NUMBER ONE

The top spot. 30 days and 29 albums later, we've arrived at the album that I believe may not sit at the top of many other lists this year but will feature somewhere in almost every list. An album that surprised me and continues to impress me. An album that I can not only party to, but also sit with and think about. And finally an artist who once again, went platinum with no features. In at number one is J. Cole with KOD.

The reason I say that this album may not make top many lists this year is because for most avid J. Cole fans this album is probably pipped at the post by the phenomenal 2014 Forest Hills Drive. That aside, the things that have pushed it to the top of my list are the fact that J. Cole produced this all himself (a rare feat these days), and the level of wit and emotion that's dotted around the lyrics on this album had me raising my eyebrows on every single track.

Stand out bangers on the album for me are "ATM", "Motiv8", "Once An Addict (Interlude)", and "1985 (Intro To "The Fall Off")". These songs would have been a welcome addition on 2014 Forest Hills Drive but the production has a noticeably more modern touch to it, particularly on "ATM" and "Motiv8". Alongside the unique and memorable instrumentals on this, J. Cole's candour and unashamed reflection give a further look into the things that have brought him to where he is today. Not everything is a shining representation of him and his life but it's truthful all the same.

On the back of his last album 4 Your Eyez Only, this album steps all over it . Short but sweet, KOD leaves a lasting impression on fans and newcomers alike. Jermaine keeps a somewhat skewed social commentary present throughout but uses story telling to bring home his overall message in regards to addiction, and his confidence shows here. J. Cole still has the potential to grow and build, and it might do his next material some good to actually have collaborators and features in the mix. However, I admire his vim and determination to bring us something poignant and powerful on nobody's back but his own. This fact more than anything is what carried him into the top spot.

Here's a look at what album took the number one spot in 2017. Tomorrow I'll be listing the albums that didn't quite make the Top 30 list but which deserve an honourable mention all the same.