2017 will remain a year to remember whether you remember it based on President Trump, the recurrence of North Korea threats, or maybe the uprising in racial matters. Hopefully, most will remember 2017 as the year music took over. We have seen artists like Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Eminem, and most recently Joyner Lucas, say their piece on racial issues.

We witnessed the uphill battle of “old generations” versus “new generations” which was triggered by the uprise of rappers like Lil Uzi Vert and Kodak Black. Or the sudden free *blank* rapper trend, such as Tay-K, and XXXTentacion. Most of 2017 was run by Kendrick Lamar who took 2017 by storm and completely shattered the Top 5 debate between Drake, Chance The Rapper, Big Sean, and J Cole.

At the start of 2017 Migos dominated with Culture, their first major debut album which featured hit songs such as; Bad and Boujee ft. Lil Uzi Vert, T-Shirt, and Get Right Witcha. Future then took his toll on 2017 releasing two solo albums, HENDRIX and Future, and eventually Big Sean would hop in the “ring” with I Decided. March and April brought Drake’s More Life, Khalid’s first mainstream album American Teen, Ed Sheeran’s Divide, and Kodak Black’s first major album Painting Pictures. All of these albums would each feature a song which would ultimately dominate 2017.

Mid-way through we received glorious gifts like Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN., XXXTentacion’s first album since his recent freedom from prison Revenge, Jay Z’s prolific album 4:44, and album of the year nominee Flower Boy from Tyler The Creator. Towards the end album releases simmered down, the most notable being Lil Uzi Vert’s Luv Is Rage 2. Although we were gifted many singles which would leave their mark, Rockstar Post Malone ft. 21 Savage, and Joyner Lucas’ I’m Not Racist being the most notable.

Recently interviewed students and staff of Eaglecrest High School expressed their thoughts on 2017 music. Christian Moyston states “Kendrick won 2017 because DAMN. told an actual story about his own life, and I’ve been listening to Kendrick since 2012-2013, but don’t sleep on XXXTentacion or YBN Nahmir because they’re blowing up. Plus I can’t wait till Travis Scott’s Astroworld.”

Kaasir Lumumba claims that “Ski Mask won 2017 with Catch Me Outside and he also believes DAMN. was the best album from this year off the fact that it is a personal story of Kendrick’s life. Plus I can’t wait for Kid Trunks (untitled album).” As far as who Lumumba believes is the greatest rap artist ever, he had a more interesting outlook in which he believes Tech N9ne will take the title on account of his lyricism and Tech N9ne being underrated.

Spanish teacher,. Mary K. Dillaman, illustrates a different look on music of this generation. She states, “I think I am a generation behind in music, and I only listen to music to and from school, plus children’s music.” She also has listened to Jay-Z’s self proclaimed 4:44, and attended his concert. Dillaman believes his messages were to his family and about some of the unfortunate situations we face as a country, including his apology song directed to his family. Dillaman thinks that either Jay Z’s 4:44 or Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic were the best albums. She unfortunately or maybe fortunately has never heard of Lil Uzi Vert or any newer generation artists on which she says, “I feel really lame for not knowing any of these artists!”

Personally, I have had many musical influences in my life and believe this year was run by artists on the rise, but Kendrick Lamar had his input. Overall I believe Lil Pump won 2017, on behalf of his rising popularity, bringing in over 1 million followers a month on Instagram, and his song of the summer “Gucci Gang”.

The best album this year was Flower Boy from Tyler the Creator who didn’t cease to amaze me in his uses of instrumentals and lyrics. Before 2017 comes to a end I’m still waiting for the arrival of A$AP Rocky’s untitled tape or Big Sean & Metro Boomin’s collaborative tape.