DUCKWRTH - Supergood
There’s times where you would think 40 has produced a beat for Duckwrth, and there are other tracks that sound like they belong to Kaytranada. Even the approach in writing suits the production that is being provided. No one is looking for an Eminem “Renegade” verse for a club track, but it isn’t so basic that it detracts from the music. The accessibility of the sound is great, but can be a bit too basic for those who are more into hardcore hip hop, but I’ll be honest, the placement on the list does not reflect how often I will be listening to this project. If you like music at all, especially Kaytranada and Goldlink, you will have so much to appreciate about this album. It’s worth your time.
Dreamville has done it again! Spillage Village is a collection of various artists including EarthGang, JID, Hollywood JB, and more. Spilligion is conceptualized by the idea of questioning the church in comparison to religion and how it affects each artist and their community. What makes this album so good is not only the ability to stick to such an interesting concept, but their stories are not attempting to force your thinking in any way. The production for this album is a bit mixed. There are tracks like “PsalmSing” that genuinely sound like they were derived from gospel, while other tracks such as “Baptize” and “Shiva” have a more traditional hip hop sound. Somehow it all comes together into an album that is not only insightful, but a joy to listen to. With the likes of EarthGang and JID on an album there is no question that the lyrics to this album are great. There are moments that are potent and touch on worldly subjects.
Question evеrythin' I'm on, question all my worth
My success is yours, the trajеctory of adolescent black boys
When you were in the car with a mask on
Tryna mask all insecurities and purities, fact
I was a curious cat, but they killed him, if
Black…
All the rap features on this album put their best foot forward even if they are not afforded an entire 16 bars, but at no time do they steal the light from JID. JID truly has emerged as a star in his own right, and it shows on every track. All of the singing contributions were great as well...individually. As a collective there are songs where the voices clashed. For example, “Mecca” is the only song I will willingly skip when listening to this project. The crazy thing is the song overall isn’t bad, it reminds you of an early Outkast cut, but the harmonizing is done so poorly that I rather just not hear the song at all. The high of this album comes a little early, but “Baptize” and “PsalmSing” are incredible songs, closely followed by “Judas”. For those who are religious (and those who are not as well) there is a duality to the song titles and the concepts they represent. Most of the songs are nowhere close to being as on the nose as you may believe the titles to be. For this album to be a 49 minute outing I feel like the run time is even shorter. I’ve listened to this album twice without even noticing it started over, but in a good way, I just let it play and kept vibing out to the cool concept and great production. If you are a fan of Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book, Chika, or any Dreamville music artist this album is worth your time.
What if I told you there is a Grammy nominated artist that released one of the best albums of 2020, but has almost no mainstream following? Well, that person exists, and you’d never guess why he won a Grammy either. Dallas native Bobby Sessions has won his Grammy nod for his writing credits on the “Savage (Remix)”, but is definitely not known for starting dancing trends or hitting the charts.
2017 XXL Freshman, Amine, was sought to be a one hit wonder after releasing his hit “Caroline”, and even after his debut album Good for You which was well received, it seemed that Amine was clawing to maintain the buzz surrounding his name when he became a freshman. Ironically, after three short years Amine is one of two members of his class to see a rise in popularity. Limbo is Amine’s second LP, and the growth heard on this album is fantastic. This album could easily be listed higher with it’s wide array of beats and subject matters that all seem to suit the skill set Amine possesses. The best, and worst part about this album is there is something for everyone. “Compensated (feat. Young Thug)” is a great commercial song with an uptempo beat and catchy hook, but it doesn’t skimp on clever punchlines. Then there are tracks like “Shimmy” and “Pressure in My Palms” that give off more of a lyrical display and have a sound more grounded in traditional hip hop. The features on this album are quite impressive with the likes of Vince Staples (who delivered my favorite line of the album), Charlie Wilson, Injury Reserve and a few more. I believe that if Amine continues to build off the groundwork he has laid for this album he will be around for a very long time, his solid vocal work and great rhyming have the polish to take him to the next level of stardom. This album is a great listen for anyone, the listener may not fall in love with every song, but they won’t be skipping any either.
Lyric Jones has made her stance as one of my favorite female artists in music with her album Closer Than They Appear. Typically it’s not recommended to identify the classification of an artist by their gender, but in this case it defines exactly what makes her so special. The perspective of a lyrical, strong, and calculated black woman. This album is a complete contrast to what we’ve heard most of this year, not only from other women in music, but a lot of the men as well. Closer Than They Appear is a lyrical journey, backed by soulful boom bap production. Everything about this album just flows together, there’s not a misstep from Lyric or her features, and you can get a great sense that there is time and passion put into this project. One thing I discovered that made me appreciate the album even more is that Phonte (One half of the amazing duo Little Brother) is credited as executive producer on this album. You can hear his influence throughout the album, but none of it feels forced or deviates from sounding new and refreshing. The production isn’t overbearing either, you may be bobbing our head to tracks like “Rock On” and “Cruisin’” but it doesn’t dominate the sharp wordplay.
Denzel Curry may be the most charismatic rapper in recent history, and the album Unlocked just further proves how. Collaborating with Kenny Beats, a producer best known for his work on “Jesus is the One” builds a world of grimey and bombastic beats grab your attention instantly. Denzel Curry does what he does best by bringing in clever wordplay and an insane amount of energy.
My bitch bad like battle rappers that make albums with no outcome
X the middleman, no Malcolm
Where's the Talcum? Powder, when I smack niggas
Palm itchin', Napalms, we bomb business
Lines like these are witty and clever, but come in such rapid succession that you may miss them. It’s so easy to get caught up in the production and the flows that you miss lines that might make you laugh out loud or even better, make you go “damn!”. The only downside to this amazing journey of an album is the runtime. This album is only 18 minutes long, but has too many tracks to qualify as an EP. This album keeps you coming back for more due to its rowdy and upbeat nature. The most surprising information I learned about this album was Denzel Curry freestyle all of his verses, which makes this body of work all the more impressive. If there were 3-4 more tracks of head-banging beats and hard-hitting lyrics it would arguably be a top 3 album of the year.
If Netflix hasn’t provided us with anything in recent memory, it has given us one of the most enjoyable artists of 2020. D Smoke, an Inglewood native and winner of Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow graced us with a West Side story we all could enjoy. Black Habits explores the environment and culture that made D Smoke into the man that he is today. The skits, the production, and even the voice of Black Habits screams Inglewood, and I love it. There have been some complaints about D Smoke sounding like Kendrick Lamar, but I feel like it’s a larger testament to where he is from, not his actual musical sound.
Spillage Village - Spilligion
Question evеrythin' I'm on, question all my worth
My success is yours, the trajеctory of adolescent black boys
When you were in the car with a mask on
Tryna mask all insecurities and purities, fact
I was a curious cat, but they killed him, if
Black…
All the rap features on this album put their best foot forward even if they are not afforded an entire 16 bars, but at no time do they steal the light from JID. JID truly has emerged as a star in his own right, and it shows on every track. All of the singing contributions were great as well...individually. As a collective there are songs where the voices clashed. For example, “Mecca” is the only song I will willingly skip when listening to this project. The crazy thing is the song overall isn’t bad, it reminds you of an early Outkast cut, but the harmonizing is done so poorly that I rather just not hear the song at all. The high of this album comes a little early, but “Baptize” and “PsalmSing” are incredible songs, closely followed by “Judas”. For those who are religious (and those who are not as well) there is a duality to the song titles and the concepts they represent. Most of the songs are nowhere close to being as on the nose as you may believe the titles to be. For this album to be a 49 minute outing I feel like the run time is even shorter. I’ve listened to this album twice without even noticing it started over, but in a good way, I just let it play and kept vibing out to the cool concept and great production. If you are a fan of Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book, Chika, or any Dreamville music artist this album is worth your time.
Bobby Sessions - RVLTN 3: Price of Freedom
RVLTN 3: Price of Freedom is a layered and entertaining listen. Bobby has always had a knack for putting together great lyrics surrounding his life as a black man in America, and highlighting the current state of affairs within our country, but this album executes those points even better than before. What this album executes very well is not making the political talk and social injustice matters hard to listen to. One of the biggest flaws that can be found amongst lyrical and socially focused artists is the ability to be accessible in their artform. This is not to say that the lyrics are simpler, or the undertone is really fun and popish, but the listen isn’t bogged down by poor production, lazy hooks, or an innumerable amount of features. You also don’t need to hear the first two RVLTN albums to enjoy this one in full.
The production is smooth throughout, the lyrics are fantastic, and the themes give you a real sense of what life is lack as a Dallas native, specifically a black one. Tracks like “Reparations” and “Tales from the South” really lay into the mindset of the album, and puts on a full display tales of success, but also cautionary tales of the black people have been systematically set to fail, and how in some cases...it works. I would recommend this album to anyone who wants a change of pace from the high pitched trap music of today. It’s a really refreshing project.
Amine - Limbo
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2017 XXL Freshman, Amine, was sought to be a one hit wonder after releasing his hit “Caroline”, and even after his debut album Good for You which was well received, it seemed that Amine was clawing to maintain the buzz surrounding his name when he became a freshman. Ironically, after three short years Amine is one of two members of his class to see a rise in popularity. Limbo is Amine’s second LP, and the growth heard on this album is fantastic. This album could easily be listed higher with it’s wide array of beats and subject matters that all seem to suit the skill set Amine possesses. The best, and worst part about this album is there is something for everyone. “Compensated (feat. Young Thug)” is a great commercial song with an uptempo beat and catchy hook, but it doesn’t skimp on clever punchlines. Then there are tracks like “Shimmy” and “Pressure in My Palms” that give off more of a lyrical display and have a sound more grounded in traditional hip hop. The features on this album are quite impressive with the likes of Vince Staples (who delivered my favorite line of the album), Charlie Wilson, Injury Reserve and a few more. I believe that if Amine continues to build off the groundwork he has laid for this album he will be around for a very long time, his solid vocal work and great rhyming have the polish to take him to the next level of stardom. This album is a great listen for anyone, the listener may not fall in love with every song, but they won’t be skipping any either.
Lyric Jones - Closer than they Appear
Lyric Jones has made her stance as one of my favorite female artists in music with her album Closer Than They Appear. Typically it’s not recommended to identify the classification of an artist by their gender, but in this case it defines exactly what makes her so special. The perspective of a lyrical, strong, and calculated black woman. This album is a complete contrast to what we’ve heard most of this year, not only from other women in music, but a lot of the men as well. Closer Than They Appear is a lyrical journey, backed by soulful boom bap production. Everything about this album just flows together, there’s not a misstep from Lyric or her features, and you can get a great sense that there is time and passion put into this project. One thing I discovered that made me appreciate the album even more is that Phonte (One half of the amazing duo Little Brother) is credited as executive producer on this album. You can hear his influence throughout the album, but none of it feels forced or deviates from sounding new and refreshing. The production isn’t overbearing either, you may be bobbing our head to tracks like “Rock On” and “Cruisin’” but it doesn’t dominate the sharp wordplay.
The guest appearances don’t overshadow Lyric’s fantastic ability to control each track, which is incredible with the likes of Little Brother and Vic Mensa giving some of their best performances in recent memory. Did I mention she can sing? Because Lyric also has some very solid vocals. The only downside to this album is I want to hear more about who she is as a person. This album is a great introduction to her catalog, but I would love to hear more of a deep dive into what makes Lyric…Lyric. Overall, Closer Than They Appear is an easy recommendation for those who like Little Brother, Rapsody, and Kendrick Lamar. If Lyric is able to keep this up she will go very far.
Kenny Beats & Denzel Curry - Unlocked
Denzel Curry may be the most charismatic rapper in recent history, and the album Unlocked just further proves how. Collaborating with Kenny Beats, a producer best known for his work on “Jesus is the One” builds a world of grimey and bombastic beats grab your attention instantly. Denzel Curry does what he does best by bringing in clever wordplay and an insane amount of energy.
My bitch bad like battle rappers that make albums with no outcome
X the middleman, no Malcolm
Where's the Talcum? Powder, when I smack niggas
Palm itchin', Napalms, we bomb business
Lines like these are witty and clever, but come in such rapid succession that you may miss them. It’s so easy to get caught up in the production and the flows that you miss lines that might make you laugh out loud or even better, make you go “damn!”. The only downside to this amazing journey of an album is the runtime. This album is only 18 minutes long, but has too many tracks to qualify as an EP. This album keeps you coming back for more due to its rowdy and upbeat nature. The most surprising information I learned about this album was Denzel Curry freestyle all of his verses, which makes this body of work all the more impressive. If there were 3-4 more tracks of head-banging beats and hard-hitting lyrics it would arguably be a top 3 album of the year.
D Smoke - Black Habits
The album production varies from beats that will make you feel like you’re riding around in a 64, to soothing soul selections that sound like how love feels. After a short intro that builds the framework for the concept a smooth beat creeps in as Smoke critiques a childhood filled with some of the worst threats of all to an adolescence...bullies. D Smoke is electric from the moment the beat drops on each track, and his punchlines are sharp and clever. There are shining moments where the lines aren’t even meant to be very lyrical, but are delivered in a way that speaks volumes. “No Commas” is a wonderful example of how a song doesn’t have to break out the encyclopedia, but has a lot to say. What this album will make you do though, is break out Google Translate. Why is that? Well...for those who are new to D Smoke’s music like myself, he’s bilingual. It’s sprinkled into tracks like “No Commas” but comes in full force on “Gaspar Yanga” an upbeat introduction to the wild flows that Smoke has in his arsenal. I blasted this song at full volume because it gives off so much energy, it’s easily one of my favorite songs of 2020. Not to mention there is a co-sign from Snoop Dogg as well.
On the later half of the album there is a lull where Smoke shows off his ability to sing, which isn’t bad, but kills the pacing just to be brought back with a strong closing detailing D Smoke’s relationship with his father, and his Father. I am very impressed with this album, and honestly if there was a slightly shorter run time for this hour long album it may have avoided the lull and be the best of the year.
This was my surprise hit of 2020. Griselda member Benny the Butcher delivers a flashy and braggadocios album that really surpassed my expectations. I know most fans who are familiar with the Griselda brand and their music will say this is nothing new for them, their lyrical prowess has grasped the attention of new hip hop fans and old. What makes Burden of Proof stand out to me is the amazing production by Hit-Boy who doesn’t have a single miss on this album, accompanied by lyrics that are not just about the flash of drug dealing, but with wisdom and lyrical ability sprinkled throughout.
From the very first track “Burden of Proof” you’re hit with the Roc-a-fella era nostalgia. Heavy horns and bass pounding in the background as Benny details his background and what makes him stand out from the rest who have claimed to run the streets.
Jail cells while I learned decision makin'
Fifty grand in the 'frigerator, living room, killers waitin'
Plastic on the floor like we renovatin'
This not for kids so you gotta excuse it
Y'all don't spend enough on guns, but a lot with the jeweler
I spent a bunch on guns and a lot with the jeweler
Then bought a crib for my bitch and gave a block to my shooters
Needless to say from the very beginning of this album Benny the Butcher wasn’t messing around. Not only does he share the game with the younger generation who wants to follow his steps and join the streets, Benny details the struggles and strife that he’s had to endure to have the things he has now. There are lyrics of love, loss, hate, and revenge riddled throughout, and they shine most over these glossy and deep Hit-Boy beats.
I felt like I was listening to a Wu-Tang album at some moments, it’s that good. Benny the Butcher glides over these beats and even stands tall against bigger artists such as Big Sean, Lil Wayne, and Freddie Gibbs. Not a track goes by where you don’t hear a well-crafted and intelligent verse that’s complemented by simple and catchy hooks. If there were a complaint to make about this album, it’s the mixing on a couple tracks. There are times where Benny’s voice is dubbed for no reason, or the beats tend to take over the entire song, but they are very small and rare moments on this project.
Benny The Butcher - Burden of Proof
From the very first track “Burden of Proof” you’re hit with the Roc-a-fella era nostalgia. Heavy horns and bass pounding in the background as Benny details his background and what makes him stand out from the rest who have claimed to run the streets.
Jail cells while I learned decision makin'
Fifty grand in the 'frigerator, living room, killers waitin'
Plastic on the floor like we renovatin'
This not for kids so you gotta excuse it
Y'all don't spend enough on guns, but a lot with the jeweler
I spent a bunch on guns and a lot with the jeweler
Then bought a crib for my bitch and gave a block to my shooters
Needless to say from the very beginning of this album Benny the Butcher wasn’t messing around. Not only does he share the game with the younger generation who wants to follow his steps and join the streets, Benny details the struggles and strife that he’s had to endure to have the things he has now. There are lyrics of love, loss, hate, and revenge riddled throughout, and they shine most over these glossy and deep Hit-Boy beats.
I felt like I was listening to a Wu-Tang album at some moments, it’s that good. Benny the Butcher glides over these beats and even stands tall against bigger artists such as Big Sean, Lil Wayne, and Freddie Gibbs. Not a track goes by where you don’t hear a well-crafted and intelligent verse that’s complemented by simple and catchy hooks. If there were a complaint to make about this album, it’s the mixing on a couple tracks. There are times where Benny’s voice is dubbed for no reason, or the beats tend to take over the entire song, but they are very small and rare moments on this project.
Overall, the 98’ drug era, “money in the shoebox'' sound is alive and better than ever. This album is great for those who miss the Reasonable Doubt era of hip hop, and even better for those who just love great Hit-Boy production.
It’s always a good day in hip hop when Freddie Gibbs releases music. This album was absolutely no different. Freddie Gibbs takes a lyrical victory lap of his successes with the project Alfredo. Though this album doesn’t feature the dynamic duo of Madlibs and Freddie Gibbs, Alchemist is certainly no slouch. Each beat is crafted to build this drug lord world that centers on Mr. Cocaine himself, Freddie Gibbs. Not a track goes by where a soul sample doesn’t fill your sound system setting the stage for Freddie Gibbs rapid flow to lay out the story of success, struggle, lust, and growth. Most of the time I would complain about the subject matter of an album, but here the glorification of drug dealing and body snatching doesn’t sound like encouragement, but a sense of enlightenment. Gangsta Gibbs drops lines like
Diego trippin' cause I'm sittin', ain't no package out
He robbed the plug, kicked in the door and cleaned the mattress out
Right back in the trap, these niggas bringin' out the old me (Yeah)
I'm tryna live to ninety-three and see the old me (Yeah)
That makes you feel that the past that Gibbs is detailing wasn’t the glamorous life that he wanted to live, but the means to an end. The end Gibbs was searching for was the ability to walk away with his health and wealth. Not to mention that “Something to Rap About” , the song quoted above, has the BEST Tyler the Creator verse ever recorded on it. Tyler was not the only great contribution to this album either, Benny the Butcher builds an entire world of terror and stress surrounding the world of drug dealing on “Frank Lucas” that complements the entire concept of crime and the streets that Freddie Gibbs explores throughout this 35 minute venture. This album has no missteps in concept or execution. The only negative to consider is that the content of the album is not for everyone, but for what it is, it’s damn near perfect.
If I had to describe this album, it would be pretty simple. Take Good Kid M.a.a.d. City and make it dark...very dark. This album reminds me of the scene in the alley when Bruce Wayne’s parents are murdered, and as bleak as it sounds it helps deliver a set piece that I didn’t imagine to enjoy hearing musically. I’ve never been much of a Boldy James fan due to his somber delivery, but here, it works.
Freddie Gibbs - Alfredo
Diego trippin' cause I'm sittin', ain't no package out
He robbed the plug, kicked in the door and cleaned the mattress out
Right back in the trap, these niggas bringin' out the old me (Yeah)
I'm tryna live to ninety-three and see the old me (Yeah)
That makes you feel that the past that Gibbs is detailing wasn’t the glamorous life that he wanted to live, but the means to an end. The end Gibbs was searching for was the ability to walk away with his health and wealth. Not to mention that “Something to Rap About” , the song quoted above, has the BEST Tyler the Creator verse ever recorded on it. Tyler was not the only great contribution to this album either, Benny the Butcher builds an entire world of terror and stress surrounding the world of drug dealing on “Frank Lucas” that complements the entire concept of crime and the streets that Freddie Gibbs explores throughout this 35 minute venture. This album has no missteps in concept or execution. The only negative to consider is that the content of the album is not for everyone, but for what it is, it’s damn near perfect.
Body James & Sterling Toles - Manger on McNichols
Sterling Toles adds this thematic and jazzy production that delivers the theme in full. If this album was able to gain more exposure I’m sure it would be declared a classic, but I can at least say for now it’s an amalgamation of the struggle of growing up in Detroit and the lessons that are learned along the way. Violence, drugs, and money rule the topics of this album, but not in the flashy and glamorous way that we would usually imagine it being portrayed in rap. This is a real life view of what these things can do to a community, and the production helps back the concept of pain and struggle. I have never been so happy to hear an album so sad. Tracks like “Mommy Dearest” and “Requiem” are truly heartbreaking because of how well they are crafted from beginning to end.
The only downside to music like this is there is nothing to break up from the sound of doom and gloom. I was hoping for a few sounds of triumph at the end, but that could be due to the nature of people always wanting a happy ending, the happy ending is there, but the feeling is fleeting and short lived.
This album is a hop hop masterpiece that falls short of classic status for only a couple reasons. The album could use some better mixing, and the beats sometimes take a minute to fully develop, becoming slightly off putting until seconds into the song. Manger on McNichols is a trying experience, but it’s worth it.
If you ever needed an album to summarize how everyone feels inside about the year 2020...this is it. The frustration, the rage, the speculation, the doubt, all of it is on full display in Run The Jewels 4. I have no idea how this duo continues to do it, but the chemistry between Killer Mike and El-P is truly insane. I feel like throughout the journey of creating music together they have truly become brothers, and have such a deep understanding of how one another think and feel that there are no missteps or shortcomings to account for. The concept of this album is simple enough El-P and Killer Mike (addressed as Yankee & The Brave) are basically f**king s**t up in the best ways ever. This album covers so many topics that the daily individual is experiencing without being preachy or boring. Money, drugs, sex, and violence are covered under the guise of capitalism and the downfall of society as we speak. This is in consummation with witty punchlines and braggadocios lines about the greatness of Yankee & The Brave.
Run the Jewels - RTJ4
As a hip hop fan there is a nagging pressure to compare Killer Mike & El-P to see who dominated the most memorable and creative verses on the album, but I can say with all certainty that there is no dominant act on this project. Run the Jewels is like AD and LeBron, together they are nearly unstoppable, and are expected to do amazing things when they are on the floor at the same time. Just an example of how crazy they are lyrically, I’ll share an excerpt of what I consider to be the “weakest” track on the album.
Amazing, ain't it, how we made it and didn't fake it?
Life's a disguise, the truth is butt naked
Used to be a time I'd see it and not say it
Now I understand that woke folk be playin'
Ain't no revolution is televised and digitized
You've been hypnotized and Twitter-ized by silly guys
Cues to the evenin' news, make sure you ill-advised
Got you celebratin' the generators of genocide
Yeah...these guys are amazing. Accompanying lyrics like this the release date of June 3, 2020, there was no better time to release this album, and it also represented the voices of many people in the United States who desired justice for the deaths of numerous unarmed black men and women. The production on this album will send you to a frenzy, but also makes you want to start a revolution. Also, one trend that I absolutely love about Run The Jewels, they have some of the strongest closing songs in rap. “A few words from the firing squad” has an amazing build up to a conclusion that makes you want to instantly start the album over.
This is the music of rebellion, the music of change, the music of a generation. This album makes you think, nod your head, and want to take down your oppressors all at the same time. Run the Jewels has easily released the most amazing body of work in 2020, and they have cemented themselves into hip hop history. I love this album.
Lupe Fiasco - House
Amazing, ain't it, how we made it and didn't fake it?
Life's a disguise, the truth is butt naked
Used to be a time I'd see it and not say it
Now I understand that woke folk be playin'
Ain't no revolution is televised and digitized
You've been hypnotized and Twitter-ized by silly guys
Cues to the evenin' news, make sure you ill-advised
Got you celebratin' the generators of genocide
Yeah...these guys are amazing. Accompanying lyrics like this the release date of June 3, 2020, there was no better time to release this album, and it also represented the voices of many people in the United States who desired justice for the deaths of numerous unarmed black men and women. The production on this album will send you to a frenzy, but also makes you want to start a revolution. Also, one trend that I absolutely love about Run The Jewels, they have some of the strongest closing songs in rap. “A few words from the firing squad” has an amazing build up to a conclusion that makes you want to instantly start the album over.
This is the music of rebellion, the music of change, the music of a generation. This album makes you think, nod your head, and want to take down your oppressors all at the same time. Run the Jewels has easily released the most amazing body of work in 2020, and they have cemented themselves into hip hop history. I love this album.
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