These Hip-Hop Albums Turn 10 In 2024
2014 was an interesting time for hip-hop. There were rap artists that we play daily now that were cementing their spots, with many of the musicians on this list only…
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)2014 was an interesting time for hip-hop. There were rap artists that we play daily now that were cementing their spots, with many of the musicians on this list only touching the cusp of some of the best music in their careers. One standout project in 2014 was J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive. The title derives from his street address in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he grew up with his mother, his brother, and his stepfather, He would later purchase his childhood home and turn it into free housing for single mothers.
In an interview in 2015, he explained what his ideal situation would be for a family to live there.
"So every two years a new family will come in, they live rent-free. The idea is that it's a single mother with multiple kids, and she's coming from a place where all her kids is sharing a room," he explained.
He went on to add that he wants "kids to feel how I felt when we got to the house."
2014 Forest Hills Drive was purchased through his Dreamville Foundation for $120,000 and was the rapper's first home he ever purchased. He later told Complex it was in his room where he learned he began his passion for music.
"I could do things like sit in my own thoughts and write my raps. That's when I became more introspective. This is where I started dreaming the dream."
J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive
As for the album, it is the rapper's third studio album which had several hits that are still staples in his discography such as "Apparently," "Wet Dreamz," "No Role Modelz," "Love Yourz." The album is a coming-of-age tale for Cole as he describes his upbringing, first crushes, and how he sees himself being implanted into the music industry in the future.
Take a look at 2014 Forest Hills Drive as well as other albums that were released in 2014:
'2014 Forest Hills Drive' - J. Cole
ByStorm Entertainment, Columbia Records, Dreamville Records and Roc NationIf you weren't a J. Cole fan by this album, <em>2014 Forest Hills Drive</em> made you one. <em>2014 Forest Hills Drive</em> is Cole's third studio album following LPs <em>Born Sinner</em> (2013) and <em>Cole World: The Sideline Story</em> (2011). The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawned singles "Apparently", "Wet Dreamz", "No Role Modelz" and "Love Yourz." <em>2014 Forest Hills Drive</em> earned Cole two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and "Apparently" for Best Rap Performance at the 2016 Grammy Awards. As of November 21, 2023, the album is certified five times platinum by the RIAA.
'The Pinkprint' - Nicki Minaj
Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records<em>The Pinkprint</em> is Nicki Minaj's third studio album. It is mostly known for her internet-breaking hit "Anaconda," which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. <em>The Pinkprint</em> also housed singles "Only," "Pills n Potions," "Truffle Butter," and "The Night Is Still Young." The project was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
'Honest' - Future
Epic RecordsFuture dropped <em>Honest</em>, his second studio album, on April 22, 2014. It spawned singles "S---," "Karate Chop," "I Won," "Move That Dope," and the title track. Future enlisted Drake, Kanye, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, André 3000, Pharrell, Wiz Khalifa, Casino, and Young Scooter for his project. <em>Honest </em>debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 which was his highest debut for a project at the time.
'Faces' - Mac Miller
REMember Warner<em>Faces</em> is the 2014 mixtape of the late Mac Miller. It preceded the rapper's second studio album <em>Watching Movies with the Sound Off</em> which was released a year prior. <em>Faces</em> features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Vince Staples, Ab-Soul, Dash, Earl Sweatshirt, Schoolboy Q, Mike Jones, and Sir Michael Rocks. In 2021, three years after Miller's death, it was released commercially. After its commercial release, the estate of the rapper added the track "Yeah - Bonus." It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2021 after its commercial release.
'Nobody's Smiling' - Common
Def Jams Recording / Universal Music Group<em>Nobody's Smiling</em> is Common's tenth studio album. The LP was supported by singles "Kingdom," "Speak My Piece," and "Diamonds." He had guest appearances by G Herbo, Big Sean, Jhené Aiko, Snoh Aalegra, Vince Staples, Dreezy, and Cocaine 80s. It debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. The project was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. The song Blak Majik featuring Jhené Aiko was also nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration that year.
'No Label II' - Migos
Quality Control/ Atlantic RecordsMigos were still in their mixtape era back in 2014. They released <em>No Label II</em>, the sequel to their 2012 project on February 25, 2014. One of most popular tracks from this project was "Fight Night," which earned them their highest Billboard Hot 100 placement at time with No. 69. The trio enlisted Young Thug, Meek Mill Machine Gun Kelly, Rich Homie Quan, and Jermaine Dupri on the project. The group would go on to release their fifth mixtape <em>Rich N---- Timeline</em> later that year on November 5.
'Blacc Hollywood' - Wiz Khalifa
Rostrum/Atlantic Records<em>Blacc Hollywood</em> is Wiz Khalifa's fifth studio album. He had two singles: "We Dem Boyz" and "You and Your Friends" as well as "KK" and "Stayin Out All Night" as promotional singles. On the album he touched upon Black stereotypes in general and how it translated into being in Hollywood. The album has guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, Project Pat, Curren$y, Ghost Loft, and Chevy Woods, and more. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the first and only album of his to date to have that feat.
