#k hip hop icons

[deanflure]

i just loved this vibe

[lessonnzero]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓇼⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ を⠀⠀⠀ ㅤ🏖️⠀⠀⠀ ㅤ 𓏸

⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓇼⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ を⠀⠀⠀ ㅤ🏖️⠀⠀⠀ ㅤ 𓏸

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[elitekhh]

☾ like or reblog if you use ☾ do not repost ☾ psdby : @wiiintermoon ▌│█║▌║▌║ @elitekhh ║▌║▌║█│▌

[musictyme]

Kendrick Lamar performs Not Like Us at the Pop Out. Performed six times.

[scarlett-bitch69]

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A post shared by Nikkolas Smith (@nikkolas_smith)

[ziacos]

240504 ZICO at 2024 Hiphopplaya Festival

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[rzzy]

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Towenda Choir Orchestra - Inspector Gadget 1983

Inspector Gadget is a media franchise that began in 1983 with the DiC Entertainment animated television series Inspector Gadget. It was co-created by Andy Heyward, Jean Chalopin and Bruno Bianchi, and was originally syndicated by DiC Audiovisuel and Lexington Broadcast Services Company. Since the original series, there have been many spin-offs based on the show, including additional animated series, video games, and films. The franchise follows the adventures of a sympathetic but dimwitted cyborg police inspector named Gadget as he investigates the criminal schemes of Dr. Claw and his organization, M.A.D., and fruitlessly attempts to stop him. However, neither side is aware that it is Gadget's niece, Penny, and her dog, Brain, who are truly responsible for thwarting M.A.D.

The original Inspector Gadget theme song was composed by composer Shuki Levy, and was based on Edvard Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King". The original French version has lyrics while the English and most dubs based on the English version are without. The theme is considered by many to be one of the most iconic and most recognizable theme songs in the world. Levy has been credited to the music of a huge amount of shows such as He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra: Princess of Power, Digimon: Digital Monsters, Sylvanian Families, Heathcliff, The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (poll #543), The Mysterious Cities of Gold (poll #545), and Lucky Luke.

Several early rap records sampling the Inspector Gadget theme song were released in 1985. The Kartoon Krew also released "Inspector Gadget" on ZYX Music, which contains vocal samples and quotes from the popular cartoon series, reenacted by the rap group for the song. East New York rap group Bad Boys & K-Love released a record on Starlite Records, "Bad Boys", featured on the UK hip hop compilation Street Sounds Electro 9. Following the trend, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh used samples from the Inspector Gadget theme song on their single "The Show". The theme song has been heavily sampled in the years since then. California-based punk band Lagwagon recorded a short instrumental cover of the theme song on their 1992 album Duh.

Go Go Gadget Score Results! 90,1% yes votes!

[the-kr8tor]

hey i was wondering if you could write a fic about the reader teaching Hobie how to roller skate?? It’s so oddly specific but i can imagine him just struggling with it and it’s funny to me. Plus my dream date is to teach someone how to roller skate 😭. Thank you so much. Also please remember to take breaks and rest. I lysm and appreciate all the effort you put into ever story ❤️

What a cute prompt! Thank you for requesting!! And I will!! You're too sweet ❤️

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Word count: 1.2 k

Tags: No use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader (except for a mention of Hobie being tall and brief mention of clothes), cw food mention, set in Hobie's 70s dimension, FLUFF

ʕ⁠·⁠ᴥ⁠·⁠ʔ

Being a part of the spider society has numerous Perks— Free therapy if you're willing to wait months for a single appointment. The cafeteria providing three meals a day to starving spider people from all walks of life, (and dimensions) not to mention the unmatched camaraderie with your fellow spiders. That alone makes all the jet lag from traveling through dozens of multiverses, and all the aches and pains that comes with being bitten by a radioactive spider. But, there is one thing that trumps all of those perks, and that's hopping to your partner's dimension for a not-so-quick date at the roller rink.

Hobie didn't take much convincing, especially after showing him your timeline appropriate outfit to him. His dimension is practically stuck in the 70s, filled with groovy psychedelic colours from the top to bottom. And of course there's the leather jackets that you've grown accustomed to just by being with Hobie. Hell, you especially love those leather pieces like the one you're wearing now. You went all out with your outfit, researching the trends back then with a splash of punk looks that had Hobie almost melting the second you stepped out of the portal. You fit in, to say the least. But after all the research and countless hours in the library just scouring for history books and life in the 70s, they don't compare actually being there and seeing it with your own eyes.

A glorious disco ball hangs in the ceiling, twinkling lights dancing around the funky, swirly and fluffy walls of the roller rink. Everywhere you look there's a burst of colours, and there's no lack of laughter ringing above iconic disco music you've heard before.

Smiling, you sit on a bench, eyes turned upwards at the sparkling lights twirling around the whole place. Hobie kneels before you, insisting to tie your rollerblades for you, citing that if it's not done well you could fall over and smash your face on the polished granite. You of course don't refuse, loving how much he dotes on you when there's no mission to rush to or a certain Spiderman breathing down his neck.

Patting your foot, Hobie calls your name above the blaring music. “How's the weather up there, lovie?”

You tilt your head, chin tucked on your clavicle, admiring how handsome he looks under disco lights with his piercings and eyes shining. “How long have you been waiting to say that to someone, huh, tall guy?”

He takes your unlaced rollerblade, pushing it in your socked foot and then propping it up on his knee. He's smiling all through it, happy to indulge you even for a quick moment without anyone to kick or web up. “Believe it or not, I've said it a few times.”

You fake a gasp, and he chuckles at your antics while he ties a ribbon. “Someone is taller than you?! I thought that was impossible!”

“You're impossible.” Hobie's hand remains on your ankle, hand rising up to cup your knee, thumb drawing circles around your tights. Leaning up, he holds your hip with his free hand, pushing you down gently to meet him halfway; which you gladly let him guide you.

Beaming, you peck his nose and the space between his brows. Earning a soft chuckle from him. “Says the one kneeling before me.”

“Which makes my comment correct.” He follows suit, kissing where your Cupid's bow lies before standing up shakily on his rollerblades. (That he hides with his nonchalance.) “C’mon, let's get this over with before I change my mind.”

Taking his helping hand, you pull yourself up, effortlessly standing on the wheels. “It's not too bad, I promise. Even little kids get it right after a few tries.”

He raises a pierced brow. “Those little kids aren't as tall as me and don't have a reputation to keep.”

You poke his side, “I've seen you backflip off of Rhino's head. Roller skates are nothing compared to that. Besides, no one you know is here to see you fall flat on your ass.”

“You won't film it like last time we went ice skatin’?” He can't help but ogle you under the light and amidst the bright colours.

Leading him towards the rink, you hold his hand, slowly inching your way inside. “I promise I won't take videos this time.” He huffs in reply as you guide him to the shiny floors. “It was for personal use anyway.” You mumble to yourself.

Hobie immediately holds onto the railings next to him the second his feet leaves the carpeted floors and onto granite. His knees are bent and shaking while he tries to keep his balance on the wheels. “Love, why'd you let go?!”

Giggling, you reach for him with open arms, rolling towards him. “I didn't! You did!”

Panic spreads through him unlike all the times he has fought countless villains as his rollerblades smack loudly on the floors as his feet skidaddles in place, struggling to even stand up. After reaching for you, your six foot three baby holds onto you like a life raft. Long arms grasping with none of the cool nonchalance he usually exhibits.

“Do you want me to get a training cart for you—?”

“No, I've got this.” Hobie straightens up, hand holding on to your jean pocket as if he wasn't whining a few seconds ago.

“Oh okay—”

“Don't let me go this time.”

“I won't, Hobs. Maybe try moving your legs?” Smiling, you roll around the rink as he uses you as his personal guide while he barely moves his stiff legs.

His eyes roam around the rink where people of all ages whizz past him without a care. He looks over to you with a new found determination. If those children who are barely five years old can skate like they own the place, he too can do it. “What do I do now?”

You don't laugh or giggle at him, instead, you help and support him throughout the lesson like you promised him when you suggested the date. Hobie picked up on the skill real quick, quicker than he did for ice skating. Maybe the music helped him, or maybe he really wanted to impress you this time instead of the ‘baby deer learning how to walk’ he exhibited earlier.

After a while he's already skating around you. A bit wobbly but his form makes up for it. Hobie thanks his spider senses and balance for not stumbling and crashing into another person.

You're all tired out after the exercise. Head placed on his shoulder, arms looped around his middle as he's the one guiding you this time while you two skate mindlessly on the shiny floors as the skating rink dies down for the night. He blows air in your ear, waking you up.

“Thank you.” Hobie affectionately pecks your brow, you hum in content. “You've got some patience in you, love.”

“Nope, you're just a fast learner. And you're welcome, thank you for indulging me.”

“You chose well.” His eyes smile, hand splayed over the small of your back. “Next time it's my turn to pick the place.”

“What do you have in mind?” Tilting away, your hand snakes up from his back to his nape, kneading softly.

“It's a secret, innit. For now,” he skids to a stop, hand still holding on to you. “you need to see some food that your dimension hasn't seen in decades.”

Your eyes widens, gasping. “So much food that shouldn't be in jell-o.” You're already unlacing your rollerblades.

[reborn-in-my-limbo]

as promised, here are my thoughts on seventeen's discography:

best full album: face the sun: seventeen really just keeps getting better and better, and i will never get tired of their ambitious rock sound mixed seamlessly with softer, bouncy tunes.

top three mini albums: 3. you make my day: oh my! was the first title track of theirs that i remember putting on repeat, also holiday and our dawn is hotter than day are top tier b-sides. 2. FML: f*ck my life is incredible and it also has idubilu and fire. super lived in my mind rent free and was on repeat for a solid month, i wasn't even really a carat anymore by then. 1. heng:garæ: you would have to pry this album out of my cold, dead hands it is my BABY. half the album makes me cry and the other half makes me giggle. there's so much whimsy present in those 21 minutes (aside from fearless, that just goes harder than it has any right to) that i can't help but memorialize this shit.

top three title tracks: 3. fear: two words: YOON JEONGHAN. this was his song and i don't want to hear any complaints. he's a crooner, let. him. cook! joshua was out here making points too, and you KNOW that i can't talk about fear without mentioning vernon's three seconds to save the industry with those hips that most certainly do NOT lie. 2. CLAP: i just love s.coups, this was his song. joshua's gwaenchana gwaenchana ireon ildeul manchana was iconic af as well. i mentioned in my last post that i love a good rock sound and this track never fails to boost my mood, which i've found myself in need of lately. 1. rock with you: ah yes, the first k-pop release that i ever stayed up for. the song is beautiful, the mv is beautiful, the line distribution is fair enough, and it's my favorite title of theirs to sing. personally, i don't think i need to justify it more than that, but in case you're not convinced, dk took that bridge to the moon and landed among the stars.

top japanese release: not alone: i straight up looked up from what i was doing when i first heard this song. immediate favorite. i could probably do a top three and include fallin' flower and call call call! but not alone is just that good that i don't even want to write about anything else. it's such a smooth and easy listen that i think i reached nirvana.

top three full group b-sides: 3. to you: i couldn't care less about it being about carats, like yeah it's sweet, but honestly the vibes are just immaculate in general, and i want whatever woozi has, like damn little counter tenor! i never want to live in a world where this song doesn't exist. 2. our dawn is hotter than day: i move my head along with the refrain every time it's on. it's so peaceful and relaxing and i feel so at home with it. has been a favorite for years. 1. kidult: this song makes me cry. people get tattoos of it. i've been described as a kidult a lot and i chuckle that s.coups wanted it to be as difficult as possible for dk and seungkwan and they served something fierce anyway.

top three hip hop unit tracks: 3. ah yeah: i do it for vernon and vernon alone, otherwise fire or lalali or even monster would have clinched the #3 for sure. you feel so tough when you listen to it and it makes me chuckle every time. these little guys sure were talented right out of the gate. 2. chilli: a recent love, and i didn't get it at first. but it really is relaxing to listen to. i really do pick these tracks for vernon, maybe i should look into that... anyway, drip drip your chilli sauce, boys! i support you. 1. GAM3 BO1: i will not accept criticism. yes, hype is awesome, but i really do enjoy listening to these guys have a good time, especially since wonwoo is such an epic gamer anyway. this was another song that was on my playlist before i fell back into caratland. one of the few respectable earworms out there.

top three performance unit tracks (i hated having to do this one): 3. highlight: this is mostly for jun's part in the beginning, but i'm really upset that i didn't start listening to this sooner. they ate both musically and in terms of the performance video. they were just kids, your honor! 2. back 2 back: minghao's song. no i will not back down from that. you really have to wonder how they do it. i will never in my life understand the crack that they put in this song, because the instrumental by all accounts should make me want to puncture my eardrums, but it doesn't! 1. i don't understand but i luv u: you all saw this coming, don't pretend like you didn't. concert footage aside (hehe MMMMMM), they really did eat. i love electric guitars (hence my love for the rock sound hello) and how they can be fused with pretty much any loop and sound ethereal. the message is also beautiful, dare i say it's what wayv's love talk wishes it could be? (i don't mean that, my fellow nctzens PLEASE don't come after me, it's all in jest i swear!)

top three vocal unit tracks: 3. candy and come to me: come to me is the real #3 but i couldn't just talk about the vocal unit without talking about how candy is jeonghan's song, oh how i miss him! the calypso vibes of come to me are so beautiful, hello? and joshua hong, the man you are, this is your song and you'd better realize that. in short, it's just really pretty, i don't have much else to say other than that. 2. 20: the most fun ever. these little guys had no idea what they were doing but woozi had a vision and goddamnit who am i to argue? i will truly never get tired of it, the chorus has me in a chokehold. 1. habit: oh to go back to the first time i heard this song (which really wasn't that long ago, admittedly). there's so much raw pain and emotion, like seriously, who hurt woozi?! that bridge felt personal. fair warning that it's a really difficult song to learn, damn those rhythms! additionally, the message of wanting to bare your soul to someone who isn't in your life anymore is so relatable.

if you want to remain happy, stop reading here. i'm going to list my least favorites of the aforementioned categories below the cut, so if you don't want to listen to me possibly "trash" your favs (i tried to be as respectful as possible, no real trashing occurred), thank you for reading this far, and have a good day!

least favorite album (mini or full): LOVE&LETTER (the original): honestly, the only reason why this is my least favorite is because the b-sides didn't really stand out to me other than maybe say yes. pretty u is a beautiful title, though!

least favorite title: ready to love: i've seen a lot more people saying this is their favorite lately, and that's great! it was honestly between this and love, money, fame, but ultimately i decided that lmf has a particular notoriety that ready to love just doesn't have (i get it mixed up with u r by monsta x).

least favorite japanese release: power of love: what- what was going on here? i really could not see the vision, it puts me to sleep. dream would've been here but i can actually remember how that song goes.

least favorite full group b-side: circles: sorry, wonwoo, sorry, woozi, but it's a skip for me most times. i love the meaning but the vibe just doesn't do it for me. if i gave it more chances i'm sure it would make me cry, which is a good thing, believe it or not.

least favorite hip hop unit track: i can't run away: i love that they tried something new with this, i just like all of their other releases much more. when compared to the rest of their material, it just doesn't measure up. i love when the rappers sing, though!

least favorite performance unit track: jam jam: weeeeeird vibes for me. they're cute, and minghao's bits with it that went on for a few years are even cuter, but it just ain't it.

least favorite vocal unit track: AH! LOVE: it's a bit annoying, sorry y'all. also s.coups doesn't have enough of a feature, and we all know damn well that that man has a good set of pipes.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING ILY I WANNA DO MORE OF THESE SO GIMME SUGGESTIONS!!!

[lessonnzero]

☠︎ ˖ 🌪️ ◌ drunken texts ◌ 🌪️ ˖ ☠︎

like or reblog if you use or save | don’t repost

[elitekhh]

☾ like or reblog if you use ☾ do not repost ☾ psdby : @wiiintermoon │█║▌║▌║ @elitekhh ║▌║▌║█│▌

[gaymer-hag-stan]

Happy 19th anniversary to Brown Eyed Girls!

On the 2nd of March, nineteen years ago, Gain, JeA, Narsha and Miryo performed their debut song, Come Closer, for the first time.

Brown Eyed Girls is known for their powerful vocals, bold concepts, and artistic independence. The group has consistently pushed the boundaries of K-pop, earning a reputation for their mature themes and genre-defying music. Unlike many idol groups, Brown Eyed Girls are recognized for their strong vocal abilities, self-produced music, and longevity in an industry known for its rapid turnover.

Brown Eyed Girls was initially envisioned as an R&B vocal group rather than a traditional idol act. The group was formed by composer Yoon Il-sang and producer JeA, who personally selected the members based on their vocal and musical talents.

Before their official debut, the group spent nearly three years training and performing in small venues to refine their sound. Unlike many K-pop groups that debut with a strong visual and performance-heavy approach, Brown Eyed Girls focused primarily on their vocal ability and musicianship. In 2006, they released their first album, "Your Story," which showcased their soulful R&B and ballad-oriented sound. While the album was well-received by critics, it did not achieve mainstream success, prompting the group to experiment with different musical styles.

In 2008, they began transitioning toward a more electronic and dance-oriented sound with their first mini-album, With L.O.V.E. This shift marked the beginning of their rise to mainstream popularity. However, it was in 2009 that Brown Eyed Girls skyrocketed to fame with their hit single "Abracadabra." The song's hypnotic beat, sultry concept, and iconic hip-swaying dance became a sensation, influencing the K-pop industry and leading to numerous parodies and covers. The success of "Abracadabra" not only cemented their place in K-pop history but also established them as trendsetters in mature and provocative concepts.

Following the success of "Abracadabra," the group continued to experiment with their sound and image. Their 2011 album, "Sixth Sense," showcased a dramatic and orchestral approach, with the title track emphasizing themes of rebellion and empowerment. This period solidified their reputation as artists willing to take creative risks. Their follow-up single, "Cleansing Cream," demonstrated their ability to balance provocative dance tracks with deeply emotional ballads, proving their versatility.

Over the years, the members also pursued solo careers, further expanding their influence in the entertainment industry. JeA established herself as a respected producer and vocal coach, Narsha gained recognition as a variety show star and radio DJ, Miryo explored hip-hop and independent music, and Gain built a successful solo career known for her bold and sensual concepts. Despite their individual endeavors, the group remained committed to their identity as Brown Eyed Girls.

In 2015, they released "Basic," an album that reinforced their artistry with deep lyrical themes and experimental sounds. After a brief hiatus, the group made a long-awaited comeback in 2019 with "RE_vive," an album consisting of reimagined classic Korean songs, highlighting their continued relevance and ability to adapt while maintaining their signature style.

Unlike many K-pop girl groups that disband after a few years, Brown Eyed Girls have remained active for nearly two decades, making them one of the longest-running girl groups in South Korea. Their legacy extends beyond music, as they have played a significant role in breaking stereotypes about female idols, pushing boundaries in K-pop concepts, and proving that longevity is possible in an industry often focused on youth. Their influence can be seen in many newer artists who adopt more mature and experimental approaches to their music and image.

Brown Eyed Girls continue to be revered for their artistry, innovation, and fearless approach to music and performance. Whether through their powerful vocals, thought-provoking concepts, or boundary-pushing visuals, they remain an essential part of K-pop history, proving that talent and creativity can stand the test of time.

[ziacos]

240504 ZICO at 2024 Hiphopplaya Festival

ISLAND_JPG | do not edit, crop, or reupload without logo

[lighthailstorm]

my genre playlists

afrobeats: any songs that i can think of that sound evenly mildly african in beat

alt rnb: dedicated playlist for alternative r&b. has a lot of solange, dijon, and kelela

bubble gum pop: kind of self-explanatory

city pop: 80s (or earlier) japanese pop.

disco fever 2.0: disco or disco-adjacent songs that were made after 1990. so more modern disco, basically. lots of kylie minogue and jessie ware.

discotheque: authentic disco playlist (very 70s, almost obnoxiously so). has the bee gees, diana ross, kc & the sunshine band, etc.

essential soul: songs from artists (before the 90's) that kind of shaped soul and r&b. this is a work in progress, so feel free to suggest artists i should add

groove: modern r&b (2010 to present)

head banging fun: my catch-all rock playlist. don't be alarmed by grouped in regular rock, pop rock, punk-adjacent stuff, and alt rock into one playlist for simplicity. and, yes i included olivia rodrigo in this, argue with the wall. this also has linkin park, radiohead, måneskin, etc.

horse tranquilizer music: not sure how to describe this. but ig it's like that moment in madagascar when alex gets hit my the tranquilizer dart and has that trippy acid trip dream but in music form. also it's kind of club music ig?

iconic pop: iconic pop hits from before the 2000's

international pop: pop hits by artists not from the US and no k-pop (bcs I have so many k-pop playlists already), although this may have korean artists on it, the songs are entirely in english (so not technically k-pop)

mellow waves: soft rock playlist

neo soul: has a lot of childish gambino, lianne la havas, and ms. lauryn hill.

new pop: pop songs that i love from 2020 onwards...

reggaeton: este playlist tiene muchas canciones que no sé si en realidad son reggaeton. por favor, házmelo saber si estoy equivocada.

sick beats, baby: random collection of rap songs (mostly clean) that i enjoy

~smooth~: a little bit of a vintage r&b playlist (vintage meaning, any r&b song from before 2010)

synthwave: not actually synthwave, i don't think. it's just a collection of songs that have a hell of a lot of synth.

theatre kids on crack: a collection of songs from musicals that i could do for kareoke without looking at a single word on the screen bcs i've committed them to memory.

VOGUE: not sure this is an actual genre, but these are just songs i could see myself vogueing to if i knew how to do that properly

weird girl rap: ig this is more like alt hip hop? idk but its ~quirky~

ya like jazz?: songs that are either actual jazz or just sound jazzy enough that i felt it deserved to be in this playlist. contains lots of sade.

[manysmallhands]

Top Albums Of 2024: #20 - #11

The second post of my albums of the year! The first post also exists!! More will follow!!! Now read on!!!!

#20. Fred Thomas - Window In The Rhythm

Indie rock

It’s been 6 years since his last proper album and much has changed regarding how much I bother with DiY indie, but I go back a long way with Fred and so I’ll always be excited when he brings a new record out. And all told, Window In The Rhythm is really very good! Most closely resembling 2015’s All Are Saved of his many previous albums, it consists of 7 largely lengthy art rock grinds that take the minutia of relationships and picks away at them remorselessly (there are one or two softer songs in there but most of it is pretty unforgiving stuff). The appropriately titled “Hours” is a bit of a drag but everything else here sounds fantastic and works very well for drifting away to on the grim winter afternoons. Given how the songs kinda melt into each other, I tend to engage with it all as a series of classic Fred set pieces, with my current faves being the way the gentle, ringing guitar arpeggios of "Season Of Carelessness" at first gradually and then suddenly give way to its fizzing, intense electronic coda, and also the bit in opener “Embankment” where Fred does his fast talking about 90s acts party piece, singing  “I made you a tape - withthesamesquarepushersongonitfourtimes - but not in a row” and I know that my favourite indie dude is back for real.

#19. Aespa - Armageddon

K-pop

I tend to struggle to focus on k-pop - i can never remember who's who, partly a function of not being able to buy them here on CD - but mercifully Aespa did a cheap retail version of Armageddon and i've managed to give it more time than most things. And their first full length album turned out to be a game of two halves: the first five songs feature a harder, hip hop influenced sound, full of drama and flash but with a hint of Britney here and there, while the remainder takes a lighter, more girlish tone, with "Bahama" coming off like a kind of k-pop "Kokomo" (which is good, not bad like you think) while "Live My Life" goes full pop punk but with a characteristic, slightly restrained quality that makes it all the more charming. A strong debut and an entertainingly distinct calling card that'll make it easier for me to distinguish them from their peers from now on.

#18. Beabadoobee - This Is How Tomorrow Moves

Indie rock; Singer-songwriter

Bea’s third full album was recorded in LA with Rick Rubin and often seemed as in thrall to America as that would suggest, with the guitars rocked up for a 90s alt vibe and her accent set to a mid Atlantic twang. "Take A Bite" and "Beaches" were both terrific anthems that confirmed her status as burgeoning indie icon but it was her more delicate material that came off best, as "Girl Song" and "This Is How It Went" showcased her huge talent as a singer-songwriter of the old school mode.

#17. Doja Cat - Scarlet 2 CLAUDE

Rap; RnB

Last year’s Scarlet was a terrific album but one where its massive hits failed to carry it to general success. Continuing the era is a brave move but one suspects that this might be a final hurrah for Doja in the rap game before going back to paying the bills. The tone is similar on Scarlet 2 but perhaps a little more lowkey, with songs like "MASC" exuding a melancholy rarely seen on the more bravado infused OG record. But there’s still a lot of fun to be had here too, like on the poppier "OKLOSER" where Doja uses that cute, mocking voice that she does so well and takes it all to some hilariously petty places

#16. Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department

Pop/rock

“How much sad did you think I had in me?” Taylor sings after about 20 minutes here and ngl, there’s quite a lot. Her 11th album has been divisive and understandably so: there’s a sense in which the Antonoff and Dessner partnerships feel a bit played out and its often lugubrious and downbeat tone can get a bit exhausting at times, especially when you tie in the 15 (count 'em!) bonus tracks (which I have mostly tended to avoid). But once you warm to its themes a little, Taylor is still a terrific songwriter and "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart", "But Daddy I Love Him" and the sparkling title track are among her best in what’s largely a strong set, at least til the occasionally lacklustre final third. At heart, TTPD knits together an engrossing narrative which plays on the loneliness of breaking up when yr the most famous woman in the world. Whether you have much sympathy for that is yr own call but for myself, I still think it’s pretty fascinating

#15. Remi Wolf - Big Ideas

Funk pop, rock

I came to Remi Wolf’s second album for the funk bangers but stayed for the hooky indie rock tunes too, at least after I’d gotten over how much i wanted there to be more funk bangers. The most immediate material here is definitely in her sunshine RnB pop style, with "Cinderella", "Pitiful" and "Frog Rock" being some of the catchiest songs I’ve heard all year. But, given time, the rockier "Alone In Miami" became a huge favourite too, with Remi’s diaristic lyricism adding a dimension beyond the hooks and riffing. Big Ideas is comfortable reaching across the stylistic spectrum, being the first record i've heard for a long time that takes in both Prince and Daniel Johnston as notable influences. In summary: there are two Wolfs within this album and both of them are good!

#14. Jessica Pratt - Here In the Pitch

Singer-songwriter; Folk pop; Retro

Her third album Quiet Signs felt a bit hazy and nebulous at times but Here In The Pitch returned to the strong melodies of Jess’s earlier material, a mid century pop record that frequently feels like a warm summer night somewhere in Latin America circa 1962. Tho it’s sometimes as minimal as its small hours vibe might suggest, Here In The Pitch contains plenty of pop energy, full of Spectorish rumble and swaying bossanovas as well as being as packed with hooks as any of this year’s big sellers. While the atmosphere does sometimes tend twds eeriness, Pratt's distinctive babyvoiced coo always feels welcoming on an album where she sounds like she's really enjoying herself.

#13. Tyler the Creator - Chromakopia

Rap; Hip Hop

I’ve never managed to connect much with Tyler before but Chromakopia really blew me away. I'm a sucker for the kind of upbeat funk and soft soul beats that he tends to use here, but his extremely in yr face, percussion heavy approach is also a big draw and the way this album comes at you right out of the gate is hugely impressive. Lyrically, there’s some of the usual bragging that I’d expect but Tyler also gets into the kind of awkward personal and moral quandaries that make up life's grey areas too. Songs like "Hey Jane" and "Take Your Mask Off" have a real depth of character to them, exploring issues like unwanted pregnancy and personal disillusionment in a thoughtful way that doesn't look for neat answers.

#12. Lizzy McAlpine - Older

Singer songwriter; Folk-rock; Retro

Lizzy’s third album, while coherent enough in its focus, finds her stylistically split between a Laura Marling type singer songwriter vein and something more obviously retro focused. In all truth Older is rarely a cheerful record - a young woman’s odyssey thru a time of change type of thing - but it is beautifully rendered, either in rich Fleetwood Mac-esque arrangements or spare, delicate solo accompaniments which reinforce the desperation at its heart. I’ve struggled a little with some of the final third, where the backing tends to drop to a bare minimum and that’s probably kept this out of the top 10 here. But the strength of the melodies and the real character and power of her delivery are getting me now to a point where I’m more consistently enjoying all of it: it’s just the kind of record where some parts of it take a little longer to come into full focus than others. This sort of folky, soul bearing singer songwriter is not always the kind of thing that i can get along with but, far more than most albums of its kind, Older is an absolute gem.

#11. Halsey - The Great Impersonator 

Pop/rock

The Great Impersonator was largely inspired by Halsey’s struggles with life threatening illness and much has been made of her “main character syndrome” by some, regarding the way she places her fears and trials at the centre of the record. In truth it can feel quite jarring at times - and occasionally exhausting - but what it actually made me think of is the way that I, as someone with long term disabling illness, often don’t bring things up, in fact make myself small and don’t talk about the basics of my life, for fear of not being heard or accommodated. So when Halsey talks about her issues here, then it really does feel genuinely moving to hear someone making that space for herself and refusing to be silent.

None of this would matter much if The Great Impersonator sucked but - lucky for us - it’s absolutely fantastic. The multi-decade concept feels a bit hard to parse but generally you can just ignore it and focus on the songs, a clash of genres to rival her masterpiece Manic but with an even greater depth of emotional turmoil to draw upon. Aside from illness, there are the usual self hating bangers like "Ego", and a mix of the two is often welcome too: “Dog Years” especially bristles with fury as Ashley growls “they say all dogs go to Heaven / well, what about a bitch?” and indeed the record is well stocked with good one liners throughout. It's fair to say that the consistently downbeat focus can make for a grim listen and also that the returning "Letter To God" songs can come off as a bit repetitive and boring. But there’s sweetness here too as well as harsh reality - especially on the glorious, featherlight title track - and I suspect a bit more time with this would have shunted it into the top 10.

And that Top 10 is coming soon! i have actually written the posts! Maybe starting tomorrow! Bye for now!