Legend
2013 might be the year I remember for the R&B and alternative albums that were released. Yeah, Rap had a solid run, but I think I explored more music from other genres throughout the course of this year. I probably listened to bands and artists I never thought I would, giving me a new vigor for music again. See, in recent years, my passion for music had waned but this year really brought it back to the essence, with a plethora of new artists projects released. Even as overwhelming as it may have seemed at times, there was no escaping the downpour of music and eagerness to listen to it all.
Freddie Gibbs might have released one of the most gangsta records throughout the course of the year, while Chance the Rapper undoubtedly took home the “Rookie of the Year” honors. John Legend and Justin Timberlake released those in-love albums that remind you of that old R&B, and Charles Bradley brought it home with that hopeful heartbreak music. As much as didn’t want to admit it, Kanye West released a solid record, even though I can’t even consider it “Rap,” but Ghostface Killah and Black Milk dropped some very slept on records that nobody talked about. For the alternative pick, I had to go with Disclosure’s Settle, because they kind of set off my exploration for other genres early this year.
In no particular order:
01. Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience (1 of 1)
02. John Legend Love In The Future
03. Freddie Gibbs ESGN
04. Disclosure Settle
05. Drake Nothing Was The Same
06. Chance The Rapper Acid Rap
07. Ghostface Killah & Adrian Young Twelve Reasons To Die
08. Kanye West YEEZUS
09. Charles Bradley Victim Of Love
10. Black Milk No Poison, No Paradise
Notable Mentions: Mack Wilds New York: A Love Story, Jay-Z Magna Carta Holy Grail, J. Cole Born Sinner, Problem The Separation, Vic Mensa INNANETAPE, Action Bronson & Harry Fraud Saaab Stories