Marshall Mathers LP

Favorites: "Stan," "Kill You"

Coloring Book

Chance the Rapper brings us a refreshing, open, honest look at his own life. This mix-tape brings us heavenly choirs, asynchronous beats, and lyrical candy from Chance. It is a masterwork in eccentric hip hop, and a fresh take that rises about the drudgery of most modern day hip hop. 

Favorites "Blessings," "Smoke Break"

Culture

Migos bring us the quintessential trap album of the last few years with Culture. They challenge stereotypes and ride excellent beats with their iconic triplet flows. What makes this album unique is the nature of each song, each verse, and each hook. Quavo sticks to the culture--the meaningless lyrics about cars and girls, but also throws personal verses and heartfelt vocals on some tracks. Offset and Takeoff are finally truly unleashed, and the mixing accounts for sharp, biting vocals that dig into the mellow 808 long beats. Piano riffs are also utilized to perfection. Minor keys and low-fi undertones were fresh for the Atlanta trio, and it helped them finally receive the attention they have been begging for since 2012. The 12 song track-list is also refreshing in the age of streaming and it is clear that the trio cut the fat off of the album, and pushed out the best they had. Murda Beatz, Metro Boomin, and Zaytoven absolutely excel on the album, making it one of the most consistent everyday listens of the ATL era. An emphasis on musicality, energy, and personal growth makes Migos' "Culture" the trap album to beat. 

Favorites: "Kelly Price," "Get Right Witcha"

Rodeo

In 2015, Travis Scott brought us "Rodeo." In my opinion, this is a spiritual successor to Kanye's masterpiece - "808s & Heartbreak." These two albums successfully defined a new genre of music I like to call "Production based Hip/Hop." Travis, with Kanye's help, came bursting onto the scene with an incredible new sound and an album that had a quiet impact on the industry. Metro Boomin, Kanye, and Mike Dean combine nocturnal guitar riffs straight from Nirvana with glossy smooth beats. Travis delivers powerfully with some impressive bars as well, and his voice is auto-tuned with remarkable diversity. He can sound raspy and dark, or melodious and self-reflective. From grimy beats and threatening lyrics to seemingly endless harmony that dazzles, Travis immerses us in his production. "Rodeo" is a modern day trap classic that paved Travis' way to the top. 

Favorites: "90210," "Antidote"