The Best Of: Albums 2017 – Mid-Year Review

#12. Teenage Emotions, Lil Yachty
Label: Capitol

Lil Yachty is one of those artists that everyone, young or old, has an opinion of, positive and negative. To some, Yachty is trolling rap music with his lack of Hip-Hop history knowledge and out-of-the-box demeanor. To others, he’s an inspiring new voice of the millennial generation with an innovative style and sound unlike what has previously been dubbed mainstream. His newest project, Teenage Emotions, has been, since the debut of its cover, on the minds and mouths of some of rap cultures most public figures. Yachty is obviously taking his role as “King of the Teens” very seriously and is including teens of all demonization, groups, and identities along on the ride to the top of a genre that has historically ostracized those who don’t fit a certain “street-certified” description.  Musically, Teenage Emotions shows progression and growth from his most recent Summer Songs 2. After being constantly publican changed as a lyricist, it shows that Yachty has taken heed to the advice of his critics and has spent more time putting the pen to the page. Although this project isn’t of the same lyrical caliber as some of his creative peers, this project proves that Yachty has moved way past any predictions of his career fading out as that of a one-hit-wonder and that there is a long a bright future ahead for the 19 year old phenom. Kiah Fields.

#11. DropTopWop, Gucci Mane
Label: Atlantic

DropTopWop was the next stop on Gucci Mane’s nonstop music producing journey since being released from jail, a year to the day the album was released. Gucci approaches this as he does every project, cocky, calculated, and creative. Lyrically, this was some of his best work in his discography. “Helpless” and “Met Gala” featuring one of Offset’s best verses are standout tracks on a 10-song album also featuring Rick Ross, 2 Chainz and Young Dolph. Gucci Mane further cemented his status as one of the trailblazers within trap music and Hip-Hop as a whole, but also reminded people he can rap with the youngest and best of them. – Armon Sadler.

#10. Painting Pictures, Kodak Black
Label: Atlantic Records

Kodak Black uses his debut album to do exactly what the title says, to paint pictures. On the spooky opener track, “Day for Day” he reviews the grimy streets that raised him and concluded, “I was already sentenced before I came out the womb.” The following tracks take you through a musical journey of a young, black man from the hood. By the time you get to Track 7, the sound of the album is more triumphant as he brags about “sipping Belaire in Bel-Air.” His vivid description of his rags-to-riches story in song form combined with his melodic flows makes Painting Pictures one of the top albums of the year so far. – Miss2Bees.

#9. FUTURE, Future
Labe: Epic Records

FUTURE, the Atlanta artist’s first self-titled album, was no doubt the typical heat we get from him. As one could predict, the project featured 808s, synths, and his iconic use of autotune. We were able to see him shine fully here, with zero features on the 17-track record. He’s as boastful and hedonistic as ever, but also takes us on a journey into some experiences on “Feds Did A Sweep” and “When I Was Broke” that shaped him into the man he is today. “Mask Off,” the upbeat, flute-laced standout track was supported by smooth songs like “I’m So Groovy” and “Scrape.” Overall, Future Hendrix reminded us of his place among the top trap artists out of the South. The project is cohesive while simultaneously leaving room for every song to be seen as distinct in sound and message. Sonically, this may be one of Future’s best releases. – Armon Sadler.