Here we are, the mid-year mark of 2015. So far, it's been a standout year for hip-hop, with some of the biggest rappers in the game upping the quality of their projects and delivering the best albums of their careers so far. We've got stellar debuts and triumphant comebacks, statement sophomore projects and catalog boosters, surprise albums and long-awaited releases, older vets and newer heads all stepping up and delivering their A-Game at the perfect time.

Understandably, that creates quite an issue when trying to sift through and identify the best albums of such a packed year already. XXL went back and identified what we think are the 30 best albums from beginning to end of 2015 as it stands. But with so much quality—not to mention the XXL staff fighting tooth and nail for our own favorites—we decided against ranking the projects. We'll leave that up to you. Without further ado, here are the best LPs so far, ordered by release date from earliest to most recent. —XXL Staff 

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Rae Sremmurd, SremmLife
Label: Interscope/EarDrummers
Release Date: January 6

The debut studio album from Rae Sremmurd was packed with a host of big hits and infectious anthems that have owned radio airwaves for the past year. Although the duo was already gaining huge popularity off of their singles "No Flex Zone" and "No Type," the LP proved the hype to be true by landing at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, giving Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee a body of work to back up their singles-driven output at the time. The two young MCs are clearly not going anywhere. —Miranda J.

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Lupe Fiasco, Tetsuo & Youth
Label: 1st & 15th/Atlantic
Release Date: January 20

Three years after his last body of work, Lupe Fiasco’s fifth album—and last for Atlantic Records—Tetsuo & Youth seems like a journey down a rabbit hole of hazy daydreams that, at times, turn into nightmares. Dividing up his LP by seasons, the Chicago MC punctuated each period with instrumentals to guide the listener through the year. And as the leaves changed in your mind, so did Lupe’s sonic intentions: from scornful and sullen to love drunk and hopeful. Tetsuo & Youth shows a full progression of time, taste and wisdom and makes for a statement of longevity from Lupe as he enters a new era. —Sidney Madden

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Joey Bada$$, B4.Da.$$
Label: Cinematic/Pro Era
Release Date: January 20

With a signature 1990s flow, gritty, diversified production from the likes of Statik Selektah, DJ Premier, Hit-Boy and Kirk Knight and introspective one-liners for days, Joey Bada$$ revitalizes hip-hop’s youth in a way many of his predecessors wish they could with B4.Da.$$. As his official studio debut, the Pro Era leader delivers both a love letter from the fun-loving 17-year-old Brooklynite that listeners first discovered back in 2012 and a battle cry from a more mature, engaged and militant wordsmith fighting to tell his story. Something like a macrocosmic mindfuck of past and future, B4.Da.$$ was definitely one way hell of a way to start off the year. —Sidney Madden

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Drake, If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal
Release Date: February 13

During the midst of the NBA All-Star weekend and the adidas x Kanye West fashion show, Drake unexpectedly dropped his album If You're Reading This, It's Too Late, and the rest was history. Featuring the smash hits "Energy," "Know Yourself" and "Legend," Drake effortlessly put together one of the best projects of 2015 that only left fans wanting more from the Canadian Woe, adding phrases and words to the every day lexicon like it's the easiest thing on the planet. For Drake, maybe it is. —Roger Krastz

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Big Sean, Dark Sky Paradise
Label: Def Jam/GOOD Music
Release Date: February 24

Coming off the relatively poor reception of his last album, Hall of Fame, Big Sean had a point to prove with his third LP. And the Detroit MC more than delivered. Already flying high off the success of his big single "I Don't Fuck With You" featuring E-40, Sean dug deep and emerged with what is far and away the best album of his career, an introspective project that unearthed fantastic songs such as "Blessings" featuring Drake, "All Your Fault" featuring Kanye West and "One Man Can Change The World" featuring 'Ye and John Legend. If personal tragedy produces the best art, Dark Sky Paradise is another example of that axiom. —Dan Rys 

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Fashawn, The Ecology
Label: Mass Appeal
Release Date: February 24

It had been six years since Fashawn released his debut project Boy Meets World, a lifetime for most rappers that saw careers come and go, blossom and burn out. But Fashawn kept pushing despite personal turmoil and professional disillusionment, finally emerging with a sophomore LP that was well worth the wait. Spurred by the confidence of Nas and his new Mass Appeal Records, Fashawn stripped away the bullshit and proved once again why he's a lyricist worth paying close attention to, with his wise rhymes and meticulous beat selection shining through. —Dan Rys

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Cannibal Ox, Blade Of the Ronin
Label: IGC/iHipHop
Release Date: March 3

Vast Aire and Vordul Mega hadn't released a true full-length album since 2001's The Cold Vein, an underground classic from the pioneering indie label Def Jux that remains a gem to those who remember. And for those who forgot, they returned this year with a vengeance, finally delivering on more than a decade of promise with an album almost entirely produced by Bill Cosmiq that resurrected their original spirit and delivered a barrel blow to an underground scene that missed their ingenuity. —Dan Rys

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G-Unit, The Beast Is G-Unit
Label: G-Unit
Release Date: March 3

The Unit is back and fully-operational now, with this followup to last summer's comeback EP The Beauty of Independence proving that though they're definitely getting older, the bars still remain. If the first EP was a showcase for Young Buck, both Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo shine brighter this time around, while 2015 XXL Freshman Kidd Kidd keeps proving again and again why he's capable of standing next to the rest of the crew, on street bars if not longevity. It's solo album time for the crew and we can't wait. —Dan Rys

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Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly
Label: Interscope/Aftermath/TDE
Release Date: March 15

Following up a classic is never easy and that was Kendrick Lamar's task after the universal praise of his debut LP, good kid, m.A.A.d city, back in October 2012. But fans had to wait, and wait, and wait some more for the followup. Luckily, Kendrick had plenty up his sleeve. From the vitality of singles "i," "King Kunta" and "Alright" to the danceable funk of "Wesley's Theory" and the deep thought experiments of "Institutionalized," "Hood Politics" and "Complexion" and the relentless onslaught of "The Blacker The Berry," Kendrick produced an album that was timely and topical and was much, much more than the offerings of his peers. It may not have been as viscerally compelling as gkmc, but it was as close as you could get. —Dan Rys

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Action Bronson, Mr. Wonderful
Label: Atlantic/Vice
Release Date: March 23

Continuing the formula of his popular mixtape series Blue Chips, Action Bronson shows his superb lyricism and vibrant personality on his debut album Mr. Wonderful. Featuring production from Party Supplies, The Alchemist, Mark Ronson and more, the Queens MC delivers a delightful 13-track album that contains the hits "Baby Blue," "Terry" and "Actin Crazy" and, probably most importantly, retains all of the wacky parts of Bronsolino's personality that have made him a beloved figure on the mixtape scene in recent years. —Roger Krastz 

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Earl Sweatshirt, I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside
Label: Columbia/Tan Cressida
Release Date: March 23

Earl Sweatshirt’s I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside is a dark and enthralling LP that finds the (former) Odd Future member sounding more confident than ever. Sweat spits each verse likes a veteran boxer dismantling his opponent, demonstrating stunning technicality and bone-shattering precision. Aesthetically, the album sounds simpler compared to Earl’s sophomore project, Doris, but it still keeps Odd Future’s classic, menacing synth and jazzy production. As the rest of OFWGKTA’s members find their own path, Earl Sweatshirt sounds like he’s already home. —Emmanuel C.M.

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Wale, The Album About Nothing
Label: MMG/Atlantic
Release Date: March 31

Wale's third studio LP, The Album About Nothing, not only cemented his longevity in the rap game but it also conveyed a growth and versatility unlike any of the MMG rapper's previous albums. The Jerry Seinfeld-influenced effort sold 100,000 units in its first week and became Wale's second No.1 album to appear on the Billboard 200, but more importantly was a step forward creatively for the DC native. —Miranda J.

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Curren$y, Pilot Talk 3
Label: Jet Life
Release Date: April 4

With this effort, Curren$y attempted to revive the glory days of his previous LPs, Pilot Talk and Pilot Talk II. The third installment brought with it more hazy weed raps and spacey production from Harry Fraud, Ski Beatz, Cool & Dre and more, and is his most consistent project since PT2. Features from Jadakiss, Styles P and RiFF RAFF prove that after all this time in the rap game, Curren$y is still open to new avenues. —Miranda J.

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Tyler, The Creator, Cherry Bomb
Label: Odd Future/Sony
Release Date: April 13

Tyler, The Creator is the happiest he’s ever been, and it shows fully on his newest album Cherry Bomb. The self-proclaimed genius infuses soul and rock mixed with jazzy chords that would make his idol Pharrell shed a tear. Tyler shines on songs like “Fucking Young/Perfect,” “Smuckers” and “Find Your Wings," which are all both sonically warm and typically ridiculous, lyrically. Though the LP feels chaotic, it goes without saying that there is always a method to Tyler’s madness. —Emmanuel C.M.

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Raekwon, Fly International Luxurious Art
Label: Ice H2O/Caroline
Release Date: April 28

Raekwon had been promising this album for a few years now, putting things aside for Wu-Tang projects and taking his time getting his production to the level that he wanted. And while some of the tracks may have aimed too much for stadium audiences, Raekwon's pen game is as razor sharp as ever, resulting in an album that is well worth the listen. Standout collaborations with Busta Rhymes, A$AP Rocky, Assassin, Snoop Dogg and (of course) Ghostface Killah helped Raekwon avoid the hip-hop-by-numbers that many vets are guilty of reverting to and allowed him to shine against some of the most distinctive voices, both old and young, that the game has right now. —Dan Rys 

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Tech N9ne, Special Effects
Label: Strange Music
Release Date: May 4

Tech N9ne took his biggest leap yet into the mainstream limelight with his latest album, Special Effects. Tech manages to stay at home with his angry lyrics yet crafts a bigger crossover appeal, particularly on tracks like “Hood Go Crazy.” What sticks out are the collaborators on the LP, who you generally wouldn't picture rapping alongside the Kansas City native. 2 Chainz, B.o.B, T.I., Yo Gotti, Audio Push, Lil Wayne and Eminem all make an appearance and flesh out the end result. Always walking the line of mainstream and underground, Special Effects—his 15th solo project—is his biggest tablet to date to appease the curiosity of fans who might not know too much about the wild world of Strange Music. —Emmanuel C.M.

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Oddisee, The Good Fight
Label: Mello Music Group
Release Date: May 5

Oddisee battles an imposed definition of success on his new LP The Good Fight. The DMV native uses the 12-track album to critique success as an artist, as well as dive into the idea of hypocrisy. The Good Fight finds Odd sounding more artistically free than his previous works while still supplying his day one fans with his signature straight-ahead, boom-bap deep cuts to appease their appetite. It’s refreshing and surprisingly brash and showcases not only Oddisee’s stellar production, but also his impressive rapping prowess. —Emmanuel C.M.

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Snoop Dogg, Bush
Label: Columbia/i am other/Doggystyle
Release Date: May 12

Channeling his inner Bootsy Collins, Snoop Dogg goes down memory lane on his latest LP Bush for an enjoyable ride of funk and disco. Executive produced by Pharrell, Snoop Dogg trades in the laid-back gangsta flows for a more vocal approach that showcases his singing ability and love for funk music. The 10-track LP stands out by itself in today's music climate. —Roger Krastz

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A$AP Rocky, At.Long.Last.A$AP
Label: RCA/A$AP Worldwide
Release Date: May 26

Taking a more psychedelic approach on his sophomore album, A$AP Rocky experiments with different flows and cadences rather than relying solely on his Houston-inspired raps. Songs like "Everyday," "Wavybone," "Jukebox Joints" and more show the growth of Rocky as an artist and prove his dominance in the realm of hip-hop, cementing the A$AP Mob member as one of the most influential and distinctive voices of his generation. —Roger Krastz

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Boosie BadAzz, Touch Down 2 Cause Hell
Label: Atlantic/Bad Azz/Trill Ent.
Release Date: May 26

The return of the real. Boosie's comeback album after almost five years behind bars was easily one of the most highly-anticipated projects of the year, and the Baton Rouge MC just doesn't know how to spit anything other than the rawest truth he has within him. Maybe it was because he was telling a story that only he could truly articulate; maybe it was because he's one of the greatest street rhymers of his entire generation; maybe it's because he has a hard-won reputation of never holding anything back; but Boosie's album was so visceral and emotional that it connected on many different levels and is, easily, one of the most distinct and reflective albums put out by any MC in the past few years. —Dan Rys 

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Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, Surf
Label: Independent
Release Date: May 28

Though many would count this as the long-awaited debut album from 2014 XXL Freshman Chance The Rapper, Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment’s Surf is most definitely not a one-man show. With a surprising array of hidden guest features (Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes and Migos’ Quavo all on the same album?) and Donnie Trumpet’s commanding jazz solos, the internet’s most “accessible superhero” shares playing time with his longtime friends and bandmates for an organic smorgasbord of music. With Surf serving as SoX’s first album, getting to know the band’s style is part of the fun. From a marching band anthem like “Slip Slide” to the funny, self-help sense of “Wanna Be Cool” to the chill, close quarters vibe of “Warm Enough” and “Rememory,” Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment aim to make you feel young, optimistic and, above all else, entertained. And they succeed almost effortlessly. —Sidney Madden

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Lil Durk, Remember My Name
Label: Def Jam
Release Date: June 2

As the last major label light shining for Chicago's much-vaunted Drill movement, Lil Durk had a lot to prove on his Def Jam debut. What he proved the most was how far he had come since his breakout mixtape <em>Signed 2 The Streets</em>. Rather than leaning too heavily on Auto-Tune—as he's been accused of doing in the past—he instead learned how to use the effect to his advantage and produced an album that left his fans gasping for air. A short but sweet 11-song effort was bolstered by both his biographical storytelling and his delicate yet brash delivery, while his collaboration with Logic for "Tryna Tryna" might be one of the best songs of the year. —Dan Rys

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Troy Ave, Major Without A Deal
Label: BSB/Empire
Release Date: June 5

On Major Without A Deal, proud New York MC Troy Ave represents for his hometown by delivering another gem full of street tales, drug talk and survival tactics needed to survive in the gritty streets of NY. With superb production and high-profile guest features from across the map—Cam'ron, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, A$AP Ferg, Fabolous, Jadakiss—MWAD is another win for the birthplace of hip-hop, particularly if you look beyond what the blogs will say. —Roger Krastz

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Skyzoo, Music For My Friends
Label: FGR/Empire
Release Date: June 17

Going back memory lane on his latest solo LP, Skyzoo recaptures the memories he had as young teenager with Music For My Friends. Backed by a cast of elite producers such as !llmind, Thelonious Martin and more, Sky delivers one of the best conceptual albums of 2015, offering a view into the life of a kid growing up on the streets during the most formative years of his life. From the sequencing to the lyrics, Skyzoo demonstrates once agin why he's one of the most underrated MCs hailing out of Brooklyn. —Roger Krastz

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King Los, God, Money, War
Label: RCA
Release Date: June 23

As a long-awaited debut from a rhymer with cosigns from Diddy, Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco, King Los' God, Money, War faced high expectations. Good thing the Baltimore MC came with heavy artillery to fire off. Amid the 14 tracks, Los shows he can corral mass appeal worthy of radio play with the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Can’t Fade Us” and still stick to his sociopolitical guns on “Black Blood” and “God, Money, War.” Aptly naming the album after the three things he believes affects everyone in life, Los takes his listener down memory lane to experience them all, referencing death, fatherhood and life’s temptations along the way. This encompassing view of Los’ life, a much more built out version of the one he’s chronicled in his mixtapes in the past, is what makes the album a must-listen.  —Sidney Madden 

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Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money
Label: Atlantic/MMG/Dream Chasers
Release Date: June 29

Meek Mill certainly had a lot to prove after his sophomore album was delayed nearly 10 months following a jail bid that left him locked up for the latter half of 2014. It's hard to imagine him coming back with anything better than he delivered with Dreams Worth More Than Money. The variety in production, the well-chosen features and the album's unabashed stare at the issues and problems that he'd overcome to get there—not to mention a touch of awe that he'd actually achived it—added up to a worthwhile followup to his 2012 debut. Maybe it was Nicki and Drake that took some of his work to the next level, but Meek Mill stands right next to the best in terms of raw lyricism and storytelling in 2015, and he produced an album that underlined that honor. —Dan Rys

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Vince Staples, Summertime '06
Label: Def Jam/ARTium
Release Date: June 30

There's a long, storied lineage of West Coast street rappers, but Vince Staples was never one to follow anyone's idea of a formula. The young Long Beach MC instead went against the grain and delivered a relentless double disc full of grimy street stories mixed with reality raps about growing up in the hood and not quite knowing how to get out, instead carving a path to survival that exists as a blueprint for his peers who crave individuality without betraying their core values. Staples' debut album may have come too soon for many rap fans who are still learning his name, but the quality of the project transcends any consumer-centric perception of Summertime '06. —Dan Rys

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Lil Wayne, Free Weezy Album
Label: Young Money
Release Date: July 4

This album calls for placement among the upper echelon simply due to the fact it marks the independence of one of the most dangerous MC to ever grace the rap game. The Free Weezy Album is Wayne's first LP since announcing his departure from Cash Money Records, the home of all of his previous work and Tunechi sounds fresh, relaxed and energized in a way that he hadn't been of late. —Miranda J.

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Statik Selektah, Lucky 7
Label: Duck Down/Showoff
Release Date: July 7

On his seventh and, reportedly, last solo producer album, Statik Selektah took his formula of rounding up the best rap talent around and putting them over the best beats he could provide and rode it to another project that is simply overflowing in quality. With vets like Sean Price, Bun B, Styles P, Talib Kweli, Royce Da 5'9", Fame and Smif-N-Wessun mixing it up with young guns like Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T., Dave East, Rapsody, Mick Jenkins and CJ Fly, among many others, the lyrical quality was always going to be top notch. You already know Statik held it down from the production end. So what did you expect? Statik delivered again. —Dan Rys

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Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge, 12 Reasons To Die II
Label: Linear Labs
Release Date: July 10

Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge linked up for the sequel to their first collaborative LP, Twelve Reasons To Die, with part II constructing a mid-1970s underground crime war with Ghostface's Tony Starks character in the middle while RZA narrates the tale. Compared to the initial 2013 LP, Ghost and Younge clean up the holes with tighter sequencing and amazing guest features from Raekwon, 2015 XXL Freshman Vince Staples, Scarub and Chino XL. With over 20 years in the game, Ghost’s storytelling ability and imagination still flourishes. —Emmanuel C.M.

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