This year has been a whirlwind, filled with plot twists that no one could’ve seen coming. One consistent thing, however, was the release of high-quality music. From pop, R&B, to hip-hop, Black artists weren’t holding back and blessed our ears with a soundtrack to carry us through a hectic year.

As we reach the final weeks of 2025, we at The Root wanted to shine a spotlight on what we think were the best albums of the year. Whether you’re looking for something uptempo or a little more slow and thoughtful, you’re bound to find a recommendation that you’ll love!

‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS’ – Tyler, The Creator

While many people have jokingly referred to “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” as Tyler’s version of “Renaissance” due to its up-tempo and dance-like beats, the comparison isn’t too far off in the sense that it invokes a similar level of joy and high energy. The album has signature Tyler flare in the bars, genuine bravado, and hilarious ad-libs, but it also showcases a different side of the rapper. This makes it clear he’s not taking himself so seriously in this era and is dedicated to bringing back the fun part of rap. Coming in at just under 30 minutes, it’s a quick listen that’ll hopefully make you move, feel better about yourself, and feel more in the mood to release your inhibitions. – Shanelle Genai

‘Let God Sort Em Out’ – Clipse

My vote for album of the year goes to Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out.” Being a hip-hop fan from the “boom bap” era and having more interest in lyrics than in the music or the gimmick behind an act, that album satisfied my need for lyricism alongside great music. The vocal assault from the Thornton brothers (Malice and Pusha T), combined with Pharrell Williams’ production, just proves that older hip-hop artists can still hold their own. – Cedric BIG CED Thornton

‘wHIMSY’ – Destin Conrad

Conrad is a new force in the R&B world, and proof of this is in his latest project. “wHIMSY” is a contemporary take on R&B and jazz mixed to perfection. The short album is packed with symbolism and references to his life, which any and everyone can relate to. But outside of typical jazz, Conrad also fuses pop and upbeat tempos with the sultry vibes of traditional R&B and jazz. This album is definitely a sleeper! – Phenix Halley

‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ – Drake

Drake & PartyNextDoor’s “Some Sexy Songs 4 U” is my favorite album of the year. The title is exactly what you get: sexy songs for a date night, or even nights when you want to feel like THAT girl! The album is also perfect for those late-night summer drives with the windows down and the breeze blowing, where you can let Drake serenade you as all your worries fade away! I challenge everyone to listen to “Greedy” and not get immediately hooked. You’ve been warned. – Angela Wilson

‘Cabin In The Sky’ – De La Soul

The tracks in De La Soul’s “Cabin In The Sky” are stacked with guest appearances from greats like Q-Tip, Nas, Black Thought, Common, Bilal and Killer Mike. It’s classic De La Soul but still feels fresh. It’s the first hip-hop album I’ve felt like I could listen to from start to finish in a while. – Angela Johnson

‘Son of Spergy’ – Daniel Caesar

Is Caesar canceled? Maybe, but that doesn’t take away from his undeniable talent. His highly anticipated album “Son of Spergy” is a complex commentary on his love for his father (the cover of the album) and his relationship with God. While most mainstream R&B music is full of toxic lyrics and heavy 808s, Caesar’s project is a complete 180 from that. The heavy subject matters of race, religion, love, and death, all the way to the complex vocals and choirs present throughout the album, all speak to a new wave of R&B that’s refreshing, vulnerable, and modern. – Phenix Halley

‘The Art Of Loving’ – Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean’s “The Art of Loving” feels like a warm hug on a lazy Sunday morning. The album is a soulful journey, from the rush of falling in love to the heartbreaking end, and the beautiful journey of experiencing the growing pains of getting back on your own two feet. It’s the perfect mix of fun tunes that’ll make you want to dance around your home and songs for you to belt your heart out to. It’s definitely a gem of 2025. – Mahalia Otshudy

‘God Does Like Ugly’ – JID

JID is the most interesting figure coming out of Dreamville Records right now— including their paterfamilias J. Cole. His feature run is immaculate (he showed Eminem up on his own track in 2024’s “Fuel”), and he refuses to adhere to that lame triplicate flow to which many of his peers default. His fourth studio album, “God Does Like Ugly,” is his best yet, with features from Clipse, Vince Staples and EarthGang, among others. – Dustin J. Seibert

‘The Last Wun’ – Gunna

Gunna’s “The Last Wun” easily became one of my favorite albums this year, a project that blends smooth and gritty in a way only he can. The cover art alone sets the tone, but it’s the tracks—layered with insane instrumentals, dope lyrics, and addictive melodies—that pull you all the way in. His storytelling is relatable, adding that deeper connection. If you’re the type who loves a late-night car vibe, windows cracked and volume all the way up, this one is definitely for you. – Asheea Smith

‘Fancy Some More?’ – PinkPantheress

PinkPantheress completely understood the assignment with her album “Fancy Some More?” A project packed with remixes from her 2024 project, “Fancy That.” Featuring performances from iconic artists such as Kylie Minogue, British girl group Sugababes, and the latest pop sensation Ravyn Lenae, PinkPantheress gave her fans the perfect upbeat tune to keep folks going for the gloomy end of the year. If you’re looking for an album that’ll give you the space to have some carefree fun, “Fancy Some More?” is exactly what you need. – Mahalia Otshudy

‘Life Is Beautiful’ – Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist

Imagine two of the best rappers in the game collaborating with legendary producer The Alchemist for an 11-track album that’s nothing but perfection. Of course, Larry June and 2 Chainz can hold their own on the mic, but together they almost feel like long-lost siblings. The Alchemist adds perfectly to their dynamic with smooth yet heavy-hitting beats that would have hip-hop haters blasting it through the speakers. The project sounds wealthy. It sounds dreamy and airy while also getting to the core of hip-hop. The project is thoughtful and fun, and in a time like this, that’s exactly what rap needs! – Phenix Halley

‘Supreme Clientele 2’ – Ghostface Killah

In the world of hip-hop, following up a classic like “Supreme Clientele” would be a tall task for any rapper. But not every rapper is Ghostface Killah. His long-awaited sequel to his magnum opus, “Supreme Clientele 2,” is a masterpiece of an album from beginning to end. Released on Aug. 22, 2025, through Mass Appeal Records — 25 years after his first installment — the album is another jewel in Ghostface’s iconic discography. With guest appearances from artists like Nas, Raekwon, Method Man, GZA, Redman, Conway the Machine and Styles P, “Supreme Clientele 2” is a defining artistic statement from Ghostface Killah, the greatest solo rapper to emerge from the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. – Rashad Grove

‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ – The Weeknd

For his last project as The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye gave it his all. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is the perfect ending to The Weeknd’s “After Hours” trilogy, which he started in 2020. The project continues its dark, semi-autobiographical storytelling as the “Starboy” artist reflects on his rise as a pop star and the darkness that has come with it by opening his heart on tracks like “Baptized In Fear.” While fans will undoubtedly miss The Weeknd, he’s left folks with a solid 22-track run that provides a satisfying ending to a twisted artistic journey. – Mahalia Otshudy