At 39 years old, Lil Wayne seems to be entering a new prime. He killed every guest feature he had and rapped as if he isn’t considered on of the greatest of all time. His ability to tap into any sonic theme is unprecedented. Let’s hope Wayne continues this in 2022 with a new album.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to The Dedication 2 & Tha Carter III
Listen: Lil Wayne
With the release of her fifth studio album, IU dominated the industry and continues to show why she’s highly revered in all aspects. From videos to interviews to acting, IU’s ability to charm and entertain is impressive.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to Palette
Listen: IU
Disproving all the attacks that he would be a one hit wonder, Lil Nas X had a year no short of success. From viral music videos to dropping a solid album filled with pop-rap hits, Lil Nas X refuses to be brought down in any way.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “SUN GOES DOWN” and “INDUSTRY BABY”
Listen: Lil Nas X
As if dropping two successful collaboration albums with Armand Hammer and Boldy James wasn’t enough, The Alchemist also dropped two EPs of his own. The acclaimed producer is currently in a league of his own and his ability to reinvent his sound while catering it to specific artists is mind blowing.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to This Thing Of Ours
Listen: The Alchemist
Music in 2021 would not be where it is today without Young Thug. This year, Thugger dropped a compilation project (Slime Langauge II) as well as a solo album of his own (Punk). Both projects showcase his rare abilities to curate talent and push the genre forward with new ideas.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “Hate The Game” & “Love You More”
Listen: Young Thug
The return of arguably the biggest artist in the world, Adele did not disappoint. Refusing to release anything short of perfection, her newest album 30 finds the singer reaching new levels of personal reflection, allowing the listener to mirror the songs to themselves.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to 30
Listen: Adele
Two years since his last solo effort, Tyler, The Creator returned in 2021 with a desire to rap. Drawing inspiration from the mixtape era, Tyler seamlessly blended that style of rap into his own colorful world of love and travel. Each live performance and music video brings the viewer deeper into his curated realm.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “WUSYANAME” and “SAFARI”
Listen: Tyler, The Creator
Two years since his last album, the world was unsure of which direction Ye would go next. Some questioned whether he would actually rap again. In 2021, the answer we got was more than what we could’ve asked for: a career-redefining opus that reflects his current views on faith, love, and himself.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to his entire discography
Listen: Kanye West
The artist with the biggest breakthrough in 2021, Olivia Rodrigo broke record after record. By the time her debut album was released, she could’ve easily sold out a stadium if tours were not postponed from the coronavirus. In 2021, the world revolved around Oliva and for good reason. It’ll be interesting to see which direction she heads to next.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to SOUR
Listen: Olivia Rodrigo
Releasing two top tier albums in a span of under 12 months while producing multiple projects is a feat very few can accomplish at high quality. Navy Blue has emerged as one of the realest, most talented artists in music. His attention to detail on production and his ability to rap with purpose is uncanny. If he isn’t on your radar now, he will be soon.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to Song of Sage: Post Panic!
Listen: Navy Blue
