Here are the SPIN picks for the Best 40 Hip-Hop Albums of 2014.
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Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint (Young Money/Cash Money/Republic)
Nicki puzzles people so much because they have this silly idea that the best rapper in the world couldn't look like a Barbie, wouldn't flaunt an obsession with the color pink, and wouldn't sing EDM pop songs when the mood (or business strategy) strikes. These prejudices will always be there, even when she's triple-timing circles around haters in "Want Some More," or quietly exerting her orders to "just put the head in" on "Get on Your Knees." Early complaints that The Pinkprint is too slow are absurd in an indie year defined by Sun Kil Moon, FKA twigs and the War on Drugs. Her Minajesty never lets a track escape without a fetching melody or spooky dissonance, or settles for one-dimensional sex tales. She does whatever the **** she wants. D.W.
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Azealia Banks, Broke With Expensive Taste (Prospect Park)
Azealia Banks may not be politically correct — or, frankly, punctual — but her long-awaited debut (yes, debut!) album proves that she's a capital-A artist. From old favorites like the proudly filthy "212" to spine-tingling standouts like "Ice Princess" and the hopscotching "Soda," Banks effortlessly spits over some of her most intriguing and impenetrable beats. Hopefully we don't need to wait three more years for an equally ballsy and out-there sophomore effort. JAMES GREBEY
