1. Winner: Puff Daddy and the Family – No Way Out
What should Have won: The Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death
Why: Don’t get me wrong No Way Out was solid album with massive hits like ‘It’s All About The Benjamin’s (Remix)’, ‘Victory’ and ‘Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down’. But Life After Death is  well… Life After Death. It’s a certified classic and the last album that one of the greatest rappers of all time recorded. Not much more needs to be said. Biggie should’ve won.

2. (2007) Winner: Ludacris – Release Therapy
What Should Have Won: Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor
Why: It’s not hard to see that Release Therapy was not one of Ludacris’ best efforts.  It featured the radio friendly hit ‘Money Maker’ but overall was quite forgettable. On the other hand Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor was phenomenal. A true breath of fresh air showcasing Lupe Fiasco’s amazing lyrical ability, impeccable flow, and excellent production. The album was amazingly creative (See Cool and Daydreamin’) and in my opinion one of the best rap albums of the decade.

3. (2009) Winner: Lil Wayne – Tha Carter 3
What Should have won: Lupe Fiasco – The Cool
Why: Comparing a Lil’ Wayne album to a Lupe Fiasco album is like comparing a Michael Bay movie to Martin Scorsese film (and you wouldn’t give Michael Bay a Best Picture Award over Scorsese would you!?). The Cool was Lupe’s sophomore release that cemented him as one of the best lyricists in the game. The album features a wide variety of topics, styles and vibes. From upbeat and poppy (Superstar & Go Go Gadget Flow), to story telling (Hip-Hop Saved My Life & Intruder Alert), to dark and gritty (Put You On The Game & Hello Goodbye). Lupe’s amazing lyrical abilities shine throughout. Add to the fact that it’s 20 tracks with very few (if any) skips and it’s hard to comprehend how this album did not win the Award.

4. (2010) Winner: Eminem- Relapse
What Should have won: Q-Tip – The Renaissance
Why: Q-Tip’s The Renaissance is one of those slept on albums that true hip-hop fans will always hold close to their hearts, while the general public asks who’s Q-Tip? He opted to go for quality over quantity keeping the tracklist to just 12 songs. Tip also handled the bulk of the production himself, which if you’re familiar with Q-Tip, you know this is a good thing. This album is excellent from front to back. A statement that cannot be applied to Eminem’s Relapse. If you haven’t heard it be sure to check out the album opener  ‘Johnny is Dead‘.

5. (2011) Winner: Eminem- Recovery
What Should have won: Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3.
Why: Some people may catch offense for me putting Eminem on this list twice in a row (that’s cool, I take offense to him winning back to back awards for sub-par albums). I wouldn’t have even given Recovery the runner-up spot this year (that goes to Drake – Thank Me Later). Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 was a massive album. It contained chart topping hits like ‘Run This Town’, ‘Empire State of Mind’ and ‘Death of Autotune’. It also helped to  bring one of hip-hop’s biggest artists right now (J. Cole) to the masses.  As we’ve come to expect from  Jay, it also features amazing production from Timbaland, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Swizz Beats. And of course his lyricism does not disappoint.

That wraps up our list. Please keep in mind that the other 15 years I think they got it right. And hey, at least you can find solace in knowing Kendrick Lamar isn’t alone. What are your thoughts on our list? Sound off in the comments section below.

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