Releasing one of the most cohesive debut albums of the year, 2019 saw the rise of YBN Cordae. With a style reminiscent of Chance the Rapper and J. Cole, Cordae is learning to develop his unique voice in the game. The Lost Boy is now grammy nominated and Cordae is sure to continue his success into the coming years.

Listen to “Bad Idea” and if you like that, check out the rest of The Lost Boy

After the massive success of the Lil Baby joint project Drip Harder in 2018, the world was waiting to see what Gunna would deliver next. Drip or Drown 2 was Gunna’s debut album and he delivered exactly what fans had grown to love Gunna for and more. He also served as a crucial guest feature on the most successful track on Young Thug’s album, “Hot.”

Listen to “Hot” by Young Thug and Gunna and if you like that, check out Drip or Drown 2

With another album full of pop rap melodies and massive hits, it’s no surprise that Post Malone was the highest selling artist of the year. Hollywood’s Bleeding didn’t rewrite any history, but it showed that Post can still captivate his audience with ease and appeal to almost any demographic.

Listen to “Goodbyes” and if you like that, check out the rest of Hollywood’s Bleeding

Lana Del Rey released her debut project in 2010, the start of the decade. Since then, she’s gained popularity with her unique, sultry sound. However, it wasn’t until the release of Norman Fucking Rockwell to which everything sounded perfected. From the concept and theme to songwriting, Lana is the only vocalist on this album and she shines because of it.

Listen to Norman Fucking Rockwell

Releasing her first full length album since 2014’s critically acclaimed LP1, FKA Twigs returns with a masterpiece. In her five year absence, Twigs underwent much physical and emotional damage, and her performance on MAGDALENE captures that pain in such a beautiful manner. Twigs is a master at using her vulnerability as a canvas for her art.

Listen to “Cellophane” and if you like that, check out the rest of MAGDALENE

2019 saw the release of Clairo’s debut album Immunity and it’s no question that she’s a star in the making. Creating music that relates easily to the younger generation, Clairo conveys emotion while remaining slightly mystic in her vocal expression. It will be interesting to see how Clairo continues to evolve within the coming years.

Listen to “Softly” and if you like that, check out the rest of Immunity

A breakout year for grammy nominated artist Roddy Ricch, 2019 saw the new artist reach number one with his debut album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial. Ricch blends styles of his contemporaries (Future & Young Thug) while still remaining unique with his flows. 2020 will likely continue with more growth from Roddy Ricch.

Listen to “The Box” and if you like that, check out the rest of Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial

2019 saw the beginning of “Hot Girl Summer” and all credit goes to Hot Girl Meg aka Megan Thee Stallion. With her confident personality, Megan raps about getting with men though she always makes it known that the men need her most. The hot girl wave continues.

Listen to “Hot Girl Summer” and if you like that, check out Fever

Billie Eilish is abrasive. Her debut album saw the artist evolving, pushing the sound of pop to new levels while captivating her audience. She had a sold out tour across the world and remained humble throughout all of her newfound success. Billie Eilish is only 18 years old and is an artist to genuinely root for in the coming years.

Listen to “when the party’s over” and if you like that, check out WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

Releasing two amazing full length projects this year, DaBaby is the biggest artist of 2019. He popularized his signature flow while finding viral success multiple times due to his creative personality. He puts on for the streets but also knows how to navigate the industry despite just blowing up. DaBaby killed every feature, song, and album all 2019.

Listen to “Suge” and if you like that, check out Baby on Baby and KIRK