Top 10 Albums of 2015

This list was derived based on album sales, relevancy, Billboard charts, art, quality, and overall organized sound of the album. There is no particular order or rank for the list, just 10 of the year’s best albums from my perspective. These are not album reviews meaning I am not critiquing the albums. For my thoughts and criticism on the albums, go to my music reviews.

Big Sean - Dark Sky Paradise  

Although you haven't heard much from Sean in the latest months of the year, he's definitely have had a great year. Sean released his third studio album Dark Sky Paradise on February 24, 2015 and well, he's been waaaay up, blessed since having over 300,000 in sales. The lead single "I Don't F*** With You" shot straight up the charts going platinum 3x making fans anticipate the album. The follow up singles; Paradise, Blessings, Play No Games, and One Man Can Change the World all topped the music charts at their release time. Dark Sky Paradise is certified gold and so far is Sean's bestselling album. Big Sean out did himself with Dark Sky Paradise which is why the album is still one of my favorites of 2015, he "Deserve It."

Lupe fiasco - Tetsuo & Youth

Lupe delivered this body of work in murals lol. Lupe has always been a great lyricist and artist but do to so much controversy he's often overlooked. With the release of his fifth album Tetsuo & Youth on January 20, 2015, Lupe topped the Billboard charts as number 2, missing the number 1 spot to Joey Bad A$$ by a couple of copies. However Lupe's Tetsuo & Youth sold over 50,000 copies and was streamed over 2 million times! Talk about a loyal fan base. Lupe is once again praised by the critics for his art, lyricism, and overall quality of this album. Hip Hop Dx said "Tetsuo & Youth glistens with maturity and imagination" and I agree. Great Job Lupe! 

Rae Sremmurd - SremmLife

Say what you want about me for putting Rae Sremmurd on the list, but I love this album. SremmLife was released on January 6, 2015 selling over 100,000 copies, and hit number 1 on billboard. The lead single "No Flex Zone" was extremely successful receiving an endorsement from Dodge. How many artist let alone turn up artist have those accolades with one album? The follow up singles "No Type" "Throw Some Mo" which features Nicki Minaj and Young Thug, were instantly successful as well. I'm excited for the young group and can't wait to hear their next hit. 

Joey Bad A$$ - B4 Da $$

Erykah Badu isn't the only "On & On" that you can play On & On. Joey Bad A$$ debut album B4 Da $$ was released on January 20, 2015 selling over 100,000 copies this year. The album topped rap charts the week of its release and as an independent artist that's pretty awesome.  With the lead single "Christ Conscious" Joey was sure to outsell the other independent artist. Receiving 4 stars from the major music blogs and magazines, B4 Da $$ was a great start for a young artist. 

Drake - If You're Reading This

I know many of you will disagree with this album being on the top list, because this isn't one of Drake's best albums. However everyone is still playing and singing the songs on this album. Drake released If You're Reading This It's Too Late on February 13, 2015 as an album on iTunes, but later announced via Twitter that it was a mixtape; building up anticipation for the talked about album Views from the 6 that has yet to be released. I guess he's still running through the 6 for inspiration to complete the album that he's still working on for 2 years. As for If You're Reading This, the album is certified platinum having over 1 million in sales and streamed over 17 million times via Spotify. Talk about success, ain't No Tellin what Drake have up his sleeve next. 

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly

You Ain't Gotta Lie, Kendrick did his thing on this album. Although it may have been a different sound for Lamar it worked. Especially with his controversial hit single "Alright," this is the fourth single off of the album. Kendrick's sophomore album To Pimp A Butterfly was released on March 15, 2015, with the lead single "I" that instantly raised eyebrows, as fans were not expecting this from him. The single deemed popular giving Kendrick 2 Grammys and features in major motion pictures. To Pimp a Butterfly has over 700,000 in sales and Kendrick is nominated for more than 6 Grammy Awards in 2016. Billboard even put Kendrick Lamar on their Greatest Rappers of All Time list over Tupac! Although Billboard received heavy heat for doing so, this definitely shows how influential Kendrick is to hip hop in such a short time. Good Job KDot!  

Raury - All We Need

Raury was all we needed to surpass the year, with his acoustic alternative sound. The debut album All We Need received positive reviews across the board from the critics. The lead single "Friends" brings positive vibes and happiness. I love this album and All We Need made me an instant fan of Raury. I'm definitely anticipating his sophomore album.

Future - Dirty Sprite 2 (DS2)

Man what at time for Future, who once again showed his value to the rap industry. With all of the scrutiny this year towards his relationships with Ciara and Black Chyna, fans had thought it was a drought for Future. However the release of his third album, Dirty Sprite 2 on July 17, 2015 proved us wrong. The lead singles "Fuck Up Some Commas" and "Trap Niggas" were an instant success topping billboard charts. DS2 has sold over 300,000 copies and is by far Future's bestselling album. Drake & Future followed the success of both of their albums with a collaboration album titled What a Time to Believe Alive, that proved to be commercially successful, but I like their separate albums more. 

The Weekend - Beauty Behind The Madnesses 

Let's just say The Weekend definitely "Earned It" this year, with that lead single centering the soundtrack for the major motion picture in 2014, Fifty Shades of Gray. The hit song inside of the film created a huge buzz for his sophomore album Beauty Behind the Madnesses, which released on August 28, 2015. With high expectations The Weekend surpassed them with the follow up singles "Often" "The Hills" and of course, I "Can't Feel My Face" when I'm with you! I mean he actually sounds like Michael Jackson; the dynamics of his vocal range is incredible. Beauty Behind the Madness gave The Weekend his first number album, selling over 700,000 copies to this date. Talk about success, way to go The Weekend!

5 Seconds of Summer - Sounds Good Feels Good

Hey Everybody! They're kinda hot, especially with the release of their sophomore album Sounds Good Feels Good on October 23, 2015. 5 Seconds of Summer show their true punk rock selves with his album, which have sold over 500,000 copies this year. The lead single "She's Kinda Hot" as the lead single shot straight to number 1 on Billboard charts and received summer song of the year on the VMAs. Sounds Good Feels Good is certified gold in sales and sounds. I enjoyed this album!