#10)
Sitcom–Be the One You Love
If you are familiar with this record, you may be surprised to see it on this particular year end list, but I personally feel like Be the One You Love is a rap album at its core despite often being described as “bedroom pop.”
In the past few years, emo and hip hop have shaken hands in interesting ways. Drake became a household name with his radio friendly execution of emotional, “soft” rap, and artists such as Lil Peep and ex Tiger’s Jaw front man Adam Mcllwee have followed.
Philadelphia’s Jake Lazovic (Sitcom) tackles anxiety, depression, and existential dread in an LP flawlessly reflecting his own alias. Be the One You Love presents a form of comfort in its lyricism through forms of light-hearted parody and satire. The record is a carefree, fun, and often silly adventure providing charm and humor in the darkest of times.
The best way I can attempt to describe this record’s overall sound is if Wicca Phase Spring Eternal teamed up with The Red Hot Chili Peppers. But it works.
#09)
Swan Lingo-Wonder What
Swan Lingo is a new, up-and-coming MC from Washington, DC worth your attention if you’re looking for a more relaxed, chilled out, and atmospheric approach to hip hop. The collaborative efforts of Lingo himself, D33J, Shlomo and Craft Spells help create production consisting of relaxing, dreamy ambiance.
#08)
Evidence–Weather or Not
Dilated People’s very own Evidence keeps the “boom bap” take on hip hop alive with a third solo offering. Weather or Not is a fun, nostalgic journey with clever lyricism and top tier production.
#07)
Scallops Hotel–Sovereign Nose of Your Arrogant Face
Maine-based MC milo (AKA Scallops Hotel) presents a bizarre LP filled clever lyricism, unorthodox flow, and top-tier production. Sovereign Nose of Your Arrogant Face serves as the second installment of Scallop’s trilogy of records he describes as “art rap” pulling on abstract imagery to delve into the human psyche and further explore his own “mythoverse.” If you’re into hip hop and yearn for something truly unique, “scallops hotel is the building.”
#06)
Blueprint–Two Headed Monster
Columbus MC Albert Shepard (known better by his stage name Blueprint) once again proves he is truly the “two headed monster” via a strong proficiency in melding rapping and producing. This record explores the nostalgic boom bap sounds of hip hop with a modernized twist featuring other legendary acts including Slug of Atmosphere fame, Aceyalone, Mr. Lif, Wordsworth, and Supastition.
#05)
Choker-“Honeybloom”
22-year-old Michigan-based artist, Choker, re-emerges with a self-produced sophomore LP guaranteed to win over fans of Frank Ocean or any modern artist channeling R&B. Honeybloom showcases a vast improvement of Choker’s experimental approach towards lyricism, vocal performance, and production. The beats found throughout the album’s 14-song track listing evoke a sense of dreamy euphoria very similar to that of Blonde but tends to prioritize atmosphere and ambiance over catchy hooks.
#04)
Nostrum Grocers–Nostrum Grocers
milo (aka Scallops Hotel) makes another appearance on this year’s of strongest hip hop albums. Nostrum Grocers is the moniker given to the collaborative effort shared between him and New York-based MC Elucid. The two work in quite well as a cohesive unit exploring and complimenting each other’s experimental approach to the genre.
#03)
Earl Sweatshirt–Some Rap Songs
Thebe Neruda Kgositsile (better known as Earl Sweatshirt) continues to distance himself from his Odd Past (get it?) on his third official LP. As a title, Some Rap Songs could not better describe the general feel this record provides as the artist progresses forward in a very straightforward yet anti-commercial direction. Despite hosting 15 different tracks, this record barely meets the 25 minute mark and features raw, avante-garde, jazz-influenced production.
#02)
Black Thought–Streams of Thought
After over three decades of fronting the legendary “jazz rap” act The Roots, Tariq Trotter (most commonly known as Black Thought) decided 2018 was the year to present his very first solo release. Two EPs were released this year titled Streams of Thought that were separated into two volumes that I believe make up a full record. These releases boast the layered complexities the Philadelphia-based MC is known for including multi syllabic rhyme schemes and emotionally and politically-charged lyricism.
#01)
Hprizm–Magnetic Memory
Formerly known as High Priest, Antipop Consortium member Kyle Austin returns with a sophomore LP under his new stage name Hprizm. From the moment “Keep Pushing” kicks in, it became very clear to me this would be my favorite hip hop album of the year (even despite Black Thought‘s debut solo release dropping around the same time.)
The production shifts from style to style ranging from vintage film sampling, jazzy boom bap, and harsh drony electronics and all manage to fit perfectly with Austin’s flow. Additionally, Magnetic Memory contains impressive, eye-opening lyricism and wordplay and serves as a mandatory listen for any fan of hip hop.