Author: YN

Statik Selektah: What Goes Around

This producer from the Mass continues to bust his ass to preserve the essence of traditional East Coast hip-hop. WGA may be Statik’s finest complete project packed with a gang of MCs from new jacks like Joey Badass to an unlisted appearance from veteran Kool Keith. Hard not to head nod to this one.—YN

DJ Khaled “Hold You Down”

You’d have to be a big dummy to not understand at this point how serious DJ Khaled is about his videos. Still he outdoes himself here in the scene where he keeps feeding his shortie stacks of greenbacks. We’re grateful for all the laughs this provides. Ha!—YN

Nicki Minaj “Anaconda”

Onika provides a pervert’s delight as she celebrates her ample back side in this soft porn visual. Can’t believe Nick flipped Sir Mix-A-Lot’s classic into a modern day hit. But you probably couldn’t tell cause you was watching this shit with the sound off. Ha!—YN

Lil Durk: Signed To The Streets 2

Another Chicago rapper on the rise is Coke Boy Lil Durk. He pours his impassioned street perspective into his latest installment of Signed To The Streets. But it’s all not dark drill, guest Young Thug brings punch to “Party” and Durk even effectively uses autotune on songs like “Live It Up”. As his upcoming Def Jam debut states remember his name.—YN

Lil Bibby: Free Crack II

The baritone-voiced bars are back! Bibby returns sounding even more confident than on his mixtape debut. Money is the motivation here on songs like the T.I.-assisted “Boy” and the soulful “What You Live For”. Free Crack put this Chitown MC on the map and this satisfying sequel proves he belongs there.—YN

Curren$y: Saturday Night Car Tunes

You can’t front on Spitta’s consistency. This guy has truly carved his own lane and he continues to feed his fans with projects like SNCT. Birdman (“10 G’s Remix”), Rich Boy (“Night Like This”) and his old buddy Wiz Khalifa (“Dojo”) all pull up to the party but the focus remains on the author of the upcoming Pilot Talk 3.—YN

Travi$ Scott: Days Before Rodeo

The oddball of the Houston hip-hop scene continues to evolve with his strongest collection of tracks to date. The rapper/producer shines with Big Sean on “Don’t Play” and rises to greater heights with Young Thug on the Metro Boomin-produced “Skyfall”. Although you can still hear him finding his way, Scott is a true talent. Straight up.—YN

Ty Dolla $ign: Sign Language

Following up his Beach House mixtapes, Dolla $ign returns to his free music roots. Ty sounds equally comfortable collaborating with MCs (Juicy J and Rich Homie Quan on “Dead Presidents”) or gettin’ his R.Kelly-esque freak on (“Stretch”). Understand that Sign Language should have a bar code.—YN

ILOVEMAKONNEN X Drake “Tuesday”

Drizzy can take a local song and make it better. This time he’s done it for ATL’s Makonnen who’s distinctive sing-songy style first caught the attention of Mike Will Made It and Miley Cyrus. With this tune as our soundtrack, Tuesdays will never be the same. Ha!—YN

Bobby Shmurda “Hot Nigga”

Who’s summer was this? It must be Bobby. The kid from BK came out of nowhere and quickly captured the rap world’s full attention. Truth be told, your favorite rappers know this record is bigger than theirs. Gotta tip your cap to young Shmurda.—YN

Common: Nobody’s Smiling

In an homage to their hometown, Com and No I.D. unite in creating an album that touches on the chaotic, crime-ridden community of Chicago. But there’s still room for Rashid to self-explore on songs like “Rewind That” where he candidly reflects on the loss of his friend/producer J Dilla. True art makes us happy.—YN

DJ Mustard: 10 Summers

The hottest producer in the game takes the helm on his Roc Nation debut. Although the album may not contain the instant radio hit-making magic of his outside productions, 10 Summers is still an enjoyable listen that showcases Mustard’s love of West Coast hip-hop. Dubs up!—YN

PartyNextDoor: PartyNextDoor Two

The Weeknd went off on his own, but OVO Sound didn’t miss a step with the addition of this Sauga singer. Party follows up his acclaimed 2013 debut with a more cohesive sophomore release. Might be in the minority but I prefer this sequel to the original. PND FTW.—YN

Jeezy: Seen It All

Time waits for no man—except the Snowman. Ha! After a long delay, Jeezy delivers yet again with another album of strong tunes that delve even deeper into his drug dealing past, lost friendships and his legacy. Simply put, his protege YG got some competition for rap album of the year. CTE FTW.—YN

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