MID-YEAR TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2014

It is already the midpoint of 2014, and that means it's time to list the top ten albums of the year so far. This list, as with all the lists, is not at all based on the scores the albums got in reviews, but is more based on replay value and my overall enjoyment of the album.

10. Future- Honest

 

Future really hit the mark on Honest. The album is full of really catchy hooks, banging instrumentals, and endless energy. This is mainstream pop rap done right.

9. Rick Ross- Mastermind



Rick Ross came back with a great new album, Mastermind. This album excelled with its luxurious, rich production combined with Ross's gruff delivery. The features helped this album a lot too, bringing some variety to it.

8. Ab-Soul- These Days



While I will get more into this album in its upcoming review, I can say that Ab-Soul dropped a great project. Its variety is incredible and the album is extremely ambitious.

7. Sean Leon- Narcissus, the Drowning of Ego



A project that came out of nowhere for me, Sean Leon impressed me on many levels with this album. His very abstract rapping style was solid, and this production was just dark, sinister, and haunting. I loved the vibe of this album.

6. Step Brothers- Lord Steppington



The first album I reviewed all year, Lord Steppington was able to stay in the top 10. This album showed what hip-hop is all about, with grimy, hard production from The Alchemist and awesome rapping from Evidence, Alchemist, and all the features.

5. Isaiah Rashad- Cilvia Demo



Isaiah Rashad's TDE debut was absolutely fantastic, and this guy has such a bright future. I loved the contrast of this project, with Rashad spitting ferociously over some relaxing, chill beats. This album also featured great hooks, which made it really catchy.

4. Ugly Frank- Bobby Hill



Ugly Frank showed on this project why he is my favorite member of ILLFIGHTYOU. Incredible production from Khris P set the stage for Frank to do his thing, and he did it. This guy showed himself as a fun, crazy, and unpredictable MC.

3. Schoolboy Q- Oxymoron



The long awaited album from Schoolboy Q may have actually lived up to its massive expectations. Q killed it on all fronts with Oxymoron, as the album was energetic and wild, but also shed light on Schoolboy Q's tough personal problems with drugs.

2. YG- My Krazy Life



The surprise album of the year for me, YG came out of complete oblivion to drop one of the most memorable rap albums I have heard in recent years. YG told his story of gangbanging in Compton through the music. The beats went hard, the hooks were catchy, and the features were great on My Krazy Life.

1. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Piñata



The undisputed #1 for me, Freddie Gibbs and Madlib have held down this spot and it will be tough to knock them out. Freddie Gibbs sounded extremely focused, and Madlib's smooth, soulful beats were just amazing. I have no complaints with this album, these two were just a perfect match.

5 Most Anticipated Albums for 2014

Kendrick Lamar's New Album
Jay Rock's New Album
Lil Wayne- Tha Carter V
Joey Bada$$- B4.DA.$$
Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire- The Marvelous Mind of Mr. Muthafuck