How Do You Rate an Artist’s Discography?
In the golden era of music streaming and instant feedback, one must pose the question: How does one genuinely rate an artist’s discography? Here are a few rating factors to find an artist’s best album.
1. Popularity
Popularity, often encapsulated by streaming numbers, sold-out tours, and Billboard chart-topping hits, has emerged as a leading metric.
Yet, it's a double-edged sword. On one hand, undeniable commercial success can be seen as a testament to an artist's broad appeal and relevance. On the other, the allure of mainstream success sometimes compromises artistic integrity, leading musicians to churn out formulaic tracks aimed purely at gaining airplay.
To truly assess an artist's body of work, it's essential to balance the scales, weighing popularity against musical innovation, instrumentation, lyrical depth, and artistic evolution. Only then can one hope to capture the full essence and impact of an artist’s discography.
2. Cultural Influence
Delving deep into the realm of an artist's discography, you can’t overlook the impact of cultural influence. Music is more than just dope beats and lyrics — it's a reflection and often a driver of societal change.
An artist's cultural significance goes beyond mere album sales or chart positions. It’s about the conversations they ignite, the movements they inspire, and the zeitgeist they capture. Think about the politically charged anthems of the mid and late 1980s — they weren't always chart-toppers, but their influence reverberated across generations.
To truly grasp the depth of an artist's discography, you have to ask how they have shaped or been shaped by the cultural currents of their time.
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3. Quality
Let's get real. When diving into an artist's collection of tunes, it's not just about how many times a song gets played or how it shifts culture. It's about that raw, undeniable quality. Hip-hop, with its deep roots and ever-evolving branches, knows this better than any genre.
Think about those tracks that hit you right in the feels every single time. They might not have blown up the charts, but dang, they've got that something special. Whether it's killer lyrics, a beat that won't quit, or a flow that's smoother than butter, quality stands out. It's the backbone of a discography that stands the test of time.
So, when rating an artist's body of work, always come back to that golden question: "Is it a banger or is it a miss?"
4. Personal Taste
Alright, here's the thing about diving into any hip-hop artist's discography: At the end of the day, it's all about what vibes with YOU. We can chat about quality, lyrics, beats, and all that jazz, but personal taste? That's the wild card.
We've all got those tracks we secretly jam out to since the first time we heard them, even if they never made it big or got side-eyed by the critics. Maybe it's the song that was playing during your first kiss, or that anthem you and your buddies blasted on repeat during that unforgettable summer.
Personal taste is the unpredictable, emotion-driven factor in how we rate and relate to music. It's the spice, the flavor, and the color in our musical journey. And you know what? That's more than okay. Because when you vibe with a track, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks — it's pure gold to you.
Kanye West
Say what you will about the guy's antics, but Kanye’s discography? It’s more than worth a discussion. From his stellar three-album run — The College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation — to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and 808s & Heartbreak, Kanye has taken us on a musical journey.
Even in 2023, Kanye's legacy still echoes in the industry, influencing new artists and challenging established ones with some of the most well-known rap songs in the genre. So, while there are plenty of rappers making waves right now, Kanye's discography? It's still in a league of its own.
Kendrick Lamar
From layered stories featured on his major label debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city to the groundbreaking narratives and production on “To Pimp a Butterfly,” to one of the greatest concept albums of all time, DAMN. — Kendrick has been serving up stories and vibes that resonate on so many levels.
His ability to weave complex narratives with unforgettable hooks is nothing short of legendary. While he's always been true to his Compton roots, Kendrick's evolved with every studio album, making us think, feel, and question the world around us. In 2023, he's still a major force, setting the gold standard for what hip-hop can be. For many, Kendrick isn't just in the conversation, he's leading it.
Jay-Z
One titan continues to be a standout in any discography debate: Jay-Z. His journey from Reasonable Doubt to the reflective maturity of 4:44 is nothing short of a masterclass in musical evolution. It's not just about the hits — though, let's be real, there are plenty — it's about the narrative, the growth, and the sheer consistency.
Jay's ability to remain relevant, to adapt, and to continuously innovate is a testament to his unmatched prowess in the game. Even now, his influence is palpable, with artists drawing from his wisdom, swagger, and business acumen.
Nas
While the hip-hop terrain shifts with emerging talent and dynamic beats, one name remains a steadfast anchor in any discography discussion: Nas. From the raw, unfiltered stories of llmatic to the introspective truths in the King’s Disease trilogy, Nasir Jones has been a beacon of lyrical brilliance for decades.
His gift? Crafting verses that are both timeless and reflective of the era they're birthed in. Nas has consistently delivered rap albums that challenge, enlighten, and resonate with fans across generations. His poetic prowess and astute social commentary have made him not just one of the best rappers of all, but a storyteller for the ages.
Andre 3000
Andre 3000 technically hasn’t released a solo album (we’re not counting The Love Below). Still, from the vibrant, genre-bending escapades with OutKast in albums like ATLiens, Aquemini, and Stankonia, to his sporadic yet deeply impactful solo features, Three Stacks has always danced to his own beat. Andre's artistry isn't just about producing hits — it's about painting vivid sonic landscapes that transport listeners to different realms.
MF Doom
Known for his distinctive mask and a persona shrouded in mystery, Doom’s discography is a labyrinth of intricate wordplay, unconventional samples, and storytelling prowess.
From his early days with KMD to the iconic Madvillainy collaboration with Madlib and his numerous alter egos like Viktor Vaughn and King Geedorah, Doom has always been in a league of his own. His genius lies not just in crafting complex rhymes, but in challenging listeners to dig deeper, to uncover layers of meaning with each listen.
In the ever-changing arena of 2023's hip-hop, while new voices rise to prominence, MF Doom’s legacy remains a beacon for underground authenticity and lyrical dexterity. Newer artists may grab the spotlight, but Doom? His legend is eternal.
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur wasn't just a rapper. He was a revolutionary, a poet, and an emblem of resistance. His discography, from Me Against The World and All Eyez On Me to Makaveli, is a testament to his multifaceted artistry. With every bar, 2Pac painted a vivid picture of life's struggles, dreams, and injustices, bridging the gap between the streets and the soul. His untimely demise left an indelible void, but his music continues to inspire, challenge, and give voice to new generations.
Tyler, the Creator
Bursting onto the scene with the rebellious energy of "Goblin," Tyler's journey has been one of perpetual reinvention. From the dark, confrontational vibes of his earlier work to the jazzy, introspective reflections in IGOR and CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, his discography is a testament to an artist unafraid to challenge norms and chart his own course.
Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre’s not just a rapper or a producer. He's a sonic visionary. Beginning with the rebellious gangsta rap beats of N.W.A, moving on to the game-changing vibes of The Chronic, and later sculpting masterpieces like 2001, Dre's discography is a masterclass in hip-hop evolution and trendsetting.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie's discography, though tragically brief, is a masterclass in lyrical dexterity and emotive storytelling. From the gritty tales of Ready to Die to the polished anthems in Life After Death, Biggie showcased a range that was both profound and magnetic.
His stories, delivered with a velvety flow and unmatched charisma, painted vivid pictures of life in Brooklyn's streets, juxtaposed with dreams of success and the perils of fame. Despite his untimely passing, Biggie's influence is still palpable in 2023.
Which Artist Has the Most Popular Discography Today?
Hip-Hop is brimming with artists pushing boundaries, setting trends, and creating anthems for the new generation. The race for the top spot in popularity is always in flux. With the sheer volume of music dropping daily and the global reach of streaming platforms, the crown for the most popular discography today is more coveted than ever.
Sources:
Complete List Of Kendrick Lamar Albums And Discography | ClassicRockHistory.com
Ranking Jay-Z's Albums From Worst To Best | Complex
The Notorious BIG Albums, Discography | Ranker
Ranking Outkast's Albums | HipHopGoldenAge
Ranking Every MF DOOM Album, From Worst to Best | Beats, Rhymes & Lists
