Top 15 (Hip-Hop) Albums of 2006

My favorite hip-hop albums of 2006. Some choices were likely expected, others may surprise you. Without further ado:



15. Kidz In The Hall - School Was My Hustle
Naledge and Double O deliver the dopeness for a second generation of Rawkus.
Best Songs: “Cruise Control” and “Hypocrite”


14. Gym Class Heroes - As Cruel As School Children
Despite their affiliation to punk label Fueled By Ramen, the band delivers honest
Best Songs: “New Friend Request” and “Shoot Down The Stars”


13. The Game - Doctor's Advocate
Disappointing compared to The Documentary, but Game still lands big-time producers to help keep the left coast alive.
My Review
Best Songs: “Compton” and “Why You Hate The Game”


12. Busta Rhymes - The Big Bang
Busta’s best album since 2000 brought grittiness and respect back to New York hip-hop in early 2006.
My Review
Best Songs: “Been Through The Storm” and “You Can’t Hold A Torch”


11. ¡Mayday! - ¡Mayday!
Miami duo Plex Luthor and Bernbiz are refreshing in a city dominated by coke-and-party artists.
My Review
Best Songs: “Groundhog Day” and “Watchin’ Me”


10. Diddy - Press Play
The fact that he doesn’t actually produce or write any of his music doesn’t stop Sean Combs from making a very good album.
My Review
Best Songs: “Everything I Love” and “Hold Up”


9. Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury
Every hipster’s favorite rap duo continue to give grimy and comical coke raps with help from Pharrell.
My Review
Best Songs: “Momma I’m Sorry” and “Nightmares”


8. Ghostface Killah - Fischscale
The Wu’s most consistent soloist furthers his impressive catalogue. Not a lot of replay value, but still a damn good album.
My Review
Best Songs: “Be Easy” and “9 Milli Bros.”


7. Rhymefest - Blue Collar
Chicagoan’s debut was criminally underrated and proved he doesn’t need to latch on to Kanye to create an excellent album.
My Review
Best Songs: “Bullet” and “Devil’s Pie”


6. Jay-Z - Kingdom Come
Hov’s best album? Of course not. But even Jay’s worst albums are usually amongst the best of whatever year they drop, and 2006 was no different.
My Review
Best Songs: “Beach Chair” and “Do U Wanna Ride”


5. Nas - Hip-Hop Is Dead
Nasir’s concept wasn’t fully developed, but the album title alone sparked enough controversy to gain interest.
Best Songs: “Still Dreaming” and “Black Republican”


4. Panacea - Ink Is My Drink
The heirs to the Rawkus throne blindsided the hip-hop world with this brilliant release. Moody and melodic soundscapes and smart lyrics abound.
My Review
Best Songs: “Invisible Seas” and “Steel Kites”


3. T.I. - King
He may not be the south’s best MC, but he made the south’s best album (and his personal best) in 2006.
My Review
Best Songs: “King Back” and “What You Know”


2. Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
The whole package. Songwriting, passion, gorgeous production. The best debut in years.
My Review
Best Songs: “Daydreamin’” and “Sunshine”


1. The Roots - Game Theory
The most underrated album (any genre) of the year. Intricate musicianship and poignant political and social commentary that is especially relevant to our current times.
Best Songs: “Long Time,” “Clock With No Hands,” “Game Theory” and “Don’t Feel Right”