My Life II… The Journey Continues (Part 1) is one of Mary's most memorable albums.

Murs and Fashawn forge an exceptional chemistry on This Generation that more importantly doesn't compromise their stylistic individuality.

This collection is as heavy, thoughtful and laborious as anything Mike Eagle has released to date, but luckily he’s reached a place where he can withstand indie Hip Hop’s glass ceiling.

Vibes succeeds in getting its listener to flourish in a world of champagne toasts, faceless women and impulsive dancing.

Whether you've been patiently waiting for five years or just recently got into Saigon's music, The Greatest Story Never Told delivers a stimulating message that is as cautionary as it is entertaining.

While the album might incite a little listener’s fatigue in a single session absorption, it functions well as an inspiringly crowded display case of quality Rap in 2013.

Curren$y's big league debut The Stoned Immaculate remains faithful to the spirit of his beloved witty arrogance, while bolstered by star power intended to propel his career at this pivotal stage.

The album is a storyteller's album. In fact, it's an immensely inclusive R&B album.

uknowhatimsayin¿ could and should be considered one of Danny’s strongest projects to date. Q-Tip’s musical guidance (including making it a simple 11-song tracklist) plays a major role, but a lot of redeeming qualities on this album are a testament to Danny’s artistry.

In the end, Marci Beaucoup is a nice victory lap that falls just short of Reloaded.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures preserves the gift of a true diamond in the rough.

The release of his third studio album GO:OD AM showcases maturity beyond Miller’s years, the result of which is a cohesive project that is as cohesive as it is profound.

First Of A Living Breed is another powerful entry into the Good Sun's discography.

Packs is a noteworthy set loaded with supremely smart twists that capture the continuing evolution of a ferociously talented MC.

Admiringly, it’s taken him his entire career to get to this point and a project like this finds him breaking out of the box he’s occupied since arriving on the scene.

Still Over It puts Walker into an elite tier of R&B artists who are able to balance personal vendettas and artistic execution. She pulls no punches, commanding attention through her ability to integrate her drama into tracks through beautiful storytelling.

Tyler, the Creator still achieves an engrossing dystopian vision of Hip Hop that refuses to compromise to what fans and industry critics demand of him.

Whatever adolescent deficiencies Mac Miller dealt with throughout his prodigious rise as Rostrum’s second brain child, Watching Movies With The Sound Off genuinely keeps him grounded for a calculated performance that will earn him the respect he’s craved since his Easy Mac days.

As an album and summation of why so many people have revered Jay Electronica for so long, A Written Testimony was absolutely worth the wait. Let’s just hope the next one arrives sometime this decade.

A solid effort that is up there with the best of the year but it definitely sets the stage for the emcee who made Follow Me Home and many feel could be the second best in the set to Kendrick to make the jump to great when sophomore time comes around.

There is still enough variety in styles that make it a successful conjuring. And, once there, the free-form melting pot of production and vocals continues to satisfy.

It all adds up to a quality album that manages not to take itself too seriously without resorting to being dumb.

With Dark Sky Paradise, Big Sean is prepared to leave his mark.

Much like with W.A.R. and Desire, P.T.S.D. seeks to accomplish more than just keep Pharoahe’s spot on the criminally-underrated lists warm; instead, it makes a case for placing him among the Chuck Ds and Ice Cubes as one of Hip Hop’s sharpest social voices.

Ego Death is an album both suited specifically for the social media age of music listeners but simultaneously rich and permeated with the traditions of the soul and R&B music of the past.

Maintaining its cohesion while avoiding monotony, Nudy’s latest is at once chill and animated — an extravagant adventure that’s as controlled as it is fun.

The album captures a swath of moods and tastes, and Black Milk’s lyrics are both imaginative and well-executed. The production is on the money, and he continues to make big strides lyrically.

While not without its flaws (the “Bad” remix was unnecessary, and probably done simply for the big name feature), those questioning the direction Wale was going post MMG affiliation will more than likely be pleased with The Gifted.

Not surprisingly, Kweli truly shines on the politically motivated tracks when he’s able to rap about things he’s passionate about.

No sole record matches the adept level of musicianship exemplified in her breakout hit “Big Ole Freak,” but Fever’s dedication to eschewing pop-leaning material wins big with the everyday people, strippers and strip club aficionados.

The final product is a solid debut that shows enough of Sean's skill and personality to keep listeners stay tuned, with the room for growth for higher expectations next time around.

When he ends the album with “Cold Ass Nigga,” the most demonstrably aggressive verse on the album, you realize Shadow of a Doubt isn’t Gibbs flipping to go pop, but a man secure enough in the foundation he has laid to take a leap of faith.

This 23-year-old may have been searching for answers, but that journey allowed him to find one of this year's most outstanding albums with Section.80.

He’s let the high filter out more of the revelation, and it sounds like a more accessible piece of entertainment than his last. It’s not the call to arms some expected, but Ab-Soul is as convincingly conspicuous as he’s ever been.

Continuing to build her movement brick by brick, A Curious Tale Of Trials + Persons finds the artist Little Simz flexing her superego while exposing the all too human frailties of Simbi Ajikawo. Proof positive she’s unafraid to stretch her musical limitations.

Skyzoo's sincerity as a rapper is shot through A Dream Deferred, but the album has a seamless musical charm.

Musically, he is maturing before our very eyes.

The production on Guns is most appealing when he relents and allows for more free-flowing instrumentals.

For as good as the melodies and ripe drums and bass beats are on the album, more impressive is the songwriting.

At times Abstract is advancing the alternative Hip-Hop genre, while in other moments he’s relishing in an indie-pop fantasy. Generally, he’s at his best when he’s building off his previous Hip Hop success.

The seven-track offering spills alpha male-isms from a “money-over-bitches” point-of-view, yet remains sultry enough to appeal to the fairer sex. It’s a tenuous balance Ty walks like a seasoned tight rope artist.

Game’s first installment The Documentary 2 is a fine achievement in making the familiar sound fresh. It will be exciting to see what he has in store for the second go-round.

This Time isn't Sigel's strongest endorsement as an emcee--that would be The B. Coming--but it is a testament to his impeccable ability to select production.

Something About April II is the rare record that allows you be spirited away without feeling dirty or voyeuristic. As though you sought to change some flaw in the past that shouldn’t have been changed at all.

Ibeyi is executed expertly and encapsulates entirely its artists’ public narrative and ambitious musical inclinations up to this point. For now, that’s a blessing and all we know enough to ask for.

Today's Hip Hop scene has a rotating cast of notable stars, yet Watch The Throne simply wouldn't have felt the same had it been two different rappers converging for something this monumental.

Though he’s still lyrically sharp, in the moments when he revisits and spins familiar themes, things begin to feel comfortable and less remarkable. Still, this album succeeds by expanding on what hardcore Griselda fans already know.

PRhyme can be closed off to the Rap of today, but their rendition of the Rap of yesteryear will always have a place in any era.

It doesn’t hit as hard as some previous albums, but it surely proves just how good Rick Ross can be as a songwriter and collaborator. It also proves how sharp he has become as a rapper.

The group's unpredicatability and totally unique style is grassroots Hip Hop at its best.

Lucky 7 doesn’t deviate from the framework of Statik’s previous compilations, but it does highlight his masterful command of each individual track, without ever simplifying the approach or integrity of the album.

Some songs border on perfection. A few more are just solidly average. Yet, it all balances out, and the rhymes on full display make Shady XV a great compilation release.

Debuts this good just don't come along very often, and it all comes down to the precocious Harlem rookie's vision.

While underground Hip Hop peers such as Cage and Zion I have struggled in their efforts to expand genres, one of Ohio's best widens his scope with a fiery intensity and a welcomed sound.

Although Everything’s Fine is well-crafted from front to back, there are a few hiccups.

At 28, he’s very much hitting his stride in Rap, using every transitional moment to add one more compelling chapter to his narrative.

Overall, Tyla’s debut fulfills the promise of her first international hit: sonically, she is truly the foreign exchange student who is ready to take America by storm. And she has all of the makings of a relatable, cross-genre, international star intent on carving a lane of her own.

She fills her brazen concept album with shared experiences to fully encompass what it means to be a Black woman dealing with love and relationships. Every tale might not apply to every listener, but Sullivan guarantees no experience is left unrepresented.

It’s the subtle sequencing--deliberate to show his progression--that elevates the project from merely a delinquent to being the tale of a reformed man.

Proving himself one of today’s most flexible emcees, Old’s back end is Brown’s furthest departure from straightforward Rap to date, with him successfully adapting to faster 4/4 tempos reflective of the more erratic subject matter.

Full of political and social commentary, Pharoahe's W.A.R.-time performance will leave fans hoping he continues his trend of cutting the wait time between albums in half.

The nearly 45-minute album might just be too smart for a mainstream audience, who seemingly prefer hollow, bubblegum rap to intelligently constructed social commentary. Yet, this musically diverse Hip Hop package will provide a suitable soundtrack for those who still prefer their rap iced-out with depth.

The end result is an album that is as much a wild party as it is brutally honest.

This is a strong return to form for the self-proclaimed King of the South.

Experimental is a tag few artists at his age would attempt, and yet Ghost does it with immeasurable confidence.

Despite its delay, it's by no means a swan song, contractually and musically. R.E.D. is a lot of many things, only adding to the anticipation already for Game's final offering to Interscope.

Cozy prioritizes the gifts of its star much more than that of the mob’s other henchman, but its game plan ultimately proves triumphant.

L&R's shots of riskiness and emphasis on contextual relevance propel this project past it's humdrum offerings like "International" and "West Side Love," keeping replay value intact.

Underground Hip Hop in the right and literal sense of the term, Vodka & Ayahuasca is an uncompromising listen that dwells in the underbelly of an increasingly saccharine rap scene.

NehruvianDOOM isn’t the first attempt to recreate Golden Age Hip Hop in the 21st century, but it’s an exceptionally creative take on the now-classic sound that succeeds in offering an enjoyable--and at times quirky--listen.

It’s a true spiritual successor to the original, and is everything fans could have asked for: a worthy follow-up, well-thought-out standalone project, and a very necessary commentary on society, government, and machinations by which the two interact.

Nothing Was The Same showcases new skills--trimming the unnecessary songs, and focusing on narrative details the way he does on “From Time”--that will strengthen Drake’s arsenal and help him continue to cement his status as a pop-rap heavyweight for years to come.

One of the most accomplished releases of the year, You’re Dead! embraces the uncertain, celebrates fear, and induces a meditative consciousness that’s hard to shake after listening.

Its narrative, the tropes, and the strategies are completely overcome by the albums terrifying integrity. It is immensely relatable because it is not afraid to be corny and cliche.

Fashawn’s sophomore release is a strong follow-up, six years in the making, that hits hard while preaching perseverance.

Sure the heavenly feel of “No Mistakes” harkens back to his gospel soul days, 070 Shake’s passionate cameo on “Ghost Town” unveils a star-in-the-making and honest thoughts about raising North and Chicago on the serene album anchor “Violent Crimes” make for a alluring sonic experience. But ye merely excels in surface-scratching instead of the transcendent territories that spawned the Kanye everyone loved. Sometimes less does not equate to more.

In sum, Golden Era is an extremely tight, solid package, clocking in at less than 40 minutes through ten tracks.

Like the album itself, the cast of guest appearances is minimal, yet praiseworthy for its originality.

Tirade is a refined exercise in Spottie’s advancement as an artist.

The peaks on SOS, (“Used,” “Smoking on my Ex Pack,” and “Forgiveless”) find SZA sounding refreshingly comfortable rapping over gritty, hazy, and grimy productions.

Where he has yet to master the art of making complete songs (“Uncle Al” clocks in under a minute long) and his diction tends to lacks clarity, Earl paints pictures in a manner more poetic than just about all within his peer group.

It’s a curious turn, but one that finds them as oddly whimsical and satisfying as ever.

Elitist as it might seem, it's a Rap album that sounds better if you can name most of the Gang Starr Foundation.

The complete package displays an obvious maturation from the veteran that is effectively in tune with a focus many have considered missing for some time.

Although the production and detrimental hyper-lyricism place Eminem’s worst habits on display throughout the album, there is plenty of good here. Extremely compelling is the theme of Eminem’s growth.

Throughout this descent into 2 Chainz’ world he vacillates between the surface level fun of his previous recordings and the slightly introspective allowing us to see the other side of the man formerly named Tity Boi.... Interestingly enough, these contradictions make the tape more fun than anything we’ve heard from 2 Chainz in a while, and, equally, it shows the most fun for a listener is a hint of depth added to a raucously good time.

There aren't any lackluster songs, and even though the lyrics and the rhymes are digestible on the first listen, they get better with more listens.

With so many artists trying and failing to capitalize on reprisals of their finest work and have the breadth of work necessary for a strong double album, this particular release and its quality deserves attention.

This isn’t an album, it’s the spiritual essence of the joy beyond the pain.

The work and musical experiments Brockhampton has proven to be a successful one. Tradition means nothing to a project like Saturation III, as constant themes of vulnerability poverty, violence, sexuality gives listeners nothing but honest perspectives.

All 6's and 7's doesn't disappoint as a well-balanced offering.

The biggest success of The 20/20 Experience lies within Justin Timberlake being able to gracefully glide into Adult Contemporary Music without coming across as trite or cheesy. There is enough oomph for the youngins, yet a defined maturity that proves Timberlake’s overstanding of eventually aging out of the capricious sect of R&B.

Using Wolf as a platform to let his imagination run wild while remaining accessible, Tyler, the Creator displays maturation on his own twisted terms.

The Grammy Award winner shows he continues to be ambitious as an artist while keeping up the Slaughter King mantra he ran with early in his career. For Young Metro, Savage Mode II asserts there’s no rust on his boards and proves he’s still one of the best architects in the game.

Who Made the Sunshine is a solid offering, even if not Gunn’s most wholly compelling body of work. It doesn’t break any ground or expand his dynamics in the way that A King To A GOD did for Conway, but it is Gunn doing what he does best — at a very high level.

Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color takes an inspiring and heartfelt stance, representing another triumph for the resilient and complex orator Brother Ali.

Magna Carta Holy Grail is where Jay-Z’s emceeing finally meets his “High Rap” ambitions. This is easily the best rhyming Jay’s done since American Gangster. But a sharp Shawn on the mic isn’t a surprise. What is a surprise is that this is the most cohesive project Jay’s put together since The Blueprint.

Success Is Certain should certainly be viewed as successful if Royce Da 5'9's goal was to rap his ass off over knocking production from legends to create an album worthy of quite a few rewinds and replays.