40.
YG:

“4REAL 4REAL”

What was supposed to be a surprise release before Nipsey Hussle’s unfortunate passing, YG’s 4REAL 4REAL is a collection of westcoast bangers. While not one of YG’s most consistent albums, the top 3 tracks listed below are definite keepers.

Top 3 Tracks:
Stop Snitchin, Go Loko, Keshia Had a Baby

Listen: YG, “4REAL 4REAL”

39.
2 Chainz:

“Rap or Go to the League”

Rap or Go to the League is the latest LP from Atlanta’s 2 Chainz with song curation assistance from LeBron James. The first half of the album rides incredibly smooth, while the latter half finds the veteran emcee taking more risks on the mic.

Top 3 Tracks:
Threat 2 Society, Money in the Way, High Top Versace

Listen: 2 Chainz, “Rap or Go to the League”

38.
Summer Walker:

“Over It”

Summer Walker’s Over It is perfect mood music. Any song on this album can set the tone and Summer Walker plays a seductive, sassy role in which she tells love as it is. One of the biggest R&B releases of the year, this album is easily listenable front to back.

Top 3 Tracks:
Girls Need Love (Remix), Just Might, Come Thru

Listen: Summer Walker, “Over It”

37.
Solange:

“When I Get Home”

An ode to her hometown Houston, Solange’s latest LP When I Get Home is music redefined. Using her voice as a canvas for her creativity, this album takes a different direction from A Seat at the Table while still showing growth from the singer.

Top 3 Tracks:
Almeda, Things I Imagined, Stay Flo

Listen: Solange, “When I Get Home”

36.
KAYTRANADA:

“BUBBA”

Taking a more R&B route on his latest album, BUBBA is a sophisticated funk party waiting to be unpacked. Curating a fresh set of beats for new singers while also handling solo tracks on his own, KAYTRANADA shows he can still set the tone.

Top 3 Tracks:
10%, The Worst in Me, Go DJ

Listen: KAYTRANADA, “BUBBA”

35.
Denzel Curry:

“ZUU”

Fresh off a solid album last year, Denzel Curry returns for a quick strike on ZUU, an ode to his hometown: Carol City, Florida. With songs referencing his family and background, ZUU is unique due to its blaring production.

Top 3 Tracks:
RICKY, BIRDZ, SPEEDBOAT

Listen: Denzel Curry, “ZUU”

34.
Polo G:

“Die a Legend”

Polo G’s debut project Die a Legend showcases the artist’s potential to become a star. With a sound comparable to Lil Baby but a different type of hunger, Polo G recounts street stories and puts on for the ones he lost.

Top 3 Tracks:
Pop Out, Deep Wounds, Through da Storm

Listen: Polo G, “Die a Legend”

33.
Rick Ross:

“Port of Miami 2”

Over 10 years since his debut album Port of Miami, the sequel finds the boss picking right up where he left. Rapping over luscious beats with his classic husky voice, Ross maintains an impressive pen and it’s no luck that he’s maintained such high success in his career.

Top 3 Tracks:
White Lines, BIG TYME, Gold Roses

Listen: Rick Ross, “Port of Miami 2”

32.
Chris Brown:

“Indigo”

At an album length of over 2 hours, Chris Brown loves to cheat the streaming system. Nevertheless, Indigo is still a fun album filled with R&B songs for any mood. Chris shows he can still create an amazing track, even if 20 of them sound the same.

Top 3 Tracks:
No Guidance, Don’t Check On Me, Heat

Listen: Chris Brown, “Indigo”

31.
Anderson .Paak:

“Ventura”

A new, more soulful direction than his previous album Oxnard, Ventura finds Anderson .Paak in a state of love for his wife, friends, and community. While this album didn’t receive as much promotion and radio play as Oxnard, Ventura is better in different ways.

Top 3 Tracks:
Make It Better, King James, Winners Circle

Listen: Anderson .Paak, “Ventura”

30.
Billie Eilish:

“WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?”

One of the most creative releases from this year, Billie Eilish’s debut studio album is extremely refreshing. Showcasing immense potential in the coming years at just 18 years old, this album is a reflection of who Billie is: dark, dry, and amazingly personable.

Top 3 Tracks:
when the party’s over, wish you were gay, listen before i go

Listen: Billie Eilish, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?”

29.
Khalid:

“Free Spirit”

While not as perplexing as his debut album, Khalid’s follow-up Free Spirit still contains elements of greatness. Some songs discuss falling out of love while others simply carry a tone of freedom. Trimmed of excess songs, Free Spirit could have been even better.

Top 3 Tracks:
Intro, Better, Bad Luck

Listen: Khalid, “Free Spirit”

28.
Kevin Abstract:

“ARIZONA BABY”

In addition to GINGER, BROCKHAMPTON’s ring leader Kevin Abstract dropped a solo project worthy of its own praise. On ARIZONA BABY, Kevin Abstract composes multiple melodies on the topics of love and insecurity while dealing with growing up.

Top 3 Tracks:
Peach, Crumble, Baby Boy

Listen: Kevin Abstract, “ARIZONA BABY”

27.
Lil Tecca:

“We Love You Tecca”

The newest face to rap, Lil Tecca offers a youthful exuberance that doesn’t promote a life of drugs. Each track has a type of bounce that makes the song catchy, making the sound extremely accessible. Lil Tecca is an artist to pay attention to in the coming years.

Top 3 Tracks:
Ransom, The Score, DUI

Listen: Lil Tecca, “We Love You Tecca”

26.
Earl Sweatshirt:

“FEET OF CLAY”

One year after the release of the heralded album Some Rap Songs, Earl Sweatshirt returns with another project, just as dark and moody. FEET OF CLAY has a similar flavor to his last project, but no one’s complaining. Earl continues to release the type of music he wants to, reflected in his growth as an artist.

Top 3 Tracks:
OD, EAST, TISK TISK / COOKIES

Listen: Earl Sweatshirt, “FEET OF CLAY”

25.
Dreamville:

“Revenge of the Dreamers III”

Recorded in under a week with a special invite list, Revenge of the Dreamers III is full of surprises. From a Kendrick Lamar cameo to an unexpected collaboration between JID and T.I., J. Cole lends his artistry to create one of the best group albums in a long time.

Top 3 Tracks:
Under the Sun, Sacrifices, Down Bad

Listen: Dreamville, “Revenge of the Dreamers III”

24.
Young Nudy & Pi’erre Bourne:

“Sli’merre”

One of the most slept on projects from 2019, Sli’merre is a phenomenal collaboration album between Young Nudy & Pi’erre Bourne. Nudy sounds vicious as ever while Pi’erre creates an interesting balance with bouncing production.

Top 3 Tracks:
Mister, Shotta, Extendo

Listen: Young Nudy & Pi’erre Bourne, “Sli’merre”

23.
Roddy Ricch:

“Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”

You can sense the hunger and drive that Roddy Ricch possesses. On Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, the incoming star uses vocal range to his benefit, sounding like a mix of Young Thug and Future in a unique way. However, when it comes to the raps, he’s as fierce as a Meek Mill.

Top 3 Tracks:
Perfect Time, The Box, Boom Boom Room

Listen: Roddy Ricch, “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”

22.
Ariana Grande:

“thank u, next”

Despite releasing an acclaimed album last year, Ariana Grande returns with another project that is arguably better. thank u, next is a personal account of Grande’s recent life events, acknowledging recent tragic events while pulsing onto more growth. This record is tragically beautiful.

Top 3 Tracks:
ghostin, NASA, thank u, next

Listen: Ariana Grande, “thank u, next”

21.
BROCKHAMPTON:

“GINGER”

The latest record from BROCKHAMPTON, GINGER takes a more serious and mature route, emphaszing growth from the group. Each artist continues to shine and even without previous member Ameer Vann, BROCKHAMPTON proves that life goes on.

Top 3 Tracks:
SUGAR, DEARLY DEPARTED, GINGER

Listen: BROCKHAMPTON, “GINGER”

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