40.
boygenius:

“The Record”

Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus band together for their debut album. The chemistry between the trio is undeniable as each seems to build off the other’s songwriting and emotion.

Top 3 Tracks:
Anti-Curse, Cool About It, Emily I’m Sorry

Listen: boygenius, “The Record”

39.
Young Thug:

“BUSINESS IS BUSINESS”

Executive produced by Metro Boomin and released by the label while Young Thug undergoes his trial, “BUSINESS IS BUSINESS” serves as a reminder that the game is not the same without Thugger. Free Young Thug.

Top 3 Tracks:
Jonesboro, Oh U Went, Parade on Cleveland

Listen: Young Thug, “BUSINESS IS BUSINESS”

38.
Dinner Party:

“Enigmatic Society”

The follow up to Dinner Party’s well received debut, the jazz group creates a worthy successor that doubles down on its west coast roots. Released before their Coachella show, this album is a treat to hear live.

Top 3 Tracks:
For Granted, Can’t Go, The Lower East Side

Listen: Dinner Party, “Enigmatic Society”

37.
Noname:

“Sundial”

The highly anticipated album from the legend herself, Noname’s “Sundial” is another solid notch in her concise discography. She’s done with anti-critical positivity and isn’t afraid to voice her perspectives.

Top 3 Tracks:
gospel, balloons, black mirror

Listen: Noname, “Sundial”

36.
Gunna:

“a Gift & a Curse”

Politics and allegations aside, Gunna came back with something to prove. “a Gift & a Curse” is no frills, with the Atlanta native spitting like his career depends on it. The result is a solid album and of the biggest hits of his career (“fukumean”).

Top 3 Tracks:
fukumean, idk nomore, rodeo dr

Listen: Gunna, “a Gift & a Curse”

35.
Mick Jenkins:

“The Patience”

Clocking in at just under 30 minutes, Mick Jenkins’ latest LP is a rap record in its purest form. Despite guest appearances from the likes of JID & Freddie Gibbs, Mick Jenkins refuses to be outshined with his lyrical prowess.

Top 3 Tracks:
Sitting Ducks, Show & Tell, Michelin Star

Listen: Mick Jenkins, “The Patience”

34.
KAYTRAMINÉ:

“KAYTRAMINÉ”

A strong contender for album of the summer, producer KAYTRANADA and rapper Aminé join forces for a concise project that maintains a consistent groove throughout. The chemistry between the duo is undeniable.

Top 3 Tracks:
Rebuke, 4EVA, K&A

Listen: KAYTRAMINÉ, “KAYTRAMINÉ”

33.
Maxo:

“Even God Has a Sense of Humor”

The first of two records that Maxo dropped this year, “Even God Has a Sense of Humor” is an introspective project that balances melancholy and bliss. This album is a reflection of a true artist that cares deeply about his craft.

Top 3 Tracks:
Face Of Stone, 48, onedayatatime

Listen: Maxo, “Even God Has a Sense of Humor”

32.
El Michels Affair & Black Thought:

“Glorious Game”

A short record that uses every minute to its strength, Black Thought’s pen commands attention. One of the most underrated emcees of all time, Black Thought continues to show that with age comes wisdom.

Top 3 Tracks:
Glorious Game, Miracle, The Weather

Listen: El Michels Affair & Black Thought, “Glorious Game”

31.
Lana Del Rey:

“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd”

Lana Del Rey’s ninth album is a wonderful, moody record that lives in the artist’s own escapade of a world. Her songwriting is emotionally poignant and despite its long run time, manages to hold the listener’s attention throughout.

Top 3 Tracks:
Kintsugi, Fishtail, Taco Truck x VB

Listen: Lana Del Rey, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd”

30.
Larry June & The Alchemist:

“The Great Escape”

Larry Junes’ laid back persona pairs with The Alchemist’s looped production better than lamb and a fine glass of red wine. This is a record best defined by its vibe, and thus is the perfect album to drive to on a California highway.

Top 3 Tracks:
Summer Reign, Barragán Lighting, 89 Earthquake

Listen: Larry June & The Alchemist, “The Great Escape”

29.
Killer Mike:

“MICHAEL”

Killer Mike’s first solo album since his prolific run with Run The Jewels, the record is an extremely personal self portrait. It’s very poignant, spiritual, and at its core: very Atlanta.

Top 3 Tracks:
SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS, MOTHERLESS, RUN

Listen: Killer Mike, “MICHAEL”

28.
Lil Uzi Vert:

“Pink Tape”

One of the most highly anticipated records of the year, Lil Uzi Vert dropped an album that only someone like the Philly rapper themselves could create. The result is part punk, rap, rock, and emo.

Top 3 Tracks:
I Gotta, Flooded The Face, Days Come and Go

Listen: Lil Uzi Vert, “Pink Tape”

27.
Olivia Rodrigo:

“Guts”

Instead of playing it safe like she easily could have, the pop star rocks out on her sophomore effort, putting her charisma to the forefront. “Guts” is a spectacle of a record that doubles down on her beloved persona while adventuring into uncharted territories.

Top 3 Tracks:
get him back!, making the bed, bad idea right?

Listen: Olivia Rodrigo, “Guts”

26.
Kali Uchis:

“Red Moon In Venus”

On her lush third album, Kali Uchis uses her luscious voice to create a collection of lovesick vignettes that are somehow still grounded in realism. The blissful melodies and feminine energy radiate throughout.

Top 3 Tracks:
I Wish you Roses, Worth the Wait, Fantasy

Listen: Kali Uchis, “Red Moon In Venus”

25.
Kelela:

“Raven”

Kelela’s first album since 2017, the R&B singer delivers a commanding album that focuses on a narrative surrounding redemption and self-sufficiency. Listen to this album if you’re into dance music with elements of soul.

Top 3 Tracks:
Contact, Washed Away, Enough for Love

Listen: Kelela, “Raven”

24.
JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown:

“Scaring the Hoes”

One of the pleasant surprise drops of the year, JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown knew exactly the soundscape they were creating with “Scaring the Hoes.” Trading verses over glitchy production, the duo continue to push the boundaries of hip hop.

Top 3 Tracks:
God Loves You, Kingdom Hearts Key, Jack Harlow Combo Meal

Listen: JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown, “Scaring the Hoes”

23.
MIKE, Wiki & The Alchemist:

“Faith Is A Rock”

Less than 12 months after dropping their collaborative EP, the trio return for a fresh batch of tracks that accentuate their inherent chemistry. The album is a fresh perspective on the current New York City hip hop scene.

Top 3 Tracks:
Mayors A Cop, Bledsoe, One More

Listen: MIKE, Wiki & The Alchemist, “Faith Is A Rock”

22.
Cleo Sol:

“Heaven / Gold”

With 2 full length albums releasing this year, Cleo Sol made her name known in 2023. Both projects find the soul singer sounding angelic, expressing ideas of faith and self-love.

Top 3 Tracks:
Go Baby, Airplane, There Will Be No Crying

Listen: Cleo Sol, “Heaven / Gold”

21.
Wiki & Tony Seltzer:

“14K Figaro”

A late release from Wiki and producer Tony Seltzer, “14K Figaro” has New York written all over it. Wiki raps with conviction and heart, two traits that are harder to come across in the current state of hip hop.

Top 3 Tracks:
The Enterprise, Triple Figaro, Fried Ice Cream

Listen: Wiki & Tony Seltzer, “14K Figaro”

Return to top