Hey everyone! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted on this site. I thought I’d start 2020 by posting my personal best rap albums of the previous year. Remember this is just my opinion, and also 50 is quite a lot so I’ll write more about each album as the list goes on. The list will go from least to greatest. First here are a few honorable mentions:
King Combs – Cyncerely, C3
Casanova – Behind These Scars
Rico Nasty & Kenny Beats – Anger Management
Big K.R.I.T. – K.R.I.T. IZ HERE
Offset – FATHER OF 4
Choosey & Exile – Black Beans
DUCKWRTH – The Falling Man
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Bandana
Jidenna – 85 to Africa
Kevin Abstract – Arizona Baby
Injury Reserve – Injury Reserve
03 Greedo & Kenny Beats – Netflix & Deal
Jack Harlow – Confetti
Yelawolf – TM3
2 Chainz – Rap or Go To The League
Kanye West – JESUS IS KING
Alright! Now let’s get into the list:
50. Lil Peep – Everybody’s Everything
Everybody’s Everything is yet another posthumous project from emo-rapper/singer Lil Peep. The album doesn’t sound completely finished, which is unfortunate because it has a lot of potential. But Peep still does his thing on this album and there are many enjoyable tracks. Gone too soon 😦
49. Polo G – Die a Legend
Polo G is one of the best upcoming rappers right now hands down. Die a Legend proves that he’s ready for fame. It’s a tale of the streets, the rise to fame, and the lessons he learned along the way. He knows his sound and he sticks to it. The only criticism I have, is maybe next time he should step out of his comfort zone a little more, and show how diverse he can be.
48. Gucci Mane – Delusions of Grandeur
Gucci Mane has released a lot of projects in his time. I mean A LOT. But this one stuck out to me for some reason. The beats seem to hit a lot harder here. He also has features from Justin Bieber, Lil Uzi Vert and more. It feels a lot less rushed in my opinion, which is super great because a lot of his newer projects tend to be pushed out quite frequently.
47. Vory – Say
There’s not much to say about Vory. He’s original, his voice is empowering and incredible, and he’s so criminally underrated. He does not get the credit he deserves at all. This project demonstrates how many different flows he can use and how he can use that amazing voice of his. I just want more!
46. Guapdad 4000 – Dior Deposits
Guapdad 4000 is a hitmaker. This entire project front to back is one playlist worthy song after another. His voice is soothing and he flows so well over every beat. This album also has great features from Chance The Rapper, Tory Lanez, Buddy, 6LACK, G-Eazy, and more! If you’re looking for some new jams for your party playlist, definitely check out this album.
45. wifisfuneral & Robb Bank$ – Conn3ct3d
This is a project I didn’t know I needed. Robb Bank$’s deep and powerful voice mixed with wifisfuneral’s perfect flows over hard, bass heavy beats and funny punchlines from both artists makes for a great underground rap collaboration album. Another album to look into if you want some new party songs.
44. Lil Skies – Shelby
Lil Skies shows a little more versatility on this album with new flows and new beat selection. It’s also full of bangers you could probably hear at a sports game or something along those lines. Hard beats, catchy hooks, and interesting flows make for a pretty decent project from this upcoming rapper.
43. BENNY THE BUTCHER – The Plugs I Met
Benny can spit. He didn’t have to prove that on this project, but he did anyway. Fantastic boom bap instrumentals and real wordplay make for a great 7 song project. There’s also great features from people like Black Thought and Pusha T. This is a must listen for real rap fans.
42. Anonymuz – There Is No Threat
I had never heard of Anonymuz before this album, but man I’m glad I did. He raps very similar to Denzel Curry, which is convenient because there is a great Denzel feature on the track “No Threat”. The only complaint I have, is he seems to use the same flows a lot, and some of the beats fall a little flat compared to other rappers that use his same style. But it’s still a good project that you should definitely check out.
41. Oswin Benjamin – Godfrey
How is this man not at the top? He is an absolutely incredible rapper with interesting and original rhyme schemes. He is also so capable of making hits. A great example of that is “Olive Oil”. Oswin needs more recognition, so hopefully he’ll release more music in 2020 because this album is great.
40. Papoose – Underrated
Another rapper that doesn’t get the credit he deserves is Papoose. He’s often clowned or looked over in the industry, but he shouldn’t be. He’s very talented and this album is definitely worth a listen for real rap fans. It’s full of catchy lines, hard beats and he really shows what he’s all about.
39. Conway The Machine – Look What I Became
Look What I Became is a gangster, hard hitting project from the Griselda rapper. Not much else to say. He’s one of the best spitters out right now and he’s 100% worth your time.
38. Young Thug – So Much Fun
Young Thug is definitely an acquired taste. Either you love him or you hate him. Personally, I love Thugger. He’s interesting and fun to listen to. With the right production and good features he’s able to create great, re-playable projects. This is exactly that. Fantastic instrumentals, and features from Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert, MGK, Juice WRLD, J. Cole, Travis Scott and more. So Much Fun may be Thug’s best overall project for sure.
37. Lil Tjay – True 2 Myself
Lil Tjay may not be a rapper for people that aren’t into that new, melodic sound. But if you are into that style, you’ll probably love it. He’s young, hungry and ready to blow up. He has great melodies, as well as deep and personal lyrics, and he knows how to make a hit. Tjay will probably be one of the biggest rappers in a few years, so he may be worth checking out now!
36. Yelawolf – Ghetto Cowboy
I find there’s been a pattern with recent Yelawolf projects. They start off hot, then they decline massively towards the end. Ghetto Cowboy does exactly that. But a lot of the good here outweighs the bad. He really makes you feel like you’re in a mosh pit or a trailer park on all of these tracks. This album also has great production. 100% worth a listen.
35. Action Bronson & The Alchemist – Lamb Over Rice
Action Bronson may be the most entertaining/funny rapper in the game. He’ll have one line where you’ll be making the stank face, and the next where you’ll be hysterically laughing. But this is some of his best work, and of course Alchemist delivered with the production. I just wish it was longer!
34. James Blake – Assume Form
James Blake is a trippy, psychedelic singer/rapper that often comes along with fantastic production. Assume Form continues his streak of great music with beautiful singing, fantastic instrumentals and memorable features from people like Andre 3000 and Travis Scott. May not be the easiest listen if you’re not willing to try something new, but if you are you should check it out for sure.
33. Bryce Vine – Carnival
Carnival contains fun bouncy songs, as well as tales of love, deep and soulful lyrics, all while being thrown at you through the laid back voice of Bryce Vine. It’s fun, vibrant, and beautiful. If you’re into more of a chill kind of vibe, I highly recommend this album. One of my personal favorites this year that doesn’t get a lot of coverage.
32. Hobo Johnson – The Fall of Hobo Johnson
Fair warning, this album is not for everyone. It’s odd. Very odd. But what can you expect from Hobo Johnson. If you can get past his weird rapping style, The Fall of Hobo Johnson is a sad, yet beautiful story of love, loneliness and depression mixed with great production. Oh, and there’s also a Subaru Crosstrek.
31. Mustard – Perfect Ten
Front to back b-a-n-g-e-r-s. Nothing but some of the world’s most popular rappers spitting great verses over beautiful and smooth production from Mustard. This album features artists like Nipsey Hussle, Roddy Ricch, Migos and more. Every song here could be added to your playlist.
30. Griselda – WWCD
Scary underground production mixed with the hardest underground spitters and features from 50 Cent and Eminem make for a fantastic album. All the artists in Griselda need more recognition and hopefully this project will showcase to you just how talented they are.
29. Earl Sweatshirt – FEET OF CLAY
Personally, I enjoyed this project from Earl more than his latest album Some Rap Songs. It’s not very catchy, but the beats are interesting, the lyrics are deep and I enjoyed the length of this project with only 7 tracks. It’s not for everyone, but chances are if you liked previous Earl Sweatshirt albums you’ll probably like this one too.
28. Anderson. Paak – Ventura
If you haven’t checked out Anderson yet, you’re missing out. Although in my opinion not as good as his previous album Oxnard, Ventura is a soulful and beautiful album with funky beats and overall fun songs. It also has features from Andre 3000, Smokey Robinson, Nate Dogg and more. Please do yourself a favor and listen to this album.
27. Denzel Curry – ZUU
Not very long after releasing the critically acclaimed album Taboo, Denzel Curry returns to share stories and lessons learned from Carol City with the album ZUU. Not much else to say here. Beats get wrecked, different flows are thrown around everywhere, and Denzel really tries to show you his perspective on every track. A must listen for sure.
26. Post Malone – Hollywood’s Bleeding
Well what is there to say about Post Malone that hasn’t already been said? He makes hits. Over and over and over and over again. This album is just that. Hit song after hit song. Another great album if you need new songs for your playlist.
25. Calboy – Wildboy
Calboy blew up because of the song Envy Me, then rode that wave all the way to the release of his project Wildboy. Although I enjoy most of the tracks, it’s very scattered. Some songs about love, some about the streets, and some totally about nothing at all. It would’ve been nice if we had some kind of theme here, but there are lots of positive aspects to this album too. There are great features from people like Polo G and Meek Mill. It also has very smooth production. He is a very talented rapper and I’m excited to see what 2020 brings for Calboy.
24. YBN Cordae – The Lost Boy
Cordae’s debut album is filled with just good songs. One after another. Although I do think he is a little overrated as a lyricist, the boy can spit and his production really picks up any slack. There’s features from people like Pusha T, Chance The Rapper, Anderson. Paak and more. This album is a great bridge between new rap fans and old ones as well. It could fit the club and the radio or anywhere in the underground scene. It’s simple and an overall entertaining listen.
23. Machine Gun Kelly – Hotel Diablo
Damn, how is MGK still slept on? He is such an incredibly talented rapper. He’s so capable of making beautiful songs that can make you cry, and hard hitting tracks that make you want to get into a mosh pit. Every song is polished, and the whole album can be listened to front to back. Don’t look over Kelly anymore and check out Hotel Diablo.
22. SiR – Chasing Summer
SiR is an amazing RnB singer that sounds like a mix of Frank Ocean and John Legend. The production on Chasing Summer I would say is near perfect. So is his singing. There’s also a Kendrick Lamar feature on the song “Hair Down”. It’s very slow paced though, so if you’re not into that it may not be for you. But it’s still definitely worth checking out.
21. MAVI – Let The Sun Talk
If you like Earl Sweatshirt, you’ll like this album. Simple as that. It’s fantastic in it’s own right, but takes heavy influence from Earl. All the production is slower but it’s amazing in my opinion. Also, MAVI spits like he’s been around for a long time but he’s really just getting started. Let The Sun Talk is very polished and entertaining. But if you’re not a very slow paced music listener, this album is not for you.
20. Rod Wave – Ghetto Gospel
If you don’t know about Rod Wave, he’s a very soulful, melodic singer/rapper. He puts his own interesting twist on the new genre of rap. He really sings straight from the soul and you can feel every emotion he’s trying to express. The album can be repetitive though, and some of the beats have multiple producer tags in them which can be quite annoying. But if you can look past that, Ghetto Gospel is a wonderful album from this new and upcoming artist.
19. Wale – Wow… That’s Crazy
Wale has been around for quite a while, but he still hasn’t had that huge boost to the spotlight. This album brought him back into a lot of people’s view, and his success is well deserved. The album explores all different cultures, and shares different perspectives of love. It also features people like Jeremih and Boogie. Don’t sleep on Wale anymore and give “Wow… That’s Crazy” a listen.
18. SAINt JHN – Ghetto Lenny’s Love Songs
I’m not exactly sure how to explain SAINt JHN. That isn’t a bad thing though, because he’s very original. He sings and raps which isn’t very original nowadays, but he puts his own interesting twists on it. The production on this album is great, with a lot of bass heavy beats or chill RnB instrumentals. This is definitely his best project yet and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for SAINt JHN.
17. Juice WRLD – Death Race For Love
When I first heard the news about Juice WRLD’s passing I was in shock. I was a huge fan of him before he even blew up. I was so excited to see him get the credit he deserved finally. But unfortunately, all things come to an end at some point. This album although being a bit too long, is filled with bass heavy bops and emotional love songs. May he rest in peace, he may be gone but his music will last a lifetime.
16. Joell Ortiz & Fred The Godson – Gorilla Glue
Production on this album is perfection. It’s so detailed and suits Joell and Fred perfectly. If you’re a real rap fan you will most likely enjoy this album. These two spit BARS over every single beat on this project. They talk about the streets, drugs and more. It’s an awesome underground rap collaboration.
15. DaBaby – Baby on Baby
DaBaby is somehow one of the goofiest and one of the hardest rappers out right now. Every single beat knocks, and he delivers perfect flows and catchy hooks to keep you coming back for more. All that mixed with funny lines makes this an album for the ages.
14. Goldlink – Diaspora
Goldlink is a chill rapper that shows different cultures and just how diverse he can be on his newest album Diaspora. Production is all over the place but still interesting. There’s also features from people like Tyler The Creator, Pusha T, Khalid and more. I highly recommend this album for anyone looking for more of a tropical vibe.
13. IDK – Is He Real?
This album begins with “Cloud Blu”, an intro track where IDK asks a kid named Max what happens when you die. He goes on all about the bright lights and rising to the sky and meeting all the people that have passed away before you. Then he says “you wake up from your dream because God isn’t fucking reallll”. “Is He Real?” is a deep and intricate album about faith, life and love. The production is absolutely stunning and IDK tries so many new things on this project. It’s fantastic.
12. Ameer Vann – EMMANUEL
After being kicked out of the internet boy band BROCKHAMPTON, Ameer Vann disappeared for a little while. Then, out of the blue he released EMMANUEL. The reason I love this project so much is because rather than apologizing for his actions, he cements himself as a villain. It’s a fresh and interesting perspective that is rapped over very smooth production. I hope he releases more music like this in the near future!
11. Little Simz – GREY Area
Little Simz is a female rapper from the UK, and she killed this entire album. 10/10 production. Insane flows. Interesting and deep lyrics. Beautiful songs. Little Simz is so incredibly talented and this project is fantastic. If you don’t listen to this you’re missing out on so many great tracks.
10. Dreamville – Revenge of the Dreamers III
Personally, I am a huge fan of group rap songs/cyphers. So when I saw that the entirety of Dreamville and many other artists were making a collaboration album, I was very excited. I think they delivered very well. The album is all over the place, but it’s so incredibly entertaining. If you haven’t heard this yet, listen to it immediately. There are so many fantastic artists on this project and you’d be silly to skip over it.
9. Roddy Ricch – Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial
Roddy Ricch is going to be one of the biggest rappers soon. This album has already given him so much of a push into the spotlight, and he deserves it. Hard beats, catchy songs, personal lyrics. He is amazing and this album proves just how talented he is.
8. Boogie – Everything’s For Sale
Boogie is often known as the funny rapper that can really spit when he wants to, but this album shows a different side of him. It’s sad, but beautiful. Production is smooth and he rides every beat with practically no effort. Hopefully this album will show you what Boogie is all about. There’s also features from people like Eminem, 6LACK and more.
7. Stormzy – Heavy Is The Head
Stormzy is a UK rapper that has made his way into the global scene. This album delivers with emotional tracks that have nice and sweet singing, and it also has upbeat bangers that you could take to the gym. This album could be enjoyable to many rap fans because it is very diverse. He is very talented and shouldn’t be overlooked.
6. Rich Brian – The Sailor
Rich Brian is no longer that “jokey” comedian act rapper he once was. He is an artist. This album is not only fantastic, but it’s a perfect demonstration of what Brian can do. His singing and rapping are amazing and every track is detailed lyrically and musically. There’s something for everyone here, so give the whole thing a try. Trust me, it’s worth it.
5. Jamila Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY!
Empowering, inspiring, interesting. All words to describe “LEGACY! LEGACY!” by Jamila Woods. It’s near perfect. She has a beautiful voice, and she is an amazing song writer. Production here is fantastic. Every song is layered and detailed. Features from people like Saba, Nitty Scott and more. Not much else you could ask for. If only she was more popular, because her music is so influential.
4. BROCKHAMPTON – Ginger
After their last disappointing project, BROCKHAMPTON are back better than ever with Ginger. It’s full of wonderful love songs, deep tales of depression and some straight up bangers. Production is some of their best yet too, I honestly just wish it was longer!
3. Dave – PSYCHODRAMA
PSYCHODRAMA is a journey through a deep and intricate therapy session with Dave. Most of the production on this album is incredibly clean, and perfectly suits the pain Dave is feeling inside. It’s sad at some points, and the next it sounds like you’re at a huge house party. Dave is so talented and he deserves so much more credit than he gets. His voice is very controlling and he can keep your attention for an entire track which is very difficult to do considering the attention span of people these days. There are a few cons to this album, but the pros severely outweigh the negative aspects here. Dave is also a great writer, and he’s really able to put you in his shoes. This album will make you feel all types of ways, and I recommend it to all music fans out there!
2. Tyler, The Creator – IGOR
There isn’t much to say about IGOR that hasn’t already been said. It’s Tyler’s magnum opus. It showcased a different side of him that many had not seen before. He’s no longer just that weird rapper that led Odd Future. He is so much more. This album takes you through a story about love and perfectly demonstrates all the different aspects of it. From the beautiful production to the somehow amazing Playboi Carti feature, this album provided everything we could want from Tyler and more. One of the best albums of the decade hands down.
1. Danny Brown – uknowhatimsayin?
My number one project for this year was a tough decision to make. But after lots of thought, I came to the conclusion that it had to be Danny Brown’s newest addition to his fantastic discography, “uknowhatimsayin?”. Listening to this album is like being transported and taking yourself through a Danny Brown themed fun-house. It’s wacky, eccentric, and fun. Danny Brown knows his strengths and he plays to them well. He falls back on his roots, spitting nothing but raw bars straight from his wicked mind. But he goes in a new direction with crazy but excellent production. This album also contains great features from Run The Jewels, JPEGMAFIA, and more! This project is fantastic front to back and it’s very deserving of the number one spot for 2019.
Health Points Music 