100.
Big K.R.I.T.:

“4eva Is a Mighty Long Time” (2017)

One of the strongest double albums of the decade, Big K.R.I.T. comes into full form displaying his trunk blaring rap side as well as his introspective side. This is one of the most underrated albums to date and Big K.R.I.T. deserves all the success from this project.

Top 3 Tracks:
Big K.R.I.T., Price of Fame, 1999

Listen: Big K.R.I.T., “4eva Is a Mighty Long Time” (2017)

99.
Tierra Whack:

“Whack World” (2018)

Fifteen tracks at one minute each, Tierra Whack reinvents what it means to release music. She opts for conciseness over everything with concepts ranging from mourning the dead to fruit salad. The next decade will be exciting for the new age rapper.

Top 3 Tracks:
Pet Cemetery, Waze, Black Nails

Listen: Tierra Whack, “Whack World” (2018)

98.
KAYTRANADA:

“99.9%” (2016)

KAYTRANADA provides an extremely unique style of production to music and this album is a vast landscape of new electronic rap. More artists need to hop on KAYTRANADA's beats in the future, for the sake of music.

Top 3 Tracks:
DRIVE ME CRAZY, GLOWED UP, YOU’RE THE ONE

Listen: KAYTRANADA, “99.9%” (2016)

97.
Meek Mill:

“Dreams Worth More Than Money” (2015)

Meek Mill’s sophomore effort is his most focused and proved his skills to be a top tier emcee. Coming from the hood in Philadelphia, Meek reps for the city and inspires the listener to secure the bag over everything.

Top 3 Tracks:
The Trillest, Classic, Cold Hearted

Listen: Meek Mill, “Dreams Worth More Than Money” (2015)

96.
Lupe Fiasco:

“Tetsuo & Youth” (2015)

On “Tetsuo & Youth,” Lupe runs a lyrical exercise centered around the themes of seasons. From reasons to why the pizza man doesn’t deliver to the hood anymore to prisoners behind bars, Lupe sheds light to many issues.

Top 3 Tracks:
Mural, They. Resurrect. Over. New., Deliver

Listen: Lupe Fiasco, “Tetsuo & Youth” (2015)

95.
Of Monsters & Men:

“My Head is an Animal” (2011)

The debut album from Icelandic indie folk band Of Monsters & Men is a refreshing sound to alternative music, and each song sounds liberating when played in nature. This is an excellent soundtrack to an adventure that awaits.

Top 3 Tracks:
Little Talks, Dirty Paws, King and Lionheart

Listen: Of Monsters & Men, “My Head is an Animal” (2011)

94.
Drake & Future:

"What a Time To Be Alive” (2015)

Recorded in under a week, Drake emulated the work ethic of Future by living in the studio and “What a Time To Be Alive” was quickly birthed. Though evident that each song was finished just as quickly as it was made, the quality of each banger is irresistible.

Top 3 Tracks:
Diamonds Dancing, Digital Dash, Big Rings

Listen: Drake & Future, "What a Time To Be Alive” (2015)

93.
PARTYNEXTDOOR:

“PARTYNEXTDOOR” (2013)

PARTYNEXTDOOR’s self-titled debut project was not an instant classic. While the album always had great songs, the influence that PND had on the game took some time to develop and it wasn’t until the end of the decade where it became evident that PND contributed to a new foundation of R&B.

Top 3 Tracks:
Welcome to the Party, Break from Toronto, Wus Good / Curious

Listen: PARTYNEXTDOOR, “PARTYNEXTDOOR” (2013)

92.
The Game:

“The Documentary 2 + 2.5” (2015)

A double album full of mature west coast street raps, The Game gathers a solid group of old school and new school features to create a solid hip hop album. Though each album is over one hour, The Game prevents the project from feeling unnecessary and bloated.

Top 3 Tracks:
The Soundtrack, Like Father Like Son 2, On Me

Listen: The Game, “The Documentary 2 + 2.5” (2015)

91.
Bruno Mars:

“Unorthodox Jukebox” (2012)

When I Was Your Man, Treasure, Locked Out of HeavenBruno Mars had an excellent decade with three solid albums, but it was his second LP that solidified him as a phenomenal singer and songwriter. Each track is concisely packed into the tracklist and illustrates a different side of Bruno’s talent.

Top 3 Tracks:
When I Was Your Man, Treasure, Locked Out of Heaven

Listen: Bruno Mars, “Unorthodox Jukebox” (2012)

90.
Wiz Khalifa:

“Rolling Papers” (2011)

On his major label debut Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa showcases his easy going personality from track to track without skipping a beat. Nothing with Wiz ever sounds forced and this album brings vibes to just about any setting.

Top 3 Tracks:
When I’m Gone, The Race, No Sleep

Listen: Wiz Khalifa, “Rolling Papers” (2011)

89.
Rick Ross:

“Teflon Don” (2010)

Rick Ross released multiple mixtapes and albums throughout the 2010s, but it was his first effort of the decade that stood out the most. Proving himself to be more than a one-dimensional artist, Ross raps over luscious instrumentals making every bar sound like a brick of gold.

Top 3 Tracks:
Free Mason, Live Fast, Die Young, Aston Martin Music

Listen: Rick Ross, “Teflon Don” (2010)

88.
Mac Miller:

“Swimming” (2018)

Mac Miller’s unfortunate last project served as the album that brought the most growth. After a split with former girlfriend Ariana Grande, Miller acknowledged that while he wasn’t soaring with happiness, he was doing alright. He was hopeful for a brighter tomorrow and working towards taking care of himself. Rest in peace.

Top 3 Tracks:
2009, Come Back to Earth, Self Care

Listen: Mac Miller, “Swimming” (2018)

87.
Justin Bieber:

“Purpose” (2015)

Shifting the direction of his sound to an R&B dance-pop fusion, Justin Bieber delivered a solid project with memorable tracks that reflected his individual growth. Purpose is an authentic representation of the star looking to seek answers to difficult questions.

Top 3 Tracks:
Love Yourself, I’ll Show You, What Do You Mean?

Listen: Justin Bieber, “Purpose” (2015)

86.
Fun.:

“Some Nights” (2012)

Unfortunately due to internal group conflicts, Fun.’s career as a band was short-lived. However, Some Nights is a special album that reflects a time in which everything was at its best for the band. The album carries a somber tone and takes the listener to the setting of New York City bars past 2 A.M.

Top 3 Tracks:
Some Nights, Carry On, We Are Young

Listen: Fun., “Some Nights” (2012)

85.
Lil Yachty:

“Lil Boat” (2016)

Crashing onto the rap scene with “One Night,” many thought Lil Yachty would be a one-hit wonder. However, Lil Boat said otherwise, proving that Yachty was capable of pushing the envelope of new wave rap to elevated heights.

Top 3 Tracks:
One Night, Wanna Be Us, Out Late

Listen: Lil Yachty, “Lil Boat” (2016)

84.
6LACK:

“East Atlanta Love Letter” (2018)

6lack’s second solo effort East Atlanta Love Letter is a concise project with several tracks dedicated to letting go and growing as an individual. Free 6lack found the Atlanta artist breaking onto the scene, but East Atlanta Love Letter has 6lack coming into full form.

Top 3 Tracks:
Stan, Pretty Little Fears, East Atlanta Love Letter

Listen: 6LACK, “East Atlanta Love Letter” (2018)

83.
Lil Baby & Gunna:

“Drip Harder” (2018)

Two of the biggest artists carrying the drip, Lil Baby & Gunna sound at their best when bouncing off each other over infectious production. Any doubters of the two artists at this point is unwarranted.

Top 3 Tracks:
Drip Too Hard, Close Friends, Never Recover

Listen: Lil Baby & Gunna, “Drip Harder” (2018)

82.
Joey Purp:

"Joey Purp" (2016)

Chicago native Joey Purp showcased his immense potential as an emcee on his debut project iiiDrops. A knack for storytelling with some excellent guest features from Chance the Rapper, Saba, and Vic Mensa, iiiDrops is an easy go to for a rap music fan.

Top 3 Tracks:
Morning Sex, Cornerstore, Winners Circle

Listen: Joey Purp, "Joey Purp" (2016)

81.
Solange:

“A Seat at the Table” (2016)

The third studio album from singer-songwriter Solange, A Seat at the Table is a command for respect. An honest reflection of race and identity in America, Solange shares her perspective in an artistically enlightening manner.

Top 3 Tracks:
Mad, Cranes in the Sky, Don’t Touch My Hair

Listen: Solange, “A Seat at the Table” (2016)

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