One week into the new decade and a lot has happened already. But rest assured that whenever there is havoc in the world you can always count on some dope bars and great production to help ease the ride. With that being said Peace Smith (@peacesmith_), co-owner of Hip Hop TXL, takes a quick flashback at 2019 and shares his Top 10 Albums of the year. Let us know what you think. What were your top albums of 2019 and what are you looking forward to in 2020?
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib come together for their follow up to 2014’s Pinata, and again they show that they are excellent together. Freddie Gibbs’ flow over Madlib’s production feels like it’s just right and “supposed to be”. These two create pure magic together. Freddie’s flow over “Crime Pays” and Palmolive” are the stand out tracks here. This was a beautifully built album from top to bottom, and the best of 2019.
Benny The Butcher showed he is one of the heavy hitting MC’s of 2019 and he is a force to be reckoned with on the mic. The five tracks on this EP are all bangers, notably “Sunday School” featuring 38 Spesh and Jadakiss. Hip Hop needs MC’s like Benny and this EP showed he can potentially be one of the best of the next decade.
Tyler brings the heat on IGOR, with his hit record ‘Earfquake” and more smooth cuts. Tyler is one of the best producers in Hip Hop and IGOR does not disappoint. “Running out of Time” and “A Boy Is a Gun” are some Tyler’s most beautifully produced records to date.
NaS gave his fans quality music on this album, with the excellent bars we’ve all come to know and love on this project. Soulful samples and NaS go hand in hand and NaS continues to show he is truly one of the best MC’s to ever grace the mic.
RJmrLA captures the spirit and vibe of Los Angeles to the core in this album. The production and flow will have you feeling like you’re cruising down the I-10 freeway no matter where you are. Dope features from some of LA’s dopest artists including ScHoolboy Q, The Game, Ty Dolla $ign help capture the whole west coast vibe of this album. RJ gets ratchet but also knows how to let listeners into his mind with tracks such as “Real Wit Myself” “You Are Who You Are” and “Growing”.
LNDN Drugs had a poppin’ 2019, and this project was some of their best work. The soulful production really carries this album, as well as the smooth lyrical flow from Jay Worthy. Some of 2019’s best bar for bar MC’s are on this project and it’s a certified banger.
The Game says this is his last album, but this album could leave fans hoping that was a fallacy by him. Not only does it feel like Game had so much to say on this album, it feels like Game’s heart will always be in Hip Hop, whether rapping or simply apart of the culture. The Nipsey Hussle segments in the middle of the album were the highlights, as well as “Hug The Block” as The Game goes in detail about his long standing beef with his older brother Big Fase 100.
2019 was Megan’s year, and this album embodied everything we’ve come to love about Megan Thee Stallion’s music. High energy tracks with dope vocals over some heavy hitting beats. This was Megan’s breakout year and this album is one of the major sounds of 2019.
YG continues to be consistent with his sound and that of the west coast on this album. The hard hitting production that YG is known to rap over here is present, and the album also brings some deep stroy driven cuts such as “Keisha Had a Baby”. The widely popular “Go Loko” featuring Tyga was one of 2019’s biggest records.
2 Chainz top album in my opinion. Excellent tracks such as “Threat 2 Society” “Money In the Way” and “NCAA”. Some of 2 Chainz best lyrical work is on this project. Dope features from Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Wayne and more. 2 Chainz really holds his own as an artist on this album.