Despite hailing from Detroit, Royce da 5’9″ confidently claims that the West Coast rappers make the best albums in the culture. This statement came in the form of a recent tweet, seemingly occurring to Nickel out of nowhere, inspiring him to give praise.
The tweet reads “West Coast artist make the best albums… I just realized this. KDot Game YG NIP Roddy Quick Dre Snoop Cube Anderson School Boy Q .. Damn.” Who could disagree? Each of the rappers he named have at least one significant album to the culture beyond their general mic presence and talents.
What’s really interesting is that the peak of West Coast attention came in the 90’s, but Royce names mostly newer acts. Kendrick, ScHoolboy Q, the late great Nipsey Hussle, YG, Anderson .Paak and lately Roddy Ricch have been holding it down hard all decade.Despite not being mentioned, Tyler, the Creator is often overlooked as a West Coastman due to his music’s unique qualities, but he’s changed the entire style for the better.
California Love
This isn’t even to mention the OG West Coast MC’s that are solidified legends. Though he mentioned Snoop and Cube, there’s also Dr. Dre and the rest of N.W.A.’s stellar albums as well. Another group Royce also left out is The Pharcyde, a crucial instance of lightheartedness that the West Coast always appreciated. And of course, if there’s any name that need be mentioned in this conversation, who could it be but 2Pac.
Royce gives us an important reminder that the talent out West is as capable of making high class art as those in the East and South. He’s certainly not discrediting the others, just giving necessary flowers to important contributors to the culture.
Do you agree with Royce that the West Coast makes the best albums in Hip-Hop? Whether or not you do, you definitely have to agree that he mentioned some important names with some fire albums.
Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1