2017 was a fantastic year for music. Returning artists, unique new artists, underground artists breaking into the mainstream, and forgotten artists dropping album seemingly out of nowhere. In the eyes of many music critics, and students, Kendrick Lamar quickly recaptured his title as the greatest rapper alive with his release of his 4th album, DAMN. Relatively unknown artists like SZA and the Migos dropped albums that gave them chart topping singles, and a breakthrough into the mainstream. As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the artists who put out their best work, and have earned the honors of an album of the year
DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar’s return has been met with critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Taking a step back from conscious rap and into more mainstream rap, his perfect blend of lyrics and beats make for one of the best albums of the year. While it doesn’t have the same substance or conscious rap of Good Kid M.A.A.D. City or To Pimp a Butterfly, the in house and Mike Will produced beats gave Kung Fu Kenny fans something you can listen to everyday.
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American Teen
Straight from high school, 18 year old Khalid dropped one of the hottest albums of the year, with his release of American Teen. The album comes off the popularity of his first single, “Location,” which was released on Soundcloud in 2016. The album gained quickly gained popularity amongst high schoolers due to the relatable lyrics, and in turn captured national attention.
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Ctrl
No man was safe from SZA’s album, CTRL, which detailed the various relationships she’s had throughout the years. Songs such as “Love Galore” and “Supermodel,” showcased her incredible singing ability as well as her brutally honest lyrics. Featuring mostly soul and R&B beats, it was a go to album for chill music this year.
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Flower Boy
4:44
Taking a deep look into himself, Jay-Z offers introspective lyrics, with the most controversial being about his marriage with Beyoncé. Hov points out his own personal flaws as a human being, over calm laid back beats. While it is not an album that you can plug aux cord into, hardcore Jay-Z fans, as well as lyric loving fans, can get into this album.
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