Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.

JAY-Z | 4:44
Roc Nation (2017)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh

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Since his official debut in 1996, Jay-Z has always been a cultural shape-shifter. Using his witty lyrics to change the direction of fashion, and even add depth to the urban lexicon, his thirteenth studio LP 4:44 saw Mr. Carter approach the game more intimately, as a husband, father, and business mogul. An album of the year nominee at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards, songs like “Family Feud” and “Story of O.J” helped push subjects like financial wellness, monogamy, and cultural fidelity to the forefront of hip-hop dialogue, under the orchestration of skillful producer No I.D.

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