The Best Albums of 2021 Part 2

No rankings. Just 50 projects that tell the story of music in 2021’s second half

By Ben Leshan

Donda- Kanye West

Source: @kanyewest

Donda, which is named after the artist’s late mother, feels like a huge moment in music possibly more than any other album this year, as the sheer anticipation Ye is able to create for his new drops at 44 years old is unparalleled. The record also has a top natch cast of feature artists ranging from The Weeknd to Baby Keem to Jay-Z, and everyone seemed to turn in their best work. The return of Jay and Ye on “Jail” is a massive and pure moment, “Pure Souls” with Roddy Ricch is a spiritual experience, and “Moon” with Don Toliver and Kid Cudi would literally make anybody float into the sky (checkout our Top 50 Songs of 2021 Part 2 for more on these). Ye’s lyrics range from inspirational and profound on “Come To Life” to flat out weird in other places, but overall, the production, the features, the emotionality, and the rap skill make Donda one of the best records of the year.

Solar Power- Lorde

Source: @lorde

Solar Power feels reflective of Lorde’s space in life. She is at the point where she does not care what people think of her and wants to live for her own happiness. That has left us with a record with significantly less commercial appeal than her previous albums, but still a lot of important content. Lorde has expressed that she wants to play this record in mid-size venues rather than big arenas, and you can feel that in its intimacy. The lead single “Solar Power” is a fun and free summery track, “Mood Ring” is a catchy critique of wellness culture, and “Big Star”, one of our best songs of the year, is a vulnerable and emotional vocal moment over soft, grungy guitar without drums. Overall, Lorde doesn’t really show off her hit-making ability here, but she still offers a must-listen.

I Was/ I Am- Noah Kahan

Source: @noahkahanmusic

Noah Kahan has a fantastic soft indie voice that has led him to a lot of quiet success, and this project is easily one of the best and most emotionally captivating of the year. Kahan’s takes on love and personal growth feel mature but also openly flawed and human, while the record’s production goes back and forth between acoustic softness and more upbeat folky rhythms. Overall, Kahan finds a great balance, and makes an album with memorable lyrics and amazing-sounding vocals. Highlights include “Part of Me”, “Godlight”, “Caves”, and “Fear of Water”.

We’re All Alone In This Together- Dave

Source: @santandave

Dave is easily a face of hip hop in the UK, and he has a solid presence in the US, but he doesn’t get nearly enough love in the conversation for today’s best overall rappers. He has the bars, the melodies, the storytelling, the hunger, and the artistic vision to be a legend in the rap game, and this album is a reflection of that top level ability. Every track feels carefully crafted with so much attention to detail, from the insightful reflection on life and mental health that is “We’re All Alone”, to the subtly anthemic vibes of “Twenty To One” (featured on our Top 50 Songs of 2021 Part 1), and the hit-appeal of “Clash” with Stormzy.

When I Close My Eyes- Chelsea Cutler

Source: @chelseacutler

Chelsea Cutler never fails to give great vocal performances and capture the emotions associated with youth and love. Cutler always feels sweet and empathetic, while diving into a range of human emotions. This record stays pretty purely in a pop space, and keeps lyrical themes about youth and the experience of falling in and out love. Cutler really has a great recognizable tone and an ability to write lyrics that hit you in the heart, which is shown off quite well on songs like “Walking Away” and “When I Close My Eyes”.

=- Ed Sheeran

Source: @teddysphotos

Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest artists in the world for a reason. A legendary songwriter, he has the ability to pen massive pop hits but also vulnerable and personal album cuts. He does both on this album, crafting smash singles like “Bad Habits” and “Shivers”, writing amazing love songs like “Overpass Graffiti” and “First Times”, and penning thoughtful songs about his life like “Tides” and “Be Right Now”. Sometimes he falls too far into trying to make a song conceptual and universally understandable rather than unique and personal, but for such a big artist with so many demands on him, Ed does a great job of making a record that will make everyone happy, and surely do very well being performed at stadiums across the world.

Certified Lover Boy- Drake

Source: @champagnepapi

One simply can’t have escaped Certified Lover Boy in 2021 whether you are Drake’s biggest stan or his biggest hater. Drizzy consistently catches the most flack of any major rapper, but also sells the most records, so what is the truth about this album? It definitely lies somewhere in between the vehement hate and astronomical sales. The hits are there (“Way 2 Sexy” with Young Thug and Future, “Fair Trade” with Travis Scott), and so are the bars (“Champagne Poetry”, “7am on Bridlepath”), but so are lower points. Drake’s perspective is undeniably immature for a 35-year old father, and he doesn’t explore new territory sonically even though he gives us variety. At the end of the day, he just does what he knows will sell. Overall, CLB is a really good album, we just have to have high standards for such a great artist.

Crusher- Jeremy Zucker

Source: @jeremyzucker

Crusher is full of soft drums and evocative suburban imagery of everyday love and pain. Zucker stays in his pocket of indie guitar tracks, but explores production that leans into hyper pop and rock, and finds a wide enough array of lyrical themes to keep listeners engaged. Everything that he does feels simultaneously intimate and grand. Zucker brings the emotionality and indie edge to sweet pop music, and he captures that vibe very well with this record. Highlights on the record include “18”, an energetic take on the excitement of reckless young love, and “Cry With You”, an emotional support anthem.

Montero- Lil Nas X

Source: @lilnasx

Lil Nas X has gone from meme rap sensation to one of the biggest stars in the world in just a couple years, and he’s still elevating. Montero is big and bold and sees Nas really own his identity as a gay Black man who deserves the respect of the industry. He is a rapper and singer and an entertainer on this record, and the result is immense commercial success. We see him flex his accomplishments on the absolute banger that is “Industry Baby” with Jack Harlow, show brave confidence on “Montero (Call Me By Your Name), and bares his soul on “Void”.

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert- Little Simz

Source: @littlesimz

Simz delivers one of the best all-around rap records of the year here, diving into her life story in a way that is bound to captivate a huge audience. It’s one of those rap records you have to play multiple times and really, really listen to to fully grasp. The British-Nigerian MC does a good job balancing accessibility and technical intricacy, but she packs meaning into every line to the point that a lapse of attention will leave the listener without the full message of a lot of records. She is good on all kinds of tracks, but Simz is really at her best when she spits about serious topics like on “Woman”, “Introvert”, or “I Love You, I Hate You”.

It’s Ok, We’re Dreaming- SEB

Source: @dotseb

SEB, an LA-based indie artist who blew up on tiktok, delivers a polished and exciting debut here. SEB’s voice is always clear and controlled, floating effortlessly over beachy guitar riffs and tasteful drums. The production is laid back and subtle, but perfectly complements his vocals to create a range of moods. SEB really creates songs that make you want to sing along and get lost in. Standout moments come throughout the EP, but “daniel*”, “Coney Island” and “seaside_demo” are his best work.

Something For Thee Hotties- Megan Thee Stallion

Source: @theestallion

A lot of rappers have released a project as a gift to their fans in between more highly promoted commercial albums, but they rarely reach the quality of this record. Meg never fails to spit throughout the album, making banger after banger. The ultimate standout here is her big single “Thot Sh*t”, but every single song features top level rapping. A lot of the songs are short, and many are labelled as freestyles, but Meg did this right, making a project that leave her fans dying for more, not sacrificing quality, but not hitting her top gear quite yet.

Happier Than Ever- Billie Eilish

Source: @billieeilish

Billie is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, and with that comes high expectations, but she was able to be herself and deliver a good record here. Billie’s work is less haunting and less angsty than it was previously, and that likely reflects her growth as a young adult. She still has the same controlled, breathy, iconic voice, and there is clearly incredible attention paid to every aspect of production. There are some parts of the album that feel a little inorganic, but in her most raw and emotional moments, like on the title track “Happier Than Ever”, Eilish absolutely kills it.

An Evening With Silk Sonic- Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars

Source: @brunomars

An Evening With Silk Sonic is funky, emotional, and soulful as hell. Bruno and .Paak bounce off each other and push each other to new heights, creating an amazing sound with widespread appeal. Everything part of the production has an incredible groove, and was clearly arranged with so much thought. The tracklist is short, but every single song brings something to the table. Just as the title suggests, this album is a whole experience, not just a collection of songs, and it ended up spawning huge hits like “Leave The Door Open” and “Smokin Out The Window” for a reason.

Believe In Me, Who Believes In You- Aries

Source: @aries

Aries has quietly been one of the most consistent indie artists out in recent years, making good song after good song. This record does a good job of living up to the sky high bar he set with his first album Welcome Home, and has multiple undeniable tracks. As a producer and singer, Aries crafts catchy guitar beats that really match his voice, and writes complex metaphors about love and angst. His musical influences range everywhere from hip hop to pop punk to rnb, but the overall output is one of the best indie records of the year, featuring incredible songs like “Ditto”, “Kids on Molly”, and “ETA”.

30- Adele

Source: @adele

Adele’s 30 is different from anything she has ever put out before, but it still showcases the talent of one of our world’s most iconic artists. This record is made more for Adele herself than it is for commercial audiences, with very long tracks, raw emotions, and sonic experimentation. Adele’s previous albums have both the emotional intimacy and commercial side, but this is a clear sign of maturity, of an artist knowing she is so iconic and so successful that she might as well make what she really wants to make. The commercial success is also more than still there for Adele, with “Easy on Me” become a monster chart-topper and many other tracks doing high level numbers.

Negative- Ekkstacy

Source: @ekkstacy

Ekkstacy is one of the single most exciting artists out right now, and Negative is a beautiful indie album that captures human emotion masterfully. Ekkstacy is depressed and numb throughout this record about love and heartbreak, but his pain is constantly palpable. The names of each track spell out a poem that tells the story of his last relationship from beginning to end. This album has the immaturity and emotional exaggeration of young love with the maturity and wisdom of adulthood, resulting in an amazing collection of some of the year’s best songs, including “I Walk This Earth All By Myself”, “It Only Gets Worse I Promise”, and “In Love”. There is immeasurable potential in this project.

TWOPOINTFIVE- Aminé

Source: @amine

Aminé has been one of the rap game’s most quietly successful stars over the last 5+ years, coming with 4 good projects in a row and a lot of creative ingenuity and confident individuality. TWOPOINTFIVE is playful more than it is vulnerable, but that is exactly Aminé’s market, and he does it well. The production is bouncy, the bars are clever and well-crafted, and he is clearly gearing up to come back even stronger on his next official album while delivering some great songs to tide his fans over. The lead single “Charmander” captures the project exceptionally well with an unconventional production melody that Aminé spits hilarious and meaningful bars over.

Letter Blue- Wet

Source: @wet

Indie band Wet create a strong indie album behind the voice of lead singer Kelly Zutrau on Letter Blue. The tracklist is short at ten tracks, but they pack a lot of experimentation into that space, using nontraditional drums, hyper pop vocal effects, and orchestral sounds to create a true musical experience. Zutrau’s voice sits breathily above expansive production on most of the tracks, sometimes distorted, sometimes clean, but always conveying lots of emotion. Standout moments include “Larabar” a ballad with hyperpop leanings, and “On Your Side” a gentle and nostalgic indie cut.

Star-Crossed- Kacey Musgraves

Source: @spaceykacey

Musgraves had a lot to live up to with this record after her Grammy success with her previous album Golden Hour, but this record is a good follow-up. Musgraves makes more radio-friendly songs here, but her iconic tone and vintage style are still there. She shows off an ability to make catchy songs about a variety of subjects, and she continues to be a great storyteller. Standout moments include “Justified” and the nostalgic “Simple Times”.

Scenic Drive (The Tape)- Khalid

Source: @thegr8khalid

Khalid is one of the world’s biggest pop stars, but he always stays true to himself with his music. Scenic Drive leans back into an rnb sound with smooth and soulful sonics, and it boasts an incredible list of features including Alicia Keys, 6lack, JID, Ari Lennox, and Majid Jordan. This feels like a tape between albums, but it is still an amazing piece of art delivered from one of this generation’s best vocalists. Standout moments include “All I Feel Is Rain” for its emotion and earworm hook, and “Retrograde” for its smooth style and standout features from 6lack and Lucky Daye.

Raceway: The Wisdom of Insecurity- SAIAH

Source: @iloveyousai

SAIAH brings intense energy to all of his music, and that energy makes this record special. The album includes one of our Top Songs of 2021 in “Cheater” with Tom The Mail Man, but it is far deeper than that one incredible song, with other outstanding songs like “Misfit” and “Lazlo” with RIZ LA VIE. SAIAH proves to be a great songwriter, as well as a genre-bending artist with a great command of translating emotion into catchy music. He is only starting to get significant commercial success, but this album shows he has the potential to blow up.

Dawn- YEBBA

Source: @yebbasmith

YEBBA is most known for her iconic and soulful voice, which certainly stands out on this record, but she also proves to have a complete artistic vision on Dawn. “Far Away” with A$AP Rocky is a great moment, a soulful jazzy track that just feels like a hit, and other records float between pop, rnb, and jazz with an innovative and unique sound. An artist who has already earned cosigns from the likes of Drake and Ed Sheeran, this album further cements YEBBA’s great potential.

What Do They Know- Tyler Braden


Source: @tylerbradenmusic

Braden proves he is a rising star in country music with this record. It’s best moment is “Better Off” (featured on our Best Songs of 2021 Part 2), a true country hit about the feeling of impending regret post-breakup. Throughout the album he proves to have range, showing over 7 songs that he has a voice and songwriting style that is able to please both old school and new school country fans. He is able to capture imagery with precision and skill, his voice carries a lot of soul, and his storytelling is top tier.

To Hell With It- Pinkpantheress

Source: @pinkpantheress

Pinkpantheress is definitely a product of the digital era, blowing up off of Tiktok with a glitchy techno pop sound that feels like it comes from the future. The 21-year-old English singer has seen incredible commercial success with this album simply off the strength of her social media presence and never-before-heard sound. This album is lo-fi yet bouncy and features concise and innovative song structures that lend themselves well to digital content.

Feeling For My Life- Anson Seabra

Source: @ansonseabra

Anson Seabra has an amazing pop voice and a great pen. Some of his songs are overly conceptual, but for the most part they capture universal emotions and communicate them poetically. Seabra doesn’t have a powerful voice, but his enticing tone makes for amazing-sounding vocals over soft production. There are a lot of great moments on the record with the emotionally-baring “Walked Through Hell”, the sad and reflective “u hurt me hurts u”, and floating story-centered “Magazines”. For lovers of emotional and sentimental pop somewhere in between Alec Benjamin and Lewis Capaldi, Seabra has made a can’t miss album here.

Folarin II- Wale

Source: @wale

Wale has been around for a long time, and he is still making some of the best rap records in the game. Folarin II is consistently lyrical, and Wale does a good job of selecting beats that draw the listener in and complement his vision. The DC legend makes a complete rap album here, bouncing from the upbeat club anthem “Poke It Out” featuring one of J Cole’s most fun verses to the emotional “Dearly Beloved” centered around a Jamie Foxx vocal. Wale is a forgotten legend in the generation of the Kendricks and Coles and Drakes, and he is still making heat in 2021.

Life of a Don- Don Toliver

Source: @dontoliver

Don Toliver is one of the most exciting young stars in hip hop, with one of the most recognizable voices in the game. His songs are laced with emotion but they also feel incredibly cool, floating in time and space adding a dimension to hip hop that usually doesn’t exist. On songs like “Swangin’ on Westheimer” Toliver uses his impressive vocals to create a spacey vibe, and he comes with the energy more upbeat tracks like “XSCAPE”. Don has proven to have one of the dopest sounds and hip hop, and on Life of a Don he shows he is only getting more polished.

Valentine- Snail Mail

Source: @snailmail

Snail Mail is an indie star on Valentine. The 22-year-old Maryland singer builds up the best production of her career on the album and sings with full emotion and energy. There is something defiant and prickly about Valentine but there is also a soft and sweet musical side that creates a nice contrast. Standout moments include “Glory” and the title track “Valentine”, which both makes use of indie guitar riffs and drums to create a nice atmosphere for her voice.

What’s My Name- KenTheMan

Source: @imkentheman

KenTheMan is not a rapper to be played with, and she proves it on What’s My Name. Her flows and bars are consistently on point, and her confidence is infectious. She has all the star power in the world, and it is just a matter of time before she has a big time mainstream breakout. The Houston-based MC keeps the production true to her roots with heavy drums and grimy sounds, and the biggest thing you’ll notice on the album is that Ken stays hungry, always rapping like she means it.

Optimist- FINNEAS

Source: @finneas

FINNEAS has received his biggest accolades in music for his production for his sister Billie Eilish, but he is absolutely an artist to watch, with a great pen, voice, and sense of emotional awareness. There are inconsistencies on this album, with some records not really hitting thematically even though the musicality is always there, but the bright moments are really bright. “A Concert Six Months From Now” is easily one of the best songs of the year, and other more stripped back cuts that show off Finneas’s vocals and perspective on life like “Only A Lifetime” and “What They’ll Say About Us” are gems.

The Melodic Blue- Baby Keem

Source: @keem

Baby Keem’s Melodic Blue has been one of hip hop’s most talked about albums this year. The 21-year-old rapper has all the youthful energy to inspire gen-z, and all the rap skills to resonate with older generations. Keem can fall too far in places into lyrical cliches and similar sounds, but he also has the ability to switch up his flows and rap like a seasoned vet. The obvious highlight of the record is “Family Ties”, featuring a verse from the king himself, Keem’s cousin Kendrick Lamar. It is an extraordinary challenge to match one of the greatest rappers of all time on a track, and Keem stands toe to toe with Lamar on the song, creating one of the single best rap songs of the year in the process.

Inside Out- Nilüfer Yanya

Source: @niluferyanyaaaaaa

Nilüfer Yanya has a haunting and soulful voice that floats throughout the seven songs of Inside Out. The English singer has a vocal tone unlike any you’ve heard before, and her song-writing is infectious and inviting. She is able to genre-bend between a refined pop space and an alt-rnb sound, creating her own mix of sonics that define her unique sound. “Keep on Calling” shows off her best skills, with great and evocative lyrics and space for her voice to shine.

Timelezz- Jhay Cortez

Source: @jhaycortez

Jhay Cortez is a bonafide star, and this record does a good job of showing off his abilities, with some of the catchiest vocals of the year. The 28-year-old Puerto Rican artist has a soulful tone that gives him the ability to deliver consistently amazing hooks, and he has a good ear for production, giving him widespread appeal. “Ley Seca” with Anuel AA is our standout pick for the project, but his vocals and production choies are consistently top tier, meaning the whole album has a ton of hit appeal.

Slack- Molly Payton

Source: @mollypayton

Molly Payton’s Slack is a youthful indie record that stands out for its high level of emotionality. Payton feels a whole range of emotions on the record, and the familiar and un-pretentious indie production makes her vulnerability shine through. Her full and distinct voice invites you in to feel with her, and her songs evoke a youthful excitement that carries a lot of imagery. The project as a whole is an example of amazing potential, with Payton being an artist who could make a huge leap with another record.

King of Killbranch- BIG30

Source: @ceobig30

BIG30’s young Memphis counterpart Pooh Shiesty has gotten most of the national attention, but 30 has been building a great start to his career as one of the south’s most promising young rappers. The production on this album screams Memphis throughout with gritty pianos and heavy drums, and 30’s full voice and Memphis accent deliver his bravado and energy perfectly. 30 raps hungry, and he is surprisingly lyrical, making for great moments throughout the album like “Allegations” with Shiesty and “Whatever Comes With It” featuring Future.

Punk- Young Thug

Source: @thuggerthugger1

Young Thug is an icon for so many reasons. Punk is by no means perfect, but it is a strong album from a trap music legend. It can be a bit all over the place with its various features and themes, but Thug shows off his excellent hip hop voice well and is more reflective and emotional than he has been on some previous records. There are songs with hit appeal like “Bubbly” with Travis Scott and Drake and “Livin It Up” with Post Malone and A$AP Rocky, and tracks with true vulnerability like “Die Slow” with Strick. Thug can be awkward about opening up, but he accomplishes something real showing more of his life on this album.

If Orange Was a Place- Tems

Source: @temsbaby

Tems has an amazing voice that immediately shines on this EP, but she also has a great sense of emotions and an ear for production. The Nigerian singer mixes afrobeats and rnb with ease, working with a blend of sounds that maintain a groove but give space for her impeccable vocal maneuvers. She has incredible vocal control, with ear-catching runs and a whole lot of control displayed throughout the project. Tems should be doing big things going forward after If Orange Was a Place.

At Least We Have This- Ama Lou

Source: @amalougistics

Ama Lou is ridiculously underrated, with an amazing voice and innovative rnb sound that is unmistakeable. On At Least We Have This Ama experiments with different sounds while maintaining a high level of quality. She shows off an ability to sing over drill drums (a trend that might soon take off due to TikTok) on “Talk Quiet”, rap a little bit on “Same Old Ways”, and use more classic rnb production on “Trust Nobody”. The EP’s best highlight is the dancy “All I Can Say” with empowering and beautifully-delivered lyrics.

Fighting Demons- Juice Wrld

Source: @juicewrld999

Juice Wrld was one of the biggest rappers in the world before he died of a drug overdose at just 21 in December of 2019, but unlike a lot of other young stars lost too soon, he had a lot of unreleased music finished. In contrast to other posthumous albums that feel unfinished, Fighting Demons for the most part includes songs as Juice Wrld intended them to be heard because he had so much in the vault. The chosen songs are strong, showing melody and lyricism, ranging from the dark and drugged out sound that made him famous to happier romantic cuts. The biggest highlights include the brooding “Doom” and “Girl of My Dreams” (which you can read more about here)

Gold Mouf- Lute

Source: @lute_west9

Lute comes out of J Cole’s Dreamville camp with complex bars and thoughtful themes that model the general energy of his label boss, but with his own personal twist. It’s clear that the priority of this album is the bars, and Lute comes with elite raps, but he also has an artistic vision that makes this much more than a way to display technical skills. Lute speaks on how he feels about life throughout this tracklist, crafting excellent songs like “GED”, “Birdsong” with JID and Saba, and “Flossin'” with Westside Boogie.

KEYS- Alicia Keys

Source: @aliciakeys

40-year-old singer Alicia Keys has been in the spotlight for a long time, and she’s not slowing down just yet. KEYS is long with 26 songs, but it’s not for no reason, as Keys splits the projects into “Originals”, which are softer piano tracks, and “Unlocked” songs, which have heavier drums and bigger production. The album shows that Keys has a command of a lot of different sounds and vibes, and she shows herself to be simultaneously mature and exciting as an artist.

Little Men- Marc E. Bassy

Source: @marcebassy

Marc E. Bassy leans into rnb sounds but keeps a pop sensibility on Little Men, crafting songs that have soul as well as rich synths and bass with sprinkled in melodies and elements of song structure from pop. Bassy’s distinct tone sticks out, and he shows himself to be able to create songs that drift through sonic space with an effortless swagger. His lyrics could use more depth at times, but his sonic achievements on this record are unquestionable, and it feels like his best work to date.

For Certain (Deluxe)- BIA

Source: @bia

BIA has proven to be an exciting new rapper over the last few years, and 2020’s “For Certain” added a lot to her momentum. In 2021 BIA was able to advance her wave, adding 6 new tracks to fill out the album and show her full range of talents. She proves to have a lot of swag, a great command of flow, and a distinct voice and sound that will give her longevity. This album is fun, slick, and cool, and proves BIA to be a rapper capable of dropping a hit at any time.

I Don’t Live Here Anymore- The War on Drugs

Source: @thewarondrugs

The War on Drugs is delivering fresh indie sounds from a more mature source, creating songs with rich production, catchy vocals, and thoughtful lyrical themes. Their sound is reminiscent of a 90s rock sound, making it stick out in the modern sonic world. The album feels like its sonics were cultivated with a lot of precision and thought, with each song having its unique bounce, but a cohesive use of sound throughout the tracklist. The quality here is really consistent, and the album is just undeniably well-done.

King’s Disease II- Nas

Source: @nas

Nas is still selling records and winning awards 27 years after wowing the world with his classic album Illmatic. He has had releases in between that led to questions about his lyrical content and beat selection, but he has gotten back to the Nas we know and love with the King’s Disease series. Sometimes he tries a little too hard to fit in with modern rap, but his rapping is excellent throughout, and he shows that he still has the ability to make mainstream commercial hip hop.

Still Over It- Summer Walker

Source: @summerwalker

Summer Walker is one of the biggest names in rnb at the moment, and Still Over It keeps her at the top of the game. The album is a bit long at 20 tracks, but it has a lot of good moments, and it features a host of big names including Cardi B, JT from City Girls, SZA, Ari Lennox, Lil Durk, and Pharrell Williams. Summer shows that she has some of the best ability to create a hit of anyone in her genre, and she makes songs that a lot of fans should be sure to relate to and play again and again.

Red Hand Akimbo- Paris Texas

Source: @paristexas

Paris Texas, an experimental hip hop duo from LA, has been making big waves in underground hip hop over the last year. Red Hand Akimbo, a short and sweet EP, shows off their potential. They have perhaps their most exciting moment yet as a group with the song “Girls Like Drugs”, a heavy-hitting banger that shows off some great rap skill, radio-ready production that doesn’t sacrifice the group’s signature sound, and a whole lot energy. Throughout the project the duo feels hungry to do even bigger things.

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power- Halsey

Source: @iamhalsey

Halsey is in a new stage of her life as a mother, and this album mirrors that life change sonically, with a sound that is much less pop than her previous work. The songs feel primarily focused on their subject matter and energy, and the tracklist features a lot of vulnerability and empowerment, diving into the power of femininity and motherhood. Her vocal tone cuts through consistently just like any Halsey record, the sonics are just more open and acoustic rather than grungy or pop-leaning.

The House is Burning- Isaiah Rashad

Source: @isaiahrashad

TDE’s Isaiah Rashad is deeply respected in the hip hop community for his bars, and he shows them off on this project. Rashad keeps the vibes heavy and chill at the same time, with a serious vocal tone that holds some California swag, and production that keeps the drums prominent and the melodies subtle. Rashad is able to navigate softer and harder songs while keeping a high level of sonic cohesiveness and moving through multiple lyrical themes. For any true rap fan, this project should be a great listen.

Enjoyed the post? Check out our playlist with one song from each of these amazing projects

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The Best Albums of 2021 So Far

No rankings. Just 50 projects that tell the story of music in 2021’s first 6 months

By Ben Leshan

SoulFly- Rod Wave

Source: @rodwave

This album is top tier. It is soulful and painful, and doesn’t have one skip. Rod Wave is one of the best artists in modern popular music, and he is not appreciated nearly enough for that. He came with many hits that were not written to be hits, but written to be beautiful expressions of emotion, and that is special. “Street Runner”, “Tombstone”, “SoulFly”, “Gone Till November” and more add to a huge string of hits in his catalog. At just 21, Rod Wave came with his third excellent project of his career, all of which have been released in an 18 month span. If you like SoulFly check out our spotlight on the album here.

Justice- Justin Bieber

Source: @justinbieber

Justin Bieber will eternally be hated on, but this album is full of hits. “Peaches” has seen monster commercial success, and songs like “Anyone”, “Lonely” and “Ghost” sound undeniably good. Many of the album’s strongest points come from its features and songwriting, which isn’t quite a credit to Bieber, but does show that he did his best to craft a great-sounding project. Adding Martin Luther King Jr. speeches though, and calling the album Justice without addressing social justice, well that was racially insensitive, distasteful, and horribly out of touch. In terms of the music Bieber created a fun-sounding album, but there isn’t the cohesion or thematic maturity that fans were hoping for.

The Plugs I Met 2- Benny The Butcher, Harry Fraud

Source: @getbenny

Benny The Butcher is easily one of the best pure rappers in the game, but he also has been making consistent under-the-radar hits. The 36-year-old from Buffalo comes with all the bravado of Pusha T type drug dealer rap, but he does it with a booming and full voice. Fraud comes through with his unique New York brand of production, playing with boom bap drums over catchy and intricate melodies. “Thanksgiving” deserves to be a massive hit, and there is not one song that is a lyrical miss. Hardcore hip hop fans know Benny well, but this project show how he deserves for the rest of the world to tune in.

Chemtrails Over the Country Club- Lana Del Rey

Source: @lanadelrey

Lana always goes back to similar themes of Americana and dark love stories, but she does it well. Her vocal tone is iconic, and often used beautifully on the project. The title track is the biggest hit, featuring soft keys and her classic haunting lyrics. The album feels like a soundtrack to the dark side of small town America. It is folky, wandering, and intimate. Lana always gets lost in the moments, focusing on vivid imagery through softness, and she accomplishes that well here. It isn’t her best project, but it is definitely a valuable piece of art.

Judas and the Black Messiah Soundtrack- Various artists

Source: @nipseyhussle

This film soundtrack features an impressive cast of characters from legends like Nas and Jay-Z, new stars like Polo G and Pooh Shiesty, and the late great Nipsey Hussle. It is cohesive, both in sound and lyrical content, focusing on race and racism, oppression, and social justice in an attempt to represent the legacy of the film’s subject, civil rights icon Fred Hampton. This project is valuable for its content alone, but the songs have a lot of replay value for their sonic merit as well. From “What it Feels Like” with Nipsey and Jay to “Rich N**** Problems” by A$AP Rocky to “Contagious” by SAFE and Kiana Ledé and everywhere in between, this album gets it right much more than it gets it wrong.

Brent ii- Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker

Source: @chelseacutler

These two artists compliment each other beautifully, creating an emotionally intimate EP with no skips to speak of. They explore themes of love and loss, of growing up, and learning to love yourself with a quiet confidence. Each uses their tone perfectly to create soft and pretty pop songs perfect for rainy days and nostalgic drives. The mood, vibe, and imagery flow from track to track, providing an excellent listening experience. Cutler and Zucker definitely proved to be on top of their game on this one.

TYRON- Slowthai

Source: @slowthai

British rappers never get enough respect worldwide, but Slowthai is becoming a big name globally, and one of the biggest in his country. Lyrically, there is no doubt that he has the it-factor, and his manipulation of his vocal tone and intensity is masterful. He has room to grow as a chorus writer, but his energy and verses are all there. The best songs on the project include “MAZZA” with A$AP Rocky and “terms” with Denzel Curry and Dominic Fike (Dom’s earworm chorus is one of the highlights of the whole record). Overall, Slowthai definitely proved he is a top tier MC and constantly growing as an overall artist with this release.

Spaceman- Nick Jonas

Source: @nickjonas

Nick Jonas keeps this project in a surface level pop space, but this album has many undeniably good elements. The songwriting isn’t deep, but it fits his voice, and is the perfect mix of emotional enough to matter but dancy enough to not always have to listen to in order to enjoy. Jonas uses his iconic falsetto extremely well throughout the project, and he creates a lot of fun moments. “2drunk”, “Spaceman”, “This is Heaven”, and “Nervous” are definitely worth a bump in the car.

Once Upon A Time- CHIKA

Source: @chikalogy

Chika, a 2020 XXL Freshman and bonified rising star, embraces her unique identity on Once Upon A Time. She flexes her lyricism and fast flows, as well as her clean singing voice. There is definitely room for her to create a more full and emotional project, but she is well on the road to doing so. She explores love, Black and female representation, and her come up with a lot of confidence and vulnerability, and her voice sounds great doing it. CHIKA is definitely an artist to watch in hip hop, and she has all the skill to be a star.

El Dorado- 24kGoldn

Source: @24kgoldn

24kGoldn, a 20 year old California artist who left USC after making waves with hit records, created a massive hit last year with “Mood” featuring Iann Dior. The song went viral on tiktok, but it wasn’t just a trend, it truly is a good record. El Dorado does not quite live up to its lead single, but it shows a lot of skill. 24kGoldn has also done a lot of songwriting, and he shows that he is capable of creating hit choruses and verses, and using his voice quite well. He falls a bit too much into recycling cliche hip hop themes instead of leaning into his own identity, but the project shows a lot of potential, and is well worth a listen.

The Internet Killed The Rockstar- MOD SUN

Source: @modsun

MOD SUN has been in the rock game for a long time, but at 34 he is finally breaking out in the mainstream. After working with Machine Gun Kelly on his highly successful 2020 album Tickets To My Downfall, MOD SUN has put out a great record for himself. It doesn’t quite carry MGK’s commercial appeal, but MOD SUN has a unique and powerful voice, and a great ear for a catchy song. He proves he is a rockstar in the age of the internet creating great records like “Betterman”, “Karma”, and “Flames” with his girlfriend Avril Lavigne.

Amusing Her Feelings- dvsn

Source: @dvsn

OVO rnb duo dvsn have been making waves in their genre for years, and this is another great effort. Singer Daniel Daley uses his rich tone with skill, and Nineteen85 shows out with spacey production. The list of features is impressive, with Future, Snoh Aalegra, Miguel, Summer Walker, Ty Dolla $ign and Popcaan all making appearances. “No Cryin” features an excellent effort from Future, and “He Said” with Miguel is a great musical performance. This is definitely one of the best rnb records we got in the first half of 2021.

Lyrics To Go Vol. 2- Kota The Friend

Source: @kotathefriend

This project is short, and purely lyrical, but for what it is, it is excellent. Kota, a 28-year-old Brooklyn rapper, is not one for frills or being an entertainer. He is an MC at his core, and he always stays true to himself. The project features ten songs, none of which are longer than 2 minutes, and Kota doesn’t waist that time, letting off bars with ease on every track. The highlights include “Clinton Hill”, an ode to his Brooklyn neighborhood, and “Living Room”, a one minute dive into the meaning of home and identity.

Shiesty Season- Pooh Shiesty

Source: @poohshiesty

This record is for the Memphis streets that shaped Pooh Shiesty, and he is unapologetic about that reality. Pooh has a knack for creating records that make you want to raise the volume and scream at the top of your lungs. His songs are purposefully intimidating, but his personality is infectious. He uses classic Memphis piano melodies and flows, but his voice has a unique sound somewhere in between Memphis stars MoneybaggYo and Yo Gotti, and his “Blrrrd” adlib is already iconic. “Back in Blood” with Lil Durk is a smash hit, and “Neighbors” with BIG30 and “Box of Churches” with 21 Savage also hit hard.

Neon Shark- Trippie Redd, Travis Barker

Source: @trippieredd

Trippie Redd is eternally slept on for his range as an artist. At only 21, he has put out hit after hit in his career, and his first fully rock project was exciting. Sure, Trippie isn’t completely polished in this space, but you can feel his passion. His big voice and classic screams were made for rock production, and he made a lot of good songs here. “Red Sky” featuring Machine Gun Kelly and “Pill Breaker” with blackbear and MGK have a lot of hit potential, and he does well on solo records like “Dreamer” and “Without You”.

Change of Scenery II- Quinn XCII

Source: @Quinnxcii

Quinn and producer akoyay use soft indie pop sounds well on this record to create drifting imagery of life in an uncertain time. Quinn found himself in Newport, RI, and the songs sound like the misty scenes and colonial homes that make up his videos and album art. He spends the album exploring love and life as a 28-year-old, a man who doesn’t quite have it all figured out, but is well on his way to getting there. It feels sentimental and softly anthemic, and is definitely one of the best-crafted projects we’ve gotten so far this year.

Destined 2 Win- Lil TJay

Source: @liltjay

Young New York rapper Lil TJay started off 2021 with a bang with his smash hit “Calling My Phone”, and he is capitalizaing off that buzz with this album. Some fans are left remincising for his debut album True 2 Myself, but this is still a solid followup. It’s a little long at 21 songs, but the three singles included as bonus songs are hits, and he gets it right on new tracks like “What You Wanna Do” and “Hood Rich”. This project definitely keeps the 19 year old TJay towards the top of the game.

Collapsed In Sunbeams- Arlo Parks

Source: @arlo.parks

Parks, who we covered in our Artists To Watch in 2021 series, spins poetic tales with haunting melodies on her debut. Singles like “Caroline” and “Eugene” settle nicely into the project, and new records like “Hurt” and “Just Go” add new flavor to the mix of songs. Parks’s voice is something special, and its tonality is perfect for the lo-fi records she loves to make. This is definitely a strong debut, and an excellent exploration of love and identity.

Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut- Kenny Mason

Source: @kennymason

Kenny Mason, a 26 Atlanta rapper, proves he is a special talent on this project, which is a sleeper for one of the very best we’ve heard in 2021. Mason proves to be an elite rapper, but also a rockstar on this record, shifting from hard rap cuts like “Much Money” which features Freddie Gibbs, energetic rock songs like “Play Ball” and unique hybrids like “Pup”. This project just oozes talent, and Kenny Mason is certainly an artist to watch.

Flu Game- AJ Tracey

Source: @ajtracey

If you are tapped into UK rap at all you know AJ Tracey, but he really makes his presence known with his best work yet here. The album name alludes to Michael Jordan’s NBA finals greatness despite sickness, and Tracey has clearly overcome the pandemic to put out something great. His voice is always cool and confident and he shows great versatility while making undeniable hits like “Little More Love” and “Dinner Guest”.

if i could make it go quiet- girl in red

girl in red is a huge star, and if you haven’t been listening, it’s time to start. Very few albums on this list can come close to competing with this project. She is intensely vulnerable, but is also in perfect command of the sound of this record. The singles “Serotonin” and “Stupid B****” have the sound of chart hits but all the depth in the world, and “I’ll Call You Mine” has easily one of the best choruses of the year. girl in red captures the feeling of being lost and fighting through the hard parts of life while being reckless and young at the same time. This album has the it-factor.

Blood Bunny- Chloe Moriondo

Moriondo is a very exciting young voice in music at just 18 years old. She knows how to make tracks soft and intimate, but also expresses her confidence and anger masterfully. Her sound is reminiscent of her self described “Favorite Band”, Paramore, but she puts her own twist on it. Blood Bunny sounds young and exciting, but there is a lot of wisdom in the messaging. Moriondo has a beautiful soft tone that cuts through the production on every track, and this record makes you feel something. It is easily one of the best we’ve gotten so far this year.

The Off-Season- J Cole

Source: @realcoleworld

We all knew Cole was about to produce one of the albums of the year, and he definitely delivered. The Off-Season is reminiscent of mixtape Cole because it has the hunger of his pre-fame years in a way none of his recent projects have quite had. This project also lacks and overarching themes like KOD or 4 Your Eyez Only did, but that was a purposeful choice to give Cole space to focus exclusively on the bars. The biggest takeaway from this album is that J Cole is still one of the best rappers in the world, and he has bars. Beyond that, he grows in important ways by working with exciting collaborators (21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Morray have standout contributions), and maintains the masterful production, trademark vulnerability, and commitment to artistry from his earlier work.

La Maquina- Conway The Machine


Source: @whoisconway

La Maquina is just a rap clinic. Eleven songs. Straight bars. Conway steps up to the tone set by his Griselda crew-mate Benny The Butcher this year with a stellar rap record. Conway doesn’t explore out of his comfort zone, but he does what he does so well. From the unending flow of “Clarity” to the grandiose “6:30 Tipoff” to the rapid fire flows of “Scatter Brain” with JID and Ludacris, Conway shows that he is one of the best pure rappers out on this album.

Not In Chronological Order- Julia Michaels

Source: @juliamichaels

Not In Chronological Order is a concise and lively pop album. Commercially, its biggest success has come from songs like “All Your Exes” and “Lie Like This”, but the other 8 records are in no way fillers. Sometimes it’s sad, sometimes it’s dancy, and sometimes it’s more acoustic and laid back. Michaels showcases her tone well and spins tales that are clearly made to be relatable. This is the right way to make a solid pop album with replay value; creating catchy singles with real meaning, keeping it short, and showcasing your best skills.

The Difference- Daya

Source: @daya

This EP shows us a more mature Daya. The 22-year-old broke out as a 15-year-old with her powerful voice, excellent tone, and emotional sensibility. She has always been a star, but she seems to know herself much better on this record. All five of the new songs we get here showcase her voice and songwriting well, and show a nice take on relationships and growing up. Daya seems to have further developed her identity and sound, and she is poised to do big things going forward.

Sour- Olivia Rodrigo

Source: @oliviarodrigo

Sour is a massive commercial success for a reason, Rodrigo makes smash hits (see “Driver’s License”, “Good 4 U”, “Deja Vu”) and makes songs that hit home for Gen Z. She is 17, and it shows, her takes on love and relationship lack adult maturity, but that is exactly what makes them so popular on TikTok and amongst young people as a whole. Her unique tone, powerful voice, and the audience she has cultivated will make her an important voice in pop music for a long time, and this is always going to be an important and influential record.

Golden Wings- Zoe Wees

Source: @zoe.wees

Wees, who we covered in our Artists to Watch in 2021, is proving to be a star in the early part of her career. Her first two singles on Spotify racked up tens of millions of streams in their first months online, and she has a lot more commercial potential going forward. Her huge voice is perfect for belting on ballads, but she is also an excellent voice for a pop record, and her vulnerability is moving. “Control” and “Girls Like Us” are already huge hits, and the other three songs also have massive potential. Wees is quickly becoming a huge global star.

When Smoke Rises- Mustafa

Source: @mustafathepoet

Mustafa created a beautiful collection of records here. Throughout the project the Toronto native uses his breathy and haunting voice to weave tales of gun violence and pain. This “inner city folk” sound is something new, and it is something that the world needed. Mustafa got his start in poetry and went on to write on major pop songs for the Jonas Brothers and Camila Cabello with Frank Dukes, and even though this record sounds completely different from pop, his excellent writing is evident throughout the project. “Stay Alive”, which was first released in March 2020, is a beautifully painful track about losing friends to gun violence, and captures the essence of the project.

Off Saint Dominique- Renforshort

Source: @renforshort

Renforshort, a 19-year-old singer from Toronto, creates an emotional pop with an edge on this six song EP. After breaking out last year with her single “F*** I Luv My Friends”, Renforshort proves with this new release that her ability to create a catchy hit that appeals to Gen Z through sound and lyrics was no fluke. Ren is great at crafting relatable lines and exciting song structures, and songs like the energetic “fall apart” and the mournful “exception” show a lot of range and potential.

Hall of Fame- Polo G

Source: @polo.capalot

Polo G has been extremely consistent with high quality music since he first broke out in 2021. Hall of Fame is no different, as Polo creates a record that is meant to both do crazy numbers and get you lost in your emotions. Yes, it’s long, and Polo might be trying too hard to prove the doubters wrong, but it’s still one of the best rap releases of the year. Polo makes sure to vary his production, to work with the artists you wanted to hear him with, but still stay true to himself. The project is feature heavy, but individual efforts “Rapstar” and “So Real” are highlights.

Survivor’s Guilt: The Mixtape//- KennyHoopla, Travis Barker

Source: @kennyhoopla

KennyHoopla is one of the most exciting and authentic new artists of the last few years (that’s why we covered him on our 12 Artists to Watch in 2021), and when he links up with Travis Barker they make magic. The lead single, “Estella//” put people on notice that the two were amazing together, and they delivered with a full mixtape. Kenny’s energy and vocals draw you in, Travis’s drumming is always on point, and every part of the project feels so genuine. “Smoke Break//” and “9-5 (Love me)//” feel especially exciting of the non-singles

Voice of the Heroes- Lil Baby, Lil Durk

Source: @lildurk

Lil Baby has been running the rap game this year, and Lil Durk has been on the rise to the highest point in his long career. There are some repetitive points, but the highlights are great, Durk and Baby have great chemistry, and both rappers prove that they are some of the best in the world. From “Voice of the Heroes”, to “Hats Off” with Travis Scott to “Rich Off Pain” with Rod Wave, Baby and Durk give us good bars, emotional themes, and great flows throughout.

Super Monster- Claud

Source: @claud.mp3

Claud, a bedroom pop singer from suburban Chicago, and the first artist signed by Phoebe Bridgers in 2020, crafts an excellent debut record with Super Monster. Their voice floats over soft guitars and drums in a way that’s reminscent of Bridgers or fellow bed room pop icon Clairo. The songs are emotional tales of love and the anxiety of finding yourself, and they are told in an accessible, yet poetic fashion. “Soft Spot” is a standout that shows a lot of potential.

In Defense Of My Own Happiness- Joy Oladokun

Source: @joyoladokun

Joy Oladokun’s In Defense Of My Own Happiness showcases a unique and vulnerable voice and a range of sounds. Oladokun shows off amazing songwriting throughout, and shows range from a folky, country sound that matches her residence in Nashville to a more RnB leaning sound. The title of the record is apt, as Oladokun works throughout the album to appreciate and own her identity as a multifaceted queer, Black woman who doesn’t care if other people don’t think she deserves to feel happy.

Sometimes Sorry Isn’t Enough- Tom The Mail Man

Source: @tomthemailman

Tom The Mail Man is such an exciting artist because of his versatility and energy. The 23-year-old Atlanta native has the ability to be a rockstar, a rapper, and everything in between. The records on this album are all packed with emotion, and as a whole it emanates potential. Tom’s music is raw and unapologetic, which means that sometimes he lacks polish, but he mostly just wows you by putting his heart on his sleeve. Records like “Last Night” show how capable he is of making major chart hits as he gains traction.

Be Right Back- Jorja Smith

Source: @jorjasmith_

Jorja Smith has been a big name in RnB for a while, and the British singer shows just how skilled and talented she is with this record. Her voice is so unique in tone and so subtly powerful, and she uses it to create elegantly soulful tracks. Throughout Be Right Back’s eight songs she taps into her pain, but also flexes on her doubters. She proves to be well-rounded and talented throughout the tracklist, and the album seems to be a sign of great things to come.

97 Blossom- The Blossom

Source: @theblossom

The Blossom’s debut EP is a short and sweet. It definitely leaves more to be desired, but also it is a very exciting introduction to a talented artist. “Shapeshifter” is definitely a standout both thematically and sonically, as The Blossom takes pride in being non-binary and not conforming to expectations. Even though we only get 6 songs, The Blossom proves that they can sing and that they have true artistry with this project.

Thank You For Believing- Toosii

Source: @toosii

Toosii is a name that doesn’t come up enough as one of hip hop’s most exciting new voices. At just 21 years old, he has the ability to sing beautiful melodies, but also to craft intricate bars and flows. His music often juxtaposes vulnerability and bravado in an enticing manner. On this album Toosii creates numerous catchy hooks and has a lot to say in his verses, and songs like “In My Eyes” and “What It Cost” deserve more love commercially. Toosii could be next in the lane of major artists like Polo G and Roddy Ricch.

Today We’re The Greatest- Middle Kids

Source: @middlekidsmusic

Australian Indie band Middle Kids delivered an emotional record full of softly cinematic musical warmth this year. Lead vocalist Hannah Joy has a tone that draws the listener in, and sits perfectly over the indie production crafted by the band. Every song feels like it should be the backdrop to an important moment. The songs build and leave space for the vulnerability of Joy’s voice to contrast with enthusiastic instrumentation, resulting in a great product.

Polydans- Roosevelt

Source: @roosevelt_music

German producer and singer Roosevelt develops a wonderfully unique brand of dance music on Polydans. He finds a way to mesh elements of disco with modern EDM, and he melds styles seamlessly. His vocals aren’t powerful, but they work really well with his production to create a feeling. The record does its job of making you want to dance, and songs like “Lovers”, “See You Again” and “Strangers” will never fail to get you up and grooving.

Weekends Look a Little Different These Days- Brett Young

Source: @brettyoungmusic

Brett Young has been one of country music’s biggest stars for a few years now. He’s great at delivering a relatable and emotional track, and he has a lot of star power. On this album Brett showcases his powerful vocals really well. Sometimes he falls too far into cliche country tropes, but the songs feel sincere, and his voice doesn’t sound like anyone else’s. Brett is at his best when the production is on point and he’s singing a sweet love song, which we get on the title track or on “Not Yet”.

Little Oblivions- Julien Baker

Source: @julienrbaker

Julien Baker is consistent with her intense vulnerability on Little Oblivions, which contrasts with the subtly of her vocals and folk leaning production. Baker knows she doesn’t have it all figured out, and she lets her listener in to hear about her struggles with faith, addiction, identity, and mental illness. Songs like “Hardline” and “Faith Healer” are standouts, but Baker is consistent with the quality on this album.

42- Sech

Source: @sechmusic

Panamanian rapper and singer Sech is incredibly commercially successful, but might not be as familiar to many American audiences as he should be. The album is named 42 for Jackie Robinson and Panamanian Baseball star Mariano Rivera, as Sech represents for Black people and his home nation. He tried to create a fun album that people could party to as the Covid-19 pandemic eased, and the result is an exciting album that anyone can vibe to even without understanding spanish.

Heaux Tales- Jazmine Sullivan

Source: @jazminesullivan

Jazmine Sullivan has a truly powerful and soulful voice, and the 34-year-old will definitely be adding to her career accolades after the release of Heaux Tales. “Pick Up Your Feelings” is an empowering anthem, and “Girl Like Me” with H.E.R. is an amazing vocal spectacle. This album about the strength of womanhood, and all of the elements that go into that. Sullivan explores a range of themes, but the project is cohesive, and the vocals are on point throughout.

Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine- Brockhampton

Source: @brockhampton

Brockhampton has truly redefined what it means to be a boyband since their inception, creating non-traditional hip hop songs that have been hugely influential and commercially successful. This album feels mature and polished. There are harder hip hop records like “Bankroll” with A$AP mob members Rocky and Ferg, pop-leaning cuts like “Count On Me” and songs that exist somewhere in between. Brockhampton really got it right with this album.

Life By Misadventure- Rag’n’Bone Man

Source: @ragnboneman

Rag’n’Bone Man is best known for his booming soulful voice, but he came into his own artistically with this album. “Crossfire” is one of the best songs we’ve gotten this year, featuring powerful singing, heavy drums, and an earworm key melody. Rag’n’Bone Man keeps going back to the pain in his voice, and in doing so he creates an album that feels like indy rock with a soul.

Mixed Emotions- Jack Kays

Source: @jackkays

Jack Kays’ Mixed Emotions feels like a mix between early 2010s indy rock and Soundcloud rap. He draws on the vulnerable feel of acoustic production, but his pain isn’t veiled in metaphors, it’s out in the open for everyone to see. The Cincinnati artist has a haunting voice that communicates sadness beautifully, and Kays uses it to sing about struggles with addiction and mental illness. Songs like “Morbid Mind” and “Bottom Of The Bottle” are special, and Kays seems to be on track to get even better.

KG0516- Karol G

Source: @karolg

Karol G is one of the biggest stars in Latin music, and this album was a massive commercial success. The album’s name is a flight number, representing Karol’s ascent in her career and as a person. Karol came through with the hits on this record, with songs like “Tusa” with Nicki Minaj, “Bichota”, and “Ay, Dios Mío” doing huge numbers. The songs on this record have a lot of bounce and huge pop appeal.

82- Daniyel

Source: @daniyel

Daniyel, a 19-year-old rapper from Portland, Oregon, is deeply mature with his vision for his age. Ever since his breakout song “Lost Ones” (a sweet ode to his aunt who passed away) received a video on star director Cole Bennett’s Lyrical Lemonade youtube channel, Daniyel has kept creating great music. 82 is raw in some ways, but overall, it a great reflection of a young man who cares deeply for his loved ones, his city, and for music, and who has a great voice to tell stories and move people.

Enjoyed the post? Check out our playlist with one song from each of these amazing projects

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