5. Rodeo – Travis Scott
In my opinion Travis is not great rapper. However, it is undeniable that he made one of the greatest albums ever. A lot of this can be attributed to the production team. Producers like Mike Dean, Kanye, Metro, and Sonny Digital create very unique and synth heavy beats that make this album sound other worldly.
4. 4 Your Eyez Only – J. Cole
A concept album from J. Cole rapping from the perspective of his friend who had passed away. This concept lead to deep storytelling mellow production and very introspective view that feels like your living in Cole’s friends life.
3. Pinata – Freddie Gibbs
A production masterclass from a top producer Madlib. the Beats range widely as you can get very urgent and transition into calm beats making the album swap moods. The beats Compliment what Gibbs is rapping about on every song. Gibbs delivers his best verses of his career sticking to one concept throughout each song.
2. To Pimp A Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar
Another concept album talking about Kendricks life after getting the fame and how it changes him. the beats and lyrics go hand in hand and the album starts with Kendrick being naive and slowly turning back into the man he was at the start of his career. One of the most important rap albums in the genre ever.
1. College Dropout – Kanye West
My favorite album of all time no question. The production is otherworldly and verses that changed the game. Kanye was working on this for a very long time with the added pressure of making a name for himself as this was his first album. Upon release this album sold off shelves very quick and put Kanye at the top of the game for years.
