The Best Rap and Hip Hop Music of 2017
Check out our list of the best rap and hip hop music of 2017. This year was full of great music, and we’ve compiled the best of the best for you to enjoy.
Best Rap Albums of 2017
It’s been a great year for rap and hip hop music, with a lot of fantastic albums being released. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best rap albums of 2017. We’ll be considering a few different factors, such as the quality of the lyrics, the beats, and the overall feel of the album.
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. is one of the best rap albums of 2017. It is a masterful work that explores religious themes and the human condition. The album is full of thought-provoking lyrics and interesting beats. Kendrick Lamar is one of the most talented rappers out there, and this album is proof of that.
JAY-Z – 4:44
On his 13th studio album, the 47-year-old hip-hop veteran is as candid and introspective as he’s ever been, delving into subjects like infidelity, growing older, and his complicated relationship with his mother. 4:44 is also one of the best-produced albums in JAY-Z’s catalog, with an emotive sound that mirrors the themes of the lyrics.
Logic – Everybody
Everybody is the third studio album by Logic. The album was released on May 5, 2017, by Def Jam Recordings and Visionary Music Group. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making it Logic’s first album to reach the top of the chart.
The album was supported by three singles: “The Hook”, “1-800-273-8255”, and “Everybody”.
Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy
Released: July 21, 2017
Label: Odd Future, Columbia
“Flower Boy” is the fourth studio album by Tyler, the Creator. The album was released on July 21, 2017, through Odd Future and Columbia Records. The album features guest appearances from Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, Rex Orange County, ASAP Rocky, Anna of the North, and others. “Flower Boy” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Tyler’s lyrical maturity and new musical direction.
Best Hip Hop Songs of 2017
The year 2017 was a great year for rap and hip hop music. We saw the rise of new artists and the release of some incredible albums. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best rap and hip hop songs of 2017.
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” was one of the best hip hop songs of 2017. The track was released as the lead single from Kendrick’s fourth studio album, DAMN. “HUMBLE.” was an instant hit, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately peaked at #1. The song was praised for its sophisticated lyrics and impressive production, with many calling it a return to form for Kendrick. In addition to its commercial success, “HUMBLE.” won two Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.
JAY-Z – “The Story of O.J.”
It’s not often that a song enters the cultural conversation and changes it forever. That’s exactly what JAY-Z did with “The Story of O.J.,” a track off his 2017 album 4:44. The biting commentary on race in America is set to a Nina Simone sample, and the visuals are just as powerful as the lyrics. In just four minutes, JAY-Z teaches us a lesson in history, prejudice, and progress.
Logic – “1-800-273-8255”
On his third album, Everybody, the Maryland rapper Logic addresses various social issues including anxiety, depression, and suicide. The album’s lead single is also its title track, and it includes the rapper Kendrick Lamar as a featured artist. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won two Grammy Awards, for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.
Tyler, the Creator – “See You Again”
Topping our best hip hop songs of 2017 list is “See You Again” by Tyler, the Creator. This was one of the most controversial tracks of the year, with many people arguing that Tyler shouldn’t be rapping about a dead homie. But regardless of your opinion on the subject matter, there’s no denying that this is one of the best rap songs of 2017. The production is dark and atmospheric, and Tyler’s flows are absolutely incredible. If you’re a fan of modern hip hop, this is definitely a track you need to check out.
Best Rap Collaborations of 2017
Rap and Hip Hop music have always been about coming together and collaborating. It’s about two or more people coming together to create something new and fresh. This year, there have been some amazing rap collaborations. Here are our picks for the best rap collaborations of 2017.
Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna – “LOYALTY.”
Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna’s “LOYALTY.” is one of the best rap collaborations of 2017. The two artists complement each other perfectly, with Kendrick’s intricate lyrics and Rihanna’s infectious hooks coming together to create a truly unforgettable track.
JAY-Z & Beyoncé – “FAMILY FEUD”
“FAMILY FEUD” is the first single from Jay-Z’s thirteenth studio album, 4:44. The song features vocals from Beyoncé, marking the first time the two artists have collaborated since Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade. The track was produced by No I.D., and samples “The Theme From Family Feud” by Isaac Hayes.
“FAMILY FEUD” is a slow, simmering R&B track that finds Jay-Z reflecting on his infidelity and its effect on his family. Beyoncé’s guest verse adds additional context to the song, with the two artists addressing their marital issues head-on. The track ends with a sample of Blue Ivy Carter, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s daughter, saying “Everybody wins.”
The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising the honesty of both Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s lyrics. “FAMILY FEUD” was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
Logic & Alessia Cara – “1-800-273-8255”
On a song that’s part suicide hotline anthem, part ode to resilience, everybody wins. Alessia Cara’s hook is an instant classic, Logic’s verses are some of the most vulnerable and honest he’s ever written, and Khalid delivers one of the most memorable guest appearances of the year. It all comes together to create a song that’s both important and profoundly affecting.
Tyler, the Creator & Frank Ocean – “Biking”
The two artists give a detached, mellow performance that’s unique to anything else on the hip hop landscape right now. Tyler’s off-kilter delivery is perfectly blended with Frank’s sonically changeable voice, making for an interesting contrast that works.
