Courtesy: Rhymesayers Entertainment
The old year is almost over, and the new year is nearly here, but before the clock turns midnight, turning 219 to 2019, there’s still some work for Phil’s Picks to do. That work is some more year-ender list. The year’s top EPs have been noted already. Now, today it is on to the year’s top new Rap and Hip-Hop albums.
This has been an interesting year for the worlds of rap and hip-hop, with strong new offerings from the likes of Ice Cube, Evidence, Atmosphere and others. There have also been some positive surprises from the likes of Mourning (A) BLKstar, Black Eyed Peas (yes, Black Eyed Peas — the group, now a trio again thank goodness, returned to its old school roots on its new album) and Dr. Octagon.
From one to the next, the albums that have been offered rap and hip-hop fans this year has largely been strong. Keeping that in mind, forming this list was just as difficult as any before or after.
Topping this year’s list is Dilated Peoples emcee Evidence and his new album Weather or Not. The album, from start to finish is everything that hip-hop and rap purists will appreciate, but musically and lyrically. It is an old school presentation that is confident in both elements’ presentation.
Next up is fellow veteran emcee Eminem and his new album Kamikaze. This record is, in this critic’s view, some of his best work to date, hands down. The fire from his past albums is there, along with a certain maturity, too. that balance makes for a solid work from start to finish.
Third place belongs, on this list, to Black Eyed Peas’ new album Masters of the Sun: Vol. 1. As noted previously, this record takes the group, now a trio again, back to the sound that made it a hit during its underground days. At the same time, the pop sensibility that made the group a hit in the mainstream is there, too. Lyrically, the songs are their own stylistic rebirth for the group, too.
With 1st – 3rd noted, the rest of the list is fleshed out below. As always, 15 titles are listed, with the Top 10 being the best while the next five are honorable mentions. That is not to say that there is anything wrong with those albums. They are just worth noting. Now enough rambling. without any further ado, here is Phil’s PIcks 2018 Top 10 New Rap & Hip-Hop albums.
PHIL’S PICKS 2018 TOP 10 NEW RAP & HIP-HOP ALBUMS
- Evidence — Weather or Not
- Eminem — Kamikaze
- Black Eyed Peas: Masters of the Sun: Vol. 1
- Ice Cube — Everythang’s Corrupt
- Atmosphere — Mi Vida Local
- Mourning [A] BLKstar — The Garner Poems
- Dr. Octagon — Moosebumps
- Denzel Curry– TA1300
- Del & Amp Live — Gate 13
- Camp Hope — Micheal
- Everlast — Whitey Ford’s House of Pain
- dem Atlas — Bad Actress
- Four Fists — 6666
- Brownout — Fear of a Brown Planet
- Cypress Hill — Elephants on Acid
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
philspicks 