Originally Posted by Qwertyy (Post 1787117) it was just such a polarizing release for the first few months because of all that surrounded it. definitely a fantastic release regardless though.

Originally Posted by Qwertyy (Post 1787181) nah mang, a lot of people felt it was only praised because of his death. there was definitely a range of opinions.

Originally Posted by Frownland (Post 1787185) Is that more about poseurs or the album itself? I loved the album to death but I still recognize that there are some people who only praise it because of his death.

Originally Posted by Qwertyy (Post 1787187) maybe but I would still call it polarizing release so smd

3 & 2




3) Injury Reserve - Floss

http://i.imgur.com/5bqaYZ3.jpg?1

With 2015's Live At the Dentist Office I felt Injury Reserve made their intro into the underground hip-hop scene with a decent project that showed some potential but not much more. In the final weeks of 2016 however, they group blindsided me with one of the year's most impressive releases.

What sets Floss apart from other hip-hop projects released this year is the diversity offered throughout the album. The hybrid combination of jazz-rap and radio ready bangers makes this an album any rap fan can sit down and listen to, and the moments of experimental influence sprinkled throughout (the track Eeny Meeny Miny Moe in particular) make for a great change of pace. The reason this album is truly worthy of a top 3 spot on my list is just how fun it is, right from the first listen on.




2) PUP - The Dream Is Over

http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2016...b-s300-c85.jpg

Speaking of albums that surprised me, PUP's The Dream Is Over was one of the year's biggest growers. An album that I initially wrote off as marginally better than the band's debut, The Dream Is Over started getting constant spins near the end of the summer and in the process began climbing its way up my list.

The title of the album reflects on the news vocalist Stefan Babcock received from his doctor back in 2015 regarding the status of his damaged vocal chords. Nevertheless, in true punk spirit, Stefan and his band mates ignored the doc's orders and proceeded to record their most passionate and impressive pop-punk project to date. From the chaotic upbeat nature of tracks like DVP to the more grim indie rock influenced closer Pine Point, the band manage to stretch the genre to it's absolute limits. Much like Floss, this album claims it spot in my top 3 thanks to just how many times I found myself listening to this record throughout the year, usually whilst singing along to some of the catchiest hooks I've heard in a very long time.

Originally Posted by Kiiii (Post 1788272) Floss made my AOTY list as well.

Originally Posted by Qwertyy (Post 1788275) I noticed. I definitely think it was one of the standout hip-hop albums of the year, and that says a lot considering the amount of quality hip-hop that was put out this year.