The Top 20 Best Songs of 2022

2022 was a fantastic year in music and gave us some incredible songs, but what was the best? Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit"? Denzel Curry's "Walkin"? Benny the Butcher and J. Cole on "Johnny P's Caddy? What about Omar Apollo's "Evergreen"? In today's special StereoVision feature Miles and Spencer sit down and give their top 20 songs of 2022 as well as some honorable mentions


Listen to all our picks on our “Best of 2022” playlist:

 
 
 

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Interviewing Denzel Curry Fans at his Show in LA // StereoVision Concert Vlogs

Huge shoutout to Denzel's team for bringing us out to the 'Melt My Eyez See Your Future' tour at The Novo in LA, Zel brought the house down and we had a great time talking to fans and watching the show. The Florida artist played new hits like "Walkin" and "Troubles" while also throwing it back to older cuts like "Ultimate" and "ULT"

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DENZEL CURRY // MELT MY EYEZ SEE YOUR FUTURE REACTION & REVIEW

Denzel Curry is back with his new album 'Melt My Eyez See Your Future' which features 6LACK, J.I.D, Rico Nasty, T-Pain, 454, and more!

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StereoVision's AOTY Power Rankings: Week One

 

By StereoVision Staff

Welcome to our Album of the year power ranking series! Each week all our team members submit their “top 10 albums of 2020 so far” along with some notes about why their list looks the way it does. These lists are then compiled into our overall power rankings which you can find below. Keep scrolling to see each team members personal list which gives interesting insight on how different albums age over the course of the year for specific people. Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoy the article!

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The teams picks:

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Besides death, sickness, and tragedy, if you’re a rap fan in 2020 there very little you have to complain about. We’ve already been blessed with enough anticipated releases, albums from industry heavy-weights, and overall excellent music in general to keep me content in quarantine for the remainder of the year. All jokes aside, as fans of hip-hop we really have been spoiled with great music in 2020 which I think might be exactly what we need in the face of a national crisis. Childish Gambino’s new album debuts at number one for me because well I’ve already listened to the record 10+ times, every time I press play it still takes my breathe away. With this being said, this weeks number one spot was very difficult to select because of how fun LUV vs. The World 2 still is and because of the sheer ability that Jay Electronica showcases on A Written Testimony. -Spencer Lobdell

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Name another album as captivating and versatile as CHILOMBO that is also 20 tracks long with no skips…  Anyway, as a person who is inspired by the stories of others, PTSD and A Written Testimony are currently both two of my favorite projects. Both showcase a skillful pen and instrumentals that allow them to get their bars off. Honestly, Meg and Nudy only made my list because they are two artists I want to stay in the conversation. I’m just waiting for more music. -Amaya Lorick

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So for my list, The Weeknd comes out on top due to the fact that he fully reinvented his sound for After Hours, as well as the fact that the album's narrative is fully cohesive and features the best production on any album I've heard from him (also I'm a big sucker for synthwave). LUV vs. The World 2 was easily the most fun album I've heard this year, so that comes in at #2. 070 Shake and Gambino both had R&B albums that took experimental pop routes, and I really enjoyed them. Denzel Curry and Gupi's albums had some of the most complex and mind-boggling production I've heard this year. Mac's on there for the sentiment and heart behind his album, polearm is a newcomer with a unique, psychedelic pop-rap sound, and Tame Impala's album wasn't my favorite material of his, but it delivered a few key tracks that have high replay value for me. -Owen Tait

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Just three months into 2020, this year is stacking up to be one of the best in recent history for hip hop. With plenty of industry giants dropping this year and many more big names rumored to drop this year, the fight for the best project of the year will be fierce. But in the current crop of albums available now, Mac Miller's posthumous record Circles is by far and away the cream. The project is a beautiful send-off to Miller and his fans, completing his discography and symbolizing the final step an astutely profound sonic evolution as an artist. Between dazzling collaborative efforts from Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats (UNLOCKED) and Boldy James and The Alchemist (The Price of Tea in China), and Uzi's impressive pair of projects Eternal Atake and LUV vs. The World 2, 2020 has already been a wild ride. -Luke Modugno

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2020 has been a pretty terrible year, but from a musical sense it has not disappointed. 3.15.20 by Childish Gambino and A Written Testimony are two albums by artists at their creative peak. These are projects that will remain in these power rankings very deep into the year no matter what else is released. Brent Fiyaz did what he had to do on F**k the World. He hasn't released a full length project since 2017 and with this he stepped right back into form. Don Toliver has been generating buzz since he was featured on Astroworld and gave us a concise project filled with his hits. The rap community was blessed by Uzi with not one, but two pieces of new music. Both LUV vs The World 2 and Eternal Atake highlight the fact that Uzi never settles with his status in music and is always looking to give his fans a new and exciting experience. -Miles Hagan

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This year got off to a slow start in terms of big record releases but as March comes to close we already have a few significant albums under our belt. With Uzi dropping two records after two and a half years, a new Tame Impala record after five, and THE Jay Electronica album after twelve, 2020 has been a great year already for highly anticipated projects. From The Weeknd’s energetic R&B/Hip-Hop Synthesis to Denzel Curry’s long-awaited mix, these are the sounds that have defined my year thus far. -Carter Fife

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At number one, ‘A Written Testimony’ may be a questionable choice to many music fans out there since it is not your traditional debut album. But, it’s the most important release this year. Numbers 2, 3, and 4 were a bit of a challenge. Although Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Eternal Atake’ is undoubtedly the most fun album of 2020, musically it just doesn’t match ‘Circles’ and ‘Chilombo’. At 8 and 9, I had no choice but to incorporate two of my maybe lesser known artists with Boldy James and J Hus. The two released some of the best rap projects this year, J Hus even went #1 on the UK Billboard chart. The Weeknd caps off the list at number 10 since it just came out. -Courtney Fields

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As we approach the end of March, I think that the album releases this year prove to show more quality than quantity. I stay busy listening to Mac Miller’s bittersweet final project Circles, Jay Electronica’s long-awaited album A Written Testimony, and the new Lil Wayne record Funeral (he really doesn’t miss). The artist that most surprised me, however, was G Herbo. His new project PTSD has become a personal favorite because of his ability to paint a picture with his words, accompanied by fire features like Juice WRLD, 21 Savage, and Chance the Rapper. If the rest of 2020 looks anything like the first three months, we’re in store for a strong year. -Colson O’Connor


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Revisiting Denzel Curry’s Long-Awaited Mix: '13LOOD IN + 13LOOD OUT' Mixtape Review

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After almost a year of cryptic tweets and delayed release dates, last month Carol City rapper Denzel Curry finally released his new BLOOD IN + BLOOD OUT MIX (stylized as ‘13LOOD IN + 13LOOD OUT MIXX’). Clocking in at around 13 minutes with approximately 8 tracks, BLOOD IN + BLOOD OUT sees Curry at his finest after two of the busiest years of his career. Between two critically-acclaimed records, over four separate tour circuits, and numerous guest appearances on tracks such as Flying Lotus’ ‘Black Balloons Reprise’, many believed that Curry might have been inclined to take a breather in 2020. Despite this, Zxltron has graced fans with two separate projects this year, and it is only February.

BLOOD IN + BLOOD OUT sees a true return to form for Denzel Curry as he finds himself rapping over abrasive 808-laden instrumentals. The aural register of this project is an interesting synthesis of Curry’s older styles: the mix has the intensity of his 13 EP, melodies that came from the TA13OO and ZUU chopping block, and dark lyrics that parallel his earliest work on the genre-defining Nostalgia 64. It is on these tracks that we are able to see Curry’s influence on the Florida rap scene, and though many artists that have been influenced by Curry’s style (XXXTentacion, Ski Mask the Slump God, Spaceghostpurrp, Xavier Wulf, etc.) have ended up eclipsing the rapper, that does not prevent him from consistently delivering high-quality projects and perfecting his craft. This newest project showcases this idea perfectly, with every track exploring different hip-hop styles while remaining part of a cohesive mix. The tracks compliment each other by blending into each other nicely, and by featuring Curry’s peers like Zillakami, SpaceGhostPurrp, and Xavier Wulf. 

Some cuts, like ‘WELCOME TO THE FUTURE’, are great windows into the hip-hop powerhouse that Denzel Curry has become while also nodding to his past works. The track effortlessly weaves between hard-hitting hip-hop percussion and spacious melodies where Curry sings “I could've ended my life with a .45, When I was high, I would feel like a low life, This was the vibe, I was havin' a whole time, Say, "Fuck a nine," had to grind to the bedtime”. BLOOD IN + BLOOD OUT also gave fans the second “super-saiyan” track that Curry teased before releasing the former on 2018’s TA13OO while leaving the latter to dissolve into hip-hop mythology. ‘GOGETA’, as it is now known, carries Denzel’s signature combination of dark and dejected lyrics paired with anime and Pokemon references. This track is powerful and motivating, with the lyrics fading out as ‘Black Power’ gets drowned out by a pulsating bass signal.

This mix has a little something for every fan of Denzel Curry, but it is definitely meant for lovers of the intensity found in 2017’s 13 EP. Though BLOOD IN + BLOOD OUT was shorter than some would have preferred, it will likely serve as the appetizer for whatever Curry has in store for us this year.

Favorite Tracks

EVIL TWIN

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE

GOGETA

Rating: 9


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“UNLOCKED” Dishes out an Air-Tight Blend of Boom-Bap and Experimental Hip-Hop Featuring Some of Kenny Beats’ and Denzel Curry’s Most Daring Performances

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Ever since the exponential growth of the underground hip-hop scene on streaming platforms such as SoundCloud, many rappers have struggled to maintain a reliable, consistent run in the limelight. Not the case for Floridian artist Denzel Curry. Ever since his breakout single “Ultimate” took the internet by storm in 2015, the Carol City native has seemingly perfected and reinvented his sound multiple times. His 2018 release Ta13oo spiraled into the dark depths of Curry’s persona, boasting sinister, unrelenting tracks such as “Clout Cobain,” “Percs,” and “Vengeance,” featuring experimental rapper JPEGMAFIA and City Morgue member Zillakami. 2019’s Zuu was a triumphant ode to his city, and 2020’s 13lood In + 13lood Out reinforced the darker themes he explored in previous projects. 

Now, not even a month later, Curry has teamed up with underground producer Kenny Beats, whose collaborations range from 03 Greedo to Rico Nasty to Dominic Fike, to release an eight track EP titled “UNLOCKED.” The project marks the duo’s first official collaboration over streaming services, but the two had worked together on Kenny Beats’ signature YouTube series “The Cave” the previous year. In addition to the EP, the two released a highly entertaining animated film to accompany the project. The short was visually thrilling and absolutely hilarious, but luckily, the album functions just as well without it.

The project’s opening track is mainly instrumental, featuring an unsettling, vintage vocal sample that narrates over the majority of the cut. However, in the last leg of the track, the beat switches to a villainous boom-bap anthem, and glitchy vocal samples introduce Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats as the main antagonists. Kenny Beats keeps his mean streak hot on “Take_it_Back_v2,” a clunky, hard as nails cut on which Denzel reveals his true motives: to finish his competition. Lines such as “I don't got candy but I'll turn your head to Gushers, sucka / When you see the barrel better pucker” allow him to perfectly balance his goofier persona with darker content. Furthermore, the choppy flows and heavy percussion serve as an ode to old school boom-bap, an aesthetic that remains prevalent throughout the rest of the record.

One particular method Kenny uses to pull off this aesthetic is by making many of instrumentals’ melodies very subtle, putting emphasis on the thumping percussion and creating more rigid, brash drumlines similar to the ones present in much of old-school hip-hop. Additionally, the abundance of chopped interludes and pitched vocals call back to old methods of sampling found in projects such as Madvillainy; however, Kenny Beats manages to throw experimental twists into the equation, making every unexpected quirk and sample a welcome surprise. Tracks such as “‘Cosmic’.m4a” and “So.Incredible.pkg” exemplify this spectacularly and carry a super fresh sound as a result. And Kenny isn’t the only one making callbacks on this project: tracks such as “DIET_” and the aforementioned “‘Cosmic’.m4a” feature Denzel sporting boisterous inflections reminiscent of rappers such as DMX and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and aside from the obvious comparisons, he’s the most animated he’s sounded in a long time.

Occasionally, Kenny and Denzel return to the current wave of underground rap, crafting minimalist, nocturnal bangers with in-your-face bass and and haunting melodies. The track “Lay_Up.m4a” incorporates a chunky west coast bassline and some of Denzel’s hardest bars on the project. It’s certainly a good detour from the rest of the album’s sound, and the same goes for the penultimate interlude, a trippy instrumental with numerous beat switches and a funky bassline throughout. On the track, Kenny combines elements of acid jazz with chopped versions of Denzel’s vocals from other cuts on the project. Overall, it makes for a tight, satisfying journey, and it perfectly transitions into the anthemic final track, “‘Cosmic’.m4a.”

With UNLOCKED, Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats come through with an EP that has very few flaws. Its tracklist is airtight at just under 18 minutes, the instrumentals are a near-perfect blend of modern experimental hip-hop and old-school boom-bap, and Denzel’s vocal deliveries are as dynamic as ever. However, as I experienced multiple times during my first listen, listeners may scoff at some of Denzel’s punchlines or find them extremely corny. While bars such as “Harry Potter clip filled with deadly ass hollows” are certainly clever, lines such as “Doctor buggin out like Flick versus Hopper” don’t hold up as well, and others such as “Captain Planet / I'm on my packin' cannons to crack Atlantis” don’t even make much sense to begin with. Hell, even the line about Gushers mentioned earlier could be seen as too goofy to take seriously.

Despite this issue that may turn some listeners off, I found the EP as a whole very enjoyable. The off-the-wall production, flighty interludes, and aggressive flows and vocal performances from Denzel Curry make for an entertaining ride. Furthermore, at under 20 minutes, the project flies by with no problem, increasing replay value and giving fans a set of enticing tracks to hold them over until Denzel’s next full length project. Earlier, I discussed the longevity problem that many new artists face in today’s industry, but if Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats continue to put out work this consistent, I can’t see them fading out anytime soon.

Favorite Tracks

Take_it_Back_v2

DIET_

‘Cosmic’.m4a

Rating: 8

Listen to UNLOCKED here:

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The Top 25 Hip-Hop/R&B Albums of 2019

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Welcome to StereoVision’s top 25 hip-hop/r&b albums of 2019. The past twelve months have been filled with highly anticipated releases that exceeded expectations, debut albums that catapulted unknown artists into stardom, and experimental projects that pushed boundaries and continued to move us towards a world where music can no longer be described by genre. With so much great music constantly being released, it can be hard to keep up and sometimes exceptional albums go overlooked. That’s where we come in. Over the last two weeks on 2019, our team of writers and critic here at StereoVision have been revisiting 2019’s deep discography and making sure that our readers won’t enter the new decade having missed out on one of the best projects of the year. For each album selected in our year-end list, our team selected three standout tracks from the record which were compiled into a playlist which you can find here:

Listen along as you read and get a taste of any project you might have not tapped into in 2019. Now without further ado, the top 25 hip-hop/r&b projects of 2019:


25. Please Excuse ME For Being AntiSocial by Roddy Ricch

 
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Release Date: December 6th

Record Label: Atlantic Records

At the beginning of December, LA’s golden child released his debut album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial and solidified his spot as one of the top emerging emcees rapping. After dropping potentially the song of the year in “Ballin” with DJ Mustard, Roddy Ricch continued to ride his momentum into his first real album creating a project that is packed with hits without ever sacrificing cohesion or the flow. The album clearly showcases everything fans love about Roddy: His vivid story telling that instantly transports listeners to South Central Los Angeles upon pressing play (“Intro”), his ear for hit melodies and cool California vernacular (“The Box”), and his piercing singing voice that always flexes perfect pitch (“High Fashion”). The cherry on top of this excellent offering is masterfully crafted transitions that allow each song to seamlessly flow into the next making the entire album feel complete. Omitting only Baby Keem, there is no new artist I’m more excited to hear music from in 2020 than Roddy Ricch. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

The Box

High Fashion (Feat. Mustard)

Bacc Seat (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)


24. foto by Kota the friend

 
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Release Date: May 15th

Record Label: Independent

This spring, Kota the friend dropped the incredibly bright FOTO, an instant classic for his cult following and a wholesome introduction to the New York rapper to new listeners. Throughout the album’s hour long run time, Kota uses each song as a different memory painting an authentic self portrait and helping us understand who Kota the Friend truly is. This intimate connection he is able to make with listeners is undoubtably why the rising artist has such a dedicated fan base and why his stock continues to rise everyday. On FOTO Kota accomplishes exactly what he set out to achieve. He paints a picture of his life so vivid that I felt like I was there when Kota’s mom and his aunt Marcell saw their father at the dance studio for the first time in years. Kota beautifully creates a photo album that he can go back to and reference while still keeping the quality of his music and its mainstream appeal at an all-time high. Thank you to Kota The Friend for a summer soundtrack that I predict will still be getting played in years to come. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Songs:

Church

Hollywood

Alkaline


23. Outer peace by toro y moi

 
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Release Date: January 18th

Record Label: Carpark Records

Within the first few weeks of 2019, fans of Toro Y Moi were blessed with a new album from Chaz Bear himself. During the promotion for Outer Peace, Bear frequently mentioned how he was tired of making sad love songs, and on Outer Peace there is a clear shift from the pensive sadness of 2017’s Boo Boo into a emotional range that while being fun and optimistic, still has its moments of melancholy and doubt. At 10 tracks long, the Bay-Area native provides his fans with a diverse family of tracks, some low-fi and melodic like “New House” or “Monte Carlo” featuring Wet, others infectiously catchy and uplifting like “Freelance” and “Who Am I”. This was my favorite record of the year, and I have found myself revisiting these tracks almost constantly. The record is perfect for every occasion, so don’t be afraid to throw this on next time you get aux. You won’t regret it. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Law of the Universe

New House

Monte Carlo (Feat. Wet)


22. Rap or go to the league by 2 Chainz

 
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Release Date: March 1st

Record Label: Def Jam Records

Completely A&Red by LeBron James, Rap or Go to the League is a triumphant comeback for our favorite trapper, 2 Chainz. The album is conceptual and frequently draws parallels between rap and basketball while diving deeper into the troubling idea that the two occupations are two of the only viable options for underprivileged blacks to succeed in America. Chainz uses a polished pen to do so and flexes some of his most impressive verses since his come up on this project. With help from an impressive feature list including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne, E-40, Chance the Rapper, and many others, it should come as no surprise that Rap or Go to the League secured a spot on our list. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Money In The Way

Momma I Hit a Lick (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)

I’m Not Crazy, Life Is (Feat. Chance The Rapper & Kodak Black)


21. Perfect ten by Mustard

 
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Release Date: June 28th

Record Label: Interscope Records

LA producer Mustard, formerly known as DJ Mustard, gave us everything we wanted and more in his third studio album Perfect 10. Aside from many features from hot artists like Roddy Ricch, Migos, and Nipsey Hussle, Mustard killed the execution on the production side. It is chock-full of anthems and there is so much bounce throughout the whole project that it’s almost impossible to sit still while bumping the album. His #1 song off of the album, “Ballin”, is now grammy nominated for best rap/sung performance. This turned out to be both Mustard and Roddy Ricch’s first ever grammy nomination, and it was definitely well-deserved. -Colson O’Connor

Favorite Tracks:

Baguettes in the Face (Feat. NAV, Playboi Carti, & A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)

Ballin’ (Feat. Roddy Ricch)

Perfect Ten (Feat. Nipsey Hussle)


20. Fever by Megan Thee Stallion

 
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Release Date: May 17th

Record Label: 300 Entertainment

Megan Thee Stallion is the “it girl” of 2019. This summer, Megan blew up with her mixtape Fever, ​released in May. ​Fever​ was the perfect project to kick off the summer, with Megan trading in her Tina Snow persona for a new one she deemed “Hot Girl Meg.” Hot Girl Meg was what she called a “college party girl,” and was the embodiment of sex appeal, independence, and a carefree attitude. On ​Fever​, Megan showed her range in being able to rap about anything from sensual lovemaking to robbing a man of everything he is worth. Truly an inspiration for the girls. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Cash Shit (Feat. DaBaby)

Best You Ever Had

Simon Says (Feat. Juicy J)


19. The Life of pi’erre 4 by pi’erre bourne

 
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Release Date: June 21st

Record Label: Interscope Records

The return of famed rapper/producer Pi’erre Bourne has been long awaited. Since wrapping up 2018 with his collaborative record with fellow producer Cardo, many have been anxiously awaiting the fourth installment in the ‘The Life of Pi’erre’ saga. When the album finally dropped in June 2019, fans were not disappointed. TLOP 4 is a rollercoaster through contemporary hip-hop from the eyes of the man who has helped shape it. From forming the careers of artists like Young Nudy, Playboi Carti, and 6ix9ine, Pi’erre Bourne’s influence and expertise in modern hip-hop/trap synthesis cannot be understated. On his newest record Pi’erre constantly flexes his production skills and his songwriting abilities, delivering heartfelt and saccharine tracks like “Ballad” and “Racer” in one moment, and fast-paced bangers like “Routine” and “Speed Dial” the next. Each track is dense with expert engineering skills and tactics, while still being accessible enough to appeal to hip-hop fans both old and new. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Poof

Routine

Speed Dial


18. baby on Baby by dababy

 
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Release Date: March 1st

Record Label: Interscope Records

DaBaby shows the world that short men do in fact have rights with his infectious breakthrough project Baby on Baby which was the beginning of a dominant 2019 for the Charlotte newcomer. DaBaby does not take himself too seriously in his music or his visual aesthetic. His music videos are completely kitschy and absurd. He has posed as figures such as Scarface and Suge Knight, and even filmed a video that parodied sitcom television. DaBaby’s bars are hilarious and clever. But do not get it twisted: He is not one to mess with. He is tough as hell, and, as he spits in the track “Suge,” if given any disrespect he will “... beat your ass up all in front of your partners and children.” Baby on Baby is a refreshing project that is funny, surprisingly crude, and full of dope bangers prime for all your summer antics. Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Suge

Pony

Carpet Burn


17. assume form by James Blake

 
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Release Date: January 18th

Record Label: Polydor Records

Ominous, hypnotic, and ultimately gorgeous, James Blake blends his signature downtempo sound with elements of rap and trip-hop on Assume Form. Blake’s vocal melodies soar over the album’s minimalist production, and the instrumentals show just how much he can make out of so little. Moments such as the climactic ending to “Barefoot in the Park” and James’ vocal cracks in “I’ll Come Too” are enough to conjure emotions on their own, and his candid lyrics only make these segments more potent. His arrangements are simply beautiful—even experimental at times—and the result is an extremely cohesive blend of alternative music and hip-hop. -Owen Tait

Favorite Tracks:

Mile High (Feat. Travis Scott & Metro Boomin)

Where’s the Catch (Feat. André 3000)

Don’t Miss It


16. Everythings for sale by boogie

 
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Release Date: January 25th

Record Label: Interscope Records

Compton MC Boogie made some major waves in 2018 when he received a huge Eminem cosign and an actual record deal from Shady Records. In January, the young rapper returned with his Shady Records debut Everythings For Sale and it did not disappoint. Over the 40-minute run time, Boogies honestly reflects on a broken relationship, new fame, and his current day to day life. Throughout the tape Boogie proves why Pitchfork called him one of the best young emcees in the country. The tape is exceptionally cohesive and if you immerse yourself in Boogie’s world and experiences you should find that 40-minutes will feel more like 20. Boogie’s lyricism is a perfect mix of cool California dialect and witty lines that emphasize his smart and reflective themes. He gives us up-beat bangers like the JID assisted “Soho” as well as introspective reflections like “Lolsmh” or “Whose Fault”. This album is complete, thought-provoking, and one of the best releases of the year. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Silent Ride

Soho (Feat. JID)

Live 95


15. crash talk by schoolboy q

 
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Release Date: April 26th

Record Label: Interscope Records

From a rap standpoint, Schoolboy Q has everything. Critical acclaim came to him with the Blank Face LP. He is a member of arguable the most respects collective in hip-hop in TDE. Yet his life outside of music has not been a walk in the park. On CrasH Talk Q looks at himself as a man and takes a step back to evaluate his own life and the people around him. This is the most relatable he has every sounded on any project. He does stay true to his hardened exterior on excellent cuts like “Numb Numb Juice”, on which he sound cut throat and motivated from the start. While this was the single released from the album, what is a more accurate representation of what makes CrasH Talk so quality is a song like “Black Folk”. Schoolboy strips away all ego and is just a man with many doubts and fears which he articulates over the ominous production in the background. This is what people want from artists when they release projects, not more of the same. This is an honest picture that Schoolboy painted for us of his life right now, he isn't a gangster or famous rapper, but a person just like you or me with doubts about himself, his carrer, and the world around him. While it may seem like a melancholy collection of music, Q finds a way to communicate these feelings in an interesting way and still come the conclusion that no person to ever walk this Earth is immune to what he, and a lot of us, are going through and that is perfectly okay. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Drunk (Feat. 6LACK)

Black Folk

Dangerous (Feat. Kid Cudi)


14. flamagrama by flying lotus

 
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Release Date: May 24th

Record Label: Warp Records

Very few names carry the weight that Flying Lotus’s does in music. A mysterious prodigy who masterfully meanders through genres like electronic, experimental, R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Lotus returns from a long hiatus to deliver ‘Flamagra’, a 27-track record that spends approximately an hour showcasing Lotus’s musical prowess. It is impossible to sum up this album in just one paragraph, but listening to this album is an experience very akin to Alice’s trip through Wonderland. While some tracks may not last as long as one might wish, they each leave lasting impressions that resonate within long after Flying Lotus transitions to another musical ideas. Featuring help from artists like Thundercat, Toro Y Moi, Solange, David Lynch, Denzel Curry, and Anderson .Paak (just to name a few), Flamagra was certainly worth the wait. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Post Requisite

More (Feat. Anderson .Paak)

Land of Honey (Feat. Solange)


13. The lost boy by ybn cordae

 
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Release Date: July 26th

Record Label: Atlantic Records

Although he is only 22 years old, YBN Cordae managed to get two Grammy nominations on his debut studio album The Lost Boy: one for best rap album and the other for best rap song. YBN Cordae seemingly came out of nowhere and took the world by storm. He released his album in July and is already touring internationally with hundreds of thousands of fans screaming his lyrics. Cordae brings an original sound and flow to the table that is undeniably smooth. When you take that and pair it up with a couple features from incredibly successful artists such as Anderson .Paak and Chance the Rapper, it’s a no-brainer he was grammy nominated twice. The best part is, he is only just getting started, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him in 2020. -Colson O’Connor

Favorite Tracks:

RNP (Feat. Anderson .Paak)

Broke As Fuck

We Gon Make It (Feat. Meek Mill)


12. revenge of the dreamers iii by dreamville

 
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Release Date: July 5th

Record Label: Interscope Records

This year J. Cole and the rest of his Dreamville team set out to create a rap album unlike anything we’ve seen before. With fear of regret not working with more artists in his career, Cole decided to host a 10-day rap camp. Golden ticket-like invites were sent out to over 100 artists and producers from all over the music genre spectrum. Not only was it the diversity of the artists that was so important, but the blend of popular and low-key artists is what made the project so special. It gave smaller artists a chance to finally get some recognition for their outstanding talent. A documentary was released along with the album, and it truly painted the picture of the competition that was created among themselves. In a situation like this, you don’t get put on the album by being passive. You gotta come with the heat and you must make the most of your opportunities as only the top songs will make the cut. This created a friendly and competitive energy, and they would feed off of each other to push themselves to bring out their best work. When discussing the top rap album of 2019, Revenge of the Dreamers III must be in the conversation. -Colson O’Connor

Favorite Tracks:

Under the Sun (Feat. J. Cole, Lute, & DaBaby)

Down Bad (Feat. JID, Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG, & Young Nudy)

Sacrifices (Feat. EARTHGANG, J. Cole, Smino, & Saba)


11. Angel’s pulse by blood orange

 
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Release Date: July 12th

Record Label: Domino Recording Company

Following the release of his fourth studio album ​Negro Swan ​in 2018, Blood Orange kept the up his momentuem with the drop of his mixtape ​Angel’s Pulse i​ n July. Blood Orange is an incredibly multifaceted artist who, over the course of his decades long music career has created rock tracks, funk, R&B, indie pop, and even dabbled in a bit of hip hop and rap. ​Angel’s Pulse ​is nothing short of these influences with Blood Orange traversing through different musical styles and genres effortlessly throughout the course of the project. With his wonderfully smooth and funky production style coupled with his immaculate lyricism, ​Angel’s Pulse ​was undoubtedly one of the most refreshing and artistic projects of the year. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Dark & Handsome (Feat. Toro y Moi)

Benzo

Tuesday Feeling (Choose to Stay) (Feat. Tinashe)


10. All My Heroes are cornballs by jpegmafia

 
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Release Date: September 13th

Record Label: EQT Recordings

Rapper & experimental producer JPEGMAFIA follows up his captivatingly chaotic Veteran with an equally unpredictable and glitchy trip on All My Heroes Are Cornballs. Opting to incorporate sung hooks and melodic verses, JPEG’s delivery is more dynamic than ever, and the plunky synths and heavy chords he casts across the record compliment his characteristically unhinged drum patterns extremely well. Despite this instrumental shift in tone, JPEG’s lyrics are as aggressive and self-aware as ever, and he evens manages to shout his way through verses on tracks such as “PRONE!” and “Kenan Vs. Kel.” Overall, the album displays a larger range of what JPEGMAFIA is musically capable of, all while remaining compact, cryptic, and undeniably awesome. -Owen Tait

Favorite Tracks:

Kenan Vs. Kel

All My Heroes Are Cornballs

Thot Tactics


9. Zuu by denzel curry

 
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Release Date: May 31st

Record Label: Loma Vista Recordings

Coming off his most conceptual album to date (TA13OO), many wondered what direction Denzel would head next. The answer to that was obvious to Curry: he would go home. With ZUU, Denzel tastefully simplified his music showing us that sometimes the obvious answer can be the best answer with proper execution. ZUU is a short album with no skippable tracks. It’s abrasive and in-your-face without being inaccessible for less intense fans thanks to cuts like “WISH” and “SHAKE 88”. Songs like “BIRDZ”, “AUTOMATIC”, and “RICKY” provide long term Denzel fans with his unmatched flow and clever lyricism that they have grown to expect. All-in-all, Denzel made an excellent career decision and the result is a Miami masterpiece. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

WISH (Feat. Kiddo Marv)

SPEEDBOAT

CAROLMART (Feat. Ice Billion Berg)


8. Bandana by freddie gibbs & madlib

 
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Release Date: June 28th

Record Label: RCA Records

If it’s bars you’re looking for, look no further. Backed by lush, opulent instrumentals from legendary hip-hop producer Madlib, Freddie Gibbs flows effortlessly throughout the vast majority of Bandana’s runtime. The midwestern rapper tackles his past, his success, his wrongdoings, and an array of sociopolitical issues that truly allow his lyrical & storytelling abilities to shine. And while Gibbs is certainly capable of manning an album by himself, he is more than happy to add excellent features from his A-list friends, with Pusha T even turning in Complex’s “Rap Verse of the Year” on the sixth cut “Palmolive”. The power behind Gibbs’ words and his technical abilities were enough to make the album continue to grow on me throughout the year, and standout features from Gibbs’ colleagues solidified the project’s spot on my list. -Owen Tait

Favorite Tracks:

Palmolive (Feat. Pusha T & Killer Mike)

Flat Tummy Tea

Giannis (Feat. Anderson .Paak)


7. Mirrorland by earthgang

 
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Release Date: September 6th

Record Label: Interscope Records

BREAKOUT ALBUM! That is the only way that Mirrorland can and should be described. Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot put the rap game on notice that they are a force to be reckoned with and maybe the best duo in rap right now. Mirrorland sounds exactly like them, and it is incredible to see these young artists make their major label debut and not compromise. Instead they use it to get a host of guest features that simply lift the album to a completely different level. Young Thug on “Proud of U” brings an energy that perfectly matches EARTHGANG, and it seems like the three Atlanta rappers have been spitting together for years. As the album slows down the group calls upon Kehlani to deliver a seductive smooth verse on “Trippin”. Mirrorland perfectly displays the versatility of the group. The first half of the project gives audiences the energy and flows that caught the attention of people early on in their careers, but the second half where they slow their storytelling ability and emotion makes the project so great. They should get praise for getting T-Pain to deliver on of his best contributions to a song in a very long time. It all come to a fitting conclusion on “Wings”, where the boys reflect on where they came from and where they want to go. If Mirrorland is any indication, they have a very bright future. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Tequila (Feat. T-Pain)

Trippin (Feat. Kehlani)

Wings


6. Die For my bitch by baby keem

 
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Release Date: July 19th

Record Label: Independent

If you tapped into Baby Keem’s Die For My Bitch in 2019 you witnessed history. On my personal favorite album of the year, fans witnessed an artist with an unmatched ceiling come into his own and deliver his first excellent body of work. The LA artist showed significant growth since his last project highlighting his aggressive rise to inevitable stardom. The tape sacrifices unity and cohesion to instead display Keem’s wide variety of sounds and styles that he is proficient in, a great decision for an upcoming rapper looking to catch the attention of unfamiliar fans. While “ORANGE SODA” was one of the most fun hip-hop moments of the year and introduced the world to Keem’s sharp flow and one-of-a-kind vocabulary, some fans might not have realized that Keem’s entire album is equally as captivating and entertaining. All the claims I made throughout 2019 saying that Keem was a superstar were confirmed in November when I went to his show in Los Angeles and was treated with one of the most electric live performances I’ve ever been to. There’s a reason that A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar were spotted at his shows on the Die For My Bitch tour. There’s a reason he was photographed having lunch with Jay-Z this past winter. There’s a reason that Drake called Die For My Bitch the best album of 2019 along with Young Thug’s So Much Fun. On the second track “Honest” the LA artist raps “Baby Keem, shit I’m chosen” and after one listen through Die For My Bitch, it’s hard not to believe him. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

ROCKSTAR P

ORANGE SODA

APOLOGIZE


5. When I get home by solange

 
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Release Date: March 1st

Record Label: Columbia Records

Solange Knowles’ radical album When I Get Home is easily the most artistic project of the year. When I Get Home is not easy to explain, to start, what exactly is the genre? Is it hip-hop, as suggested by features with prominent rap artists Playboi Carti and Gucci Mane? Is it soul? R&B? Further, what is the “home” that Solange is referring to? Is this place literal or figurative? Solange manages to answer all of these questions throughout the course of the album. When I Get Home is an iconographic representation of the black experience in the most celebratory sense. Solange embraces her black womanhood and embraces Houston, Texas. The project radiates warmth and familiarity. It creates a home within itself. When I Get Home is wholly inviting, sonically stunning, and lyrically beautiful album that I cannot help but come back to when I am in need of empathy, of comfort, of a place to call home. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Almeda (Feat. Playboi Carti)

My Skin My Logo (Feat. Gucci Mane)

Binz


4. BUBBA by kaytranada

 
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Release Date: December 13th

Record Label: RCA Records

It has been over three long years since the Montreal prodigy Kaytranada released his debut LP 99.9%, a funk-laden electronic record complete with over a dozen guest appearances (including names like hip-hop favorite Anderson .Paak and jazz legend Karriem Riggins). BUBBA, Kaytranada’s recently released sophomore album, is another example of masterful and intentional dance/hip-hop/funk synthesis. On tracks like “10%” with Kali Uchis and “Grey Area” with Mick Jenkins, fans are treated to a signature style of electronic that urges the listeners to lean forward, and lay back simultaneously. Not every track is played safety to Kaytranada’s strong suits however, as certain dancehall-inspired tracks like “Go Dj” and “Vex Oh” show signs of risk-taking that pays off as the record becomes more familiar. It was a long wait for BUBBA, but after hearing Kaytranada collaborate with industry heavyweights like Tinashe and Pharrell, it is safe to say that fans will be satiated for a while. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

2 The Music (Feat. Iman Omari)

Puff Lah

The Worst In Me (Feat. Tinashe)


3. Ventura by Anderson .paak

 
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Release Date: April 11th

Record Label: Interscope Records

Anderson .Paak’s Ventura showcases everything we love about the soulful California native. Said to be a counter-part to his prior album Oxnard which was released five months earlier, Ventura showcases Paak in his ideal environment being authentically himself. It is musically unmatched and conceptually rich. It’s both sexy (“Jet Black”) and politically charged (“King James”) but always in moderation to keep it tasteful. Ventura is an album that proved it’s enduring replay value by getting better everyday since it’s release in early April. With Ventura Anderson truly created timeless music as I foresee songs like “Make It Better” and “What Can We Do” staying in my musical rotation until I can no longer hear. Well we all would like to be, no one is quite as smooth as .Paak. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Make It Better (Feat. Smokey Robinson)

King James

Jet Black (Feat. Brandy)


2. So Much fun by young thug

 
 

Release Date: August 16th

Record Label: Atlantic Records

Does Young Thug Speak English? I think he answered that question with 2018’s Slime Language. The album title speaks for itself. So much of what makes So Much Fun great can really be seen through the way Thugger has talked about the project both before and after the release. There is no concept, no real goal or take-away, rather it is just Thug having a good time making music that will make his fans have a good time listening to. What we received was once again a version of the Atlanta rapper we were not accustomed to. “What’s the Move” and “Hop off a Jet” have a crisp beautiful island sound of production that captures the listener's ear instantly. The features across the board do not disappoint and help carry the project. So Much Fun also features what may be one of the most popular songs this year with “Hot” and its remix. Thug’s protegé, Gunna, shines on this effort and his verse on “Diamonds”on the deluxe version of the album needs to be talked about. What can really be taken away from this album is how it fits into the landscape of 2019. Hip-Hop has lost a lot of great talent recently because of the drug culture that artists like Young Thug and Future were a large part of creating. Thugger seems to be moving away from those narratives, or at least doing his best. There is a way to be this same well respects talented performer without the use of such detrimental lyrics, and its seems like Thug may have caught on to that. So Much Fun is a breath of fresh air, with an artist at the peak of his powers creating a vibe of positivity. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Hot (Feat. Gunna)

What’s The Move (Feat. Lil Uzi Vert)

Big Tipper (Feat. Lil Keed)


1. igor by tyler, the creator

 
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Release Date: May 17th

Record Label: Columbia Records

In a time where it feels like so many creatives are doing things for popularity or to be the next big meme, an artist who goes against expectations to make a beautiful piece of art that is entirely authentic is invaluable. This is exactly the feat Tyler, the Creator accomplishes on IGOR. This project comes on the heels of his most successful mainstream record yet, Flower Boy. Expectations were high and everyone was wondering what was next for the 28 year old rapper. If Flower Boy was his most honest album, on IGOR he tells the best story. The entire album plays like a movie not navigated by lyrics, but by stellar productions. Songs like “I THINK” and “RUNNING OUT OF TIME” are so incredible because they capture the feeling of falling for someone despite your best efforts almost entirely through the way the track sounds. Throughout, it seems Tyler’s character IGOR is trying to find out what is next the same way we all are and it is beautiful. Tyler still has tracks where he flexes his skills as an emcee. “A BOY IS A GUN” has bars from front to back, but he never overstays his welcome. Gone are the days of him trying to shock the world with every bar that comes out his mouth, now he is focused and precise with everything that he touches. That is what makes IGOR album of the year. There is nothing else that came out this year that sounds anything like it, and Tyler is an artist that is still hungry to get better, and that deserves to be celebrated. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

EARFQUAKE

A BOY IS A GUN*

ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?


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Top 20 Hip-Hop and R&B Albums of the First Half of 2019

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Welcome to StereoVision’s top 20 albums of the first half of 2019. It has been a great six months for Hip-Hop, R&B, and music in general making this list challenging yet insanely fun to form. The creation of this list came from compiling all of our writers personal AOTY (Album of the Year) lists as well as extensive album debate and conversation throughout the first half of the year to ensure we have the perfect list that represents exactly what we dig at StereoVision. To get this list out in time, we had to cut off all albums released after June 23rd from consideration meaning albums like “Bandana” by Freddie Gibbs that were released in the last week of June are not eligible for selection. Listen along to our top 20 albums of the first half of 2019 by tapping in to our Spotify and Apple Music playlist which contains three spotlight songs from each selection. Stream it here:

 

This platylist contains three spotlight songs off of each of our top 20 Hip-Hop/R&B albums released during the first half of 2019

 

Without further ado, our top albums of the first half of 2019:

20. Still Summer in the projects by 03 greedo

 
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Release Date: April 19th, 2019

Record Label: Alamo Records

03 Greedo is a living legend and if his face tattoo of that exact phrase doesn’t convince you, one listen through Still Summer in the Projects should do the trick. The album is Greedo’s most cohesive effort to date and plays smoothly from start to finish. Greedo raps about familiar topics such as living life in Watts (“10 purple Summers”) as well as unfamiliar ones like a new perspective he received from being in the middle of a 20-year prison sentence (“Visions”). Overall Still Summer In The Projects is another exceptional release from 03 Greedo and with news that Greedo might be able to get out after five years on good behavior, we can only prey this is the case and continue to support his truly unparalleled music. Greedo is a musical anomaly, a figurehead for his hood, an LA icon, but above all, a living legend. Free 03! -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

10 Purple Summers

Gettin’ Ready

Visions


19. Grey Area by Little Simz

 
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Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Independent

At the beginning of March majority of the United States was introduced to London-based emcee Little Simz and the pleasure was all ours. Deviating from the eccentric, dreamy, synth sounds that characterized her last album, on GREY Area, Simz opted for a blend of aggression, vulnerability, and genre-splicing to convey her experiences growing up and developing as an artist in a male-dominated industry. While following a theme of self-discovery and personal development, Simz displays true artistry through the presence of influences from a variety of musical genres that elevate her voice and message. The English artist displays great strength with hard hitting verses on cuts such as “Offence” and “Boss” but reels it back allowing us to invade her headspace on songs like the excellent “Venom”. With every bar she spits it’s clear that Simz has something to say and she demands you listen. -Izzy Stroobandt

Favorite Tracks:

Offence

Wounds

Venom


18. diaspora by goldlink

 
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Release Date: June 11th, 2019

Record Label: RCA Records

Diaspora is an ambitious project. GoldLink tasked himself with consolidating the global sounds of the black experience into a single album. And with each genre he explored, he owed it to the culture in which he drew from to do their music justice, to represent them accurately and genuinely with his audience. Diaspora is just that: the amalgamation of the black cultural experience as told through the sound we engage with in each pocket of the world we inhabit. GoldLink features afrobeat, house, Carribean dancehall, reggaeton, trap, classic hip hop, and more on his extremely diverse and funky project. Not the most lyrically strong, GoldLink nearly makes up for it with how well he executed the concept for the album. Diaspora is an accessible project for anyone, from the person who wants to globalize their ear to the person who just needs some tunes to vibe to. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Joke Ting (feat. Ari PenSmith)

Maniac

U Say (feat. Tyler the Creator and Jay Prince)


17. Baby on Baby by Dababy

 
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Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Interscope Records

DaBaby shows the world that short men do in fact have rights with his infectious breakthrough project Baby on Baby. DaBaby does not take himself too seriously in his music or his visual aesthetic. His music videos are completely kitschy and absurd. He has posed as figures such as Scarface and Suge Knight, and even filmed a video that parodied sitcom television. DaBaby’s bars are hilarious and clever. But do not get it twisted: He is not one to mess with. He is tough as hell, and, as he spits in the track “Suge,” if given any disrespect he will “... beat your ass up all in front of your partners and children.” Baby on Baby is a refreshing project that is funny, surprisingly crude, and full of dope bangers prime for all your summer antics. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Suge

Pony

Carpet Burn


16. We All shine by ynw melly

 
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Release Date: January 18th, 2019

Record Label: Independent

YNW Melly’s We All Shine is far and away the best music he has every released. The Florida rapper is packed with personality and it comes through on every track. His songs are filled with authentic emotion giving them a powerful effect on listeners. “Ingredients” is fun and infectious to the point where you can’t listen without smiling while “No More” is a passionate public service announcement where he calls out a homie on his bullshit. If it wasn’t for a timely jail sentence, We All Shine showed every sign of being Melly’s coming out party and ushering him towards being a household name. Hopefully he can get out soon and continue to make excellent music full of emotion, substance, and his unparalleled pipes. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Robbery

Mixed Personalities (Feat. Kanye West)

Ingredients (Feat. Fredo Bang)


15. Flamagrama by Flying Lotus

 
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Release Date: May 24th, 2019

Record Label: Warp Records

Very few names carry the weight that Flying Lotus’s does in music. A mysterious prodigy who masterfully meanders through genres like electronic, experimental, R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Lotus returns from a long hiatus to deliver ‘Flamagra’, a 27-track record that spends approximately an hour showcasing Lotus’s musical prowess. It is impossible to sum up this album in just one paragraph, but listening to this album is an experience very akin to Alice’s trip through Wonderland. While some tracks may not last as long as one might wish, they each leave lasting impressions that resonate within long after Flying Lotus transitions to another musical ideas. Featuring help from artists like Thundercat, Toro Y Moi, Solange, David Lynch, Denzel Curry, and Anderson .Paak (just to name a few), Flamagra was certainly worth the wait. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Post Requisite

More (Feat. Anderson .Paak)

9 Carrots (Feat. Toro Y Moi)


14. Assume form by james blake

 
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Release Date: January 18th, 2019

Record Label: Polydor Records

James Blake’s presence in contemporary music has grown heavily over the past several years. No longer is the singer-songwriter confined to the occasional appearance or feature on throwaway tracks, instead now Blake has evolved into a cultural mainstay. While previously established as an expert in the realm of laments and dejected tracks laced with heavy electronic instrumentation or glitchy production effects, Assume Form sees Blake exiting a depressive period. Blake quite literally assumes form on tracks like “I’ll Come Too” or “Power On”, where the listener can track in real time Blake shedding his reserved and destructive tendencies in the enjoyment of a new love interest. Each track is just as incredible as the last, featuring help from artists like Travis Scott, Moses Sumney, Andre 3000, Metro Boomin and ROSALÍA. Although some of the moments on this record could be explored more thoroughly, James Blake offers a precise and relatable emotional tone on this record that will not soon be forgotten. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Assume Form

I’ll Come Too

Power On


13. Foto by kota the friend

 
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Release Date: May 14th, 2019

Record Label: Independent

FOTO was the perfect album for the summer. Kota the Friend is an artist who seems to have really found a signature sound on this project. He mixes his slick flows and relatable lyrics with laid back gorgeous beats. Rather than attempting to force a message on the listener, he paints a vivid picture with each track. A stand out single from the project was “Birdie”. On the album, he added a beautiful saxophone from Hello Oshay which compliments the song perfectly. He captures what it feels like to really be in love with the girl of your dreams. He shines on this project when he is really just rapping about his thoughts and feelings because Kota is a very relatable character. “Hollywood” offers a realistic perspective on fame and all that comes with it. Kota doesn't want to be that stereotypical rapper who went “Hollywood” and forgot who he was, but rather wants to attain this success in the industry through remembering and honoring where he came from. This idea of him paying homage to the people and experiences that brought him to this point is what makes FOTO so endearing to even the most hardened of listeners. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Church 

Birdie (Feat. Hello Oshay)

Alkaline


12. Outer Peace by Toro y moi

 
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Release Date: January 18th, 2019

Record Label: Carpark records

Within the first few weeks of 2019, fans of Toro Y Moi were blessed with a new album from Chaz Bear himself. During the promotion for Outer Peace, Bear frequently mentioned how he was tired of making sad love songs, and on Outer Peace there is a clear shift from the pensive sadness of 2017’s Boo Boo into a emotional range that while being fun and optimistic, still has its moments of melancholy and doubt. At 10 tracks long, the Bay-Area native provides his fans with a diverse family of tracks, some low-fi and melodic like “New House” or “Monte Carlo” featuring Wet, others infectiously catchy and uplifting like “Freelance” and “Who Am I”. Although I wish it were longer than half an hour, this summery record has something for everyone. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Laws of the Universe

Freelance

Monte Carlo (Feat. Wet)


11. Rap or go to the league by 2chainz

 
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Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Def Jam Recordings

It seems like whenever 2 Chainz releases a project at least one song off of it is a hit single in clubs and at parties all over the country. He has made some solid projects over the years, and is an established vet in the rap game. That being said Rap or Go to the League felt different. From the lack of singles before its release, to it being executively produced by LeBron James, this had the potential to be a great album from the well-versed trapper. What we got was actually one of the most cohesive projects of his entire career. A Standout track like “I’m not Crazy Life is” shows just how good this project is when it’s at its best. 2 Chainz flows over stellar production that allows him to really get across a point to the audience. There is a constant parallel between rap music and basketball throughout the album which intentionally alludes to America’s current social climate where young African American males feel like those are their only two ways out of their current situation. While Rap or Go to the League does have a message, there are still some bangers. “Momma I Hit a Lick” may take some listeners a few times to appreciate, but eventually the hard beat and unique flows from 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar are too much to deny. Overall this project succeeds because its feels like 2 Chainz really had a goal in mind this time around, rather than aim for as many radio plays as previous works. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Forgiven (Feat. Marsha Ambrosius)

Momma I Hit a Lick (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)

I'm Not Crazy Life Is (Feat. Chance the Rapper & Kodak Black)


10. the falling man by duckwrth

 
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Release Date: May 17th, 2019

Record Label: Republic Records

For those whose know Duckwrth solely from his earlier works such as I'm Uugly (2016) and An Extra Uugly Mixtape (2017), they will be quite surprised to hear the direction the South Central rapper went for his latest EP, The Falling Man. A complete divergence from the pop influenced lo-fi aesthetic he leaned on for the first leg of his career, The Falling Man shows Duckwrth experimenting with genre, voice inflection, and lyrical depth in a way he has never done before. Duckwrth dips his toes into rock, gospel, and trap throughout the course of the album and each venture is a success. The Falling Man is, for lack of a more creative term, a very solid album. It is a reliable listen that keeps listeners engaged and intrigued. Seeing Duckwrth explore and expand the scope of his music is exciting, and I am eager to see what he has in store for us next. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Bow

King King

Nobody Falls (feat. Kiana Lede, Terrence Martin, Madasin)


9. Arizona baby by Kevin Abstract

 
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Release Date: April 25th, 2019

Record Label: Question Everything Inc/RCA Records

Kevin Abstract has managed to maintain his individual stardom while being part of the wildly successful super-group, Brockhampton. He has been able to accomplish this rare feat by always making sure his music contains emotion. Each track on ARIZONA BABY, no matter what the subject matter or actual lyrics are, is uncompromisingly honest. Sometimes this honesty is beautiful like on the track “Peach”, which features two of Kevin’s Brockhampton band mates in Joba and Bearface as well as rising star Domonik Fike. Like many of the songs on this project, it is able to mix a more sing song chorus and beautifully played guitars with some solid rap verses from Kevin. While the appeal of this track mainly stems from it just simply sounding beautiful, Kevin really shows his talent as a rapper on a track like “Use Me”. This has one of the most interesting and unique beats to be used in a rap song. Kevin experiments with different flows and tells a compelling story on this cut, but is so impressive because like most of the other tracks on ARIZONA BABY we have never heard anyone spit over sounds like this. This project shows what the bright future of rap in this generation has the potential to be. A seamless combination of rap and incredibly produced pop music. No other mind would be better equipped to spearhead this new sound than the very talented Kevin Abstract. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks: 

Baby Boy

Use Me

Peach


8. The Life of pi’erre 4 by Pi’erre bourne

 
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Release Date: June 21st, 2019

Record Label: SossHouse/Interscope Records

The return of famed rapper/producer Pi’erre Bourne has been long awaited. Since wrapping up 2018 with his collaborative record with fellow producer Cardo, many have been anxiously awaiting the fourth installment in the ‘The Life of Pi’erre’ saga. When the album finally dropped in June 2019, fans were not disappointed. TLOP 4 is a rollercoaster through contemporary hip-hop from the eyes of the man who has helped shape it. From forming the careers of artists like Young Nudy, Playboi Carti, and 6ix9ine, Pi’erre Bourne’s influence and expertise in modern hip-hop/trap synthesis cannot be understated. On his newest record Pi’erre constantly flexes his production skills and his songwriting abilities, delivering heartfelt and saccharine tracks like “Ballad” and “Racer” in one moment, and fast-paced bangers like “Routine” and “Speed Dial” the next. Each track is dense with expert engineering skills and tactics, while still being accessible enough to appeal to hip-hop fans both old and new. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Ballad

Doublemint

Speed Dial


7. Anger Management by Rico Nasty

 
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Release Date: April 25th, 2019

Record Label: Sugar Trap Records

Rico Nasty is one of the most awesome, if not the most awesome female rappers to enter the game over the past few years. To take note of her womanhood is not to say that she does not hold her own in comparison to male rappers. It is instead to say that what Rico Nasty does as an artist and a personality is extremely revolutionary, and her gender is a large part of what makes what she is doing right now so impactful. On her newest project Anger Management, Rico Nasty does not water down the aggressive, in-your-face rap style she became known for with singles such as “Smack a Bitch” and “Key Lime OG.” Rico Nasty reclaims anger not as something inherently negative. She rejects the notion that black women are angry without cause. On Anger Management, Rico Nasty explores the various facets of aggression, frustration, and how such emotions dissolve into, or are perhaps fronts for, melancholy and exhaustion. And with the entire tape produced by the dynamic Kenny Beats, Anger Management is not a project to sleep on. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Cheat Code (Feat. Baauer)

Hatin

Big Titties (Feat. Baauer and EarthGang)


6. Everythings for sale by boogie

 
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Release Date: January 25th, 2019

Record Label: Shady Records/Interscope Records

Compton MC Boogie made some major waves last October when he received a huge Eminem cosign and an actual record deal from Shady Records. In January, the young rapper returned with his Shady Records debut Everythings For Sale and it did not disappoint. Over the 40-minute run time, Boogies honestly reflects on a broken relationship, new fame, and his current day to day life. Throughout the tape Boogie proves why Pitchfork called him one of the best young emcees in the country. The tape is exceptionally cohesive and if you immerse yourself in Boogie’s world and experiences you should find that 40-minutes will feel more like 20. Boogie’s lyricism is a perfect mix of cool California dialect and witty lines that emphasize his smart and reflective themes. He gives us up-beat bangers like the JID assisted “Soho” as well as introspective reflections like “Lolsmh” or “Whose Fault”. This album is complete, thought-provoking, and one of the best releases of the year. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Silent Ride

Soho (Feat. JID)

Live 95


5. Crash talk by schoolboy q

 
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Release Date: April 26th, 2019

Record Label: Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records

When a TDE project drops it is almost a lock that it will be one of the best of the year and CrasH Talk seems like an album that Q really made for himself. This album finds the Los Angeles artist in a vulnerable headspace as he not only was going through depression, but also dealing with the passing of two of his peers in Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle. What came out of this tragedy was an album that really gave us an audience a look into the inner workings of Schoolboy Q’s mind. A track like “Numb Numb Juice” is still able to be one of the standouts on CrasH Talk because of just how hard hitting and quality the beat is, and the way Q is able to sound so cut throat during the duration of the song. That being said this is in stark contrast to a song like “Black Folk” which is very self deprecating. Q acknowledges his shortcomings and fears not even just as a rapper, but as a man walking through life. He no longer has the gangster exterior that audiences have grown so accustomed to, but instead is now a vulnerable man who is just trying to do right by himself and the people he loves. That is the whole theme of CrasH Talk and it can be seen even more clearly in the title track “CrasH”. Though we all may not be famous rappers or have grown up in the streets of California like Schoolboy Q, we all could “crash” at some point. No person is invincible to the struggles of life, and Schoolboy reminds us that we should embrace these difficulties and use them to make us that much better in the long run. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Numb Numb Juice 

Drunk (Feat. 6LACK)

Black Folk


4. ventura by anderson .paak

 
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Release Date: April 11th, 2019

Record Label: Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records

Anderson .Paak’s Ventura showcases everything we love about the soulful California native. Said to be a counter-part to his prior album Oxnard which was released five months earlier, Ventura showcases Paak in his ideal environment being authentically himself. It is musically unmatched and conceptually rich. It’s both sexy (“Jet Black”) and politically charged (“King James”) but always in moderation to keep it tasteful. With Ventura Anderson truly created timeless music as I foresee songs like “Make It Better” and “What Can We Do” staying in my musical rotation until I can no longer hear. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Make It Better (Feat. Smokey Robinson)

Jet Black (Feat. Brandy)

What Can We Do (Feat. Nate Dogg)


3. When I get home by solange

 
 

Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Columbia Records

Solange Knowles’ radical album When I Get Home is easily the most artistic project of the year so far. When I Get Home is not easy to explain, to start, what exactly is the genre? Is it hip hop, as suggested by features with prominent rap artists Playboi Carti and Gucci Mane? Is it soul? R&B? Further, what is the “home” that Solange is referring to? Is this place literal or figurative? Solange manages to answer all of these questions throughout the course of the album. When I Get Home is an iconographic representation of the black experience in the most celebratory sense. Solange embraces her black womanhood and embraces Houston, Texas. The project radiates warmth and familiarity. It creates a home within itself. When I Get Home is wholly inviting, sonically stunning, and lyrically beautiful album that I cannot help but come back to when I am in need of empathy, of comfort, of a place to call home. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

My Skin, My Logo (Feat. Gucci Mane)

Jerrod

Beltway


2. Zuu by denzel curry

 
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Release Date: May 31st, 2019

Record Label: Loma Vista Records

Coming off his most conceptual album to date (TA13OO), many wondered what direction Denzel would head next. The answer to that was obvious to Curry: he would go home. With ZUU, Denzel tastefully simplified his music showing us that sometimes the obvious answer can be the best answer with proper execution. ZUU is a short album with no skippable tracks. It’s abrasive and in-your-face without being inaccessible for less intense fans thanks to cuts like “WISH” and “SHAKE 88”. Songs like “BIRDZ”, “AUTOMATIC”, and “RICKY” provide long term Denzel fans with his unmatched flow and clever lyricism that they have grown to expect. All-in-all, Denzel made an excellent career decision and the result is a Miami masterpiece. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

ZUU

RICKY

AUTOMATIC (Feat. Tay Keith)


1. IGOr by Tyler, the creator

 
IGOR.jpg
 

Release Date: May 17th, 2019

Record Label: Columbia Records

Tyler, The Creator can't be ignored any longer. It is officially his time. Gone are the days of him trying to shock the audience more and more with each track on an album. On IGOR, Tyler manages to continue his incredible growth while also remaining appealing to mainstream audience. A song like “EARFQUAKE” sounds like nothing else that has been put out this year, but is also topping the charts and is able to seamlessly utilize one of the most unique talents rapping today in Playboi Carti. Not only is IGOR sonically interesting, but it also tells a story of falling in and out of love that any listener could relate too. While a song like “A BOY IS A GUN” has some of Tyler’s best rapping on the project, what shines through is what he is saying about the dangers of falling for someone who may not feel the same way back. What makes this the album of the year thus far is that we are seeing an artist who knows his talents as a lyricist, yet still tries to make an album that is great without the traditional constraints of the rap genre. Each track is produced with great care and focus so that the beats aren't just something in the background of him rapping, but actually what helps the listener really feel what Tyler wants them to feel. The perfect example of this is the closing track of the album “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS”. This is a beautiful conclusion to the journey that Tyler just took us on. On this conclusion, Tyler doesn’t even rap but instead he once again lets his amazing production take the stage and what comes out of it one of the most heartfelt and emotional tracks on an album that deserves every bit of critical acclaim that it has received. Though clearly not a trained singer, Tyler doesn't shy away from his more melodic side and it comes across as honest and real. IGOR is one of the best albums of the year because it isn’t just a great rap album, but a great musical experience throughout. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Earfquake 

A Boy is a Gun

Are We Still Friends


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On “ZUU” Denzel Curry Establishes Himself as King of Miami Hip-Hop

Florida’s prodigal son has returned in dramatic fashion to grab the throne and put on for Carroll City

By Spencer Lobdell

Photo via Pooneh Ghana

Photo via Pooneh Ghana

For years the city of Miami has been looking for its rap champion. The glorious days of Trick Daddy and Trina came to an end some time ago when their crown was taken by Rick Ross. The decline of the “Port of Miami” rapper left the throne for the taking with no obvious heir. Charges and jail time made it difficult for the city to crown rappers like Bobby Shmurda, Kodak Black, or even the late XXXTentacion as their unanimous figurehead while a lack of mainstream success kept rappers like SpaceGhostPurrp or any other member of Raider Klan from seizing the position. That is until 2019, when Raider Klan standout Denzel Curry snatched the crown, accepted the responsibility, and promised to never look back.

Denzel has been quietly putting on for Miami (specifically Carroll City) for years as a solo artist and a member of the talented collective started by SpaceGhostPurrp, Raider Klan. Things really begin to heat up for Denzel upon the drop of his sophomore album Imperial which featured Joey Bada$$ and Miami legend Rick Ross. After the album’s release he was selected to be a member of XXL’s 2016 freshman class, a list that would soon lose all credibility but at the time was still a prideful achievement. After Imperial Denzel took two years off to craft what would be his fantastic 2018 release, TA13OO. The album received massive amounts of support and acclaim from fans and critics alike and sits utop many year-end lists including ours.

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While TA13OO was a creative masterpiece and the most ambitious project Denzel ever released, it didn’t sound like Miami. Denzel realized that to be considered one of the greats he would need to first acquire unconditional love and support from his hometown like all legends had before him. He took to twitter to let us know that this was his aim with his newest album ZUU which is an nickname for Carol City, the area of Miami Denzel grew up in. The rollout for ZUU was quick and clean and presented us with two excellent, excitement-building singles, “RICKY” and “SPEEDBOAT”. ZUU arrived May 31st via Loma Vista Records with a runtime of 29 minutes and six features, all of which are heavily tied to the city of Miami.

The album’s title-track “ZUU” is a perfect intro that grabs your attention and refuses to let you play anything else until the album is completed in its entirety. The song is shocking yet catchy with a fascinating woodwinds layer on the hook that makes this cut absolutely addicting.

The end of “ZUU” contains a short skit which ushers us into the albums lead single “RICKY” which is an ode to Denzel’s father. This cut will be the the pump-up song of Summer ‘19 and the accompanying music video just adds to the cinematographic element of this bop.

“BIRDZ” featuring Rick Ross is the fourth cut on this album and my early favorite. It is on “BIRDZ” where Denzel truly claims this album for Miami (Let's start it over/Eye of Jehovah/Come take a look at my city and its culture). The two already-legendary Florida emcees take us for a tour of the magic city over a rattling beat from FnZ on this hard-hitting track.

The album refuses to slow down with the next song “AUTOMATIC” produced by super-producer Tay Keith. The song gets harder and harder the deeper we go with Zel’s second verse being one of the best on the album. The verse shows the Miami rapper discarding fake love and shouting out his day ones whose names should be very familiar if you are a fan of Denzel’s music (You ain't Shane, you ain't Mook/You ain't gang, you ain't crew/See my ways hella strange 'cause I'm raised in the Zuu).

If “BIRDZ” is the track where Dezel claims ZUU for his city, “CAROLMART” is the track where he claims his city for himself (A real-ass nigga from the 305/I was raised off of Trina, Trick, Rick, and Plies). The song is a banger and could inspire an eskimo to research plane tickets to Miami.

The next song “SHAKE 88” is a club anthem and will be inescapable in months to come for obvious reasons. The song is catchy as hell and my Twitter feed has already been flooded with “SHAKE 88” twerk videos.

The album concludes with a radio skit “BLACKLAND 66.6” (a nod to SpaceGhostPurrp who had a mixtape of the same name) which ushers us into the most sinister song on the album. “P.A.T” (which stands for Project and Turmoil) is dedicated to Project Pat (the founder of Three 6 Mafia) and is overtly reminiciant of Zel’s earliest music with Raider Klan. The song is dark, grinding, and hard as hell.

Coming off his most conceptual album to date, many wondered what direction Denzel would head next. The answer to that was obvious to Curry: he would go home. With ZUU Denzel tastefully simplified his music showing us that sometimes the obvious answer can be the best answer with proper execution. ZUU is a short album with no skippable tracks. It’s abrasive and in-your-face without being inaccessible for less intense fans thanks to cuts like “WISH” and “SHAKE 88”. All-in-all, Denzel made an excellent career decision and the result is a Miami masterpiece.  

Favorite Tracks:

ZUU

BIRDZ (Feat. Rick Ross)

AUTOMATIC (Feat. Tay Keith)

Rating: 8.5

Listen to Zuu here:

ZUU, an album by Denzel Curry on Spotify

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Songs of the Week: June 2nd

 
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib.jpg

Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New songs of the week:

“Crime Pays” by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib

Crime Pays, a song by Freddie Gibbs, Madlib on Spotify

On the third single for their forthcoming collab album Bandana, Freddie Gibbs spits his classic cocaine bars over a soulful Madlib beat that tastefully samples “Free Spirits” a 1979 song by Walt Barr. It is impossible to listen to this track and not be catapulted back to 2014 when the duo released their fantastic album Piñata. With a number of smart callbacks by Gibbs, the song seems to exist in its own world that we are allowed to visit for just over three minutes. Freddie ending the song with an A$AP Rocky and Jeezy diss is really the cherry on top of an excellent song.

Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Choppin’ up this change with cocaine in my microwave
Diamonds in my chain, yeah, I slang but I’m still a slave
Twisted in the system, just a number listed on the page
— Freddie Gibbs "Crime Pays"

“ZUU” by Denzel Curry

ZUU, a song by Denzel Curry on Spotify

On his new project, ZUU, Denzel Curry starts things off right with a near perfect album intro. The title track “ZUU” is shocking, in-your-face, and absolutely addicting. The track shows us how this album will deviate from TA13OO in such a grand and dramatic fashion that it makes it near impossible to not run the whole tape upon hearing the menacing intro. Denzel only has one verse on this song but he uses his time well by bouncing from one flow to the next while always repping Southern Florida harder than anyone since a young Rick Ross. This song is a must listen.

M’s all on my belt, I’m feelin’ like I’m Majin Buu
Pocket full of ivy and you know the faces blue
Shoe game sick as fuck, it’s like I’m walkin’ on the flu
Carol City, nigga, boy, I’m comin’ out the Zuu

“Under Enemy Arms” by Trippie Redd

Under Enemy Arms, a song by Trippie Redd on Spotify

This week Trippie Redd premiered his new single with its accompanying video. Before Trippie even comes in you will be whisked away into a world of fluttering synths and epic horns. Trippie defaults to his patented flow on this track and it works quite well, but Hammad Beats for sure steals the show with his layered instrumental. Different subsection in the instrumental keeps you deeply engaged in this song even where Trippie’s lyrics leave something to be desired.

Foreign lil’ whip and I’m whippin’ this car
I might just park in the yard
Catch the opps lackin’, I rip ‘em apart
Fuck it, I got no heart
— Trippie Redd "Under Enemy Arms"

“Gasoline Dreams” by OutKast

Gasoline Dreams (with Khujo Goodie), a song by OutKast, Khujo Goodie on Spotify

The second track off of OutKast’s 2000 album Stankonia is as abbrassive as it gets. From Andre 3000’s distorted vocals on the hook screaming in your ear “Don’t everybody love the smell of gasoline” to Big Boi’s slightly off beat rapping that the group trademarked for the south, everything about this track is provocative, wrenching, and oh so good. Today is a great day to press play on any record in OutKast’s polished discography.

All of my heroes did dope
Every nigga ‘round me playing married, or paying child support
I can’t cope, never made no sense to me one day I hope it will
And that’s that, sport, sport
— Andre 3000 "Gasoline Dreams"

Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:

 

Songs of the Week: May 26th

 
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Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New Songs of the Week:

“Ransom” by Lil Tecca

Ransom, a song by Lil Tecca on Spotify

Chicago rapper Lil Tecca is gaining momentum fast. With a video directed by Cole Bennett, “Ransom” might be the worlds introduction the young buzzing artist. The infectious cut, which is just over two minutes, hosts the young emcee letting the world know he’s next and flexing what he already has. The song is extremely fun and is undoubtably a summer 2019 anthem.

I know I’m boutta blow-oh-whoa, I ain’t dumb
They try to take my flow, I take they ass for ransom
— Lil Tecca "Ransom"

“SPEEDBOAT” by Denzel Curry

SPEEDBOAT, a song by Denzel Curry on Spotify

Denzel Curry is one of the most talented artists rapping right now and he seems to only be getting better. The Florida emcee is following up his excellent 2018 album TA13OO this Friday (May 31st) with the release of his new album ZUU. “SPEEDBOAT” is the second single to be released from the album and has only added to the excitement already surrounding this new project. The hard-hitting hook will be stuck in your head after one listen and Denzel snaps with two wicked verses.

Put a red beam to your head like Arby’s
Either go to school, go to jail or the army
Keep a close eye on the things tryna harm me
Warn me if anybody try to swarm me
— Denzel Curry "SPEEDBOAT"

“Keisha Had A Baby” by YG (Feat. Rose Gold)

Keshia Had A Baby (feat. Rose Gold), a song by YG, Rose Gold on Spotify

LA rapper YG dropped his new album 4REAL 4REAL this past week and it is full of vivid stories and west coast bangers. “Keisha Had A Baby” is the seventh track on the album and features vocals from Rose Gold. The cut is slower than most of YG’s music and is built around beautiful piano chords setting the tone for the slow jam. YG has always been a great storyteller and “Keisha Had A Baby” is another perfect example as we’re introduced to Keisha and her relationship with two different men.

Young Keshia, so fly, so diva
So wise, so eager, so hot, high fever
— YG "Keisha Had A Baby"

Throwback Song of the Week:

“Ghetto Symphony” by A$AP Rocky (Feat. Gunplay & A$AP Ferg)

Ghetto Symphony, a song by A$AP Rocky, Gunplay, A$AP Ferg on Spotify

“Ghetto Symphony” is a clear standout off of A$AP Rocky’s excellent debut album, LONG.LIVE.A$AP. Rocky is aided by Gunplay and A$AP Ferg on the iconic cut and kills his first verse. Rocky’s fashion raps shine throughout this entire album and are very tastefully scattered throughout his verse on “Ghetto Symphony”. Ferg brings up the rear and sounds absolutely insane on the third verse which fits the mood of the song and ties it up nicely.

Yeah, my mouth is full of gold and I’m a city boy
And my outfit was in Vogue, I’m a pretty boy
Bounce, boy, Flacko tell ‘em holla at a nigga, G
Riding on my enemies, this my ghetto symphony
— A$AP Rocky "Ghetto Symphony"

Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:

 

The Idiosyncratic Genius of Flying Lotus: “Flamagra” Album Review

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The first time I ever heard Flying Lotus I was in high school driving around downtown San Fransisco with a close friend of mine who had the privilege of selecting the soundtrack for the day. I can distinctly remember when “Coronus, The Terminator” came through the speakers, and I immediately turned to my friend and asked him: “What is this, and is there more of it?”. The song was so minimal in composition, while also demonstrating an emotional tone so passionate and meaningful that I had to hear more. Few artists have provoked such an instant interest within me, and since then I have delved deeply into every album, every project, and every track that he has been involved with thus far. Although Flying Lotus, also known as ‘FlyLo’, has not been exactly radio silent since his last album in 2014, the amount of excitement that a five year wait can instill into a fanbase as committed as his is almost unparalleled. 

Announced just a month ago, I spent the past few weeks ravenous for new information and music from the Los Angeles Native. Before listening to the album on release day, I combed through the liner notes. I felt joy seeing names I recognized, and researched the names I didn’t. I wanted to know what to expect, who would be playing what instrument on certain tracks, and who the writers, producers and engineers were as well. Gradually, the hype I felt shifted increasingly into a synthesis of excitement and anxiety as I read names like Solange, Thundercat, and even a personal hero of mine, Toro Y Moi as contributors to the album. This anxiety may seem uncommon, but after similar experiences with the Gorillaz’s 2017 return HUMANZ, and Travis Scott’s sophomore album Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, I was worried that the 27 track, 67 minute album that many had waited so long for would be potentially too busy. While the previous albums weren’t necessarily disappointments, I was concerned that Flying Lotus’s sixth studio record may have been muddled with the ideas of others preventing the talent of FlyLo to shine through. 

I could not have been more wrong.

Flamagra sees Ellison at his peak, with almost every track being simultaneously quick and easy to digest, while also having the depth and richness of a legendary piece of classical music. This is not an understatement. Somehow each of the 27 tracks are just as resonant as the last, lending themselves to a cohesive whole, though some songs exist in  totally different musical genres. Every moment subverts your expectations, whether it is the melodies, arrangements, chord progression, percussion, or even the brief moments of lyricism on certain tracks. Back from a long hiatus, Ellison presents the listener with 27 tracks that are the aural equivalent of rich appetizers: easy to consume but almost impossible to completely understand. That is a good thing however, as I’ve listened to certain tracks dozens of times and am still picking out drums, effects, and vocals that were previously hidden.

The opening track “Heroes” is an eerie introduction to Flying Lotus’s return to form. The lush instrumentation and hazy feel gives the song an almost vaporware-flavor. Suddenly as the percussion picks up, samples from Dragonball Z come in as the musical tone shifts as well. The track turns over into a more jazz-oriented composition, with Thundercat simply massacring the track with a hectic but funky guitar riff. The guitar ends, “Heroes” turns over once more into a spacious and ambient track as if to say, “catch your breath, there’s no slowing down”, and the next track begins. 

“Post Requisite”, the second track, borrows many musical themes and ideas previously explored in Flylo’s genre-defining Cosmogramma and Los Angeles albums. Fans of favorites like “Auntie’s Harp” and “Do the Astral Plane” will be unable to resist this banger, as Post Requisite's funk-laden baselines and constantly changing drum patterns make it clear that Thundercat had a hand in this song’s creation. In addition to this, the jazzy low-fi elements of this track almost feels like Flying Lotus has returned home with a few new tricks up his sleeve. 

“Heroes in a Half Shell” is another track with the classic random humor of Ellison in the title, and although it is only half as long as the previous track, it still contains a busy and hectic piano arrangement with notes drifting in and out of earshot, as if one was floating down a river with multiple piano concerts happening just feet away. The song transitions nicely into “More” featuring a truly killer performance by Anderson .Paak, who delivers a mediation on love and self-reflection. He sings on the infectiously catchy hook, "Breakin' you down to size / There's gotta be more to life than myself / That's when I caught light of myself / Gotta be somethin' more that I can't tell”. Paak’s effortless confidence pairs well with the background vocals from Norelle, and clocking in at just over 4 minutes, this track is one of only three songs on the album to break the four minute mark.

The next track “Capillaries” is a slightly off-kilter and glitchy cut from the album, with delicate piano melodies that are vaguely reminiscent of entering a quiet bathroom during a busy party. The track also features very heavy percussion that conveys a hard-hitting marching feel when paired with the other instruments. This rhythm continues into “Burning Down the House”, where kicks and claps come together with a sometimes funky, sometimes ambient instrumentation. It is a nice detour before “Spontaneous” featuring the Swedish electronic-fusion band Little Dragon, an ethereal track with vocals so dreamlike that only Little Dragon could deliver. This track is all over the place, sometimes sounding like 80’s rock music, and other times like jazz or funk, but by the time the song ends, it feels just as consistent as it did in the opening seconds. 

“Takashi” is the longest track on the album by far, and at just under six-minutes, it is easily also one of the most infectiously fun and playful cuts off the album. Flylo’s use of the classic analog Rhodes synthesizer paired with the mechanical and calculated feeling of the drums makes this song truly unique and an invaluable part of Flamagra as a whole. The upbeat and electric feeling of the song fits almost every situation, whether it be a crowded house party, or a quiet morning at home. The song ends before you know it, slowly winding down while still maintaining its funky atmosphere before transitioning into “Pilgrim Side Eye. One of the goofiest and most eclectic tracks on the album, this moment features writing credits from Herbie Hancock and features instruments that are played in reverse in instances akin to a modern Captain Beefheart. Right when you think you have the track figured out, the beat switches into spacious and dreamlike pads that transition nicely into track ten, “All Spies”. 

Featuring a much more conventional drum track, “All Spies” has a distinctly nostalgic 8-bit feel that was commonly invoked on Ellison’s 2014 album You’re Dead!. It is fun, experimental, and features a bit of a musical shift in the track list. “Yellow Belly” featuring Philadelphia native Tierra Whack is a very heavy throwback to FlyLo’s “Dead Man’s Tetris”, with playful rapping paired over stilted percussion and weighty low-pitch synth melodies. Whack raps humerously "In the sky, I'm so high, everyone looks up to me / You a virgin, you could not compete (I put my titties in his face)” before the song quickly changes into the comparably darker experimental rap-track “Black Balloons Reprise” featuring Denzel Curry. 

This track is everything one could hope for from a Flying Lotus and Denzel Curry collaboration, where themes from Curry’s 2018 TA13OO shine through when he raps "The night turns to day and my days don't seem the brightest / ... I wanna take a bite out of what life is / If the President fuck around and piss off ISIS / Bury me in blueberry bills, jewels, and ices”. With multiple layers of background vocal layers, the song carries with it a simultaneously funky, and choir-inspired classic rap track. Curry closes his verse by lamenting "I kick that funky shit until my casket closed”, and he is not wrong.

The next track “Fire is Coming” contains a horrifying spoken word piece by David Lynch about a family realizing that a fire is approaching their house. This is a theme that Flamagra is centered around, a concept that Ellison describes as “...a lingering concept about fire, an eternal flame sitting on a hill […] Some people love it, some people hate it”. The track, like the concept, contains a science-fiction adjacent composition with ambient and space-like pads and heavy bass, with the classic Thundercat and Flying Lotus funk that is so present on the record. Released as one of the singles leading up to the album’s release, “Fire is Coming” ended up being a self-fulfilling prophecy about Lotus’s own upcoming album. 

Inside Your Home” is a much more spacious and elegant track, with occasionally hectic and busy moments that one would come to expect from Flying Lotus. It acts as a short interlude before “Actually Virtual” featuring vocals from the legendary Seattle-based group, Shabazz Palaces. Delivering lines like "From east blew in a plush wind, with nomads that blow grass /To gold flow that's so passionate, styles dash, we so cash”, this track is incredibly engaging despite the sparse instrumentation that occupies the background of the song. The following track Andromeda is a very chill and relaxed track that almost sounds like it could be an indie-rock song at times. It is just as enjoyable as it is short, as just after a minute passes, it is over. 

The last third of the album begins with “Remind U”, a similarly chill and laid-back track that gradually unfolds and flourishes as the song becomes more and more upbeat. The drums pick up, the bass lines go faster, and right before they reach a climax they recoil back as a glittering piano track ends the song as quickly as it began. “Say Something” is a beautifully haunting track containing some of the most vaudevillian string melodies since Panic! At The Disco’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out almost a decade ago. Although the song is also fairly short, the wonky piano melodies in the background make the track a nice but ominous detour before Debbie is Depressed. This track is a simultaneously funky and upbeat soulful track, though the vocals contain some of the most dejected lyricism on the album. The song is about the monotony of quotidian life, and how it is both a blessing and a curse. The track ends quickly with an angelic string arrangement that stands in strong opposition to the sadness laid out in the track. “Find Your Own Way Home” continues this string track into a track that softly blooms and wilts in under two minutes.

The Climb” features vocals from Thundercat, and fans of his last album Drunk will be sure to love this song. The vocal harmonies are incredibly lush, and Thundercat’s falsetto singing sounds amazing over the jazzy and hip-hop influenced drums and the dense string sections. Created in perhaps an optimistic light after “Debbie is Depressed”, Thundercat sings "Most of the things we're going through make no sense / Even though you feel alone, it's not the end / And when you're feeling out of place and nowhere you can hide / Just close your eyes and take a breath and you'll be alright”. “The Climb” is definitely one of the high points on the album, as Thundercat and Flying Lotus are able to pair jazz, soul, disco, and hip-hop into one easily accessible track that will be in heavy rotation for many fans of the like this summer. After the song ends, the two take a breather with “Pygmy, a fun and exotic-sounding track containing echoing nature samples and chill contemporary piano melodies. 

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Thins begin to pick up again on “9 Carrots” featuring Toro Y Moi, where the track begins with powerfully delicate strings and angelic vocal harmonies before transitioning into a funky and vintage soul beat. Ellison and Bear trade lines while singing about the loss of love, detailing its emotional strain with lyrics like "There's a woman that I know / Who now wants me feeling happier when the day breaks / … / Don't you give it away, give it away”. Both Bear and Ellison’s signature styles of chill wave and experimental electronic funk find a new home on this track, and together they both sound utterly incredible. 

Ff4” is one of the four closing tracks on the album, featuring a soft and elegant instrumental arrangement of piano flourishes and chords, as well as low-fi drum patterns that almost make this sound like a direct cut off of the youtube playlist ‘low-fi songs to chill/study to’. The track ends, an ominous and beautiful string arrangement fades in and out, and Solange begins to sing on “Land of Honey. There is not much to say about this song that can accurately portray how well Flying Lotus and Solange pair together, as their combined talents offer themselves on a track that is the musical equivalent to slowly sauntering around a beautifully overgrown garden. Solange even nods to the concept directing Flamagra, singing "When you see smoke, there's fire”, and softly singing “Hallelujah” as the song quietly ends. 

Thank You Malcolm” is very similar to “Remind U”, as both tracks start soft before increasing in intensity, and right before their peak, the song transitions into the next track. Both these tracks, while beautiful in their own rights, act as springboards into the following tracks, and in the case of “Thank You Malcolm, the song launches the the listener into the final track, “Hot Oct.”.

Like the very first moments on Flamagra, “Hot Oct. contains many elements of vaporware music that convey a sense of the fantastical and the surreal. Ambient pads and down-pitched vocals slowly lead the listener out of the album, as the song slowly and peacefully fades away. Like Denzel Curry said on Black Balloons Reprise, “We all die”, and just like that Flamagra is over.

It is no easy task to host as many musicians and collaborators as Flying Lotus has on Flamagra, while still maintaining the personal integrity and identity of the album as your own album. This balancing act is made effortless by Flying Lotus, as each collaborator, such as Thundercat and his camp, Anderson .Paak and his camp, Little Dragon, Toro Y Moi, Tierra Whack, Denzel Curry and Herbie Hancock, is in a position that makes sense within the narrative of the album. None of them overpower the work of Flying Lotus, as each one is able to play with and flourish under the canvas that Flying Lotus has laid out for them. While at first I was skeptical as to how Ellison could pull this off, he proved me wrong by creating Flamagra, an album that is so layered and complex that it seems much more appropriate to call it an elaborate dinner party that Flying Lotus is hosting for his friends. 

Very few other artists host the talents that Flying Lotus has, and even fewer artists could pull off such an exceptional feat such as this project. Every song is its own moment of diverse instrumentation and emotional tone, and I am happy to say that Flamagra was worth the wait. Few artists alive are as idiosyncratic and talented as Flying Lotus, so it logically follows that if any artist could pull this off after all, it would be him. Be sure to check him out at a live show sometime, his visuals and music will be sure to capitate even the most skeptical critics. In the meantime, I’ll be anxiously awaiting the release of his next project.

Favorite Tracks:

(too many to choose)

Post Requisite

The Climb (Feat. Thundercat)

9 Carrots (Feat. Toro Y Moi)

Rating 10

Listen to Flamagra here:

Flamagra, an album by Flying Lotus on Spotify

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Songs of the Week: May 12th

 
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Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New Songs of the Week:

“RICKY” by Denzel Curry

RICKY, a song by Denzel Curry on Spotify

This week Denzel Curry began what looks to be the rollout for his new album when he released his hard-hitting single “RICKY”. The song, which is equal parts aggressive and catchy, was accompanied by a thrilling music video and is the Florida rapper’s first release since his excellent 2018 album TA13OO. The song is named after Denzel’s father and pays tribute to him by quoting the man as well as telling stories from Denzel’s childhood. The energetic cut is the perfect start to the rollout out of one of the most anticipated albums of 2019.

That was back in Carol City, yeah, when I was just a jit
With the all-black faded Dickie with the Raider fit
That was it, we was lit, y’all wasn’t even shit yet
We was Three 6, Wu-Tang mixed with Dipset
— Denzel Curry "RICKY"

“Racks on Me” HoodRich Pablo Juan

Racks On Me, a song by HoodRich Pablo Juan on Spotify

HoodRich Pablo Juan is one of the most influential voices in the Atlanta trap scene regardless if it has translated into mainstream success. His newest album BLO: The Movie came out this week and is his first release of the year. The first track on the project “Racks on Me” instantly lured me into this project and has been on repeat since its drop. Spiffy Global crafts a perfect instrumental for Pablo’s auto-tuned vocals to melt in to for the songs short two minute duration giving the song a dreamy bounce that is the perfect soundtrack to the end of a late night. With his lyrics, HoodRich reminds us that not every song needs to have deep conceptual meaning or any specific narrative to still be an enjoyable listen. “Racks on Me” is one of the most addicting songs that has dropped this year and a perfect intro to an album that exceeded expectations.

Walk in, my diamonds is dancing
Too many racks, I can’t hold up my pants
Thick thighs and I like how she dancing
Fuck all that broke shit, bitch, we having bands
— HoodRich Pablo Juan "Racks on Me"

“She Live” by Maxo Kream (Feat. Megan Thee Stallion)

She Live (feat. Megan Thee Stallion), a song by Maxo Kream, Megan Thee Stallion on Spotify

Houston OG Maxo Kream is hot right now after a string of well received singles and it seems like we could get a new album for the emcee any week now. His latest single “She Live” is anchored by an excellent hook first sang by Maxo then Megan Thee Stallion. Both artists sound great over the spacious instrumental that is basically just a drum track with a kicking 808. This song has major mainstream appeal and I could see it being Maxo’s biggest hit thanks to the catchy hook and the team up with Megan Thee Stallion who is gaining more momentum everyday.

Yellowbone Tina, dark skin Keisha, hood bitch, she gon’ set it off like Latifah
Bad bitch down in Miami like Trina, bougie bitch only ride Benz or Beamer
— Maxo Kream "She Live"

Throwback Song of the Week:

“EdEddnEddy” by JID

EdEddnEddy, a song by JID on Spotify

“EdEddnEddy” is the fourth song off JID’s 2017 release The Never Story. The short, one-verse, no-hook song showcases JID reminiscing about his childhood and loyalist of friends. The beat is simple and doesn’t take any attention away from JID’s witty word play and unique flow. The song is a slower bop that is an essential for laidback car rides with your day ones.

We was celebrating life, tryna get to the fetti
But me and my two niggas, we like Ed, Edd ‘n’ Eddy
— JID "EdEddnEddy"

Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:

 
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Songs of the Week: March 10th

 
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Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New Songs of the Week:

“Have Mercy” by YBN Cordae

Have Mercy, a song by YBN Cordae on Spotify

YBN’s golden boy is back with one of the hottest songs the young MC has dropped. On “Have Mercy” Cordae flexes a plethora of different flows and some of the cleverest bars we’ve heard this year. While we’ve known the North Carolina rapper has been destined for greatness for some time, “Have Mercy” feels different than anything he’s released leading me to believe it might finally be his time for takeover. Assuming that “Locationships” and “Have Mercy” both make his newest album, Cordae is clearly aiming for the throne with his next release.

Why cry over spilled milk if you still feel I’m the real deal?

My bitch bad with no ill-will ‘cause she’ll murk a nigga like Kill Bill

Loose slips sink ships, Cam’ron pink drip, that is my fashion

I’m not really with the high flashin’, it’s no helpin’ with my braggin’
— YBN Cordae "Have Mercy"

“Fast” by Juice WRLD

Fast, a song by Juice WRLD on Spotify

“Fast,” a standout single on Juice WRLD’s new album Death Race For Love, reminds us of every reason we love the Chicago artist. His lyrics are reflective, emotional, and relatable. His vocal performance is driven by interesting melodies that pair beautifully with the beat. The instrumental is driven by a slow guitar giving the cut the unique feel he is known for. This is a classic Juice cut and an early favorite off of Death Race For Love.

My mama taught me better than that, I’ll be honest

I blame it on the drugs and this life I’m involved in
— Juice WRLD "Fast"

“Aloha” by Denzel Curry & Charlie Heat

Aloha, a song by Charlie Heat, Denzel Curry on Spotify

Denzel Curry can do no wrong and even if it isn’t your particular taste his talent is indisputable. On his latest release “Aloha” he links up with G.O.O.D Music super producer Charlie Heat. Denzel locks into an dope drawn-out flow that is reminiscent of the last time the two linked up in 2018 for “SUMO|ZUMO.” This song is an absolute banger and leaves listeners begging for more. Whatever Denzel is up to, here at StereoVision we’re here for it.

Nigga so bizarre, I’m raw, I’m rich

At first, I park my car, then park your bitch

And when I pop the bra, I know, it’s lit

I’m like an envelope, proceed to lick
— Denzel Curry "Aloha"

Throwback Song of the Week:

“Shoulda Woulda” by Kodak Black

Shoulda Woulda, a song by Kodak Black on Spotify

“Shoulda Woulda” is one of my favorite songs in Kodak Black’s deep discography. The Project Baby cut is anchored by a mesmerizing instrumental that gives Kodak the perfect pocket to flex all the things he could’ve done if he felt like it. The hook on this cut is absolutely addicting allowing this track to be played on repeat for some time without annoyance. Kodak rarely gets the credit he deserves for his early work and “Shoulda Woulda” is undeniable evidence.

Man, I should’ve got the Lex

Dropped the top on ‘em, I ain’t wanna flex

Would’ve hit your girl, I ain’t want the sex

I had shit to do, I made her drop the neck
— Kodak Black "Shoulda Woulda"

Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:

 
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Why 2019 Will be the Year SoundCloud Legend Thouxanbanfauni Finally Gets the Mainstream Respect he Deserves

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If you listen to any music on SoundCloud you are well aware of Atlanta trapper Thouxanbanfauni. Fauni is a bonafide SoundCloud legend and many credit him and his good friend UnoTheActivist for the streaming services wild success. Fauni began releasing music in 2015 with the iconic banger “Rhianna’s wrist” and hasn’t looked back since. Over the past four years he has released four full-length mixtapes and numerous free singles, some of which have surpassed three million plays on SoundCloud. Fauni’s sound is deeply authentic and already has its own team of imitators. His layered voice sounds larger than life and uses it to emphasize a song’s most essential bars. His Atlanta roots shine through in his slightly auto tuned voice, unique dialect, and his hard hitting trap beats. Early standouts in his catalogue include the confrontational “WHO YOU TESTING” and the laid-back, codeine-filled, trap anthem “Gorgeous.” Potentially the most catchy song in his discography is his futuristic cut “Getit Clappin“ which showcases excellent production and Fauni’s most widely-appealing writing. Check out the music video to the should-be hit below.

Requiem, an album by Thouxanbanfauni on Spotify

Last August Fauni released Requiem, his best project to date. The 14 song mixtape plays more like a playlist than an album but that is far from an issue with Fauni. I am perfectly fine with sacrificing context and cohesion for new-wave trap bangers on every track. The second cut on the album, “Fully Automatic Stick,” is a heavy hitter that doesn’t resemble anything else released in 2018. It goes so hard that the threatening track sounds destructive at its climax. Fauni’s harmonized back up vocals on the fast-paced “Wide Awake” perfectly showcases how impactful his signature style can be when executed precisely. On the unforgettable futuristic cut “Xenon” Fauni seems to leave earth and record his floating vocals from a far away world that we can only visit through Requiem.

While it’s still an enigma why Thouxanbanfauni has failed to blow up two years in a row, there is reason to believe 2019 will finally be his year. The main reason is exposure through collaboration. Fauni’s discography is already impressive enough to the point where if a new listener were to stumble across him via Spotify, they would defiantly be hooked on his signature sound and lured back to his catalogue. Fauni’s issue is getting individuals to stumble across his profile. The best way to attract these new potential listeners is by collaborating with popular artists and inheriting their fans. Fauni ended 2019 with an absolute banger called “Heavy Metal” which features the talented Denzel Curry and is a step in the right direction for the Atlanta MC. He also has a collab album with UnoTheActivist coming out on February 22nd. If the two singles released so far (“CHOPPA DOWN” & “PAY ME”) are any indication of the how the album will sound then we are in store for some more classic Fauni tracks. In an interview with HotNewHipHop he also said he has new music with Lil Boat and Lucki on the way. All signs point towards 2019 being the year Thouxanbanfauni finally gets the mainstream respect and attention he’s deserved for years.

Heavy Metal (feat. Denzel Curry), a song by Thouxanbanfauni, Denzel Curry on Spotify

PAY ME, a song by Thouxanbanfauni, UnoTheActivist on Spotify


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The Top 50 Hip-Hop Projects of 2018

 
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2018 was an excellent year in Hip-Hop. We had major artists drop exceptional albums (J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, etc.). We had new artists release excellent debut projects (Tierra Whack, Jay Critch, Juice WRLD, etc.). Older veterans made comebacks (Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Royce da 5’9, etc.) We even had entertaining rap beefs (Drake v Push and Tory v Joyner). The music was plentiful and of high quality. The demand for hip-hop has grown exponentially in the last two years pushing the boundaries of the genre further than ever before in 2018. As a result, this year has been historic so the least we can do is look back and appreciate the best of the best from a great year.

Before we get to the list I have to rant. While many may say my year end list is a month late, it is absolutely stupid that it is acceptable to drop a list like this at the end of November. Every year major publications miss excellent albums dropped in December because they jump the gun and race each other to drop their list, and as a result you won’t see an excellent Kodak Black album and a very good 21 Savage album on any other year end list.

For every project included on my list I selected three tracks to spotlight. I have compiled all these tracks onto a Spotify playlist that will be linked here:

This playlist is a the counterpart to my article "The Top 50 Hip-Hop Projects of 2018" on www.hottakehiphop.com. I picked 3 songs from each of my top 50 projects of the year and included them in this playlist. Hit play and enjoy the best 2018 had to offer.

Listen along as you read and get a taste of any album you might have not tapped into in 2018. Now without further ado, the top 50 hip-hop projects of 2018:


50. Rolling Papers 2 by Wiz Khalifa

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If you went into this album thinking it was going to live up to the OG Rolling Papers you clearlyhaven’t been paying attention. With that being said, Rolling Papers 2 served its purpose of providing Wiz fans with a handful of quality songs to smoke to all summer. While the album is far too long, the best tracks on this thing are really good and had excellent replay value in 2018.

Best Songs:

Rolling Papers 2

Hopeless Romantics (Feat. Swae Lee)

Fr Fr (Feat. Lil Skies)


49. Harder Than Ever by Lil Baby

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Harder than ever was the start to a breakout 2018 for Lil Baby. This tape is loaded with bangers and high-level features. While it’s safe to say that a Drake cosign is one of the best ways for any young artist to pop, with features from Lil Uzi Vert, Yung Thug, Gunna, and others, Lil Baby was bound to blow with or without his brand new whip with no keys.

Best Songs:

Exotic (Feat. Starlito)

Southside

Life Goes On (Feat. Gunna & Lil Uzi Vert)


48. Life’s a Trip by Trippie Redd

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If 2017 was the year that Trippie Redd moved from Soundcloud hero to mainstream artist than 2018 was the year he became a superstar. While this project feels less cohesive than his Love Letter series it also encompasses Trippie Redd at his absolute best. There are hits scattered throughout this tape and on “Missing My Idols” we hear Trippie rap the best he has since earlier SoundCloud releases. While they are cuts, Trippie reached a little too deep into his bag by including UKA UKA and Dark Knight Dummo on this tape which caused for the middle of the album to be a little boring for fans that have been following Trippie prior to 2018.

Best Songs:

Taking a Walk

Missing My Idols

Oomps Revenge


47. Northsbest by Lil Mosey

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While Seattle rapper Lil Mosey may have just turned 16, that didn’t keep him from releasing a project packed with some of the catchiest songs of the year. Mosey’s trendy dialect and youthful energy makes Northsbest one of the most fun albums of 2018 even if it lacks much context.

Best Songs:

Kamikaze

Noticed

Boof Pack


46. Fetti by Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y, & The Alchemist

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LA legend Freddie Gibbs continues to drop quality tape after quality tape without any mainstream recognition. On Fetti, Gibbs links up with OG LA producer The Alchemist and Young Money rapper Curren$y. No one does modern gangsta rap like Gibbs and his counterparts lift him to new enjoyable places on his latest project.

Best Songs:

Location Remote

The Blow

Saturday Night Special


45. On the Rvn by Young Thug

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2018 has been an emotional roller coaster for me when it comes to Young Thug. I was very disappointed by his labels collaborative album Slime Language when it came out in August. I was ready to give up on Thugger for 2018 until he dropped his surprise EP/album On the Rvn. On this tape Thug trades quantity for quality and delivers with six excellent tracks. On the final track “High” New York City based producer Stelios Phili chops up Elton Johns classic song “Rocket Man” into the most ambitious beat in recent memory. Thug’s vocals sweetly glide over the hypnotizing instrumental making for one of the best tracks of the year.

Best Songs:

Climax (Feat. 6lack)

Sin (Feat. Jaden Smith)

High (Feat. Elton John)


44. Life of a Dark Rose by Lil Skies

Welcome to the rodeo Lil Skies. Skies was absolutely undeniable in 2018 and one of the best new artists of the year. This all started with Life of a Dark Rose, which is packed with cuts. There are few dull moments on this album and although Skies’s rapping can be repetitive and basic he does a great job of holding the listeners attention throughout the 41-minute project. Only time will tell if Skies will stick around in 2019.

Best Songs:

Welcome to the Rodeo

Lust

Nowadays (Feat. Landon Cube)


43. Scorpion by Drake

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As his career progresses it seems harder and harder for Drake to live up to expectations he set for himself with his first three albums. With this being said, Drake continues to crush the chart and make hits at rate no one in hip-hop ever has. Scorpion is a double album with the first disc being dedicated to Drake the rapper and second Drake the singer. This was a terrific idea and allows Scorpion to appeal to every Drake fan out there. The best moment on this album was four songs in when Drizzy snaps for 5 minutes of straight introspective bars in true Take Care fashion on “Emotionless.” While there were some real highs on this project, they came with lows and a saturated album that didn’t lie as long as it should’ve in 2018.

Best Songs:

Emotionless

Sandra’s Rose

Blue Tint


42. Danny Womack by Don Toliver

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Don’t know who Don Toliver is? Don’t worry, neither did the rest of the world until his feature on “Can’t Say” on Travis Scott’s Astroworld. The Houston Trap&B artist has an extremely unique sound that will cross over into the mainstream if he continues to drop music in 2019. His debut album Donny Womack is a perfect introduction to Don Toliver and is full of songs you’ll be excited to play for your friends.

Best Songs:

Diva

Issues

2 Lil Shorty


41. A Love Letter to You 3 by Trippie Redd

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Trippie Redd was everywhere in 2018 and the third installment of his A Love Letter To You Series was his best work of the year. The album opens with one of the catchiest songs of Trippie’s career with “Topanga.” The album is very solid throughout and a close second in the Love Letter To You series.

Best Tracks:

Topanga

Love Scars 3

1400/ 999 Freestyle (Feat. Juice WRLD)


40. Victory Lap by Nipsey Hustle

Los Angeles OG Nipsey Hustle dropped the best album of his career in early 2018. Victory Lap sounds exactly like the name implies, a braggadocios victory lap around the rap game that Nipsey has been playing in for a decade. “Last Time That I Checc’d” with YG was probably the most improbable track of the year due to gang affiliations. While unexpected, it is probably the most gangsta track of the year and held in very high standards in the Los Angeles rap scene.

Best Songs:

Last Time That I Checc’d (Feat. YG)

Grinding All My Life

Double Up (Feat. Belly & Dom Kennedy


39. Punken by Maxo Kream

Twelve days into 2018 Maxo Kream dropped Punken, the most cohesive project of his career. Maxo’s nonstop flow and brutally honest story telling makes “Grannies” an easy highlight of the album. The Houston native has his own flow and plenty of real life experiences to share, making Punken an extremely authentic and enjoyable listen.

Best Songs:

Grannies

Capeesh (Feat. Trippie Redd)

Bussdown


38. November by SiR

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TDE’s SiR opened 2018 with the extremely smart November. Sir’s sophomore project is jazzy, sophisticated, and different. His style is fresh and a breath of fresh air in a hip-hop industry saturate with trap. In the brilliant song “D’Evils” SiR’s relaxing layered singing beautifully lays on top of a cool reggae sample. There is a reason that fellow TDE members were pushing this album so hard in January – it’s dope.

Best Songs:

Something Foreign

D’Evils

Never Home


37. I am > I Was by 21 Savage

21 Savage’s Christmas present to the world was his most complete album yet, I am > I was.  Throughout this album savage tries out new styles and flows without ever loosing the hard, ruthless, bloodthirsty 21 that we all fell in love with. The album opens with a heavy hitter and one of the best intros of the year in “a lot” with J. Cole. 21 exceeds expectations the entire tape and reminds why he blew in the first place.

Best Songs:

a lot (Feat. J. Cole)

All my friends (Feat. Post Malone)

can’t leave without it (Feat. Gunna & Lil Baby)


36. Goodbye & Good Riddance by Juice WRLD

We love sad boy rap! Crash your whip! Take the percs! Juice WRLD had some kind of year. The first half of his debut album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, was the soundtrack to the beginning of 2018. It is an overly emotional break up album with some of the catchiest songs of the year. It’s impossible to not love juice’s passion filled voice and gliding melodies.

Best Songs:

Lucid Dreams

Black & White

Lean Wit Me


35. Noir by Smino

In 2018 Smino continued to be authentically himself and carve out his own lane. He seamlessly switches between singing and rapping and has potentially the most unique style in the rap game right now. The second cut on the album “L.M.F”  is one of the best songs of the year and the album never slows down. Noir was one of the most fun and exciting projects of 2018.

Best Songs:

L.M.F

Klink

Z4L (Feat. Bari & Jay2)


34. K.T.S.E by Teyana Taylor

The Kanye West produced K.T.S.E absolutely took Teyana Taylor’s music to places it had never been before. Throughout the 22 minutes, Teyana charms us with her beautiful vocals that couldn’t fit better with some of Kanye’s best instrumentals of the year. The album ends with the electrically sensual “WTP” where Taylor shows us just how much of a bad bitch she really is.

Best Songs:

Issues/Hold On

Hurry (Feat. Kanye Wesst)

WTP


33. GOOD Job, You Found Me by Valee

In an industry full of impersonators and flow-biters it is a true rarity to find someone as unique as Valee. The newest member of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music has his own flow that has already been stolen and used by may A-List rappers on their hit records. While GOOD Job, You Found Me only has a play time of 14 minutes it absolutely has to be included on any year end hip-hop list. Valee occupies his own lane and leaves the listener begging for more.

Best Songs:

Miami (Feat. Pusha T)

Skinny

Shell


32. East Atlanta Love Letter by 6lack

6LACK’s emotionally chilling sophomore album is beautiful and profound and is somewhat reminiscent of early releases from the weekend. Throughout the album 6LACK sings about women as evil temptations, an entertaining and provocative counter narrative to common hip-hop themes. 6LACK’s tone is almost one of warning and his experiences with women are earnest and easy to relate to.

Best Songs:

Loaded Gun

Pretty Little Fears (Feat. J. Cole)

Seasons (Feat. Khalid)


31. Room 25 by Noname

Noname never disappoints. Her spoken poetry rap is so nice on the ears and her lyricism is second to none. Room 25 is beautiful, sophisticated, and badass all at the same time. Twice in the album’s excellent intro Noname spits, “Y’all really thought a bitch couldn’t rap?” If there was ever a doubt Room 25 silences it and proves Noname can rap and do much more.

Best Songs:

Self

Blaxploitation

Ace (Feat. Smino & Saba)


30. Black Panther the Album by Various Artists

In 2018 Kendrick Lamar and friends released the best movie soundtrack put together in recent memory. Black Panther the Album has a star studded track list with songs from Kendrick Lamar, SZA, The Weekend, Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, and many others. This album holds your attention as good as anything on this list with the slew of featured artists and fantastic production.

Best Songs:

Paramedic! (Feat. SOB X RBE)

Bloody Waters (Feat. Anderson .Paak & Ab-Soul)

Big Shot (Feat. Travis Scott)


29. Hood Favorite by Jay Critch

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2019 will be the year that all of New York embraces Jay Critch as their crown jewel. The up-and-coming Bronx rapper released his debut album in November and it is packed with hits. The third track “Ego” has one of the catchiest hooks of the year and is sure to see mainstream success in 2019. Jay Critch is the next big thing out of the east coast and Hood Favorite is just the beginning.

Best Songs:

Smutty

Ego

Try It (Feat. French Montana & Fabolous)


28. Championship by Meek Mill

Meek has always rapped with tremendous passion, but Championship takes this passion and intensity to another level. Meek Mill’s life experience with the court system and jail makes his raps about a prison reform extremely convincing and valid. Championship is cohesive, has a purpose, and most importantly, it bangs.

Best Songs:

What’s Free (Feat. JAY-Z & Rick Ross)

Championships

Tic Tac Toe (Feat. Kodak Black)


27. ? by XXXTENTACION

RIP X! is an eerie assortment of bold styles and passion filled lyrics that few could pull off. X grew immensely through the making of and it’s easy to see that if he just had more time the future was very bright. While a couple of songs on this thing miss pretty hard, majority show incredible foresight and an ear for many different styles. Besides just being unique, X proves over and over again on his sophomore album that he was a very talented MC when he decides to rap rap like he does on a number of joints on this album.

Best Songs:

Moonlight

The remedy for a broken heart

Infinity (Feat. Joey Bada$$)


26. God Level by 03 Greedo

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When it comes to underground raap in LA, no one is held in higher regards than 03 Greedo. God Level is easily Greedo’s best work and was released a months after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for gun and drug possession. The hour and forty minute album truly sounds like a glimpse into the future of rap and it’s a true shame that Greedo has such limited time left to record music to be released during his jail stint. Free 03!

Best Songs:

Blower (Feat. AD)

Dibiase

Conscience


25. Veteran by JPEGMAFIA

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Veteran is  frantic, weird, glitchy, and oh so good. JPEGMAFIA achieves something on this album that was only possible because it was entirely self produced. I won’t lie, more than once throughout this album I had to check and make sure my headphones weren’t spazzing out, but the more I listened the more I enjoyed these strange, grinding, futuristic instrumentals. Veteran is uniquely special and rooted in provocative political messages.

Best Songs:

1539 N. Calvert

Thug Tears

Macaulay Calkin


24. Die Lit by Playboi Carti

The human instrument is back at it with a fun, exciting, and immensely cool 19-track album. Where Carti lacks as a lyricist, he makes up for through incredibly infectious rapping that seems to bounce back and forth with tremendous energy. The albums excellent playability should be attributed half to Carti and half to super producer Pi’erre Bourne who handles majority of the production on this project. Bourne’s beats sound like a mix of extremely expensive synths, retro video game sound effects, and booming 808s. This style couldn’t pair better with Carti’s style of rap and makes Die Lit an exceptional listen.

Best Songs:

Long Time

Shoota (Feat. Lil Uzi Vert)

Poke it Out (Feat. Nicki Minaj)


23. Milky Way by Bas

Dreamville’s Bas reached new highs with his third studio album, Milky Way. Bas has always been an excellent MC who comes with profound lyrics while still maintaining a chill sound that never comes off as condescending. This thing is packed with great songs from the bouncing, high-energy single “Tribe” to the soothing “Purge” where Bas calmly snaps in back to back verses. Milky Way is extremely put together and one of the most professional albums of the year from cover to cover.

Best Songs:

Tribe (Feat. J. Cole)

Boca Raton (Feat. A$AP Ferg)

Fragrance (Feat. Correy C)


22. Requiem by Thouxanban Faunni

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The biggest mystery of 2018 is how Thouxanban Faunni failed to blow up for the second year in a row. The sound cloud legend dropped the best project of his career with Requiem yet still failed to achieve mainstream success. This project plays more like a playlist than an album but that is far from an issue with Faunni. I am perfectly fine with sacrificing context and cohesion for new wave trap bangers on every track. The best tracks on this tape double as some of the best tracks of the year. Faunni is the future of rap, tap in to Requiem before you’re late to the party.

Best Songs:

Fully Automatic Stick

Wide Awake

Xenon


21. Tha Carter V by Lil Wayne

After years of waiting we finally received Tha Carter V in 2018 and it didn’t disappoint. Weezy is sharper than we’ve heard him in recent years and his punchlines are still top notch. “Mona Lisa” with Kendrick Lamar is a collab made in heaven where two top ten rappers of all time truly do their thing. Wayne is a legend and Tha Carter V proves that he is still extremely relevent in 2018.

Best Songs:

Don’t Cry (Feat. XXXTENTACION)

Let It Fly ( Feat. Travis Scott)

Mona Lisa (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)


20. Book of Ryan by Royce da 5’9

Royce da 5’9 has always been an incredible lyricist and Book Of Ryan is him flexing his gift. Throughout the hour-and-ten minute concept album Royce tells us his life story through a series of extremely entertaining personal anecdotes that reek of authenticity. You know an album is special when after one listen you feel like you personally know the artists and this is absolutely the case with Book of Ryan. This album is Royce at his most venerable which is Royce at his best.

Best Songs:

Caterpillar (Feat. Eminem & King Green)

Boblo Boat (Feat. J. Cole)

Summer on Lock (Feat. Pusha T, Jadakiss, Fabolous, & Agent Sasco)


19. Lady Lady by Masego

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If you are unfamiliar with Masego it’s time to wake up. He was born in Jamaica, plays the saxophone, and dropped one of the coolest albums of 2018. Masego transcends genres with his chill jazz-trap that can appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Lady Lady, his debut full length album is sophisticated, jazzy, and so so dope.

Best Songs:

Lavish Lullaby

Old Age (Feat. SiR)

Tadow (Feat. FKJ)


18. Ye by Kanye West

Kanye West’s entire career has been filled by controversy and douch-baggery so it baffles me why people were surprised when 2018 was a shit show for Kanye in the media. If we can block out the media hell storm that is Kanye West, we are left with some really good music. While Ye only runs for 23 minutes you’ll need an hour to listen to this project because one listen won’t be enough. The album concludes with “Violent Crimes” a beautiful song dedicated to Kanye’s daughters that will go down as an all-time classic Kanye song.

Best Songs:

Wouldn’t Leave

Ghost Town

Violent Crimes


17. DiCaprio 2 by JID

While people who say JID’s voice and flow sound like Kendrick Lamar are completely out of pocket, his talented is somewhat reminiscent of a young King Kunta. JID spazzes all over this tape with his classic fast flow and introspective lyrics. Bar for bar, few projects can keep up with DiCaprio 2 in 2018.

Best Songs:

Slick Talk

Off Da Zoinkys

Skrawberries (Feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)


16. Astroworld by Travis Scott

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While the truly unobtainable expectations and hype that Astroworld gained prior to its release took away from the project for some, we need to take it for what it is: a classic project from the production prodigy. Travis Scott delivers with his classic sound and gives us an hour of straight futuristic rap that doesn’t lose your attention once. Take a trip to Astroworld for some of the best production you’ll hear anywhere with equally as entertaining lyrics and features.

Best Songs:

STARGAZING

NO BYSTANDERS

YOSEMITE


15. Testing by A$AP Rocky

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A$AP Rocky is the definition of an icon. He is always years ahead of everyone else and practically decides what is trendy. On his latest project, Testing, Rocky experiments with lots of new sounds that aren’t really as outlandish as some seem to think. This album is refreshing and shows that Rocky’s creativity and uniqueness should never be questioned even when it seems he has done everything there is to do. “Praise The Lord” should be in the running for song of the year and “A$AP Forever” should win music video of the year hands down. Testing has fantastic replay value and was one of the best albums of 2018.

Best Songs:

A$AP Forever REMIX (Feat. Moby, T.I., & Kid Cudi)

Fukk Sleep (Feat. FKA twigs)

Praise The Lord (Feat. Skepta)


14. Redemption by Jay Rock

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Jay Rock has spent nearly a decade in the shadow of Kendrick Lamar, his childhood friend and fellow TDE member, and while Kdot’s Black Panther album was super dope, 2018 was finally Jay Rock’s year. Redemption is extremely gangsta well-being sophisticated and tasteful at the same time. It is impossible to not be reeled in and hooked by Jay Rock’s stories that are scattered throughout this project. Redemption is a fantastic album that will continue to get play time far beyond 2018.

Best Songs:

The Bloodiest

Knock It Off

WIN


13. Oxnard by Anderson .Paak

Yes Lawd! Anderson .Paak talent is absolutely undeniable when you watch him play the drums and rap simultaneously all well constantly flashing the best teeth in the rap game in his infectious smile. While Oxnard feels slightly less cohesive than Malibu it is so fun and funky that no one in their right mind should care. Paak’s music is so tasteful and feels so good. You can hear the passion and thoughtfulness that goes into every bar he spits or sings. Oxnard is an essential installment to the masterpiece in progress that is Anderson .Paak’s discography.

Best Songs:

Tints (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Who R U?

Cheers (Feat. Q-Tip


12. KOD by J. Cole

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KOD is a perfect example of why J. Cole has been considered a top tier rapper for years. It is an album that overtly condemns drug use without ever coming off as preachy or condescending. He does this through very thoughtful rhetoric that is sympathetic and understanding of the complexities of addiction. Cole even employs an alter-ego, kiLL Edward, an addict who makes us feel the pain of addiction. KOD concludes with “1985” an extremely witty diss track named at an entire generation of new age rappers. 

Best Songs:

KOD

ATM

1985 – Intro to “The Fall Off”


11. Memories Don’t Die by Tory Lanez

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Tory Lanez dominated 2018 on every front. He dropped two exceptional albums, murdered radio freestyles left and right, and even won a rap beef with seasoned battle rapper Joyner Lucas. Memories Don’t Die bounces back and forth from stories and anecdotes from Tory’s life and pure hits. “Pieces” with 50 cent is the kind of song that you hear for the first time and instantly listen three more times because you are so shocked by the plot and exceptional story telling. It’s the best story-book rap song I’ve heard in years and 50’s intro and outro cements it as a legendary track that won’t be appreciated until years after release. Memories don’t die and neither will this album.

Best Songs:

Shooters

B.I.D

Pieces (Feat. 50 Cent)


10. Vacation in Hell by Flatbush Zombies

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Flatbush Zombies continue to be one of the most entertaining groups in rap in 2018. The New York trio’s sophomore album Vacation in Hell is packed with context, purpose, and bangers. All three zombies complement each other extremely well, from Meechy Darko’s head-turning verses sure to start mosh pits everywhere, to Zombie Juice’s witty and catchy hooks, to Erik the Architect’s perfect instrumentals. There is a tremendous sense of New York unity on this tape proving that the Beast Coast movement is far from over.

Best Songs:

Vacation (Feat. Joey Bada$$)

Headstone

U&I (Feat. Dia)


9. Dying to Live by Kodak Black

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While Kodak Black has released plenty of great music, Dying To Live proves that he is special. Kodak sounds wise beyond his years while still using the freshest dialect and coolest allusions. While many of us laugh it off when Kodak Black calls himself a scholar, I’m far more inclined to believe him after his brilliant XXXTENTACION tribute “Malcolm X.X.X.” where he compares X’s negative and violent perception in the media to that of the Nation of Islam. Dying To Live is fantastic the entire way through and gives people legitimist reason to believe he is a top tier rapper.

Best Songs:

Malcolm X.X.X.

Calling My Spirit

From The Cradle


 8. Swimming by Mac Miller

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RIP Mac Miller. Nobody could say what Mac did and make it sound so damn cool. He was a true legend and Swimming was his most mature project he put out. The album is jazzy and hip. It’s passion filled and a true masterpiece. On the third track “What’s the Use?” Thundercat drops the funkiest baseline of the year that makes it impossible to sit still. Swimming is beautiful and a vibe from cover to cover.

Best Songs:

What’s the Use?

Self Care

2009


7. Beerbongs & Bentlys by Post Malone

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Post Malone has found his lane and he executes perfectly in it. Beerbongs & Bentlys is an hour of straight hits. There are close to no bad songs on this album and the production is so damn perfect for Post’s epic singing. The albums intro “Paranoid” sets the tone for the grand ballads that this album is packed with. Regardless of your opinion on Post, it’s impossible to discredit Beerbongs & Bentlys.

 Best Songs:

Paranoid

Rich & Sad

Better Now


6. Whack World by Tierra Whack

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15 songs. 15 minutes. Tierra Whack did it first, always remember that. Whack World is a look into the creative Philadelphia MC’s scattered brain. Although these 1-minute songs switch back and forth between moods and genres this project still feels extremely tight and together. The 15-minute visual album that you can find on YouTube enhances the album even further and is a pleasure to watch. This album is fun and silly without feeling corny or juvenile. Don’t forget the name Tierra Whack.

Best Songs:

Black Nails

Hungry Hippos

Pet Cemetery


5. Kids See Ghosts by Kids See Ghosts

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Kids See Ghost, super group made up of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, dropped their self-titled debut in 2018 and we can only pray that there will be more on the way. The 23-minute album is flawless from beginning to end with 7 songs that all sound immensely different in the best way. “Reborn” is epic and beautiful and another song of the year contender. Cudi’s hypnotizing voice floats through the hook in such an eloquent way that no one cares how many times it loops. We need a sequel in 2019.

Best Songs:

4th Dimension

Reborn

Cudi Montage


4. Love Me Now by Tory Lanez

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Love Me Now is the best album Tory Lanez has ever put out. It has everything you could want from the emotional intro “Why Don’t You Love Me” to one of the best pop-rap songs of the year “Ferris Wheel.” The features are enjoyable and add to the project. Tory may have had the best 2018 out of any artist and Love Me Now was the peak.

Best Songs:

Ferris Wheel (Feat. Trippie Redd)

The Run Off

You Thought Wrong


3. Daytona by Pusha T

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G.O.O.D Music president Pusha T is the unlikely hero (or villain) of 2018. First, he dropped his masterpiece, Daytona, a truly flawless album full of smart raps about selling drugs and making money. Next, he slayed raps Goliath when he destroyed drake with the best diss-track in years. Not only is Push excellent on Daytona but it is Kanye West the producer’s best album of the year. The instrumentals are unique, complex, and hit hard. Daytona is airtight and makes a very strong case for album of the year.

Best Songs:

If You Know You Know

The Games We Play

What Would Meek Do? (Feat. Kanye West)


2. Care For Me by Saba

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Care For Me beautifully describes what it’s like to be painfully lonely in the most connected age in history. Saba’s story telling throughout the project is emotional and compelling. Last year his cousin Walter was stabbed to death in Chicago and every bit of grief and pain that Saba felt comes through on this album. On the song “Prom / King” Saba dedicates seven and a half minutes of clever storytelling to dive into Walter and his relationship from the very beginning to the last days of his life. You can tell Saba poured his entire soul into this album and it truly pays off every time anyone anywhere hits play.

Best Songs:

Life

Logout (Feat. Chance the Rapper)

Prom / King


1. TA13OO by Denzel Curry

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Denzel Curry’s TA13OO is the rap album of the year. Everything about it was perfect. The three-week roll out was a genius way to digest a project where every song deserves a large amount of attention. Denzel’s out raps everyone on TA13OO and while aggressive rap is easily his forte, there are emotional and slow tracks on here that hit just as hard. Denzel’s rapping is hypnotizing and witty and the production never gets in the way. Picking just three songs to highlight on this project is near impossible and doesn’t do the album as a whole justice. TA13OO is the best rap project of 2018.

Best Songs:

Switch it Up

Clout Cobain

The Blackest Balloon


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