#dp0mmy

[therappundit]

PUNDIT PICKS: "THE CREAM" of the Crop [My Favorite Albums of 2024 (*so far*)]

ICYMI, my ongoing series on the best of 2024: https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/756082881246461952/the-pundits-picks-more-of-2024s-finest-part

***Please note: the selections on this list had to have dropped by 8/31/24, FYI***

Back in June/July, I began compiling what would become my ongoing "best of" list for 2024. I wasn't trying to rank my favorite music at that point, I was mostly concerned that the weekly onslaught of new music throughout the year could lead to a noteworthy piece of art missing these ears, and slipping through the cracks. I wanted to close out *the summer* with a list of my favorite albums of the year up through the end of summer, and I planned on releasing that list to public scrutiny at the end of Labor Day weekend...

It is now October.

Welp, plans are meant to be flexible, I guess. 😬 Timing be damned, I want to share with the world all of the shout-outs I possibly can, the cream of the crop, my favorite albums of the year as we closed out the summer season (bring on hoodie season, that tends to be when I feel like me the most).

And in no particular order, here are some of my favorite albums of 2024 [*up through the end of summer*]: Out Of The Blue by Blu & Shafiq Husayn, Lil Old Town by DJ Lucas & DVNTBEATS, WE DON'T TRUST YOU by Future & Metro Boomin, Pinball by MIKE & Tony Seltzer, For Hustlers Only by WB Nutty, MMCHT by Nickelus F., The Pride & Glory by Teller Bank$ & Ed Glorious, Nubian Cruiser by Ronday, Black Box: JOSHUA IS DEAD by Joshua Virtue, Black & Whites by Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist, the First to Make Contact When We Dap by R.A.P. Ferreira & Fumitake Tamura, Shadowbox by Mavi, EMBERGO_ by Nakama., DOOF & ESCEE 2 by Doof, Escee & August Fanon, So Much Enrgy & Sav by Ysr Gramz & enrgy beats, Mr Beat The Road by Bossman Dlow, soul food for the family by rimhan, WATCH THE THRONE by Jaeychino, Marciology by Roc Marciano, PLAYWAY OR NOWAY by RRB LILMEL, My Story Got Stories by Bruiser Wolf, BIG MYAAP, NOT THE LIL ONE by Myaap, The Tonite Show The Sequel by Curren$y & DJ.Fresh, Nobody Planning To Leave by ShrapKnel & Controller 7, CHUPACABRA by JasonMartin & DJ Quik, Scoob Wav by WTM Scoob, LOYALTY: BIRTH OF SUPER RUFUS by Rufus Sims & Billionaire Boyscout, Flint 2 Detroit by YN Jay, Plea$e Don't Think I'm Actin Funny by Bub Rock, BLUE LIPS by ScHoolboy Q, Memoirs In Armour by Navy Blue, Can't Go Bacc by Nino Paid, Day Shift, Vol. 1 by Lil Tre, Pigmen In the Vitreous by Knoweye, Brown in America by HOODLUM, Alchemy by Jay Cinema & Chow, All Infinite by Kooley High & Tuamie

24. A Forsaken Lover's Plea by Chuck Strangers

(I always look forward to new Chuck, who frequently racks up accolades as a producer, but never seems to get his just due as the great MC that he is. A true double-double threat with every release.)

23. Deathtape 2: We Gon' Need Each Other by Quelle Chris, Cavalier, and Denmark Vessey

(Any time one of these artists releases anything, you know it's must-cop art....so naturally when they all collaborate, they make one hell of a short but sweet haymaker of a project.)

22. DECON$TRUCT!ON by Maassai

(What was pitched as a collection of loosies recorded over the past few years came off as a sharp, memorable showcase for one of Brooklyn's most talented MC's.)

21. Save The Bees by Big Flowers & Messiah Musik

(Big Flowers is part of one of the greatest communities of exciting NY talent that we have seen in years, so pairing the thoughtful MC/producer with Messiah Musik - one of the most potent producers in underground hip-hop right now - yields a palette of sounds and messages that feel stronger with every listen.)

20. WOODSTOCK '99 by Nick Satchel & dp0mmy

(Nick really seemed to put his foot down into this one, shining alongside an old friend in Atlanta-by-way-of-St. Louis producer dp0mmy...who continues to raise the bar of what he can achieve sonically, remaining one of the greatest secret weapons in hip-hop right now. More on dp0mmy in the weeks to come...) 👀

19. Bag Man Julio by Jaysanityy

(A name you are sure to be more familiar with in the near future, the DMV's Jaysanityy is one of the most complete artists you will find in underground hip-hop. Check out any of his work, and I guarantee you will wonder why he's not already mentioned in the same breath as artists like Mavi, Pink Siifu, and Maxo.)

18. 74: Out of Time by Ol' Burger Beats

(Another fantastic, less heralded producer helms this compilation album, which is stacked with great songs from some of the indy world's finest, and sounds far too cohesive to leave off of my favorite album list.)

17. WAKING UP AND CHOOSING VIOLENCE by YUNGMORPHEUS & Alexander Spit

(Few MC's are able to sound so cutting with their words without sounding enraged quite like YUNGMORPHEUS, who has steadily put out some of the best rap music out of anyone's catalogue over the past 5-6 years. He's joined by another one of 2024's MVP's, Alexander Spit, who happens to be one of the most skilled producers at creating cool instrumentals to help support, rather than outshine, the messages of his MC's collaborators.)

16. This Too Shall Pass by Yo OG

(Rapidly becoming onf of my favorite MC's, No Label collective's Yo OG - sometimes shortened to just OG - is strong enough to carry an album on his own, but when he joins forces with other talented affiliates from No Label, it's clear that this whole team is about to be a force in hip-hop music.)

15. Black Blues Brothers by HALAL BOYS

(Representing Phoenix AZ, I knew nothing about Lord Ra and Gorgeous Jefe heading into 2024, but leaving 2024 they're high up on my radar as one of the most exciting duos I have heard in a while.)

14. Memory(ummm) by Sleep Sinatra & bloomcycle

(Speaking of 2024 MVP's...Sleep Sinatra is a tried and true veteran MC/producer that seems to be going the fine wine route, while bloomcycle - the producer alias of previously mentioned Big Flowers - also seemed to be making an impact on various different projects this year. Together they created a standout album, equally effective as a tightly made cohesive personal work as it is a collection of great collaborations with fellow amazing artists.)

13. SOLACE by Marco Plus

(To make a name for yourself coming out of Atlanta's deep, deeeeep music scene, and to do so without being already tied to a major industry name, or even delivering the "typical" type of crossover rap music that the ATL is known for, is pretty impressive. But once you hear Marco Plus spit, it's not too surprising. His ear for beats is only surpassed by his hungry delivery on the microphone, so of course it's no surprise that this year he has received dap from some of the most established artists in the ATL, like JID. I would say keep an eye out for Marco more in the future, but my guess is that he will knock down more doors and make a name for himself without anyone having to dig too deep to find his work.)

12. Almighty So 2 by Chief Keef

(Am I surprised that Chief Keef dropped one of my favorite albums this year? No, I'm more surprised that in 2024 I am so eager to hear his work at all. I was woefully late to - dare I say, straight up refused to board - the bandwagon for Keef. He has been buried on my "happy for him and his success, but I don't feel the need to hear anything else from this man" list since the "Bang" video. Sure, I dug more than a few Keef cuts over the years, here and there, while he was putting in work on project after project to become a better all around producer and recording artist. He really understands rap, trap, and how to deliver a sonically appealing album that in spite of his relatively limited subject matter, doesn't come off as cookie cutter. Almighty So 2 has been very well received, but garnered some "meh" responses from his core base, since this is probably his most accessible, polished, mainstream-ready project to date. But make no mistake, there is no lacking in raw energy and clever commentary, both are provided in abundance here, and we're all better for it. I can now say what I began to feel back with 4NEM in 2021: I am a Chief Keef fan.)

11. PERSEVERANCE by Jay Cinema & JUNE! as JUNECINEMA

(Sure they share great chemistry as MCs & Producers, but what shines through the most on PERSEVERANCE is their pure love of music. It's one thing to come off hungry, but to come off as being excited just to make and release music? That's become an increasingly rare commodity. JUNE! and Jay Cinema have really put their mark in underground hip-hop over the past two years, and this album feels like a culmination of their growth and confidence as recording artists. Take Jay's classic NYC MC swagger, plus JUNE!'s delivery that often reaches construction site levels of gravelly, then interweave clear shout-outs to their loves and musical influences, and you get a dope underground collaboration with strong replay value.)

10. Sour Dub by Rich Jones & SINAI.

(A unique talent that threads the needle between singing and rapping in a casual and authentic way - possibly the best to juggle both since a certain famous Canadian actor/rapper/singer, Rich Jones is always guaranteed to put out some interesting work. Here he joins forces with SINAI. a.k.a. Sleep Sinatra - and boy what a year he's had - and the two deliver some of the most grounded, feel-good somber music that I have heard in quite some time. I'm not sure if "feel-good somber music" is even a thing, but if it is, Rich & Sleep are maestros at the artform.)

9. 3rd Shift by J.U.S. & Squadda B

(I'm not as familiar with Squadda B as I probably should be, but I know he made an impact as one half of Oakland's Main Attrakionz. Here he delivers engaging, diverse production for Bruider Brigade's J.U.S, who I am more familiar with, as he has been near the top of my personal "most slept-on MC" list for several years strong now. Together their chemistry is sublime, with Squadda's slappin' beats providing ample space for J.U.S to speak his mind over.)

8. F.U.N. T.O.Y. by Sideshow

(Alexander Spit got busy on this one, tossing a varied collection of sounds at Sideshow to work with. In turn, the L.A. MC delivered another interesting piece of work, touching on a rolling list of thoughts, but not staying long enough in any one passing thought to reach a completion. While this could be problematic for a lot of artists, for Sideshow it works quite well, in my opinion. F.U.N. T.O.Y. feels like the equivalent of going on a long drive alone to clear your head, and jumping from song to song on the car radio. That might not be the most purposeful and effective drive in the world, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable or thought provoking. Sideshow is the epitome of a "leave them wanting more" MC.)

7. The Thief Next to Jesus by Ka

(The writer's writer returns. At this point, I don't know what else can be said about this man's pen, but from a longevity standpoint, let's talk about how challenging it must be to maintain a certain level of elite rapping - and well into one's fifties. Ka's experience as a MC is well documented, but as a producer, Thief lives amongst his finest, dare I day accessible production work. Here he keeps the darkness at bay with powerful soul, grit, and determination, delivering a fantastic album that doesn't denounce the purposes of devout faith, but parses the complexities behind keeping a religious mindset in today's world.)

6. sunscreen by shemar & Child Actor

(Likely the shortest project on this list, but surely one of the year's most potent. shemar speaks to a generation of artists that have grown up in and around NYC accepting the music of artists like Armand Hammer, and not as "alternative underground rap", but simply where the bar happens to exist today. In turn, on sunscreen shemar comes off with a stream of consciousness flow and a chip on his shoulder, which when combined with the raw and majestic smokiness of Child Actor's instrumentals, makes for an ear gripping listening experience. This is peak 3:00am on the L train music.)

5. Los Angeles by Blu & Evidence

(I'm not sure if any other MC can brag about having the sheer volume of dope music drop within the first 3/4 of a calendar year at Blu's level. The underground vet seems to be enjoying a hungry renaissance, releasing three albums by my own personal deadline for this list (another great piece of work with Exile has also been released since). The news of Blu releasing a full project with fellow west coast underground legend Evidence, was only surpassed by the actual final product. Los Angeles is a sonically phenomenal, lyrically on-point love letter/indictment of the coast's most infamous city. Hip-hop history is stacked with unforgettable releases that perfectly capture the soul and feeling of L.A. life, but I don't know if it's ever been done this successfully with such a full a collection of beautifully curated vintage 90's underground vibes.)

4. Different Type Time by Cavalier

(Cavalier had a great year. Folks in the know have been not-so-patiently waiting for this one, because whenever Cav drops anything it might not be the loudest album in the room, but it will always be one of the finest. When fans learned that this album was going to be released through modern day Def Jux-esque powerhouse and bily woods boosted record label Backwoodz Studioz, even higher expectations were bestowed upon Different Type Time. Cavalier might not be a New York City resident anymore, but the feeling across this album is an open diary of a wizened New Yorker, a grown man in the rap game that's seen enough light and darkness to know that day to day life will always end up being somewhere in the middle. Similarly to other razor-penned MC's like Ka and Skyzoo, Cav is not preoccupied with knockout punchlines as much as he is focused on making each bar land like it's own story, each a bittersweet memory over a swooning jazzy backdrop.)

3. Service Merchandise by Previous Industries [Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave, Still Rift]

(Sometimes the only thing capable of being funnier than a great stand-up comedian, is a group of old friends just shootin' the shit together. Comedy is dependent not only on well-written jokes, but also impeccable timing, chemistry, and a certain level of connection with the audience. Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave, and Still Rift have no trouble making a connection with their audience, and they know their voices well enough to probably finish each other's sentences, and stick the landing on any cultural reference within a verse. Service Merchandise is an underground rap album that could only be made during these times by middle-aged hip-hop artists that have long since come to terms with the fact that they just aren't destined to be flashing rollies in glossy rap videos surrounded by gyrating bikini models...and that's okay. Stacked to the brim with nerd nostalgia, pop culture references, and thematic homages to fallen retail chains - not to mention expert rapping, lyricism, and a laundry list of some of hip-hop's finest underground producers - Previous Industries excel at balancing the art of waxing nostalgic without dismissing the positivity that could come from the present and future. Fellow writer/music thirster, the great Son Raw, spoke positively of the album as well, matching it to De La Soul vibes, and surely that's a comparison to be proud of.)

2. #RICHAXXHAITIAN by Mach-Hommy

[The mysterious Mach man strikes again. After what felt like a long enough delay to start asking "is it actually dropping, or was it scrapped?", Mach-Hommy released #RICHAXXHAITIAN in May to strong reviews, albeit with less hype than what came with the first album listening session back in 2023. A handful of familiar guests, as well as a handful of expected trademarks (Mach is still successfully "flippin' _____ like" whenever possible) made the album feel like a Mach album, but musically he was working with a higher level of pristine selections. Without losing any hint of his unpredictability or raw delivery, Mach managed to work in an additional layer of polish or two, curating each song on the album as if "this could be the one". Thoughtful, culturally attuned to his Haitian American status, and as willing to dip a toe in experimental territory as he's ever been, if #RICHAXXAITIAN isn't Mach-Hommy's most well-rounded album thus far, it's damn near close.]

1. Sewaside III by Mike Shabb

(Montreal, stand up. Whatever Mike Shabb may lack due to his youth, he more than makes up for it with his body of work in hip-hop, utility knife of talents. Shabb is an elite beatmaker and MC, and he possesses a rare assortment of skills that work equally well with both trap and boom-bap sensibilities. He may have the highest ceiling of any MC on this list, because like other gifted artists like MIKE, Earl Sweatshirt, and Vince Staples, he represents a modern MC that doesn't see a problem with placing Lil Baby and Roc Marciano back to back on the same mixtape. Sewaside III is a great representation of how Shabb continues to grow more polished with each release, without sacrificing his raw underground essence. Staring at the last few months of 2024, if this one ends up being my favorite rap album of the year when the ball drops on Dec. 31st, I will be quite fine with that.)

Next up...my favorite SONGS of the year (*as of the end of summer*)...thanks for reading, and stay tuned!

[theuncannyimp]

"Black Magick" 05.29.2024

Bandcamp Streaming Music Video

Tracklist and Credits: 1. Black Magick ariesfoolmoon: Vocals, Add. Mix Engineering freespottie: Production, Add. Vocals Imp: Vocals, Add. Production, Mix/Master Engineering

2. Black Magick (R.A.D.I.C. x dp0mmy Remix) ariesfoolmoon: Vocals dp0mmy: Production freespottie: Add. Vocals Imp: Vocals, Master Engineering R.A.D.I.C.: Production

3. Black Magick (Daniel Saylor Remix) ariesfoolmoon: Vocals Daniel Saylor: Production freespottie: Add. Vocals Imp: Vocals, Master Engineering

4. Black Magick (Instrumental) freespottie: Production Imp: Add. Production

5. Black Magick (Acapella) ariesfoolmoon: Vocals freespottie: Add. Vocals Imp: Vocals

[therappundit]

THE PUNDIT's PICKS: Best of 2024, Mid-Year Round-Up [*Part 1*]

Part 1 of 1,403.

Hey folks, it's been a while. Life is hectic, and I'm too old to have any idea who still uses a Tumblr account in 2024...but the good news is that I'm also too old to care. At this point I'm just going to keep doing this so that I'm able to track the onslaught of great new music that drops month to month, and also to appreciate the rare occasion when I can connect with a lesser known indy artist that's still young enough in the game to truly appreciate a shout-out for their talent, regardless of whether or not the writer doing the shouting has a large enough audience to make a direct impact on their financial future.

I can't believe we're approaching the midpoint of the year and this is my first song list of 2024. That being said, please believe this infreency has nothing to do with the volume of great music that's already been released this year. Quite the contrary, there have been a number of noteworthy albums, highlights, and even headline news (hey did you guys hear about that Drake & Kendrick feud from last month?). This year in rap has proven to be unpredictable in some of the best ways possible, continuing the trend of having attention grabbing music bubble up from the underground, but also paired with a number of interesting MC's from all over the globe with mainstream star potential that are making some noise in their respective circles.

In time, I believe 2024 will be remembered as a triumphant year for rap music, perhaps even a turning point for the genre (in terms of where we go from here). I'm here to provide some examples of some of my favorite songs of the year thus far. Keep in mind, this is just my first list, with plenty more planned to come (so please do not consider this list as all-inclusive of "the best" songs of the year, just the first batch)....here's *Part 1*, in no particular order:

"I'm G (OMG)" - Blu & Shafiq Husayn feat. Chuuwee & Born Allah

"Free Jesus" - Mike Shabb feat. Navy Blue

"expensive piss" - shemar & Child Actor

"Marlanna" - Rapsody

"30" - JID & Conductor Williams

"SONJE" - Mach-Hommy

"Memoriam pt. 2" - Sleep Sinatra feat. desde

"Put The Word In" - Jay Cinema & Chow

"Yea Yea" - Star Bandz

"Mountain Goat" - DJ Lucas & DVNTBEATS

"Cave In" - Yo OG

"Oh Wow" - Deleteeglitch feat. Denmark Vessey

"Stories" - Ol' Burgers Beats feat. JVon & Vuyo

"See The Sunset" - Nick Satchel & Dp0mmy

"Pliers" - Previous Industries

"I Ain't Hidin" - Myaap feat. Mg Sleepy

"Pokemon Trainer" - Papo2oo4

"Illegal" - Chuck Strangers

"Humpty" - Semiratruth

"Doves" - Armand Hammer feat. Benjamin Booker

Thanks for peepin', catch you again next week (or month? Haven't decided yet)...

[therappundit]

PUNDIT PICKS: THE CREAM of the Crop - continued... [My Favorite SONGS of 2024 (*so far*)]

ICYMI, my favorite album list from Jan. - Aug.: https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/763889760563576832/pundit-picks-the-cream-of-the-crop-my-favorite

***Please note: the selections on this list had to have dropped by 8/31/24, FYI***

Yikes. This has been a doozy of a week, to say the least.

But the show must go on, and back in June/July I began compiling what would become my ongoing “best of” list for 2024, with every intention of dropping said list by the end of the summer...aaaaaand it is now October. In my defense, it has often felt like summer over the past few weeks (just one of many red flags to rise that potentially indicate that the world is finally ready to shake us off)...so is it that crazy to be dropping a "summer blowout" list as we sail into Thanksgiving territory???

Meh. Don't answer that - let's just get to the music. Here are my favorite rap SONGS of 2024, ***as of Labor Day weekend***....

MORE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS: "place i rep" by Remy Banks, "Banded Up" by Chief Keef feat. Tierra Whack, "Complications" by Reiiki APOLLO, "HOO" by LIFEOFTHOM, "Bonnet" by TiaCorine, "ALAMODE" by CJ Fly & Stoic, "Type Shit" by Future & Metro Boomin feat. Travis Scott & Playboi Carti, "Curtis Jackson" by C Stunna feat. Skrilla, "Pedal tha Ave" by Wiseboy Jeremy & Kirti Pandey, "Shining Brighter" by Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessey & Pink Siifu, "DUMMY" by JUNECINEMA feat. RoBB, Chow & rivan, "Rotation" by BagChaser Reke feat. 2Real, Rufus Sims, "Custard Spoon" by Cavalier, "Humpty" by Semiratruth, "NOTT" by Hitkidd, Key Glock & Doe Boy, "Money Problems" by Nino Paid feat. Lil Gray, "Colors" by Remble feat. Mozzy & Stoneda5th, "6ix Times 2Day" by BabyChiefDoit, "proper vertigo" by mynameisntjack feat. Sol ChYld, "euphoria" by Kendrick Lamar, "Fisherrr (Remix)" by Cash Cobain & Bay Swag feat. Ice Spice, "Cullinan Gang" by Nasaan feat. Icewear Vezzo, "Doubles" by Sasco feat. Big Flowers, "Grandmother's Lessons" by Your Old Droog, "Penmanship" by Kooley High & Tuamie, "THAT'S HARD" by Anycia feat. Cash Cobain, "Super Rufus" by Rufus Sims & Billionaire Boyscout, "LIBERATION" by Mutant Academy feat. Quelle Chris, "See The Sunset" by Nick Satchel & dp0mmy, “Short Stories” by Jawnino feat. MIKE

24. "12:50 in New York" by Chuckyy

(Probably my favorite flow in rap right now, the "new school" Chicago drill MC is blessed with a delivery that I can only describe as a "menacing auctioneer flow".)

23. "Amanda Seals" by ReallyHiiiM feat. B.A Badd & Boldy James

(Concrete hard ReallyHiiim beat, featuring some classic basement Boldy and B.A Badd vibes.)

22. "MESCALINE" by LaRussell & CAM CORTEZ

(LaRussell is one of the hardest working rappers in hip-hop today, so he has had plenty of high points in 2024, but the way he bounces over this "Grindin"-esque beat puts this joint over the top. LaRussell brings a breath of positivity into his music that the west coast sound is really benefting from right now.)

21. "Ray Vaughn" by Ray Wop

(Ray's recent run has added some teeth back to TDE that they lost when Kendrick moved on.)

20. "INFORMATION AGE" by No Label

(A NYC based crew that you absolutely need to keep on your radar.)

19. "SINCE I WAS LIL" by JasonMartin & DJ Quik feat. Curren$y, Bun B & Jay Worthy

(Classic westside head nodder with veteran reps from other cities. Dope album from Quik & the artist formerly known as Problem, if you haven't peeped it yet.)

18. "MLK" by Myaap & Nedarb

(Myaap has been one of my favorite artists out of Milwaukee since last year's "h.t.s. (Hit That Shit)", her records are fun as hell.)

17. "PAYMEAGRIP" by Ovrkast. & Cardo Got Wings

(His star keeps rising, as the barriers between sub-genres in rap music continue to fall. Ovrkast. has already proven to be one of the most impactful young producers doing it today.)

16. "Match That" by BRISTACKZ

(Another attention grabbing artist out of Milwaukee, rapping like a trap Missy Elliot, experimental in a similar vein as Certified Trapper, and like Trapper, Bristackz records might miss the mark...but when she hits, she hits real hard.)

15. "I'm G (OMG)" by Blu & Shafiq Husayn

(Funky, hard joint - with a perfect Easter egg of a movie sample worked into the hook.)

14. "Dream Blunt Rotation" by Rich Jones & Sleep Sinatra/SINAI. feat. AJ Suede, Qari & J.U.S

(As smooth of a dope posse cut as you're going to hear, coming from a diverse collection of some of the underground scene's finest.)

13. "Trippin" - Bossman DLow

(As contagious as mainstream rap can get today, and I'm still laughing at "I pullin' up in a what the fuck kinda car is that?")

12. "SONJE" by Mach-Hommy. feat. Hephzibah

(I went back and forth trying to choose which Mach song to include here, but in my mind this luscious instrumental best represents the strong vibes that run across #RICHAXXHAITIAN.)

11. "Rocafella Chain" by Grafh feat. Freeway, Peedi Crakk & Memphis Bleek

(A dope Roc-A-Fella themed posse cut is not what I expected to hear in 2024, but I couldn't be happier that it exists.)

10. "Gank Move" by Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist feat. HitgirlLENA

(Hits that sweet spot between smooth west coast rider music and underground grime, and when that combination works well, there aren't many soundscapes capable of yielding a stronger outcome. This album's aesthetic is peak chemistry between Hit-Boy & The Alchemist, and I hope that all of the challenges facing Big Hit today end up in his rearview soon, because this talented family still has a lot to share with the world.)

9. "Psalm" by 7xvethegenius feat. Jae Skeese

(If 7xvethegenius wasn't high up on your radar before I sure hope she is now. 7xve packs all of the skills of a traditional "conscious MC" without sounding the least bit trapped within those constraints, she's an exceptional writer that knows how to corral the thoughts of a woman that's trying to excel in rap music in 2024, and that in and of itself, provides endless material. 7xvethegenius is the true MVP on Drumwork's team..yup, I said it!)

8. "Lost Angel" by Blu & Evidence

("This album is dedicated to L.A., and everybody who helped me get home, every step of the way." Blu and Evidence's Los Angeles album is easily one of the best rap albums of 2024, and even though it's a skip-free ride that showcases Blu's gifts as a presence on the mic and Ev's - somehow still underappreciated - incredible mastery over the production of this album, it's this loosie that the duo dropped earlier this year that perfectly captures Blu's heartbreak, and subsequent rise from the ashes of his painful past to release some of the best art of his already impressive career.)

7. "Yea Yea" by Star Bandz

(With certain records...you just know it as soon as you hear it. The beat, the swagger of the MC, thay MC's voice...on "Yea Yea" every box is checked. And Chicago's young rising star, appropriately named Star Bandz, has breakout potential written all over her.)

6. "expensive piss" - shemar & Child Actor

(Hazy, unrestrained, and representing some of the best indy music out there today, capturing some of the best traits of the boom-bap era but adding they're own twist to it, the combination of shemar and Child Actor yields a sound that I hope to hear a lot more of in the future.)

5. "The Harder They Come" by YUNGMORPHEUS & Alexander Spit

(The teeth of YUNGMORPHEUS's pen paired with the soothing palette of Alexander Spit, hit me in a special place when I first heard this song earlier in the year. The whole album they did together is great, but this one has stayed with me all year long as one of the strongest examples of hip-hop music being in great hands today.)

4. "Collection Plate" by Ka

(Still shocked to be writing this as the last time to ever be discussing a new Ka record. If The Thief Next to Jesus is to be remembered as the Brownsville poet's swan song, what a bittersweet beautiful farewell to behold. "Collection Plate" was the immediate favorite for me, as it captures Ka's knack for simple but highly effective hooks, sharply written verses without one word wasted, all of it dragged over a rolling organ that paints the picture of a Brooklyn evangelist better than anyone else ever could. 52 years was far from long enough, but thank you for all of the art you gave to the world while you were here, Kaseem.)

3. "Free Jesus" by Mike Shabb feat. Navy Blue

(Not totally sure of what the song means, but I felt it deeply from the moment that Shabb posted a snippet from the studio with Navy. I’d like to think that it’s a statement about how tales from the streets can escalate to God-like levels of exaggeration, and the fragile line separating the exaltation of idols from the reality…but whatever it means to you, it’s a potent attention grabber.)

2. "Zayre" by Previous Industries [Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave, STILL RIFT]

(One of many standout records from this trio, but for my money's worth, this joint captures what is so special about the whole album: nostalgia for "the way things used to be" has never sounded more peaceful and content with the present.)

1. "Doves" by Armand Hammer feat. Benjamin Booker

("It's cold again..." Truth be told, I didn't think Armand Hammer's 2023 AOTY We Buy Diabetic Test Strips needed another song to make if that much stronger, but here we are. Maybe the greatest songs that I have ever heard added to an album long after it dropped, "Doves" captures both the beauty and pain of loss. It would be a bleak song as cold as the heart of winter if it wasn't coming from the powerful duo of billy woods and ELUCID, who excel at showing us glimpses of their hearts shining through dark clouds. And the crackle of that Benjamin Booker hook takes this moment to another level.)

[therappundit]

***THE RAP PUNDIT PICKS: 10 Albums From 2023***

ICYMI, THE PUNDIT'S PICKS - 150 SONGS FROM 2023: https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/737507981202259968/the-rap-pundits-picks-150-songs-from

Here we are, last post of 2023! Below are some of my favorite albums that dropped this year. Hope you dug these releases as well, and either way, please feel free to share your favorites from throughout the year.

Wish you all a happy & healthy New Year (buckle up, 2024 is already lookin' like it's going to be a bumpy one)...and I shouldn't even have to say this, but remember that music has no expiration date, so keep these great releases in rotation into '24 and beyond 🙏

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips by Armand Hammer

2. VOIR DIRE by Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist

3. Maps by billy woods & Kenny Segal

4. Ganger (Deluxe Edition) by Veeze

5. Burning Desire by Mike

6. Another Triumph of Ghetto Engineering by Open Mike Eagle

(Nostalgia in the right hands can be as reliable of a slam dunk in music as they come.

7. Another Planet 4 by Phik & Lungs/Loneswird

(A raw bar fest from start to finish, that's made it this high on my list off the strength of relentless consistency. Amidst the scattershot references to pop culture and NYC-isms, there are two MC's with a lot to say, so listen closely and you're bound to learn more about their personal tastes and opinions. Phiik and Lungs have off the charts chemistry and a shared vision of keeping their foot firmly on the pedal from opening bell on any verse right on through the period at the end. Another Planet 4 is just the duo's latest display of comradery in what can be considered a deceptively lengthy catalogue, but here we have Lungs/Lonesword doing a great job of establishing himself as not just a Micro Machine motor-mouth on the mic, but a producer that's capable of carving his loops into an equally potent tool to share his voice.)

8. And Then You Pray For Me by Westside Gunn

(Maybe not the record that the oldest "loyal" Griselda fans wanted, or the trap record that turned the less tapped in into Griselda stans, but it's absolutely the record that Westside Gunn. For years, anyone that followed the Griselda Records mastermind knew that the curator of some of the hardest rap records to arrive in the tradition of the Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and Roc Marciano, at his core was a huge Young Dolph fan that wanted nothing more than to drop an album that tipped his hat to the legendary Dirty South hustlers and Three 6 mobsters that inspired him. It can be viewed as a "something for everyone" album, and while there are some static moments on the back half of the project, on the high points of And Then They Prayed For Me, Gunn is bouncing from track to track with the gleeful mania of Nicholson's Joker at the museum, fiercely confident that whatever art he smashes is immediately improved just for having made contact with him. The irony is that some of his best artistic choices don't make any reference to art at all...like his delivery on "Suicide in Selfridges" and "Disgusting", and who would have anticipated Estee Nack's delivery on "JD Wrist"!?)

9. Pommon Sense by dp0mmy

(It wouldn't be bold for me to suggest that Atlanta is bubbling with hip-hip talent, mostly because Atlanta has been at the rap game table calling shots for about 20+ years now. However, outside of the ATL, a lot of rap fans don't think of the Southern mecca as being the hotbed of diverse underground talent that it really is. Well, if this is news to you, pressing play on dp0mmy's Pommon Sense will set the record straight. A wide range of "non-household" names stop by on the young producer's record to make their presence known, so much so that it will take you a long time to really get through this album...because you will pause after every other track to check the credits, and get lost down a Youtube or Soundcloud hole, checking out the backlog of one of the many talented Atlanta-based artists that work with dp0mmy. Of course dp0mmy is at the center of it all, holding court amongest the instrumental tracks and burts of bars with standout production that puts more life and beauty into underground beats than I have heard from any under the radar producer since DJ Spinna. I'm very excited for any future music to come out of this camp, and you should be as well.)

10. Pap On P.E.D's by Papo2oo4

(As fresh and raw as he is an homage to some of rap's best music from the past two decades, Papo2oo4 sounds every bit of the New Jersey-by-way-of-NYC that he is. He can casually slide between verses and hooks with the casual menace of Curtis Jackson, but his style is definitively his own. Papo sounds equally at home over dusty instrumentals as he does over fist-pumping, Jersey club beats, and with Pap On P.E.D's being his strongest tape yet, there aren't many artists entering the new year with as sharp of an upward trajectory as Papo2oo4 is right now.)

Honorable Mention: Mookie Blaylock by Jiles & Vinyl Villain, Faith Is A Rock by Wiki, MIKE & The Alchemist, Trapper of the Year by Certified Trapper, Catch&Release by S!LENCE & Lungs, Hood Hottest Princess (Deluxe) by Sexyy Red, 2MM by Sideshow, Sundial by Noname, Summer's Mine by Babyface Ray, Liberation 2 by Tabli Kweli & Madlib, Noir or Never by Che Noir & Big Ghost, JOINTS by Marco Plus, Shook World by King Vision Ultra, The Son's Shine by Silky Southern, Pookey: Stik Figa Finds Himself by Stik Figa & DJ Sean P, a Gift & a Curse by Gunna, Infinite Victory Loop by Roper Williams, Owe It To Myself by G.T., Noise Kandy 5 by Rome Streetz, Mourning Due by Nappy Nina, Halfway There by 03 Greedo, 26: The Maryland Era by Tokyo Cigar, Everything Good? by Black Milk, Bin Reaper 3: New Testament by Babytron, Lonestar Luchador by That Mexican OT, and many, many more....

[therappundit]

"For you, I recommend...” - The Rap Pundit’s Picks From the First Half of 2023

****PART 1 of 2****

*If you are interested in tracking my favorite songs released in 2023, I will be updating this 2023 Tidal Playlist all year long*...and yikes it’s already ridiculously long.

https://tidal.com/playlist/2a4cccc0-19db-4ef2-8ad9-d29e866ef672

Been a while, how’s everybody doin’?  Me, I’m just doing the same ol’ husband/father/jaded American worker thing, exhausted but well aware of how fortunate I am.  As with any art, the irony is that inspiration is too often tied to depression, frustration, and a need for change.  I regarded the past few years of rap music as some of the strongest in recent memory, which is not a coincidence, considering how increasingly unhinged our world appears to be.

From the standpoint of major releases, strong underground releases, and a growing range of different sounds and aesthetics, I would argue that 2022 could go up against any of the greatest years in the history of rap music.  The nostalgia factor will always hold court over recency bias whenever folks who claim to be in the know get into such conversations, but I think 2022 had something for everyone - and those somethings were at the highest level that each respective lane has to offer.  Now here at the midpoint of 2023, we have a year that is extremely shallow when it comes to noteworthy releases trickling down from household names that loom large over mainstream rap music, but instead there are a seemingly unlimited amount of under the radar gems washing up on our streaming shores on a weekly basis.  In 2023, if you want to hear the best rap album of the week, there’s a good chance that it won’t receive a shout-out from On Thin Ice’s New Music Friday post (but a HUGE s/o to CROWNTHEM and RapSurvivalGuide for digging deep every week, and not just catering to your own personal biases or whoever kisses your ass for a slice of that sweet, sweet Twitter Share pie...but I digress).  ;-)

For the past decade my musical tastes have shifted, grown, and sharpened, and while getting older has certainly played a factor, my own interests in rap music have expanded due in no small part to the names I mentioned above, as well as many others.  Thank you all for doing what you do every week, it takes discipline, a good ear, but above all else, a real passion for the music and artists that share their gifts with the world.  Staring down at the back half of the year (July already!?), I hope to continue to share the same love for the art form, and put at least a few folks on to dope songs or albums that they otherwise may have missed.

So for my “Best of 2023 so far”, I tried to do the following:  pick *some of* my favorite songs of the year, NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER WHATSOEVER, choosing one song from each artist (not including features or producers, both could have multiple showcases within the list below), and trying to touch on all of the different styles of rap music that I love.

Hope you enjoy, let me know your thoughts, and see you when I drop Part 2 (which I’m aiming to do within the next two weeks).....

🙏

“Fair Oaks Drive” - Ace P feat. Righteous Emcee, Juice Lord & Knucky

https://dontaskwhy.bandcamp.com/track/the-proof-prod-roper-williams

“Veracruz” - Che Noir feat. 7xvethegenius

https://bigghostlimited.bandcamp.com/track/veracruz-ft-7xvethegenius

“OPEN LETTER” - dp0mmy feat. K9shmere

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7vaRgkzbBw

“Swing!” - KING VISION ULTRA feat. Nakama

https://algierstheband.bandcamp.com/track/swing-with-nakama

“Red Jacket 6″ - MIKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1AZB7ZxNf8

“Auntie Crystal” - Jae Skeese

https://jaeskeeseofficial.bandcamp.com/track/auntie-crystal-explicit

“STARS” - Papo2oo4 feat. YL, Starker & DVNTBEATS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4lBqeubo4M

“Hitman Synopsis” - Freddolo & Charlie Mayo feat. Blu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLBR-TE8BjI

“Gerald’s Flattop” - SickInTheHead

https://soundcloud.com/sith92/geralds-flattop?in=sith92/sets/smokin-boots

“Pressure” - Wulf Morpheus feat. Silky Southern & BACKSEAT [S]MILES

https://soundcloud.com/wulfmorpheus/pressure-feat-silky-southern-backseat-smiles?in=wulfmorpheus/sets/epp

“Imported Goods” - Kadeem feat. Caliph, Avenue, & Latrell James

https://itskadeem.bandcamp.com/track/imported-goods-feat-caliph-avenue-latrell-james-prod-by-god-damn-chan

“Woke Up” - Jay NiCE feat. Big Cheeko, T​.​F & Jansport J

https://nicesupreme888.bandcamp.com/track/woke-up-feat-big-cheeko-t-f-prod-by-jansport-j

“SOUTHSIDE STORY” - Hoodlum

https://tidal.com/track/286322005

“Already” - EastsideEggroll

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GL8Qk1h9Ws&list=OLAK5uy_n7zKo_AAp5vLgvFZH5BowfcuRs7VZSVvc&index=4

“Top Of The Morning” - Talibando feat. Samuel Shabazz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67Nrh4kOcBw

“Pistachio” - MVW, Valee & Zelooperz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7YpBd09TGc

“Really Him” - Mike Shabb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptUo-N6cWgE

“Look Closer” - The Legendary Traxster feat. Buk Of Psychodrama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyhTwWglaIk&list=OLAK5uy_k61kabHMaTugmcIsGP0BAWmja7XF6sD5M&index=16

“Family Tithes” - Gnarly Marley feat. Martyy Jugg, Esoderic & The Abnorm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGi9QDPP94&list=OLAK5uy_lOKtMuI2x9AnUeGKsx7FxtbxVWK5lgOXk&index=6

“STOOP” - Akhen feat. Roscoe P Coldchain & Lord Maskoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivVEnzMBOuA

“Boat Interlude” - Veeze feat. Lil Yachty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69jRaPHx0vk

“Club Spook” - Popstar Benny feat. $pook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRgCcHoioug

“Stand On It” -  DaBoii feat. Philthy Rich, 4 rAx & Mac J

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBmejHaDpVo

“Top G” - King Hendrick$

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzSHrpp3n68

“Okra” - Young Nudy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4YxcS_SNRA

“Bipperz Anthem” - KP SKYWALKA & Lil Dude

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iftj9Sud6nk

“'86 TESTAROSSA“ - Curren$y & Harry Fraud feat. Rome Streetz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBUpBbucBMY

“Starting Lineup” - Murs & Wiardon feat. Larry June & ICECOLDBISHOP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ienLlyytWK8

“Chit Chat” - French Montana & DJ Drama feat. A$AP Rocky & Smooky MarGielaa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaR_ZRLcLqI

“Basket” - DaeMoney feat. Babyface Ray

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvNkAPFwS2o

“Woedy” - Rob49 feat. Birdman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zihkny_M42Q

“PILL FORM” - 2 Eleven & T.F feat. Rome Streetz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkX7cS7jZeM

“Hollow Way” - El Michels Affair & Black Thought

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYqcfCtRARM

“I USUALLY SAY HOW I FEEL” - Tree

https://mctreeg.bandcamp.com/track/i-usually-say-how-i-feel

“Boom (Mouskatool)” - Mello Buckzz feat. Amari Blaze, Moni Da G & Kashh Mirr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AMwuCjoNeA

“Fuck Mr T” - RRB Lil Mel & RRB Cheese feat. feat. RRB Duck & SME TaxFree

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1kI8DBl5No

“Ron Artest” - Babyface Ray & 42 Dugg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqP7EwfbroE

“Slipping Into Darkness” - Hit-Boy & The Alchemist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqeK6BIS_pQ

“Three Kings” - Wiki feat. Big Ouee & Papo2oo4 

https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/track/three-kings-ft-big-ouee-papo2oo4-prod-juju-merk

“Ghetto To Meadow” - Oddisee feat. Freeway

https://oddisee.bandcamp.com/track/ghetto-to-meadow-feat-freeway

“Eastside” - Jay Rock feat. Kal Banx

https://tidal.com/track/300682190

“Gurd” - Drego fest. Beno

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2EuvC5NjaM

“F**K Yo’ Set” - DJ Rude One & RXK Nephew

https://djrudeone.bandcamp.com/track/f-k-yo-set

“Brucifix” - Conway The Machine feat. Westside Gunn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slqKjNdjseU

“Foie Gras” - Your Old Droog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udq9HXLmnKs

“Robbers Cave” - Sleep Sinatra feat BloodMoney Perez, Sekwence & KlwnKat

https://sleepsinatra1.bandcamp.com/track/robbers-cave-feat-bloodmoney-perez-x-sekwence-prod-by-klwnkat

“The Proof” - YL

https://dontaskwhy.bandcamp.com/track/the-proof-prod-roper-williams

“k.o!” - Raz Fresco feat. Daniel Son

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuxx33m_AdI

“PBS Kids” - AJ Suede & Televangel feat. Mr. Muthafuckin Exquire

https://fakefour.bandcamp.com/track/pbs-kids-feat-mr-muthafuckin-exquire

“Class” - Spectacular Diagnostics feat. Curly Castro, Illogic & Defcee

https://spectacular-diagnostics.bandcamp.com/track/class-ft-curly-castro-illogic-defcee

“hue_man nature” - Saba & No ID

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o01_JnGtj8A

“Smug” - Nappy Nina feat. maassai

https://nappynina.bandcamp.com/track/smug-feat-maassai

“She Could” - phiik & Lungs/LoneSword

https://phiik.bandcamp.com/track/she-could

“It Don’t Stop” - J. Rawls feat. Wordsworth & MC Bravado

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QOK22JQlVg

“Blunt Guts and Laundry Rooms“ - Tokyo Cigar

https://tokyocigarmusic.bandcamp.com/track/blunt-guts-and-laundry-rooms

“S.H.O.W. ENT” - Sideshow

https://ghettosoundz.bandcamp.com/track/s-h-o-w-ent

“Zoo” - Mr Brady & Budamunk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuVFDHSdZFg

“BlitzBerg” - Niontay

https://sexafterchurch.bandcamp.com/track/blitzberg-2

“Venison” - Chuck Strangers feat. Navy Blue

https://chuckstrangers.bandcamp.com/track/venison-feat-navy-blue

“The Plug” - Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano feat. Kokane & Ab-Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF-pNfKHiKM

“Chicago Piffers” - Jamal Gasol & Vic Spencer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CHXucmHMuE

“Sunflowers and Gunpowder” - Stik Figa

https://stikfiga785.bandcamp.com/track/sunflowers-and-gunpowder

“Cocaine On My Sweatshirt” - Stove God Cook$ feat. Earl Sweatshirt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABBh1fS_M4Y

“Michael Myers” - AyooLii & Run Along Forever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFqaDKNVkB4

“Oh Dear” - Jadasea & Laron feat. Wiki

https://jadase15.bandcamp.com/track/oh-dear-ft-wiki

“HALLELUJAH” - Pote Baby

https://soundcloud.com/potebaby/hallelujah-1

“bread & butter” - Gunna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaKdWGnUF4

“Jellyfish” - Roadrunner Glockboyz Tez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWdIgSoyRrQ

“Hts” - Myaap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8GxPW2_piY

(s/o to @JunkiesRPeople for putting me on to this one, Milwaukee has some crazy fun records)

“Gettin Fishy” - Luh Tyler feat. Scy Jimm & Wizz Havinn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3cdOha_8i4

“Let’s Do It” - DD Osama feat. NLE Choppa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aV_GtP3hH8

“Adventure Time” - A$AP Twelvyy feat. Roc Marciano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCZAAJKtgjk

“Baby Steps” - billy woods & Kenny Segal feat. ELUCID & Benjamin Booker

https://billywoods.bandcamp.com/track/baby-steps-featuring-elucid-benjamin-booker

“LALO” - Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher feat. 38 Spesh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DxN5IqE7Q0

“Nat Turner” - Talib Kweli x Madlib feat. Seun Kuti & Cassper Nyovest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caim8oPc4r8

(Yeah.  I get it.  You don’t like Talib Kweli.  But if you get a chance to check out Liberation 2, do so, because it’s dope.)

“Kill Switch” - Navy Blue feat. J Rocc

https://soundcloud.com/navybluethewaterbearer/kill-switch

“The Hillbillies” - Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhivl6fln3s

“Duckin Smoke” - Mac Ty & GloRilla

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhiBY3ViqOM

“Kia Boyz” - Trdee feat. Certified Trapper & Mariboy Mula Mar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw-mgOxrJK4

“Michelin Star” - WateRR & Lupara feat. MIGHTYHEALTHY

https://waterr.bandcamp.com/track/michelin-star-feat-mightyhealthy

“4DEVILHEADZ” - Estee Nack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJzMNDzzwWY

“Transactions” - Gabe ‘Nandez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTd7JNH8VfE

“On The Floor (Remix)” - Latto feat. Cardi B

https://tidal.com/track/297661618

“RIP Hutch” - Babytron feat. Rico Nasty & Remble

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSb6guRt10E

“Top Dog / Under Dog” - YUNGMORPHEUS

https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/track/top-dog-under-dog-prod-fitz-ambro-e

“Terpalation” - Zombie Juice feat. Curren$y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC2dF2canl0

“Tell Em That” - Dre Wave$ feat. Marco Plus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vyuTs_UsZg

“BFFR” - Kenzo B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpdfKEqTqZE

“Corsairs” - Knowledge The Pirate feat. Roc Marciano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GlmtXE8PjA

“Each Smack” - Certified Trapper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgn5FiUlXdQ

“Get A Ticket” - Chase Fetti feat. Benny The Butcher 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ZqCby_ie4

“East Side Summer” - SKECH185 & Jeff Markey feat. I​.​B. Fokuz, Collasoul Structure & Solar Five

 feat. https://skech185.bandcamp.com/track/east-side-summer-feat-i-b-fokuz-collasoul-structure-and-solar-five

“Raps Don’t Move Me” - greenSLIME & Boathouse

https://closedsessions.bandcamp.com/track/raps-dont-move-me

“Lift Me Up” - Marco Plus feat. Chris Patrick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf7_XCjuDqk

“Biddy Mason” - 7xvethegenius

https://soundcloud.com/lovethegenius/biddy-mason-1

[therappundit]

*The Best of the Bestest!: The Rap Pundit’s Picks For The Finest Rap Projects of 2022

*Just a list of MY favorite favorites from a year filled with a lot of damn good music.  

What else needs to be said at this point?  You have probably seen at least a dozen “Best of” lists by now, with many of the same albums cluttered near the top....but this is THE Rap Pundit’s list, so you know you’re bound to find more gems than chalk.

In a historically deep year for rap music (a topic worth profiling in the future), the headline story was probably the numerous side stories.  Be it the explosion of great music coming from areas that had a previously under-reported wealth of talent (especially Wisconsin and Florida), the underground scene getting more high profile exposure than it has in years (artists like billy woods, Fatboi Sharif and Lungs/Lonesword being shouted-out by numerous mainstream outlets!?), sample-driven drill officially becoming the preferred drill-flavor (at least on the east coast, shout-out Shawny Binladen, Four50, Big YaYa and the YTB), and of course the simply inescapable rise of club music’s influence on rap right now (Bandmanrill is clearly the master of this lane, but this style isn’t going away anytime soon)….if you couldn’t find something you loved in 2022, you might not actually like rap music.

But the proof is in the pudding, let’s get into it.  Here are my personal picks for the most impressive albums/mixtapes/EPs/projects/whatever of 2022…

***High Honors***:  Beware of the Monkey by MIKE, Motion Not Emotion by DB.Boutabag, Playing With Fire by ShooterGang Kony, Crack Music 2 by Skilla Baby, Beyond Belief by 38 Spesh & Harry Fraud, Gold Bricks by ElCamino, and Formal Intro by dp0mmy [+about 100 more that I plan to shout-out on future posts!]

100. VACABULAREE by Valee

99. The DogFather by Paco Panama

98. u be ight by QThree

97. Traumazine by Megan Thee Stallion

96. Metatron’s Cube by Aj Suede & Televangel

95. Spaceships on the Blade by Larry June

94. Scorpion Eyes by BandGang Lonnie Band$

93. Raw Extractions by Lukah

92. Marlowe 3 by Marlowe (L’Orange & Solemn Brigham)

91. SNOFALL by Jeezy & DJ Drama

90. Tales Of A Yung Son by Four50

89. Ima Island Boy by Pros AP

88. WHERE ARE THE BUGS!? by Cise Greeny, Phiik & Lungs/LoneSword

87. Let’s Do A Drill by Asian Doll

86. GRIPTAPE by the grittiest, Raz Fresco, Eric Right

85. Triple Black Diamonds 2 by al.divino & Estee Nack

84. Where The Shooters Be by SleazyWorld Go

83. As Above So Below by VIP Skylark

82. ONLY BUILT 4 DIAMOND LINKS by Peezy

81. Deutsche Marks 3 by Willie The Kid & V Don

80. THE LIZ 2 by Armani Caesar

79. Wordly Ways by Archibald Slim

78. I NEVER LIKED YOU (Deluxe) by Future

77. MARTINELLI MAC-ELEV by Willyynova

76. Jungle Life by DCG BROTHERS (DCG Shun, DCG Bsavv)

75. FACE (Deluxe Edition) by Babyface Ray

74. What They Hittin 4 by Jay Worthy & DJ Muggs

73. Sedale Threat by Wrecking Crew (Zilla Rocca, Curly Castro & PremRock)

72. Dollar Menu 4 by Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim

71. On High Alert, Vol. 4 by Real Bad Man

70. EA Monster by Young Nudy

69. Back For Everything by Kodak Black

68. raja’s sun by iblss

67. BussaBrick Vol. 2: BussOne 101 by Chicken P

66. 2 Headed Goat by 1100 Himself & Mitchell

65. The I&I by Teller Bank$ & Ed Glorious

64. COTI 2:  The Course of the Inevitable 2 by Lloyd Banks

63. The Broadcast by Fil Jackson

62. The 13 Tape 2 by Jugg Harden

61. HTR Vol. 1: The Legend of Tawny Tone by Koncept Jack$on

60. MEMPHIS MASSACRE III *or* CRUNKSTAR [I still can’t make up my mind!?] by Duke Deuce

59. BEFORE SHIT GOT WEIRD by The Cool Kids

58. ENDLESS by evrymN

57. 25 Features, Vol. 2 by Los & Nutty

56. SLANG CASINO by YUNGMORPHEUS & Obijuan

55. Before The Winner Comes The Fall by Grunge Gallardo

54. Valley of Dry Bones by Stik Figa & Conductor Williams

53. Paint the City (Gangsta Grillz) by Icewear Vezzo & DJ Drama

52. Lost In Austin by kingdoughmane.

51. Gold by DJ Muggs & Rigz

50. Black Vladimir by Meyhem Lauren & Daringer

49. Dog$hit & Ammunition by WTM Milt

48. Laughing so Hard, it Hurts by Mavi

47. Metal Lung by Shrapknel (Curly Castro & Premrock)

46. Da Under Dog by MarijuanaXO

45. The Forever Story by JID

44. SHADOWSELF by Sleep Sinatra & Ohbliv

43. CHAINLINK by Phiik & Duro

42. $oul $old $eparately by Freddie Gibbs

41. Church by billy woods & Messiah Musik

40. RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART by Vince Staples

39. SOGW2: Estee Nack & The Order of the Golden Fleece by Estee Nack & Sadhugold

38. Blame Kansas by T.F, Roc Marciano & Mephux

37. Joe Fog by Errol Holden

36. ill be right back! by amani & robalu

35. LIVE FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Mikem Nahmir & The Fades Formation

34. The Elephant Man’s Bones by Roc Marciano & The Alchemist

33. Her Loss by Drake & 21 Savage

32. Frank by Fly Anakin

31. SOUTH CENTRAL by G Perico

30. Sewaside II by Mike Shabb

29. King’s Disease III by Nas & Hit-Boy

28. Cold Cuts by Wiki & Subjxct 5

27. Melt My Eyez See Your Future (The Extended Edition) by Denzel Curry

26. Intros, Outros & Interludes by Domo Genesis & Evidence

25. Few Good Things by Saba

24. BABYST5XNE GORILLAS by Baby Stone Gorillas

23. Fair Exchange No Robbery by Boldy James & Nicholas Craven

22. Continuous Improvement by Papo2oo4, DJ Lucas & Subjxct 5

21. Kiss The Ring by Rome Streetz

20. MOB by Babyface Ray

19. I Love Y.O.U. cuz Y.O.U. Ugle Vol.1 by Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire

18. It’s Almost Dry by Pusha T

17. Smoke Detector by Rich Jones

16. The Soufside Villain by Marco Plus

15. Tana Talk 4 by Benny The Butcher

14. Continuance by Curren$y & Alchemist

13. Cheat Codes by Black Thought & Danger Mouse

12. Languish Arts and Woeful Studies by Ka

11. Spirit Roaming by AKAI SOLO

Aaaaaaaaand now, my top ten...

10.  I Told Bessie by ELUCID

[A well-oiled machine of an album, I Told Bessie lurches along from one ear-grabbing soundscape to another, each gifted contributor putting their stamp on some precious reflection from ELUCID (all producers were in top form here, but Child Actor, Messiah Musik and Sebb were especially potent).  As one half of Armand Hammer, ELUCID has no trouble being a tour guide through his own stroll down memory lane.  He is a superior narrator that knows his way around a vast array of different styles of instrumentals, which means that Bessie never gets too dark or too bright, adding easy replay value to even the heavier moments of the album.]

9. Component System with the Auto Reverse by Open Mike Eagle

[Open Mike Eagle has circled around the epicenter of the underground rap scene for some time now, always a worthy contributor, albeit not one to necessarily be recognized during award season. That should change with his latest effort, a brilliant piece of nostalgia, personal reflection, and an earnest love for hip-hop.  Also, great writing aside, the beats on here are simply phenomenal.]

8. SICK! by Earl Sweatshirt

[Forgot that this dropped in 2022?  The first AOTY contender to drop is all too often the album ending up with the short end of the stick come December, and that seems to be the case with SICK!.  Less sonically aggressive than much of his previous work, Earl still manages to cram so much thoughtful writing into quick, fun-size doses.  The most effective music isn’t always the music that begs for our attention, and this feels like an album where the listener is fortunate just to catch Earl’s thoughts before they float away, to make room for more poignant passing thoughts.  Perhaps Earl’s best gift as an artist is his ability to leave fans wanting more.]

7. Bokleen World by Mike Shabb

[By now the buzz is just starting to nip at Mike Shabb's heels. The Montreal MC/producer was not on my radar before this year, but hot damn has he made an impact in 2022.  If it wasn’t his TWO great solo albums that he dropped, it was the acclaim from tastemakers like Westside Gunn, who got his production skills the attention they deserve.  More importantly, Shabb is coming out of Montreal, Canada, making him a representative of a scene that is starting to make waves well outside of the Canadian border.  I loved his release from earlier this year, but for me it was Bokleen World that showcased all of the many dimensions of an exciting young artist.]

6.  MOOR CHORES by Lord Kayso

[Another artist that I was completely unfamiliar with at this time last year, Brooklyn’s Lord Kayso is closing out this year as one of my favorite artists.  There’s something about his delivery and the way that he colors in his world that feels simultaneously intimate but distant, much like how a young Nas was portrayed as a writer’s-writer, watching events in his community unfold from a project window.  Kayso reflects on his world with a casual delivery that doesn’t seem to be emotionally affected in the moment, but the fact that he’s sharing these personal stories at all confirms that he’s a man with a great deal on his mind.]

5. For All Debts Public and Private by Defcee & Boathouse

[Last year Defcee & Messiah Musik really surprised some folks (myself included) by dropping Trapdoor, one of the best albums of 2021, in December...so let that be a lesson to anyone that thinks they can finalize their annual Best Of lists by the time Thanksgiving wraps up.  That's a tough act to follow, but Defcee & Boathouse managed to strike in 2022 with another fantastic project in For All Debts Public and Private. An impressive list of some of the underground's finest join forces with Boathouses impactful backdrops and Defcee's revealing bars, all to create an album that is as thoughtful as it is prone to high levels of replay value.  When it comes to dissecting one's life and perspectives, I don't know if any MC's pen is touching Defcee at the moment.]

4. Deathfame by Quelle Chris

[Detroit's uber-talented virtuoso Quelle Chris has been accumulating one of the deepest catalogues in music for some time now, but Deathfame is truly one of his finest works top to bottom. An under-reported trend for Quelle is that he somehow finds a way to become more and more versatile as a producer with every album.  Never allowing his sense of humor to drown out his messages, and never being so devoid of humor that his messages come off as bitter, a great Quelle Chris album has become a most welcome tradition over these past few years....and I hope it continues!]

3.  Aethiopes by billy woods & Preservation

[Gonna keep it moving here…billy woods is just flat out the most prolific writer in rap music right now, Preservation is a genius and their chemistry is off the charts.  Add a handful of standout guest verses - EL-P, Boldy, Breeze and hot damn, Despot!? - and you have an AOTY worthy album.  Too many memorable quotes and verse of the year contenders to list, but for some reason there’s a special place in my heart for “trying to pay rent - but that’s not black empowerment, that’s you trying to pay rent”.]

2. 10 (a.k.a. HWH10) by Westside Gunn

[Maybe my favorite Westside Gunn project since FLYGOD, which for me (as a bit of a Griselda stan since 2015), is saying a lot.  Reminiscent of Kanye’s “anyone around, come to the studio right now!” energy during better times - his MBDTF G.O.O.D. Friday roll out - for the latest (last??) installment of his controversially titled music series, Gunn managed to pull together a somewhat surprising list of features for a mixtape of loose and FUN bar-fests over the most varied, ear-grabbing production that we have heard from the Griselda collective in a minute.  I’m not actually sure who was in the studio and who wasn’t, but when the outcome puts Run The Jewels, A$AP Rocky, Doe Boy, Black Star, Busta and Rae & Ghost together on the same project, you get a straight-up dope tape that reminds me of why I fell in love with underground rap music in the first place.  Classic Soundbombing vibes, for me.]

1.  Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar

[When it comes down to releasing new albums, no other rap artist needs to check as many boxes as Kendrick Lamar.  JAY-Z, J.Coke, Drake, you name it - none of them have to incorporate mainstream bangers, nuanced “conscious rap”, alternative choices, catchy lyrics, superior production, clear expression of ideas, and manage to touch the bar set by fans with incredibly high expectations for an artist that doesn’t release new music as often as his peers…but such is the life of anyone who is considered to have the highest ceiling in their field.  Yet with Mr. Morale, Kendrick unleashed the album that *he* wanted to release: a sprawling conversation piece that stumbles through dozens of sticky topics without digging his heels into any one stance for too long. 

 It’s the perfect expression of ideas from anyone that came out of the last few years of isolation with a creeping sense of doubt, mistrust for the information circling around him, and a general awkwardness for how to interact with the world once again.  I’m not sorry that many of the thoughts he shared on this album weren’t met as “correct” based on our expectations of what many of us want him to represent, but more importantly, Kendrick shouldn’t be sorry either.  Much like other prominent people of influence in the world today, we should be discussing the nuance of everything we’re told, and the great points often come from those exchanges - way moreso than the regurgitation of curated policy that is deemed acceptable by the loudest of audiences.  So yes, I believe Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers to be hands-down the best rap album of 2022.  All messages aside, how anyone could miss the well-crafted delivery and high quality production that is easily the most engaging of any mainstream rap album in 2022, is still pretty surprising to me….but I suppose conflicted opinions are exactly what should come from a talented artist stewing in his own conflicted opinions in recent years.   Oh well, I guess even the best in their field can’t please everybody.]

Next stop....best songs. 👀