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.
KILLER MIKE | R.A.P. Music
Williams Street Records (2012)
Selected by Jesse Ducker
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R.A.P. Music is the lyrical and sonic heir to Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990), a dark, often abrasive look at the value of Black life during the ’10s. With El-P working behind the boards, Killer Mike tackles timeless issues facing the Black population of the United States, from police violence to the legacy of Ronald Reagan. However, Mike also seeks to inspire with the album, giving testament to the transformative power of music. It’s Mike’s best work as an emcee and a hint of the other great things to come from this pairing.
LISTEN & WATCH: