!MY! Top 50 Albums of 2020
I put the emphasis on MY for a specific reason. It needs to be pointed out that these are my favorite/top 50 albums. I’m sure there will be tons of disagreements. “Why isn’t Eminem and Joyner Lucas on here? They’re the real lyricists of our time!” Well, because this is my top 50 album and I didn’t care to hear Joyner rip-off big name artists while talking about his ADHD. These albums made me get through a lot of the bullshit that this year placed upon me. When the anxiety and sadness started to kick in, pressing play on these projects made it that much easier to cope. So here it is:
50. Charli XCX - how I’m feeling now
Pop music definitely wasn’t on my agenda coming into 2020. I really had no interest with the genre. A few conversations with some great people made me give it a try (mostly EJ getting at me enough times to give it a listen) and I gave in. Thank god I did, my love for pop music is on another level. Charli XCX was one of the biggest examples of it. The experimental sound and mixed with her robotic, yet angelic vocals makes this listen so well worth it. I imagine myself going through a love story in time travel to the future. She displays her emotions perfectly, even while the production can be a bit much for me. Definitely one of those albums I’m glad I eventually caught on to listening.
49. Gunna - WUNNA
Gunna was someone that slowly climbed my radar for listenability. Early on, I had my doubts about the panoramic artist. This album put all doubts to rest, but not just the regular release. The love came from the creative and odd deluxe album that he dropped on us. Artists in 2020 are piling on the bonus tracks and deluxes right on our heads. Left and right, it was undeniable that during this time of need artists were looking for a way to make more money. Lil Uzi Vert dropped a whole other album a week later upon his glorious return. Gunna gave us the bonus releases, but mixing up the track-listing and gave this album a whole different feel. They come together perfectly and basically find us Gunna fans a new way of hearing his music. A job well done.
48. Key Glock - Son Of A Gun & Yellow Tape
Memphis has had an incredible run of artists in 2020, and none go harder than Key Glock. Dropping two albums, he sound doesn’t change but neither does the quality. His grind is impeccable, and whether it was rapping over a guitar like on “1997” or a the classic trap sound on “Gucci Sweatsuit” he was on point with where he comes from and stands for. The Memphis movement gives a different perspective of what the south was needing. Both albums describe the scenes he witnessed in his city, and he either makes bangers out of them or tells a story.
47. Brionne - Playa Shit Only
This is one of the many talented artists I had the pleasure of interviewing in 2020. Brionne is a rapper from Dallas, Texas and when you hear her music you can tell right away where she resides. Her gritty and aggressive nature over these funky ass trap sounds that would transition beautifully into a chopped and screwed edition months later make Brionne’s talent undeniable. She wants to be known as a great rapper, without the gender title in front of her occupation. This short tape clearly defines who she is and how she plans on stamping her name in hip-hop. “Out The Way” lands atop of my favorite songs of the year, and can help place her among the greatest up-and-comers.
46. Young Nudy - Anyways
Nudy is a breath a fresh air when it comes to the rappers from Atlanta. He has had an underrated run with his catalog. This album is no different, as it felt swept under the rug despite him making a name for himself in 2020 for his solo tracks and features with 21 Savage and Lil Uzi Vert. But his switch up in flows and being able to spaz on any beat played for him is top tier talent. This album proves his uniqueness in the game, he isn’t trying to play copy-cat with some of the bigger acts in his city. Nudy is infectious, “Deeper Than Rap” has one of the toughest flows and “No Comprende” is killing the game with his catchy hooks. Let’s give a round of applause for Mr. Nudy.
45. Polo G - The GOAT
One of Chicago’s most promising stars once again proves his worth of the title on his album to take seriously. Polo G raised himself another level with his pain to pen story-telling and just what the Windy City has done to his psyche. He pours his heart from beginning to end, describing tragedies of losing friends, doing drugs to forget and the hardships he went through in his youth. Even with him giving us the hit that went viral on Tik-Tok for months with “Go Stupid”, he was able to turn around and speak on injustice of black people on “Wishing For a Hero”. That realness of dealing of police brutality with the sampling of the legendary “Changes” from Tupac just pierces you. The resume grows stronger.
44. Giveon - TAKE TIME
We should all thank Drake for putting us on to Giveon. The man’s singing is a notch above the rest. He opened his heart to the masses, dealing with the relationship struggles that makes him come across as a hopeless romantic. “WORLD WE CREATED” soothes the soul, while “HEARTBREAK ANNIVERSARY” is just pouring his sadness about a woman that left him in shambles. This EP gave me the passion in R&B that my mind was craving. Giveon gave us the relatability of desiring a woman that won’t ever take us back, and my heart burns for him here. He will be apart of some great music down the line.
43. Pop Smoke- Meet the Woo 2 & Shoot For the Stars
It’s becoming repetitive how much we have all been saying that 2020 has become the worst year of our lives. First Kobe Bryant, then we lost Pop Smoke to a tragic shooting. The man was well on his way to superstardom and putting New York drill on the map. Before anything happened though, he dropped Meet the Woo 2 which contained some of Pop’s best drill hits like “Christopher Walking” and “Element". The haunting demeanor in which he carried himself in the music only elevated his status in hip-hop and the sub-genre he was making popular. Even with his posthumous release (which does contain some misses) they still showed the evolution he was on. The run of “44 Bulldog” to “Yea Yea" gave us the versatility that the fans knew he could be progressing towards.
42. Kehlani - It Was Good Until It Wasn’t
This is every toxic women’s dream album to listen to. The back and forth of being in a committed relationship and dealing with the bullshit that comes with it. Her innocent voice makes you feel bad she is going through these situations. Her emotions fluctuate between confidence and insecurity, giving a story of the classic relationship people seemed to be enthralled with. Not my cup of tea persay, but makes for great music. Her smooth jams of “Water" and “Can You Blame Me" tend to be my favorite parts, while also enjoying her better singing moments on “Open (Passionate)”. She also took Tory Lanez off her album, so hats off to her for that.
41. Chavo x Pi’erre Bourne - Chavo’s World
This duo dropped career nights, feeding off each others strengths like they are a top-tandem in the league. Pi’erre’s colorful and electric production comes together beautifully with Chavo’s effortless flow. “Boolie" should be mentioned on every single person’s “best of 2020" lists. Chavo can you give aggressive bars about the trenches and then croons about putting the City Girls on repeat. The hooks are catchy and the versatility between producer and rapper is truly helping this album move another level. It makes me feel like I’m apart of a cartoon on Adult Swim. If you need a fun listen, this is the album for you.
40. King Von - Welcome to O' Block
Remember when I said this year sucked? Yeah, King Von’s death is just another notch on the belt as to why. When hearing about the sad situation, I hadn’t played the album yet. Maybe that affects my opinion on the project, but his storytelling of Chicago’s street life made me look at Von differently. When hearing LeVon James I wasn’t super impressed, but he leveled up in every category. From passion, to descriptions, his bars and flow improved, the beats were more captivating to the ear. He emptied his bag on this album, and it’s sad that the progress stops here. The evolution of Chiraq’s drill and passion was supposed to have King Von’s name all over it.
39. Radamiz - Synonyms of Strength
If we needed any sort of positivity, it would be from this years struggles. Radamiz finds himself grateful for what has come of his life. His soul is cleansed, making for a project that could bring peace to the world. Going from the bottom of life’s hierarchy to being in a spot to provide for family and one’s own happiness makes you think differently. “Goya" features Kota the Friend each describing their once sad style of living, eating Goya out the can. The message is pure, hearing “Gratitude is Gangsta" beating all the typical stereotypes of what “gangster" is. But none as strong and moving as “I Am Blessed, I’m Alive, I’m Amazing", with it’s soft beat for Radamiz to speak his blessings into existence. Amazing sounds and raps.
38. Rahli - Still Big Rallo From Lorna
The city of St. Louis is in good hands with Lorna Lane’s own. Rahli has made war-stories about the depths of hell he grew up in, with focused songs and big name features. Getting guys like Duke Deuce, Quando Rondo and Mozzy to feature for the Big Rallo fit perfectly to how he has made his music. His versatility was shown a different light, combining vicious flows and harmonies that can be seen on tracks like “Lorna Love" and “Bury Me Alive". This 30 minute listen is jam-packed with eventful moments of slurring intoxication in his voice and block party moments, but also moments detailed with tragedy.
37. Sheff G - One & Only & Proud Of Me Now
One thing is certain, Sheff G doesn’t miss a moment to attack any pocket that’s given him. While One & Only presents his ability to make a hit and putting his imprint on what BK drill is about, Proud Of Me Now seems like the victory lap that was needed for his incredible 2020. His list of hits include “No Suburban pt. 2" and “Tonight 2", which describes his life as a movie, while “Tip Toe" has that Tiny Tim sample where you feel you are in their scary movie. His trajectory is only going to get better from here, and taking the reigns of New York’s best artist is coming soon.
36. Play - Jody
The man’s word-play and slickness on any beat makes Play, aka PlayMyShit on Instagram, that much more a threat for years to come. With stories about trials & tribulations and better song structure than his previous record, this album has a replayability factor that makes all of these songs so soothing. “Tequila Sunrise" has one of the more soulful beats and Play spazzes on the switch of sound. You find gold in his pen-game, like on “Gods Posture Freestyle" where he raps about recreating his peak and knowing his worth. The soul in the Carolina’s is prevalent as ever with this album. A name to be looking out for. Simple, play Play.
35. Like Durk - Just Cause Y’all Waited 2
The hype for Durkio never clicked with me. I thought his catalog was filled with inconsistencies of singing and Chicago’s drill rap. But this album, Durk found his calling. He put soul, passion and a more consistent singing voice within his music. This one was personal for him, speaking upon his addictions and calling bullshit on his foes. Durk was able to handle the whole album mostly himself, with two or three features that help with the album’s direction. There’s tons of street soul on here, “Viral Moment" tells personal moments of dead homies, Chiraq’s streets and that possible desperation of wanting that viral moment to boost their careers. Not too mention, his deluxe album gives us more heat to grab onto. More of preaching to the streets, great hooks and enjoyable performances in his bars.
34. Nappy Roots
All these dudes know is country shit, according to the into “Back Roads”. And you can easily spot the southern roots in their music and voice. “Jivin' and Schuckin’" doesn’t need much explanation into that. The underground rap group puts together spiritual down south raps of celebrating with chugging beers, but reflections of their roots and how far they’ve made it. Their harmonious tracks “Till They Told Us" and “Do Better" hit you with that twang that brings “southern hospitality” to life. The group has clear influence from OutKast, without stealing copying their entire sound. The boys from Bowling Green are very comfortable in their dirt roads, enthralled with copious amounts of cookouts and enjoying their environment.
33. Blxst - No Love Lost
I expect big things from Blxst in the coming years, his star potential is off the charts. The R&B game has been thriving lately, and he wants apart of it. His soothing LA vibes on every track are contagious, hitting all the notes to make you nod your head in agreement with what’s being sung to your ear drums. His emotions are worn on sleeve, hypnotizing any woman that he is trying to sway. Blxst is just too smooth, the album has some of the best replayable value of 2020’s releases. It’s so basic to say “wow, what a vibe” but like this is the embodiment of that, in a good way.
32. KeyiaA - Forever, Ya Girl
The choppy soul that KeiyaA provides for the listener is different in a lot of ways. I will forever enjoy this niche sound that could’ve been inspired by Earl Sweatshirt and how unconventional the music is. Song structure matters none here, as she carries the album with her profound voice and subject matter about lust and not eating red meat. Tracks like “Rectifiya" truly show her talent is within her voice and being able to hit the pocket with these experimental sounds for the R&B genre. While soft, it gels together with the production being provided for her. Even the little skits that can take up a track feel like they make sense within the song. Truly a great showing.
31. Jay Show - Red Durango
Scranton’s finest put on a show before COVID hit us with the stay at home order. Versatility, that is the word I would use to describe Javon. His old-school sound of 90’s New York raps and flows hit you right in the throwback Thursday’s like “With the Crew". But then you get a modern day hit with “Pink Face" with a catchy hook and ability to let his singing loose. He even is able to give a somewhat similar story structure that Meek Mill used to give on the Dreamchasers series with “Dave & Daquan”. He is also able to speak to the ladies in their feels on “Tonight", with his effortless spoken word. Scranton got one with this kid.
30. Deante Hitchcock - Better
Another guy who speaks into that versatility role, Deante Hitchcock is that dude. I heard him first on the Dreamville album, and was excited for the future. I didn’t think the future would be less than a year later of a debut release though. Deante is able to reach numerous bag if needed be. He can fit in next to a JID, Young Nudy or Miguel. Combining some East Coast influences along with his Atlanta folk, Deante is a man of many rap styles and talents. Even speaking on those talents possibly being wasted if he didn’t get laid off from his job on the track “Shadowman’s Interlude”. We’ll see if he leans into that versatility he attains or settles on a specific sound that could get him on more Dreamville albums.
29. Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
Dua has been on an incredible run of hits and her popularity rose to the top of the charts. She’s now even apart of NBA commercials/hype-up videos. That’s real fame. The woman makes hits, the music is fun and her singing is fresh. A song I once hated actually turned on its head and made me love the mainstream feel of “Levitating” (yes even the DaBaby version). The production is fresh, she is energetic and electric to be around. Track after track seems like an adventure and it’s a delight to hear. I honestly didn’t even realize how many radio hits she had until right now to be honest. She’s well on her way to legendary status.
28. DVSN - A Muse In Her Feelings
This was one of those albums that maybe didn’t see a lot of replay value, but it’s so appreciated in how amazing a full listen this is. DVSN decided they needed to take R&B over, the sequencing on this album is incredible. The OVO label hasn’t had talent like this, maybe ever. The mood set is so relaxing, the voice snaps to life on every track and the features do an amazing job contributing to greatness. “Keep It Going" is so infectious, like I’m in a different stratosphere. The chemistry between DVSN and Snoh Aalegrah is sensational, makes for a great collaboration track about love. Very happy with this album.
27. Smino - She Already Decided
One of the best surprises of 2020 was hearing Smino drop a mixtape out of nowhere. With the tape initials spelling out SAD, you wouldn’t know it by these songs. A lot of bouncy production including a few remixes like “Cabbage” that takes from Megan Thee Stallion’s hit Tik-Tok single “Savage". Tracks are just fun to listen like “Good Ole Julio" and “2 Much Fronto", making you want to jam out on a long car ride to the city in the summer. Then you have the best bop of them all with “Klink (Remix)” with a vibrant T-Pain feature that ends the tape on such a celebratory mode. Great energy, and something I enjoyed from beginning to end.
26. Thundercat - It Is What It Is
Sonically, what a great album this is. The instrumentation is delightful, and Thundercat is captivating in so many different ways. “Black Qualls" is such a funky song, I want to get my groove on right now just thinking about it. “Dragonball Durag" is a track that I can find myself singing to myself in my shower as I imagine myself strolling down the sidewalk vibing out in the sun. The mood changes immediately after this song, to a somber feeling and a duo I wasn’t expecting was Thundercat, Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B on “Fair Chance". It feels like he is dreading something and then the outro with the final words being “Hey Mac" is just crushing. Amazing album from the king.
25. Juice WRLD - Legends Never Die
Man, Juice had all the talent in the world and he was entering the prime of his stardom. It was also clear he was hurting terribly, a lot of drug addiction talk and depression consumed his life. Just about every song was about sinking lower and lower to pits of sadness. Hearing “Righteous” and how much he wanted his life to just get better but couldn’t is such a heart-breaking moment. That soft/angelic beat just allows Juice to sing his problems to the world clearly. He spoke a lot on love, like “Tell Me U Luv Me" which basically painted his obsession that becomes scary with this woman. “Come & Go" describes himself as a screw up. You add this with all the kind skits of how talented he was and calling his future, it just makes this a well-rounded posthumous release.
24. Flo Milli - Ho, Why is You Here?
HO, FLO MILLI SHIT BITCH. This girl has all the confidence and swagger that I wish I could acquire. She spits with damn-near a poetic arrogance that makes you appreciate her that much more. When you scream “dicks up when I step up in the party”, you officially grab my attention and make me a fan. The hooks are so much fun and her flow makes me head-bob and shamelessly sing along. “May I" would get every party going, whether in a disgusting basement or a club. “Beef FloMix" is one of the best album starters of the year. She did something here.
23. Taylor Swift - folklore & evermore
I never thought in all my years of listening to music that I would listen T-Swift. Like literally, never. She dropped two albums this year, with little to anticipate the superstar. Both give different feelings and settings; folklore is made for the cold Decembers in the world and evermore definitely gives off a summer vibe. The ballads of the ups and downs of life is what made “exile" with Bon Iver as touching as it is. The radiant, take-no-shit moments is what made “champagne problems" choose violence. The contrasting moods in both of these albums is what makes Taylor so great, in just a short year she was able to pen her emotions in two different lights. Truly a great showing for the Swifties.
22. Conway the Machine - From King To A God
This is easily Conway’s best release by a long shot. Over the years, he has put out his and miss projects, despite his lyrical ability to be so strong. But this album portrays his leveling up from literally the king of Griselda to the God. The menacing, slurred voice is as poignant as ever. The raps are colorful and threatening and the production just bring you to the dusty world that Griselda resides at. Hearing Conway and Freddie be able to harmonize on this soothing gangster production on “Seen Everything But Jesus" is what the world needed. But “Forever Droppin Tears” might be Conway’s best song to date, reflecting on dead homies and past mistakes. This was tailor made for someone like Conway.
21. Amine - Limbo
The long-awaited sophomore album from Amine was well worth the wait. Another rapper that improved in every aspect. The raps are tighter and the flow is impeccable. “Burden" gives the RIP City native that ability to flex his bars a little bit, smoothly comparing this to The Black Album. Bold but you wouldn’t even notice by his hypnotizing flow. You have so many deep cuts that really move you, like “Roots" with JID and legend Charlie Wilson. Another artist that proves his versatility is the true bag he digs deep within. Amine can sing for a whole track, or spit subtle flexes about life for three minutes. Also “Compesating" with Young Thug; I mean wow what a bop. That track is just so enjoyable. “Pressure in My Palms" and “Fetus" really experiment with them robotic sounds that just go so hard with the album.
20. Mozzy - Beyond Bulletproof & Occupational Hazard
Mozzy is one of the realest rappers the game has today. His hood stories put him above so many rappers today, and it never gets old. You get two different tones with Mozzy, the one with trap, eventful production and then spiritual sounds. With the underrated catalog that Mozzy contains, it’s no shock that these two are ahead high up on the others. The glory, pain and glow up is inspiring and his raps are at elite level. Mozzy has the charisma in every track to make you feel like you can do anything you put your mind to. I’m more of a fan with Beyond Bulletproof, the raps and beats just stuck with me more like “Big Homie From the Hood". But you can’t go wrong with either-or because they all amazing hood stories to motivate the youth.
19. Roc Marciano - Mt. Marco
The king of the dust is here, quite the historic run for dudes like Roc Marciano. Coke rap has had an elite level of amazing moments in 2020. Roc decided to make a late entry, as the slow and methodical music that are so gritty and grimy roll off the tongue with his braggadocious bars about doing the stanky leg in some pussy. The man is sick and twisted, but the bars are elite as well as the production. The features of Action Bronson and Stove God helped give some other voices that can break the monotony. Grown man raps about steel vaginas will always win.
18. Currensy & Harry Fraud - The OutRunners & Director’s Cut
The connection that Currensy and Harry Fraud have is magical. That smooth jazz and lavish raps that Currensy spits just makes gold (& chrome). Speaking of which, “Gold & Chrome" is the best song between the two tapes and it’s not close. His flow is unreal and that hook just so precious. They’re both putting up elite numbers like they’re LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in games 5-7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. He works well with any artist, from Jim Jones to Trippie Redd. He has to be the best artist to work with these days. The output is consistent, and the car and weed talk stays atop my favorite things to hear from Currensy. I would like these two to work together for the rest of time, thanks.
17. Shoreline Mafia - Mafia Bidness
I wish this group wasn’t separating. Ohgeezy, Fenix Flexin, Rob Vicious and Kato are talking cash shit on this album, flexing on these wavy beats. Swagger is in their blood, gliding on every track about Dior sneakers and changing women’s life. The hooks make you want to do one of the get out the car while it’s moving dances. They make it clear who they are, gangsters from LA sipping on lean and making music for their hood. So many great features that fit well and the music is just countless bops. Here’s to hoping there is more music as a collective in the future, but not looking good.
16. Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour
This R&B group do be singing their asses off. The duo-sister dynamic is enjoyable to listen to, creating music that relates to the young 20’s feelings of dealing with cheating, love, heartbreak and all that comes with the roller coaster of that age group. The songs are gracious and ungodly all in one like “Tipsy" or “Busy Boy". Where the fear of them making childish music came, it was immediately taken away with their beautiful high pitched voices and enthusiastic bops. We love two queens making great music and I wish I had listened earlier.
15. Lil Uzi Vert - Eternal Atake & LUV vs the World 2
Man, have we been waiting for new Lil Uzi music. The sassy king came back with a vengeance, destroying every beat thrown to him. Uzi takes us on an intergalactic adventure of seeing aliens and being abducted and rapping aggressively like it’s 2015 all over again. “Silly Watch" makes you want to rage at every event. I could put that song on playing basketball, and I’d feel like I can score 50. But upon the rest of the album, it contains some of Uzis most captivating lyrics and moments in hip-hop, like BALENCI BALENCI BALENCI BALENCI BALENCI BALENCI BALENCI…. And then you have the deluxe version with so many great features from 21 Savage, Chief Keef, Thugger, Nudy among others. Uzi dominated 2020, and it’s seemed to go unnoticed.
14. Deniro Farrar - Sole Food
I didn’t really have too much knowledge about Deniro Farrar until this year. My homie Tae pleaded with me to review this album, so here we are. It’s special to put it simply. The Charlotte rapper let’s us know he’s been through some real life struggles and spits knowledge from his experiences that either he or his homies have gone through. Whether it’s a step-by-step documentary of what it is like to be a black man in America, dealing with the corrupt prison system or making some jams with Trinidad James, this album has greatness all over it. Deniro needs more love from the hip hop community.
13. Westside Gunn - Pray For Paris
Much like Conway, this is possibly Westside Gunn’s best album. The production is so stitched in with the Griselda brand and honestly, might be Westside’s best bars and hooks he has ever made. He also can make other rappers level up in lyricism that we haven’t heard from in years. I can’t remember the last time Joey Badadss sounded this motivated and Tyler the Creator bars??? Wale glided on “French Toast". Westside letting Freddie Gibbs and Roc Marciano destroy “500 Ounces" was the best move. Basically Westside is the best curator, he gets the best out of everyone and made one of the best albums of 2020 because of it.
12. 21 Savage & Metro Boomin - Savage Mode 2
The duo we weren’t expecting, but the duo we so desperately needed. Normally the sequel isn’t as good as the original, however 21 Savage and Metro decided that they would change that. 21 is still as dark as ever, but was able to show a bit of versatility with bops like “Mr. Right Now" and sentimental tracks like “RIP Luv". But the kicker of this whole album is the narration of “Snitches & Rats" by none other than Morgan Freeman. He truly hates both of those types of people in this story, which is followed by 21 and Nudy disgusted at the thought that those type of people exist in this world. While it brings back a lot of memories of how we became to love the duo, the experimentation in different sounds elevate my placement of this album.
11. Ariana Grande - Positions
Ariana spoke and delivered an album that may have been her most grown-up self. And most… horn- anyways. Her angelic vocals once again stole the show and once you get past the intro, she goes on an incredible run. “34+35" is absolutely special, I’ll leave it at that and you can figure out why if for some reason you haven’t heard it yet. She has her pop hits like “positions”, but her deep cuts like “off the table” with the Weeknd has you floating on clouds. Even her collaboration with Ty Dolla on “safety net" is set in the same tone. What Ariana gave us with this album is setting the tone of her placement among the greats. I don’t look at her as a kid from Nickelodeon anymore. She is a grown ass woman. Vocals are on point and production are heavenly.
10. Drakeo the Ruler - We Know the Truth, Free Drakeo & Thanks For Using GTL
Drakeo the Ruler is free and WE KNOW THE TRUTH. The LA rapper came back and got right to work. His usual lowkey demeanor is unloaded on his newest LP We Know the Truth with raps about situation locked up, the streets he was raised in, drinking lean to a crazy amount and of course flossing on everyone like he never left. That goes for his other two albums listed at 10, he has had a productive year to say the least. Whether it was raps over the phone or older tracks put together to make a cohesive project, the man simply couldn’t miss. A track like “Punk Rock Bitch" shows he is one of the hardest artists that hip-hop acquires. This is just the beginning for him, as he is a free man and ready to work with the best of them. That Drake feature is on the way.
9. Benny the Butcher - Burden of Proof
THE BUTCH IS COMING. The moment the people were waiting for. With production from Hit-Boy, who had an incredible year, it runs atop the best of Griselda collection and of the year. The coke bars are alive, it flows so well together stylistically. The features just make so much to who Benny is. Rick Ross, Freddie Gibbs, Conway, Westside and even Big Sean did a really solid job here. Hit-Boy gave Benny the freshest of gangster music to relive memories of his drug dealing past and celebrating getting out of those tough times to provide for himself. The album feels monumental and taking the next steps in his career as a mainstay name in hip-hop that Griselda has worked tirelessly to make happen.
8. The Weeknd - After Hours
If you want to talk about someone who got robbed in many awards, it’s this man with this album. Countless mainstream pop hits like “Heartless" and “Blinding Lights”. Weeknd is cold and depressed in this album. He sounds hopeless, lost at the thought of love. “Alone Again” shows Weeknd at his lowest, wondering what went wrong with him as a man. There are just so many songs of hurt, and his singing only amps up those vulnerable feelings. Some tracks like “Escape From LA" where he basically shits on the city and the woman that reside there. He wants something real, or else he is going to go downright insane. That red-suit he trotted out time and time again perpetually made him a meme, but it was one of best pieces of work.
7. Lil Baby - My Turn
You can easily say that Lil Baby has been the MVP of 2020 and I would have to agree. This album was the start of an incredible run that he gave us this year. His raps have never been bolder, tracks like “Emotionally Scarred” put that into perspective of how well he can tell a story. Baby had hits on top of hits. “Grace” with 42 Dugg is one of the biggest highlights of 2020. He had numerous features that fit in perfectly with the album, but all were outdone by Baby. The production was hard-hitting and nothing seemed out of place. His flows never felt crisper. I mean there were major improvements across the board on top of bonus tracks that shot 100% from the field. The man is on a gigantic run that can soon put his legacy above the rest.
6. Boldy James & Alchemist - Price of Tea in China
Boldy and Alchemist are truly in a different stratosphere when it comes to working together on this album. Alchemist’s luxurious, gangster production mixed with Boldy’s tough flow and boss lyrics makes for a movie like experience through the ears. The jazzy sounds that Boldy shit-talks over about poppin the finest champagne while reminiscing on his past is truly poetic for all the right reasons. The features are fantastic with appearances from Freddie Gibbs, Benny and Vince Staples. The Detroit rapper really puts all of his grit into these songs, essentially making them rougher and tougher than anything you can imagine. With Alan putting another notch under his belt, and Boldy beginning his incredible run this year it’ll be no shock if we see these two again.
5. Mac Miller - Circles
Ah man, this still hurts more than people know. It’s tough to listen to, but honestly it was needed. His ability to transition seamlessly into any genre his heart desires is truly amazing. Circles is the growth that Swimming carried on with his smooth transition of passionately singing about his struggles and mental state. The fluttering beat of “Good News" is the heart-throb of this album, waiting for more to come on the other side. Mac carried his demons into the different sounds that Jon Brien was able to provide. The transparency of his problems always had me awe, and I try to carry myself like him. The amount of gorgeous ballads throughout this album like “Hand Me Downs" as well as “That’s On Me" that put you in a heavenly state. The closer “Once a Day" is what really hurts the most and the tears begin to roll. Just a fantastic album.
4. Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind
Once again, a huge shoutout is needed to my guy Caleb Catlin for keeping me awake to listen to this amazing album. The way that Yves Tumor makes music is unlike anything I’ve ever heard of. The music takes control of the senses, the electronic rock genius is at work. The vibes are immaculate. Songs like “Medicine Burn" put you in a trance while “Kerosene!” brings out beautiful singing with grande production that Yves and the female act connect on perfectly. The transition from “Romanticist" to “Dream Palette" is possibly the best I’ve ever heard. The funky songs mixed with the exciting voice and versatility that is embedded in him is unlike anything I have heard before.
3. Spillage Village - Spilligion
This was a spiritual journey for EarthGang and JID. The Dreamville mob took you on an adventure of great harmonies and never looked back. They went to God for their music and went biblical on the production along with the gorgeous hooks that bring you in for JID and EarthGang fun and energetic verses. Songs like “PsalmSing” shows Mereba showing out her angelic voice that makes you want to get into gospel music. “EA’alah (Family)” hits a soulful note and has the crew praying for happiness for his family and hoping the bag keeps coming. Meanwhile EarthGang talk about the stresses that come with life and wanting better for themselves and everyone around them. Throughout the album you get certain people from that crew taking their holiness up higher than expected. Even Chance comes through with a solid verse.
2. Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA
Put some respect on this woman’s name please and thank you. Her singing is damn near flawless, her flexibility is off the charts and production is top notch. The intro “Dynasty" is something you’d hear from Evanescence, but with amazing vocals. It’s dark and climactic, something you’d here in any movie with a feel-good ending. “XS" is a god damn bop, describing any other way than that is illegal. She experiments with every sound she can fin. from punk-rock to robotic to the mainstream of pop sounds. Its glitzy, but edgy. It’s fun, but discusses serious topics of self-love and not rocking with the fake people in life. Truly one of the best listens of 2020.
1. Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist - Alfredo
Ah, number one. After hours of typing away, its finally here. Freddie Gibbs and Alan never ceases to amaze me with how consistent they are with their respected crafts. Gibbs rough and ragged demeanor hits the heart in knockout fashion. He details his trials and tribulations in the cocaine game, while Alchemist is providing wizardry with his production to emphasis the bars that are flowing. His gangster mentality can work with the best of rappers like Rick Ross and Benny, but even someone like Tyler on “Something to Rap About" where the two are relaxing their minds on this yacht in the summer time. The cinematic production along with the continuous bars of the coke game begin to feel like a mafia movie that is held among the classics. His catalog continues to grow stronger and more solidified among the greats.
Thank y’all for an amazing 2020 writing wise, cheers to hopefully a better year in 2021!
