40.
Hiatus Kaiyote:

“Mood Valiant”

On their psychadelic third album, Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote propel to different heights. Their unique sound fuses from song to song, creating an immersive experience that sounds best played at a fancy dinner party.

Top 3 Tracks:
Chivalry Is Not Dead, Stone or Lavender, All the Words We Don’t Say

Listen: Hiatus Kaiyote, “Mood Valiant”

39.
Blu:

“The Color Blu(e)”

Using the color blue as a theme, Blu seamlessly weaves this color into the production and lyrics. It’s an uplifting album that illustrates how masterful Blu’s craft truly is.

Top 3 Tracks:
Mr. Blu(e), Blu(e) World, People Call Me Blu(e)

Listen: Blu, “The Color Blu(e)”

38.
Little Simz:

“Sometimes I Might Be Introvert”

Detailing into her frustrations of growing up as a London-born estate girl in the entertainment industry, Little Simz comes off as both conflicted and defiant. Each song sounds like part of a score to a short film.

Top 3 Tracks:
Introvert, Woman, Little Q, Pt. 2

Listen: Little Simz, “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert”

37.
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist:

“Haram”

Acclaimed underground duo Armand Hammer, consisting of billy woods and ELUCID, team up with legendary producer The Alchemist to create a stunning record. The serious subject matters are vividly painted on The Alchemist’s canvas.

Top 3 Tracks:
Falling out the Sky, Black Sunlight, Sir Benni Miles

Listen: Armand Hammer & The Alchemist, “Haram”

36.
Pooh Shiesty:

“Shiesty Season”

One of the refreshing new voices in rap today, Pooh Shiesty drops a project filled to the brim with trap anthems. Hailing from Memphis, Shiesty doesn’t opt for many high profile guest features and relies on his own voice.

Top 3 Tracks:
Back in Blood, Guard Up, Neighbors

Listen: Pooh Shiesty, “Shiesty Season”

35.
KA:

“A Martyr’s Reward”

Brownsville’s KA returns with another lyrical masterpiece. Detailing about his dark upbringing, KA uses incredible wordplay to get his point across. This album requires a focused listen and will reward those who do.

Top 3 Tracks:
I Need All That, I Notice, Sad to Say

Listen: KA, “A Martyr’s Reward”

34.
Boldy James & The Alchemist:

“Bo Jackson”

A new joint effort between Boldy James & The Alchemist. On this one, The Alchemist crafts the perfect, unique production for Boldy as he sounds hungrier than ever. Mature, grown rap on full display.

Top 3 Tracks:
Steel Wool, First 48 Freestyle, Photographic Memories

Listen: Boldy James & The Alchemist, “Bo Jackson”

33.
Jubilee:

“Japanese Breakfast”

On “Japanese Breakfast,” Jubilee’s lead member Michelle Zauner opts to create a sound with more joy than despair. Without sacrificing her unique perspectives, this record feels like waking up on refreshing day.

Top 3 Tracks:
Be Sweet, Posing For Cars, Slide Tackle

Listen: Jubilee, “Japanese Breakfast”

32.
Clairo:

“Sling”

Compared to her last effort, Clairo’s Sling is sonically stripped as it emulates themes of 1970s folk. She takes many risks on the record and while she could’ve easily made a more accessible album, Sling shows her growth as an artist.

Top 3 Tracks:
Amoeba, Blouse, Bambi

Listen: Clairo, “Sling”

31.
Pink Siifu:

“Gumbo’!”

Just like the title suggests, Gumbo’! is a melting pot of many genres and skills that Pink Siifu seamlessly taps into. From rap to neo-soul to G-funk, this record moves in multiple directions at the same time.

Top 3 Tracks:
Call tha Bro (Tapped in), SMILE (wit yo Gold), Back’!

Listen: Pink Siifu, “Gumbo’!”

30.
Polo G::

“Hall of Fame”

Another solid effort, Hall of Fame further shows why Polo G is one of the hottest artists in the game. Blending trap and soul together, Polo G knows how to make a hit for both the radio and streets.

Top 3 Tracks:
So Real, RAPSTAR, Black Hearted

Listen: Polo G:, “Hall of Fame”

29.
Rod Wave:

“SoulFly”

On SoulFly, Rod Wave doesn’t reinvent the wheel, opting to stick to what he knows how to do. Even still, he chooses great production to put his whole heart into each track. His music continues to uplift those in struggling times, serving as a beacon of hope.

Top 3 Tracks:
Street Runner, Gone Till November, Tombstone

Listen: Rod Wave, “SoulFly”

28.
Conway the Machine:

“La Maquina”

Another strong release by Conway the Machine, listening to La Maquina is like listening to grown talk from an OG. His bars are concise and quotable, making many references to basketball.

Top 3 Tracks:
6:30 Tip Off, Blood Roses, Scatter Brain

Listen: Conway the Machine, “La Maquina”

27.
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak):

“An Evening With Silk Sonic”

An ode to 1970s R&B, Silk Sonic sounds smooth as ever. After going on tour together and deciding to collaborate on a full length album, Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak sound like a match made in heaven.

Top 3 Tracks:
Leave The Door Open, Smokin Out The Window, Blast Off

Listen: Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak), “An Evening With Silk Sonic”

26.
Skyzoo:

“All the Brilliant Things”

A release that may easily fall under the radar from this year, Skyzoo’s latest is infused with jazz and backpack raps. The style feels old and new at the same time, a refreshing New York vibe from a true student of the game.

Top 3 Tracks:
A Tour of the Neighborhood, Bodega Flowers, Bed-Stuy is Burning

Listen: Skyzoo, “All the Brilliant Things”

25.
Westside Gunn:

“Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely"

A double album from Griselda emcee Westside Gunn, HWH8 is packed with coke raps and illustrious art. Gunn continues to reinforce his incredible skill of curating sound, often opting to let his contemporaries get the shine over him.

Top 3 Tracks:
Hell on Earth, Pt. 2, Bash money, RIGHT NOW

Listen: Westside Gunn, “Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely"

24.
The Alchemist:

“This Thing Of Ours / This Thing"

Released as two separate EPs throughout the year, The Alchemist brings his usual collaborators on for a collection of top tier songs. The first volume is lighter, reflected in the production and lyrical focus. The second has a darker tone that is equally gripping.

Top 3 Tracks:
Nobles, TV Dinners, Miracle Baby

Listen: The Alchemist, “This Thing Of Ours / This Thing"

23.
Mustafa:

“When Smoke Rises”

The debut studio album from Canadian artist Mustafa, When Smoke Rises displays the harsh reality of life in the projects. In just under 25 minutes with minimal help, Mustafa uses his soft voice in such a powerful manner.

Top 3 Tracks:
Capo, Ali, Air Forces

Listen: Mustafa, “When Smoke Rises”

22.
Don Toliver:

“Life of a DON”

Don Toliver’s sophomore LP finds the Cactus Jack signee reaching new melodic heights. Tapping into a more lowkey sound, Life of a DON is perfect vibe music on a late night.

Top 3 Tracks:
Swangin’ On Westheimer, Crossfaded, What You Need

Listen: Don Toliver, “Life of a DON”

21.
Olivia Rodrigo:

“SOUR”

The universally accepted breakup album of the year, Olivia Rodrigo deserves all the acclaim she has received for SOUR. A 35-minute debut album that doesn’t overstay its welcome but demands to be repeated over and over.

Top 3 Tracks:
deja vu, good 4 u, drivers license

Listen: Olivia Rodrigo, “SOUR”

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