The Grooviest: Top Hip Hop Artists of 2012
Alright, hip hop heads, buckle up! We're about to take you on a trip down memory lane to the groovy year of 2012. This was a golden era for hip hop, packed with mind-blowing albums and earth-shattering singles. So, let's dive right in and explore the creme de la creme of the hip hop scene back then. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and hip hop artist of 2012.
The Big Dogs: Established Artists
Jay-Z - Magna Carta... Holy Grail
King Hova was back in 2012, serving up pure fire with his 12th studio album, Magna Carta... Holy Grail. Featuring smash hits like "Holy Grail" and "Tom Ford," this album was a testament to Jay-Z's unmatched longevity and versatility in the game.
Kanye West - Cruel Summer
Yeezus collaborated with G.O.O.D. Music to bring us Cruel Summer, a compilation album that was anything but cruel to our ears. With stellar features like Pusha T, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz, this album was a summer anthem that kept us hyped all year long.
The New Kids on the Block: Rising Stars
Drake - Take Care
The 6 God himself was on the rise in 2012, and his second studio album, Take Care, was a game-changer. With hit singles like "Take Care" and "Make Me Proud," Drake proved that he was here to stay and conquer.
A$AP Rocky - Long. Live. A$AP
The A$AP Mob captain made his debut with Long. Live. A$AP, and it was an instant classic. With unique flows and trippy production, Rocky brought a fresh sound to the hip hop scene, and we were all about it.
The Ladies of Hip Hop
Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday... Roman Reloaded
The queen of hip hop herself, Nicki Minaj, dropped her second studio album, Pink Friday... Roman Reloaded, in 2012. With bangers like "Starships" and "Autobiography," Nicki proved why she's one of the best in the game.
Rihanna - Talk That Talk
While Rihanna is more known for her pop and R&B hits, she definitely made an impact in the hip hop world with her seventh studio album, Talk That Talk. With features from big names like Jay-Z and future superstar Drake, this album was pure fire.
The Controversial One: 2 Chainz - Based on a T.R.U. Story
2 Chainz made his debut with Based on a T.R.U. Story, and it was anything but a boring first impression. With controversial lyrics and catchy beats, this album was a must-listen in 2012.
The Underrated Gem: Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city
While Kendrick Lamar wasn't as big in 2012 as he is now, his major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was a hidden gem that deserved more love. With deep lyrics and mesmerizing production, this album was a preview of the greatness to come from K-Dot.
The Year in Review
2012 was a blessed year for hip hop fans. With established artists at the top of their game and rising stars making their mark, the hip hop scene was electric. So, guys, if you missed out on these classics back in the day, do yourself a favor and give them a listen. Trust me, your ears will thank you.