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Roc Marcianos producer album doesnt feel like a solo album because of the abundance of mostly mediocre guests, but he still makes sure the album is a success by appearing on every song and keeping the production fresh throughout.  Hell always be more well known for his rapping, but Marci Beaucoup is a reminder that Roc should always be in the discussion for the best producer/MC in the game.

Uncommon Nasa has worn many hats throughout his career as an engineer, producer, MC, and label head.  His Uncommon Records label has always been a forward thinking independent outfit that puts the art first.  Aeon Greys self produced solo album Lead Breakfast (which also finds a home on my top 25 list) was perhaps the labels best release to date, but Nasa made sure to capitalize Aeons success by dropping a standout solo album of his own in Land Of The Way It Is.  Nasa is more known for his beats than his work behind the mic, but he outsources a ton of great production and shines lyrically on autobiographical tracks like "Pasta With Butter" and "Background Check".

 Acid Rap is one of those little albums that blows up that truly warrants the hype behind it.  It took me a minute to come around to it and its still hard for me to listen to from beginning to end, but when its good its really good.

MarQ Spekt is one of my favorite MCs and this short (6 songs) project made with old Gary Wilson tracks from the 70s had psych-rap classic written all over it from the jump, but for some reason or another it didnt last more than a week or two in my regular listening rotation.  That all changed when I was in vacation in Jamaica furiously scanning my iPod for some hip hop to listen to that felt right for the beach in between all the reggae.  Enter Broken Mazes.  When it dropped I said it felt like Bitches Brew with lyrics, and that dynamic can make a killer beach sunset in Negril that much better.

A victory lap of sorts riding on the coattails of both of their superior El-P produced solo albums from the year before, Run The Jewels was still a smashing success and an uncompromising concept album from two hip hop veterans reaching their career climaxes at the same time.  A followup has already been plotted out and this veteran odd couple is proving its possible to raise your profile and stay true to your uncompromising roots at the same time.

Id never heard of YC the Cynic before some of his videos for GNK started gaining traction in promotion of its late August release.  He was clearly talented and thoughtful, but all it took was one listen to GNK to tell that YC was a fully formed artist and not just a young MC tracing a few legendary influences.  Another newcomer, Frank Duke, produced the album front to back and gives the album a polish that helps YCs hard hitting concepts come to life.

If Killah Priests monstrous double album The Psychic World of Walter Reed would have been trimmed to a single disc, I might have ranked it even higher than 16.  The albums daunting length doesnt devalue it too much though because with Killah Priest its not about the high points.  Its about the journey.  I prefer the first disc, but theres not a bad song in the bunch from the veteran Wu-Tang affiliate whos quietly carved out a pretty legendary solo career.

Quelle Chriss outstanding debut album for Mello Music Group Ghost At The Finish Line didnt make my first draft for my top 25 albums of 2013 as I had just recently caved in and bought it on the strength of the single/video "Superfuck".  I had been sleeping on Chris hard for the last couple years, but once I really gave the album a serious listen it not only forced its way on the list but climbed all the way up to number 15.  One of the most fun listens of 2013, Ghost At The Finsh Line is filled with existential and even depressing subject matter, but Chriss sense of humor and ear for beats give the album balance and re-listenability.