This year has been incredible for new music! As technology improves, it makes it much easier for artists to put their work online and spread their message. 2017 was a great year for artists big to small. I highlighted some of my favorite albums of the year from artists like Drake to Quinn XCII.
1. Quinn XCII - The Story of Us
Quinn XCII had a lot of progression during 2017. He dropped his debut album “The Story of Us” and completed a tour for the album. Recently, he announced a second leg of the tour which hits many more cities and even 6 shows in Europe. Big things are coming for Quinn XCII!
2. Amine - Good For You
Amine took the year by storm with his debut album “Good For You.” Many called him a one-hit wonder with his single “Caroline” but he proved many people wrong. The quality of his music was noticed by many this year. I saw Amine perform at Lollapalooza and he absolutely killed it. I cannot wait to see him perform again!
3. Drake - More Life
Whenever Drake is going to drop of project, he has the world running on his time. I heard many snippets of “More Life” and I knew it was going to be insane. After it was released, I was very impressed with the album he delivered to his fans. There was a great variety of bangers and classic Drake tracks with smooth vocals.
4. Stan Sono - Infatuated
Stan Sono made major moves this year with his first project release titled "Infatuated." For a debut project, Sono really set the bar high for the rest of his career. With close connects with Taylor Gang, you better keep your eye on Sono in 2018.
5. Khalid - American Teen
Khalid is arguably the best new artist of the entire year. His debut album “American Teen” hit the charts quickly after its release and had people across the world raving about him. He is a very young artist with a bright future ahead of him.
6. Big Sean & Metro Boomin - Double or Nothing
Big Sean and Metro Boomin delivered one of the hottest albums of the year with only a few weeks left in 2017. It was a bit of a surprise but the album spoke for itself. I never knew I needed a Big Sean and Metro Boomin album until I heard it.. Don’t sleep on it!
7. J.I.D - The Never Story
Dreamville’s J.I.D has been recognized by many influential individuals in the music industry this year. His debut album “The Never Story” shook a lot of hip-hop heads because of his unique sound. When I first heard him, I never heard sound like his and I was an immediate fan. J. Cole made a huge move bringing him to the Dreamville team!
8. Migos - Culture
Migos made their mark on the industry this year with “Culture.” It’s safe to say that their album was possibly the most influential for music this year. You can hear their style in a lot of artists’ music whether they’re worldwide or an up comer. Culture II is on the way dropping in early 2018. Stay on the lookout for that!
9. Future - HNDRXX 
Future surprised me with his album “HNDRXX.” I was not sure what to expect but the new style he brought to the table was incredible. It was a Future that I never heard before and it was impressive. The album is full of hits and it was crazy to see him perform some of the tracks.
There were several albums this year that deserve respect and recognition. These nine albums were some of my personal favorites! 2017 was a great year for music and I could not be more excited for 2018!
