Was a big year for Frank Ocean after his work on Watch the Throne and the mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra. Channel Orange released in July has been one of my favorite albums in the end of the summer into fall. If you have not listened to the entire record check it out. 

Kendrick Lamar is the latest reason we are not getting Detox, but if these are the types of albums that we are going to get - I am good with that. Good Kid, M.a.a.d City is another must listen to. Although Kendrick is pretty terrible live the album is terrific.

There are a TON of great records this year but these three are my favorites. Macklemore has a very catchy tune in Thrift Shop but the rest of the album is a wonder and a delight for hip hop fans. Much like the grunge movement in the 90's that came out of Seattle, I hope that this is the start to some big killer hip hop coming out of the Northwest.