2015 Year End Rap-Up: Top 5 Albums
/5) Purpose, Justin Bieber: After all of his mess ups in the public eye and many basic pop songs stamped on his repertoire, no one expected much from the new Bieber album. But if you were not a Belieber before, I promise you, you are now. Even if you don’t find yourself singing along to “What Do You Mean?” or “Sorry” in the car, you’ll probably love “Love Yourself.” It’s Bieber’s upbeat “screw you” song to a past fling. It makes you want to wave a certain finger in the air and Instagram a great photo just to rub it in your ex’s face. These songs, along with a few intense and reflective songs, create a well-rounded album. Bravo, Bieber. You’ve grown up before the public’s eyes – is it too late to say I’m sorry now (for doubting you)?
4) What Dreams Are Made Of, R. City: A wonderful progression from writers to rappers, R. City has produced a mix of reggae/R&B in combination with rap on their album. With big features such as Akon, R. City hit the ground running as artists as they take the microphone. Previous hits they have written include Rihanna’s “Pour It Up” and Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop.” Adam Levine featured in their hit song “Locked Away” that premieres on the album. Expect bigger and better as they settle into their shoes under the spotlight.
3) Badlands, Halsey: Badass feminine power is in – Halsey embodies this while adding her own flair in her new album. The next tour she does will hit stadiums in comparison to singing at small venues only a year or so ago. “New Americana” is the huge hit off the album, but other songs to note are “Castle” and “Hurricane.” Halsey has no filter and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is – with relationships, industry tycoons, and the public. She’s blowing up in the industry and will hopefully continue to climb the pop realm as a female monster.
2) 25, Adele: The long and quiet break Adele took from recording to focus on her personal life did nothing but boost expectations for her album that dropped at the end of the year. “Hello,” the hit single off the album, broke YouTube records for the amount of hits. The rest of the album holds the same raw talent that fans expect from Adele. However, instead of the drama and anguish felt in her last album, her new record includes more reflection over her youth and consideration over her future. It is a more mature Adele, and the mania that followed the release of her tour dates did nothing but reflect the overwhelming love for her talent. Welcome back, Adele!
1) To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar is by far the most influential rapper in the industry right now. His 2015 album demonstrated the immensity of his talent. In addition, his hometown Compton, CA, which is the home of the famous rap group, N.W.A. whose biographical movie Straight Outta Compton premiered this year, added to his background relevance. Lamar’s song “The Blacker the Berry” off his album was inspired by the death of Trayvon Martin. He raps, “You hate my people, your plan is to terminate my culture.” Lamar is speaking to the American white majority in reference to the racism that still persists in society today that appears in cases like Martin’s. Lamar successfully completes what very little rappers can do – he puts social issues into his music instead of the usual partying lyrics heard in hip-hop. His lyrics are explorative, inquisitive, and inspirational. There is a lot left in Lamar’s tank, and it would not be surprising if he continues to impress and make a permanent mark in rap evolution.