This year J. Cole takes this award. It is somewhat of a bitter sweet victory for everyone who supports Cole. Many people, including myself, were anticipating the possibility of this young NC rapper to be in the Album of the Year discussion. Although that pleasure may not happen until the next award ceremony, we must give Cole his props by staying relevant and dropping the best mixtape this year (And maybe the best complete body of work). Jermaine displayed the lyrical ability that makes us believe he will be here for years to come. His utter honesty and brash delivery is like a breathe of fresh air, and he displayed these attributes on Friday Night Lights. It’s a Cole World.
Runner Up: K.R.I.T. Wuz Here