Overall, March was a great month for music as we were blessed with a plethora of amazing projects and songs. Having said that, it only makes sense that we would count down the best rap albums and songs of the month. We have been doing that every single month of the year so far, and we will continue to do so for the entirety of 2024. Below, you can find our staff’s favorite albums, as well as the songs they have continued to bump consistently.
Future & Metro Boomin – We Don’t Trust You
When Future and Metro Boomin dropped We Don’t Trust You, fans immediately rushed to the track “Like That,” for very obvious reasons. However, the entire album is just fantastic. Metro has always had the it factor when it comes to his production. Moreover, Future remains one of the most influential rappers of all-time. He has not lost a single step, and when he combines with Metro, it always turns into gold. We can’t wait for the second album which is due out on April 12th.
ScHoolBoy Q – Blue Lips
It had been five years since ScHoolboy Q had given us an album. However, with Blue Lips, he certainly made the wait worth it. Overall, this is a project that showcases Q at his best. From the lyrics to the storytelling to the production choices, everything here is on a whole other level. TDE has always put out quality projects, and this is absolutely no exception. We’re happy to have Q back, and we hope he delivers another album in the not-do-distant future.
MIKE & Tony Seltzer – Pinball
MIKE is one of those artists who is able to put out album of the year contenders seemingly at will. At the end of the day, Pinball, a collaborative album with Tony Seltzer, is a great example of this. Once again, MIKE delivers some fantastic flows and bars. The production throughout the project is otherworldly, and MIKE slides over it with ease. Furthermore, there are some dope features throughout the album. “On God” with Earl Sweatshirt and Tony Shhnow proves to be a perfect example of this.
Flo Millo – Fine Ho Stay
Lastly, when it comes to the album category, we have Fine Ho, Stay by Flo Milli. When the artist dropped “Never Lose Me,” it was clear she had a hit on her hands. Once she added Cardi B and SZA to the mix, it was a cheat code. However, the entire album is amazing. Flo Milli is a hitmaker, plain and simple. From singing to rapping, she can really do it all, and her hooks are always catchy. If we continue to get more of this, Flo Milli’s ascension in the hip-hop world will be complete.
Last year, Sexyy Red cemented herself as a bonafide hitmaker. Overall, she can crank out hits at will. Sure, her bars and flows aren’t next level, but they are extremely confident. Not to mention, while her lyrics are extraordinarily raunchy, they are funny and make for some viral moments. On “Get It Sexyy,” the artist has given us yet another anthem. It feels like she just cannot miss with these songs. Now that she has Drake in her corner, we’re going to be seeing a whole lot more of Sexyy, very soon.
On the same day that Kendrick Lamar broke the internet, Big Sean dropped “Precision.” Once again, it felt like Kendrick was purposely trying to take away from Sean’s moment. However, Sean was able to emerge through the noise. “Precision” is a great return track from the artist. His hitmaking abilities are still very much prevalent, and he has matured significantly with his bars. As for the production here, it is anthemic and uplifting in a way that is perfect for the spring and summer months.
Cardi B – “Enough”
Cardi B is at the top of her game right now. Although it has been years since her debut album, there is no doubt that she is in album mode. There is no greater indication of this than the song “Enough.” Once again, Cardi gives us one of her signature anthems. It is the kind of song you just want to rap along to. Furthermore, it reaffirms the fact that Cardi has one of the most commanding voices in the rap game. Hopefully, the album is real and it gets here in time for the summer.
Don Toliver is an artist who is always going to bring the vibes. His singing voice is lovely, and ever since he got together with Kali Uchis, it feels like he has brought things up a step. It also helps he uses her as inspiration for song writing. That is especially the case on “Deep In The Water,” which is yet another display of Toliver’s talents. It seems like a new album is on the horizon, and we can’t wait to get the full thing. Hopefully, we get some variety, as “Deep In The Water” is definitely a continuation of what Toliver has already given us. Albeit a heightened version of that sound.
Playboi Carti – “Ketamine”
Playboi Carti is someone who is very mysterious with his releases. At this point, we don’t know what to expect from him. However, “Ketamine” was a delightful surprise earlier this month. It is part of the rollout for his album I Am Music, which has no real release date. However, you can’t help but love the energy in this song. Carti is still doing that deep voice cadence, and he is embracing the punk and metal aesthetics that helped Whole Lotta Red standout. We cannot wait to hear what this entire album will be like.
Future & Metro Boomin ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Like That”
“Like That” is a song that needs no introduction. Overall, it features Kendrick Lamar and it contains some shots directed at Drake and J. Cole. This was a song that was destined for greatness from the start. Not to mention, Kendrick and Future just sound amazing over it. Metro’s production and sampling is top notch, making this a true contender for song of the year.
Let us know your favorite rap albums and songs of the year so far, in the comments section below.
We’re a sixth of the way through 2024, and while it was a slower month than its predecessor, February still held a lot of heat for hip-hop. Whether it was huge blockbusters, indie hits, or long-awaited returns, this year is much more exciting off the bat than in 2023’s case. With that in mind, we can only dream of what else is in store for us this spring, when releases will get much more competitive. Make sure to hit the comments section to let us know what your favorite rap releases were this year, and what you think about the year so far for the genre and culture. So get your debate hats on and let’s take a look at the best rap albums and songs of February 2024.
Yeat – 2093
Starting off with one of the best hip-hop LPs of the year so far, and debatably the best mainstream release of February. Yeat took a big step on this 20+ track behemoth, but brought with him the focus and vision of a concise 30-minute drop. 2093 is heavy, industrial, ethereal, visceral, hard-hitting, occasionally gorgeous, and yes, futuristic. But its impact and place in the rap canon for 2024 isn’t because of any pushed boundaries, because this isn’t the most revolutionary sound under the sun. It’s because the Portland rapper (or alien, we should say) synthesized a lot of different inspiration points into something wholly his own.
Quadeca – SCRAPYARD
Along a similar vein, we have this loose but consistently enthralling mixtape that makes something new out of… well, scraps. Quadeca released a few SCRAPYARD cuts last year as little EPs, and much of the material here was devised during the making of his captivating 2022 album, I Didn’t Mean To Haunt You. While they didn’t fit that tracklist, and the Bulgarian -– sorry, Californian creative said a couple of tracks made after it won’t fit on his next, this still feels like a cohesive and cathartic record. Its blends of folk, indie rock, chamber pop, industrial hip-hop, alternative rap, and much more create a uniquely mid-fi portrait of a vulnerable but boundless artist. As far as the less traveled corners adjacent to the genre, nothing else in 2024 feels quite as special as this.
Little Simz – Drop 7 (EP)
For this next entry, we’re leaving the underground and heading straight to the club to return home at 7AM the next morning. Little Simz kept fans fed ahead of her next full-length with a fun, vibrant, and punchy collection of electronic and dance-inspired cuts. There’s drum and bass worship, a Jersey club jam, house-like rhythms, and even a trunk-knicking and authentic take on Brazilian funk. Regardless, we’re sure that the English lyricist’s next project will be more of a straightforward, complete, and grand experience. But as far as some great music to simply take in and enjoy with no frills, it doesn’t get much more enjoyable or freeing than Drop 7.
Erick The Architect – I’ve Never Been Here Before
Flatbush Zombies are sorely missed in the hip-hop landscape today, but its members are still making their mark on the culture. But I’ve Never Been Here Before feels like a more personal and important artistic step for group member Erick the Architect, not like a retread of what makes the trio so great. It’s a bit moodier than their most popular material and invokes a lot more genres and instrumentation styles, although it’s as reminiscent of their woozy East Coast sensibilities as ever. Also, the album’s sheer versatility really works in its favor and elevates it beyond a comeback moment. Don’t let this one slip from your rotation in 2024.
Now it’s time to move on to singles, and there’s only one thing we can say to this Memphis MC about her new banger, and that’s “Yeah, Glo!” It’s very simple: match GloRilla with a grimy and old-school hometown beat and let her flow on it, and you’ll get an anthem for Bluff City. Still, what makes “Yeah Glo!” special in comparison to other takes on this is its infectious chorus and the 24-year-old’s raw energy. While we remain patient for a long-form project soon, it’s great to hear that she’s still got it. Rarely can artists retain the same exciting spark that burst them onto the scene, and this song is a solid example of that.
Speaking of sparks, Don Toliver came through with “Bandit” in February, an absolute banger that calls back to his originally seamless fusions of dreamy R&B melodies and amped-up rap flows. Thanks to a triumphant and layered instrumental, the Houston crooner was able to craft one of his most high-octane offerings in recent memory. Sure, he’s more well-known for his softer side these days, but fans are hoping that this kicks off a new era for him. After all, there are rock-adjacent acoustic drums and electric guitar chords here that sound like a stadium. It would be great to see the fusion that made Don such a star come back to the forefront of his work.
SZA – “Saturn”
Hopping over to the R&B realm, SZA surprised fans with a sultry, airy, and transportive preview ahead of her SOS deluxe, Lana. At least, that’s what die-hards hope will land later this year, but we wouldn’t be mad if Solana just drops more excellent loosies like these. Let’s run through the checklist: beautiful vocal performance? Check. Hazy yet lush production with a strong melodic center? Check. An emotively resonant song structure longing for escape, peace, and fulfillment in a compelling and thoroughly entertaining way? Double check, because the TDE superstar made us long for both a trip to Saturn and a journey to whatever world she created “Saturn” in.
Armand Hammer – “Doves” ft. Benjamin Booker
Even though We Buy Diabetic Test Strips came out last year, even its bonus tracks are proving why it will likely be a standout album for years to come. Its creators Armand Hammer, with special guest Benjamin Booker, released “Doves” as an extra treat to this LP, and it’s a near-nine-minute opus. It’s mostly a pretty ambient experience, with group members billy woods and E L U C I D drop languid, complex, but absolutely gut-wrenching verses over it. Pianos, static, faint guitar, and a whole lot of lo-fi noise and distortion will put you in a meditative state. We’d call it a haunting experience, or perhaps a soothing one, but the pallet created by the balance of these two spaces is too evocative to put in a single box.
TiaCorine – “Olive” ft. Zelooperz
Back to the bangers, we have two wildly colorful spitters joining forces on a disgustingly nasty beat from BNYX. This cut appears on TiaCorine’s Almost There EP, which is also deserving of a slot in the best projects section for this month. As for “Olive,” it’s all about their fast flows, zany deliveries, and how they’re able to sound so effortless and locked in over this instrumental. Yeah, it’s one of the most simple and immediate inclusions on this list, but play this in the car and you’ll see what we mean. If not, don’t fret: there are seven other gems on this short record, including “Blick” with Key Glock.
With this pick, you might have a pretty decent idea of who’s going to make our “Best Rap Songs & Albums of March 2024” list. ScHoolboy Q dropped various non-streaming singles ahead of the release of his five-years-in-the-making album BLUE LIPS, of which “Blueslides” connected the most deeply with fans. Many rightfully see it as a tribute to Mac Miller, and the melancholy and tender piano sample compliments the TDE legend’s reflections on his friend’s loss. But it also moves through many other lyrical areas of struggle, mental health, overwhelming pressure, and much more. It’s one of the most emotionally powerful cuts of the year so far, and a treat for hip-hop pen purists and production prudes alike.
Smino – “mister misfit but ain’t missed a fit in months”
Finally, this St. Louis-born rhymer chose to once again prove why he’s been one of the most exciting and idiosyncratic artists in the game. “mister misfit but ain’t missed a fit in months” is not only one of the most fun hip-hop songs of the year so far, but an impressively dexterous rapping performance that treats flows like the world’s most disposable camera: a quick and amazing snap, and onto the next. It’s really like watching Smino dance on a tightrope, and he makes it all the way to the end without breaking a sweat. Please, please drop a project this year, Mr. Misfit!
Let us know your favorite rap songs and albums of the month in the comments section below!
Overall, we have had a fantastic start to the year as it pertains to new albums and new songs. Some of the biggest artists in the game have been dropping, and it is a stark contrast to last year. Although 2023 certainly had some great releases, some fans felt it was a down year. However, we are starting strong in 2024, and that is all that matters. Having said that, we are taking a look at some of the best rap albums and songs of the past month.
21 Savage – American Dream
Firstly, we have 21 Savage and American Dream. Once again, 21 finds himself getting personal with us on a solo album. From the jump, he hits us with some scintillating bars and the production to match. Although the album may be bloated towards the end, we get enough bangers like “redrum” to keep us coming back. If anything, this album officially put the 21 doubters out of their misery.
Boldy James & Nicholas Craven – Penalty Of Leadership
Subsequently, we have Boldy James and Nicholas Craven who gave us an early AOTY contender, Penalty Of Leadership. This is easily one of the best rap albums we heard last month. From the sampling to the storytelling and introspection, this album is a feat to behold. We’re sure Boldy will be dropping more music this year, and we cannot wait to hear what he has in store. As for Craven, he continues to prove himself as an immense talent.
Xaviersobased – Keep It Goin Xav
Xaviersobased is an artist who has certainly been able to navigate the internet world with ease. He is a king of the contemporary underground, and continues to forge new sounds within the New York hip-hop scene. On Keep It Goin Xav, the artist showcases just how strong of a songwriter he is. From wavy and hypnotic production to silky flows, Xaviersobased keeps you wanting more. While some may enjoy more traditional forms of rap, this album is still worth a listen.
R.A.P. Ferreira & Fumitake Tamura – the First Fist to Make Contact When We Dap
Another great album from this past month is R.A.P. Ferreira and Fumitake Tamura’s The First Fist to Make Contact When We Dap. Once again, R.A.P. Ferreira delivers a project worthy of your attention. The bars, the production, and everything in between is on point. If you are a fan of this style of rap, then you should absolutely stop what you’re doing and give it some attention.
Benny The Butcher is an artist who is consistently found on best rap albums lists and for good reason. Overall, the Buffalo artist is extremely consistent. On Everybody Can’t Go, delivers tracks produced by Alchemist and Hit-Boy. Overall, this makes for a captivating listen. While some have proclaimed that it is not their favorite Benny project, it is still incredibly strong and worthy of inclusion on this list.
Transitioning over to songs now, we have Ice Spice with “Think U The Shit (Fart).” Okay okay. We know. That opening bar is a bit of a meme. However, the overall song is actually extremely catchy. Moreover, once the hi-hats hit in the middle of the track, it really catches its stride. If you like fun, then you will definitely enjoy this cut.
Playboi Carti – “EVILJ0RDAN”
What more can be said about Playboi Carti and his recent rollout? There has been so much good music dropping, it is easy to forget that one of the best and most reclusive artists in rap has a new album coming. As for his most recent single “EVILJ0RDAN,” it lives up to its name. The production is straight-up demonic, and Carti is coming with a new sound that is quite promising. Hopefully, the album lives up to the hype.
Maxo Kream – “Bang The Bus”
Maxo Kream and Evilgiane teamed up for “Bang The Bus,” a truly captivating song with a Frou Frou sample that may take you by surprise. That said, Maxo is known for his bangers, as well as his incredible flow and voice. That is no different on this new track, which is a must-listen. Hopefully, Evilgiane continues to get the credit he deserves as it pertains to being a producer who is creating new sounds.
Young Miko – “Bzrp Music Sessions”
Young Miko is a Puerto Rican artist who has been showcasing immense talent over the last few years. Her sound is nothing short of amazing, and her BZRP Music Sessions collaboration is something that has been on repeat. The way she weaves in and out of the hook and verse is a marvel to behold. She is certainly not a new phenom, but she is one American audiences need to pay attention to.
SiR – “No Evil”
It had been a while since we had heard any new music from SiR. Now, he is back, and we are thanking our lucky stars for that. On “No Evil,” SiR embodies the spirit of D’Angelo, all while delivering some of his best vocals to date. Oh, and the instrumental will have you shook and coming back for more. What are you waiting for? Give the song a list, right now.
Anycia & Latto – “Back Outside”
Anycia is an artist who continues to showcase her raw talent. She got a massive co-sign from Veeze, who had an incredible 2023. This past month, she came through with “Back Outside” which features Latto. The flows, the beat, and the charisma jumps out at you and it is impossible to not be intrigued. Moving forward, we cannot wait to hear more from her.
21 Savage – “redrum”
We couldn’t deliver a best songs of January list without including 21 Savage’s track “redrum.” Overall, this is a pure banger that does a great job of making a statement on American Dream. If you like Savage and his flows, then this is going to be a song you will gravitate to. It doesn’t get more straightforward than this.
Lastly, we have the song that has pretty much set off an entire firestorm on social media. Of course, we are talking about “Hiss.” The song features Megan Thee Stallion at her best lyrically. Yes, she is taking shots at Nicki and a host of others. However, beyond that, this is a banger. It shows that Meg is back, and we could not be more grateful.
Let us know your favorite rap songs and albums of the month, in the comments section below
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – Magic3
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.
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.
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.
