I think it's a near-fair assumption to say that everyone likes at least one form of music. Whether that's a single song or a plethora of genres, music encapsulates the world around us and it is near difficult to ignore it.
I love music. I dread to think how much music I have listened to over my life. I have to have it on at almost times - even a simple walk from my room to the kitchen is accompanied with a backing track. This love isn't just confined to a single genre, though predominantly loving rap, I tend to dabble in and out of phases where my music tastes deviates more than a Neapolitan ice cream.
So join me as I take you though my favourite artists from A-Z with my favourite songs, and why they make my list.
A - A$AP Rocky:
Song - Excuse Me:
Rocky began his career with a darker, edgier form of rap, using fiercer beats and promoting a message more typical of new artists - drugs, guns and money. As he's grown, his music has too, shaping himself with calmer styles, more adventurous but lighter beats, and with each new album he's innovating the genre.
B - Big Sean:
Song - Jump out the Window:
Sean has been a consistent performer in the rap scene since his debut album 'Finally Famous' in 2011, but I feel hit his peak in 2017 with 'I decided'. He blends his monotone yet engaging rapping tone with hits of singing, and creative beats to create a distinct style.
C - Chance the Rapper:
Song - Atlanta House Freestyle:
With the most unique voice on this list, I understand why many people feel Chance can get annoying, but he makes his higher voice work. With only one official album out, Chance's best work can be found on his 'Acid Rap' mixtape, and unreleased features such as 'Wolves' from Kanye West's latest album.
D - Dominic Fike:
Song - 3 Nights:
Now Drake would have been the easy answer here, and whilst I like the OVO star, Dominic Fike has a massive future ahead of him. Blowing up following is 'Jada Pickett' underground grunge video, Fike has matured and found an upbeat sound that suits him perfectly. Having just signed a $4 million record deal with Columbia, this artist will become one of the greats. Remember the name.
E - Eminem:
Song - Difficult:
One of the easiest picks in the list. There is, and will never be, an artist with the worldplay and the ability to blend rhymes and create visual art through lyrics like Eminem. He's been top of the rap game since the 90's, and he's still producing albums at the highest level 20 years later. The GOAT.
F - Frank Ocean:
Song - American Wedding:
Our first real shift away from the traditional rap genre, Frank Ocean has the voice of an angel. For an artist who shy's away from the limelight, Frank produces hit after hit, and even back in his 'Odd Future' days, he was an artist with a gift to produce beauty in his songs. His 2017 album 'Blonde' will be one of my all time favourites, and his 'Nostalgia, Ultra' mixtape is a work of art most artists would flaunt with pride.
G - G-Eazy:
Song - 1942:
G was a weakspot in terms of artists, but out of the list, G-Eazy stood out by a considerable margin. Gerald has the ability to produce a number one hit with melodic hits such as 'Me, Myself & I' yet switch later on the same album to harder rap tunes such as 'Pray for Me' and 'Gotdamn'. One of the most diverse and well-respected artists, he's promoting white rappers for the better.
H - Hopsin:
Song - Pans in the Kitchen:
Hopsin gets the nod here for sentimental reasons - he was the first artist I had ever seen in concert. Arguably the darkest rapper on the list, Hopsin blew up with his controversial lyrics and disses to larger stars such as Tyler the Creator. Since then, and 3 albums later, he's gone on to receive widespread praise for tackling controversial issues such as religion, and get praise from artists such as Eminem and Logic.
I - ILoveMakonnen:
Song - Sunlight on your Skin:
Once again, I proved to be another weak point, but ILoveMakonnen, most notable for his relationship with Lil Peep, had produced too many songs I regularly listen to for him to be ignored. His most famous effort is his collaboration with Drake on 'Tuesday' where the latter takes the forefront, but on 'Falling Down' the remix after Peep's first release with XXX, Makonnen steals the show with passionate and meaningful vocals.
J - Jaden Smith:
Song - Labour V2:
I've been a fan of Jaden Smith's work way before 'Syre' came out, with my earliest memory of his music being 'The Coolest'. Since then, the young rapper has gone from strength to strength, with deep lyrics, a unique tone and constant appreciation for the culture. For a better perspective on Jaden, check his older work such as 'Labour V2' and 'Scarface'. An artist way ahead of his time.
K - Kanye West:
Song - Runaway:
There's nothing more I can say about Kanye West that hasn't been said a million times - the man's a genius. In terms of music, he's a world-class producer with some of the most successful albums in history. West constantly reinvents himself in every album, each time producing a classic. On top of his musical works, he has a ridiculously successful clothing company in 'Yeezy' and his name alone is an image. A true genius.
L - Lil Dicky:
Song - A$AP Dicky:
Just as with Jaden, I found Lil Dicky way before his debut album release - and his older stuff absolutely bangs. Dicky has found the perfect blend of comical rap with a fire flow and production professional enough for any album. His mixtape 'So Hard' shows Dicky at his comical yet destructive best, and even though his mainstream releases are more comical, Dicky still comes with the heat on every release - he deserves to be taken seriously.
M - Mac Miller:
Song - Come Back to Earth:
Not all of Mac's music appealed to me when I was younger, but as I grew older, I learnt to appreciate the complexity of his lyrics and embraced his more simple yet captivating flow. Mac was loved throughout the rap community, and his latest album 'Swimming' will forever be regarded as a classic. Mac was taken too soon, but his music will remain forever.
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