[The Tens] The 10 Best Hip Hop Albums Of 2012

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city

It’s rare that an album comes out that exceeds its own lofty expectations but Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city did exactly that. The lyrical dexterity of the Compton emcee coupled with a brilliant narrative that plays out like a modern day Boyz N Da Hood and some exceptional production sent hip-hop fans young and old into a tizzy. Perhaps the most surprising aspect is just how well an album this lyrically dense performed commercially. Without your usual lead single, GKMC has managed to go Gold in less than two months since its release. Whether it be the catchy “Money Trees” that had everyone quoting “ya bish,” the somber tale of hopelessness to being hopeful on “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” or the flat out ridiculous “Backseat Freestyle,” Kendrick Lamar provided an all-around game reminiscent of LeBron James. The only question now is just how many championships will he earn as the game’s brightest new star. — Andreas Hale