What's going on cats and kittens. This year has been quite a good year for hip-hop as a whole thus far. Absolutely stellar albums from the likes of Skyzoo, RJ Payne, Mumu Fresh, and those Griselda boys have made for definitely great listens. Being that this is the second year of the new decade, it's already starting off quite nice. As we are halfway through the year, as we anticipate even more and better projects to come, let's give props to those albums that have had our streaming services on fire. Let's go shall we...
15. Navy Blue
Navy's Reprise
Production: artist, Playa Haze, Like, Malik Abdul-Rahmaan, others
We start off with Cali native Navy Blue, who is a childhood friend and frequent collaborator of Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue. The former professional skateboarder-turned emcee has been steadily garnering a cult following since his previous efforts such as Gangway For Navy, Ada Irin, and especially the incredible, yet moody, Song Of Sage: Post Panic. His appearances on albums from the likes of the aforementioned Earl, Mach Hommy, and Preservation also got his name up for the anticipation of his latest effort, Navy's Reprise. Filled with introspective lyrics and poignant production, Navy's momentum into more known notoriety is building. It won't be too much longer before Navy becomes as much a household name as his childhood friend.
14. Beneficence & Confidence
Stellar Mind
Production: Confidence
Jersey City representative Beneficence collaborated with Boston boardsmith, Confidence, to bring us Stellar Mind, a back to basics approach album of great lyricism meeting equally great production. Confidence had been most known within the underground for his collaborative effort with Brooklyn underground emcee Rashad and their critically heralded album, The Element Of Surprise. Much like the aforementioned album, Stellar Mind is a back-to-basics approach with beats and rhymes and no gimmicks. There's something about simplicity in hip-hop that's very unappreciated, but once you run across it, it all feels so good, and this album exemplifies that wonderful simplicity that's occasionally needed with no bells and whistles.
13. Khrysis
The Hour Of Khrysis
Production: artist
Jersey-born, Durham-bred producer Khrysis has been putting it down under the guidance and tutelage of Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder for nearly twenty years. Contributing to stellar albums from the likes of Little Brother, Masta Ace, Rapsody, and the late, great Sean Price over the years, little people realized dude could also spit. Dabbling here and there with the mic, especially while with his partner in crime of The Away Team, Sean Boog, it was high time for Chris Tyson to finally get his own shine, and he definitely delivered. His debut album, The Hour Of Khrysis, is mostly a testament to his fantastic boom-bap approach to hip-hop with collaborations and features from the likes of Ruben Vincent, Evidence, and Mumu Fresh to legends such as Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, and De La Soul. Plus we were blessed with an Away Team reunion. This Grammy nominated recording engineer has been bubbling for over two decades, now Khrysis is finally exploding with his own searing lava.
12. Evidence
The Unlearning Vol. 1
Production: artist, The Alchemist, Daringer, Sebb, Khrysis, Animoss, Nottz, others
Former Dilated Peoples emcee, Evidence, has long been an acclaimed artist/producer/emcee for over two decades now. Aside from his stuff with Dilated, as a stand alone emcee, he's among the most acclaimed and in-demand from the west. His debut album, The Weatherman LP, set the bar for his solo discography, and his follow-ups of Cats & Dogs and especially the knocking Weather Or Not were every bit as personal and blistering as his debut. He returned with his fourth full-length, The Unlearning Vol. 1, and it's basically more of the same from Ev, which isn't a bad thing at all. Known for his exposing his heart and soul at times on wax, he continues this off and on here, but also does so over fantastic boardwork from the likes of Griselda in-house monster Daringer, Khrysis, Animoss and his Step Brother partner, The Alchemist. Guests include Conway, Boldy James, and Navy Blue to accompany him on this journey, but as a whole Evidence does another exemplary job of bringing us into his world on his own and shows again why he's such an acclaimed artist.
11. Czarface & MF DOOM
Super What???
Production: 7L
The hip-hop world was rocked and saddened when we all heard of the death of underground legend, MF DOOM before the end of 2020. The legacy the metal-faced villain left behind is one of reverence and distinction. Before he left this earth, he got back up with the trio of 7L, Esoteric, and Inspectah Deck of Czarface to provide a follow-up of their first collab album, Czarface Meets Metal Face with Super What???, an album that was supposed to be released in 2020 but got delayed due to the pandemic. While Deck and Esoteric definitely brought the verbal goods on the "Czar" side, the album was clearly highlighted by the verbal greatness of the late metal-faced villain, who reminds us of how superbly gifted he was as an emcee and a talent as a whole. While we still mourn this great loss, we take comfort in hearing him one more time on an album that would unquestionably make DOOM proud of how it turned out.
10. Your Old Droog
TIME
Production: 88 Keyz, Quelle Chris, Mono En Stereo, Edan, Budgie, others
Brooklyn emcee, Your Old Droog, has been among the most intriguing yet tremendously talented emcees for almost a decade now. This Ukrainan-born emcee, who at one time was very highly compared to Nas verbally, has put out consistent efforts since 2014 with his very promising self titled debut. Since then, efforts such as Packs, It Wasn't Even Close, Transportation, Jewelry, and his projects with Tha God Fahim, The Wolf On Wall Street and The YOD Fahim, have been knocking us upside our heads, and for the most part, he's definitely delivered. He scores again with TIME, a more introspective album from him then we've heard from him compared to the rest of his efforts. With excellent production and even a posthumous verse from the late aforementioned MF DOOM on the standout, "Dropout Boogie". With this being his fourth project within a six month period, Droog isn't slowing down any, and with this album that clearly demonstrates the valued importance of time and moments, YOD continues to take advantage of his own time in the game and one should suspect that YOD will continues to be among the most hard working emcees around.
9. RJ Payne
Leatherface 3: There Will Be Blood
Production: Havoc, Stu Bangas, Nicholas Craven, Vanderslice, Cartune Beatz, PA Dre, others
Philly emcee RJ Payne is a journeyman. While many would recognize him as the winner of the MTV Battle Rap tournament as Reign Man, this battle rap legend is also an established underground artist. Drawing acclaim from the likes of Griselda, Black Thought, Pete Rock, and the late Keven Liles, Payne eventually decided to be an indie artist and starting being quite the prolific emcee, delivering over twenty projects and has been building a fanbase with each effort and/or guest spot. With his latest, Leatherface 3: There Will Be Blood, he presents us with his most mainstream release to date, with appearances from the likes of Redman, Apathy, and Ras Kass. Folks, Payne is a complete verbal assassin here, and over brooding and chilling production over at least the majority of the album, Payne's momentum continues to grow and eventually it won't be long before he becomes a legit household name. Now is the time to stop sleeping on RJ Payne. Don't say we didn't warn you.
8. J. Cole
The Off-Season
Production: artist, Timbaland, Jake One, Boi-1nda, Frank Dukes, T-Minus DJ Dahi, others
Grammy award winning Fayetteville emcee J. Cole is back on his bullshit. While he's been dropping off critical darlings for over a decade since his Friday Night Lights mixtape days with efforts such as Cole World, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, 4 Your Eyez Only, and his most recent K.O.D. , people and fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of mixtape Cole, and we definitely got it. His latest effort, The Off-Season, is filled with braggadocio reminders of his impact in the game and his influence in culture. Armed with what seems like a renewed chip on his shoulder, we haven't heard Cole this hungry in many years. Finally softening his approach to no guests appearances and not a ton of guest producers, he collabs with the likes of fellow Fayetteville native, Morray, 21 Savage, Lil' Baby, and 6LACK while having the likes of Timbaland, Frank Dukes, and Boi-1nda assist him on the boards to much success. One might expect another Grammy nod for Jermaine Cole with this one.
7. MuMu Fresh
Vintage Babies II: Queen Of Culture
Production: DJ Dummy
Dazzling Philly emcee/singer/poet Maimouna Youssef is special. While she isn't quite the household name as of yet, that will change and one would suggest fairly quickly. Having done work with the likes of The Roots and Common among others, the artist known as Mumu Fresh is among the brightest starts currently in urban music. Previous efforts such as Black Magic Woman, The Blooming, and Vintage Babies put her on a lot of people's radar, along with her NPR Tiny Desk performances, both solo and with August Greene. Now in 2021, she presents Vintage Babies 2: Queen Of Culture. This sista presents a collection of empowering, culturally invigorating cuts that, much like epics such as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill or Georgia Anne Maldrow's A Thoughtiverse Unmarred delves both into singing and rapping almost equally, and each song, no matter which one she's doing, is one for the heartstrings, or at least one to make your bob your, snap your neck, and appreciate the artistry that exudes from this woman. Should this album be mentioned among the timeless efforts such as the aforementioned Miseducation or the likes of Baduizm or Laila's Wisdom, it's very, very possible. Do yourself a favor and visit this truly delightful album from one of the game's most rapidly intriguing artists out here.
6. Conway The Machine
La Macquina
Production: Daringer, JR Swiftz, Murda Beatz, The Alchemist, Bangladesh, Don Cannon, others
It wouldn't be a good hip-hop year if the momentum wasn't starting with that Griselda gang. After starting the year off with the soundtrack for Conflicted, The almighty Machine returned for his latest effort, La Maquina (Spanish for 'machine' for those that weren't aware). Since his very successful full-length album, From King To God, Conway has been gaining more and more momentum as a star on the rise. A big part of that involves his wanting to spit over different types of production and not be one dimensional. We clearly hear this on this release, as he ventures more over trap-styled production than ever before on cuts like "KD", "630 Tip-Off", and "Clarity" and sounds pretty damn good over them. However, he gets back to the grit and the grime with cuts like the brutal opening cut, "Bruiser Brody" and "S.E. Gang" with his Griselda brethren of Westside and Benny. In order to truly be considered among the greats in the game, one must venture outside of their comfort zone and be able to handle the various sounds and production as well as his or her rhyme schemed. Conway continues to do that and then some. While we wait with holding breath for his Shady Records debut, God Makes No Mistakes, he has delivered a crazy release to whet that appetite.
5. Lloyd Banks
Course Of The Inevitable
Production: Cartune Beatz, Chase N. Cashe, The Olympickz, Illatracks, Mr. Authentic, others
In the early to mid 00s, one of the most heralded emcees throughout the period was Queens emcee and former G-Unit soldier, Lloyd Banks. Seen as the definite lyrical star of the crew, Banks' debut solo effort, The Hunger For More was a platinum-plus album that showed how much of a star he could become. Follow ups such as Rotten Apple and 2010's The Hunger For More 2, although weren't a potent as his debut, still highlighted his ability to be the self-professed "Punch Line King". Since then, he's fallen out of G-Unit, but his "hunger" never really ended as he has delivered pretty dope mixtapes such as his All Or Nothing series, The Gift, and his Halloween Havoc series. With his latest release, Course Of The Inevitable, this marks his first full-length release since 2010 and his first effort overall since 2016, Lloyd sounds like he hasn't lost a single step. Over bumping production from up-and-comers such as Cartune Beatz, The Olympicks, and Mr. Authentic, Banks maintains his tough guy talk but makes it sounds excellently skilled and vivid. While his G-Unit days may be far behind him, his own star power is about to shine very brightly once again with this dynamite album.
4. DJ Muggs & Flee Lord
Ramellzee
Production: DJ Muggs
If there's been anybody more prolific of a producer over the past one to two years especially than DJ Muggs, I'd love for you to show me. The legendary Cypress Hill DJ/Producer has quite frankly been in his bag doing albums with the likes of Roc Marci, Mach Hommy, Fahim, Eto, and Rome Streetz (another tremendous 2021 offering BTW). However, with all due respect to each of the albums associated with these collaborations, the marriage between Muggs and another prolific artist himself, Far Rockaway, Queens emcee Flee Lord for their joint album, Ramellzee (named after fellow Far Rock native and true hip-hop pioneer of the same name). Over classic Muggs brooding and sinister production, Flee shows out over each and every track. The former Prodigy protégé has been among the most in-demand emcees in hip-hop, and with albums like this, not only will Muggs continue his already revered legacy, but Flee will continue to elevate his burgeoning stardom.
3. Mach Hommy
Pray For Haiti
Production: Nicholas Craven, Conductor Williams, Camouflage Monk, DJ Green Lantern, Tha God Fahim, Sahdu Gold, others
Elusive and enigmatic NYC emcee, Mach Hommy, has been on the radar of everyone from Earl Sweatshirt to Jay-Z over the past several years. At one time, he was affiliated with Griselda during the early days of the label/crew. However a falling out took him out of Griselda and had him alongside Fahim, Camouflage Monk, and eventually Your Old Droog. Efforts such as his much revered Griselda-affiliated effort, H.B.O., The G.A.T., his efforts with Fahim, and his most recent efforts of Mach's Hard Lemonade (which attracted the attention of Jay-Z BTW), Bulletproof Luh, and Wop Kon Joj! have made Hommy acquire quite the cult following and for very good reason. Early in 2021, Hommy, Fahim, and Westside Gunn seemingly squashed any beef and it was announced that Mach would deliver an album curated by Gunn under Griselda. That album would be Pray For Haiti, which quite frankly is his overall best project since H.B.O. on practically every level. Lyrically, this has to be ranked possibly the best album so far this year alone. Furthermore, over some of the best production you'll hear all year, Hommy provides street insight, vivid storytelling, and also the ability to go back and forth between English and his Haitian Creole native tongue. With him back on the Griselda machine, Hommy is about to hit new heights and with albums like this, it won't take very long
2. Armand Hammer & The Alchemist
HARAM
Production: The Alchemist
Underground NYC emcees Elucid and billy woods already had been achieving critical acclaim with their individual projects, but once they got together as Armand Hammer, their quest to be underground tag team champions was in sight. With their efforts of Half Measures, Race Music, Rome and Paraffin bringing them more and more acclaim and a building cult following, Armand Hammer was starting to be a commodity amongst hip-hop circles. However, things hit a new level this year when they collaborated with one of the most consistent and prolific producers of the past two decades, The Alchemist for the album HARAM. If the announcement of a collab of Armand Hammer and Alchemist wasn't enough anticipation, the album cover gave them even more buzz, albeit with controversy with the image of two severed pigs heads on the cover. From the moment the first track hits, you know you're in for a ride, and what a ride it is. Alchemist put together a collection of tracks perfectly complimentary to the style of Armand Hammer. Although slightly more accessible than their previous efforts, it still sounded like something Elucid and woods would perfect and they did. Folks, this album not only ranks among Alchemist's best work in years, but Armand Hammer, and their topics of black consciousness, as well as politically charged rhymes and occasional psychedelic trips, shine extremely bright here. This is a masterwork of two incredible emcees and one brilliant, legendary producer that will be mentioned among the greatest underground efforts of the past several years.
1. Skyzoo
All The Brilliant Things
Production: Marc Nfinite, JR Swiftz, Kenny Keys, King Thelonius, J57, STLN Drums, others
Brooklyn bred emcee Skyzoo never fails to deliver stellar music. Considered to have among the most consistent and overall best discographies in all of hip-hop, Skyzoo is a prized possession within the game. His potent yet laid-back rhyme style mixed with his penchant for jazzy boom-bap hip-hop makes him quite the in demand artist. Efforts such as The Salvation, Cloud 9, Music For My Friends, Peddler Themes EP, Live From The Tape Deck, and the most recent In Celebration Of Us are all heralded albums with personal themes that all exemplify his love of stuff such as black consciousness, his youth, his love of jazz and hip-hop, and being a father. In 2020, he dropped two excellent projects in his jazz-rap album, The Bluest Note with jazz band Dumbo Station, and the Father's Day released EP, Milestones, which was a fatherly themed concept album based off Laurence Fishburne's character from Boyz N The Hood. Now he has returned in 2021 with perhaps his best album to date, All The Brilliant Things, another themed album based around Brooklyn gentrification and the ideals of the subject. With another mixture of jazz and boom-bap hip-hop Sky takes us down his borough with images of inner city struggles while also celebrating personal accomplishments and celebrations of his life and community. Skyzoo delivered yet another monster album and should be finally mentioned among the true great emcees, as his consistency has truly established him as one throughout the past decade.
Honorable Mentions
Smootvth & Giallo Point- Amongst Wolves
Benny The Butcher & Harry Fraud- The Plugs I Met 2
Various Artists- Griselda Presents Conflicted OST
Conway The Machine & Big Ghost LTD- If It Breathes, It Bleeds
DJ Muggs & Rome Streetz- Death & The Magician
DJ Muggs & Yelawolf- Mile Zero
The Alchemist- This Thing Of Ours EP
Tyler The Creator- Call Me If You Get Lost
Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim- Tha YOD Fahim
Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim- Tha Wolf Of Wall Street
Hus Kingpin- Portishus
Awon & Phoniks- Nothing Less
L'Orange & Nahmir Blade- Invisible Everything
Mach Hommy- Bulletproof Luh
4 HRSMN- The Last Ride
Apathy- Where The River Meets The Sea
Ransom- Se7en
Mello Music Group- Bushido
As we go forward with the year, we still have rumored anticipated albums from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Rick Ross, Pusha T, Noname, Stove God Cook$, Joey Bada$$, Roc Marciano, Flee Lord, the mighty legendary Dr. Dre, and numerous Griselda efforts, 2021 looks to be among the hottest years of hip-hop this century. Last year in 2020, hip-hop had a great year, however this looks to possibly be even better. Stay tuned folks. Until next time!
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