Breaking down 2017’s Top Albums

2017 was a good year for music lovers across the world with so many classic songs and albums produced. Different genres of music dominated the airwaves with production of each of these masterpieces taken a notch higher. Shout out to the producers who have taken the music to a whole nother level. You never get the recognition you deserve.

Most notably producers like Metro Boomin, Alie Keyz, TM88, Mike Dean, Calvin Harris, Ty Dollar Sign stood out for me and how could I possibly forget the legendary Mike WiLL Made-It who produced the Song of the year HUMBLE.

In no particular order I’ll breakdown my best albums of 2017 and please don’t get offended if you don’t see your favorite artist on the list. Like I said, it’s just my opinion.

4:44

Legendary rapper Sean Carter aka Jay Z produced a classic for me. With a meticulous flow and content ranging from how black communities are under privileged to his own marital woes with superstar wife Beyonce Knowles, I think he delivered once again on this one; and proved he is able to transcend with his style through different Hip Hop eras. Exclusively dropped on his streaming site – TIDAL, 4:44 went platinum in less than a week proving jay Z still has a solid fan base. My favorite on this one would be Caught Their Eyes ft. Frank Ocean.

Culture

Ofcourse Culture had to be on the list because The Migos owned the whole of 2017 with banger after banger. The Atlantic origin group of artists really brought the heat in 2017 and rose to super stardom with their Bad&Boujee smash hit that was Number 1 on the BillBoard 100 for 4 weeks straight. With their ad-lib phenomenon, the rappers have gone on to create a large fan base around the world and also create a sound that up coming rappers in America are vibing to. They have notably worked with various artists to make great hits like Gucci Mane, Big Sean, Katy Perry to mention but the least. Keep an eye on them in 2018; they are destined for greatness.

Thuto

Cassper Nyovest outdid himself on this album. Clearly my best album from an African artist in 2017, Thuto was carefully written and executed with class. Cassper is one of if not the biggest artist in South Africa and with this album, he proved to me why he holds the rap crown in South Africa. Being his most personal album to date he ranges from topics about heartbreaks, splashing money and hardships he’s been through as a rapper and musician. The Ciroc Ambassador delivered clean visuals for his hit Tito Mboweni which has already gathered over a million YouTube views. He recently made history in his country and the continent by filling FNB stadium in South Africa to a capacity of 68,000 people thus having the most attended concert in the history of Africa. At only 26 years of age, Cassper has cemented his name among the greats of the African rap scene. Salute! Oh had to chip in with my favourite on this one and that’s definitely Baby Girl

Rather You Than Me

BOSS is all I can say after Rick Ross put out this clean piece of work. As a rapper and businessman you have to salute Rick Ross’ work ethic and longevity in the game. From forming Maybach Music Empire in 2009, he has put several artists who have gone to become superstars i.e Meek Mill, Wale. With this album he fused Trap and his original classic rap flow and my word was it a signature stamp from the BOSS! Business wise, the Mississippi born rapper expanded his Wing-Stop franchise to other areas in the States proving he’s winning on both fronts in the industry. My favorite on the album has to be “I Think She Like Me” ft. Ty Dollar Sign. Check the video below, good stuff.

Funk Wave Bounce Vol. 1

We all know Calvin Harris is a genius Dj and producer but with his tape, the versatility on the tracks and artists he worked with took this project to a different level. The beats on this album are what struck me the most with every song having a different feeling to it. Calvin has produced many world bangers but this tape seems like it’s  composed of only bangers from start to finish. Up to date I’m still in awe of how he worked with Nicki Minaj to produce “Skrr On Me” because it has a different island and melodic feel which you rarely get from Nicki. At that point I knew Calvin was a genius at what he was doing and he earned my respect forever. I can’t leave without talking about “Feels” another special one he made with Pharrel, Big Sean and Katy Perry. Of course the line-up of artists is impeccable but the fusion of their voices and beat made this one memorable too and proved why this is one of my best albums of 2017. Peep the Feels video below

Sounds From The Other Side

What more can I say about the Star Boy that hasn’t been said already. From taking Afro Pop to an international level, to collaborating with the biggest artists around the world, Wizkid has done it all and is still not yet at his peak! The Nigerian, arguably the biggest artist on the African continent is a Grammy winning artist with his One Dance collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake. They went on to create another banger “Come Closer” which was nothing short of greatness. With this album, he worked with Ty Dollar Sign, Trey Songz and Drake. The Nigerian superstar has paved a way for African artists to make it around the world, most notably fellow Nigerian Mr Eazi,  and are now conquering the airwaves. The album is beautifully mixed and produced and that’s why he is the biggest artist on the continent. My favourite one on this is “Naughty Ride” ft Major Lazer.

Beach House 3

First of all I would like to say Ty Dollar Sign is one of the most talented and versatile artists of this generation. Genre after genre, he has proven to meticulously grace each song with his melodic and lyrical prowess and that’s why I feel this piece of work is up there with the best. He definitely had a very good 2017 with various chart topping features like Work from Home ft. Fifth Harmony, Swalla ft. Jason Derulo & Nicki Minaj. Doubling up as a producer, you can’t deny this dude a seat at the table of the most talented artists in the world right now. My personal favourite on the album is Dawnsin Breek ft. Jeremih which you can peep below.

DAMN

The King of Hip Hop himself had to come through with a solid album as expected. Kendrick Lammar the new age Tupac brought the heat on this one and no doubt he brought it. He shut down all discussions for me on who the biggest is in the game right now with this album and gauging from the reaction it received around the world, Kendrick Lammar is a genius. Producing arguably the biggest song of the year “HUMBLE“, Kendrick proved to me and the whole world that he’s in it to win it. He worked with Rihanna too on the album and still managed to rap about issues affecting his society and the culture in general. It’s a catch for me for the Grammy’s this year and I won’t be surprised if it scoops album of the year. Of course HUMBLE is my favorite on this, no brainer.

CTRL

Top Dawg Entertainment artist SZA was arguably the best new artist in 2017. The album CTRL will blow your mind with how lyrically and sonically this lady murdered every song. From the album artwork to the flow on each track, she shook the game up and brought the competition to these female MCs. She has an old skool vibe to her sound and interesting choice of topics throughout her album. The Kendrick assisted track “Doves In The Wind” was definitely eye catchy as she sent a stern warning to all boys wasting girls’ time. The one that really hit home for me was “Love Galore” ft. Travis Scott. The visuals on this track were too neat and was definitely stand out for me. With more music coming from this young lady, I’m sure the future of rap is safe. Peep the video below.

Wins & Losses 

Meek Mill took it back to the streets with this one. I’ve always been a fan of Meek from his DC compilations and he sure didn’t let me down on this one. His signature of fast rapping which he of course gets from his home-town of Philly, he surely brought with this project. Songs like Price and Ball Player were typical Meek Mill kills for me and stamped his authority in the game that year. For my personal favorite, I will go with “Whatever You Need” ft. Ty Dollar Sign & Chris Brown. Meek took another direction in his flow and toned it down and trust me once you hear it, you will get that love ballad vibe. It’s a yes for me for this project.

That’s a wrap from me. I hope you like my selection. Feel free to share your voice in the comment section here or on social media. Keep it locked; we have more in store for you.