The 10 Best Hip Hop Albums of 2012

1.  GOOD KIDS M.A.A.D CITY by KENDRICK LAMAR

'Good Kid' follows a street level narrative, with more focus than 'Illmatic,' but with less appeal than 'Reasonable Doubt.'  A critical darling like this one sometimes carries with it the "instant classic" label for little longer than a blink of an eye.  But Kendrick Lamar has a skill-set which allows him to crossover, (see "Backseat Freestyle") or please the backpackers (see "The Art of Peer Pressure.)  'M.A.A.D. City' is one of the better albums of the new millennium, and certainly the best of the year.

2.  THE HEIST by MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS

'The Heist' is introspective, without coming off is reclusive.  Macklemore rhymes about life, love, addiction, struggle, and happiness over AMAZING beats crafted by Ryan Lewis, making for an incredibly deep, and, perhaps more incredible, accessible album.

3.  FOOD & LIQUOR 2: THE GREAT AMERICAN RAP ALBUM PART I by LUPE FIASCO

The name is quite brash, but 'Food & Liquor 2' is quite possibly Lupe's finest work.  The first installment of the series was excellent, but a younger Lupe Fiasco also meant a less thoughtful one.  Lupe has grown some, and learned more, since.  He takes risks within the lyrics, and gets back to his roots with the beats.  After the let down of 'Lasers,' Lupe Fiasco delivers.

4.  MOURNING IN AMERICA AND DREAMING IN COLOR by BROTHER ALI

Brother Ali, on his previous albums, worked exclusively with Atmosphere's producer, Ant.  The two built a close relationship over the years, and it showed.  Ali's previous 3 full lengths have been more than great hip hop albums, they have been all-time great albums, period.  But this time around, Ali chose, out of necessity, to work with producer Jake One.  Jake One is a fine producer, but the lack of chemistry does show.  Nevertheless, 'Mourning in America' soars with conscientious valor.  Ali's cause is not forgotten, though his sound is at times compromised.  

5.  TROUBLE MAN: HEAVY IS THE HEAD by T.I.

T.I. surprises with 'Trouble Man,' an ambitious and catchy album, stealing its name from a Marvin Gaye song, and it's vibe from Dirty South hip hop.  

6.  LIVE FROM THE UNDERGROUND by BIG K.R.I.T.

Big Krit is a newcomer who has been critically acclaimed since arriving on the scene.  'Live From the Underground' is his official debut, and it offers up a fine mix of southern swagger and conscious reflection. 

7.  LIFE IS GOOD by NAS

Nas continues to release great material, 18 years after his magnum opus "Illmatic."  'Life is Good' is the latest from the ever-consistent God MC.  There are few missteps, with plenty of home runs.

8.  R.A.P. MUSIC by KILLER MIKE

Killer Mike teamed up with producer El-P to release what was probably the most anticipated underground release of the year, 'R.A.P. Music.' Reciting the struggle, pride, and plight of a"Rebellious African People" has been Mike's MO for years, and 'R.A.P. Music' is perhaps his best effort.  

9.  SKELETHON by AESOP ROCK

'Skelethon' is, in my opinion, Aesop Rock's best album since "Labor Days."  Each song has it's own personality, as a part of a cohesive whole.

10.  CRUEL SUMMER by G.O.O.D. MUSIC

'Cruel Summer' is a fine album.  An assortment of posse cuts rarely come together so nicely.  But with Kanye West's involvement, it was hard to expect otherwise.



HONORABLE MENTIONS

IRISH GOODBYE by MAC LETHAL

GOD FORGIVES, I DON'T by RICK ROSS

CONTROL SYSTEM by AB-SOUL

JESUS PIECE by GAME

KVP 3 by PROF