for the love of music
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Photo by Owen Markham
Last June, YBN Cordae put on the show of a lifetime to around 150 people at the Crocodile in Seattle, Washington. I was lucky enough to have been in the small crowd as the emerging rapper performed the handful of songs he had out, multiple freestyles, and even some unreleased songs that were set to be on the rapper’s debut album (“Broke As Fuck” & “Thousand Words”). Cordae was personal, passionate, and connected with every person in the room that night. Last Monday (January 13th) I found myself at my second YBN Cordae concert but this one felt a little different. In contrast to the 150 people at the Crocodile, on this special night the young artist entertained a sold out crowd at the Fonda Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Instead of performing a handful of singles, Cordae played the hits off his Grammy nominated debut album The Lost Boy. While much has changed over the past half year for Cordae, the passion that the kid from Raleigh performs with is as present as ever.
Photo by Owen Markham
The show got off to a good start with a performance from the elusive and somewhat mysterious emerging artist Lonr. While Lonr only has two songs out on streaming platforms, he managed to keep the crowd engaged while performing songs nobody had ever heard which is exceptionally hard to do.
The energy really picked up when 24kGoldn began to perform. Accompanied on stage by a sole guitarist, 24k’s set felt more like a rock show then a rap performance. On that night at the Fonda Theater the USC student didn’t appear to be a college kid at all, but rather an emerging star primed to blow. Frequent beat cuts on his guitar driven cut “City Of Angels” showcased Goldn’s excellent singing voice and nailed home the fact that the kid’s a star.
Thanks to spirited performances from both openers, when Cordae finally did emerge from backstage, the whole place lost it. Right from the jump it was obvious that the young man’s allure and stage presence wasn’t a fluke last June but rather an authentic gift that will continue to serve him throughout his career.
Nearly every song was captivating as Cordae seamlessly rapped every word without a vocal track. He was aided by an awesome band consisting of a bassist, DJ, keyboard player, and drummer. The live arrangements of each track made the concert so much more engaging and made Cordae’s already exceptionally sharp pen appear that much more impressive.
Cordae effortlessly controlled the energy all night giving his fans a little of everything. The room would spend three minutes appreciating his excellent lyricism and vibing to a track like “Bad Idea” only to pivot on a dime and open some of the largest mosh pits I’ve ever seen for hype cuts like “Broke As Fuck”.
Although the concert was frequently referred to as “The Lost Boy Experience,” Cordae showed he didn’t forget about his day one fans by playing older cuts like his addicting “My Name Is” remix or his J. Cole response “Old Niggas” which ended up launching his career.
The show ended after Cordae brought up two separate fans to rap Anderson .Paak’s part in his hit “RNP”. While the second girl brought on stage clearly had more flow and stage presence than the guy that preceded her, both fans hit every bar resulting in a fun finale.
The performance YBN Cordae delivered at the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles was easily worth twice the price of admission. Everything from the staging to the setlist was captivating and exactly what it needed to be. Keep in mind that this was also the first stop on the entire “Lost Boy Tour” meaning that we should only expect the show to get even tighter. Go see YBN Cordae now before you have to take out a second mortgage just to grab a nosebleed seat at the closest arena.
Welcome to StereoVision’s top 25 hip-hop/r&b albums of 2019. The past twelve months have been filled with highly anticipated releases that exceeded expectations, debut albums that catapulted unknown artists into stardom, and experimental projects that pushed boundaries and continued to move us towards a world where music can no longer be described by genre. With so much great music constantly being released, it can be hard to keep up and sometimes exceptional albums go overlooked. That’s where we come in. Over the last two weeks on 2019, our team of writers and critic here at StereoVision have been revisiting 2019’s deep discography and making sure that our readers won’t enter the new decade having missed out on one of the best projects of the year. For each album selected in our year-end list, our team selected three standout tracks from the record which were compiled into a playlist which you can find here:
Listen along as you read and get a taste of any project you might have not tapped into in 2019. Now without further ado, the top 25 hip-hop/r&b projects of 2019:
Release Date: December 6th
Record Label: Atlantic Records
At the beginning of December, LA’s golden child released his debut album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial and solidified his spot as one of the top emerging emcees rapping. After dropping potentially the song of the year in “Ballin” with DJ Mustard, Roddy Ricch continued to ride his momentum into his first real album creating a project that is packed with hits without ever sacrificing cohesion or the flow. The album clearly showcases everything fans love about Roddy: His vivid story telling that instantly transports listeners to South Central Los Angeles upon pressing play (“Intro”), his ear for hit melodies and cool California vernacular (“The Box”), and his piercing singing voice that always flexes perfect pitch (“High Fashion”). The cherry on top of this excellent offering is masterfully crafted transitions that allow each song to seamlessly flow into the next making the entire album feel complete. Omitting only Baby Keem, there is no new artist I’m more excited to hear music from in 2020 than Roddy Ricch. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
The Box
High Fashion (Feat. Mustard)
Bacc Seat (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Release Date: May 15th
Record Label: Independent
This spring, Kota the friend dropped the incredibly bright FOTO, an instant classic for his cult following and a wholesome introduction to the New York rapper to new listeners. Throughout the album’s hour long run time, Kota uses each song as a different memory painting an authentic self portrait and helping us understand who Kota the Friend truly is. This intimate connection he is able to make with listeners is undoubtably why the rising artist has such a dedicated fan base and why his stock continues to rise everyday. On FOTO Kota accomplishes exactly what he set out to achieve. He paints a picture of his life so vivid that I felt like I was there when Kota’s mom and his aunt Marcell saw their father at the dance studio for the first time in years. Kota beautifully creates a photo album that he can go back to and reference while still keeping the quality of his music and its mainstream appeal at an all-time high. Thank you to Kota The Friend for a summer soundtrack that I predict will still be getting played in years to come. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Songs:
Church
Hollywood
Alkaline
Release Date: January 18th
Record Label: Carpark Records
Within the first few weeks of 2019, fans of Toro Y Moi were blessed with a new album from Chaz Bear himself. During the promotion for Outer Peace, Bear frequently mentioned how he was tired of making sad love songs, and on Outer Peace there is a clear shift from the pensive sadness of 2017’s Boo Boo into a emotional range that while being fun and optimistic, still has its moments of melancholy and doubt. At 10 tracks long, the Bay-Area native provides his fans with a diverse family of tracks, some low-fi and melodic like “New House” or “Monte Carlo” featuring Wet, others infectiously catchy and uplifting like “Freelance” and “Who Am I”. This was my favorite record of the year, and I have found myself revisiting these tracks almost constantly. The record is perfect for every occasion, so don’t be afraid to throw this on next time you get aux. You won’t regret it. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
Law of the Universe
New House
Monte Carlo (Feat. Wet)
Release Date: March 1st
Record Label: Def Jam Records
Completely A&Red by LeBron James, Rap or Go to the League is a triumphant comeback for our favorite trapper, 2 Chainz. The album is conceptual and frequently draws parallels between rap and basketball while diving deeper into the troubling idea that the two occupations are two of the only viable options for underprivileged blacks to succeed in America. Chainz uses a polished pen to do so and flexes some of his most impressive verses since his come up on this project. With help from an impressive feature list including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne, E-40, Chance the Rapper, and many others, it should come as no surprise that Rap or Go to the League secured a spot on our list. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
Money In The Way
Momma I Hit a Lick (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)
I’m Not Crazy, Life Is (Feat. Chance The Rapper & Kodak Black)
Release Date: June 28th
Record Label: Interscope Records
LA producer Mustard, formerly known as DJ Mustard, gave us everything we wanted and more in his third studio album Perfect 10. Aside from many features from hot artists like Roddy Ricch, Migos, and Nipsey Hussle, Mustard killed the execution on the production side. It is chock-full of anthems and there is so much bounce throughout the whole project that it’s almost impossible to sit still while bumping the album. His #1 song off of the album, “Ballin”, is now grammy nominated for best rap/sung performance. This turned out to be both Mustard and Roddy Ricch’s first ever grammy nomination, and it was definitely well-deserved. -Colson O’Connor
Favorite Tracks:
Baguettes in the Face (Feat. NAV, Playboi Carti, & A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)
Ballin’ (Feat. Roddy Ricch)
Perfect Ten (Feat. Nipsey Hussle)
Release Date: May 17th
Record Label: 300 Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion is the “it girl” of 2019. This summer, Megan blew up with her mixtape Fever, released in May. Fever was the perfect project to kick off the summer, with Megan trading in her Tina Snow persona for a new one she deemed “Hot Girl Meg.” Hot Girl Meg was what she called a “college party girl,” and was the embodiment of sex appeal, independence, and a carefree attitude. On Fever, Megan showed her range in being able to rap about anything from sensual lovemaking to robbing a man of everything he is worth. Truly an inspiration for the girls. -Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Cash Shit (Feat. DaBaby)
Best You Ever Had
Simon Says (Feat. Juicy J)
Release Date: June 21st
Record Label: Interscope Records
The return of famed rapper/producer Pi’erre Bourne has been long awaited. Since wrapping up 2018 with his collaborative record with fellow producer Cardo, many have been anxiously awaiting the fourth installment in the ‘The Life of Pi’erre’ saga. When the album finally dropped in June 2019, fans were not disappointed. TLOP 4 is a rollercoaster through contemporary hip-hop from the eyes of the man who has helped shape it. From forming the careers of artists like Young Nudy, Playboi Carti, and 6ix9ine, Pi’erre Bourne’s influence and expertise in modern hip-hop/trap synthesis cannot be understated. On his newest record Pi’erre constantly flexes his production skills and his songwriting abilities, delivering heartfelt and saccharine tracks like “Ballad” and “Racer” in one moment, and fast-paced bangers like “Routine” and “Speed Dial” the next. Each track is dense with expert engineering skills and tactics, while still being accessible enough to appeal to hip-hop fans both old and new. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
Poof
Routine
Speed Dial
Release Date: March 1st
Record Label: Interscope Records
DaBaby shows the world that short men do in fact have rights with his infectious breakthrough project Baby on Baby which was the beginning of a dominant 2019 for the Charlotte newcomer. DaBaby does not take himself too seriously in his music or his visual aesthetic. His music videos are completely kitschy and absurd. He has posed as figures such as Scarface and Suge Knight, and even filmed a video that parodied sitcom television. DaBaby’s bars are hilarious and clever. But do not get it twisted: He is not one to mess with. He is tough as hell, and, as he spits in the track “Suge,” if given any disrespect he will “... beat your ass up all in front of your partners and children.” Baby on Baby is a refreshing project that is funny, surprisingly crude, and full of dope bangers prime for all your summer antics. —Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Suge
Pony
Carpet Burn
Release Date: January 18th
Record Label: Polydor Records
Ominous, hypnotic, and ultimately gorgeous, James Blake blends his signature downtempo sound with elements of rap and trip-hop on Assume Form. Blake’s vocal melodies soar over the album’s minimalist production, and the instrumentals show just how much he can make out of so little. Moments such as the climactic ending to “Barefoot in the Park” and James’ vocal cracks in “I’ll Come Too” are enough to conjure emotions on their own, and his candid lyrics only make these segments more potent. His arrangements are simply beautiful—even experimental at times—and the result is an extremely cohesive blend of alternative music and hip-hop. -Owen Tait
Favorite Tracks:
Mile High (Feat. Travis Scott & Metro Boomin)
Where’s the Catch (Feat. André 3000)
Don’t Miss It
Release Date: January 25th
Record Label: Interscope Records
Compton MC Boogie made some major waves in 2018 when he received a huge Eminem cosign and an actual record deal from Shady Records. In January, the young rapper returned with his Shady Records debut Everythings For Sale and it did not disappoint. Over the 40-minute run time, Boogies honestly reflects on a broken relationship, new fame, and his current day to day life. Throughout the tape Boogie proves why Pitchfork called him one of the best young emcees in the country. The tape is exceptionally cohesive and if you immerse yourself in Boogie’s world and experiences you should find that 40-minutes will feel more like 20. Boogie’s lyricism is a perfect mix of cool California dialect and witty lines that emphasize his smart and reflective themes. He gives us up-beat bangers like the JID assisted “Soho” as well as introspective reflections like “Lolsmh” or “Whose Fault”. This album is complete, thought-provoking, and one of the best releases of the year. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
Silent Ride
Soho (Feat. JID)
Live 95
Release Date: April 26th
Record Label: Interscope Records
From a rap standpoint, Schoolboy Q has everything. Critical acclaim came to him with the Blank Face LP. He is a member of arguable the most respects collective in hip-hop in TDE. Yet his life outside of music has not been a walk in the park. On CrasH Talk Q looks at himself as a man and takes a step back to evaluate his own life and the people around him. This is the most relatable he has every sounded on any project. He does stay true to his hardened exterior on excellent cuts like “Numb Numb Juice”, on which he sound cut throat and motivated from the start. While this was the single released from the album, what is a more accurate representation of what makes CrasH Talk so quality is a song like “Black Folk”. Schoolboy strips away all ego and is just a man with many doubts and fears which he articulates over the ominous production in the background. This is what people want from artists when they release projects, not more of the same. This is an honest picture that Schoolboy painted for us of his life right now, he isn't a gangster or famous rapper, but a person just like you or me with doubts about himself, his carrer, and the world around him. While it may seem like a melancholy collection of music, Q finds a way to communicate these feelings in an interesting way and still come the conclusion that no person to ever walk this Earth is immune to what he, and a lot of us, are going through and that is perfectly okay. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
Drunk (Feat. 6LACK)
Black Folk
Dangerous (Feat. Kid Cudi)
Release Date: May 24th
Record Label: Warp Records
Very few names carry the weight that Flying Lotus’s does in music. A mysterious prodigy who masterfully meanders through genres like electronic, experimental, R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Lotus returns from a long hiatus to deliver ‘Flamagra’, a 27-track record that spends approximately an hour showcasing Lotus’s musical prowess. It is impossible to sum up this album in just one paragraph, but listening to this album is an experience very akin to Alice’s trip through Wonderland. While some tracks may not last as long as one might wish, they each leave lasting impressions that resonate within long after Flying Lotus transitions to another musical ideas. Featuring help from artists like Thundercat, Toro Y Moi, Solange, David Lynch, Denzel Curry, and Anderson .Paak (just to name a few), Flamagra was certainly worth the wait. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
Post Requisite
More (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Land of Honey (Feat. Solange)
Release Date: July 26th
Record Label: Atlantic Records
Although he is only 22 years old, YBN Cordae managed to get two Grammy nominations on his debut studio album The Lost Boy: one for best rap album and the other for best rap song. YBN Cordae seemingly came out of nowhere and took the world by storm. He released his album in July and is already touring internationally with hundreds of thousands of fans screaming his lyrics. Cordae brings an original sound and flow to the table that is undeniably smooth. When you take that and pair it up with a couple features from incredibly successful artists such as Anderson .Paak and Chance the Rapper, it’s a no-brainer he was grammy nominated twice. The best part is, he is only just getting started, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him in 2020. -Colson O’Connor
Favorite Tracks:
RNP (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Broke As Fuck
We Gon Make It (Feat. Meek Mill)
Release Date: July 5th
Record Label: Interscope Records
This year J. Cole and the rest of his Dreamville team set out to create a rap album unlike anything we’ve seen before. With fear of regret not working with more artists in his career, Cole decided to host a 10-day rap camp. Golden ticket-like invites were sent out to over 100 artists and producers from all over the music genre spectrum. Not only was it the diversity of the artists that was so important, but the blend of popular and low-key artists is what made the project so special. It gave smaller artists a chance to finally get some recognition for their outstanding talent. A documentary was released along with the album, and it truly painted the picture of the competition that was created among themselves. In a situation like this, you don’t get put on the album by being passive. You gotta come with the heat and you must make the most of your opportunities as only the top songs will make the cut. This created a friendly and competitive energy, and they would feed off of each other to push themselves to bring out their best work. When discussing the top rap album of 2019, Revenge of the Dreamers III must be in the conversation. -Colson O’Connor
Favorite Tracks:
Under the Sun (Feat. J. Cole, Lute, & DaBaby)
Down Bad (Feat. JID, Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG, & Young Nudy)
Sacrifices (Feat. EARTHGANG, J. Cole, Smino, & Saba)
Release Date: July 12th
Record Label: Domino Recording Company
Following the release of his fourth studio album Negro Swan in 2018, Blood Orange kept the up his momentuem with the drop of his mixtape Angel’s Pulse i n July. Blood Orange is an incredibly multifaceted artist who, over the course of his decades long music career has created rock tracks, funk, R&B, indie pop, and even dabbled in a bit of hip hop and rap. Angel’s Pulse is nothing short of these influences with Blood Orange traversing through different musical styles and genres effortlessly throughout the course of the project. With his wonderfully smooth and funky production style coupled with his immaculate lyricism, Angel’s Pulse was undoubtedly one of the most refreshing and artistic projects of the year. -Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Dark & Handsome (Feat. Toro y Moi)
Benzo
Tuesday Feeling (Choose to Stay) (Feat. Tinashe)
Release Date: September 13th
Record Label: EQT Recordings
Rapper & experimental producer JPEGMAFIA follows up his captivatingly chaotic Veteran with an equally unpredictable and glitchy trip on All My Heroes Are Cornballs. Opting to incorporate sung hooks and melodic verses, JPEG’s delivery is more dynamic than ever, and the plunky synths and heavy chords he casts across the record compliment his characteristically unhinged drum patterns extremely well. Despite this instrumental shift in tone, JPEG’s lyrics are as aggressive and self-aware as ever, and he evens manages to shout his way through verses on tracks such as “PRONE!” and “Kenan Vs. Kel.” Overall, the album displays a larger range of what JPEGMAFIA is musically capable of, all while remaining compact, cryptic, and undeniably awesome. -Owen Tait
Favorite Tracks:
Kenan Vs. Kel
All My Heroes Are Cornballs
Thot Tactics
Release Date: May 31st
Record Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Coming off his most conceptual album to date (TA13OO), many wondered what direction Denzel would head next. The answer to that was obvious to Curry: he would go home. With ZUU, Denzel tastefully simplified his music showing us that sometimes the obvious answer can be the best answer with proper execution. ZUU is a short album with no skippable tracks. It’s abrasive and in-your-face without being inaccessible for less intense fans thanks to cuts like “WISH” and “SHAKE 88”. Songs like “BIRDZ”, “AUTOMATIC”, and “RICKY” provide long term Denzel fans with his unmatched flow and clever lyricism that they have grown to expect. All-in-all, Denzel made an excellent career decision and the result is a Miami masterpiece. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
WISH (Feat. Kiddo Marv)
SPEEDBOAT
CAROLMART (Feat. Ice Billion Berg)
Release Date: June 28th
Record Label: RCA Records
If it’s bars you’re looking for, look no further. Backed by lush, opulent instrumentals from legendary hip-hop producer Madlib, Freddie Gibbs flows effortlessly throughout the vast majority of Bandana’s runtime. The midwestern rapper tackles his past, his success, his wrongdoings, and an array of sociopolitical issues that truly allow his lyrical & storytelling abilities to shine. And while Gibbs is certainly capable of manning an album by himself, he is more than happy to add excellent features from his A-list friends, with Pusha T even turning in Complex’s “Rap Verse of the Year” on the sixth cut “Palmolive”. The power behind Gibbs’ words and his technical abilities were enough to make the album continue to grow on me throughout the year, and standout features from Gibbs’ colleagues solidified the project’s spot on my list. -Owen Tait
Favorite Tracks:
Palmolive (Feat. Pusha T & Killer Mike)
Flat Tummy Tea
Giannis (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Release Date: September 6th
Record Label: Interscope Records
BREAKOUT ALBUM! That is the only way that Mirrorland can and should be described. Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot put the rap game on notice that they are a force to be reckoned with and maybe the best duo in rap right now. Mirrorland sounds exactly like them, and it is incredible to see these young artists make their major label debut and not compromise. Instead they use it to get a host of guest features that simply lift the album to a completely different level. Young Thug on “Proud of U” brings an energy that perfectly matches EARTHGANG, and it seems like the three Atlanta rappers have been spitting together for years. As the album slows down the group calls upon Kehlani to deliver a seductive smooth verse on “Trippin”. Mirrorland perfectly displays the versatility of the group. The first half of the project gives audiences the energy and flows that caught the attention of people early on in their careers, but the second half where they slow their storytelling ability and emotion makes the project so great. They should get praise for getting T-Pain to deliver on of his best contributions to a song in a very long time. It all come to a fitting conclusion on “Wings”, where the boys reflect on where they came from and where they want to go. If Mirrorland is any indication, they have a very bright future. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
Tequila (Feat. T-Pain)
Trippin (Feat. Kehlani)
Wings
Release Date: July 19th
Record Label: Independent
If you tapped into Baby Keem’s Die For My Bitch in 2019 you witnessed history. On my personal favorite album of the year, fans witnessed an artist with an unmatched ceiling come into his own and deliver his first excellent body of work. The LA artist showed significant growth since his last project highlighting his aggressive rise to inevitable stardom. The tape sacrifices unity and cohesion to instead display Keem’s wide variety of sounds and styles that he is proficient in, a great decision for an upcoming rapper looking to catch the attention of unfamiliar fans. While “ORANGE SODA” was one of the most fun hip-hop moments of the year and introduced the world to Keem’s sharp flow and one-of-a-kind vocabulary, some fans might not have realized that Keem’s entire album is equally as captivating and entertaining. All the claims I made throughout 2019 saying that Keem was a superstar were confirmed in November when I went to his show in Los Angeles and was treated with one of the most electric live performances I’ve ever been to. There’s a reason that A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar were spotted at his shows on the Die For My Bitch tour. There’s a reason he was photographed having lunch with Jay-Z this past winter. There’s a reason that Drake called Die For My Bitch the best album of 2019 along with Young Thug’s So Much Fun. On the second track “Honest” the LA artist raps “Baby Keem, shit I’m chosen” and after one listen through Die For My Bitch, it’s hard not to believe him. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
ROCKSTAR P
ORANGE SODA
APOLOGIZE
Release Date: March 1st
Record Label: Columbia Records
Solange Knowles’ radical album When I Get Home is easily the most artistic project of the year. When I Get Home is not easy to explain, to start, what exactly is the genre? Is it hip-hop, as suggested by features with prominent rap artists Playboi Carti and Gucci Mane? Is it soul? R&B? Further, what is the “home” that Solange is referring to? Is this place literal or figurative? Solange manages to answer all of these questions throughout the course of the album. When I Get Home is an iconographic representation of the black experience in the most celebratory sense. Solange embraces her black womanhood and embraces Houston, Texas. The project radiates warmth and familiarity. It creates a home within itself. When I Get Home is wholly inviting, sonically stunning, and lyrically beautiful album that I cannot help but come back to when I am in need of empathy, of comfort, of a place to call home. -Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Almeda (Feat. Playboi Carti)
My Skin My Logo (Feat. Gucci Mane)
Binz
Release Date: December 13th
Record Label: RCA Records
It has been over three long years since the Montreal prodigy Kaytranada released his debut LP 99.9%, a funk-laden electronic record complete with over a dozen guest appearances (including names like hip-hop favorite Anderson .Paak and jazz legend Karriem Riggins). BUBBA, Kaytranada’s recently released sophomore album, is another example of masterful and intentional dance/hip-hop/funk synthesis. On tracks like “10%” with Kali Uchis and “Grey Area” with Mick Jenkins, fans are treated to a signature style of electronic that urges the listeners to lean forward, and lay back simultaneously. Not every track is played safety to Kaytranada’s strong suits however, as certain dancehall-inspired tracks like “Go Dj” and “Vex Oh” show signs of risk-taking that pays off as the record becomes more familiar. It was a long wait for BUBBA, but after hearing Kaytranada collaborate with industry heavyweights like Tinashe and Pharrell, it is safe to say that fans will be satiated for a while. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
2 The Music (Feat. Iman Omari)
Puff Lah
The Worst In Me (Feat. Tinashe)
Release Date: April 11th
Record Label: Interscope Records
Anderson .Paak’s Ventura showcases everything we love about the soulful California native. Said to be a counter-part to his prior album Oxnard which was released five months earlier, Ventura showcases Paak in his ideal environment being authentically himself. It is musically unmatched and conceptually rich. It’s both sexy (“Jet Black”) and politically charged (“King James”) but always in moderation to keep it tasteful. Ventura is an album that proved it’s enduring replay value by getting better everyday since it’s release in early April. With Ventura Anderson truly created timeless music as I foresee songs like “Make It Better” and “What Can We Do” staying in my musical rotation until I can no longer hear. Well we all would like to be, no one is quite as smooth as .Paak. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
Make It Better (Feat. Smokey Robinson)
King James
Jet Black (Feat. Brandy)
Release Date: August 16th
Record Label: Atlantic Records
Does Young Thug Speak English? I think he answered that question with 2018’s Slime Language. The album title speaks for itself. So much of what makes So Much Fun great can really be seen through the way Thugger has talked about the project both before and after the release. There is no concept, no real goal or take-away, rather it is just Thug having a good time making music that will make his fans have a good time listening to. What we received was once again a version of the Atlanta rapper we were not accustomed to. “What’s the Move” and “Hop off a Jet” have a crisp beautiful island sound of production that captures the listener's ear instantly. The features across the board do not disappoint and help carry the project. So Much Fun also features what may be one of the most popular songs this year with “Hot” and its remix. Thug’s protegé, Gunna, shines on this effort and his verse on “Diamonds”on the deluxe version of the album needs to be talked about. What can really be taken away from this album is how it fits into the landscape of 2019. Hip-Hop has lost a lot of great talent recently because of the drug culture that artists like Young Thug and Future were a large part of creating. Thugger seems to be moving away from those narratives, or at least doing his best. There is a way to be this same well respects talented performer without the use of such detrimental lyrics, and its seems like Thug may have caught on to that. So Much Fun is a breath of fresh air, with an artist at the peak of his powers creating a vibe of positivity. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
Hot (Feat. Gunna)
What’s The Move (Feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
Big Tipper (Feat. Lil Keed)
Release Date: May 17th
Record Label: Columbia Records
In a time where it feels like so many creatives are doing things for popularity or to be the next big meme, an artist who goes against expectations to make a beautiful piece of art that is entirely authentic is invaluable. This is exactly the feat Tyler, the Creator accomplishes on IGOR. This project comes on the heels of his most successful mainstream record yet, Flower Boy. Expectations were high and everyone was wondering what was next for the 28 year old rapper. If Flower Boy was his most honest album, on IGOR he tells the best story. The entire album plays like a movie not navigated by lyrics, but by stellar productions. Songs like “I THINK” and “RUNNING OUT OF TIME” are so incredible because they capture the feeling of falling for someone despite your best efforts almost entirely through the way the track sounds. Throughout, it seems Tyler’s character IGOR is trying to find out what is next the same way we all are and it is beautiful. Tyler still has tracks where he flexes his skills as an emcee. “A BOY IS A GUN” has bars from front to back, but he never overstays his welcome. Gone are the days of him trying to shock the world with every bar that comes out his mouth, now he is focused and precise with everything that he touches. That is what makes IGOR album of the year. There is nothing else that came out this year that sounds anything like it, and Tyler is an artist that is still hungry to get better, and that deserves to be celebrated. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
EARFQUAKE
A BOY IS A GUN*
ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?
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North Carolina rapper YBN Cordae has been making waves ever since he burst onto the scene in May of 2018 when he remixed J. Cole “1985”. His song, titled “Old Niggas”, responded to the veteran spitter by defending his generation of artists while simultaneously showing that his style aligned more with the emcees he was confronting rather than those he was defending.
Cordae impressed us next upon the release of his group collaborative mixtape YBN: The Mixtape. While the groups most famous rapper was the “Rubbing Off The Paint” sensation, YBN Nahmir, the mixtape rebranded the group as a three-headed-monster with Cordae leading the charge. Solo cuts like “Target”, “Alaska”, and “Kung Fu” assured us that Cordae would last for more than fifteen minutes and increased excitement for a solo project.
Cordae’s name continued to rise as he killed one radio freestyle after another, was placed on XXL’s 2019 freshman list, and received cosigns and guest appearances from industry giants like Dr. Dre, J. Cole, Anderson .Paak, and many others. Last April, to the excitement of his fans, the young rapper took to Twitter to announce his debut album as well as a summer tour that would take place prior to the albums releasee. As Cordae’s buzz got larger, so did the expectations for The Lost Boy. Excellent performances at the BET awards and on Jimmy Fallon was the cherry on top and left the entire rap community wondering a common question: “Can YBN Cordae deliver?”
Last Friday, July 26th, the young emcee finally dropped his debut album The Lost Boy. The tape has fifteen songs and runs for 45 minutes. The album was released under Atlantic Records and boasts impressive features from Chance The Rapper, Anderson .Paak, Pusha T, and Meek Mill.
The album opens with the smooth “Wintertime” which sets the tone for what to expect on The Lost Boy: clever bars, impressive flows, reflective lyrics, and soulful sampled instrumentals.
The second song on The Lost Boy is the first single Cordae released off the album, “Have Mercy”. On the upbeat bop, Cordae flexes a plethora of different flows and some of the cleverest bars we’ve heard this year (“Why cry over spilled milk if you still feel I’m the real deal? /My bitch bad with no ill-will ‘cause she’ll murk a nigga like Kill Bill /Loose lips sink ships, Cam’ron pink drip, that is my fashion/ I’m not really with the high flashin’, it’s no helpin’ with my braggin’”). This song also seems to act as the thesis for this album. Cordae can feel that his stock is rising and he is going to be very successful, he’s just praying he’s going about it the right way.
Don’t get fooled by the title of the third song, “Sweet Lawd - Skit” is far more than a skit. The one-minute “Have Mercy” gospel reprise is a perfect way to transition from the upbeat hit back to the soothing relaxed rap that is present on the majority of the project.
Cordae wears his influences on his sleeve with Chance The Rapper being one of the most obvious. This is why “Bad Idea” which features Chance feels so at home on this album. The instrumental is simple with a laid-back piano and some nice vocal harmonies leaving plenty of room for Cordae and Chance to spit some sunny Sunday raps. Chance steals the show with his excellent acid-rap reminiscent second verse.
Chance The Rapper’s influence on The Lost Boy might only be overshadowed by an apparent Kanye West influence that makes itself known on the fifth cut “Thanksgiving”. The song sounds like it could’ve made one of Ye’s first two albums and Cordae is so descriptive that you feel like you’re sitting at the table with YBN asking auntie Cordae to pass the honey baked ham.
The sixth track “RNP” is easily one of the most fun moments on the album. Anderson .Paak brings joy everywhere he goes with his iconic voice and infectious vocal inflections and ad-libs. Both emcees sound amazing over the wide-open instrumental crafted by J. Cole and the back and forth on the second verse is undeniably entertaining.
Cordae turns the heat up to 100 for the seventh song “Broke As Fuck”. The North Carolina rapper opens up and speaks on his hardest days, such as the day his grandma died, the day his cousin was shot, and every day in between when he had no money. The announcement that his frequently aforementioned grandma died at 62 is shocking and hard to stomach after hearing how much she meant to Cordae on “Thanksgiving”. The first two minutes of the song showcases Cordae’s impressive flow and lyrics over a high-energy beat. After two-minutes of in-your-face energy, the beat calms down and the song dives into a melancholy interlude that then transitions into a soulful sampled instrumental that is more in-line with the rest of the album. Cordae reminiscing on listening to “No Problems” in the first verse doesn't only speak to the obvious Chance influence but also reminds us of the articulate emcee’s young age.
“Thousand Words” follows and dives into the topic of social media and its pros and cons. Naming a anti-social media song “Thousand Words” is the exact kind of clever song concepts that I was hoping for when I hit play on The Lost Boy. Cordae makes some convincing points about social media and will have most listeners rethinking how they use Instagram.
On “Way Back Home” Cordae showcases his versatility by introducing us to his smooth singing voice that is an excellent contrast to his classic style of rapping. Everything about this song is relaxing and is the kind of track I’d blast when I’m in desperate need of some de-stressing. Ty Dolla $ign pulls up for the second voice and adds to the chill energy of the ninth track.
One of the most impressive things about The Lost Boy is how Cordae was able to get the absolute best out of an elite group of features. While every single A-List emcee Cordae called upon answered and came with heat, Pusha T just might outshine all the other bright lights on this album. His second verse about his come up is laced with classic cocaine bars he’s become known for and drenched in his patented King Push swagger. Both rappers pull back the curtain on the origin of their rap career and how they developed over their younger years rapping.
Cordae spins Kanye West’s “Family Matters” for the following track with the same name and it gets personal. Cordae’s pain is palpable and you can hear how hard it is for him except the fact that these tragic family conflicts and issues are still occurring even though he is now a popping rapper chasing his dreams.
The second to last song “We Gon Make It” features Meek Mill and is the most powerful song on the album. Meek delivers with a catchy hook and an excellent verse while validating the song's message of social reform and hope simply by rapping on it. From Cordae’s first bar (“I know how it feels in the late night/swimming with the great whites”) his tone and lyrics hold a certain weight and importance to them which is an early sign of greatness. While almost always extremely humble, Cordae isn’t oblivious to his potential greatness either. On the third verse, Cordae says he’s “Savior of this rap shit, the leader of the renaissance” and at this point in the album, it’s hard to argue with him.
YBN Cordae has finally arrived. The Lost Boy is reflective and polished and exactly the kind of debut the young emcee needed to promise longevity in the rap game. While the entire album is strong, the back half is exceptional making The Lost Boy an extremely captivating listen that only gets better over the course of the 45-minute run time.
Cordae is so impressive because even when his intention for a song is streams and radio play (Have Mercy, Broke As Fuck, etc.) he refuses to compromise his message. Every song is substance-rich and Cordae never raps without meaning behind his bars. Whether it’s asking God to lead him on the right path and referencing Mike Tyson as a symbol of resiliency on the radio-friendly “Have Mercy” or telling the most vivid and heartbreaking stories on the rap-caviar-ready “Broke As Fuck”, Cordae refuses to rap without purpose.
Another serious strength of The Lost Boy is its undeniable cohesion. The project flows beautifully and Cordae sticks to themes of coming of age, the importance of family, and a passion for rapping throughout the entire album. While the instrumentals all deviate greatly in tempo and tone, they all seem to co-exist in the same universe and have specific traits that marry them together. Keeping a narrow lens on a specific thesis throughout an entire album is an art form that is all but lost in 2019, so to hear Cordae execute this feat precisely is just another reason to buy in and ante up on the young rapper.
YBN Cordae’s debut album didn’t come without faults such as the occasional corny bar, but the bad was far overshadowed by the good. One could complain that Cordae is too obvious about his musical influences but I don’t think this is the case. Sonically, he is as Chicago as it gets and totes a heavy Chance/Kanye influence but when this mixes with his North Carolina memories and slight southern drawl it makes for a unique style that I find refreshing and unique from his contemporaries and influences. All-in-all, The Lost Boy is smoothly polished, delivered tastefully, and packed with substance making it one of the stronger releases of 2019. Wherever Cordae chooses to go next, I will happily follow.
RNP (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Way Back Home (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
We Gon Make It (Feat. Meek Mill)
Rating: 8
Listen to The Lost Boy here:
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Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:
A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.
Have Mercy, a song by YBN Cordae on Spotify
YBN’s golden boy is back with one of the hottest songs the young MC has dropped. On “Have Mercy” Cordae flexes a plethora of different flows and some of the cleverest bars we’ve heard this year. While we’ve known the North Carolina rapper has been destined for greatness for some time, “Have Mercy” feels different than anything he’s released leading me to believe it might finally be his time for takeover. Assuming that “Locationships” and “Have Mercy” both make his newest album, Cordae is clearly aiming for the throne with his next release.
“Why cry over spilled milk if you still feel I’m the real deal?
My bitch bad with no ill-will ‘cause she’ll murk a nigga like Kill Bill
Loose slips sink ships, Cam’ron pink drip, that is my fashion
I’m not really with the high flashin’, it’s no helpin’ with my braggin’”
Fast, a song by Juice WRLD on Spotify
“Fast,” a standout single on Juice WRLD’s new album Death Race For Love, reminds us of every reason we love the Chicago artist. His lyrics are reflective, emotional, and relatable. His vocal performance is driven by interesting melodies that pair beautifully with the beat. The instrumental is driven by a slow guitar giving the cut the unique feel he is known for. This is a classic Juice cut and an early favorite off of Death Race For Love.
“My mama taught me better than that, I’ll be honest
I blame it on the drugs and this life I’m involved in”
Aloha, a song by Charlie Heat, Denzel Curry on Spotify
Denzel Curry can do no wrong and even if it isn’t your particular taste his talent is indisputable. On his latest release “Aloha” he links up with G.O.O.D Music super producer Charlie Heat. Denzel locks into an dope drawn-out flow that is reminiscent of the last time the two linked up in 2018 for “SUMO|ZUMO.” This song is an absolute banger and leaves listeners begging for more. Whatever Denzel is up to, here at StereoVision we’re here for it.
“Nigga so bizarre, I’m raw, I’m rich
At first, I park my car, then park your bitch
And when I pop the bra, I know, it’s lit
I’m like an envelope, proceed to lick”
Shoulda Woulda, a song by Kodak Black on Spotify
“Shoulda Woulda” is one of my favorite songs in Kodak Black’s deep discography. The Project Baby cut is anchored by a mesmerizing instrumental that gives Kodak the perfect pocket to flex all the things he could’ve done if he felt like it. The hook on this cut is absolutely addicting allowing this track to be played on repeat for some time without annoyance. Kodak rarely gets the credit he deserves for his early work and “Shoulda Woulda” is undeniable evidence.
“Man, I should’ve got the Lex
Dropped the top on ‘em, I ain’t wanna flex
Would’ve hit your girl, I ain’t want the sex
I had shit to do, I made her drop the neck”
Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:
Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:
A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.
Child's Play, a song by A$AP Twelvyy on Spotify
This week A$AP Twelvyy returned to streaming services with his first major release since debut album dropped in 2017. This fast-paced cut about Twelvvy’s childhood is encompassed by an eerie bell riff which gives the song a somewhat threatening nature. This song is multidimensional, full of context, and flexes some of the most complex rhyme schemes we’ve heard this year. With “Child’s Play” being the lead single it’s impossible to not be excited for whatever Twelvyy drops.
“Lie to Genesis, Resident Evil: Nemesis
Pissin’ on the premises, pissin’ off the tenements
Baby boy invented this, I used to run the syndicate
Side-to-side, Stretch Armstrong, new ventriloquist”
Locationships, a song by YBN Cordae on Spotify
On YBN Cordae’s newest single “Locationships” he pays homage to Jay-Z’s legendary “Girls, Girls, Girls.” In true Hov fashion, Cordae bounces back and forth between short descriptions of all his side chicks across the country. These excerpts are hilarious and are executed precisely making this bouncy bop super entertaining. Throughout his young career, my biggest concern about Cordae has been his ability to write hooks. This issue is nonexistent on “Locationships” as Cordae serves up an addicting chorus that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Lastly, the groovy S1 instrumental ties everything together and gives the song the desired mood.
“I got this one chick from the Bay who always bump Mac Dre
I give her constant dick, her consciousness won’t go that way”
BigStuff, a song by TROSSTHEGIANT on Spotify
Here at StereoVision, we know little about SoCal rapper TROSSTHEGIANT. What we do know is that his new single “BigStuff” is one of the most fun releases of the year. This energetic beach-cut seems to instantly transport me to a sunny day on the water whenever I hit play. TROSS’s earnest confidence is palpable throughout the infectious track and it feels so good. After “BigStuff” TROSSTHEGIANT certainly has my attention and he should have yours too.
“A grey check make my rep go and plummet
I break bread in Kobe’s, I’m so lovely
Hit 100k checklist, done it
Never tripped on plays, they rays kept bugging”
Lord Knows, a song by Drake, Rick Ross on Spotify
Drake’s three-minute verse at the beginning of his classic Take Care cut “Lord Knows” is the best he’s rapped in his entire career. Drizzy snaps like crazy floating between impactful two-liners which are overtly cocky in the most enjoyable way. The only way to describe this explosion of bars is Drake on his king shit. Rick Ross pulls through to deliver an always welcomed feature and the Just Blaze instrumental is just as epic as the braggadocious bars. If you like Drake, make sure you know this classic cut.
“I know of all the things that I hear they be poking fun at
Never the flow though, they know I run that
Fuck you all, I claim that whenever
I changed rap forever, the game back together”
Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:
