The second studio album from Atlanta’s hottest trio was a major hit as Culture catapulted Migos to superstar level in the game. With “Bad & Boujee” having people go bananas at every major venue, the Metro Boomin produce tracked sky rocketed to #1 on the Billboard charts. Even though you can credit an unofficial assist to Childish Gambino, Culture is a project that Migos was able to display each member’s distinctive style of lyrical assassination from beginning to end. The intro featuring DJ Khaled introduced the flow of the album as listeners were able to get a taste of what to expect further. From there, there was no disappointment at all as tracks such as “Slippery,” “T-Shirt,” “What’s The Price” and “Get Right Witcha” quickly became fan-favorite album deep cuts. As Americans are getting their “dab on,” it’s fair to say that Migos did an outstanding job in showcasing why they are amongst the elite of Hip-Hop’s most talented lyricists. – Omari White.
#7. Everybody, Logic
Label: Def Jam
Logic delivered a third studio album that was welcomed warmly with rave reviews and showcased Logic’s lyricist skills and style. With some production assistance from the likes of 6ix, the project also has some interesting features including Khalid and Alessia Cara. When Logic first introduced the project, it was titled AfricAryaN, with the title sparking major controversy surrounding the use of Aryan. All of the negative backlash caused Logic to change the album name, though he kept it as the closing track name of on the record and featured Neil DeGrasse Tyson. That track, as well as the rest of the album, seemed to be a personal introspection about Logic’s life as a mixed man navigating the world of of hip hop through both a white and black body. He often talks about struggling to be accepted both in the black and white communities, pointing out how both communities like to remind him that he’s not “full blood.” With bars such as “Not a slave to the stereotype/ All alone in my room in the middle of the night /I don’t have the words but my stereo might / I don’t wanna be black, I don’t wanna be white, I just wanna be a man today/ I don’t wanna be a Christian, Muslim, gay, straight, or bi, see you later, bye”, Logic makes it clear that he’s not living life by society’s labels or standards. In additional to being vocal about breaking out of society’s box, he tackles everything from politics to pop culture. Delivering a futuristic sound and story, the rapper showcases his vivid storytelling skills through the album. – Samantha Callender.
#6. I Decided., Big Sean
Label: Def Jam
Consider I Decided. and everything else that follows as Big Sean’s “do-over.” A phone call between Sean and his mother comes at the very end of the album on “Bigger Than Me” bringing I Decided. full circle and explaining why Sean is hungrier than he’s ever been. Dark Sky Paradise was a tough act to follow. Big Sean pulled this off effortlessly with honorable production and selected features. One feature in particular taps Detroit native Eminem who annihilates his verse on “No Favors”. Sean’s story-telling is undefeatable as it always has been on tracks like “Jump Out The Window.” Thankfully, I Decided. features a melodic TWENTY 88 song taping Jhené Aiko on “Save Me Pt.1.” Sean’s battle with himself on “Halfway Off The Balcony” and “Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan” tie in the overall theme of I Decided. As the album plays out it becomes more evident that Sean understands his actions thus far have led him to exactly where he stands today. His “Bounce Back” is impeccable. With a solid 13 tracks from start to finish, no skips, Sean ultimately succeeded at his “do-over.” – Deniqua Campbell.
