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Welcome to our Album of the year power ranking series! Each month 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!
3.15.20 & A Written Testimony still remain at the top of my list because of the expert artistry on both of the projects leading to immense replay value. Upon release, I thought Smino’s new mixtape She Already Decided was solid, but as I revisited the project through the end of April and beginning of May, I quickly realized it was one of my favorite offerings in recent memory. I wouldn’t be surprised if She Already Decided makes it all the way to my year end list because of how fun the entire tape is. Westside Gunn lived up to the lofty expectations he’s set for himself on the excellent Pray For Paris and Kenny Mason showcased his all-time great potential on his debut album Angelic Hoodrat. Lastly, Larry June and Cardo made one of the best albums to listen to in the car with Cruise USA, a undeniably smooth album drenched in west coast swagger. -Spencer Lobdell
To me, Donald Glover still has released the most creative and quality project of this year. That being said Smino’s release of She Already Decided was unexpected, but one of the most pleasantly surprising mixtapes to drop in a while. Jay Electronica and Jay-Z had entirely too many bars as A Written Testimony might have been the best rap exhibition of 2020. Bent Fiyaz, Giveon, and The Weeknd have represented male R&B in an excellent fashion. Pray for Paris and Heaven or Hell are on two opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but each is worth a listen because they deliver things you couldn't get from anyone else. Finally Jhene stayed true to form with the excellent album Chilombo. -Miles Hagan
My current favorite album of 2020 is King Krule’s third studio album Man Alive! The 25 year old English indie sensation consolidates his eclectic sound on Man Alive, allowing the best aspects of all his various musical influences shine through the album’s seamless production. Bolstered by King Krule’s poetic lyricism and enchanting vocal performance, Man Alive! will be a difficult album to top. This year has seen a great body of releases from up and coming women in the rap game, much of which had been significantly more impressive than the work of their famous male counterparts. Hook and Bbymutha in particular have stood out so far as being two of the most talented, versatile, and exciting new artists out today. Don’t sleep on the girls! -Kaila Cherry
My power rankings have changed a pretty good bit since the last time I submitted them. I moved The Weeknd up as the record continued to grow on me and I added Smino right below it. I thought PND and Jhene both dropped very solid projects that deserved to be in the top 10, and most surprisingly, I loved the chemistry between Chris Brown and Young Thug on Slime B. I thought Kehlani and Nav’s albums were mediocre so they didn’t break my top 10, but hopefully I warm up to them as the year progresses! -Carter Fife
For the most part, my list remained the same from April. I find that, typically, the albums that leave the best impression on me do a great job of balancing the traditional with the experimental or lean towards the latter characteristic. The artists who have been switching up their sounds or presenting interesting genre blends (e.g. The Weeknd, 070 Shake, Mixed Matches,) have stayed at the top of my list, and more underground artists continue to funnel in as well. Vocalist and producer Mixed Matches presents an atmospheric soundscape of ear candy on Jesse, a project filled with infectious melodies and soothing, layered vocal performances. Meanwhile, newcomer brakence delivers a unique, wonky blend of electronica and punk on his debut album punk2, which features tons of experimental trap production and autotuned vocals. -Owen Tait
I know, the absence of PTSD is alarming to all of my fellow Chicagoans but honestly, it doesn’t match up sonically to the 10 albums listed. Albums 1-4 may be some of my favorite ever, listening to each of the 4 was an experience; the songwriting and overall story makes them all 10/10’s for me. #1 was an easy choice for me, After Hours has Grade-A production and storytelling across the board. Number 6 is a new project from someone I recently discovered; right after listening to the first song I knew the project would be great. At number 10 is Lil Baby’s latest album, I really hated it when it first released, but I decided to give it another listen and it’s actually pretty solid. -Courtney Fields
Nothing put out this year has quite compared to Mac Miller’s posthumous project Circles, that is until Westside Gunn put out the grimey, bar-heavy masterpiece that is Pray for Paris. Touting some of the best cyphers of the year in “327,” “$500 Ounces” and “George Bondo,” Westside Gunn easily secures a spot in the top 3. The ever soulful and funky It Is What It Is and She Already Decided from Smino and Thundercat have aged like fine wine, while UNLOCKED and Eternal Atake have seen their replay value diminished for me. -Luke Modugno
I am excited to to still Have CHILOMBO at the top of my list. Jhené did what needed to be done to help me survive this pandemic. So again, name another album as captivating and versatile that is also 20 tracks long with no skips! Circles and A Written Testimony remain at the top of my list because they are solid projects from seasoned artists. I had trouble ranking 38 Baby 2, PTSD, and My Turn. I enjoy listening to all three but I’m unsure which is truly better. The debut album, KIKI, by Kiana Ledé, is well constructed and relatable. I listed the project to keep the newcomer in conversation. I’m interested in seeing the rest of the teams picks to see what albums I have been overlooking. -Amaya Lorick
Now that we are approaching the halfway point through the year, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make these picks. At #1, I still have Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles. I don’t listen to it every day, but the bitter sweetness of this album hits different for me. It’s a fantastic piece, and it is going to be very hard for any albums this year to take its spot. G Herbo also remains high on my list, he surprised me with PTSD and even though it has been out for some time, it still hits just as hard. Drake’s new mixtape made a big splash, I won’t be surprised if this stays on my list until the end of the year. I really dig the vibes on Slime & B, but time will tell how much longevity it has. -Colson O’Connor
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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!
The biggest change in my rankings this week is the slip of Eternal Atake. Although it is home to some of the best songs of the year, I have come to the realization that there are just too many forgettable tracks to call it a top five project of the year at this point. The Weeknd continues to grow on me as Abel jumps one spot. I’m glad to say that Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles is an album that’s aging extremely well for me thus far this year. As someone that’s been following Mac since Kids, I don’t think I was ready for Circles at the beginning of the year. Now in today’s climate where thousands of humans are dying daily due to COVID-19, I feel desensitized to death and finally able to overcome my emotional barriers to the music and appreciate it for the excellent body of work it is. I can honestly see it jumping A Written Testimony or 3.15.20 which would be quite the accomplishment as I’m crazy about both records. Lastly, a new release that made a big splash in my power rankings this week is Giveon. His debut EP Take Time is ultra-smooth, rich with excellent song-writing, and most importantly, different than anything anyone else is currently doing in R&B. Check the site this weekend to read my review of Take Time. -Spencer Lobdell
My Top three stays the same this week and it looks like it's going to take a really impressive body of work to move 3.15.20 and A Written Testimony. The first new entry to my ranking comes at the four spot with an excellent project from Giveon. Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle” brought a lot of attention to this up and coming voice in R&B, and he delivered on all expectations with his project Take Time. Another new addition to the list this week is Knxwledge 1988. Without the help of many features Knxwledge is able to really shine on this album for his talent as a producer (I would be wrong for not mentioning the greatness of “Don’t Be Afraid”. The final new additions come in the form of The Price of Tea in China by Boldy James and After Hours by The Weeknd. Boldy and The Alchemist sound like they have been working together for years on one of the most impressive albums from a rapping standpoint. After Hours has grown on me since its release and from the way it looks now it has a legitimate chance to keep advancing up the list at least marginally. -Miles Hagan
After receiving requests to listen to several albums, my rankings from week one have obviously shifted. As much as I love a good debate, I must give credit where it is due. Remaining at the top of my list is CHILOMBO. Again, name another album as captivating and versatile that is also 20 tracks long with no skips! As a person who is inspired by the stories of others, PTSD, A Written Testimony, and Black Habits will likely remain on my list for some time. Opposed to last week, I now recognize the January release date of Time Served allowed time for it to grow to be a fun favorite of mine. Lyrically, Moneybagg Yo is unable to compete with other projects on my list, making my decision easy to move his album from position two to ten. My Turn found its way onto my list because upon reaching the end, I was urged to listen again. Whenever Lil Baby lost my interest, he managed to regain it within the next song or two. Ultimately, I need to sit with all of these projects some more and I am still just waiting for new music. -Amaya Lorick
No changes this week. I’m still moving through my backlog and trying to decide whether or not I like the new PND album so expect more on that in the future! -Carter Fife
For the most part, the top half of my list remained the same from week one. I’ve found that, typically, the albums that leave the best impression on me do a great job of balancing the traditional with the experimental or lean towards the latter characteristic. Artists who reinvent themselves or present entirely innovative sounds manage to impress me the most, which is why artists like The Weeknd, Childish Gambino, 070 Shake, Mixed Matches, Gupi, and Denzel Curry currently dominate my list. Another way to get on my good side is to simply give me a fun album with high replay value, which Lil Uzi Vert and Don Toliver both managed to do extremely well. Looking forward, with under-the-radar acts such as Mixed Matches, Gupi, and polearm coming through with such captivating material, I can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for independent music and emerging artists. -Owen Tait
Before my fellow Chicagoans even say it, I know the absence of G Herbo’s PTSD is alarming. Despite it being one of my favorite releases of the year, the album’s dull moments become more obvious when lined up next to projects like the 10 on the list. After Hours is probably the most well written, produced, and executed albums this year. The battle between #1 and #2 is a close one. A Written Testimony has such a powerful message and motive behind it, as well as multiple Jay-Z features so it’s hard to beat. Man Alive makes it’s debut at #10 since I’ve found more time to sit with it. -Courtney Fields
This week, a few albums have really grown on me and others have simply lost their charm and replay value. Namely, LUV vs. The World 2 has proven to be a fantastic album to listen to during quarantine. The album has a plethora of melodic trap beats and has proven to be catchy background music when I mute my mic during online classes. Mac Millers Circles is similar, as it also has every mood you’ll go through during these times, along with soulful, jazzy instrumentation. Tame Impala’s new record, The Slow Rush, has also grown on me. Kevin Parker’s newest effort is everything his psychedelic rock experiment set out to do. While it doesn’t nearly compare to Currents, it’s a notable entry to an already legendary discography. Along with strong releases from Ant Clemons and PARTYNEXTDOOR, this week has only been a continuation of 2020’s unbelievably solid run of music. -Luke Modugno
Now that March has concluded, I found my picks from last week have not changed much. Still Sitting at top three are Circles, PTSD, and A Written Testimony, which are all thoroughly strong projects. I recently started getting into Jhené Aiko’s album Chilombo and Brent Faiyaz’s hot new album Fuck The World which seem to be very well-crafted pieces thus far. Another thing I noticed is that I wasn’t listening to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Lil Wayne as much. -Colson O’Connor
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As many of us remain isolated in our homes, resigned to living lives devoid of social interaction not involving our roommates or family members, it can feel difficult not to go a little bit stir-crazy. Whether you live totally alone, or if you came back home to help your parents only to be asked to sanitize every room of the house on a tri-weekly basis (yours truly), many of us have had to get creative when coping to this change of lifestyle. Luckily, some members of the Stereovision team decided to provide their favorite records for riding out the all the sheltering, social distancing, and quarantines that have quickly dominated our daily agendas. From recent releases to modern classics, we hope you give these records a listen.
Toro Y Moi - Anything In Return (2013)
“Speaking from my own perspective - I am so fucking anxious all the time, so naturally you can expect that the past month has not been the greatest time for me. In dire need of an outlet where I can allow myself the opportunity to *relax*, I find myself listening to this album almost constantly. Straight from the brain of one of the people who popularized the term ‘chillwave’, Toro Y Moi’s 2013 opus is packed with easily digestible indie-electronic tracks that can range from relaxing to plain fun.” -Carter Fife
Jay Electronica - A Written Testimony (2020)
“After patiently waiting many years, Jay Electronica fans rejoice now that his new album A Written Testimony has dropped. The timing of the release couldn’t have been better, considering his wisdom can provide us with a sense of clarity in this uncertain time. The best part is we all have more time now, allowing us to give he album the in-depth listen it deserves.” -Colson O’Connor
G Herbo - PTSD (2020)
“Most G Herbo projects are definitely an acquired taste for many listeners from outside his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. PTSD is slightly different. G Herbo's reflections in songs such as "Feelings" and "Intuition" are a clear indication that the rapper is transforming into a better artist and person. The most popular song named after the album features Chance the Rapper, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert. Sitting at just around a month old, it is time to give PTSD a listen if you have not already. Check out a more in-depth review of the album here!” -Amaya Lorick
Mac Miller - Circles (2020)
Being stuck around the house all the time can put you through a lot of different moods. Mac Miller’s ingenious album Circles, consists of songs for every one of those moods. His slow-tempo, rainy day jams are perfect for staying sane at home during this crazy time.” -Colson O’Connor
Sevdaliza - Ison (2017)
“Dutch-Iranian songwriter & producer Sevdaliza delivers a dark, atmospheric, and lush blend of alternative R&B and trip-hop with her debut album Ison. Across the project’s exploration of love and what it means to be a woman in our modern world, she creates a landscape of stuttering drum loops, sinister chord progressions, and haunting vocal refrains that ultimately transcend into pure, unadulterated beauty. It’s one of my personal favorites of all time, and I would highly recommend listening to the tracklist in order, but if I had to pick and choose a few standout tracks, then “Hubris,” “Amandine Insensible,” “Hero,” and “Loves Way” would be a good place to start.” -Owen Tait
REASON - There You Have It (2018)
“Top Dawg Entertainment signee, REASON, is still early in his career but has already made a name for himself in his debut album There You Have It. The project opens with a skit, titled "Rufus Collection", and is followed by 11 vividly reflective songs. Before signing with TDE in August 2018, There You Have It was independently released in 2017. The remastered project's most popular song Better Dayz was well received by Ice Cube in a special segment posted by Genius. This album was a great introduction to where REASON came from and could possibly be key to understanding who he is as an artist.” -Amaya Lorick
Jai Paul - Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones) (2019)
“Originally leaked six years earlier by an anonymous user on Bandcamp, UK producer, singer, and songwriter Jai Paul officially released Leaked 04-13 (Bait Ones) to streaming services in 2019. The project is a collection of 16 demos Paul wrote prior to the album’s leak, but the quality of the music here wouldn’t indicate their unfinished nature in the slightest. Featuring slick vocal hooks and tons of wonky production tricks throughout, Bait Ones is a tight, feel-good alternative pop record that will be sure to keep your vibes up during social isolation. Check out tracks such as “Str8 Outta Mumbai” and “jasmine - demo” for a good taste of what this album has to offer.” -Owen Tait
Isaiah Rashad - The Sun’s Tirade (2016)
Isaiah Rashad has no problem having his fans wait for new music. This album from 2016 is what really put him on the map as the next one up out of TDE. The Sun’s Tirade is a showcase of emotional and self reflective raps, and the sounds on this range from jazzy instrumentation to more traditional trap. -Miles Hagan
Rich Gang - Tha Tour Pt. 1 (2014)
“Prior to the beef and bullshit, one duo reigned supreme, prolifically dropping music and poised to take over the rap game. In 2014, Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan might as well have been Andre 3000 and Big Boi the way they took the direction the sound was heading and forced it to turn on a dime, changing the course of hip-hop history in the process. The duo resembled Outkast in more ways than the influence though. Rich Homie Quan acted as the Big Boi to Thugger’s three stacks by anchoring the young superstar and providing constancy, allowing him to develop into one of the all-time great he was born to be. In addition, there are few tapes that show such palpable influence to today’s specific pop rap sound, just listen to “I Know It” once and tell me you don’t hear DaBaby, Gunna, and Lil Baby. Tha Tour 1 is one of the most important mixtapes of this generation and is absolutely as slimy as it gets.” - Spencer Lobdell
The Internet - Ego Death (2015)
“Lead by Odd Future vocalist Syd and assisted by artists such as Steve Lacy and Kaytranada, The Internet’s Ego Death is a fresh, charismatic fusion of R&B and neo-soul that will ease the pressure of being cooped up at home. Boasting plenty of groovy bass lines and jazz-inspired percussion, this project is simply hypnotic, a quality that is certainly aided by Syd’s infectious refrains and melodies. The standout tracks on this record include—but are not limited to—“Go With It,” “Under Control,” and ‘Special Affair.’ ” -Owen Tait
Grimes - Art Angels (2015)
“You might be thinking: What if being too relaxed is my biggest problem right now, and what if I am struggling to feel something underneath the weight of perpetual isolation’s monotony? Look no further - Art Angels is so off-the-walls and high-octane that one listen will have you sprinting around your home screaming “B-E-H-A-V-E, arrest us!” into your hairbrush. At just under 50 minutes long, it will provide you with the perfect daily workout, forgetting you are confined to your home in the first place” -Carter Fife
Action Bronson - Mr. Wonderful (2015)
In a time where our scenery may get a bit repetitive music is a way for us to still paint vivid pictures. Few are better at this than Action, who delivers slick verses over incredible and unique production. There are several standout singles from this project that still impress me till this day. -Miles Hagan
EARTHGANG - Torba (2015)
“Throw it back to 2015 in quarantine and listen to EARTHGANG’s EP “Torba”. Every track is named after each day of the week, and each cut perfectly depicts the vibe of each day. The beats on this album have such a unique bounce, and EARTHGANG comes in with a crazy flow that do the beats justice. There also happen to be smooth features from artists Mac Miller and JID that add to the greatness of this EP.” -Colson O’Connor
NxWorries - Yes Lawd! (2016)
“In 2016, NxWorries (Duo made up of singer/rapper Anderson .Paak & producer Knxledge) released their only project ever titled Yes Lawd! While Anderson .Paak music is always excellent, Knxledge’s production brought greatness out of the artist and led to him creating his best music ever. The album is one of the more cohesive hip-hop projects I’ve ever heard showcasing a similar chill vibe and cool energy that never gets old on most tracks. I don’t know if it’s Paak’s cutting vocal inflections, ultra-dynamic singing voice, or the introspective ways he writes about love, but something about his performance on this record is very special to me, solidifying Yes Lawd! as a personal top five record of all time.” - Spencer
KAYTRANADA - 99.9% (2016)
Production allows the imagination to wander. 99.9% is one of the best albums we have received from a producer in a while. Not only does he offer stellar beats from start to finish, but the list of guest features is to notch. Its upbeat tone and wild creativity draw you in from the moment you press play, and make it hard to press pause for the next hour. -Miles Hagan
Dom Kennedy - Los Angeles Is Not for Sale, Vol. 1 (2016)
“While LA native Dom Kennedy has made some great music over the course of his career, nothing comes close to his magnum opus, Los Angeles Is Not for Sale, Vol. 1. Nobody does relaxed west coast gangsta rap like Kennedy and he is in full force throughout this entire project. On this record, Dom combines a sharp pen with a laid back SoCal delivery resulting in an hour of addicting bops to hotbox your mom’s car to.” -Spencer Lobdell
Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment - Surf (2015)
“Back in 2015, Chance the Rapper, Nico Segal (formerly known as Donnie Trumpet, and their band partnered with Apple Music to release Surf for free! It's leading single "Sunday Candy" will get you in the mood to do something productive and spread love from afar. The 16-song project has features including Big Sean, J. Cole, and Quavo but these artists were purposely left unlisted. If you have not already listened to Surf, I challenge you to allow yourself to be surprised by all of its guest appearances.” -Amaya Lorick
Baby Keem - DIE FOR MY BITCH (2019)
“I really do not have too much to say about this one. Is it too late to call it a deep-cut at this point? It doesn’t matter. Fans of outrageous rap and stellar production link up and join the Baby Keem fandom before the hype-train leaves the station. Keem’s irresistibly catchy hooks on tracks like ‘BULLIES’ and ‘TOP RAMEN’ will make you an instant fan, and the possibility of an upcoming collaboration with Kendrick might give you something to look forward to this year. Whether or not you’re already a fan, it is never too early - or too late - to enjoy this record.” -Carter Fife
We hope these records help lift your spirits in such an uncertain time. Stay safe out there, and be sure to let us know what you’ve been listening to over the past few weeks.
Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get updated whenever we post:
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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By Amaya Lorick
Raised on the Eastside of Chicago, rapper Herbert “G Herbo” Wright III gained national attention in 2012 when the video to his song “Kill Shit” featuring Chicago rapper turned music executive, Lil Bibby, went viral. Between 2014 and 2016, the 24-year-old, previously known as “Lil Herb,” released four mixtapes, dedicating two (Welcome to Fazoland, and Ballin Like I’m Kobe) to his close friends who lost their lives to gun violence. In September of 2017, G Herbo released his first studio album Humble Beast followed by two additional full length albums, Swervo (2018) and Still Swervin (2019).
The drill-inspired artist has often been criticized for his “off-beat” verses. Now, less than a decade into his professional career, PTSD may have shocked some listeners with its relaxed flows. In February 2019, fans were excited for PTSD since Herb initially announced it was in the works shortly after his LP Still Swervin, which received many negative reviews.
In hopes to satisfy his demanding fans and put an end to commentary about various leaked tracks, G Herbo released five singles between August and December of 2019, which were later combined with additional songs to create Sessions (2019). Prior to the release of Sessions, fans were confused when the PTSD tour was announced before the album dropped but it was evident that the project would have to be released before the first leg. Sure enough, on January 31, 2020, the PTSD tour lineup was altered to accommodate a late-February release.
On February 12, 2020, G Herbo previewed the PTSD single “In This Bitch”, which stands as one of the more vigorous tracks on the album, on Instagram Live hours before its official drop. The next day, Herb released the album artwork by Chicago local TeeJay Spencer and announced the project would drop on the 28th.
PTSD was released by Epic Records and Chicago indie label, Machine Entertainment Group with 14 tracks equating to 47 minutes. The album includes features by well-known artists such as A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Lil Uzi Vert, and 21 Savage.
G Herbo surprises his listeners with three samples from early 2000’s rap music, also known as Hip Hop’s “Golden Age” beginning with his first song, “Intro”. Producer DJ Don Cannon sampled the iconic “Intro” track from Jay-Z’s fifth studio album The Dynasty - Roc La Familia 2000. The record parallels Hov’s track as it is also a broad guide to navigating the street presented in the form of a reflection. Like Jay-Z’s declaration, Herb doesn’t want to forget the traumatic past that shaped him but rather wants to continue to use it to fulfill his desired goals. This song encapsulates PTSD at its essence.
Track number three, “Gangstas Cry” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, serves as the most underrated song on the album. The slow, simple beat and chorus is straightforward enough to allow listeners who relate to Herb’s experience to understand his new ability to process his feelings. The importance of this track lies within his blatant confessions. Herb speaks on his past lean addiction and addresses using it as a coping mechanism to numb his emotional pain.
Considering its calm yet fast-paced tempo, special attention should be given to track number five, “Death Row”. The beat produced by DY Krazy is unlike any in G Herbo’s formal discography. The song’s placement within the album and catchy chorus captures the attention of listeners who may have begun to lose interest in the project.
PTSD’s most popular track is named after the project. Having collaborated with Chance the Rapper, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert before, Herb invites them back to paint a diverse and vivid story for his audience. G Herbo expresses how his excitement for his level of success is hindered due to the loss of his loved ones. While still unable to make sense of Juice WRLD’s unexpected passing, his lyrics of “I don’t belong. I see my past everywhere. Don’t stand too close to me. Eternal PTSD” punctures the slowly healing scab his fans have been attempting to mend. It is evident the success of this track derives from the heavy hearts of those still mourning the Chicago superstar.
While Chance the Rapper’s current sound is favored by fans of hip-hop/pop crossovers, the verse highlights an experience that is often overlooked. The story of the outsider that is still affected by the neighborhood crime while not being directly involved in it. Chance shares a childhood memory of having to suppress his feelings after witnessing someone being shot and killed with his mother. At that moment, both Chance and his mother were either unable or chose to not fathom the tragic event. This addresses the reality of the Chicago experience that includes growing up fast. The reality of being placed in situations your parents cannot assist you with and being forced to navigate the troubling experience on your own.
As for Lil Uzi Vert’s contribution to the record… It was nothing special and does not add new content to the song. The verse was catchy and directs his fan base to the album itself.
Unlike previous projects where G Herbo can be heard defending his anxiety driven lifestyle, he seems to have a grip on his feelings. On Track 8, “By Any Means” featuring Atlanta native, 21 Savage, Herb begins his reflection with “I used to be trippin like a motherfucker. That’s cause I ain’t listen to a motherfucker.” While still young, G Herbo now sounds like a Vet in the rap game.
Herb does his due diligence in his track “Feelings”' which samples Jadakiss’ “Still Feel Me”. On the track, G Herbo confesses that he longs for a better relationship with the mother of his child. Listeners observe a new sense of maturity within Herb as he acknowledges his life-commitment to her to a positive manner for the sake of their son, Yosohn.
The project’s concluding track, “Intuition” featuring up and coming artists, Sonta and 2PRETTY, is an appropriate ending to PTSD because G Herbo redefines what it means to be a gangster. The outro, which samples Beanie Sigel’s “Feel It in the Air” is the final example of how Herb successfully demonstrates his ability to master old school classics with his witty flow.
Chicago’s youth needed Herb to acknowledge his Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome to encourage them to confront the paranoia that convinces them to believe they are unable to relax. While G Herbo received positive reviews for his fun and catchy tracks “Pull Up”, “Swervo”, and his popular freestyled remix of Three 6 Mafia’s “Who Run It” in the past… they are almost depthless.
Diehard Chicago Herb fans have been asking for “Lil Herb” to return but we shouldn’t want him back. Herbert “G Herbo” Wright III is continuously evolving and it seems to be for the better. Not even a week after its debut, PTSD charted third on Apple Music behind Lil Baby and Bad Bunny with tracks that share his discomforting reality. If G Herbo is smart, he will continue to do just that.
Intro
Death Row
Feelings
Listen to PTSD here:
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By Miles Hagan
G Herbo has been an emerging voice in Chicago rap for several years now. He’s put out a number of projects since breaking onto the scene in 2014, and his career is trending upwards. He is now in a position where he has proved he has staying power in rap and now just has to capitalize on his potential.
Still Swervin has a killer opener in “Sacrifice.” Herbo sound focused and ruthless. He gives us a vivid image of where he came from in the street of Chicago and is able to illustrate the struggle that his come up was and all that he lost as well as what he gained. Moments like this are where G Herbo is at his best on the album. He is able to be a voice for the streets and a prime example of someone who gained fame and money and didn’t forget where he came from.
Even though his flows remain fairly stagnant for the majority of most cuts, it is his honest storytelling that leaves the audience wanting more. Unfortunately, the feeling of wanting more is exactly what this album leaves the listener with. These compelling interesting moments on the album are few and far between. Overall Herbo still stays true to who he is and the message that he has delivered his entire career, but there is no real development. At this point Hero has spoken about his come up and the struggles that came with it ever since he stepped on the rap scene. Once the story is no longer interesting the listener begins to focus on Herbo’s flows, or lack thereof. The album seems to drag on because it lacks interesting hooks or crazy beat switches to distract from what he lacks as a rapper. Songs like “Scratchy & Itchy” and “Wilt Chamberlain” are welcome deviations from the norm on this album. These songs feature some of the best beats on the album and G Herbo sounds just as lethal as ever.
Overall Still Swerving was an uneventful album for G Herbo. Looking ahead he will still be a very interesting voice in rap foreseeable future. His storytelling and authenticity will always appeal to the streets. On his next effort, it would be to his benefit to experiment a bit more with his flows and overall concept. If he makes a few subtle improvements he could be on his way to really exploding into the mainstream.
Sacrifice
Scratchy and Itchy
Wilt Chamberlain
Rating: 5
Stream the entire project here:
Still Swervin, an album by G Herbo on Spotify
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Chicago’s own G Herbo is frequently memed for rapping off beat or sounding like he’s trying to catch up to the instrumental. On his newest EP “G Swervo” Herbo hits every beat and does it with a certain swagger and uniqueness that can’t be imitated. With this being said, the origins of each of these five songs are unknown which leads it to sound more like a compilation of five separate songs rather than a cohesive project. We’ve already heard “Bustdown,” the track with Playboi Carti, which was rumored to be recorded during Die Lit recording sessions but missed the album. “Big Body Whips” features Gunna and was released briefly on YouTube in mid December before being taken down. While we don’t exactly know where this project came from or what it means, it’s a damn entertaining listen and after a great 2018 G Herbo could be Chicago’s next star.
“Big Body Whips” is an easy standout on this project. Gunna delivers a very good hook and a solid first verse. Herbo spits an epic and braggadocios 2nd verse that brings the song full circle and reminds us that this is G’s project. The only thing not to like about this track is the weird clicking at the beginning and end of the recording. Although Herbo is probably at his weakest during his verse on the second song “Dripset,” L’Gado delivers a refreshing first verse with a sick layered vocal effect that pans back and forth. While it’s old, it’s a pleasure to enjoy “Bustdown” on Spotify. While the song may belong to Herbo, it’s a Playboi Carti song. Carti gets the first verse, the hook, and the Pi’erre Bourne beat is the icing on the cake. Although we may have heard most of these songs at some point or another, it’s nice to have them all in one place in the form of an entertaining 15 minute EP.
Big Body Whips (Feat. Gunna)
Bustdown (Feat. Playboi Carti)
No Hope
Rating: 6
Stream the entire project here:
G Swervo, an album by G Herbo on Spotify
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