i dont think there can be a best bay area rap album for 2004, only your favorite bay rap album for 2004. the big names in the bay dropped their shit in 2004. a lot of these albums slap, but you'll like an album more than another because of what type of music moves you. some people like that get stupid shit and are feelin mac dre's, the federation or the turf talk. or if you want that lyrical content you might go for the quinn or frontline. etc and etc. i gets stooie, i pick TURF TALK "STREET NOVELIST"!!!