Top 20 Hip-Hop Albums of 2020

12.31.20

The final For The Soule countdown, of course, is music. Music makes the world go round, and is my favorite part of For The Soule. I have spoke about many of these projects in the past throughout the course of the blog, and now they make their way to the top twenty best albums of 2020. I was going to do another top ten, but there was too much good music from this year, so I had to open it up to the top twenty. Many artists chose to hold on releasing their music during the pandemic, but others said, thew world needs this right now. This was the year of deluxe albums, the year of the comeback for many, the comeback from old-school hip-hop, and definitely the year of using your platform for good. I cannot wait for the new music that is in-store for 2021, but first, let’s celebrate the great that did come from 2020.

Project: The Allegory

Artist: Royce da 5'9"

Release date: February 21, 2020

Label: Entertainment One Music

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Producers: DJ Premier, Symbolyc One

One of the first albums to drop this year, and I would have to call it my favorite. I do not think there is anyone as smart and as talented as Royce Da 5’9”. He was literally able to teach and educate, on so many different levels throughout the course of this album. From the intro, to the interludes and skits, we learn so much. From children learning from their parents about being successful, to how people were treated because of the color of their skin, how America has normalized and altered racist songs into something playful and fun, such as the ice cream truck song. To then make fun music, serious music, and grown music, is remarkable. Royce has done so much this year, from mentoring the youth to mentoring himself, learning new things and becoming a producer, after so many years of writing and recording himself. Royce finally got the recognition he deserved, being Grammy nominated with this album, and is now set off to take over the world.

Project: RTJ4

Artist: Run The Jewels

Release date: June 3, 2020

Label: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC

Length: 38:57

Producers: El-P, Josh Homme

After four years, we receive Run The Jewels 4, a classic in the making. We’ve got Pharrell, 2 Chainz, DJ Premier, Greg Nice and others along for the ride. Each and every track feels like any other Run The Jewels we’ve heard and loved in the past. I love that, because sometimes when you stray to be so different, it just does not sound right, or sounds forced, or we just do not love it as much. They’re still energetic, still spitting real bars, and making feel good music throughout it all. I was a bit surprised that I did not see this album in the nominations for best hip-hop album of the year. I think all the nominations do belong there, indeed, but this one feels classic hip-hop, just like the other nominations. It is a big difference, and a breathe of fresh air, than what we are used to the past few years, so I would have put this one up, as well.

Project: King’s Disease

Artist: Nas

Release date: August 21, 2020

Label: Mass Appeal Records

Length: 38:24

King’s Disease is one of the Grammy nominated albums for Best Hip-Hop album of the year. I have to say, it is rightfully placed there, and surprised me with how much I rocked with this album. Not that a good Nas album would be surprising, but what he did here, was so different. When you think of Nas, he is just one of those classic, old-school hip-hop guys. You think of the Lost Tapes, where the features are people like Swizz Beatz, Diddy, Mary J. Blige. On this project, Nas showed us that he was paying attention hip-hop, and he would stay true to himself, while having a major relevance check on what is happening today in hip-hop. Ultra Black started us off, produced by Hit Boy. Nas spoke about what is going on in the world, and how we needed to save our black community, while also referencing current situations in hip-hop that we needed to look out for, like the whole Doja Cat scenario. So, we already knew Nas was awake, and coming for blood. The rest of the album comes with features from Big Sean, Don Toliver, Lil Durk, Anderson.Paak, Fivio Foreign, A$AP Ferg and others. I have no idea how he did it, but he took all these new artists, and made a classic hip-hop album. Definitely one of my favorites from this year, and potential winner of its Grammy nomination.

Project: Music To Be Murdered By

Artist: Eminem

Release date: January 17, 2020

Length: 64:23

Producers: The Alchemist, Mark Batson, Dr. Dre, Eminem

Eminem is back with Music to be Murdered By. While many dismissed the last few albums that the legend has released, this one was different. We got the raw, jaw dropping bars that we had missed. There were radio hits, there were unexpected features, and music videos to go along with them. Eminem is such a student to the game of hip-hop, you can never count him out or doubt him. After the introduction, he starts the album with a Young M.A feature. In my head, I am wondering - you .. know who Young M.A is? Eminem was featured on King Crook’s podcast, and talked about this feature. He explained that he listens to everyone, and loved Young M.A’s bars and word play, which she did an incredible job with on the project. I was expecting a Cordae feature, but instead we got a Juice WRLD feature. I was not expecting this at all, but it was one of the greatest tracks on the album, accompanied by a music video created by Cole Bennett. Two huge influences in the younger generation of hip-hop, just incredibly recognized by someone like Eminem. I was always skeptical about the Ed Sheeran verses, but they had fun with this track, and I cannot say I don’t bob my head to it each and every time. Of course, the Royce features are classic. Royce features musically and by means of a newly announced producer are plentiful on the album, and it shines through. Eminem recently put out the deluxe for this album. While people are suggesting the original is where it is at, I say it will grow on you.

Project: Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon Deluxe

Artist: Pop Smoke

Release date: July 3, 2020

Label: Victor Victor Worldwide

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Another absolute tragedy that we lost Pop Smoke so soon. He was already blowing up, and one of my new favorites before he had passed. He brought some old school hip-hop sounds, but had the energy of new hip-hop and being able to dance and party to what he put out. Sure, this project got a lot of extra love than it would have, as many tapped into Pop after hearing of his untimely passing. However, either way you look at it, the project was really good. With the Deluxe, we received thirty-four Pop Smoke song. Plenty of feature and variety. You could have your entire party playlist just from popping in this tape, no outside music needed.

Project: PTSD

Artist: G Herbo

Release date: February 28, 2020

Label: Machine Entertainment Group

Length: 94:00

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

This album was so important for G Herbo. There are plenty of projects that he has released in previous years, that just never hit. Whether he was too aggressive with his delivery, you could not sing along, or you just did not really mess with him after hearing all that he was involved in. This album completely changed everything you could have ever thought or felt about G Herbo. I literally feel like I watched him grow up, right through this album. He made actual good music, he told his story, he let us in. Who would have that G Herbo, the man with the deepest voice I have heard since Shaq, would sing on a song and tell us about his issues, but do it in a way you wanted to rock with? He did that. He provided hope for others struggling in their situations, and he did that outside of music, as well. Herbo dropped his album and the deluxe, but he did much more. Herbo bought an old school to give children in struggling cities somewhere to learn and grow. He also is involved in a new project to help those struggling with PTSD, Depression or Anxiety get the help they need, and access to talking to people. While it seems like some issues of his past have recently took him by surprise, he seems to think all will be fine. This was a striving year for G Herbo, overall.

Project: Beyond Bulletproof

Artist: Mozzy

Release date: May 1, 2020

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Label: Mozzy Records / EMPIRE

Mozzy is my favorite artist with that gets the least amount of credit. Mozzy is hip-hop, he is real life, he has the dopest sound and puts out nothing but hits. He has features from Shordie Shordie, to G Herbo, to Polo G and more. He has been around for a minute, but continues to adapt to music and continues to put out good music. This album is classic cruising with the top down on the highway vibes. This also not the only project that Mozzy put out this year, and they are all hits. Definitely someone to pay attention to more closely, if you are not tapped in already.

Project: My Turn

Artist: Lil Baby

Release date: February 28, 2020

Length: 60:54

Label: Quality Control/Motown Records

Studio: First Class Sounds; Patchwerk; Quality Control (Atlanta)

This project set off the year, and it set off so much more. Why were were allowing seven track playlists to take over hip-hop? Lil Baby said, nope not with my project. My Turn dropped in February with twenty tracks. Arguably, half of them were hit singles. He later dropped the Deluxe project, with eight more tracks and a bunch of videos. This started the Deluxe Trend of 2020. Everyone in the game started dropping deluxe albums after this. Lil Wayne even picked up his album from two years ago and dropped the deluxe. I mention this because Lil Wayne recently gave Lil Baby his flowers, as he is currently taking over the new wave of Hip-Hop. A potential hip-hop artist of the year, and well deserved, in-deed. Lil Baby has been dropping new music consistently throughout the year, and it all started with the success of this project right here.

Project: Queen of Da Souf Deluxe

Artist: Mulatto

Release date: December 13, 2020

Label: Streamcut/RCA Records

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Mulatto absolutely makes my list of the top twenty albums of the year. Females in hip-hop have been killing it this year, but what Mulatto does on this album in unmatched. She rapped, she got ratchet, of course. But she also got serious, she told her life drama, she told us about her love life we did not know about before. She sang, she spoke bars, she was absolutely incredible. There are some really big artists out right now *cough, cough … Megan* that I do not see having the versatility to do things like this, and sound good while doing so. I was incredibly impressed by Mulatto’s album. I would even say there are no skips on this project, if you are down to go hard and cry on the same road trip. Mulatto’s deluxe for this project got even crazier when she tapped into Lil Baby for Sex Lies, which is the song of cuffing season, indefinitely.

Project: Pray for Paris

Artist: Westside Gunn

Release date: April 17, 2020

Label: Griselda Records

Length: 41:19

Producers: The Alchemist, Camoflauge Monk, DJ Muggs, DJ Premier, Tyler, the Creator

Pray for Paris is the solo album of Westside Gunn, from Griselda. I think all members are dope and what really held old school hip-hop together this year. However, I think Pray for Paris is the best project that came out of them all. It did lead the pack in terms of timeline, but the project front to back was entertaining, which is almost never the case in 13 song project. Benny and Conway are both features on this project, along with others such as Wale, Tyler, The Creator, Freddie Gibbs, Joey Badass and more. Out of all the albums I have had on repeat this year, I would give this top three.

Project: From a King to a God

Artist: Conway the Machine

Release date: September 11, 2020

Label: Griselda Records / Drumwork / EMPIRE

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Producers: The Alchemist, DJ Premier, Erick Sermon, Havoc, Hit-Boy, Khrysis, Murda Beatz, Rockwilder

If Conway the Machine retires, I do not know what I will do with myself. Conway was arguably the most consistent member of the Griselda crew this year. Lulu was a quick project he dropped with Alchemist earlier this year that I contemplated even including here. He dropped again with Big Ghost LTD, then finally released his album, From a King to a God, which was recently followed up with a Deluxe version. From a King to a God Deluxe is over an hour long of pure bars and talent. Features include many old hip-hop souls you may recognize, but also, whom they call the First Lady of Griselda, Armani Caesar. I love the support that Conway has given to her, even when he arguably does not get enough credit for his own work. It seems that there has been some unhappiness with the label, so hopefully retiring just means he looses all ties and continues to make music on his own terms.

Project: Burden of Proof

Artist: Benny the Butcher

Release date: October 16, 2020

Label: Griselda Records / EMPIRE

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Final member of Griselda with his solo project on my list. Griselda took over this year, as a trio but also as solo members. They have all been able to do such great things on their own as well as together. Earlier this year, Benny put out a project with DJ Drama, which was short but fantastic, and finally dropped Burden of Proof, his solo project. The project features lots of great features from old hip-hop souls like himself, but we are still waiting to hear that Drake feature that was teased earlier this year.

Projects: Alfredo

Artist: Freddie Gibbs

Release date: May 29, 2020

Producer: The Alchemist

Label: ESGN / ALC / EMPIRE

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Alfredo is everyone’s list for top Hip-Hop albums of 2020, and has deservingly received a Grammy nomination, as well. Freddie is a legend in hip-hop and did great things with the project. Features include Conway The Machine, Benny the Butcher, Tyler, the Creator and Rick Ross, along with the Alchemist. It was great to have so many classic hip-hop projects come through this year, where it seems like the culture is being flipped on its head in front of our eyes with auto-tune and “sad boy culture.” My go-to album when I am just chilling and want some classic bars and soft tunes in the background.

Project: The L.I.B.R.A

Artist: T.I.

Release date: October 16, 2020

Label: Grand Hustle LLC / EMPIRE

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

T.I. really impressed me with this album. He has been putting out music every now and then, but with so many different sounds. He has been spending so much of his time fighting for equality and using his platform to speak out in hopes to make change for his city. With the L.I.B.R.A, he was able to really get back to the music. He was able to study the new wave of Atlanta hip-hop, and change up his style a bit to make sense for who is listening today. The biggest hit on the project, Pardon, features Lil Baby, who essentially has taken over as King of the South for today’s new wave of hip-hop artists. This song I felt had potential to be the song of the summer, had it not been released months later. T.I. also hooked up with 42 Dugg, Young Thug, 21 Savage and Benny The Butcher (taking it back old school quickly) which really showcases his talent and versatility that he remains able to execute. Do not count the old man out, T.I. is here to stay.

Projects: Young & Turnt Vol. 2

Artist: 42 Dugg

Release date: March 27, 2020

Label: 4PF/CMG

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

42 Dugg had himself quite the year. After singing with Yo Gotti in 2019, he was able to make the best connections and help the success of Young & Turnt. Vol. 2, which was also followed up with a deluxe album. 42 Dugg has arguably the most interesting and unique voice in hip-hop. He is from Detroit, singed to Yo Gotti who is from the South, and has plenty of connections and friends in Atlanta. He was really able to take over the game, with home-run features from Lil Baby on this project, and Baby’s project, which lead to plenty since then. This project was a jumpstart to people really getting to know 42 Dugg, and the projects have been coming in sense. The latest, being a feature on Meek Mill’s Quarantine Pack. I am sure we will be seeing much more from 42 Dugg in 2021.

Project: The GOAT

Artist: Polo G

Release date: May 15, 2020

Label: Columbia Records

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

I am here to share my opinions, and I must say that The GOAT is the closest thing we have received this year, to Please Excuse Me For Being AntiSocial. Many outlets actually put Please Excuse Me For Being AntiSocial on their lists of best albums of 2020, but I kept it off because it debuted in 2019. It should still be nominated for any awards, since it did well in 2020, but ultimately it released at the end of 2019.

Polo G came through with closest thing to this album this year, because there are no skips on this album. He gave us the raw, the real, the signing hits and brought us with him to the gutter. The features were great, his voice is incredible, and I feel that he is really ahead of his time in being able to put together such a classic hip-hop album like this. With references to Martin and Gina, explaining his trials and tribulations and being to keep it hip-hop with Go Stupid and Wishing For A Hero (a nod his favorite rapper, Tupac) he showed hip-hop that he does have the potential to come through and be the next [young] top dog in the game.

Project: Savage Mode II

Artists: 21 Savage, Metro Boomin

Release date: October 2, 2020

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

21 Savage and Metro Boomin gave us the Savage Mode sequel after a four year drought. The duo is unmatched in the sense that from the music, to the storytelling and creative direction behind all art pieces, no one could live up to the Savage term better. After all that 21 Savage has been through over the past couple of years, you can hear how he has grown as an artist through the lyrics and delivery of this album. Still savage, just a bit more put together and conscious of what he is saying.

Project: Just Cause Y’all Waited 2

Artist: Lil Durk

Release date: May 8, 2020

Length: 52:12

Label: Alamo (Geffen Records)

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

This project was super necessary for Lil Durk. Before this project, it seemed like Durk was just the guy singing on the chorus of all his friends’ songs, but he was not really respected as an artist on his own. After dropping this album, he dropped the deluxe. Features were minimal, but recognizable. He got to tell his story, and now his position in the game makes sense. Immediately after this, he started helping out some of the younger guys with their projects, and now he is one of the most talked about new-age rappers. Lil Durk is said to be one of the three artists that will partner up alongside Meek Mill to start their own streaming platform to support up and coming artists. It seems like there a lot to come from Durkio in 2021.

Project: Detroit 2

Artist: Big Sean

Release date: September 4, 2020

Length: 71:19

Label: Getting Out Our Dreams Inc. (G.O.O.D.) Music / IDJ

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Detroit 2 makes it to the list with one of the greatest comebacks of 2020. Yes, Cardi B may win after being silent for nine months then dropping WAP, but we have gone three years without the lyrical bars of Big Sean. With this project, we knew he was coming with some heat, and a lot to say. We got all sides from Big Sean on this project. From talking about the depression and heartbreak that he has been through over the past few years. To the fact that he has overcome being down about these feelings, and that he cannot be stopped. This is his final project with G.O.O.D music, and he will now become an independent artist. Big Sean has always wanted to be a teacher and a mentor, which was even seen on this album, when attempting to bring together the city of Detroit on Friday Night Cypher, even when some of those guys have serious problems with each other. This was the ultimate comeback for Big Sean, and hopefully 2021 has even more in-store.

Project: Blame it on Baby

Artist: DaBaby

Release date: April 17, 2020

Label: South Coast Music Group

Length: 33:40

Genre: Trap music

For the final spot on the list, I felt that Blame It On Baby deserved a spot. DaBaby has become one of the hottest artists in the game over the course of the past two or three years, but before this album, everyone was judging him, suggesting that he could only ever make music in one beat, and that it was the same song every time he put out a hit. Blame It On Baby is where he first was able to take this noise and put an end to it. He was able to make singing songs, slower songs, more serious songs talking about his real life. This continued onto the deluxe album, and additional projects he put out this year after the tragic loss of his brother. Blame It On Baby put the jumpstart on DaBaby’s career, that was questionable if he even needed.