", a tear-jerking conversation he has with his teenage son over the pressures of today's society as a young Black man. Ali delivered another knockout album that exhibits his love of culture and the importance of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. That's the real beauty.
1. Rapsody
Laila's Wisdom
Production: 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nottz, Eric G., others
Ever since the early millennium, NC has been n hip-hop's radar. While most knew Petey Pablo, but only the underground knew about Little Brother. While Pablo was hitting gold and platinum, LB was clearly putting out the better product. Now with artists like J. Cole, Rain910, Lute, and Phonte bringing the Tarheel State into the limelight of hip-hop, another extraordinary emcee has pushed NC even further. Enter Show Hill's Rapsody. Already achieving critical acclaim with mixtapes and EPs like Crown, Thank H.E.R. Later, and She Got Game, Rapsody was starting to get courted among the most respected lyricists in the game. However, with 2017's Laila's Wisdom, any lingering doubts were immediately put to rest about her talent. This album had depth, emotion, some of the best overall production years, and damn sure BARS. An album worthy of legendary releases like To Pimp A Butterfly, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, and The Low End Theory, this album was rightfully nominated for a Grammy, but was overshadowed by the success of albums like DAMN, 4:44, and Culture. By the time you've finished listening, you've realized you just heard and experienced greatness.
Honorable Mentions
Brockhampton- Saturation I
Brockhampton- Saturation II
Brockhampton- Saturation III
Prodigy- The Hegelian Dialetic
Your Old Droog- Packs
Snoop Dogg- Neva Left
Action Bronson- Blue Chips 7000
Big Boi- Boomiverse
Anime- Good For You
Goldlink- At What Cost
Jaden Smith- SYRE
Wu-Tang Clan- The Saga Continues
A$AP Ferg- Still Striving
David Banner- The God Box
Cunninlynguists- Rose Azura Njano
Wiki- No Mountains In Manhattan
Belly- Mumble Rap
Binary Star- Waterworld 3
DJ Quik & Problem- Rosecrans
Uncommon Nasa- Written At Night
Armand Hammer- Rome
TiRon & Ayomari- WET: The Wonderful Ego Trip
Statik Selektah- 8
Open Mike Eagle- Brick Body Kids Still Dreaming
Last year was a simply tremendous year of exciting and formidable hip-hop. From Rapsody shattering any lingering myths of women in hip-hop to fantastic returns of veterans such as MC Eiht and Brother Ali, this will be a year remembered for stellar lyricism and poignancy within today's heavily divisive communities and corrupt governmental leadership. Thank God for music like this.
