Cover Artists Rule Complex’s Top 25 of 2011

Over at Complex the team has undertaken to declare their top 25 albums to date in the year 2011. What would ordinarily just be a strong discussion-starter (and really, Goblin at 25? Lasers at 23? No Shaolin vs. Wu Tang at all?) is also a terrific reminder of what we hope you already knew: the cover artists are taking over.

On spring cover artist Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group’s “Self Made: Vol.1“, the number six album:

With his team assembled, Rick Ross put together a posse album that let each member of his crew get their proper shine—a rare feat for a compilation. Production by esteemed producers like Just Blaze, Lex Luger, and The Inkredibles was carefully chosen to craft the Maybach Music Group’s collective tone, built in the aesthetics of Ross’ “B.M.F. (Blowing Money Fast).” Meek Mill, Pill, and Wale bring the heat as they adapt their styles to Ross’ brand. Brandishing some certified bangers like “600 Benz” and “Tupac Back,” Self Made should prove to be the perfect springboard for Rozay’s eager soldiers.

On our most recent cover artists Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″‘s “Hell: The Sequel“, the number two album:

Over a decade after their classic single “Nuthin’ To Do”/“Scary Movies,” rap fans finally got an Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” collaborative album. We were so excited we dedicated a whole week’s worth of content to it. The timing couldn’t have been better for these two to hook up again. Nickel Nine is a better rapper today than he ever was before, and after dealing with the inherently heavy-handed topics of Recovery, Eminem is ready to have fun again as he jokes about Lady Gaga working at the post office because she’s a “male lady” (Get it?). On Hell, we finally find out exactly what happens when Bad Meets Evil—they bring out the best of each other as they go bar for bar in an endless game of lyrical one-upmanship.

Via Complex