One of the most polarizing decades in music history, the 2010s have seen a complete shift in every aspect of music. How music is consumed, produced, and who is producing it, has shifted seemingly overnight, but these shifts really been bubbling for ages. For Hip-Hop specifically, these last ten years in music changed the roles of underground mixtapes, artist development, and experimentation, as well as the attention span for any one artist over time. While mainstream audiences now have access and exposure to more music, creating a loyal fan base is difficult, which makes true artistry and a strong discography that much more important. Looking at the 2010s we’ve seen the best artists deliver, and new artists raise the bar. Looking forward to my picks for the best 15 projects of the decade, I consider both albums and mixtapes, focusing on a project’s overall impact, as well as sales and critical response. More importantly, uniqueness is rewarded, while many believe the genre of Hip-Hop is a bit saturated, these albums have stood out by standing the test of time, and inspiring Hip-Hop and music fans alike. Without further ado.

Honorable Mentions:

“4:44” - Jay Z (2017)

Jay-Z has aged like fine wine, and the 4:44 project is the greatest example of that. Hov’s best solo project of the decade, full of gems and life lessons for all ages. Although I don’t believe that it belonged in the top 15 projects of the decade, it was one of the few examples I can think of where older an older rapper didn’t sound like an old person trying to copy what young people do.

“Flower Boy” - Tyler the Creator (2017)

The most polarizing artist to come out of the early internet era, Tyler, The Creator is one of the most underrated musical geniuses. His ability to tell stories, start a mosh pit, and hit your soul should not be overlooked. More than just cohesively packing all the previously highlighted vibes into one project, Flower Boy truly showed that Tyler was coming into his own as an artist and a person, and blessed us with a complete movie.

“Telefone” - Noname (2016)

While the world focuses on the Nickis and Cardi Bs of the world, music lovers searching for a renaissance resurgence in Hip Hop were hit over the head by Noname. “Telefone” being her first real project, Noname flew under the radar making use of her features on other artists' projects to increase her fan base. Telefone didn’t just show that Noname could hold her own, it showed that when it’s all said and done she could be one of the best Lady MCs we’ve ever seen.

“If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” - Drake (2015)

“IYRTITL” is a true culmination of context, timing, and great execution. The combination of those things are beginning to be a staple in every action that Drake does besides his son. It feels stupid to say, but whether you like it or not, this project put Drake on a level of stardom that it is VERY hard to fall from. He still brings in that combination of hits and emotional tracks, but this project feels more focused and deliberate than the Drake projects that have come since.

“Tha Carter IV” - Lil Wayne (2011)

Although Lil Wayne may not have dominated the 2010s in the way people expected, his dominance of Hip-Hop will never be forgotten Hip-Hop fan or not. After watching his brightest pupils (Nicki Minaj, Drake & Tyga) blossom at the start of the decade, Three years after dropping what many would consider Wayne’s best album “Tha Carter III”, he gave us the fourth chapter in one of the best album series ever. Jam-packed with hit after hit after hit, “Tha Carter IV” was a reminder that regardless of the Young Money artists that were blowing up, it was the Young Money boss that controlled the game, from the clubs to the streets.

Making this list is difficult, and no two music fans will make the same exact list, but in my opinion, these albums hit fans and skeptics alike in important ways. Most artists search their whole career for a widely respected album let alone an album of the decade. Awards and first week sales don’t matter here, it’s about whether your project will stand the test of time.

Top 15 Projects of the Decade

15) “Yeezus” - Kanye West (2013)

If someone asked you to describe “Yeezus,” you may struggle to find one word that really embodies this ten-song rollercoaster. Followed by the most riveting and eye-catching performance experiences in Hip-Hop history besides hologram Tupac. It's dark, it's loud, it's smooth, it's muddy. It’s everything we love Kanye for, but while “MBDTF” was made by an artist explicitly trying to please his fans, “Yeezus” is a middle finger to everyone. Defying the standards and expectations of both mainstream music and even Kanye’s music, “Yeezus” is the greatest example of what can happen when a great creator experiments and unapologetically explores the uncharted waters of Hip-Hop excellence. Much like the man, “Yeezus” is a chaotic yet wondrous spectacle.

14) “Pink Friday” - Nicki Minaj (2010)

An album that may have changed the whole scope of Hip-Hop, “Pink Friday” didn’t just set the bar for women in rap, it set the bar for everybody. Nicki showed her versatility in more ways than you can count. With “Pink Friday,” the Queen of Cash Money showed everyone that Nicki Minaj did not come to play and that no matter what, she was going to outwork you. Her flow, her style, and her sway influenced the incoming generation of rappers and can almost be used as a blueprint for how major labels try to develop the women on their roster. More than just for its impact, “Pink Friday” deserves to be on this list because it’s a damn good album, and that’s not up for debate.

13) “Because the Internet” - Childish Gambino (2013)

A Hip-Hop enigma, Childish Gambino has had one of the most unique music careers in the 21st century. Based on an experimental foundation, Childish Gambino didn’t make an album, he executed on a concept that was much bigger than that. Accompanied by a screenplay and a short film, “Because the Internet” shows a level of talent and creativity that most artists can’t muster regardless of genre. This album is nothing short of genius but the way that Childish hits all the bases with radio hits, emotional cuts, all the while flexing his rapping ability and unique flow. “Because the Internet” is more than just a beautiful cohesive project, it’s an experience.

12) “DS2” - Future (2015)

Muddy with hits on hits on hits, Future completely owned the radio waves with this project. Future’s ability to make hits should never be questioned, but if it is, pull “DS2” out and shut down any Future hater you come across. Regardless of the songs, the way Future could come up with memorable lines like “I just F**ked your b***h in some Gucci flip flops” was nothing less than amazing, while Metro Boomin showed his hit-making prowess on almost every single song. The partnership between Atlanta artists and Metro Boomin is second to none, but on “DS2” it is a whole other beast that is completely untamable.

11) “Summertime 06’” - Vince Staples (2015)

While Vince Staples is now known for making Hip-Hop music that doesn’t necessarily fall into that genre. “Summertime 06’s” realism backed by dark beats and focused transitions. Vince creates a project that feels closer to a documentary than anything else. It doesn’t drown itself in sorrow or ask for anyone’s pity, “Summertime 06’” is telling you what’s in front of you, sparing no emotional detail, demanding your attention. The cohesiveness of this double album is nothing short than mesmerizing, and while some of the features may have seemingly masked Vince’s versatility, his songwriting is a 10/10 and his creativity should not be slept on.

10) “Culture” - Migos (2017)

“Culture” was an introduction to some and a reintroduction to others. The Migos have been around for years before “Culture,” hit the mainstream scene in a way that no one expected besides everyone who works at QC. Littered with hits from beginning to end, “Culture” put the Migos on a level of stardom where everyone around the world knew them. Whether it be the dab, the drip, or the ad-libs, Migos’ effective and influence on Hip-Hop CANNOT be understated. “Culture” was the pièce de résistance to the Atlanta wave in the 2010s and will go down in history as one of the most prolific projects to come out of Atlanta.

9) “Watch The Throne” - Kanye West & Jay Z (2011)

The absolute Gold standard for Hip Hop, “WTT” feels like a light show at a black-tie event. Pulsating with energy, while basking in its own elegance and excellence. The two Hip-Hop titans shut the summer down with this album. After staying shacked up in a castle in France, Jay’s swag and Kanye’s genius come together to make a beautiful album. Every listen demands a new perspective, calibrated for the radio waves, “Watch The Throne” is a symbol of Hip-Hop greatness and will go down as a great moment as much as it is a great album.

8) “Faces” - Mac Miller (2014)

One of the most underappreciated artists in Hip-Hop, Mac Miller’s 2014 mixtape is one of the greatest Hip-Hop mixtapes we’ve ever seen. Muddied with jazz samples, witty lines and admitted addiction, Mac’s ode to cocaine shows you the ups and downs of drug abuse through a kaleidoscope. 24 songs, 85 minutes in length, somehow Mac doesn’t just keep your attention he keeps you wanting more and more. Hopefully, one-day “Faces” can make its way to streaming services, but as of now, “Faces” is lost to only the true Mac Miller fans.

7) “Take Care” - Drake (2011)

Drake’s disputed one classic, “Take Care” was more than a trampoline jump for Drake’s success it was a rocket launch. Filled with hits and deep ballads, “Take Care” is the best example of what Drake brings to the table night in and night out. I don’t think there is another artist who could’ve inspired the world to say “YOLO” during the party, and then have everyone leaving voicemails on their ex’s phone by the morning. Drake’s unique ability to tap into masculine sadness and longing for a woman while still being cool may be the biggest surprise of the 2010s.

6) “Forest Hills Drive” - J. Cole (2014)

J. Cole’s classic, the first album by Cole to go double platinum with no features, make no mistake, “Forest Hills Drive” is more than just a walk down memory lane for J. Cole. A great balance of hits and smooth B sides, Cole shows us his home, his childhood, and his future. Unphased by the dark allure of fame, J. Cole returned to the mainstream with his 3rd studio album focused and determined. Being as thorough as possible J. Cole released as complete a project as you’ll see and represented his home and his life in a way that only he could. His best project to date, J. Cole had everyone missing Uncle Phil.

5) “Acid Rap” - Chance The Rapper (2013)

The Mixtape, to end all mixtapes, the culmination of many Chancellor Bennett’s LSD trips, Acid Rap defines beauty and chaos in a way that not even his idol Kanye can. A project that feels more like a journey, Chance searches for happiness and stability, finding everything in between. His ability to mix in several genres, and push the bar of musicality using his very talented friends The Social Experiment, “Acid Rap” is a project that I don’t think any other artist could have made. It comes directly from the heart and bleeds a level of open-minded honesty that most artists don’t have the courage to put on wax.

4) good kid, m.A.A.d city - Kendrick Lamar (2012)

The introduction to many or the reintroduction to some, no matter who you are, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” will hit you like a brick wall. A story we may have heard many times, but never like this, “GKMC” teleports you to Compton, and shows you his city, leaving no stone unturned. While Kendrick’s later albums solidify his Hip-Hop prowess, many see “GKMC” as the milestone before Hip-Hop shifted back into a competitive high stake genre. A classic in more ways than one, Kendrick’s debut album introduced to one of the best rappers we’ll ever see.

3) “DAMN.” - Kendrick Lamar (2017)

Only in a few albums, fans had become accustomed to high-quality lyrics and sounds that don’t allow you to sit down unless they want you to. After the psychological trip of “To Pimp A Butterfly” alienated Kendrick’s crossover audience, his return with his third album restored any confusion on Kendrick’s ability to make songs for everyone. On “DAMN.” Kendrick Lamar gets to the essence of life and human beings in general, unfiltered and unapologetic. Kendrick again puts his storytelling ability on display, even revealing that the album is really two, releasing a special edition with a backward tracklist, showing that the evolution from the first to the last track are examples of two very different trajectories depending on the order of the songs. “DAMN.” set the bar to a place that most of Kendrick’s counterparts wouldn’t dare dream to reach.

2) “To Pimp A Butterfly” - Kendrick Lamar (2015)

More than just an album, “TPAB” felt like a movement, a poem, a story, and a conversation. Kendrick’s ability to blend Jazz and Hip-Hop, and bring back protest music to the mainstream is nothing short of genius. While good kid, m.A.A.d city showed us where Kendrick came form, “To Pimp A Butterfly” was a deep dive into the mind of one of the most creatively defiant artists of the decade.

1) “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” - Kanye West (2010)

The perennial Magnum Opus for Hip-Hop’s most polarizing superstar since Tupac, Kanye West’s 5th studio album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” embodies Hip Hop excellence mixed with the muddiness fame, translated in a language any music fan can understand. One of the few true cohesive projects in the last decade, the Chicago rapper solidified his place among the Hip-Hop greats with this project, just in case people were still wondering.

While it has been a true roller coaster these last ten years, the next ten years will for sure see more chaos and hopefully more bops than ever before. The dust is beginning to settle on Hip-Hop, while the leaders of the early 21st century begin to retire one by one, the leaders of the new wave have gotten there bearings and are ready to begin their domination. But will someone yet to be discovered take the hearts of Hip Hop?

We’ll See.