The year 2020 has been a lot, but it’s good to know that music was the one failsafe thing to count on during quarantine time and COVID news. Thanks to these artists for providing a soundtrack to an unforgettable year.
Victoria Monet โ Jaguar
Standout tracks: โMomentโ, โDiveโ, โWe Might Even Be Falling in Loveโ
A great listen with earplugs during quarantine walks or Zoom happy hours.
Lil Baby – My Turn
Standout tracks:โEmotionally Scarredโ, โHowโ, โHurtinโ
A guide to the highs, lows, and stresses of trap life as told by one of the leaders of the next school.
Kehlani โ It Was Good Until It Wasnโt
Standout tracks: โCan Iโ, โWaterโ, โToxicโ
With tales of heartbreak and its aftereffects, Kehlaniโs storytelling style outshines her vocal abilities.
T.I. โ The L.I.B.R.A.
Standout tracks:โOn the Hoodโ, โHorizonsโ, โThank Godโ
T.I. successfully blends his trap and woke perspectives into one accord.
Teyana Taylor โ The Album
Standout tracks:โMade Itโ, โCome Back to Meโ, โStillโ
This album is conceived by Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, and Missy Elliot.
Nas โ Kingโs Disease
Standout tracks:โSpicyโ, โFull Circleโ, โAll Badโ
Nas unnecessarily answers the age-old conundrum of delivering quality lyricism over up-tempo production in a superb fashion.
Jhene Aiko โ Chilombo
Standout tracks: โP*** Fairyโ, โOne Wayโ, โB.S.โ
Queen of Vibe music, this album represents mid-tempo moodsโthat perfect soundtrack for chill time.
Saint JHN โ While the World is Burning
Standout tracks:โRosesโ, โHigh School Reunionโ, โGorgeousโ
The diversity of this album sounds like it’s played on shuffle.
Chloe & Halle โ Ungodly Hour
Standout tracks: โForgive Meโ, โDo Itโ, โLonelyโ
With each track, the duo paints vivid pictures using their skilled harmony and vocal flexibility.
Benny the Butcher โ Burden of Proof
Standout tracks: โFamousโ, โWhere Would I Goโ, โOne Way Flightโ
Supreme lyrical descriptions backed by a passionate voice.
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemists โ Alfredo
Standout tracks:โScottie Beamโ, โBabies & Foolsโ, โGod is Perfectโ
Gibbs remains an underrated MC whose flow always rides comfortably over any beat.
Listen Here
Busta Rhymes โ Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath
Standout tracks: โDonโt Beโ, โMaster Fard Muhammadโ, โYUUUUโ
Veteran MC Busta proves real artists get better with time and that his rhyme style is the most diverse in Hip Hop.
Megan Thee Stallion โ Good News
Standout tracks: โShots Firedโ, โBodyโ, โFreaky Girlsโ
Meganโs subject matter may be predicable, but that doesnโt discount her ability to own every song and rap with a confidence and carefreeness that sounds like chilling with the girls.
Jay Electronica โ A Written Testimony
Standout tracks: โGhost of Soulja Slimโ, โThe Neverending Storyโ, โA.P.I.D.T.Aโ
Despite the long wait and unfair Jay-Z assist, this album delivers a spiritually influenced perspective that’s more teaching than preaching.
Royce da 5โ9 โ The Allegory
Standout tracks:โMy Peopleโ, โOn the Blockโ, โOvercomerโ
Royceโs growth as an artist is matched only by his clever wordplay and diverse subject matter.
Bonus
Mulatto โ Queen of Da Souf
Big Sean โ Detroit 2
Pop Smoke โ Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon
Queen Naija – Misunderstood
Westside Gunn โ Pray for Paris
