Kings, Pawns, and the Game of Thrones: Revisiting 2015 in Hip-Hop
Kings, Pawns, and the Game of Thrones: Revisiting 2015 in Hip-Hop
A closer look at the power dynamics that shaped the hip-hop scene in 2015.
The sanctified lineage of dominance has been historically embodied in a single individual — the unrivaled monarch of the genre. A battle to secure the apex position often results in an undisputed victor, the newly anointed king, and the banished pretender. Retrieval of this crown once lost is seldom observed.
Yet this hypothesis has been skillfully defied in this epoch. The ongoing, tenacious tug-of-war between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has woven a unique narrative. Their prolonged struggle for "Best Rapper Alive" spans seven years, earning them the distinctive status of joint sovereignty over the hip-hop dominion.
2015 is the fulcrum of this long-standing feud, symbolizing when the contest between Drake and Kendrick had already been ferociously fought for a triennium, up until Meek, out of nowhere, called out Drizzy for not writing his rhymes and couldn’t back up a mixed-bag diss song.
Drake had the initial advantage entering 2015, yet the anticipation was centered on Kendrick and his eagerly awaited sequel to good kid, m.A.A.d city. The ensuing chronicle is etched in hip-hop — the deities of rap blessed us with a month-long deluge of new works from both artists: Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late in February, followed by Kendrick’s To Pimp a Butterfly in March. This juxtaposition denoted an extraordinary occasion when the two foremost rap artists of an era reached their popularity peaks simultaneously. In no time, To Pimp a Butterfly was hailed as Kendrick’s crowning achievement, while If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late was irrefutable evidence of Drake’s lyrical abilities.
As mentioned earlier, the narrative renders 2015 a memorable year, yet the rise of another influential player solidifies its standing in the pantheon of remarkable rap eras. Amid the high-stakes rivalry of hip-hop’s two titans, Future clandestinely ascended the ranks, capturing the title of the most influential rapper of the time. His monumental trajectory commenced with a trilogy of mixtapes rivaling album quality — Monster, Beast Mode, and 56 Nights (released between October 2014 and March 2015). It reached a high point with his crowning work, DS2, in July and culminated in What a Time to Be Alive, his collaboration with Drake — a triumphant celebration for both artists in September.
Certified Classics of 2015
To Pimp a Butterfly — Kendrick Lamar
With vivid imagery, Kendrick Lamar paints vivid pictures of his environment and experiences. It doesn't shy away from sculpting social, political, and personal realities into captivating sonic forms. Combining elements of jazz, funk, and spoken-word poetry, this musical endeavor took listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions and ideas. Its unique fusion raised questions, provoked thought and inspired change. An expedition, an examination, an illumination – this album, in all its singularity, altered our perception of music.
DS2 — Future
Imbued with throbbing beats and Future's unique vocal style, DS2 sways in grit and grandeur. Sonically, it's intoxicating - every beat and rhythm creates a heavy atmosphere with heavy 808s and dark compositions. It's a gripping inquisition that forever altered the blueprint of trap music by bringing top-tier producers featuring Metro Boomin, Southside, Sonny Digital, Zaytoven, and DJ Spinz.
Essential Albums of 2015
SremmLife — Rae Sremmurd
Unleashing a cavalcade of infectious hooks, the Mississippi duo's debut was a sparkling entry point. It was a parade of electrifying beats supplied by Mike WiLL Made-It. Overflowing with youthful energy, the SremmLife album showcased their dynamic flair for quick-witted lyrics. Their pop-rap anthems became synonymous with wild nights and dance floor mayhem. A playfully intense album that cradled the spirit of youth, freedom, and unapologetic fun.
B4.DA.$$ — Joey Bada$$
This vivid and unpredictable record channels East Coast traditions with a unique modern twist—the Brooklynite lyricist steps into the limelight with intricate wordplay and a grittier, more mature sound. A nostalgic trip back to the '90s, this album remains fresh and present. It's a significant turning point in Joey Bada$$'s career, projecting him further into the public eye. Despite his young age, he profoundly understands life's complexities.
Tetsuo & Youth — Lupe Fiasco
Sublimely layered, this comeback album revealed Fiasco's aptitude for weaving intricate stories into his music. Each track unfolds like a deeply pondered thought, painting vivid portraits of his perspectives. Simultaneously personal and universal, the album strikes a delicate balance between introspection and social commentary. The lyrical intricacies and diverse musical landscapes made it a compelling listen. Tetsuo & Youth underscored Fiasco’s skill in crafting thought-provoking music.
If You're Reading This It's Too Late — Drake
Drake's surprise commercial mixtape carved an unbeatable place for itself. It revealed an artist in the throes of evolution, veering between introspection and aggression. The project felt like a diary set to music, filled with private thoughts made public. Dark, moody beats underlined introspective lyrics, adding depth to the brooding melodies. This project served to solidify Drake's influence and relevance in the rap scene.
Sour Soul — BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah
This unusual collaboration yields an extraordinary fusion of jazz-infused hip-hop. Ghostface's visceral verses are backed by BBNG's rich instrumentals, producing a distinctive, unpredictable sound. The entire album has a compelling retro feel, with Ghostface delivering his signature storytelling that blurs the lines between hip-hop, soul, and jazz. The album is a delightful anomaly, breathing fresh air into hip-hop.
I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside — Earl Sweatshirt
A deep dive into the psyche of Sweatshirt, this album thrived in its raw vulnerability. It was a sonically heavy and thematically dense project that offered a piercing look into his world. Brimming with introspective lyrics and heavy beats, it reflected struggle, solitude, and personal battles. A bare-bones, raw album demonstrating Sweatshirt's knack for deeply personal storytelling. It’s an intimate offering, unflinching in its honesty and stark in its presentation.
Barter 6 — Young Thug
This commercial mixtape to taunt Lil Wayne marked a fascinating evolution in Thug's distinctive sound. From the playful cadences to the unconventional vocal techniques, it captured his unique spirit. Emotionally charged and intensely personal, it went beyond the standard boundaries of hip-hop. His mercurial flow and penchant for engaging lyricism made Barter 6 a standout. It was a step into the unknown, proving that Thug wasn't afraid to challenge conventions.
The Good Fight — Oddisee
Oddisee’s album shone bright with its unique approach. Fusing jazzy instrumentals with insightful lyricism, it was a window into his contemplative mind. The album was a compelling blend of introspective narratives and masterful production. Each track was a self-contained story, effortlessly switching between diverse soundscapes. An amalgamation of thoughtful lyrics and complex beats presented an earnest view of life's trials and tribulations.
Days with Dr. Yen Lo — Dr. Yen (Ka & Preservation)
This album radiates a haunting atmosphere through abstract lyricism and minimalist production. Ka's thoughtful verses and Preservation's sparse beats create a dream-like aesthetic, forging an engaging listening experience. It's an intricate labyrinth of sounds, full of nuance and depth, requiring multiple listens to digest fully. The album's unique approach is a fascinating reflection of Ka's talent. Its mystique makes it an unforgettable entry into the hip-hop canon.
AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP — A$AP Rocky
A psychedelic foray into the depths of his mind, Rocky's album was an intense introspective journey. A wide variety of beats, from trippy to raw, complemented his lyrical variations. The project represented his evolving musical tastes across different styles and genres. A mix of hallucinogenic influences and full lyrics reflected his artistic growth. It was a step towards the unconventional, marking Rocky's daring departure from the norm.
Every Hero Needs a Villain — CZARFACE
A refreshing take on old-school rap conventions, packed with engaging lyrics and energetic instrumentals. The trio delivers a superhero-inspired album with witty rhymes, pop culture references, and exciting narrative arcs. This album solidifies CZARFACE's status as purveyors of creativity in hip-hop. It's a sonic comic book adventure that keeps the listener hooked from start to finish.
Summertime '06 — Vince Staples
A visceral and unfiltered examination of Staples' life, the double album was a brave confrontation of reality. It was a stark portrait of his upbringing, drawn with gritty lyrics and grim beats. A relentless pursuit of truth in a world mired in illusions was a powerful reflection of his experiences. It captured the struggles and triumphs of youth in an uncompromising narrative. The album was a snapshot of life on the streets, potent in its honesty and rawness.
Compton — Dr. Dre
A homage to his city and coinciding with N.W.A.'s biopic, Dre's album was a symphony of West Coast hip-hop. Rich in its sonic texture, it skillfully blended classic elements with contemporary sounds. The album was a thematic experience of his roots, filled with stories of struggle and success—the blasting beats, bolstered by compelling narratives, marked Dre's triumphant return. Compton served as a vivid reminder of his enormous influence on the genre.
Rodeo — Travis Scott
A thrilling roller-coaster ride, Scott's debut was a wild study of sounds and styles. The album was an eclectic mix of sonic elements, resulting in a fascinating musical collage. From dark trap to soulful melodies, Rodeo captured the highs and lows of his experiences. Its immersive nature and Scott's bold artistry made it a unique project.
Prey for the Poor — Add-2
This collection reflects social realities wrapped in poetic lyricism and soulful instrumentals, thanks to 9th Wonder and the Soul Council. The album brims with consciousness and depth, showcasing Add-2's ability to address societal issues with striking honesty. Each track is a window into Add-2's perspective, his words painting vivid images of real-life struggles. The album exudes authenticity, a quality that endears it to the listener. It's a compelling testament to Add-2's potent penmanship and dynamic delivery.
Deeply Rooted — Scarface
Scarface returns with an introspective and deeply personal album. His seasoned lyricism meshes with various production, resulting in an engaging listen. Deeply Rooted showcases Scarface's skill of weaving complex narratives around his life experiences. Each track echoes honestly, proving that his storytelling has retained its touch. This album perfectly demonstrates Scarface's ability to maintain relevance and authenticity in his music.
The Documentary 2/2.5 — The Game
The Game's double album is a tour de force with impressive features and diverse beats. It's an ambitious effort that encapsulates The Game's standing in the rap game. Balancing a line between nostalgia and contemporary styles, it reinforces his enduring relevance in hip-hop. The record is a colorful collage of The Game's career, from his origins to his current status. Both halves of this double album work together to present a fascinating portrait of an artist who refuses to be boxed in.
Shadow of a Doubt — Freddie Gibbs
Shadow of a Doubt exhibits Freddie Gibbs' versatility as a rapper, tackling different flow styles and beats. Gibbs' gritty delivery against the backdrop of atmospheric production forms an album that's as streetwise as it is reflective. The record showcases his knack for blending street tales with personal insights. This project reinforces Gibbs' consistency and talent in delivering solid hip-hop. It's a diverse offering that solidifies his standing as one of rap's reliable voices.
King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude — Pusha T
This project sees Pusha T at his most raw and unfiltered, delivering hard-hitting verses over dark, brooding production. Pusha T's precise lyricism and delivery are in full force, creating an atmospheric listening experience. The record is a fierce and focused precursor to his next endeavor (DAYTONA). King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude reasserts Pusha T's lyrics and his knack for crafting compelling street narratives. It's a great prelude that only raises the anticipation for what's to come.
Pinnacle Rappers in 2015
Kendrick Lamar
Grappling with the churning depths of cultural contexts, Kendrick Lamar emitted an aura of complex introspection in 2015. His uncanny ability to touch upon social struggles, tied intricately with his personal experiences, amplified the texture of his lyrical expressions. Lamar’s words anchored themselves in a hard-hitting reality in a climate of transient musical fads. Crafting narratives painted in vivid lyrical hues, his music in 2015 skirted the predictable and embraced the profound. The cadence of his verses, loaded with potent thought, wove an intricate pattern of socio-political commentary.
Drake
Encapsulated in his 2015 offerings (IYRTITL and WATTBA), Drake's identity mirrored a dance between vulnerability and self-assured command. He played the conductor in a symphony of human emotions with tunes ripe with honesty and relatability. No wallflower in expressing his most profound contemplations and longings, Drake etched his narrative with the ink of emotion-driven candor. His musical interludes offered a secret peephole into his sense of shared experience. Straddling the line between introspection and catchy hooks, he cemented his stature as an emotive maestro.
Future
Future set a rhythm with his music that extended beyond the confines of traditional lyrical content. His pulse-pounding beats and gritty verses painted a picture far removed from the gloss and glam often associated with the genre. Teetering on the fringe of rap's typically polished narratives, Future's style captured the unrefined, the real. The energy and hypnotic beats embedded in his music provided an intoxicating escape. Future brought a unique flavor to the 2015 rap scene without compromising his core style, signifying his indomitable presence.
Breakout Stars of 2015
Fetty Wap
Fetty Wap burst onto the scene with his unique fusion of melodic, catchy style. Fetty’s infectious tracks, best exemplified by "Trap Queen," made him an unexpected sensation, his unconventional style drawing widespread attention. With this sudden ascent, Fetty broke Billboard records with the first four singles on the top ten Hot Rap Songs chart. Not just a flash in the pan, his influence persists as his style reverberates across the music industry. His rise underscores the unpredictability and endless possibilities inherent to the art form.
Vince Staples
From Long Beach, California, Vince Staples showcased a raw, honest, and riveting style. Vince’s razor-sharp observations, coupled with his unique west coast flow, propelled him to unexpected heights. His work, particularly on the album Summertime '06, offered a glimpse into the raw edges of his reality. Vince's ascent underscores the power of reality-infused lyricism, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating his future works.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott emerged as a force of nature with his unique sound. Travis's skill in curating sounds and styles, best seen in Rodeo, set him apart, propelling his meteoric rise. His work is a unique blend of his Houston roots and various other influences, resulting in a style that is distinctively 'Travis.' Travis's continued evolution and success underscore the impact of individuality in the music industry.