October was a scary month for a number of reasons. Of course, itended with Halloween, but it also featured some of the most low rent politics the country has ever seen, with even the FBI getting into the action. What’s even more frightening, amongst all the jockeying for position, there was almost nary a word about critical issues facing all of us, like climate change. That very matter was addressed in the Leonardo DiCaprio documentary, Before The Flood, which was arguably the most terrifying film of the year. Amidst it all, there was incredible Hip-Hop which, at times, raised issues, and in other instances, helped to take our minds off them.

Andre 3000, Nas, Method Man & More Made Sure Hip-Hop Did Not Fall In September (Audio)

Common dedicated an album to discussing the state of “Black America.” Eminem released a freestyle, which will contend for verse of the year. For 7 minutes, he touched on politics in only a way Slim Shady could. Kxng Crooked and Jeff N Fess (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Rhymefest) addressed the police violence that continues to plague our country. Macklemore rapped about the near epidemic level of addiction that has gripped many of us and/or loved ones, doing so from his own personal experience and taking unscrupulous pharmaceutical companies and doctors to task. And, unlikely allies like Rick Ross and Talib Kweli came together to address discrimination against Muslims. The year of Rap beef also continued with Pusha T and Drake taking shots at each other, and Beanie Sigel getting a few things off his chest regarding Meek Mill.

There was also plenty of just plain great music. Vinnie Paz and Ghostface Killah joined forces for a collaboration, Big K.R.I.T. rapped about his independence from Def Jam, Joe Budden released a #1 album on the Hip-Hop and R&B charts, The Game continued to be one of Hip-Hop’s most consistent artists, Run The Jewels debuted the first single from RTJ3, Anderson .Paak reunited with Knxwledge for another NxWorries album, Ab-Soul inched closer to releasing his new album, and much more.

Take a listen to all that and more above.