Wasn’t overly impressed with Complex’s Top 25 albums of the year so far list, so I took it upon myself to do my own. Hope you find an album that you haven’t heard yet. This took forever.
25. Plan B - The Defamation Of Strickland Banks
Considering the complete change in direction Plan B has taken with this album; I think it’s pretty safe to say it paid off. A number 1 album and two singles in the top 2 tell you all you need to know. Although he hasn’t got the strongest voice in the world, he made it work and made an album that appealed to a lot of people in this country and is now starting to be noticed by a number of people in the US; not least a guy called KanYe West.
Best songs: Prayin’, Welcome To Hell and Love Goes Down
24. Emancipator - Safe In The Steep Cliffs
This guy is amazing. Didn’t think it would be possible to better his 2008 release, ‘Soon It Will Be Cold Enough’, but he most definitely proved me wrong. This album takes you on a fantastic musical journey and you find yourself having to play it again as soon as you’ve finished listening. A beautiful album, that is a must listen for anyone who appreciates the use of obscure and unique musical instruments. Trip-Hop at its very best.
Best songs: Greenland, Old Devil and Siren
23. Netsky – Netsky
Self-entitled debut album from the Belgium Drum & Bass superstar. Out of nowhere he has shot to success having failed at making House/Electronic music previously, and taking the Drum & Bass world by storm. For me, this is a genre that can either be exceptional or absolutely shocking, with far too much being the latter in the past few years. Enchanting yet hard-hitting, I personally think that this is the best D&B record since Chase & Status’ ‘More Than A Lot’.
Best Songs: Gravity, I Can’t Hold On and Let’s Leave Tomorrow (Feat. Bev Lee Harling)
22. Strong Arm Steady - In Search Of Stoney Jackson
Really great Hip-Hop album that came out of the start of this year. Strong Arm Steady are just a group of guys that love to rap, and when you have Madlib production to match with a real passion for the genre, then it’s pretty hard to make a bad album. Great features including Fado what?, Talib Kweli and Phonte make for one of the most timeless listens of 2010. Can see this going down as an over-looked classic for years to come.
Best Songs: Best of Times (Feat. Phonte), Needle In The Haystack (Feat. Roscoe & Guilty Simpson) and Get Started (Feat. Talib Kweli)
21. Yahzarah - The Ballad Of Purple St. James
The first of a number of releases we will see this year from my favourite label, The Foreign Exchange. Have a lot of love for this woman. Her previous album, ‘Blackstar’, was more enjoyable for me, but this still has a lot of qualities that the rest of my list doesn’t. She is incredibly unique in every single aspect – her voice, delivery and overall look. When you’re getting production from Nicolay and help with your lyrics from Phonte then you’re always gonna be onto a winner. Must hear album for any Soul/R&B fan.
Best Songs: Cry Over You (Feat. Phonte), All My Days (Feat. Darien Brockington) and Have A Heart
20. Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip - Logic Of Chance
2nd album from one of the most unique duos in the whole of the music industry. A lot of people find Le Sac’s production hard to listen to; however I think it’s brilliant and Scroob’s lyrics are better than most peoples’, even though they can become slightly preacher-ish on this album. Their message is always positive though and it’s rare to see artists making music that they think will actually make a difference to society. Top album and a must listen for those of you that appreciate lyrics and people tackling issues that are very rarely touched on by most artists.
Best Songs: Get Better, Great Britain and Sick Tonight
19. Homeboy Sandman - The Good Sun
Being totally honest; I had no idea who this guy was before the start of this year –however, I’ve gotta say I’m glad I do now. As far as flow, lyrics and raw hip-hop goes – this guy is up there with the very best. When I first started listening to the album I had no idea what to expect, but after the first listen it was fair to say he had blown me away. The Carpenter is one of my most played songs of 2010 and it is definitely my favourite album cover of the year too. Homeboy Sandman is an artist I have a lot of respect for and will be following closely for years to come.
Best Songs: The Carpenter, Yeah But I Can Rhyme Though and Mean Mug
18. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid
An album that’s in purely because of how much I respect and ‘get’ where she is coming from with the album as a whole. Bar a few songs, I don’t really find it an enjoyable listen – it’s an album that I have to be in a certain mind-set to listen to it, which for me isn’t what makes a Top 10 album of any year. She’s great though – her look, persona and outlook on life is refreshing and I absolutely adore her voice. I don’t know if I expected more from the album, but it just didn’t hit the spot I wanted it to. Still a good listen and I can’t wait to hear where she goes next. Sprinkles of genius.
Best Songs: Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi), Cold Ware and Neon Valley Street
17. B.O.B - B.O.B Presents the Adventures of Bobby Ray
For me; this album is so much better than what Drake gave us. All the hype surrounding TML was killed for me after hearing this album, purely because of how good it is. There are a couple of songs that are skippable, for sure, but on the whole B.O.B. has released a brilliant debut album. For me he found a happy medium where he is making music for the radio, but still making ‘proper hip-hop’. I like him and love everything he’s about. Doesn’t take things too seriously, but is passionate about his trade. Pretty sure he has a hell of a career ahead of him.
Best Songs: Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams), Don’t Let Me Fall and Past My Shades (Feat. Lupe Fiasco)
16. Reflection Eternal - Revolutions Per Minute
Very good hip-hop album? Yes. Great hip-hop album? No. Talib is one of my favourite MC’s, Hi-Tek is one of my favourite producers and Train Of Thought is one of my favourite albums ever. However; this album their best work. They have done better stuff on their own and it doesn’t compare to TOT. Production wise Tek has gone for a completely different style, which for me wasn’t as effective. It’s an album that has AMAZING tracks on, but too many that I have already forgotten. Another very good album, but there are 15 that have been better for me still already this year.
Best Songs: Ballad Of The Black Gold, Just Begun (Feat. Jay Electronica, J Cole & Mos Def) and Strangers (Paranoid) (Feat. Bun B)
15. Gil Scott-Heron - I’m New Here
A masterpiece from a musical genius. Don’t need to say anything more on this album.
Best Songs: On Coming From A Broken Home (Part 1), Me & The Devil and New York Is Killing Me
14. Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea
Corinne is just amazing. After all the stuff she has been through in the past few years, to come back with an album better than her debut is just a brilliant effort. The production level has gone up a notch, but the most noticeable has been the change in her lyrics; however that was always going to be the case after everything that’s happened. Genuinely thought this would be the best album from a female artist this year. But then again, I forgot there’s a woman called Erykah Badu who also had an album out this year.
Best Songs: Are You Here, Feels Like The First Time and The Blackest Lily
13. Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package
While beanie Sigel is being an arsehole about all things Jay-Z; Freeway is an artist from the Roc who has decided to go and pursue a music career and make some real music. Teaming up with Jake One for an entire album was a brilliant idea. Production is all could wish for as a hip-hop fan and Freeway’s raw vocals and lyrics make for the perfect combination. Don’t think it’s possible for anyone who likes hip-hop to not like this album. Packaging for the album was amazing too. Google it.
Best Songs: One Thing (Feat. Raekwon), She Makes Me Feel Alright and Sho’ Nuff (Feat. Bun B)
12. Vinnie Paz - Season Of The Assassin
Underground hip-hop album of the year. Not only is Vinnie in true lyrical form on Season Of The Assassin, he is also teamed up with superb talent. Beanie Sigel, Clipse, Freeway, Paul Wall, Ill Bill, R.A. The Rugged Man, Sick Jacken (Psycho Realm), Block McCloud and more show up on Season Of The Assassin. Production was held in the palms of some legendary hands: DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill/Soul Assassins), Madlib, Lord Finesse (D.I.T.C), Da Beatminerz, Lil’ Fame (M.O.P), Moss, 4th Disciple (Wu-Tang), Bronze Nazareth (Wu-Tang), JMT’s own DJ Kwestion, Shuko and more lend their talents to Paz’s monumental new album. Must have.
Best Songs: End Of Days (Feat. Block McCloud), Paul And Paz (Feat. Paul Wall & Block McCloud) and Beautiful Love
11. Gramatik - Street Bangerz Volume 3
Wanting to deliver something raw but at the same time something that has an emphasis on live instruments, Gramatik kinda fell into a phase where he combined chopped up samples with live guitars, keys, brass played over it by himself and his musician friends, so this album is something of a hybrid between original and sampled music. All things I love about Hip-Hop instrumentals in one album. Any fan of music will be a fan of this. Hard to beat instrumental wise.
Best Songs: In This Whole World, Got To Be In All The Way & Walkin’ Down The Street
10. Erykah Badu - New Amerykah, Pt. 2 - Return of the Ankh
Erykah is the best female artist in the world for me. She’s miles ahead of anyone else when it comes to lyrics, delivery and natural talent – also, her choice of producers is ridiculously good. Pretty sure there won’t be another female artist who will release an album better than this in 2010. Exceptional from start to finish – not one track I would ever skip.
Best Songs: Love, Fall In Love (Your Funeral) and Window Seat
9. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Conceptually, this is the best album of the year. It’s just amazing. Damon Albarn is a musical genius and I think this is probably my favourite Gorillaz album too. For a while this was my album of the year, but with the quality that has been released in recent months it has slowly slipped down my list. Amazing album that will go down as a modern day pop classic.
Best Songs: On Melancholy Hill, Stylo (Feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack) and White Flag (Feat. Bashy, Kano & The National Orchestra For Arabic Music)
8. Aloe Blacc - Good Things?
No idea what to think or say about this album anymore, but it is/was one of my favourite albums of 2010. Aloe Blacc is a multi-talented artist who reminds me of a modern day Bobby Womack. I won’t say much about it, because there will clearly be a real Aloe Blacc album coming in the near future. Amazing artist and an amazing preview of what’s to come.
Best Songs: I Need A Dollar, Momma Hold My Hand and Femme Fatale
7. The Roots – How I Got Over
An album that keeps going up my list with every listen. Brilliant album yet again from one of, if not the greatest hip-hop groups of all time. Some unheard features for myself; but they seem to work as always. ?uestlove doesn’t release average music. Black Thought is on top lyrical form – I’d probably go as far in saying it’s the best I’ve ever heard him. Some songs stand out, but every track is brilliant in its own right. This could well finish higher than 6. Roots x John Legend too soon. Exciting times!
Best Songs: Walk Alone (Feat. Truck North, P.O.R.N. & Dice Raw), Dear God 2.0 (Feat. Monsters Of Folk) and The Day (Feat. Blu, Phonte & Patty Crash)
6. Eminem – Recovery
Em is back. His best album for about 7 years and a positive step forward for his career. Was sceptical about the features at first; however they were all brilliant choices – especially Rihanna. Production wise, I think it works and the lack of Dre was probably a good thing for the album as a whole (never thought I would say that). Don’t really need to say much else about an album that’s number 1 on every chart and that has 7/16 tracks on the Billboard Top 100.
Best Songs: Talkin’ 2 Myself (Feat. Kobe), Love the Way You Lie (Feat. Rihanna) and Cinderella Man
5. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty
Amazing from start to finish. Next level production – Big Boi has created a classic, which shows everyone that he is a legend in his own right. Started at 10 on my list and has continued to rise. Could finish even higher. Keeps getting better with each and every listen.
Best Songs: Shutterbugg, Night Night (Feat. B.O.B & Joi) and Follow Us (Feat. Vonnegutt)
4. Ty – Special Kind Of Fool
One of the top 3 UK MC’s and one of my favourite MC’s of all time. He makes timeless music from the soul and this album is for me, his best yet. He is a humble guy who loves music and his lyrical ability along with his unique production style makes for a beautiful sound, that is my perfect genre of music. The features are exceptional – Vula, Shaun Escoffery and Erik Rico, along with many more. This is my 2nd favourite Hip-Hop album of 2010 so far and it comes from a UK artist. Shows how far the country has come in such a short space of time.
Best Songs: ME (Feat. Erik Rico), Emotions (Feat. Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffery) and Happiness (Feat. Vula)
3. Shad – TSOL
Drake changed the game with his Mixtape and album; however he hasn’t had the best Canadian hip-hop album of 2010. That award goes to Shad. Unique sampling along with a natural talent to rap, this guy has it all. The album personifies everything that hip-hop means to me. There is a positive message and it is delivered better than any other rap album I’ve heard for years. Most people I know don’t know about this. It’s a shame, because he is fast becoming one of my favourite rappers. So far my favourite Hip-Hop album of 2010.
Best Songs: Rose Garden, At The Same Time and Keep Shining
2. Example – Won’t Go Quietly
As someone quite rightly said; this is the most important LP for UK music since Dizzee’s ‘Boy In Da Corner’. Example, like Plan B, has changed his musical direction drastically since he was on Mike Skinners’ record label The Beats. A very unique vocal tone along with an exceptional lyrically ability all led to him gaining the respect of some of the best electronic producers in the world and this then led to the album we have now – Won’t Go Quietly. The best UK album of 2010 and an album that is going to be a must have for everyone this Summer.
Best Songs: Watch The Sun Come Up, Kickstarts & Last Ones Standing
1. NaS & Damian Marley – Distant Relatives
Album of 2010, so far, is Distant Relatives. Personally think that this will be an album that cannot be beaten this year. In fact, I don’t think it will be beaten for a very long time. Damian and NaS created a whole new genre on this album and to me, it’s just perfection. If you wanna know what I think about it then you can read the review on my Blog, because I go into a lot of detail over there. Here’s to 2010 and hopefully much more amazing music to come before we get to January.
Best Songs: EVERY SINGLE TRACK!
Honourable Mentions:
Black Sheep - From The Black Pool Of Genius:
straight from the early 90’s. Native tongues style throughout. Highlight was Q-Tip’s feature.
Bonobo - Black Sands:
would have made the list if it wasn’t for Emancipator. Amazing Hip-Hop instrumental album.
Booka Shade – More:
best Electronic album of 2010; however that’s not saying a lot. 3 brilliant songs. Too many forgettable ones.
Diesler - Tie Breakers:
one of the most under-rated and talented UK producers. Funk/electronic, with brilliant features throughout.
Drake - Thank Me Later:
important album for mainstream Hip-Hop, but not a great album.
Dwele - W.Ants W.Orld W.Omen (W.W.W.):
best male R&B album of 2010, but my least favourite Dwele record to date.
Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma:
Hip-Hop production like you’ve never heard it before. A hard listen, but a genius at work.
Guilty Simpson - OJ Simpson:
a strange, yet enjoyable listen. Helped a lot by the Madlib production.
Herbie Hancock - The Imagine Project:
clever features and some exceptional songs, but not Herbie’s best work by any stretch of the imagination.
Katie Melua - The House:
enjoyable album, with flawless lyrics and vocals, as always.
Kele - The Boxer:
not what I usually listen to, but a strong album from a talented guy.
Kings Go Forth - The Outsiders Are Back:
James Brown lives on. One of the best funk albums in years. Pure and soulful.
Little Brother – Leftback:
a very good album, but the weakest LB have done. A rather subdued way to bow out as a group. Much more to come from both Phonte & Pooh though.
M-Trey & Drew Beat - Immaculate Dopeness:
unsigned rapper/unsigned producer. Great Hip-Hop album.
Pendulum – Immersion:
their most enjoyable studio album to date.
Rhymefest - El Che:
probably the most disappointing album of 2010. Expected a lot more, but still a good album.
Riva Starr - If Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade:
only 8 tracks long, but still the best House release of the year from Made To Play.
Rusko – OMG:
revolutionary and important album in the history of Dubstep.
Tiefschwarz – Chocolate:
as far as Tech-House goes; you won’t hear a better album this year.
True Ingredients - Prepare and Assemble:
first album to ever be released on a pair of sunglasses. Very Brand New Heavies-esque.
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Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:00PM 
