While many of you were looking to the past because of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, I was focused on the present, which is why I can say for certain that this was another exciting year for rap.
Suggested Reading
The genre is in a unique spot. There is something for everyone, whether you’re spoonfed music or you seek it out.
For me, these 16 projects stood out, but no disrespect to MCs such as Veeze, Conway the Machine, Armand Hammer, Black Thought, Billy Woods, Ken Carson, Gunna, Westside Gunn, McKinley Dixon, Sexyy Red, Che Noir, and many others, who are more than deserving of spots on these lists. I just listened to these projects more.
For people who agree with my picks, we have similar music tastes. For those who don’t, just give some of these albums a chance and you might find that I’ve put you on to something you’ll enjoy in the future.
Here are my best rap projects of 2023 (in no particular order).
Navy Blue – Ways of Knowing
Alright, I know that I just said that this list is in no particular order. But there’s no doubt that Navy Blue’s “Ways of Knowing,” is the best hip-hop record I’ve listened to this year. It’s the most honest and sincere album from an MC who tends to let his heart out on his songs. It’s a record of reflection, love, and ancestry. On tracks like “Pillars,” Navy Blue focuses on moments with the ones who raised him, such as his grandfather and grandmother. Packed with gospel samples and soul samples, this album comes from the heart and I couldn’t stop listening to it all year. What a major label debut for Navy Blue.
Boldy James x Chan Hays – Prisoner of Circumstance
Detroit might be on top of the hip-hop world right now. It’s filled with artists (such as Veeze and Danny Brown) who are bending the genre to their will and doing things we have never heard before. Despite that, Boldy James is still the best MC in the Motor City. He just knows how to put words together in the coolest way while delivering them in such a laid-back manner and tone. His collaboration with underground music producer Chan Hays had the MC just put another pelt on his wall. A song like “The Love We Gave,” displays Boldy’s ability to seamlessly weave in and out of flows no matter what the production is doing behind his voice. He continues to be one of the most consistent rappers out.
MIKE, Wiki, & The Alchemist – Faith Is A Rock
The Alchemist will find his name on this damn list more than once, as he continues to lace dope rappers with some of the best production in the genre. This album saw New York MCs MIKE and Wiki create an album that’s almost as NY as they are. Wiki’s weird and unique delivery weirdly blends with MIKE’s deep and relaxed tone. Littered with sample loops, dirty drums, and monotown beats, Wiki and MIKE did their thing throughout this album.
Drake – For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition
Like I said before, it’s his best body of work since “Nothing Was the Same.” It’s filled with his most focused and concise bars in years and it reminds fans that he cares about his standing in “real hip-hop” circles and not just on the Billboard 200 Charts. While he’s rapping his ass off through the entire project, songs like “Red Button,” “The Shoe Fits,” and “Evil Ways,” particularly show off the Toronto rapper’s pen in the best way.
Ovrkast. – Reset!
Like the production on Drake’s “Red Button” and “The Shoe Fits”? You should partly thank this guy, who is just as good of an MC as he is a producer. The Oakland rapper goes for a more upbeat approach to this short and lively six-track EP. There’s no hiding his emotions on this project, as he puts it out there for everyone to hear on songs like “SHUTUP!” and “TBH!”
JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES
I can’t even lie, I don’t even know how to describe this damn album. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard this year. The production samples everything from Ginuwine to NSYNC in the coolest and weirdest way. It may sound like a bunch of unorganized sounds to some, but for me, those unorganized sounds created a beautiful piece of art. As usual, JPEGMAFIA was his normal energetic self and Danny Brown was… well Danny Brown. The album does what it sets out to do, it scares anyone you play it for.
Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist – VOIR DIRE
The Alchemist is back, with one of his favorite collaborators, Earl Sweatshirt. Fans have been asking for the two to drop a project together for years and they finally delivered. Earl’s dark and gloomy delivery and subject matter are the perfect juxtaposition to Alchemist’s production. While his flow and delivery may sound unrefined and sloppy to those who aren’t familiar with his sound, under that delivery are some of the dopest and deepest bars you’ll hear. Plus, when he and Vince Staples come together on a song, a special song always comes out of it.
Noname – Sundial
I can’t say anything about this album that I haven’t already said. “Sundial” sees the Chicago MC challenge everything in modern society including the government, Black culture, police culture, beauty standards, the music industry, romantic relationships, gender norms, etc. Nothing is off-limits. For example, on “hold me down,” challenges her own community, claiming that Black people “scapegoat everything” despite playing a huge role in our own demise. Her signature delivery that delightfully mixes rapping, singing, and poetry only makes her lyrics more impactful and important.
MIKE – Burning Desire
First and foremost, how cool is this cover art? MIKE followed up his collab album with Wiki with his own exceptional solo record. Not one song sounds like the other on this album but MIKE’s delivery and content connect it all. He seemingly goes from bombastic and colorful sounds to soothing and chill soul samples. The prolific MC delivered again on his 10th album in six years.
Oddisee – To What End
Oddisee stays in his lane and stays consistent. Beautiful and smooth instrumentation with thoughtful lyrics. “To What End,” is what you’ve come to expect from the DMV-born artist. While this album is nothing new sonically, he touches on some interesting themes on this album, including the things he lusts for most in his career and life. It’s a mature album for the adult hip-hop fans in your world.
Fly Anakin & Foisey – Skinemaxxx (Side A)
This project came out of nowhere for me. I’ve always been a fan of the Virginia MC, but it’s hard to keep track due to how many projects he releases every year. But this was a pleasant surprise in Fly Anakin’s discography. The psychedelic and soulful production was a cool touch to this project and Anakin’s raspy voice fits perfectly over it. Just listen to the production of “Blicky Bop.”
Killer Mike – MICHAEL
Killer Mike came to put the rap world on notice. I think people got used to his work with Run the Jewels. While excellent with the EL-P, the Atlanta MC has always been able to stand on his own. Althought he’s decades into his career, this project almost felt like a reset, as Mike rapped about the most intimate and important things in his life. Filled with features from fellow Atlanta all-stars 2 Chainz, Young Thug, André 3000, and 6Lack, this hard hitting album feels like a love letter to ATL.
Larry June & The Alchemist – The Great Escape
Good job Larry! The Bay Area artist rose to hip-hop prominence with his most focused project to date. The Alchemist laced June with laid-back West Coast production that fits his healthy and cool lifestyle. Fast cars, and nice views, it’s almost as if you’re chilling with these two as you listen to this album. It transports you to June’s state of mind in the coolest possible way. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the vibes.
Maxo – Even God Has A Sense Of Humor
Love this album title. The California-raised artist makes hip-hop in the same lane as others on this list such as Navy Blue, MIKE, and Wiki, but he still brings his unique soul to it by using analogies and stories from his real life. Throughout the album, he attempts to make sense of his life and journey up to this point in his life. Madlib-produced, “48″ is especially enjoyable to listen to.
Aminé & Kaytranada – KAYTRAMINÉ
Initially, this album disappointed me. But after revisiting the album weeks after it came out I thought to myself, “Why did I not like it as much as I do now?” This album grew on me in the most present and surprising. Firstly, Kaytranada producing anything is a cheat code. But Aminé’s delivery brought a much-needed flair to the project on songs like, “letstalkaboutit,” “Westside,” and “UGH UGH.”
eLZhi & Oh No – Heavy Vibrato
While everyone has been paying attention to the young talent coming out of Detroit, this savvy hip-hop veteran has continued to drop good album after good album. Known for being extremely precise in his rhymes, Oh No laces the Motor City MC with layered production, and Elzhi weaves in and out of pockets like a ninja. Just listen to “Possessed,” and “Trick Dice” and you’ll know what I mean.
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