Counting Down the Top 20 Albums of 2022

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by StereoVision Staff

The end of a calendar year marks new beginnings. The rapid approach of new goals, new situations and new beginnings force us to look back on what we built in the year we just experienced. For music fans, the end of 2022 is an ode to the household names who reminded us of their brilliance, the meteoric rise of originative artists bursting onto their respective scenes, records with such gravitational attraction and quality that they derail Twitter discourse for days on end, and everything in between. Here at StereoVision, the final flip of a page on our yearly calendar just wouldn’t feel complete without counting down our favorite projects of the year. Without further adieu,

Honorable Mentions of 2022

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“Luv 4 rent” — Smino

Hints of: Southern Hip-Hop

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“Bar & Grill” — Royel otis

Hints of: Indie Rock

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“Its Almost dry” — Pusha T

Hints of: Coke Rap, Hip-hop

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“kiss the ring” — Rome streetz

Hints of: Coke Rap, Avant-Garde Rap

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“Get Fucked” — The Chats
Hints of: Punk

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aethopies — billy woods

Hints of: Avant-Garde Rap

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the 20 best albums of 2022:

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20. god dont make mistakes — conway the machine

Conway the Machine has always been the darker rapper of the founding Griselda Records members, but God Don’t Make Mistakes takes it up a notch. GDMM is a reflective album that details the effects of grief and guilt on an otherwise “successful” life, giving listeners an up-close look at the darkness that’s invaded Conway’s world. His most personal record to date, Conway explores the relationships and isolation that comes with fame while remaining true to his boom-bap, New York roots.

From the dedicated Conway shown in “Drumwork” to the lonely and depressed Conway in “Stressed”, GDMM is a courageously holistic look into Conway’s life, proving that even the darkest topics cannot distract from Conway’s raw musical talent.

Spotlight Track:

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19. fair exchange no robbery — boldy james & nicholas craven

Boldy James is a machine. The Griselda standout doesn’t compromise quality, but stills produces impeccable records with quantity. His team-up with rising producer Nicholas Craven is a continuation of what Boldy has built over recent years. With luxurious coke raps laced over inventive sampling, Fair Exchange No Robbery is an amalgamation of the Detroit emcee’s strengths. Craven keeps the record compelling and Boldy looks to expand his sonic palette here as well, taking on surprising beat selections and sliding over them more smoothly than ice.

Boldy’s consistency on Fair Exchange No Robbery is just another reason why he’s one of the best rap artists in the game today.

Spotlight Track:

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18. intros, outros & interludes — domo genesis

Since the inception of Odd Future, Domo Genesis has continually proven to be one of the preeminent traditional emcees out of the collective. In his first LP since 2016, Intros, Outros & Interludes, Domo recommences that narrative.

Executively produced by Evidence, Domo explores contemporary underground hip-hop’s distorted landscape to listeners’ excitement. The LA rapper’s wordplay clearly grew by leaps-and-bounds during his hiatus, as he navigates Evidence’s delectable choice of chopped soul samples and drum-less loops. Tracks like “Victories & Losses,” “Trust the Process” and “Don’t Believe Half” showcase a hungry and viscous version of Domo, something that been missing on prior records. Not only is Intros Domo’s highest quality album behind the boards, it’s comfortably one of the best-produced hip-hop records of the year.

Spotlight Track:

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17. ramona park broke my heart — vince staples

Over the past two years, Vince Staples has hit his stride artistically. Following up his glittering eponymous LP, RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART is an extension of Vince coming into his own. Dabbling in his west coast influences, blending in atmospheric production and revisiting his laid-back delivery, Vince created yet another quality record in 2022.

While RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART lacks much of the concision that made his last record so potent, multiple tracks harken back to the energy harnessed on his last record (“DJ QUICK" for example), landing him a spot on this list.

Spotlight Track:

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16. cheat codes — Black thought & danger mouse

In case the world forgot, Danger Mouse knows hip-hop. His first hip-hop record since 2005’s THE MOUSE & THE MASK, Cheat Codes is the culmination of two decades of collaboration between Danger Mouse and Black Thought.

Their comfort with each other is clear, as Black Thought remains sharp throughout the album over Danger Mouse’s heavy rhythmic style. Danger Mouse’s ability to adapt to his artists shows with the features, giving A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels a fast-paced intense beat on “Strangers” and Conway the Machine a more boom-bap, classier style rhythm on “Saltwater.” 

Spotlight Track:

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15. cocodrillo turbo — action bronson

Cocodrillo Turbo is a quintessential Action Bronson album — not for one second will you forget who created this masterpiece. Simply put, the avant-garde “Cocodrillo Turbo” is a psychedelic-fueled Indiana Jones adventure condensed into a 30-minute album.

From the action-packed intro song “Hound Dog” down to Yung Mehico’s saxophone closing out the album, Bronson keeps listeners entertained throughout. The artists featured on the album maintain their artistic authenticity while still rapping over distinctly Bronson beats, like Conway’s gaudy and relaxed verse on “Tongpo” and Mayhem Lauren’s bougie and confident feature on “Turkish.” Throughout the album, Bronson bodies beats that don’t even sound like music, holding his footing over snarling crocodiles, growling jaguars and squealing pigs like it’s nothing.

Spotlight Track:

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14. WHat yall mad about today — chris crack

Chris Crack’s What Y’all Mad About Today is just one of countless reasons to start paying attention to the rising 32 year-old.

Employing many of the underground elements of avant-garde rap, Chris Crack’s iconic delivery and witty wordplay takes a page from Griselda’s playbook and makes it completely his own. On What Y’all Mad About Today, Chris Crack shows why his listeners regard him so highly when it comes to his pen. You cannot have a discussion about the emcees with the most canny one-liners without including Chris Crack. The result is a grimed record filled with personality and witty piece of music that shows flashes of supreme artistic refinement.

Spotlight Track:

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13. the elephant man’s bones — roc marciano & the alchemist

Unstoppable force meets immoveable object. Goliath of the underground teams up with a producer whose name is etched into the very fabric of hip-hop history. Roc Marciano and The Alchemist’s collaborative tape had immense expectations to live up to. Only possible with artists of this duo’s magnitude, The Elephant Man’s Bones is able to simultaneously fall short and impress in the same vain.

Boasting songs such as “Quantum Leap,” “Stigmata,” as well as the title track, calling The Elephant Man’s Bones disappointing would be entirely unfair. On the other hand, the production here just isn’t quite as ground breaking as we’ve seen from Alchemist. Opting for understated production to allow Roc’s wordplay to take center-stage works in places, but not across all 14 tracks. While also possessing several song of the year and verse of the year candidates, The Elephant Man’s Bones’ inconsistent bright spots alone propel it past many rap records this year.

Spotlight Track:

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12. sos — sza

Considering it’s thoroughness, thoughtfulness and craftmanship, its hard to believe SOS is SZA’s second studio album. You simply cannot begin to have a dialogue regarding contemporary R&B without mentioning the angel-voiced TDE member and this record reminded everyone why.

Borrowing the addictive song writing and structuring employed on 2017’s CTRL, SZA expands on her signature blend of R&B and hip-hop undertones here in an intriguing way. SZA’s rapping ability noticeably improved during her 5 year hiatus, allowing her to create standouts such as “Forgiveless” and “Smoking on my Ex Pack SOS has something for every listener, making it a versatile, impeccable and glorious return to form for SZA.

Spotlight Track:

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11. no thank you - little simz

The age-old saying “better late than never” couldn’t be more accurate when regarding Little Simz’ belated entry to the 2022 album of the year contest with NO THANK YOU. Simz is in a similar space mentally here as her previous standout record: she’s tired of hip-hop fame and the indignation that comes with it. But on NO THANK YOU, Simz isn’t just tired, she’s angry.

Felt through her razor-sharp delivery and cunning writing such as “f**k the politics I’m going Meghan on you neeks,” Simz has evidently grown as both an artist and emcee at an expeditious pace. With varied and enjoyable production throughout, the sole issue with NO THANK YOU is that it dropped in the twilight of 2022.

Spotlight Track:

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10. the forever story — jid

The most definitive way to describe JID’s The Forever Story is that it’s the unblemished and rounded record that we all knew JID was capable of creating.

Everything presented here is at the absolute peak of JID’s capabilities as an artist. From the abstract and captivating beat selections, to the intricate double entendres sprinkled across the record, The Forever Story is by far JID’s most complete record to date. With a jaw-dropping list of guests including Yasiin Bey, Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, EARTHGANG and more, The Forever Story does more than just hold the listener’s attention throughout its one hour runtime, it ensnares.

Spotlight Track:

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9. tana talk 4 — benny the butcher

Following up an unquestionably classic mixtape like Tana Talk 3 is no small task, and Benny the Butcher was clearly here for the challenge.

Tana Talk 4 was a shining star in Griselda’s marvelous calendar year. With the production duties split between the legendary Daringer and Alchemist, the beats served up for Benny are prodigious, allowing Benny to reach new heights as an emcee. From song of the year contender and J. Cole collaboration “Johnny P’s Caddy,” to the opulent “Weekend’s in the Perry’s” with Boldy James, you’d be hard pressed to find a single skip on Tana Talk 4. Benny isn’t doing anything necessarily groundbreaking here, however, elongating his ridiculous run of consistently enjoyable underground rap records is certainly remarkable.

Spotlight Track:

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8. wasteland — brent faiyaz

Since Brent Faiyaz burst onto the modern R&B scene in the mid-to-late 2010’s, listeners have marveled at his gifted singing voice. While dazzling on features and singles, Brent struggled to put together a comprehensive and thoroughly composite LP. That is, until the release of his 2022 effort WASTELAND.

WASTELAND sees Brent pull together the various components of his musical talents and employ them properly. The songwriting is as catchy as ever, his occasionally rap verses are well written, and, of course, his vocalization is spot-on. Brimming with silky tracks from head-to-toe, WASTELAND is an actualization of the potential Brent has displayed over the years. In conjunction with a central narrative about his toxic ways causing tragedy, WASTELAND is both Brent’s highest-quality record and the best traditional R&B record of 2022.

Spotlight Track:

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7. no fear of time — black star & madlib

One word tends to come to mind when discussing the Madlib-produced Black Star reunion we hip-hop fans were blessed with: retrofuturism. Madlib’s patchwork production symphonies offer Black Star a complete escape from their previous boom-bap driven sound. From the shades of bouncy reggae present on “Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd.,” to the high energy masterpiece that is “So Be It,” Madlib has continually found a way to be at the forefront of innovation behind the boards in hip-hop.

26 years since releasing their first record as a duo, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli have yet to lose their hip-hop chemistry, a fact that’s evident on No Fear of Time.

Highlight Track: Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd.

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6. mr. morale & the big steppers — kendrick lamar

Since 2012, Kendrick Lamar has been anointed as the savior of rap music. An immense pressure that informed his generational pen for the vast majority of his career, Lamar spent the last 10 years digging and searching for ways to live up to the burden placed on his shoulders.

But Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers turns the mirror away from that duty, and inward at the man Lamar has become, for better and for worse. Kendrick’s 2022 project is his most confessionary record to date. Exploring his own childhood trauma, toxic tendencies and mental state, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers tells the story of a flawed man who has taken his focus away from being other people’s savior. An endearing journey through Lamar’s personal journey as a human being ignited by his inherent talent as a musician, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is yet another superb addition to a catalogue littered with classic records.

Spotlight Track:

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5. dawn fm — the weeknd

The Weeknd possesses an immensely rare skill as an artist: he’s a bonafide master of concept albums. Dawn FM showcases Abel’s ability to tell an intriguing story, one that builds off of the same conceptual mastery displayed on After Hours.

Journeying into the beyond after his narrative death in After Hours, Dawn FM is a purgatorial pitstop in his trilogy, one made possible by a exciting exploration of 80’s synth-pop. Paired with his distinguishably unique voice, the production on this record is groovy and superb throughout. Hit making comes easy to an artist of Abel’s magnitude, as his fills Dawn FM’s track list with hit after hit (“Out of Time,” “Is There Someone Else?,” “Take My Breath).

Spotlight Track:

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4. 10 — westside gunn

Despite only having two solo songs, Westside Gunn never loses the spotlight in 10. Gunn maintains his signature high-class style throughout, surprising listeners by bringing in legends like Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, Black Star and more to close out the “Hitler Wears Hermes” series.

In true Gunn fashion, each song brings a unique beat to back up equally attention-grabbing lyrics without sounding like it’s doing too much. Elegant and clean-cut, 10 is a culmination of the skill Gunn has honed throughout his HWH series. Plus, the second track spotlights his son, FlyGod Jr., as a producer. The father-son artistic connection benefits both Gunn and Doe Boy, as they thrive on the cold-blooded beat in “FlyGod Jr.”

Spotlight Track:

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3. melt my eyez see your future (deluxe) — denzel curry

The maturation of an artist is a stunning phenomenon to witness. While it’s been evident for a number of years that Denzel Curry was one of the astute writers of his generation, Zel has been trying to find consistency in his sonic approach for some time now. Melt My Eyez See Your Future is an entirely aimed record, one’s that individual components are wrapped tightly and produce a comprehensive body of work.

Melt My Eyez See Your Future is a personification of Zel and his relationship with the world he exists in. Across the album, Zel is inquisitive, pessimistic, optimistic, candid, calculated and contemplative. Focusing on both his own personal faults and the inadequacies of modern life, Zel displays a level of pellucidity that is simply not available on his prior LPs. The production here is scattered in the best way possible, pulling in JPEGMAFIA, Thundercat, Kenny Beats & Kal Banx to blend their wildly unique sonic styles with his own. Paired with a innovative deluxe album release, 2022 was Zel’s year.

Spotlight Track:

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2. sick! — Earl sweatshirt

If one truth has been proven to be self evident about Earl Sweathsirt and his artistry, it’s that he is nothing short of a brilliant poet whose greatest strength is his ability to convey feeling. SICK! is a bit of a departure from Earl’s gruesomely bleak, visceral avant-garde sonic aesthetic, yes. But it’s far from a departure from the unmitigated honesty in his pen.

At times, SICK! is light-hearted, allowing Earl to expand artistically and challenge himself as an emcee. Tracks like “Lobby (int),” “Visions,” and “Titanic” have an unmistakable trap influence, a sound we have sparingly seen from the Odd Future alumni. Simulatenously pushing his sound forward (“God Laughs,” “Tabula Rasa”), SICK! allows Earl to grow and explore his own talents. For an artist as gifted as him, it’s not a surprise SICK! was one of the best rap records of 2022.

Spotlight Track:

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1. gemini rights — steve lacy

Each year, music fans anticipate a release so superb, it commands the attention of music enjoyers of all varieties. Turning heads, directing trends and dominating the perpetual musical deliberation, albums as superlative as Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights etch an indelible mark on the musical year itself.  

A 35-minute romantic catharsis doubling as a funky R&B, pop fusion exercise, Gemini Rights has all the elements of clear-cut album of the year candidate. Lacy’s endearing and relatable storytelling mixed with his undeniably generational song writing ability allowed tracks like “Bad Habit” to explode as a megahit. Lacy finding the precise and proper combination of experimentalism and hit making produce a track list to be littered with song of the year candidates (“Sunshine,” “Helmet,” “Mercury”). 2022 was a superb year musically, but it will ultimately be known as the year of the Gemini.

Spotlight Track:

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A Journey Into the Beyond with The Weeknd: “Dawn FM” Reviewed

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By Luke Modugno 

World building through music is a difficult, yet incredible feat. When an artist is able to enthrall audiences by encapsulating a concept with vivid storytelling and sonic scene-setting, that is a unique mark of brilliance. Following the release of his latest album, Dawn FM, The Weeknd should be considered a true master of the art of concept albums.

The pop megastar is back with his fifth studio album after a one-year hiatus. Following perhaps his most critically acclaimed record to date, After Hours, expectations were sky high for this record. 

Continuing to lean into the 80’s synth-pop sonic landscape established on After Hours, Dawn FM picks up the pace a bit, with more upbeat production and lyrical content than its predecessor. Throughout the record, The Weeknd experiments within the synth-pop genre, dabbling in some soulful tones with tracks like “Out of Time,” and embracing disco-dance aesthetics on “Sacrifice” and “Is There Someone Else?” Considering the diversity of moods and directions this record takes within its overarching sonic concept, Dawn FM represents The Weeknd’s best-produced record, surpassing After Hours substantially. Abel has production credits on every song on the record, continuing to show his knack for conceptual execution behind the boards. 

Canonically, Dawn FM picks up right where After Hours left off. In the music video for “Until I Bleed Out,” the final track from After Hours, Abel sees himself inside a room filled with balloons and people, surely a reference to his outstanding mixtape “House of Balloons.” As he stares into the room, Abel sees himself get mobbed and killed by this group of people (likely representing succumbing to his addictions). His escape from the house of balloons symbolizes his efforts to escape his old life, during the climax of the video, Abel passes out from blood loss and dies on the Las Vegas strip, where After Hours takes place. Fittingly, Dawn FM takes place in purgatory, with the Jim Carrey narrated radio station creating a soundtrack for the listeners’ journey toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Sonically and conceptually, Dawn FM is an ethereal pitstop on a journey that began with After Hours. 

As Carrey’s fuzzy narration cuts in to conclude the project, he reminds the listener that in order to reach heaven, you have to let go of the regret and pain from your physical life. With Abel providing angelic background vocals to Carrey’s final message, the record ends with the heavenly sound of birds chirping. As he alluded to on Twitter, Abel will conclude this storyline in his next record, completing yet another trilogy of incredibly refined and distinguished pop/R&B records. 

Although Dawn FM is mostly spotless, some tracks simply do not present the same quality as others on the tracklist, unnecessarily bloating the record. “Best Friends” is repetitive and indistinguishable from countless other Abel songs and “Here We Go…Again” is dragged on far too long and contains a surprisingly disappointing Tyler, The Creator feature.  

However, overall, Dawn FM is an inherently intriguing concept album executed with exactitude and mastery. Abel seems to get more experimental and ambitious with each project, locking our gaze on what he decides to do next. 

Favorite Tracks:

Out of Time 

Take My Breath

Is There Someone Else?

Listen to Dawn FM here:

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THE WEEKND // Dawn FM Reaction & Review

In today's video Spencer and Miles listen to The Weeknd's new album 'Dawn FM' which hosts features from Tyler, the Creator and Lil Wayne. Let us know what you though of the new album in the comments!

Ranking Super Bowl Halftime Shows

In today's episode, Miles and Spencer sit down and rank their favorite super bowl halftime performances of all time. They also speak on the Judas and the Black Messiah soundtrack, TikTok, SoundCloud, and new music from Lucky Daye, Travis Scott, YSL, and more!

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Expectations for The Weeknd's Halftime Performance

In today's episode Miles and Spencer talk about what they expect from Abel at halftime, their thoughts on Lil Uzi Vert's new Diamond, and the rumors floating around that Kodak got cloned. The duo also discusses new music from Freddie Gibbs, Polo G, 03 Greedo, and more!

Thanks for watching! Make sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter:

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  A year ago we compiled a list of albums to help everyone weather the quarantine. Here we are a year later, still st… https://t.co/fdusHMOSLK

  Mar 17, 2021, 1:39 PM
• 
  StereoVision

  Happy 6th birthday to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ one of the best albums ever released 💿🦋 What’s the be… https://t.co/4boKEsxxJM

  Mar 16, 2021, 9:01 PM
• 
  StereoVision

  Extra extra! Check out some of our highlights from last night’s Grammy’s 💿 https://t.co/Og7RkYCDGg

  Mar 15, 2021, 1:09 PM
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Our Top 50 Albums of 2020

By StereoVision Staff

2020 was rough on all fronts, but perhaps unsurprisingly, its saving grace was the new music released over the past year. Though the industry was hit hard, and most live music has been suspended indefinitely, many artists and their teams overcame this new adversity. Together they worked to release records to tide fans over in tough times, and we couldn’t be more appreciative. Our team at StereoVision listened to a lot of music this year, and lately we’ve been hard at work compiling a year-end list showcasing our favorite projects of 2020. Well this list is mostly comprised of albums and mixtapes, some EPs were so damn good we just couldn’t leave them off (See God Bless the Child). Projects released between December 13th, 2019 and December 11th, 2020 were eligible for selection meaning that well some bold claims were certainly made about Playboi Carti’s Whole Lotta Red in the StereoVision group chat, it was not considered for this list. Without further ado, please enjoy StereoVision’s top 50 albums of 2020:

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50. Father: Come Outside We Not Gone Jump You

Spotlight Track: Backbreaker

Read our Review

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49. Pop Smoke: Meet the Woo 2

Spotlight Track: Element

Listen to the Album

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48. TiaCorine: 34TiaCorine

Spotlight Track: Lotto

Read our review

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47. Nick Grant & Tae Beast: God Bless the Child

Spotlight Track: FEDS

Listen to the album

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46. Hook: Crashed My Car

Spotlight Track: Fell in Luh

Read our review

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45. Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes

Spotlight Track: Chicago Freestyle (Feat. Giveon)

Read our review

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44. Arca: KiCk i

Spotlight Track: KLK (Feat. ROSALIA)

Listen to the album

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43. Kacy Hill: Is It Selfish If we Talk about me again

Spotlight Track: Unkind

Read Our Review

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42. Polo G: The Goat

Spotlight Track: Martin & Gina

Read our Review

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41. Rico Nasty: Nightmare Vacation

Spotlight Track: OHFR?

Read our Review

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40. Larry June & Cardo: Cruise USA

Spotlight Track: Meet Me In Frisco

Read Our Review

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39. Yves Tumor: Heaven to a tortured Mind

Spotlight Track: Kerosene!

Listen to the album

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38. Logic: No Pressure

Spotlight Track: man i is

Read our Review

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37. Young Thug & Chris Brown: Slime & B

Spotlight Track: Go Crazy

Listen to the album

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36. Boldy James & The Alchemist: The Price of Tea in China

Spotlight Track: Surf & Turf (Feat. Vince Staples)

Read Our Review

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35. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie: Artist 2.0

Spotlight Track: Numbers (Feat. London On Da Track, Gunna, & Roddy Ricch)

Listen to the album

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34. Spillage Village: Spilligion

Spotlight Track: Mecca

Listen to the album

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33. tkay maidza: Last Year was weird, vol. 2

Spotlight Track: Shook

Listen to the album

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32. Future & Lil Uzi Vert: Pluto x Baby Pluto

Spotlight Track: Drankin N Smokin

Listen to the album

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31. Giveon: Take Time

Spotlight Track: The Beach

Read our review

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30. 21 Savage & Metro Boomin: Savage Mode 2

Spotlight Track: Many Men

Read our Review

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29. chloe x halle: Ungodly Hour

Spotlight Track: Do It

Listen to the album

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28. G herbo: ptsd (Deluxe)

Spotlight Track: In a Minute

Listen to the album

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27. Gunna: Wunna

Spotlight Track: Nasty Girl

Read our Review

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26. g herbo: ptsd

Spotlight Track: Intro

Read our Review

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25. bryson tiller: anniversary

Spotlight Track: Things Change

Bryson Tiller’s third studio album ANNIVERSARY shows a Tiller consumed with his use of time. Although its level of impact does not match his debut album, TRAPSOUL (2015), ANNIVERSARY is an ode to the classic because of Tiller’s raw emotion and undeniable relatability throughout the approximately thirty-minute project. My favorite song “Things Change” victoriously demonstrates an exchange between Tiller and an ex-lover who is obsessed with closure. -Amaya Lorick

Listen to the album

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24. kota the friend: Everything

Spotlight Track: Long Beach (Feat. Hello O’Shay & Alex Banin)

EVERYTHING is a brilliant compilation of varying perspectives that discuss the purpose of life. Although Kota the Friend’s 2020 album was under appreciated because of the width of his fanbase, its May release was essential during a time where many felt uncertain about their livelihood dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. With a descriptor as the saddest song on the project, the introductory track “Summerhouse” epitomizes coming to terms with unwanted realities and recognizing life’s beauty. 2020 prompted many to engage in self-reflection and EVERYTHING poses two arguably abstract questions: “What means everything to you?” and “What does it mean to have everything?” -Amaya Lorick

Read Our Review

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23. bino rideaux: Outside

Spotlight Track: Brand New (Feat. Blxst)

On Bino Rideaux’s Def Jam debut, OUTSIDE, the 27-year-old delivers his best music to date while simultaneously making a legitimate case for the hottest rapper in Los Angeles. The 15-track record has something for everyone ranging from trunk-rattling, west coast bangers like “BET” and “BREAKFAST” to more emotional chill cuts such as “COLD FEET” and “FUCCWITCHU”. Over the course of the 28-minute run time, Bino is assisted by fellow LA natives Ty Dolla $ign, BlueBucksClan, and most notably, Blxst on the album’s fantastic climax “BRAND NEW”. With the release of OUTSIDE it’s clear that Bino Rideaux is more than just Nipsey Hussle protege; he’s a budding superstar whose stock will continue to rise as the rest of the country catches wind of his hypnotic flows and the enthralling landscapes he’s able to craft and communicate, three short minutes at a time. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to the album

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22. run the jewels: rtj4

Spotlight Track: goonies vs. E.T.

If there’s one word I could use to describe Killer Mike and El-P’s return to their critically-acclaimed Run The Jewels series, it’s “massive” as everything about this project seems to have upped the stakes from their last installment. The duo’s verses hit harder, are more aggressive, and eager to call out the vast injustices that the United States has grown complacent with over the past few years. El-P and Killer Mike call out Pseudo-Christians failing to condemn the injustices caused by the Trump administration, the racism ingrained in our nation’s police forces, and a wealth disparity that grows larger every day, among other subjects. Meanwhile, El-P’s production serves as some of the strangest from the duo’s entire discography; the melodies are sparse, the ambiances are overbearing, and the bass slams against the top of the mix from start to finish. With plenty of strange samples and unfiltered performances, this project is often as difficult and complex as it is invigorating, and I believe its message is only emphasized by the endless chaos that we lived through this year. -Owen Tait

Read Our Review

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21. Thundercat: It is what it is

Spotlight Track: Funny Thing

It is fascinating how an artist can work on a project for months, maybe even years before they plan to release it to the public and yet once it drops, it speaks to zeitgeist as if it was written yesterday. This is the case with Thundercat’s fourth studio album It Is What It Is. Released less than a month into many of our state sanctioned lockdowns, It Is What Is was the breath of fresh air we all needed during such an uncertain time. On the album, Thundercat explores themes of melconchony, loss, and directionlessness in tandem with tongue and cheek humor for an album that can either make you laugh or cry depending on what you need to express during each listen. Complimented by Thundercat’s immaculate instrumentation that has made him a mainstay in the industry for two decades, It It What It Is is a poignant reminder to have fun, let go of fear, and trust the process no matter how difficult things may get. -Kaila Cherry

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20. Big Sean: Detroit 2

Spotlight Track: Deep Reverence (Feat. Nipsey Hussle)

When Detroit 2 was released, you could immediately tell Big Sean was on a mission. In an era of short length albums, Sean decided to release a whopping 21-track project. There were many Detroit-themed bangers on this album, and what stood out to me was that he even included stories from talents like Dave Chappelle and Erykah Badhu. This was the first time in a while where I felt the essence of a true “album experience.” There is a lot of depth to this record and every time I play it through I find a new favorite song. And I mean, who doesn’t enjoy listening to Sean’s swagger filled wordplay? -Colson O’Connor

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19. Childish Gambino: 3.15.20

Spotlight Track: 12.38 (Feat. 21 Savage, Ink, & Kadhja Bonet)

Of all the projects to come out this year, the latest album from Childish Gambino might have been the most surprising. From the rollout to how sonically all over the place it is, 3.15.20 almost seems like a random release from Childish. This led to the project being one of his more slept on pieces of work, but it is also some of the best music of 2020. Gambino captures a sound that is futuristic, yet also has moments that would impress most people’s parents and grandparents. Gambino uses a different vocal inflection on almost every track and manages not to miss once. While doing all of this there is still a track like 12.38 that could be one of the biggest hits on the radio if it got the play it deserved. In a time where he could have rested on his previous success, he continues to challenge himself and the listener to take a deeper look at what music can be. -Miles Hagan

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18. lil uzi vert: eternal atake

Spotlight Track: Prices

Lil Uzi Vert had a very busy 2020. He dropped not one, not two, but three full-length albums this year after not releasing new music since 2017. The project that kicked off this trio of drops was Eternal Atake which came out in early March. With the reality of the pandemic causing this album to fall to the wayside for some time, as the year comes to an end and we are reflecting on the music we were met with, Eternal Atake is coming back into the spotlight. A concept album about Uzi’s abduction by aliens and subsequent travels through space, Eternal Atake is without a doubt one of the most unique projects to come out of 2020. Not only is it a concept album, but it also is broken up into three sections that reflect Uzi’s three artistic personas: Baby Pluto, Renji, then finally, Lil Uzi Vert. Like the rest of Uzi’s discography, Eternal Atake is a well-produced, fantastical, and fun project that will make you want to type like a scene kid from 2008 with no remorse. -Kaila Cherry

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17. Lil Uzi Vert: LUV vs. the world 2

Spotlight Track: Strawberry Peels (Feat. Young Thug & Gunna)

Though there seems to be some debate on who started the ‘surprise-deluxe-double-album’ trend, it is hard to deny that Lil Uzi Vert mastered it earlier this year. LUV vs. The World 2, which released as a sister record to the long-awaited Eternal Atake, is a nonstop rollercoaster that arrived just a week later. While EA’s only featured artist was Syd, this record is the polar opposite - collaboration heavy and decorated with features from artists like Young Thug, Chief Keef, 21 Savage, and Future. EA helped solidify Uzi as a talented lyricist and rapper, and this project returned to a more exciting and light-hearted register where Uzi simply sounded like he was having a great time - and I had a great time listening to it. Though some of the tracks had leaked beforehand, LUV vs. The World 2 managed to fulfill the high expectations set after the popularity of the first LUV vs. The World, and it isn’t hard to see why. -Carter Fife

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16. Lil BAby: My Turn

Spotlight Track: Emotionally Scarred

Lil Baby did not disappoint with the drop of his second studio album, My Turn. Lil Baby displays versatility in his sound, giving us songs to blast in the car like “Sum 2 Prove,” and even songs to vibe to like “Catch The Sun”. He manages to deliver trap hits such as “Forget That” and “Woah”  as well as highlighting lyrical depth, as he opens up on songs like “Emotionally Scarred”, with narratives of his past and personal rap journey. As if his graceful flow wasn’t enough, Lil Baby teamed up with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, and Future to offer even more heat. -Chloe Clark

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15. westside gunn: Prey for paris

Spotlight Track: $500 Ounces (Feat. Freddie Gibbs & Roc Marciano)

Griselda was locked in this year. From Boldy James' stunning collaborative project with The Alchemist The Price of Tea in China, to Benny the Butcher’s LP Burden of Proof, it’s safe to say Griselda did not miss in 2020, including label head-honcho Westside Gunn. With Pray for Paris, Westside Gunn delivers exactly what you'd expect: hard coke bars, production defined by dusty drum loops, and the iconic Westside Gunn ad-libs. Although Gunn may be infamously known for valuing quantity over quality in terms of album releases, Pray for Paris is easily his most concise and focused work to date. With guest appearances from Tyler, The Creator, Joey Bada$$, Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist, Wale, and the rest of the Griselda crew, Pray for Paris put the rap game on notice. -Luke Modugno

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14. Charli xcx: how I’m feeling now

Spotlight Track: enemy

Following the seamless blend of pop and experimental aesthetics that appeared on her 2019 outing Charli, fans were definitely eager to see where UK pop artist Charli XCX’s sound would venture next. Trapped in self-isolation, she took the time to reflect on her relationships with her significant other, her friends, and herself—a process that resulted in her most intimate and innovative project to date. On how i’m feeling now, Charli pushes further into the strange than ever before, as the majority of the tracklist is saturated with glitchy percussion, distortion, noise, and busy synths that perfectly compliment Charli’s heavily-manipulated vocal delivery. Additionally, Charli manages to bring one powerful performance after another to the table, delving into a variety of introspective topics such as her love life, friendships, and mental health. If you’re searching for the future of pop music, look no further than how I’m feeling now, a one-of-a-kind sugar rush that I would deem pop record of the year. -Owen Tait

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13. blxst: no love lost

Spotlight Track: No Love Lost

No new artist burst onto the scene in 2020 with half as much confidence, momentum, and poise as Blxst. The LA native’s breakout year was largely due to an incredible debut solo project, No Love Lost, an addicting 8-song album jam-packed with beautiful hooks and exceptionally polished writing that had me smashing repeat for months. This tape is the definition of “no skips” and I can confidently say that any of the eight songs could’ve been the spotlight track. Over the course of the quick 18-minute listen, Blxst tells vivid stories of the fast life in the city of angels while captivating listeners with mesmerizing melodies and a slew of slick bars that leads me to believe Blxst could out-rap half of my favorite emcees. No Love Lost is a damn-near perfect project in my eyes making it my personal favorite release of 2020. -Spencer Lobdell

Listen to the Album

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12. Future: High off life

Spotlight Track: Accepting My Flaws

With Future’s release of High Off Life he gave another hour of pure heat. With his signature sound, we received bangers like “Hitek Tek” as well as more mellow cuts like “Outer Space Bih”. Lyrically, narratives of trapping display Future well in his element, but in “Accepting My Flaws”, he takes on a different route. In this song, he speaks of asking for forgiveness, as he fights against demons and acknowledges his struggles.  Much like other hits on the album, the booming beat carries the song. Along with production, features are another element that elevates the album as Future feeds off great appearances from artists including Young Thug, Travis Scott, and NBA Youngboy. -Chloe Clark

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11. brent faiyaz: fuck the world

Spotlight Track: Fuck the World (Summer in London)

Brent Faiyaz solidified his spot in the R&B scene with the release of his album Fuck the World. In this album, Faiyaz touches on the themes of love, lust, and loss. Lyrically, Faiyaz invites the listener in on an intimate experience as we listen and relate to similar heartfelt emotions. His angelic vocals, paired seamlessly with the smooth beats, offer nothing but chill vibes. Specifically on the song, “Let Me Know”, Brent sings over a repeated instrumental and piano keys, while elaborating on self love and reflection.  With only 10 songs on the album, it is a true testament to quality over quantity. -Chloe Clark

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10. kid cudi: man on the moon III

Spotlight Track: Tequila Shots

Kid Cudi delivers on MOTM III, rapping harder than we’ve ever seen him rap before, bringing together an unstoppable and classic team of producers like Plain Pat and Dot Da Genius to start the decade off right. The first and innovative act of the album sounds like it could have been written with Travis Scott last year, and the second act sounds like the classic 2009-era Cudi that many of us grew up with. MOTM III’s final act sounds like something entirely new itself, which is rare for an artist to do in the third decade of their career. I would have enjoyed more guests on the record to celebrate the trilogy’s conclusion, but it is hard to complain when the guests we got include Skepta, Phoebe Bridgers, and even a posthumous Pop Smoke hook. Though fans can expect a whopping four more records from the Philly rapper in the future - WZRD 2, Entergalactic, KSG 2, and an untitled project with Travis Scott - hopefully MOTM III will tide us over until then. -Carter Fife

Watch our review

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9. smino: she already decided

Spotlight Track: 2Much Fronto

Smino is one of the most unique acts in music today and She Already Decided is the project that shows how close he is to greatness. From a vocal standpoint, he flips between slick bars and constant flow changes to melodies that make you question if he should even be considered a rapper. He combines classic R&B sounds with some of today’s biggest hits from the past year to create a sound that feels necessary in 2020. The album is upbeat and engaging, while also still feeling relevant and in the moment. Smino is able to ease the listeners’ mind for a little while he focuses on the few things we can control and enjoy in a time like this. -Miles Hagan

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8. jhené aiko: chilombo

Spotlight Tracks: Triggered (Freestyle)

Grammy-nominated Chilombo has been a top contender for album of the year since its release. The use of alchemy crystal singing bowls within every song indicates Jhené Aiko’s intention to not only entertain but provide her listeners with tools for healing. The Los Angeles native’s initial single “Triggered” was packed with painful lyrics describing relationship strains but also includes the first and sixth chakras to promote clarity and stability. It is clear when a project is strategically constructed beyond the order of its tracklist. From the sequencing of the selected singles to their implementation onto the album, it’s clear that Chilombo is destined for success throughout the rest of this decade. -Amaya Lorick

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7. aminé: limbo

Spotlight Track: Roots (Feat. JID & Charlie Wilson)

Limbo, Aminé’s 14-track masterpiece, surpassed all of my expectations by miles. From the very first track Limbo feels bigger and more important than anything Aminé has released to date. The beat selections, the few but well-placed features, and the versatility of Aminé’s sound are among the many reasons why Limbo will go down as one of the most impressive albums of 2020. -Colson O’Connor

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6. mac miller: circles

Spotlight Track: Right

In his posthumous record Circles, Mac delivers a love-letter to his fans and a completion of a generation-defining artistic evolution. Transforming and refining himself from awkward frat rapper to musical genius, Mac leaves his legacy with his most sonically elegant project to date. Narratively, sonically and lyrically, Circles accompanies Miller's magnum-opus Swimming, building on the jazzy, lo-fi soundscape and mental-health centered lyrical content. Circles is a truly beautiful work of art and is well-deserving of its top 10 spot on this list. -Luke Modugno

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5. Jay electronica: A written testimony

Spotlight Track: A.P.I.D.T.A

In my review earlier this year I touched on the mythos surrounding this record, though months later, all you really need to know is that A Written Testimony is a big deal. Jay Electronica and Jay-Z go head-to-head throughout just about every song on this project, showing a versatility previously unseen from the Louisiana Rapper. One moment, he’s trading bars about success and expectations with Travis Scott over a beat from Hit-Boy - the next he and Jay Z are lamenting the loss of loved ones over a Khruangbin instrumental. Though the two Jay’s do not invite too many artists to share their spotlight (The-Dream is the only other guest), there are so many styles and sounds at work that anyone can find something to enjoy here. This was my favorite record of the year for most of 2020, though it’s hard to name what makes this record so special. Perhaps it’s the almost prophetic lyricism, or the confident cadence of the two rappers, or maybe it’s just the fact that many of us have been ravenous for more Electronica music for close to a decade. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I’m hoping we get another Electronica record before the end of the 2020’s. -Carter Fife

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4. the weeknd: After hours

Spotlight Track: Faith

Selling 444,000 units first week and having two platinum singles, After Hours was one of 2020’s biggest, and best releases. The album was an artistic reinvention for The Weeknd, taking inspiration from 80’s pop music. Much like Tyler the Creator’s “IGOR” The Weeknd created an entire new identity for this album, which made the rollout and the listening experience one of the most memorable moments in music this year. -Courtney Fields

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3. pop smoke: shoot for the stars aim for the moon

Spotlight Track: Got It On Me

One of the most anticipated albums of the year that delivered far beyond the public’s expectations. Pop Smoke’s posthumous album proved that he was no one-trick pony. While he did popularize himself off of one particular sound, this project showed us that Pop was an artist who was destined for stardom. Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon is one of the most addicting albums of the year and because of Pop’s unique artistry all signs point towards this album getting even better with time. -Courtney Fields

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2. benny the butcher: burden of proof

Spotlight Track: Where Would I Go (Feat. Rick Ross)

Griselda's own Benny the Butcher has been quietly crafting a compelling niche within the Buffalo collective. With projects under his belt like The Plugs I Met and Tana Talk 3; Benny has what it takes to be one of the elite rappers in the world. Burden of Proof sees Benny realize his full potential, as the project is chalk-full of reasons why Benny has a legitimate claim to being the best rapper in Griselda and in turn, one of the best in the game. Executively produced by the legendary Hit-Boy, Benny kills each and every one of the beats laid down for him. Burden of Proof is one of few projects this year I can legitimately say has no skips. -Luke Modugno

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1. freddie gibbs & The alchemist: Alfredo

Spotlight Track:

In a year full of inconsistency and turmoil, Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist came through and delivered in every way possible. With the incredible release of Bandana in 2019 many fans of the rapper were left wondering where he would go next, after seemingly conquering the drug rap game. Freddie responded by linking up with one of the most creative and dynamic producers of the last decade in The Alchemist, and they created the cinematic masterpiece that was Alfredo. From the merchandise, to the vinyl, to every cut throat bar Freddie delivers, this drop felt like it was aiming to be some of their best work. Alchemist provided Freddie with a blank canvas for him to paint a picture on. Alfredo was a coke rap kingpin reflecting on his incredible rise to power and asking himself, “who can stop me besides me.” -Miles Hagan

Read our review

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Who has the Most Drip in Hip-Hop?

In today's episode Miles and Spencer discuss the highlights of The Weeknd's discography, who has the most drip in hip-hop, what rapper has the best merch, Lil Boat 3.5, their Spotify Wrapped, and more!

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Something Needs to be Done About the GRAMMYs

In today's episode Miles and Spencer discuss the shortcomings of the GRAMMYs and brainstorm how artists can fight back against the out-of-touch award show. In addition, the duo talks about Quando Rondo's new track which addresses King Von's death, and new music from Meek Mill, Blxst, and Seddy Hendrix.

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StereoVision's AOTY Power Rankings: May

By StereoVision Staff

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!

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The Teams Picks:

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

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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

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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

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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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StereoVision's AOTY Power Rankings: April

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:

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

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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

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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

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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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Genres and Generations Clash in The Weeknd’s New Album "After Hours"

The Weeknd’s Dark Take on Alternative R&B Fused With 80’s Synth Pop Results in One of His Most Complete Projects to Date

By Courtney Fields

The year 2019 was slowly coming to an end and fans were beginning to realize yet another year would pass without drops from some of the industry’s biggest names, but on November 25th, Abel Tesfaye, The King of The Fall himself took to Instagram to announce a “NEW BRAIN MELTING PSYCHOTIC CHAPTER” of The Weeknd’s career that would start with the release of his new single “Heartless.”

The single is a great beginning to the new chapter of The Weeknd’s career. Part of what makes The Weeknd a great artist is his ability to story tell, which is something that has become a lost art in the two genres he has mastered: Pop and R&B. 

Upon the first listen, it seems like your average boastful song, but although fame, women, money, and drugs dominate the majority of the song, “Heartless” is more of a self-awareness track than anything else. In “Heartless,” The Weeknd’s Ego and his Sacred Self are playing a game of tug and war.

 “Never need a bitch I’m what a bitch need”

 “Trying to find the one that can fix me” 

The title of the song almost serves as a front since, in a way, all men aspire to be heartless. I, as well as many other men often fall victim to social constructs that tell us to be tough, and not show our feelings.

“Machismo culture” is no conspiracy, it has been defined as overly exaggerated masculinity and it often damages the quality of our romantic relationships. The reason we fell in love with The Weeknd’s songwriting early on was his ability to relate to the plight of everyday people, despite being a superstar. In the two verses The Weeknd has on this song, they’re both filled with how many women, clothes, money, and fast cars he has. He’s not afraid to tell you how many women he's sold dreams to, how long he’s been living like a rockstar, or how many magazine covers he's been on. The verses do a great job of distracting you from the chorus, as well as the bridge at the end of the track. 

In the chorus, Abel still claims that he has no heart, but not in the way every man would like to believe that they themself are heartless. He’s heartless because after all he’s done to grow, he still finds himself falling into the hole he dug for himself when he first moved to Los Angeles. A hole that caused him to use drugs as a crutch, as well as a hole full of toxic and misogynist behavior.

 In the second half of the chorus, the song highlights one of the main themes throughout the entire album: the negative side effects of fame and money.  Abel figured since he’s moved away from LA, a place that caused him so much pain; he was escaping his old ways as well. Still, he feels as if he will never be able to change his ways.

Is The Weeknd no longer falling victim to lust, or is he still desperate to find the right woman? “Heartless” gives us no clear answer.

The Weeknd released two more singles, with one being nostalgic of the dance-pop sound of the ’80s. “Blinding Lights'' gets you moving with its upbeat, synthesized production while simultaneously proving why The Weeknd is such a polarizing artist. He can give fans a certain nostalgia for one of the best eras in music and deliver a deeply emotional track at the same time. The star still yearns for a partner who can show him how to love, one who will never leave his side and one he'll simply never let go. 

The third promotional single for After Hours was the title track. The song serves as a powerful single because it’s very reminiscent of his earlier works. Abel’s life is falling apart and despite his growth as a man, he still finds himself drifting in the pool of the aftershocks of his success. Seven years past his heavyhearted debut album Kiss Land, still risking everything for love, The Weeknd manages to relate to audiences by being the heartbroken singer we all know and love.

The Weeknd dropped After Hours on March 20th. The album contained no features.

A good beat drop excites any music fan, but in the intro song “Alone Again” the drums were almost useless. The track does a great job of building your excitement as a listener, but honestly the beat drop is very underwhelming. The powerless moment in the first track takes away from track two, “Too Late” which probably should’ve been the intro to the album. “Too Late” sets the tone for this synth-heavy album, it also introduces the first signs of pessimism and the need to move away from Los Angeles we see throughout After Hours. 

In “Too Late” Abel is still putting the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“It’s way too late to save our souls

It’s way too late, we’re on our own”

Abel also shows his selfish nature throughout “After Hours.” He knows that he’s probably ran his relationship into the ground; but rather than letting his partner go on her own path, he suggests she join him in his life of lust. He then goes on to sing, “I can’t trust where I live anymore” in reference to LA. Later in the album, this mistrust leads to him escaping to The City of Sin: Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tracks two and three are probably The Weeknd’s most mature tracks within his discography. Both “Hardest To Love” and “Scared To Live” again show The Weeknd placing the blame on himself, but this time he takes all of the responsibility while allowing his partner to find true happiness. “Scared To Live” is also one of the best vocal performances on After Hours. Track two, three and four is where the listener should begin to notice the battle of ego versus sacred self that The Weeknd is struggling with. 

“Snowchild” is the fifth song on the new LP. In this track, The Weeknd reflects on his past. In an attempt to support his need to leave LA, he begins to wonder if he had any ill will that motivated his rise to the top. 

In track six, “Escape From LA” insinuates that Los Angeles enticed him for all of the wrong reasons. This is a point in After Hours where we see the clearest nod to “Old Abel” since this is one of the most gloomy songs on the project. 

Relocating to Sin City was an interesting choice for The Weeknd, considering the fact that what he wanted to escape from in Los Angeles was its vices. After his “Escape From LA” the Weeknd backpedaled into his old habits. 

“I’ve been sober for a year now, now it's time for me

To go back to my old ways, don’t you cry for me 

Thought I’d be a better man, but I lied to me and to you”

Tracks nine through twelve show The Weeknd in his classic egotistical state. This particular stretch of songs are fun too, they show the most striking resemblances to 80’s dance music. There is a bit of a contradiction since you would most likely be up dancing to the most toxic tracks of 2020. 

During the last two tracks of the album, The Weeknd has come to the realization that he put every ounce of literal blood, sweat, and tears into basking in the glory of his fast pace lifestyle, as well as sulking in shame. 

In Track 14, “Until I Bleed Out” we see an Abel who has been relapsing since he got to Vegas. Unlike any other song on the project, Abel shows signs of wanting to pick up his sobriety and regretting what he has done to his life. Sadly, the track ends abruptly, as Abel is slowly bleeding out. It seems as if our favorite new 80’s pop star’s short-lived run has come to an end.

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After Hours was initially released with 14 tracks and no features. Two days later a deluxe version was released with five more songs, all remixes of songs already on the album. The deluxe version includes a feature from Lil Uzi Vert on the “Heartless (Vapor Wave Remix)”.           

Three days after the album’s release, a music video for “In Your Eyes” was released. The opening scene shows Abel as he attacks a young couple in the elevator. He kills the man but somehow the girl ends up getting away. Abel spends the entire video chasing this young woman just for her to chop his head off. The chase showcases how Abel has chased women, fame, and all the other vices a celebrity like him is exposed to.

In the promo for the second deluxe version of this album, he is shown sporting a black suit, rather than the red suit jacket he’s had on since November. The murder kicks off the journey for a new version of himself, or for a new character in After Hours.

Abel released three new tracks over a week after the album's initial release. The tracks “Nothing Compares”, “Missed You”, and “Final Lullaby” were added to the second installment of the deluxe version for After Hours. When you’ve been an XO fan for as long as many have, you eventually come to learn that The Weeknd would never release any songs for aimless reasons. He values his art, which is why these songs were released after his video for track 10 “In Your Eyes.” Sonically, these tracks deviate from the rest of After Hours and with the change of suit, it’s fair to say “Nothing Compares,” “Missed You,” and “Final Lullaby” are our first introduction to this new version of Abel.

This new project is refreshing for The Weeknd’s hardcore fanbase, as well as music fans everywhere. With his picked-out afro, thick mustache, red suit and black serial killer gloves, it’s simply fun to see an artist like the Weeknd completely indulge himself into a new identity. When all is said and done, After Hours will end up being his most complete project. 

Favorite tracks

Snowchild

Escape From LA

Save Your Tears

Rating: 9

Listen to After Hours here:

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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:

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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