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Grammys 2024 In Hip-Hop/R&B: Who Will Win & Who Should Win?

February 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year for music fans: The Grammys. This includes the inevitable discourse that follows the award show. The Recording Academy already caught people’s ire when they announced their nominees for the 2024 awards ceremony last year, snubbing hip-hop releases in the general field, much to the dismay of rap fans. The show is scheduled to air on Sunday, February 4 at 8 PM ET on CBS so naturally, we’re asking two important questions: Who will probably walk away with a golden gramophone in the hip-hop and R&B categories, and who should win?

Of course, the difference here is that there are titans and underdogs in every race. Sometimes, the differentiating factor is quality, other times it’s commercial success, and we might even get a legacy pick here and there. In every case, there is more than one release worthy of a Grammy; sometimes, all of them are. Hopefully the Recording Academy proves us wrong when our answers differ

Best R&B Performance

Grammys 2024 Predictions R&B Rap Hip Hop News — Robert Glasper performs at Los Angeles Chapter Nominee Celebration 2024 in Los Angeles on January 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

Chris Brown – “Summer Too Hot”
Robert Glasper ft. SiR & Alex Isley – “Back To Love”
Coco Jones – “ICU”
Victoria Monét – “How Does It Make You Feel”
SZA – “Kill Bill”

What Will Win: Are you ready to hear the coldest take you’ve ever heard in your life? Here goes nothing… it’s SZA’s “Kill Bill.” Sure, Chris Brown is also a superstar (and nominated again, somehow), but did his song take over the charts as much as Solana’s? “Back To Love” is peaceful harmony; is that as catchy and enveloping as killing your ex? While Coco Jones’ “ICU” is one of the sultriest songs of 2023, is its instrumental as unique in melody and timbre as Rob Bisel and Carter Lang’s production? Even though this is one of Victoria Monet’s best songs off of JAGUAR II, did it transcend fanbases like this SOS highlight did? No.

What Should Win: But let’s remember the category: Best R&B Performance. As far as vocals, Coco Jones steals the show, and everyone else is basically on par with SZA. That’s to say that “ICU” is probably the correct sleeper pick here if we’re going strictly off of typically captivating performances. But “Kill Bill” displays the TDE singer’s ability to switch cadences and pitches on a dime, multiple flows and melodic approaches, and a more infectious energy. Sorry to cop out on the first category, but we would love a SZA/Coco tie. But when it’s all said and done, “Kill Bill” is what will live on in the industry and with fans alike.

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Burna Boy ft. 21 Savage – “Sittin’ On Top Of The World”
Doja Cat – “Attention”
Drake & 21 Savage – “Spin Bout U”
Lil Durk ft. J. Cole – “All My Life”
SZA – “Low”

What Will Win: Even though they’re commercial giants, Drake and 21 Savage might get the short end of the stick, thanks to the former’s reluctance to submit to the Grammys before. Then again, that could be exactly what makes them win trophies. But knowing the Recording Academy’s tendency to favor a mix of mainstream rap and classic hip-hop worship, Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All My Life” is the front-runner. Doja Cat shines the most on “Attention” as a rapper, not a singer, and voters might think SZA already has her R&B and General Field categories in the bag. At least 21 has double odds, but the Burna Boy collab doesn’t have the same name recognition or hit potential.

What Should Win: That being said, as a mixture of melodic dexterity and traditional rap metrics, no track here is as balanced as “Sittin’ On Top Of The World.” The infectious bassline, the gritty drum beat, and 21 Savage’s refreshing approach to a more vintage instrumental contribute to this song’s ear-worm quality. Burna Boy is the star, and his calm but charismatic croons use plenty of different flows to match the shifting instrumentation. “All My Life” is more lyrical except for the chorus, “Spin Bout U” is a weak point on Her Loss in our eyes, and “Low”… well, “Low” is a jam, but a more melodic one than a fusion. So it’s a tight race, but “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” is truly the blend that this category represents.

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Babyface ft. Coco Jones – “Simple”
Kenyon Dixon – “Lucky”
Victoria Monét ft. Earth, Wind & Fire & Hazel Monét – “Hollywood”
PJ Morton ft. Susan Carol – “Good Morning”
SZA – “Love Language”

What Will Win: So, will SZA’s sheer stardom get her another win? “Love Language” isn’t the most dynamic song in the world vocally, but it’s still a solid pick. Once again, Coco Jones surpasses her on the mic, even though her co-lead Babyface doesn’t do much on their collab performance-wise. Kenyon Dixon’s passion is palpable on “Lucky,” and PJ Morton and Susan Carol have the best chemistry here with throwback Motown appeal. “Hollywood” is very tender, but Victoria Monet and her collaborating musicians certainly have more compelling performances on JAGUAR II. It’s a hard call to make, but our chips are on Victoria. A legendary band and the main artist’s daughter?! That’s just good TV waiting to happen.

What Should Win: Going back to the sheer “performance” aspect, we actually think that Kenyon Dixon had the most adept vocal showing here. “Lucky” is a tight bop with gorgeous instrumental swells that shift the chord progressions in evocative ways, and the Los Angeles singer goes from heart-wrenching falsettos to deeper, more charismatic lines. Coco Jones may have the raw technicals on her side, and “Good Morning” has so much chemistry, but Dixon’s cut just makes you feel the most inspired and moved out of everything here in our opinion. Yet it’s another category where most of the songs make sense as winners.

Best Rap Performance

Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – “The Hillbillies”
Black Thought – “Love Letter”
Drake & 21 Savage – “Rich Flex”
Killer Mike ft. André 3000, Future & Eryn Allen Kane – “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS”
Coi Leray – “Players”

What Will Win: All these tracks are so different that it makes predicting this category a bit tough. “Players” has the catchy pop appeal with a flip of a classic, “The Hillbillies” is a really fun back-and-forth, “Rich Flex” is the biggest hit here, and few would argue that anyone on this list is a technically better MC than Black Thought. But going back to the Grammys’ love of the midpoint, we think “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” is a favorite -– in every category it’s nominated in, for that matter. Performance-wise, all rappers here deliver distinct verse approaches, flows, and cadences, and by addressing many different styles of popular rap today, yesterday, and tomorrow, they crafted one of the most well-rounded rap songs in recent memory. Perhaps “Love Letter” wins because of its meaning to hip-hop’s 50 years, though.

What Should Win: For that very reason, we think that Killer Mike, André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane deserve the accolade the most when looking at it critically. At a very, very close second is “Love Letter,” as Black Thought’s rhymes and storytelling are hands-down the best pure hip-hop display here. As far as individual triumph, we think The Roots’ frontman takes the cake, but the collaboration on “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” encapsulates the most versatile and comprehensive collective performance. But we wish “Love Letter” would’ve received a Best Rap Song nomination as well due to its significance despite a complete lack of an instrumental.

Best R&B Song

Halle – “Angel”
Robert Glasper ft. SiR & Alex Isley – “Back To Love”
Coco Jones – “ICU”
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama”
SZA – “Snooze”

What Will Win: Again, we have a titanic SZA nomination whose popularity should make it an easy favorite. But there’s still steep competition here, namely “On My Mama.” It’s a catchy and powerful track with great instrumental embellishments that hit big by commercial metrics, and “ICU” is another example of that. “Back To Love” is played and composed really well, but it might fall victim to expectation given its more straightforward but compelling approach. Halle’s “Angel” has a fantastic build, albeit melodic retreading from verse to chorus, and a great vocal effort. Five great and worthy tracks all in all, but if they wanted to beat Victoria Monet, then they should’ve nominated a more evolutionary or passionate song than “Snooze” off of SOS.

What Should Win: Not only do we think “On My Mama” has the best chance to win, but it certainly should. Again, these are all of Grammy quality, and Coco Jones in particular impresses vocally on “ICU.” But Victoria Monet just made that classic Recording Academy combo: catchy, successful, meaningful, and widely appealing for good reason. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t at least appreciate something about “On My Mama.” As one of the biggest hits off of JAGUAR II, we think it will probably be enough to blur SZA’s massive reach -– and deserves to do so. Don’t get it mixed up, though: another Solana win would make us very happy, too, and so would any of these other tracks.

Best Rap Song

Doja Cat – “Attention”
Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice ft. Aqua – “Barbie World”
Lil Uzi Vert – “Just Wanna Rock”
Drake & 21 Savage – “Rich Flex”
Killer Mike ft. André 3000, Future & Eryn Allen Kane – “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS”

What Will Win: Once again, “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” has a little something for everyone, and that’s why we think it’ll take this Grammy along with Best Rap Performance. “Just Wanna Rock” is a great performance from Uzi, but in terms of songwriting and song structure, it’s bizarrely disjointed. Perhaps that interesting change of pace is what gets voters in its corner, but it’s a reach and should’ve landed in another category. “Barbie World” is too indebted to its sample to warrant an edge, and “Attention” and “Rich Flex” just don’t have the heft of Killer Mike and his collaborators’ song. It’s also too perfect of a halfway point between rap snobs and contemporary rap fans, and a trap-style beat doesn’t take away from its lyrical appeal.

What Should Win: Yeah, “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” is the easiest and most agreeable lock across any category, most likely. We wouldn’t be mad at “Attention,” as Doja Cat certainly deserves it, but no other song fills all the boxes as well as this MICHAEL single. On top of its lyricists’ excellent verses and Eryn Allen Kane’s soaring proclamations, the progressive beat makes it an undeniably well-crafted and compelling record. Speaking of progressive…

Best Progressive R&B Album

6LACK – Since I Have A Lover
Diddy – The Love Album: Off The Grid
Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy – Nova
Janelle Monáe – The Age Of Pleasure
SZA – SOS

What Will Win: SZA. It’s SZA. Jokes aside, almost all these albums are Grammy-worthy. Janelle Monae crafted one of the most simply and effectively pleasant (go figure) listening experiences of the year, Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy might have the most instrumentally rich project here, and 6LACK can still pull off the woozy and cool-as-a-cucumber jams that he warrants acclaim for. But the commercial success, impact, and sheer popularity of SOS as a whole is a gargantuan shadow that looms large over the entire Recording Academy, let alone the R&B categories.

What Should Win: As we hinted at, most of these albums could win, and we’d say, “Cool. Good for them.” It would be wild to see Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy take it amid a cast of juggernauts, at least for the music nerds out there. Still, this category is always quite controversial because of how vaguely the Recording Academy jumbles in a lot of Black artists that they don’t bother to properly categorize. Thus, it’s impossible to compare these to one another. But that’s a think piece for another time. For now, even we can’t deny that SZA was so dominant and so beloved for her genre blends and unique takes on R&B that this might go down as the least surprising award of the whole night… well, that and the other categories she’s nominated in, of course.

Best R&B Album

Babyface – Girls Night Out
Coco Jones – What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe)
Emily King – Special Occasion
Victoria Monét – JAGUAR II
Summer Walker – CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP

What Will Win: Without SZA here, this Grammy race is actually really tight -– maybe the tightest on this whole list. Summer Walker’s project was short, but she might be the biggest contemporary superstar here, whereas Babyface is a mainstay with legacy pull. Coco Jones and Victoria Monet are both nominated for Best New Artist, and Emily King aesthetically mixes in creative singer-songwriter elements. Looking at prominence, acclaim, and project quality, we narrowed it down to two. CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP and JAGUAR II are neck-and-neck, and the cynical answer is the former based on its commercial visibility and name recognition.

What Should Win: However, what we hope for is that Victoria Monet takes it, as it’s the most cohesive, jam-packed, and consistent album here. Every other project either has weaker tracks that bring it down or is a little too repetitive in its approach to result in a unique album experience. JAGUAR II dances between pop catchiness, funk rhythms, emotional lyrics on family, and much more to make a stellar work that clearly caught the Grammys’ eye. With many nominations in other categories, we think Coco Jones and Monet have a really good chance of beating out the cynicism. Regardless, this is a fitting list with a lot of quality, so it’s not the most pressing prediction of the night.

Best Rap Album

Drake & 21 Savage – Her Loss
Killer Mike – MICHAEL
Metro Boomin – HEROES & VILLAINS
Nas – King’s Disease III
Travis Scott – UTOPIA

What Will Win: One of the hardest categories to qualitatively narrow down is strangely easy to predict. Nas beat Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist’s Alfredo, D Smoke’s Bad Habits, Royce Da 5’9″‘s The Allegory, and Jay Electronica and Jay-Z’s A Written Testimony in 2021, a legacy lyrical pick that had never gotten an award before despite Esco’s magnitude. As such, we’d expect King’s Disease III to win, and this context snubs MICHAEL. UTOPIA wasn’t nominated in other categories, and again, Her Loss is a gamble considering Drake’s past. It’s also ironic that MICHAEL and UTOPIA, the two one-word titles, are the only albums that actually came out in 2023.

What Should Win: If we’re being honest, Nas’ album is the best out of these five when averaging it out: lyricism, song-for-song quality, production, etc. But it would be so awesome to see Metro Boomin earn the first-ever Best Rap Album Grammy for a producer. HEROES & VILLAINS certainly earns that praise: layered and pristine production, the featured guests all have a moment to stun, and bangers like “Superhero” and “Metro Spider” pair well with more low-key or emotive moments like “Trance” or “Feel The Fiyaaaah.” The fact it carried so much weight all throughout 2023 is downright impressive, too, and speaks to its resonance. While Nas might’ve made the better project all things considered, the St. Louis beatsmith has the chance to make history on “music’s biggest night,” one of the few outcomes that deserve the praise while also living up to that expectation.

The post Grammys 2024 In Hip-Hop/R&B: Who Will Win & Who Should Win? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

25 Best Rap Albums Of 2023

December 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Overall, there were a ton of incredible projects that could be considered the best rap albums of 2023. However, this year, we have decided to narrow our list to 25. It is a nice coincidence that this list is being released on Christmas, December 25th. Coincidences aside, choosing the albums for this list was no easy task. A lot of great stuff came out from all corners of the hip-hop world. Whether you like Southern rap, trap, experimental hip-hop, boom bap, or even jazz, there was a lot to be excited about. Having said that, let’s get right into our list, starting with some Honorable Mentions.

Honorable Mentions

Paris Texas – MID AIR

Paris Texas are able to merge rap and punk in a way that is truly interesting. Their musical chops are phenomenal and they know how to craft something catchy yet blood-pumping. If you aren’t familiar with the group, you need to change that, immediately. This album was a pleasant surprise that you need to listen to right away.

Boldy James – Indiana Jones

Boldy James has been at it for a while, and with each new project, he is able to give us something phenomenal. Overall, Indiana Jones was yet another example of this. The artist had a busy 2023, and we imagine his 2024 will be similar. We’re just glad he gave us highlights like this.

Bas – We Only Talk About Real Sh*t When We’re F*cked Up

Bas is an artist who has never been afraid to take risks and be the artist he wants to be. On We Only Talk About Real Sh*t When We’re F*cked Up, Bas gives us an album packed with political messages and uplifting bars. There are phenomenal features here, including more than a few from none other than J. Cole. Overall, this is an album that is well worth your time.

McKinley Dixon – Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?

McKinley Dixon is an artist who merges genres and is able to craft a sound that is truly unique. Overall, his album Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? is another project that can be described as a nice surprise. It is one that takes you on a musical journey and offers insight into who Dixon is as an artist. This is an album you should absolutely be giving a chance. You may just come away a fan.

25. Gunna – a gift & a curse

In a notable departure from industry norms, Gunna made it clear with a gift & a curse that he’s not afraid to be the lone wolf. Despite a year of trials and tribulations including battling snitching allegations and jail time … essentially with the entire internet against him, Gunna harbored those feelings and materialized it to create some of his best work to-date. Unfazed by the prevailing industry sentiment, he meticulously crafted and told his story. Across a comprehensive 15-track span, Gunna dives into his legal entanglements, incarceration, subsequent release, and the ramifications that came within both the industry and his fanbase.

A gift & a curse stands out not only for its incredible production, but also for its notable absence of features. The deliberate solo journey allows Gunna to take center stage, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He offers his raw and unfiltered perspective on the challenges faced by the YSL collective and labelmate Young Thug. This bold move adds depth to the album, weaving a narrative that extends beyond the beats and melodies. In fact, the album recently received Gold certification from the RIAA. The recognition comes on the heels of chart-topping hits like “fukumean.” Overall, he skillfully converted his misfortune into a compelling narrative, showcasing a remarkable ability for storytelling that struck a chord with audiences.

– Tallie Spencer

24. Doja Cat – Scarlet

Doja Cat made a lot of enemies in 2023. She made a total 180 after her eye-raising actions and comments online. Because of this people started to think she was losing it mentally and she became a villain in a way. However, Doja was unbothered as she continued to stray away from the radio-friendly pop-rap material that so many adored her for. Scarlet, her fourth album, took a more focused approach topically. Even though you do have more easy-going cuts like “Paint The Town Red,” and “Agora Hills,” she wanted to get into her rapping bag. Honestly, it was the right decision. “F*** The Girls (FTG)” and “97,” for example, showcased how entertaining she is in this mode. This album is essentially a big middle finger to all of the doubters, and we were here for it.

– Zachary Horvath

23. Ken Carson – A Great Chaos

Ken Carson is an interesting artist with a co-sign from one of rap music’s most reclusive acts. Of course, that recluse is none other than Playboi Carti. Carti’s Opium label boasts some massive artists, and Carson has proven to be the standout. With A Great Chaos, Carson cements himself as a Carti protege. However, if Carti is for Gen Z, then Carson is the Gen Alpha equivalent. An artist whose beats are viral TikTok sounds that somehow transcend some of the cringe-worthy qualities that come with such a platform.

There is something hypnotic about this album. Overall, it is an album filled with wild production and the vocals to match. Sure, Carson’s bars are rudimentary, but they are easy to sing along with. He has a knack for catchy vocal lines and bars that will get stuck in your head for days and even weeks on end. This is an album for the youth. Not everyone is going to get it, but that’s okay. It’s a project that does a good job of encapsulating a certain subgenre within hip-hop right now, and it deserves some spotlight.

– Alex Cole

22. Nas – Magic 2

In July of this year, Nas provided his fans with Magic 2, the eagerly-anticipated sequel to his 2021 album Magic. Once again enlisting Hit-Boy for the LP, the 50-year-old NYC native flexes his prolificacy, inviting listeners back to a familiarly ominous soundscape while continuing to play with new styles and sounds. His signature storytelling prowess remains on full display, serving as a reminder that his decades-long career has only worked to expand his skills and capacity. Despite an abundance of releases, Nas managed to introduce new elements and sounds to the project, which he followed up with Magic 3 in September.

– Caroline Fisher

21. Bad Bunny – Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana

When artists go global, some of that early magic of their come-up can be lost, whether sonically or when it comes to connecting with their OG fanbase. Bad Bunny, though, displayed no such issues while returning to his roots on nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana. Rather than continue his kitchen sink approach to reggaetón and Latine music that made him a superstar, he delivered what he promised “pa’ las babies” on his last album– his biggest yet– Un Verano Sin Ti: a Latine trap throwback. By honing in on his desires and channeling his thoughts on fame, he gave his die-hards an endlessly replayable, focused, and absolute blast of a record.

Despite the years since he’s fully immersed himself in Latine trap, Benito’s still got it. He has some hilarious wordplay and descriptions throughout, some heartfelt moments (especially the opening cut), charismatic vocal performances in every lane, and some stank-face-inducing bars. The features all do a fantastic job, from rising exponents to Boricua legends, and Bad Bunny and his production team (Tainy, MAG, La Paciencia, and so on) find a wealth of variety and curious sounds within this trap backdrop. There’s even a “Codeine Crazy” sample, and also a couple of reggaetón and pop songs to engagingly break up the theme. nadie sabe is some of El Conejo Malo’s best material to date, with innovations into darker sounds and a refreshing revisit of what made us fall in love with him to begin with. Otro como él nace en el próximo siglo.

– Gabriel Bras Nevares

20. Westside Gunn – And Then You Prayed For Me

Westside Gunn dropped his fifth and final album, And Then You Pray For Me, in October of this year. The project sees the Buffalo native take a theatrical approach to traditional Griselda grime, and serves as a follow-up to his 2020 effort, Pray for Paris. The LP features an array of guest artists, including Jeezy, Rick Ross, and Ty Dolla Sign, as well as frequent collaborators Conway the Machine and Benny The Butcher. He strikes a balance between grandiosity and sincerity, falling back on his signature sound while still incorporating enough new elements for the album to stand out in his discography.

– Caroline Fisher

19. Yeat – Afterlyfe

Yeat has been one of the more unique artists of the last couple of years. He burst onto the scene with wild flows and incomprehensible lyrics. Overall, he was an underground darling who eventually found his way to the mainstream. Most chronically offline people only know him from Drake’s “IDGAF.” However, he is worth checking out in his entirety. Afterlyfe is a very good example of this. While it may not have the same cult following as his previous work, this is easily his best foray into becoming “established.” Everything here still has that signature Yeat sound, except now it is a lot more refined.

A big difference between this album and some of Yeat’s others is that this one sees Yeat taking on various alter egos. He raps from shifting perspectives and it directly changes his inflections and overall voice. Not to mention, on songs like “Nun I’d Change,” he gives us cyberpunk aesthetics that go over extremely well. His sound is futuristic and it is one that fans have resonated with. Now that his producer BNYX has also found stardom, they will surely be a dynamic duo for years to come.

– Alex Cole

18. Larry June & The Alchemist – The Great Escape

Larry June has been prolifically releasing material for years now but he seemed to achieve a bit of a breakthrough moment on The Great Escape. Following hype from his 2022 album Spaceships on the Blade he had the chance to work with legendary producer The Alchemist and leaned into his most patient and relaxed stylings. His reserved demeanor is a great accompaniment for Alc’s brightest vibes spinning vintage keys into short irresistible loops for Larry to rap over.

Also worth mentioning is the impressive roster of collaborators the pair manage to pull. Sporting features from Action Bronson, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, Slum Village, Boldly James, Evidence, Wiz Khalifa, Jay Worthy, Joey Bada$$, and Curren$y Great Escape achieves an impressive amount of sonic variety throughout. The rapper and producer do an excellent job at blending not only their own styles but also the impressive caliber of guests, into something cohesively smooth and infectious.

– Lavender Alexandria

17. Young Nudy – Gumbo

Young Nudy is an artist who has always delivered consistently solid projects. Overall, he has a great reputation in the Atlanta rap game. With co-signs from Pi’erre Bourne and 21 Savage, Nudy has given us great tracks and cohesive albums. In 2023, he did that yet again with Gumbo. The album art here depicts all sorts of foods, and that is exactly what you get with the song titles. Every single song is named after a food or food item. It’s a fun concept and in execution, it just works.

Nudy has a monotone flow that is typically placed over ethereal production that transports you to another planet. That is especially true of Gumbo and its hit tracks. For instance, “Peaches & Eggplants” with 21 Savage was an immediate viral hit. From Nudy’s nonchalant yet threatening aura to 21’s signature flows, this track was a standout. Moreover, it even got a remix from Latto and Sexyy Red. The rest of the album is fantastic as well and serves as a reminder of the growth Nudy has given us as an artist over the past few years.

– Alex Cole

16. Killer Mike – Michael

This year, Killer Mike unveiled his first solo album in over a decade, Michael. Boasting various high-profile features from the likes of Andre 3000, Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, and more, it’s put the Atlanta-born performer in the running for three Grammys. Listeners hear him unpack and examine his upbringing, leaning sonically into influences of gospel, soul, funk, and blues. Killer Mike calls the project his musical “come home moment,” serving as something of a prequel to the rest of his discography. He takes an introspective approach to tackling themes of religion, loss, triumph, and Blackness, marking a pivotal milestone in his career.

– Caroline Fisher

15. Sexyy Red – Hood Hottest Princess

What more can be said about Sexyy Red at this point? The rapper is on tour right now and she is selling out crowds, all while pregnant. It’s been an impressive year for her and a lot of it boils down to the sheer success of Hood Hottest Princess. Simply put, this is an album full of bangers. The three big singles to come out of this album are “Hellcats SRTs,” “SkeeYee,” and “Pound Town.” Overall, these are some of the hardest tracks to drop this year. While some will nitpick the bars or say Sexyy Red is the downfall of hip-hop, it’s important to pause for a second and assess the music fairly.

Listen to any song off of Hood Hottest Princess and you will hear and MC oozing with charisma. Everything Sexyy raps is delivered with extreme confidence. It makes for hilarious bars and imagery that you just don’t get from other rappers. Her place in the game is unique and Hood Hottest Princess reaffirms that. Of all of the albums to drop in this specific lane, this is by far the best. Sexyy Red has an opportunity to become a superstar and while some don’t like it, the people have already spoken. We can’t wait to see what she does next.

– Alex Cole

14. Travis Scott – Utopia

One of the most eagerly-awaited hip-hop albums in the past five years, Travis Scott’s UTOPIA exceedingly delivers on the sonic front. While the Houston rapper is not a lyrical miracle, his flows and melodies keep you interested. There are plenty of standout tracks like “MODERN JAM,” the more introspective “MY EYES,” and the earworm that is “I KNOW ?” are a few to name. The main talking point is how much Travis borrows and maybe even bites from Kanye West’s YEEZUS. A few of the songs here were even Donda throwaways. There is some validity, but he had a hand during those recording sessions in 2013. It is not an original sound, but Travis manages to put his spin on it. He created some grand soundscapes with this record, and it was refreshing to see him go in a different direction nonetheless.

– Zachary Horvath

13. Talib Kweli & Madlib – Liberation 2

Talib Kweli and Madlib‘s latest effort, Liberation 2, may not have been heard by nearly as many fans as it should have, but the project remains one of the best of 2023. Released as a sequel to their 2007 collaboration, it’s only available to stream on Luminary, a subscription-based podcast network. Across Liberation 2’s 16 tracks, Kweli and Madlib work with Pink Siifu, Q-Tip, and Westside Gunn, among others, even landing a posthumous feature from Mac Miller and a collaboration with Seun Kuti, the son of Fela Kuti. It’s a long-awaited reunion for the ever-busy duo, who have been putting out albums with everyone but each other over the last 16 years.

– Cole Blake

12. Genesis Owusu – Struggler

Who knew that an album about a cockroach trying not to get stomped by God could be so vibrant, potent, and fun? Such is the balancing act that Genesis Owusu masters on STRUGGLER, which is equally groovy, downtrodden, hopeful, and powerful. The musical influences here certainly point to that versatility: soulful guitar, cavernous drums, dense synths, and a unique fusion of soul, hip-hop, rock, funk, alternative, and so much more. In comparison to his last album Smiling with No Teeth, this project is a little more consistent and fusional in its musical style rather than assorted. As such, the Australian artist portrays themes of identity, exploitation, absurdism, resistance, and perseverance with more clarity and intent.

In fact, during an interview with CD 92.9 FM, Genesis Owusus explained how he felt like this album came forth as a fiction inspired by work like Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis rather than him documenting his own experience, which makes this project that much more exploratory and narrative. His verses still exude a lot of charisma, humor, and passion despite the largely conflict-centered themes that he touches on. It’s a very propulsive approach, with rock jams, anthemic choruses, and darker moments of tension broken up by bright spots of catchy melodies and sweet instrumentation. Overall, there’s just as much to chew on sonically as there is lyrically on here, and you’ll find something new about each aspect with every listen. Of all the genre-fusing albums this year, STRUGGLER is among the most idiosyncratic.

– Gabriel Bras Nevares

11. Danny Brown – Quaranta

If you’re making a list of the most dominant, definitive, and dexterous rappers of 2023, Danny Brown has a stronger case than the very large majority of MCs. Leading the way in that regard is his new album Quaranta, a sequel to 2011’s XXX that chronicles what he’s learned and gone through since then. The Detroit spitter has a lot to mourn, celebrate, and break down, whether it’s aging within the rap game and life as a whole, his addiction struggles, or his ability to connect with others. On this project, he tackles it all with blunt honesty, more versatility than ever before, down-to-earth focus, and a still-persistent drive to do it better than anyone else. That last quality is what sets it apart from other albums about age, death, legacy, and personal growth.

Furthermore, the 42-year-old may have released experimental and abrasive material before, but this is easily his strongest left hook in his entire career. He swaps out his beloved yelpy performances for measured verses for most of this LP, and rides more grounded, psychedelic, quiet, and woozily low-key beats. With this renewed restraint, Danny Brown makes his perspective impossible to tune out on every song, even when he’s getting wilder. All this makes Quaranta a cathartic, vulnerable, and expertly assembled must-listen from this year, and one of its most important releases. It’s certainly the most important in the Bruiser Brigade boss’s run so far, a ride that he’s looking forward to enjoying fruitfully with a newfound peace.

– Gabriel Bras Nevares

10. Mick Jenkins – The Patience

Mick Jenkins’ new album doesn’t stick around for very long, but it doesn’t need to. His signature hard-hitting style is present from the very first moments on the album and it maintains that presence throughout the half hour of material presented. Along the way a quartet of similarly intense rappers contribute to the absolute bar-fest. Freddie Gibbs, Benny The Butcher, JID, and Vic Mensa all contribute to an impressive caliber of performance throughout.

In particular Mick delivers some of his most impressive lyrical performances to date across the album. In an opening verse of the standout track “Sitting Ducks” he spins a word-bending series of bars around an icy thumping instrumental that matches his intensity. With relatively short songs across the album Mick and his collaborators show their focus. The lack of many notable hooks or much of any downtime between verses presents a tightly packed saga of rap excellence.

– Lavender Alexandria

9. Key Glock – Glockoma 2

Key Glock’s Glockoma 2 album showcases the determination and drive of the Memphis rapper. The album debuted at a No. 13 spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and serves as a follow-up to his 2018 mixtape Glockoma. Throughout the 15-track project, Key Glock delivers hard-hitting bars. In addition, he notably mourns the loss of his close friend and one of the most influential people in his career, Young Dolph. This resilience fuels his output, maintaining his apparent productivity throughout the project.

It delivers a compelling mix of distinctive Memphis rap vibes, which his fans appreciate. A supporting tour for the project was announced, amplifying the anticipated impact with scheduled dates from March to April earlier this year. Key Glock strategically unveiled details, including the track listing, on social media, building anticipation leading up to the album’s release. Additionally, he expanded it by adding a deluxe edition, which was also well-received by the masses.

– Tallie Spencer

8. Black Thought & El Michels – Glorious Game

Black Thought is on one of the most impressive runs in all of rap music. The Roots’ rapper started the decade with the final chapter of his impressive Streams Of Thought series and pivoted to something that’s somehow even more impressive. Last year’s Cheat Codes saw him crossing paths with superproducer Danger Mouse and the two made a project that lives up to its name. So it’s no surprise that Black Thought came back with something excellent this year, but it’s may still come as a surprise JUST how good Glorious Game is.

Teaming up with jazz and soul group El Michels Affair is a match made in absolute heaven. Over vintage cinematic soul and warm inviting jazz instrumentals, Black Thought simply has to do his thing as one of rap’s definitive veterans. What he delivers is a series of meditations built around the wisdom and perspective he’s grown over decades of writing and performing. With his pen game as sharp as ever and a handful of dynamic vocal features on board throughout the record they craft a patient, meditative, and deeply rewarding sonic experience with Glorious Game.

– Lavender Alexandria

7. Billy Woods & Kenny Segal – Maps

Rapper billy woods and producer Kenny Segal first teamed up in 2019 for their collab album Hiding Places. While the project was acclaimed by fans and critics alike, both artists have grown so much in such a short time that their second collaboration felt somehow overdue. But on Maps the gloves are fully off. Neither artist has ever been shy about their artistic direction or sonic ambitions, but they wander further than ever before together.

Sporting features from underground rap sensations like Danny Brown, Quelle Chris, Aesop Rock, and woods’ Armand Hammer partner E L U C I D, Maps is a living and breathing experimental rap affair. On some tracks here billy reaches for some of the most emotional and exasperated vocals he’s ever recorded. Then on the very next song Kenny spins an obscure sample or irresistible interpolation into a beat that sounds unlike anything he’s ever made before. That dueling creative spirit makes this album refreshingly varied and an entirely different listening experience every time.

– Lavender Alexandria

6. MIKE – Burning Desire

MIKE has been on a steady climb through the underground hip-hop scene for years at this point, having honed his craft through various collaborations with veteran artists like Earl Sweatshirt, Wiki, and more, as well as hosting his annual Young World festival at Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King Park. In turn, he was more prepared than ever to release a project as rich and sprawling as the 25-song, Burning Desire. Across its 50-minute runtime, MIKE flexes his always impressive lyrical chops over some of the most animated beats he’s rapped over yet. Highlights in that vein include “Zap!” and “African Sex Freak Fantasy,” but it’s not the only lane in which MIKE works on Burning Desire. On the “plz don’t cut my wings,” and “Let’s Have a Ball,” for instance, his emotional candor takes center stage.

– Cole Blake

5. Veeze – GANGER

Detroit rapper Veeze has had one of the most incredible years of any artist. Overall, this is mainly thanks to his album Ganger which was a hit from the jump. Singles like GOMD and the ensuing Lil Uzi Vert remix certainly helped bolster the album’s cache. However, it was Veeze himself who ended up wowing fans with his incredible charisma and his off-the-wall beat selection. Diving into this project, you get hit with the tripped-out psychedelic sounds of “Not A Drill.” The artist raps over this production with a sense of despair masked by his clever bars and monotone delivery.

As the project continues, that despair comes back thematically as Veeze drops a plethora of bars about being high out of his mind. He is entrenching himself in chaos but he plays it off with the hilarious bars that consistently have you doing a double take. The production of every single song is magical and it helps convey the emotions and actions that are being dealt with on the record. It is a cohesive project without really trying to be. Ganger is a deeply emotional work of art that plays itself off as a fun party record. This is incredibly hard to do but Veeze pulls it off seamlessly. Of all the records to release this year, one could make the argument that Ganger is by far the rawest.

– Alex Cole

4. Noname – Sundial

The time between Noname’s 2018 album Room 25 and the release of Sundial was often turbulent for the rapper. She dealt with a public spat with J. Cole that resulted in a short but absolutely crushing diss track, a surprise performance at Coachella that saw her facing allegations of hypocrisy, and multiple new album teases and promises that ultimately didn’t lead anywhere. Through all of that turbulence she emerged with yet another album that nobody else in the world was capable of making.

While Noname continues to deliver her unstoppable wit and pinpoint cultural observations, everyone basically expected that level of perfection from her at this point. Where she surprises is in just how personal and vulnerable she’s able to get across the album. Though she’s never been shy about sharing her feelings, the self-examination of her own fame and her role in the very institutions she seeks to dismantle make for an intellectually challenging listen that disguises itself as utterly infectious hip-hop.

– Lavender Alexandria

3. Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips

The lengths billy woods and Elucid are going to in consistently improving upon their work as Armand Hammer is astounding. With We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, the two New York underground veterans rap over gritty production that sounds as apocalyptic as the world they describe. Somehow, they weave through flows about social collapse, personal struggle, and more over textured beats that sound, at times, like stuffing the sounds of the city in a car crusher, and at others, like the score to a nightmarish jaunt down forgotten streets. “Trauma Mic” might be the best song on the album, with its metallic and disorienting beat, it feels like extracting the physical violence of everyday life into the sonic backdrop for lyrics about the paranoid and isolated souls that populate it. We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is a new high for two of the best artists in the game.

– Cole Blake

2. Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist – Voir Dire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SreI30jILfQ

No other album this year is as much of a raw, no-frills, personal, and skilled distillation of what makes hip-hop such a compelling art form. VOIR DIRE is quite the compact, cohesive, and calculated affair; whether you listen to the Gala or streaming version, it’s a handful of short tracks without much in the way of structure. Instead, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist allow the craft and care of their verses and beats, respectively, to take center stage, plus some vocal samples to bring us from one song to the next. When it comes to the instrumentals, Uncle Al shines as one of 2023’s best producers (as usual) thanks to creative time signatures, a lo-fi sound, gorgeous melodies that range from warmly comforting to coldly stark, out-of-the-box sample flips, and a consistent sonic tenderness throughout.

Meanwhile, the L.A. wordsmith makes mountains out of molehills here, turning his anecdotes and lived experiences into relatable, heart-wrenching, and emotionally vivid narratives. Few MCs have this much talent for delivering blunt and descriptive phrasing about their growth, values, lessons learned, and about how they truly feel. Truth is a consistent muse here, as the album’s title implies: the simple but expertly composed greatness of The Alchemist’s production complements Earl Sweatshirt’s vulnerable, often ambivalent, sometimes defeated, but always fearless truths about his emotions, career, and relationships. The fact that it’s so enjoyable, masterfully rapped, and perfectly sequenced is the foundation that they anchor their thoughts, dreams, plots, and schemes into. VOIR DIRE, then, is free to explore feeling, and that journey is one that this duo invites you to join them on.

– Gabriel Bras Nevares

1. Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA – Scaring The Hoes

JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown are an obvious match made in heaven. Combining their mutual propensity for using irreverent humor as a weapon to hit listeners with politically charged criticism and densely candid lyrics, Scaring The Hoes sees Peggy and Brown playing a game of boy-like one-upmanship to reach new heights in their respective careers and often out-shock one another while doing so. In just his first bars into the album, Peggy is rapping about Iron Sheik, Kyle Rittenhouse, and more, while Brown jumps in with his characteristically furious and zany personality at full speed ahead. Both artists need to be on full tilt throughout the tracklist to match Peggy’s cacophonous production of cannonading drums, intertwined with overlapping vocal samples, and more. Scaring The Hoes boasts two of hip-hop’s most eccentric personalities turned up to 10, making it an easy choice for one of the best albums of the year.

– Cole Blake

The post 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2023 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

10 Best R&B Albums Of 2023

December 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Christmas is nearly upon us, and we hope you’re enjoying the treats we’ve delivered you in our first annual advent calendar so far. Today, we have a look at some of the year’s most memorable R&B releases, following our mid-year overview back in July. On that, we showed love to names like Janelle Monae (her promiscuous The Age of Pleasure rollout practically broke the internet) and Masego, whose self-titled LP makes a return on our end-of-year round-up.

It was a big year for both male and female talent, though one of our favourite Canadians came out on top. Elsewhere, we heard new releases from old favourites like Tinashe, Chris Brown, and Jorja Smith to keep us warm as the weather cooled off into the fall. Keep scrolling to read our top 10 favourite R&B albums of the year, and leave a comment letting us know if there are any you think we missed in the comments below.

10. Chris Brown – 11:11

Coming in at number 10 is none other than Chris Brown, who cut down the number of features significantly on 11:11 from 2022’s Breezy. This time around he impressed us with 22 titles (17 of them featureless), including fan favourites like “Angel Numbers / Ten Toes” and “Summer Too Hot.” He and Future made magic on “That’s On You,” and Maeta’s vocals shine on “Best Ever.”

Our recommendation from the Virginia native’s album is “No One Else” with Fridayy, which is a perfect weekend workout jam. Brown teased the collaborative effort before unleashing 11:11, helping to generate buzz for the project, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 after selling over 45K album-equivalent units in the first week. This was his lowest since 2017’s Heartbreak on a Full Moon, but at this point in his career, the father of three seems more worried about impressing himself than critics.

9. Sampha – Lahai

On his sophomore effort, Sampha continues to prove that Scorpios are among the deepest signs of the zodiac. He explores the emotional rollercoaster of being human on October’s Lahai, his first LP since 2017. On Process, the UK-based vocalist made his presence felt after blowing up for his work with Drake on “Too Much” in 2013. R&B lovers were eagerly waiting to hear what he’s been cooking up and tracks like “Spirit 2.0” undeniably deliver.

Sampha produced the song with help from El Guincho and Riccardo Damian. “I hope people can enjoy that feeling of someone being there for you, even if that person doesn’t have the answers,” he told Rolling Stone of the song’s creation. “Just calling someone up without overthinking… Letting go and just dancing… Wanting to see past the mundanity of things and appreciating the magic of it all, from bird nests to spaceships.”

8. Kelela – Raven

Yet another noteworthy sophomore effort to make waves in R&B this year is Kelela’s Raven – a 15-track effort with just one feature from Rahrah Gabor on “Closure.” Otherwise, the ethereal artist carries herself through titles like “Enough for Love,” “Happy Ending,” and “On the Run” with ease. Simply listening to the LP will take you on a rollercoaster ride of red-hot dance beats infused with “ambient comedowns,” as Pitchfork eloquently describes them.

Just past the midway point of the tracklist comes Kelela’s title track, followed by “Bruises.” The two songs are beautiful separately, but when listened back to back, they help perfectly bring the 40-year-old’s vision to life. “Through all the labour / A raven is reborn,” her voice rings out over production by Asma Maroof, AceMo, Fauzia, and the Washington D.C.-born vocalist. “They tried to break her / There’s nothing here to mourn,” Kelela sweetly sings.

7. Tinashe – BB/ANG3L

Since making her debut in 2014 with Aquarius, Tinashe has been one to watch in the music industry. She’s collaborated with the likes of ScHoolboy Q, ASAP Rocky, Future, Offset, 6LACK, and many more over the years. On September’s BB/ANG3L, the blonde beauty unleashed seven featureless songs, with “Needs” and “Talk To Me Nice” preceding the short-and-sweet album as singles. The latter is our listening recommendation if you want a taste of what the multi-talent has been cooking up.

“[It] explores the feeling of being on the edge of a relationship and looking at it with skepticism, self-preservation, and self-confidence,” Tinashe previously said of the infectious song. She may not have had the help of other artists, but the Kentucky native did connect with an impressive crew of sound engineers such as Scoop Deville, Kurzweil, Royce David, and Machinedrum on her latest musical endeavour, which follows 2021’s 333.

6. Kali Uchis – Red Moon in Venus

Kali Uchis’ Red Moon in Venus earned a shoutout on our R&B round-up in the first half of 2023. She and her beau Don Toliver continued their impressive streak of collaborations on “Fantasy,” after linking up on “4 Me,” which arrived just weeks before on his Love Sick album. Of course, “Moonlight” is Kali’s most popular single from this era of her career, but other cuts show her talent at its best.

On the closing song, “Happy Now,” Uchis ends on an optimistic note. “Cosmic conditions conspired against us / ‘Cause you and me got chemistry / But what’s with our timing?” she asks a lover whom she can’t seem to fall into alignment with. “Don’t think about the pain or the heartaches / Just wanna remember all the good things,” the fashionista expresses on the outro, doing her best to remain in a positive frame of mind amid all the chaos. Her next project, Orquídeas, is due out in 2024 and will include even more of her stunning Spanish singing.

5. Victoria Monet – JAGUAR II

At this point in our list, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that, much like in hip-hop, the women of R&B deserve their flowers for seriously holding it down this year. The genre is best known for its emotional ballads, but we still need upbeat anthems to help inspire confidence among the masses. Thankfully, Victoria Monet came through to deliver one of the best we heard all 2023 in the form of “On My Mama.” As Genius notes, it interpolates Charlie Boy’s “I Look Good” from 2009, and also went on to become the singer’s second-ever entry on Billboard‘s Hot 100 Chart.

On top of those accolades, “On My Mama” additionally earned Monet a Grammy nod for Best R&B Song and Record Of The Year. Despite her sweeping success with that and other JAGUAR II titles like “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye and “Alright,” the 34-year-old was still told it’s “too early” in her career to perform at the MTV VMAs a few months back, but she’s not letting that stop her from celebrating all her achievements so far.

4. Masego – Masego

Masego’s self-titled effort is another that you may remember from our mid-year list, and it seems to have somehow only grown better with age. The Jamaican creative is best known for hits like “Tadow,” “Navajo,” and “Mystery Lady” with Don Toliver, but this year, it’s “What You Wanna Try” that we haven’t been able to take off repeat. The short, catchy tune comes third on the Masego tracklist, followed by “Afraid of Water” and “Down In The Dumps,” both of which we also highly recommend.

Overall, the March-released album was just what we needed while transitioning into spring. Masego’s flirtatious persona perfectly translates through his music, especially on “Two Sides (I’m So Gemini),” on which he plays into the notoriously fickle nature of the air sign. Like Tinashe, he also opted to go the featureless route, though we’re certainly curious to see who he’ll spend time with at the studio come 2024.

3. Jorja Smith – falling or flying

Since they wore out playing her 2018 project, Lost & Found on repeat, R&B lovers have been burning up with a fever for more Jorja Smith music. The UK-based songstress captivated the world with her voice on emotional cuts like “Don’t Watch Me Cry” and “Blue Lights,” and has connected with both rappers and vocalists during her hiatus to keep us satisfied with singles. When she finally confirmed that falling or flying would land in 2023, buzz quickly began to build, and once we heard her first single, “Try Me,” it only grew from there.

“Little Things” is the album’s most popular track by a landslide, but listening to the 16-track release from start to finish will help you better understand Smith’s endless emotions throughout her rise to fame. On our favourite, “Broken Is The Man,” the 26-year-old reflects on an unrequited love who couldn’t quite deliver the world he had promised her. “Can you believe I put myself through that all? / Just to realize you mean nothing to me,” she candidly reflects over P2J’s music.

2. Amaarae – Fountain Baby

Sliding into the second spot is an artist on the rise who’s relatively new to HNHH. Amaarae’s Fountain Baby album is easily one of the most sonically delightful music releases in recent memory, especially the astrology-filled “Co-Star” song, for which she tapped the Clermont Twins to star alongside her in her visual. The 29-year-old is a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter who primarily operates in genres like Pop, Afrobeats, and R&B, blending them to create a unique sound that’s refreshing to hear in our current culture of remakes and redundant samples.

Amaarae has been sliding under the radar for years now, previously dropping off THE ANGEL YOU DON’T KNOW in 2020. That helped her amass some loyal fans, but with Fountain Baby, she’s been able to rise to new heights. “Angels in Tibet,” “Reckless & Sweet,” and “Big Steppa” are among the most-streamed songs on her early June LP, which only continues to turn more heads her way.

1. Daniel Caesar – NEVER ENOUGH

Last, but certainly not least on our best R&B albums of 2023 list is Canada’s own Daniel Caesar. After being cancelled for making controversial comments about race at the peak of his career, the Freudian artist hasn’t quite managed to restore himself to his former glory. Still, his third studio effort, NEVER ENOUGH did enough to get the industry taking Caesar more seriously again after his sophomore CASE STUDY 01 was slept on due to the scandal surrounding him.

He wove in joint tracks with Mustafa, serpentwithfeet, Omar Apollo, and Ty Dolla Sign throughout the tracklist, but what music lovers are streaming the most is Caesar’s solo tracks. On “Do You Like Me?” and “Always” he lets his lyrics and singing skills tug at our heartstrings, while “Let Me Go” finds the 28-year-old pleading with someone to release their grip on his energy so they can both find freedom.

Read More: Best Dressed Artists Of 2023

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7 Hip Hop Albums From 2023 We’re Grateful For This Thanksgiving

November 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Now that Halloween has come and gone, the holidays are quickly approaching. With the end of the year approaching, list season is also almost upon us. End-of-year lists are a fourth-quarter affair that celebrates and concludes the year in music. This year has seen a wide range of hip hop releases from legends and rising stars alike.

To kick off November and this year’s Thanksgiving season, we highlight some standout hip hop albums from 2023 that we’re grateful for. These selections have been in rotation all year long, holding significant replay value and leaving lasting impressions on hip hop as a whole. Here are 7 of the best rap albums of 2023, listed in no particular order. Take a look at the albums below.

Travis Scott – Utopia

This year, Travis Scott made his grand return to music following the tragic events at the 2021 Astroworld Festival. It had also been five years since his last album of the same name, his most significant release to date. A highly anticipated release, Utopia exceeded expectations, resulting in arguably Travis Scott’s best work since Rodeo. With cinematic production and an all-star guestlist, the album plays like a blockbuster film. While Utopia’s numerous high-profile features help create an unforgettable listening experience, Travis Scott shines bright. He raps some of his best verses in recent memory. Utopia’s tracklist is unpredictable and adventurous as Travis explores the future of his sound.

Nas – Magic 2

Last year, Nas concluded his Hit-Boy-produced King’s Disease trilogy with a bang. This year, the dynamic duo did the same with their Magic album series. They started with Magic 2, a concise listen that saw Hit-Boy push Nas out of his comfort zone. The production was significantly more modern than the first Magic, but its sequel was still built around the sound they had built together. While Magic 2 might not be Nas and Hit-Boy’s greatest work, they raised the bar incredibly high for themselves and made one of 2023’s best rap albums. Even more impressive is that Magic 2 is a great album on its own merit but is not even the best Nas and Hit-Boy release of the year.

Nas – Magic 3

Just a few months later, Nas and Hit-Boy returned with Magic 3. It celebrated their historic six-album run and was the perfect end to the Magic trilogy. Compared to Magic 2, Nas and Hit-Boy’s 6th collaborative album restored the feeling of the first Magic. It is rooted in classic boom-bap production and chopped loops. In addition to continuing their reign, Nas also maintained his skills as a storyteller with the two-part “Based on True Events.” With Magic 3, Nas and Hit-Boy ended their unprecedented series of full-length releases on the ultimate high note.

J Hus – Beautiful And Brutal Yard

This year saw the release of J Hus’s highly-anticipated third studio album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard. While the afroswing pioneer’s latest album did not include any production from frequent collaborator Jae5, it did not disappoint in the slightest. Hus provides the infectious melodies he is known for, but Beautiful and Brutal Yard is significantly more rap-driven than his previous albums.

Light-hearted party starters like “Who Told You” with Drake and “Palm Tree” see J Hus at his most playful with his distinctive lexicon of slang terms. Bangers like “Cream” and “Bim Bim” show him at his most menacing. With his latest album, J Hus builds on the genre he helped pioneer while exploring the vast sounds of the UK scene. After a long wait, we are certainly grateful for some new J Hus.

Killer Mike – MICHAEL

One rapper whose artistry shined bright throughout 2023 was none other than Killer Mike. This year, he released his first solo album in 11 years, following 2012’s R.A.P. Music and his work with El-P as Run The Jewels. The aptly titled MICHAEL is Killer Mike’s most personal work to date as he unveils the deeper layers of his mind and upbringing. Deviating from the abrasive Run The Jewels sound, the Atlanta native’s latest solo record is uniquely southern with its blend of hip hop, soul, and gospel.

While Killer Mike is more candid than ever on the album’s most touching moments, MICHAEL still contains the hard-hitting bangers he is known for. For the past ten years, Killer Mike has been making an impact as a member of Run The Jewels, but his latest solo effort marks a new phase in his career. MICHAEL is his most transparent work yet and one of the best rap albums of 2023.

Avelino – God Save The Streets

Avelino has been making waves in the UK hip hop scene for a long time without releasing a proper studio album. Despite that, he is widely respected by British greats like Stormzy, Dave, and his mentor, Wretch 32. After almost a decade of mixtapes and earth-shattering freestyles, the Tottenham, London wordsmith’s long-awaited debut arrived this year. God Save The Streets is the album we had been waiting for as Avelino reaches his full potential. He finally captures his endlessly creative wordplay, translating into a concise body of work executive produced by Wretch 32 and overseen by Fraser T. Smith.

With a Sex Pistols-inspired album title and cover, God Save The Streets sees Avelino both proud and concerned for his home city as he declares, “Rap is the new punk.” The album is filled with cautionary tales of the “Vicious Cycle” of violence and poverty, as well as deep moments of reflection and gratitude like “Acceptance.” A UK rap masterpiece that has seemingly gone under the radar for American listeners, Avelino’s career-defining debut is undoubtedly one of 2023’s best hip hop releases.

Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist – Voir Dire

A full-length collaboration between Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist is an underground hip hop fan’s dream. After years of speculation and a supposed YouTube-only release under unknown aliases, Voir Dire has come to fruition. The two have been more consistent than ever, especially The Alchemist, as he has produced eight collaborative projects with just as many rappers. Voir Dire is some of the best work that both Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist have dropped yet, which speaks volumes considering the quality of their previous works.

Earl spits some of his sharpest lyrics, while Alchemist provides some of his most enchanting loops. Between the original Gala Music release and the revised tracklist on streaming platforms, Earl and Al did not disappoint. A dream combination, Voir Dire is everything that fans could have wanted from the long-fantasized album. For that reason, we could not be more grateful to the two for delivering one of the best rap albums of 2023.

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Fat Joe Believes 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” Is One Of The Best Albums Ever

October 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Fat Joe used to have beef with 50 Cent. However, these days, the two are on good terms. In fact, Joe is on good terms with a lot of people. He has proven to be a very positive force in the hip-hop world. Overall, he shows love whenever he can, and it is really great to see. For instance, he was on the BET segment Diggin’ In The Crates, where he revealed his love for Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. Despite having beef with Fif at the time, he can now appreciate what a masterpiece the project is.

“One of the greatest albums of all time,” Fat Joe explained. “And it’s crazy ’cause I had beef with him and I wouldn’t allow myself to hear it, wouldn’t let DJs play it. But I knew that it was G-Unit. Recently J. Cole came out at his concert and said it was the greatest album of all time. Nas came out and said, ‘Yo this changed the game.’ And it’s a fact.”

Fat Joe Praises 50 Cent

Fat Joe went on to credit 50 Cent for all of the various facets to the record. Needless to say, you can see his reverance for the artist. “His flows, his melodies, his beats, the energy Hip Hop music had never felt,” Joe noted. “That energy that he was coming with, it was like yo, this is that — you got that dangerous thing to it. He teamed up with Mr. Professional, Dr. Dre and Eminem. See, 50 Cent woulda still been amazing but he’d have came with those New York beats that was really really good, but once again, Dr. Dre makes everything iPic. He makes everything crystal clear. He just gives you that professionalism like you on a podium or something.”

Be sure to let us know your favorite track from Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always keep you informed on your favorite artists.

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Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2023… So Far

July 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

July is now upon us, which means it is now time to reflect on the best hip-hop albums of the year so far. In any given year, you will have fans trying to make the argument that “this year is weaker than last year.” Or they will try and insinuate that music isn’t hitting like it used to. However, a few months down the line, those same listeners look back on the year that was and come to realize that a lot of great music was released.

So far, 2023 has fallen victim to these same premature criticisms. Although, it is important to remember that there has been more than a few quality releases. Some of the biggest artists have dropped already, and plenty more great albums are on the horizon. Having said that, here are our picks for the 15 best hip-hop albums of 2023, so far.

15. NBA YoungBoy – Richest Opp

If NBA Youngboy isn’t the best rapper in the game, he’s undoubtedly one of the most industrious and relentless artists in the music industry. Ever since his release from house arrest in 2022, the rapper has been making up for lost time with an impressive string of projects. While some of his recent efforts, like I Rest My Case, ventured into new sonic territories, Richest Opp, his third solo venture this year, sees the Louisiana native returning to his roots.

Released as a fiery response to Lil Durk’s Almost Healed, with a hope to go head-to-head on the Billboard charts (as it turned out, Lil Durk was only dropping a single that day), NBA Youngboy is out for blood on Richest Opp. The track “F*ck The Industry” sets the tone for the entire project, as he takes aim at industry heavyweights such as Drake and J Cole, among others. While revenge clearly occupies his thoughts, NBA Youngboy’s vulnerability shines through in songs like “Hurt My Heart” and “Father,” providing listeners with a multi-dimensional portrait of the artist beyond the attention-grabbing controversies. At this stage, Richest Opp stands as a powerful showcase of NBA Youngboy’s skills as an MC, displaying his ability to explore different flows and utilize the elasticity of his melodies to convey a wide range of emotions.

– Aron A.

14. Sexyy Red – Hood Hottest Princess

Rap divas such as Nicki Minaj, Latto, Ice Spice, and Cardi B have come through with hot new singles in 2023, however, none of them have given us an album yet. Rather, it’s rising star Sexyy Red who’s delivered what we consider to be the most impactful female hip-hop project of the year so far. Hood Hottest Princess arrived at the beginning of June in its 11-track glory, paving the way for the St. Louis native to reach new heights thanks to co-signs from acts like NLE Choppa and Travis Scott.

Throughout her album, Red connects with Sukihana on “Born By the River,” Juicy J and ATL Jacob on “Strictly for the Strippers,” and of course, Nicki Minaj and Tay Keith for “Pound Town 2.” Her lyrics are characteristically controversial, and in the accompanying music videos we’ve seen so far, the 25-year-old spends plenty of time working on her twerking. While not everyone agrees with her straightforward, NSFW nature, Hood Hottest Princess earned Red an 8/10 ranking from Pitchfork, who have praised her for paying homage to icons like Gucci Mane and Trina.

– Hayley Hynes

13. Young Thug – Business Is Business

Amidst the menacing shadows of a RICO case that threatens to lock him away for life, Young Thug seems unfazed, treating it like just another day at the office. Merely a week after his (former?) friend and collaborator Gunna dropped his album, A Gift & A Curse, Thugger wasted no time and swiftly followed up with his third studio album, Business Is Business. Helmed by the talented executive producer Metro Boomin, this latest opus from Young Thug is a treasure trove of previously unreleased gems, songs that had been locked away.

While the project may not venture into uncharted sonic realms, as Thug has boldly done in the past, Business Is Business gifts fans with a seamless auditory experience from start to finish. It’s crystal clear that the industry’s unwavering support for Thug has only grown stronger over the past year, with heavyweights such as Future, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott gracing the tracklist.

The album’s very essence, comprising tracks that Thug safeguarded over the years, serves as a testament to his timeless approach to crafting hits. “Jonesboro” flawlessly marries Metro’s eerie production with Thug’s haunting recollections of Cleveland Ave. And let’s not forget the infectious earworms like “Oh U Went” featuring Drake and “Hellcat Kenny” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, destined to dominate summer playlists.

In the grand scheme of things, Business Is Business does not exploit recent controversies for attention-grabbing rhymes or delve into Thug’s innermost struggles during his recent hardships (for obvious reasons). Instead, it capitalizes on the mounting anticipation surrounding the long-awaited Metro Thuggin collaboration. All things considered, it’s a damn good album.

– Aron A.

12. YEAT – AfterLyfe

Yeat has certainly risen to become one of the most interesting characters in hip-hop today. Overall, he is known for spitting some truly unique flows, all while choosing the most off-the-wall beats. After scoring a huge hit with “Sorry Bout That,” the Oregon artist has been steadily dropping a consistent stream of albums. However, none of them have been better than his 2023 effort AfterLyfe. Over the course of this lengthy tracklist, Yeat gives fans a plethora of unique and new sounds. One could just look at the song “Nun I’d Change” where he gets into cyberpunk territory with the production choices. “Bettr Off” is another banger on the album where Yeat showcases his versatility as well as his ability to craft catchy tracks.

Throughout the album, Yeat doesn’t mind experimenting with sounds and going for more melancholic offerings. The album’s closer “Myself” is a great example of this. Moreover, you can’t help but appreciate how he features alter egos of himself. While some may roll their eyes at this, it is simply a way for the artist to showcase the wild flows he can pull off, seemingly out of nowhere. Even if you hate this style of rap, AfterLyfe is a must-listen. You may just be surprised.

– Alexander Cole

11. Kaytramine – Kaytramine

Kaytranada and Aminé have teamed up as an official duo for their new album, Kaytraminé, which aims to soundtrack listeners’ tropical summer jaunts throughout the next two months. Partnering together for the first time since Kaytranada provided production on three songs off of Aminé’s 2015 mixtape, Calling Brio, the two have given fans a blend of Aminé’s often quirky yet infectious delivery with Kaytranada’s bouncy, varied production. The 11 tracks feature a star-studded group of guest artists including Snoop Dogg, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, and more.

Pharrell Williams provides arguably the most interesting contribution, popping up on the album’s lead single, “4EVA.” He lends a groovy chorus that, when meshed with Aminé’s characteristically fun and flirty bars, ties together one of the best songs from the entire project. Add in more highlights across the tracklist like “letstalkaboutit,” and “Master P,” and you’ve got one of the best albums of the year thus far.

– Cole Blake

10. Killer Mike – Michael

Killer Mike brought listeners his sixth solo effort, Michael, in June. The album works to chronicle Killer Mike’s childhood, channeling his musical influences of gospel, soul, funk, blues, and more. He calls the album his “come home moment musically” and a “submission to God,” taking an introspective approach to putting together the pieces of his childhood that have made him the artist he is today. Michael also features various high-profile features from Andre 3000, Young Thug, CeeLo Green, and more.

The LP’s gospel-infused tracks serve as a testimony to his upbringing, featuring messages about learning tough lessons and grappling with the Black experience. Compelling themes of religion, loss, and triumph are woven throughout, making the album stand out in his vast discography. The album also features an array of intricate piano arrangements and choral ensembles, making it a sonically unique offering from the artist. Michael sees Killer Mike explore a more vulnerable, raw side of his lyricism, cementing its place as a fan favorite.

– Caroline Fisher

9. Lil Durk – Almost Healed

Few trap albums this year are as self-aware and hard-hitting as the Chicago MC’s latest offering. Lil Durk’s Almost Healed sees Smruk balance a thin line, loyalty to the streets and acknowledgement of its cyclical pain, with blunt but heart-wrenching detail and skill. “I send money to jails, I send money for funerals, even though they goin’ to hell for all them n***as they killed,” he raps on the track “Pelle Coat.” “You know I’m part of my brother ‘nem forever ever, ever, I’m goin’ to hell.” For every threat to his opposition or bar about his wealth or hedonism, he recognizes his personal flaws and aims to fix them.

Family, friends, freedom, and fame are at the core of the album’s most emotive moments (like “All My Life” with J. Cole) and its most boisterous bangers (like “War Bout It” with 21 Savage). The production elevates these themes with both layered melodic instrumentation and minimal takes on sharp snares and booming bass. Through it all, Durk can’t let go of his past, but finds the knowledge and empathy to make the best out of his situation. It’s a hard contrast to achieve, but one that’s always compelling here.

– Gabriel Bras Nevares

8. Conway The Machine – Won’t He Do It

In May, Conway the Machine dropped off his third studio album, Won’t He Do It. The 14-track record was the first he released under his new independent label Drumwork Music Group after his departure from Griselda. The album also follows his 2022 LP God Don’t Make Mistakes. Listeners watch Conway the Machine count his blessings on Won’t He Do It, trading his signature diabolical bars for verses centered around living the good life. The album also features appearances from fellow Griselda OGs Westside Gunn and Benny the Butcher.

Conway the Machine called the album a showcase of him “in [his] versatile bag,” successfully flexing his affinity for experimentation. The rapper came in hot with the album’s lead single, “Super Bowl,” in February. He tapped Sauce Walka and Juicy J for the track, kicking off the Won’t He Do It with unmistakable levels of energy and lyrical dexterity. Conway the Machine is focused on his most recent release, which serves as the first of a two-part series.

– Caroline Fisher

7. Talib Kweli & Madlib – Liberation 2

Their initial Liberation collaboration emerged at the top of 2007, slyly making its way online as a free download. It was quickly removed and officially released that Spring, and the collision of Talib Kweli and Madlib took Hip Hop by storm. The two acclaimed artists are respected as solo acts, but together, the expectation of excellence floats in the ether. Nearly two decades after Liberation arrived, “The Libs” returned once again for the follow-up, Liberation 2. This project has been anticipated for years, and it was certainly worth the wait.

Madlib’s production credits need no introduction, especially his illustrious collaborative efforts. He’s released projects with emcees like MF Doom, J Dilla, and Freddie Gibbs, etching his way into production royalty. Pair that talent with a Black Star legend like Kweli, and you have a record that ignores trends and focuses on the heart of Hip Hop. “The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with Hip-Hop has lost some of its luster,” said Kweli via Hypebeast. “Madlib and I have been consistent in our messaging. Never has there been a better time for such honest, message-driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us.”

The album’s message was evident as the spoken word “Assata’s Code” defined the revolution. Amani and Diani, the Rap star’s daughters, make appearances, along with a bevy of talent from Africa. Some familiar names also show face, including Westside Gunn, Q-Tip, Goapele, and a posthumous addition from Mac Miller. This is one you’ll want to spin more than once in any mood, and even if we have to wait another decade, fans are rooting for a Liberation 3.

– Erika Marie

6. Gunna – A Gift & A Curse

There was a lot riding on Gunna’s return to the music world. After having been incarcerated for almost a year in the YSL Rico case, fans were curious about what he would have to say. Overall, his peers as well as former fans were accusing him of being a snitch. Moreover, he was being accused of snitching on a beloved fellow artist in Young Thug. Needless to say, the odds were stacked against him. However, with his comeback tape A Gift & A Curse, Gunna proved that he can stand above his peers when push comes to shove.

Throughout the project, Gunna gives us a ton of insight into where he is mentally. On tracks like “Back To The Moon,” “Back At It” and “I Was Just Thinking,” Gunna takes direct shots at those who have put dirt on his name. Additionally, he gave us one of the best songs of the year with the incredibly catchy “fukumean.” The Atlanta rapper’s hunger throughout the album makes this one of the best listens of the year so far. Naturally, people are going to compare this project to Young Thug’s and Lil Durk’s. These comparisons are valid. However, the context behind this project is a bit different and you have to appreciate Wunna’s ability to overcome adversity.

– Alexander Cole

5. Larry June & Alchemist – The Great Escape

Much like the collaborative milestone we received this year from Madlib and Talib Kweli, two more Hip Hop giants made magic when The Alchemist and Larry June dropped their acid-jazz ladenThe Great Escape. From beginning to end, this joint venture harmonizes perfectly. June’s chilled-out appeal enables Al to transition into his well-known prestige rap aesthetics, birthed from their first serendipitous collaboration on 2020’s “Rainy Night in SF.” Rich with all the offerings that support an emotional landscape of chilled vibes, The Great Escape is just as its title suggests. You may not find the likings of mainstream, radio Hip Hop here, but June’s lyrics sketch rich imagery that elevates to a vivid art form.

That said, what makes The Great Escape stand out can also be its Achilles heel. Each track floats effortlessly from one to the next; however, some may complain that Al’s productions come across too similar throughout. Yet, the creatives seemed to have a purpose behind this, as The Great Escape is a body of work that one can listen to while taking a mental adventure. The dreamy piano melodies, partnered with Alchemist’s perfected rhythms and June’s hypnotic tone, result in a record that does the culture justice.

– Erika Marie

4. Black Thought & El Michels – Glorious Game

Last year, legendary member of The Roots, Black Thought teamed up with Danger Mouse for an acclaimed collaborative album called Cheat Codes. That was the perfect name for an album where it felt like both the production and rapping was so consistently good, it was almost cheating. This year Black Thought teamed up with New York soul band El Michels Affair on a collaborative album called Glorious Game, but Cheat Codes would have been just as fitting of a name.

From the album’s most reserved and intimate points to its most bombastic and lively the production and instrumental performances are rich. The band does a truly wonderful job of assembling dynamic platforms over which Black Thought can work. And work he does, weaving together detail rich stories of street life and meditations on his dramatic come-up. The album is on the shorter side but it’s an all killer no filler approach that will surely leave you begging for more.

– Lavender Alexandria

3. Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here

For rap fans, the biggest shock of the year so far came when Lil Yachty dropped his new album Let’s Start Here back in January. Without announcing any intent to switch genres, Yachty shifted his style drastically. The album is a Funkadelic-inspired embrace of classic psychedelic rock and soul music. While many rappers from Logic to Vic Mensa to Kid Cudi have tried to crossover into the world of rock music, none do it as well as Yachty.

That comes from Yachty’s clear admiration for the greats of the style. He brings along collaborators like Daniel Caesar, Foushee, and Mac DeMarco to craft a vision of vintage psych rock that feels inspired by the classics without just worshiping them. Opening track “the BLACK. seminole” and closer “REACH THE SUNSHINE” are born of the legacy left by black rap stars but also aim to push their styles forward. From the dense and often genuinely experimental instrumental diatribes to the rousing and unpredictable compositions, nothing about the album even remotely resembles hip-hop. But Let’s Start Here isn’t impressive just because of where Yachty started, because where he ended up is deeply exciting regardless.

– Lavender Alexandria

2. Billy Woods & Kenny Segal – Maps

Using the past to define the present is nothing new for billy woods– he’s been painting an image of his otherwise blurred self with vivid references to long-since overthrown heads of state, violent acts of colonialism left off the history books, and retired football players for nearly two decades. He’s been at it so long that on his new concept album, Maps, woods can use his own songs to present the new. On the album’s opener he references a History Will Absolve Me lyric while evoking the perpetuity of the previously discussed indifference of God. Across the next 16 tracks, woods catalogs his experiences getting back on the road following the coronavirus pandemic and the anxiety, isolation, and listlessness that comes with it.

In making the journey, woods brings along his Hiding Places collaborator, Kenny Segal, for their first effort together since 2018. Across the project, Segal brings a diverse pallet of production that incorporates bleak jazz loops with, at other times, more ominous layered synths and hard-hitting drums. By the end of Maps, woods presents a Philip Marlowe-esque image of himself returning to New York, connecting only with his cat as he looks out at a city that becomes more unrecognizable by the day. Altogether, the combined forces of woods and Segal present another high point in the discography of both artists as well as one of the best hip-hop albums of the year thus far.

– Cole Blake

1. Danny Brown & JPEGMafia – Scaring The Hoes

No other album so far this year is as exciting, creative, complete, or unique as this experimental gem in the underground. Well, to call Peggy and Danny underground at this point probably gives a wrong impression that downplays their impact. Not only do both showcase the talent, skill, and influence they achieved in their storied careers, but they’re coming for the whole rap game’s head here. They’re tired of all the posturing, the weak albums, and the conservative and close-minded sheep mentality both online and in the streets. The duo expresses that with often hilarious and always astounding bars, referencing every corner of pop culture from politics to sports, movies, and more of every notoriety level.

The beats also do the talking, with the most creative sample flips, drum patterns, vocal chops, and addictive melodies you’ll hear all year. JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown beat hip-hop artists at their own boastful game with the former’s chaotic and uncompromising production and bars and the latter’s idiosyncratic perspective, flow, and delivery. No vision was better executed so far this year than SCARING THE HOES, and other rappers should indeed be scared of this testament to the craft, versatility, and bright future of hip-hop.

– Gabriel Bras Nevares

Which of these albums is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. Also, let us know if we’re missing anything on this list.

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5 Must-Hear R&B Albums From 2023 So Far

July 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

While hip-hop has only just now produced a No. 1 album over halfway through the year thanks to Lil Uzi Vert, R&B started out on a strong note thanks to SZA’s SOS. The TDE artist’s sophomore effort has spent a total of eight weeks championing the Billboard 200, only being beaten out by country star Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time. Aside from the “Kill Bill” singer’s major success, other favorites in the genre have given us noteworthy new releases over the past months too.

Our annual round-up of the year’s best rap albums so far is primarily male-dominated, with Sexyy Red’s Hood Hottest Princess earning her the only woman on the list. R&B, however, has heard incredible new arrivals from our favorite female vocalists, including Kiana Lede’s highly anticipated follow-up to 2020’s KIKI. Of course, we didn’t totally forget about the guys – two of Canada and Jamaica’s finest also left us impressed with their R&B LPs earlier in 2023. Keep scrolling to see which artists made the cut, and let us know who your personal favorites are in the comments.

Kali Uchis – Red Moon In Venus

Not only did Kali Uchis captivate the world with her sensual Red Moon In Venus LP, but she also passed some major career milestones. The songbird’s third studio album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with over 55K, marking her first Top 10 entry on the list. Across 15 titles, Uchis connects with Summer Walker as well as frequent collaborators Omar Apollo, and her boyfriend, Don Toliver.

Red Moon In Venus arrived at the beginning of March, and weeks later the bilingual artist went on to perform several tracks from it at Coachella. Both weekends Uchis had arguably one of the best sets, bringing out guests like Tyler, The Creator, and Toliver. Speaking of the Cactus Jack artist, his girlfriend appeared on his Love Sick album’s “4 Me” single prior to dropping her own project.

“‘Red Moon in Venus’ is a timeless, burning expression of desire, heartbreak, faith, and honesty, reflecting the divine femininity of the moon and Venus,” Uchis previously told Consequence of her work. Aside from her vision and vocal talent, the ethereal starlet also produced the opening song, “In My Garden…” on her own.

Janelle Monae – The Age of Pleasure

For Janelle Monae, The Age of Pleasure is more than just an album – it’s a sexual revolution. As we saw throughout her long-awaited LP’s rollout, the Kansas native is feeling more confident and carefree than ever before. Her breasts have been a focal point of the genre-bending work, appearing on the digital cover art, vinyl, and in front of thousands of fans at various live performances over the past few months.

The 37-year-old shared “Float” with Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 as her first single, later following it with “Lipstick Lover.” The latter came along with a salacious teaser video that left the internet lusting after Monae like never before, also confirming her first studio album in over five years. Our personal favorite collaboration on the tracklist is “Phenomenal” featuring TDE’s Doechii, though Grace Jones, Nia Long, Amaarae, Sister Nancy, and CKay make appearances as well.

Daniel Caesar – NEVER ENOUGH

Daniel Caesar’s debut album, Freudian, remains a staple in the rotation of many R&B lovers. Unfortunately for the Canadian, his fame was short-lived after he made controversial comments about race during a live stream that ultimately found him facing widespread cancellation. His sophomore effort, CASE STUDY 01, was largely skipped over as a result, even though it features stunning vocal work from Caesar.

By the time he shared his third LP, NEVER ENOUGH earlier in 2023, the embattled artist had thankfully moved back into the public’s good graces. Caesar teased us with singles like “Please Do Not Lean” featuring BADBADNOTGOOD, “Always,” and “Do You Like Me?” all of which only made fans fall more in love with his dreamy voice. Aside from vocals, the 28-year-old also flexed his producer skills alongside little brother Zachary Simmonds, Sir Dylan, Sevn Thomas, Rami, and Raphael Saadiq.

Kiana Lede – Grudges

The most recently released alum to land on our must-listen list of R&B releases so far this year comes from sultry songbird Kiana Lede. Her follow-up to 2020’s KIKI came in the form of Grudges, an undeniably toxic project that’s perfect for anyone who might be struggling with any pent-up resentment toward an old friend. The 26-year-old immediately catches our attention with “Bitter B**ch – INTROlude” and laces in collaborations with Bryson Tiller, Ella Mai, and Khalid throughout the 18-song tracklist.

During an interview with Vibe, Lede gave some insight into the inspiration behind her sophomore album. “‘Grudges’ actually has multiple meanings in this album. Obviously, there’s the [literal one]. I’m a bitter b**ch [who] definitely [has] grudges. I hold them very well. I’m working on it. I’m in therapy,” she admitted.

“So grudges towards relationships, also grudges just in my life. It’s something that I feel like we all constantly have to work on, whether it’s relationships or within ourselves, within the world,” Lede also told the outlet.

Masego – Masego

R&B music is typically most appreciated in the chilly winter months of cuffing season, but when a Masego song comes on, it’s hard not to fantasize about a romantic trip to the tropics at any time of year. It had been nearly two and a half years since his Studying Abroad project arrived when the Jamaican singer delivered his 14-track, self-titled LP. The former saw him teaming up with a handful of friends including Shenseea and Don Toliver, but on the latter, he operated solo.

Fan favorites on Masego include “What You Wanna Try,” “Black Anime,” and “Sax Fifth Avenue.” Whether you’re seeking to pretend you’re on the beach while tanning in your backyard this summer or need a soundtrack for an evening of dancing with friends, the 30-year-old has you covered with his long-awaited, must-listen record. He’s got a few live performances lined up over the coming months, including one at AfroBeats Festival in August, so fans will even have a chance to enjoy Masego’s new music in person before fall hits.

[Via]

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5 Must-Hear R&B Albums From 2023 So Far

July 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Kali Uchis – Red Moon In Venus

Janelle Monae – The Age of Pleasure

Daniel Caesar – NEVER ENOUGH

Kiana Lede – Grudges

Masego – Masego

[Via]

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7 Must-Listen Hip Hop Albums of All Time

June 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Hip hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The genre of music started as a niche movement in The Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s. Now, hip hop is the world’s biggest genre of music and is greatly impactful on pop culture. The volume and history of hip hop as a culture and genre can be overwhelming for anyone who would like to learn more about it. Today, we’ve compiled a list of seven of the best hip hop albums that one must listen to.

It must be emphasized that this list is not exhaustive and does not even begin to encompass the full scope of hip hop music. These selections attempt to display a wide variety of albums that were important for the development of the genre. Each album on the list has no skippable tracks and is considered iconic in most cultural discussions. Take a look at the list of seven of the best hip hop albums of all time that are essential listens.

Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle (1993)

An East Coast bias is often understood as hip hop was born in New York, and many of its greatest lyricists come from the area. Even if one favors the traditional hip hop sounds of New York, one cannot deny that Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle is one of the best hip hop albums of all time. Dr. Dre produced Snoop’s debut album in 1993, establishing the G-Funk sound and paving the way for the entire West Coast. The two established their chemistry on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, but Doggystyle combined calm and aggressive to completely redefine gangsta rap. Many of hip hop’s greatest artists from all regions cite Doggystyle as an inspiration.

Nas – Illmatic (1994)

Many classic hip hop albums helped shape the New York sound before 1994, but Nas reset the standard for lyricism with Illmatic. The album contains timeless boom-bap production that transports the listener to New York in the 1990s. Nas’s impeccable rhyme style and his storytelling ability raised the bar for the art of rapping. Illmatic’s concise tracklist also set the standard for what qualifies as a timeless piece of art. Nas was only 20 years old at its release, making Illmatic even more impressive.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready To Die (1994)

Ready to Die is one of hip hop’s most iconic albums and is arguably perfect. The Notorious B.I.G. cemented his legacy with his debut album before his untimely passing. Ready to Die solidified Biggie as an all-time great, blending his tough persona with deep thinking and vivid imagery. Ready to Die showcases Biggie’s unique and irreplicable flow and delivery. The album helped shape what a commercially successful hip hop should look like, creating a formula for rappers with crossover appeal. While Ready to Die is distinctly New York, Biggie’s lyrical ability and the album’s appeal transcended location.

Mobb Deep – The Infamous (1995)

Mobb Deep’s The Infamous set the benchmark for rough, rugged, and gritty hip hop music. The dusty yet beautiful production from Havoc and the violent rapping from Prodigy defined a sound of hip hop. While an album like Illmatic helped define the sound of New York, The Infamous created a lane of New York hip hop with its hardcore beats and rhymes. The Infamous was a landmark release for ‘90s rap and remains influential today as its sound permeates the underground scene.

JAY-Z – The Blueprint (2001)

JAY-Z’s name comes up in almost every discussion of the greatest rappers of all time. Many, including Jay himself, consider Reasonable Doubt, his debut album in 1996, his best. However, The Blueprint is an undeniable masterpiece. JAY-Z’s five previous albums showed that he could adapt to the current sound of hip hop and surpass others while doing so. The Blueprint saw Jay leading the charge instead. The album’s chopped and looped samples and JAY-Z’s skillful charisma made The Blueprint such a monumental album.

Madvillain – Madvillainy (2004)

Almost every album on this list was a critical and commercial success that took hip hop to new heights. MF DOOM and Madlib’s 2004 collaborative album as Madvillain defined the essence of underground hip hop. Madlib’s experimental sampling and MF DOOM’s lyrically dense and clever bars were unprecedented. The album’s rapping and production were innovative and influenced a lane of artistry that encourages creativity. Diehard rap fans still celebrate Madvillainy as a classic album, representing the ultimate collaboration between two of the underground’s greatest talents.

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

Kanye West’s fifth studio album is one of the most critically acclaimed albums of modern music. While Ye’s four previous albums are classics in their own right, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is his magnum opus. It encompassed the soul, arrangement, musicality, and experimentation of Kanye’s previous albums, skillfully blending genres to create an entirely new sound. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was arguably the peak of Kanye West’s lyrical skill, displaying effortless braggadocio and vulnerability. Released in 2010, the album set the bar high for modern music and has influenced contemporary hip hop and beyond.

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Brockhampton’s Albums & Mixtapes: Ranked

April 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Brockhampton has undoubtedly solidified itself as the defining boy band of the Gen-Z generation. First meeting on a Kanye West fan forum, Brockhampton (named after the street Kevin Abstract grew up on) has one of the most tight-knit and impactful discographies to date. After releasing The Family and TM at the end of 2022, it seems that the band’s illustrious run has finally ended. Today, we rank Brockhampton’s nine studio albums from worst to best.

9. TM (2022)

Unfortunately, Brockhampton ended with a whimper rather than a bang. When you consider how out of touch numerous members of the group had been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t come as a surprise when fans were treated with the jaded, incomplete project that is TM. Rather than a cohesive experience, TM reads as a colorless collection of tracks that never made previous projects. That said, TM still features a collection of dark and gritty tracks that make it worth a listen. “MAN ON THE MOON” draws the listener in with twinkling synths featuring soothing vocals from Joba and Ryan Beatty. “FMG” toys with distorted synths and a grumbling 808 amidst menacing verses from Kevin Abstract and Dom McLennon. However, these highlights are an exception rather than a constant. Ultimately, TM comes from a group of artists who created the project out of obligation rather than creative freedom.

8. ALL-AMERICAN TRASH (2016)

Technically, this is Brockhampton’s first and only mixtape, ALL-AMERICAN TRASH. It set the groundwork for the Saturation trilogy that arrived a year later. The group came together at a run-down house in San Marcos, Texas, without pinpointing what they would create. Sharing rooms and spending their days creating music, it’s understandable that this project would come from a group of kids who haven’t yet developed creative chemistry.

ALL-AMERICAN TRASH tackled lo-fi, melodic soundscapes that walked a tightrope between hip-hop and soul. As a result, members such as Joba and Bearface have more pronounced appearances on the project. This included an impressive look on the blissful “HOME.” It’s hard to miss the Outkast influences on “MICHIGAN,” blending pitched-down synths with slapshot hi-hats. While there are a few worthy moments from the mixtape, there are far too many slow burners from a group trying too hard to fit into a creative mold.

7. The Family (2022)

The Family was released as a creative counterpart along TM at the end of 2022. While it was released under the name of Brockhampton, it’s essentially a Kevin Abstract album. The Family sees Abstract read from his journal, chronicling the events that led to the demise of hip-hop’s most beloved boyband. He’s brutally honest, stating, “I decided not to show up or show support ’cause I was tryna go solo before we went on tour” on the groovy “All That.”

There’s a bitter aftertaste to The Family. The gorgeous soul samples scream for a chorus from Matt Champion or an exhilarating verse from Merlyn. Abstract doesn’t have to say anything; the absence of the rest of the group (except for Bearface) says enough about where the group is. However, the sendoff is still lyrically touching. From the heart-wrenching outro track “Brockhampton” to the sun-seeking “Good Time,” The Family is an admirable effort from Abstract.

6. Iridescence (2018)

Brockhampton took a left turn after the smash success of the Saturation trilogy. After an exhausting world tour, the group took some time off before creating their most experimental project. Iridescence is a distorted collection of mosh-pit bangers created by a group that just wanted to get back to having fun making music. While it’s nowhere near their best work, the experimental vocal pitching and wild song structures become easier to enjoy with each listen.

However, Brockhampton bites off more than they can chew on much of their fifth record. The balance they achieved on Saturation III is out of whack, as its experimentation often seems directionless. Of course, this reality is understandable, considering the recent departure of frontman Ameer Vann. That said, there are occasional moments when the chaos finds its way through the clutter. “TONYA” is one of Brockhampton’s best songs, as the piano chord-ridden intro gradually morphs into a momentous banger. “J’OUVERT” and “NEW ORLEANS” expresses the group’s inner rage at the world around them.

5. Saturation (2017)

Brockhampton’s sudden progression from ALL-AMERICAN TRASH to Saturation left hip-hop fans dumbfounded. Leaping from lo-fi melodies to unapologetic bangers, the collective unequivocally found their sound on their first installment of the Saturation trilogy. After the group moved from San Marcos, Texas, to Los Angeles, they immediately worked on their debut album. As Bearface put it, “Music was being made all of the time. You could wake up at 6:00 a.m., and somebody would be making something.” The group’s endless labor would send waves across the US music scene.

From the braggadocios “GOLD” to the shimmering melodies on “SWIM,” there’s an overarching message of self-confidence. The production chops of the project are the stand-out element, as the lyricism is far more naive and cringeworthy than in their later works. However, Saturation stands out as Brockhampton’s most essential record, catapulting them from suburban streets to the limelight of Hollywood.

4. Ginger (2019)

Their fifth studio album, Ginger, was nowhere near the group’s initial plan for the record. Back in June 2019, Abstract told GQ, “We want to make a summer album.” Ten seconds into “No Halo,” this notion was promptly thrown out the window. Brockhampton struggles to navigate the world around them on Ginger, further expanding on the experimental sampling on Iridescence. In many ways, the record feels like a fully realized version of what Iridescence was meant to be.

Some of Brockhampton’s best tracks to date are on Ginger.’Joba screams out on “Dearly Departed” while Dom delivers his most heartfelt verse on the backend. “Boy Bye” is one of those tracks that will drive aspiring producers crazy; the plucky lead melodies and eclectic sampling make it a much-needed banger on a somber project. Ginger is top-heavy and occasionally meandering. However, undoubtedly, it’s another solid addition to their discography.

3. Saturation II (2017)

Released only two months after the first Saturation installment, Saturation II saw Brockhampton fully capitalize on its notoriety. Swiping away the notion that great music takes a long time to perfect, the project saw Brockhampton brush up on many subtle flaws in the first installment. The lyrics aren’t falsely self-indulgent, and the production feels far more poignant than ever. With the group in a creative flow, diving right back into Saturation II rather than sitting on Saturation proved wise.

Once again, Brockhampton is finding subtle ways to blend the worlds of Outkast and Frank Ocean. “Jesus” and “Summer” are gorgeous, while “Gummy” and “Tokyo” ditch the pretty boy act for wonky bangers. The chemistry had taken a notable leap, as members more frequently traded mid-verses bars. While Brockhampton’s discography never shied away from attacking dark subject matter, Saturation II remains their most gleeful project.

2. Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine (2021)

The sixth project from Brockhampton, Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine was their most introspective record. Much of the narrative struggle is centered around Joba, who’s processing the tormented aftermath of his father’s suicide. “Does mental illness run in the family? Did you even care about me?” Joba asks these damning questions amid beats more subtle than what appeared on any of the Saturation projects. Roadrunner opts to package its messaging with quality rather than quality, coming in at 13 tracks.

Roadrunner is genre-bending and unpredictable from start to finish. “I’ll Take You On” brings in Charlie Wilson for background vocals on the lovesick and triumphant cut. “Buzzcut” sees Merlyn take the forefront, with Danny Brown delivering a feature. In fact, Roadrunner is the first project that sees Brockhampton incorporate features, a welcomed change to the scenery of their sound. Bouncing from soulful pop ballads to trap bangers, Roadrunner compacts everything great about Brockhampton.

1. Saturation III (2017)

Saturation III feels like a grandiose culmination, the creative prime of a group already at the top of the mountain. While previous projects often lacked a certain element, whether surface-level songwriting or wallpaper production styles, the final installment of the Saturation trilogy finally saw Brockhampton bring it all together. Excluding the brief interludes, the record only features 12 tracks, which aids in the cohesive nature of the record. Brockhampton’s pen game is at its peak on Saturation III. Ameer, Dom, and Merlyn have improved on all fronts. This is especially notable on bangers such as “Boogie” and “Bleach.”

In many ways, “TEAM” feels like the perfect send-off, as it symbolically blends the two contrasting sides of Brockhampton. Bearface is once again the outro star, as his harrowing vocals are layered with a screeching electric guitar. In summary, every member is given room to shine.