Top Future Albums: A Definitive Ranking of His Best Work

By: Michael's Melodies

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As a die-hard fan of hip-hop, I’ve watched Future’s meteoric rise to fame with keen interest. His unique blend of trap and melodic rap has not only defined a genre but has also given us a discography that’s both prolific and influential.

Ranking Future’s albums is like walking through a gallery of modern hip-hop masterpieces. Each record has its own vibe, hits, and misses, and I’m here to sift through the noise and give you the definitive list of Future’s albums, from the must-listens to the deep cuts.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music, I’m excited to share my take on where each of Future’s projects stands. It’s time to dive into the highs and lows of his career and see which albums come out on top.

The Beginnings of Future’s Discography

When I first caught wind of Future, he was a burgeoning talent fresh out of Atlanta’s hotbed of hip-hop innovation. His early work was peppered with ambitious mixtapes that began laying the groundwork for a new wave of rap music. Tracks infused with the autotune-heavy, syrupy flows would soon become his signature sound.

His debut album, Pluto, released in 2012, was a bold proclamation of his unique style. With features from big names like Drake and Snoop Dogg, Future marked his territory in the mainstream. Chart-climbers from Pluto like “Turn on the Lights” showcased his melodic prowess, while “Tony Montana” emphasized his affiliation with trap’s grittier ethos.

  • Key Tracks from Pluto:
    • Turn on the Lights
    • Tony Montana
    • Magic (Remix) feat. T.I.

As the years progressed, Future’s sound evolved with a rapid-fire release of projects that shook the foundations of trap music. Honest, which dropped in 2014, was an evolution of his artistry, drenched in honesty and a certain vulnerability not often heard in the trap scene. I was struck by the authentic storytelling in tracks such as “I Won” featuring Kanye West, where Future veered away from braggadocio to explore deeper themes of love and legacy.

  • Standout Tracks from Honest:
    • I Won feat. Kanye West
    • Move That Dope feat. Pharrell, Pusha T, and Casino

It’s undeniable that these early albums and the mixtapes that accompanied them were crucial to the foundation of what would become a sprawling and celebrated discography. The experimentation with sound and raw lyrical content in these initial releases paved the way for the evolutions of style that would captivate the ears of listeners worldwide. Each project laid another brick in the path toward dominance in the hip-hop genre, a path that Future navigated with the foresight of his moniker.

Rising to Fame: Future’s Breakthrough Projects

After setting the stage with his early work, I turned my attention to the projects that catapulted Future into the limelight. The period between 2015 and 2017 marked a meteoric rise in his career with a series of releases that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. DS2 (Dirty Sprite 2), released in 2015, is a prime example. Fueled by hits like “Where Ya At” featuring Drake, this album topped the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to its impact.

Evolve or Be Extinct could be a phrase that underscores Future’s instinct to innovate. The year 2017 saw him making history by releasing two back-to-back number one albums within a week: FUTURE and HNDRXX. Here’s a quick snapshot of their success:

Album Release Date Billboard 200 Position
FUTURE Feb 17, 2017 1
HNDRXX Feb 24, 2017 1

These projects showed two sides of the artist – FUTURE was loaded with trap anthems, while HNDRXX unveiled a more vulnerable and melodic aspect of his music. The contrast between the albums highlighted his versatility and solidified his status as a key player in the hip-hop industry.

Beyond album sales and chart positions, Future’s influence extended to how other artists approached their craft. His sound became a blueprint for success in the mid-2010s, with many trying to emulate his unique blend of melodies and trap rhythms. Tracks like “Mask Off” from the self-titled album went viral, not just for their catchy hooks but for their cultural impact, spawning myriad challenges on social media platforms.

While maintaining his musical output, I’ve noticed how Future’s relentless work ethic sparked a wave of creativity within the hip-hop community. Collaborative efforts such as What a Time to Be Alive with Drake further cemented his position in the industry, proving that he’s not just a solo powerhouse but also a formidable force in partnerships.

Exploring Different Sounds: Future’s Experimental Albums

I’ve witnessed Future’s audacious approach to music firsthand. He never shies away from pushing boundaries, constantly expanding his sonic repertoire. This sense of experimentation is evident in albums like “Save Me” and “The WIZRD”.

“Save Me” dropped in 2019 as an EP that caught many by surprise. I remember the chilling blend of trap and R&B, a stark departure from his earlier thumping anthems. The project presented fans with a more subdued and introspective Future, one who wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Tracks like “Love Thy Enemies” and “St. Lucia” encapsulate this shift, revealing layers to his artistry previously untapped.

On the flip side, “The WIZRD” serves as a testament to Future’s undying commitment to innovation. Released in 2019, it fuses elements from his classic trap roots with psychedelic and rock influences, producing an otherworldly experience. I still get lost in the layered synths and crisp snares of tunes like “F&N” and “Call the Coroner”, evidence of his bold forays into new realms.

Future’s willingness to explore has paved the way for an eclectic range of music. Some key exploratory tracks include:

  • “Extra”
  • “Shotgun”
  • “Government Official”
  • “Never Stop”

Diving deeper, the experimentation in Future’s music not only showcases his versatility but also keeps his sound fresh and unexpected. It ensures that I’m always on my toes, anticipating what sort of auditory curveball he’ll throw next. One thing’s for certain, the fusion of different musical elements in these albums underscores an artist in relentless pursuit of growth and reinvention, unboxing new avenues and opportunities within the hip-hop spectrum.

Returning to Success: Future’s Comeback Records

In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, maintaining relevance is no easy feat. Yet, Future’s ability to bounce back with albums that hit the mark is nothing short of impressive. His comeback records are a testament to his resilience and innate understanding of the genre’s pulse.

“High Off Life”, released in 2020, is a prime example of Future’s return to form. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his seventh consecutive album to achieve this milestone. The album boasts a star-studded lineup of features and producers, ensuring a mix of sounds that resonate with a broad audience.

Year Album Chart Position
2020 High Off Life 1
2021 I NEVER LIKED YOU TBD

Tracks like “Life Is Good” featuring Drake and “Solitaires” with Travis Scott highlight Future’s knack for creating catchy hooks while seamlessly blending with other artists’ styles – a skill that has kept him at the peak of hip-hop success.

Following up, “I NEVER LIKED YOU” – though its chart performance was yet to be seen at the time of this writing – promises to be another powerful addition to his discography. Future’s constant engagement with industry trends, without sacrificing his individuality, ensures each album feels both familiar and fresh.

Future doesn’t just stick to the script of successful mainstream rap; he pushes the envelope with each record, integrating emotive verses with tales of triumph. His music remains a staple at clubs and on the radio, as he deftly shapes each comeback album to capture the spirit of the times.

Moving forward, Future’s discography will continue to evolve. His upcoming projects are heavily anticipated by fans and critics alike, as they speculate on the direction he’ll take next. With his track record, it’s likely Future will continue to defy expectations and deliver records that not only chart but also redefine the boundaries of his artistry.

Future’s Magnum Opus: Ranking His Career-Defining Album

Delving into Future’s discography, it’s clear that DS2, also known as Dirty Sprite 2, stands out as his magnum opus. Released in 2015, this album encapsulates the peak of Future’s creative prowess and has been widely regarded as one of the most pivotal works in his career.

Here is how I dissect the crown jewel of Future’s releases:

  • DS2 is a sonic masterpiece that blends trap beats with introspective lyrics.
  • The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing Future’s status in the hip-hop hierarchy.
  • With anthems like “Thought It Was a Drought” and “Where Ya At” featuring Drake, DS2 showcases Future’s knack for creating bangers that resonate with his audience.
Track Billboard Hot 100 Rank
Thought It Was a Drought Not Charted
Where Ya At 28

This album isn’t just a collection of hits, though; it’s the culmination of Future’s experiences, storytelling, and musical evolution prior to its release. Each track offers a window into the artist’s psyche, detailing stories of love, loss, success, and the excesses that often accompany fame.

Behind the entrancing melodies and booming bass lines, there are layers to unravel. For instance, “The Percocet & Stripper Joint” juxtaposes the celebratory nature of the beat with the sense of solitude in the lyrics. It’s this complexity that elevates DS2 beyond just another trap album to a landmark record in Future’s career.

While other albums before and after have shown different facets of Future’s artistry, DS2 is unmatched in its impact and the depth it offers. It’s the album that not only defined his career but also left a lasting imprint on the genre itself.

Even today, tracks from DS2 are in heavy rotation for many hip-hop fans, a testament to its longevity and influence. The sounds pioneered on this album have echoed through the work of countless artists who have followed in Future’s footsteps.

Conclusion

Ranking Future’s albums has taken me on a journey through a career that’s as eclectic as it is influential. DS2 stands tall as a testament to his artistry and its ripple effect across the music scene is undeniable. I’ve watched Future grow from his raw beginnings into a trailblazer who consistently pushes the envelope. His discography isn’t just a collection of tracks—it’s a mosaic of modern hip-hop’s evolution. As I look ahead I’m eager to see where his unceasing innovation takes him next. For fans and newcomers alike exploring Future’s body of work is to witness the unfolding of a genre-defining legacy.