Music Tracking 2018: Hip-Hop

These are 2018 releases that I've taken note of, listed alphabetically by artist, with VA comps at the bottom. My grades, where available, are in brackets at the end of the line (stars in B+ range). Lines in blue indicate that I have a physical copy (albeit sometimes just a promo CDR); in green are records that I graded based on a Rhapsody stream or other such source. Most records have release dates and a brief generic note (usually taken from AMG).

Unheard records are prioritized 0-3 (graded records are 4-5). The priotization is based subjectively on personal interests, reviews I've noticed, reviewers I particularly respect, what I know about the artists, etc. Roughly speaking: 0 is something I have no reason to consider (default page omits 0); 1 has been noted as having some cred somewhere; 2 is something I have some specific reason to search out; 3 is something I'll listen to ASAP.

Option selectors:

Genre switches (no data for Indie Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter):

New Releases

  • 03 Greedo: The Wolf of Grape Street (Alamo) [03-09] - trap rap
  • 03 Greedo: God Level (Alamo) [06-27] - trap rap
  • 6ix9ine: Dummy Boy (Scumgang) [11-27] - hip-hop
  • 6lack: East Atlanta Love Letter (LVRN) [ 09-14] - r&b [***]
  • 9th Wonder: Presents: Jamla Is the Squad II (Jamla) [11-09] - hip-hop
  • 21 Savage: I Am > I Was (Slaughter Gang/Epic) [12-21] - hip-hop
  • 88rising: Head in the Clouds (self-released) [07-20] - pop rap
  • 700 Bliss: Spa 700 (Halcyon Veil/Don Giovanni -EP) [02-23] - experimental hip hop [**]
  • 808INK: When I'm About You'll Know (Island) [03-02] - hip-hop
  • Abhi the Nomad: Marbled (Tommy Boy) [02-09] - hip-hop [***]
  • Aceyalone & DJ Fat Jack: 43rd & Excellence (That Kind of Music) [01-30] - hip-hop [A-]
  • AG: The Taste of AMBrosia (Fat Beats) [06-22] - hip-hop
  • Agnarkea: Black Helicopters (self-released) [11-02] - hip-hop
  • AKA: Touch My Blood (Beam Group) [06-15] - African rap
  • The Alchemist: Lunch Meat (ALC -EP) [04-13] - hip-hop
  • The Alchemist: Bread (ALC -EP) [11-30] - hip-hop
  • ALLBLACK: Outcalls (Play Runners Association x Perfect Your Craft/Empire) [04-20] - hip-hop
  • ALLBLACK & Kenny Beats: 2 Minute Drills (Play Runners Association/DOTS/Empire) [11-16] - hip-hop
  • Kenny Allstar: Block Diaries (Locked In/Star Work/Columbia) [10-05] - hip-hop
  • Marsha Ambrosius: Nyla (Entertainment One) [09-28] - r&b
  • Andre 3000: Look Ma No Hands (-EP) [05-13] - hip hop
  • Apathy: The Widow's Son (Dirty Version) [03-02] - hip-hop
  • Armand Hammer: Paraffin (Backwoodz Studioz) [08-30] - hip-hop [**]
  • ASAP Rocky: Testing (RCA) [05-25] - hip hop
  • Dem Atlas: Bad Actress (Rhymesayers) [10-19] - hip-hop [B]
  • August Greene: August Greene (Fat Beats) [03-09] - hip-hop [**]
  • Atmosphere: Mi Vida Local (Rhymesayers) [10-05] - hip-hop [**]
  • Avantdale Bowling Club: Avantdale Bowling Club (Years Gone By) [08-17] - hip-hop
  • Awar: Spoils of War (Lions Pride) [10-26] - hip-hop
  • Cardi B: Invasion of Privacy (Atlantic) [04-06] - trap rap [A-]
  • Baco Exu Do Blues: Bluesman (self-released) [11-23] - hip-hop [**]
  • Bad Bunny: X 100PRE (Rimas Entertainment) [12-23] - hip-hop [*]
  • Bali Baby: Baylor Swift (TWIN -EP) [05-08] - pop rap [A-]
  • Bali Baby: Resurrection (TWIN -EP) [10-30] - hip-hop [**]
  • Baloji: 137 Avenue Kaniama (Bella Union) [03-23] - Afrobeat [***]
  • Alina Baraz: The Color of You (Mom + Pop Music) [04-06] - r&b
  • MC Paul Barman: (((Echo Chamber))) (Mello Music Group) [05-18] - hip hop [***]
  • Bas: Milky Way (Dreamville/Interscope) [08-24] - pop rap
  • BbyMutha: Muthaz Day 3 (825402 DK) [11-17] - hip-hop
  • Beans: Triptych (Gamma) - hip-hop
  • Benny the Butcher: Tana Talk 3 (Griselda) [11-23] - hip-hop
  • Bhad Bhabie: 15 (BHAD Music) [09-18] - hip-hop [**]
  • Binary Star: Lighty/Ears Apart (self-released) [08-24] - hip-hop
  • Black Eyed Peas: Masters of the Sun Vol 1 (Interscope) [10-26] - hip-hop
  • Black Milk: Fever (Mass Appeal/Computer Ugly) [02-23] - hip hop
  • Black Thought: Streams of Thought Vol 1 (Human Re Sources) [06-01] - hip hop
  • Black Thought: Streams of Thought Vol 2: Traxploitation (Human Re Sources) [11-26] - hip hop
  • Michelle Blackwell: Body of Work (Blackwell Entertainment) [06-15] - r&b
  • Blinky Bill: Everyone's Just Winging It and Other Fly Tales (The Garden) [10-19] - hip-hop
  • BlocBoy JB: Simi (Bloc Nation) [05-04] - hip-hop
  • Blueface: Famous Cryp (5th Amendment) [06-20] - hip-hop
  • Blueprint: Two-Headed Monster (Weightless) [05-22] - hip-hop [A-]
  • A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie: International Artist (Atlantic) [06-20] - trap rap
  • Brockhampton: Iridescence (RCA) [09-21] - experimental hip-hop [**]
  • Action Bronson: White Bronco (Empire) [11-01] - hip-hop
  • Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz: Mona Lisa (Mello Music Group) [10-26] - hip-hop
  • Apollo Brown & Locksmith: No Question (Mellow Music Group -EP) [06-15] - hip-hop
  • Kev Brown: Homework (self-released) [08-03] - hip-hop
  • Kev Brown: Fill in the Blank (Redefinition/Fat Beats) [11-09] - hip-hop
  • Buddy: Harlan & Alondra (07-20) [07-20] - hip hop
  • Bun B: Return of the Trill (2 Trill/Double Dose) [08-31] - hip-hop
  • Busdriver: Electricity Is on Our Side (Temporary Forever) [06-08] - hip hop [B-]
  • Henry Canyons: Cool Side of the Pillow (Backwoodz Studioz) [04-13] - hip-hop
  • Playboi Carti: Die Lit (AWGE) [05-11] - hip hop [*]
  • Jazz Cartier: Fleurever (Universal Canada) [07-27] - trap rap
  • Tommy Cash: ¥¤$ [YES] (Platoon) [11-30] - hip-hop
  • Cautious Clay: Blood Type (self-released) [02-21] - r&b
  • Charge It to the Game: House With a Pool (Ghost Ramp) [04-27] - hip-hop
  • Chhoti Maa: Agua Corre (894959) [06-07] - hip-hop
  • Chhoti Maa: Caldo De Hueso (self-released) [11-07] - hip-hop
  • Chief Keef: The GloFiles Pt 1 (self-releaaed) [05-11] - mixtape
  • Chief Keef: The GloFiles Pt 2 (self-released) [05-11] - mixtape
  • Chief Keef: The Cozart (FilmOn Music) [09-28] - hip-hop
  • Lando Chill: Maya Maia Mayu (Mello Music Group -EP) [02-02] - r&b
  • Lando Chill: Black Ego (Mello Music Group) [10-12] - hip-hop [*]
  • Lando Chill & the Lasso: Landolasso (Mello Music Group -EP) [07-23] - hip-hop
  • Cities Aviv: Raised for a Better View (Tonal Works) [02-16] - experimental hip hop
  • City Girls: Period (Quality Control) [05-11] - hip-hop [B]
  • City Girls: Girl Code (Quality Control) [11-16] - hip-hop [B]
  • Col3trane: Boot (Tap/Geffen) [08-17] - mixtape
  • J Cole: KOD (Roc Nation) [04-20] - hip-hop [**]
  • Colle Der Fomento: Adversus (CDF/TAK Prod/Tuff Kong) [11-16] - hip-hop
  • Conway: Everybody is FOOD (Griselda) [08-20] - hip-hop
  • Conway the Machine: The Blakk Tape (916% Entertainment -EP) [03-27] - hip-hop
  • Conway the Machine: Everybody Is FOOD (Griselda) [08-20] - hip-hop
  • The Coup: Sorry to Bother You: The Soundtrack (UMGRI Interscope) [07-27] - hip hop [A-]
  • Cozz: Effected (Dreamville/Interscope) [02-13] - hip hop
  • Chris Crack: Let's Just Be Friends (New Deal Collectives) [05-31] - hip-hop
  • Chris Crack: Being Woke Ain't Fun (New Deal Collectives) [07-31] - hip-hop
  • Chris Crack: Just Gimme a Minute (New Deal Collectives) [11-11] - hip-hop
  • Chris Crack: Thanks Uncle Thrill (New Deal Collectives) [12-17] - hip-hop
  • Cult of the Damned: Part Deux: Brick Pelican Posse Crew Gang Syndicate (Blah) [04-13] - hip-hop
  • CupcakKe: Ephorize (self-released) [01-05] - hip-hop [***]
  • CupcakKe: Eden ( self-released) [11-09] - hip-hop [***]
  • Currensy/Freddie Gibbs/The Alchemist: Fetti (ESGN/Jet Life/ALC/Empire) [10-31] - hip-hop
  • Denzel Curry: TA1300 (Loma Vista) [07-27] - hip hop [***]
  • Cypress Hill: Elephants on Acid (BMG) [09-28] - hip-hop [**]
  • Czarface/MF Doom: Czarface Meets Metal Face (Silver Age) [03-30] - hip-hop [A-]
  • Chuck D as Mistachuck: Celebration of Ignorance (SpitSLAM) [11-16] - hip-hop [***]
  • D Double E: Jackuum (Bluku Music) [08-31] - hip-hop
  • DaBaby: Blank Blank (South Coast Music Group -EP) [11-02] - hip-hop [***]
  • Dabrye: Three/Three (Ghostly International) [02-16] - underground rap
  • Damu the Fudgemunk & Flex Mathews: Dreams & Vibrations (Redefinition) [05-11] - hip-hop
  • Chris Dave: Chris Dave and the Drumhedz (Blue Note) [01-26] - r&b [B]
  • Death Grips: Year of the Snitch (Third Worlds) [06-22] - rap
  • Del the Funky Homosapien & Amp Live: Gate 13 (Gate 13) [04-20] - hip hop
  • DJ Jazzy Jeff: M3 (Playlist Music) [05-08] - hip-hop
  • DJ Krush: Cosmic Yard (ES) [03-21] - hip-hop
  • DJ Smokey & Ruben Slikk: Goony Toonz (self-released) [06-08] - hip-hop
  • Dr Octagon: Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation (Bulk) [04-06] - hip-hop
  • Drake: Scorpion (Cash Money/Republic) [06-29] - hip hop
  • Drakeo the Ruler: Cold Devil (Stinc Team -17) [12-26-2017] - hip-hop
  • The Du-Rites: Gamma Ray Jones (Redefinition/Fat Beats) [11-23] - r&b
  • E-40 & B-Legit: Connected & Respected (Sick Wid It) [04-06] - hip hop
  • E-40: The Gift of Gab (Heavy on the Grid) [06-28] - hip hop
  • Open Mike Eagle: What Happens When I Try to Relax (Auto Reverse -EP) [10-19] - hip-hop [***]
  • Earthgang: Royalty (Spillage Village -EP) [02-23] - hip hop
  • Dave East: Paranoia 2 [P2] (Def Jam) [01-16] - hip hop
  • Dave East: Karma 2 (The DisPensary) [07-27] - hip-hop
  • Dave East and Styles P: Beloved (Def Jam) [10-05] - hip-hop
  • Eminem: Kamikaze (Aftermath/Shady/Interscope) [08-31] - hip hop [**]
  • Epic Beard Men: Season 1 (Strange Famous) [03-02] - hip-hop [**]
  • E-Turn: Young World (Fake Four) [09-28] - hip-hop
  • Evidence: Weather or Not (Rhymesayers) [01-26] - hip hop
  • Dizzy Fae: Free Form Mixtape (self-released) [02-02] - r&b
  • Fat Tony and J KELR: Full Circle (self-released -EP) [06-15] - hip hop
  • Fat Tony: 10000 Hours (self-released) [09-28] - hip hop [*]
  • Flatbush Zombies: Vacation in Hell (Glorious Dead) [04-06] - hip-hop [***]
  • Future: Beast Mode 2 (Epic/Freebandz) [07-06] - hip hop [A-]
  • Future & Juice Wrld: Wrld on Drugs (Epic/Freebandz) [10-19] - hip-hop
  • Gaika: Basic Volume (Warp) [07-27] - experimental hip hop [*]
  • Kevin Gates: Luca Brasi 3 (Bread Winners' Association) [09-27] - hip-hop
  • Amerigo Gazaway: No Free Beats: An Original Soundtrack (self-released) [10-26] - hip-hop
  • Tommy Genesis: Tommy Genesis (Downtown) [11-09] - hip-hop
  • Ghetts: Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament (GIIG) [09-14] - hip-hop
  • Ghostface Killah: The Lost Tapes (X-Ray) [10-05] - hip-hop
  • Freddie Gibbs: Freddie (ESGN/Empire -EP) [06-22] - hip hop [**]
  • Gift of Gab: Rejoice! Rappers Are Rapping Again! (Giftstribution Unlimited -EP) [06-01] - hip hop [A-]
  • Payroll Giovanni & Cardo [Got Wings]: Big Bossin Vol 2 (Def Jam) [01-26] - hip hop
  • Giriboy: Graduation (Loen Entertainment-17) [2017-12-19] - K-hop
  • Glitch Mob: See Without Eyes (Glass Air) [05-04] - glitch hop
  • Jean Grae & Quelle Chris: Everything's Fine (Mello Music Group) [03-30] - hip hop [A-]
  • Tee Grizzley: Activated (300) [05-11] - trap rap
  • Westside Gunn: Supreme Blientele (Griselda) [06-22] - hip hop
  • Westside Gunn: Hitler Wears Hermes 6 (Griselda) [11-03] - hip-hop
  • Gunna: Drip Season 3 (Gunna) [02-02] - hip-hop
  • Haiyti: Montenegro Zero (Vertigo/UMG) [01-12] - hip-hop
  • G Herbo & Southside: Swervo (Machine/Epic/Cinematic/150 Dream Team/808 Mafia) [07-27] - hip-hop [*]
  • Hermit and the Recluse: Orpheus vs the Sirens (Obol for Charon) [08-18] - abstract hip hop
  • Homeboy Sandman & Edan: Humble Pi (Stones Throw -EP) [10-26] - hip-hop [**]
  • Nipsey Hussle: Victory Lap (Atlantic) [02-16] - hip-hop [*]
  • Ice Cube: Everythang's Corrupt (Lench Mob/Interscope) [12-07] - hip-hop
  • Illa J: John Yancey (Jakarta) [11-30] - r&b
  • Illingsworth: You're No Fun (Mello Music Group) [09-28] - hip-hop
  • The Internet: Hive Mind (Columbia) [07-20] - r&b [***]
  • Juicy J: Shutdafukup (self-released) [01-15] - trap rap
  • Jericho Jackson: Khrysis & Elzhi Are Jericho Jackson (Jamla) [02-23] - hip hop
  • Jeremiah Jae: DAFFI (Black Jungle Squad) [08-10] - hip-hop
  • Jedi Mind Tricks: The Bridge & the Abyss (Enemy Soil) [06-22] - hip-hop
  • Mick Jenkins: Pieces of a Man (Cinematic) [10-26] - abstract hip-hop [*]
  • Jeremih & Ty Dolla Sign: Mih-Ty (Def Jam) [10-26] - r&b
  • JID: DiCaprio 2 (Dreamville) [11-26] - hip-hop [*]
  • Jim Jones: Wasted Talent (Vamplife/Empire) [04-13] - hip hop
  • Stimulator Jones: Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures (Stones Throw) [04-27] - r&b
  • JPEGMAFIA: Veteran (self-released) [01-19] - rap [B]
  • Juice WRLD: Goodbye & Good Riddance (self-released) [05-23] - hip hop [*]
  • Larry June: You're Dooing Good (Warner Bros) [03-02] - hip hop
  • Junglepussy: JP3 (self-released) [05-11] - hip hop
  • KAAN: Subtle Meditation (Redefinition) [11-29] - hip-hop [A-]
  • Key! & Kenny Beats: 777 (Hello!/DOTS) [05-04] - hip hop
  • Khalid: Suncity (Right Hand Music Group -EP) [10-19] - r&b [*]
  • Wiz Khalifa: Rolling Papers 2 (Atlantic) [07-13] - pop rap
  • Cash Kidd: Bebe Kidd 2 (4746 Global) [08-31] - hip-hop
  • Kids See Ghosts [Kanye & Kid Cudi]: Kids See Ghosts (GOOD/Def Jam) [06-08] - experimental hip hop [*]
  • Allan Kingdom: Peanut Butter Prince (First Gen) [06-15] - hip-hop
  • Roy Kinsey: Blackie: A Story by Roy Kinsey (Not Normal) [04-10] - hip-hop [***]
  • Knife Knights: 1 Time Mirage (Sub Pop) [09-14] - hip-hop
  • Kirk Knight: IIWII (Pro Era) [11-16] - hip-hop
  • Kojaque: Deli Daydreams (Soft Boy) [02-23] - hip-hop
  • Kool G Rap & 38 Spesh: Son of G Rap (TCF Music Group) [07-06] - hip-hop
  • Kooley High: Never Come Down (Mecca) [03-30] - hip-hop
  • Maxo Kream: Punken (TSO) [01-12] - trap rap
  • Kryptonyte: Kryptonyte (Dolfin) [09-21] - hip-hop
  • Kyle: Light of Mine (Atlantic) [05-18] - pop rap [A-]
  • Last Emperor: Jungle Jim Season 1 (From the Muscle Music Group) [04-27] - hip-hop
  • Meyhem Lauren: Glass (916% Entertainment) [03-30] - hip-hop
  • Lecrae & Zaytoven: Let the Trap Say Amen (Reach) [06-22] - hip hop
  • Leikeli47: Acrylic (Hardcover/RCA) [11-15] - hip-hop [**]
  • Lil Baby: Harder Than Ever (Quality Control) [05-18] - hip-hop [**]
  • Lil Baby & Gunna: Drip Harder (Quality Control) [10-04] - hip-hop [***]
  • Lil Peep: Come Over When You're Sober Pt 2 (Columbia) [11-09] - hip-hop
  • Lil Skies: Life of a Dark Rose (All We Got/Atlantic) [01-12] - trap rap
  • Lil Wayne: Tha Carter V (Young Money/Republic) [09-28] - hip-hop [**]
  • Lil Xan: Total Xanarchy (Columbia) [04-06] - trap rap
  • Lil Yachty: Lil Boat 2 (Quality Control/Motown/Capitol) [03-09] - trap rap
  • Locksmith: Ali (Landmark) [12-07] - hip-hop
  • Logic: Bobby Tarantino II (Def Jam) [03-09] - hip hop
  • Logic: YSIV (Def Jam) [09-28] - hip-hop
  • Lupe Fiasco: Drogas Wave (1st and 15th Productions) [09-21] - hip-hop [A-]
  • Lyrics Born: Quite a Life (Mobile Home) [09-14] - hip hop [A-]
  • Mae: Proletar Adel (Tee Productions) [05-25] - hip-hop
  • Roc Marciano: RR2 [Rosebudd's Revenge 2]: The Bitter Dose (Marci) [02-28] - hip hop [***]
  • Roc Marciano: Behold a Dark Horse (Marci) [10-04] - hip-hop
  • Roc Marciano & DJ Muggs: KAOS (Soul Assassins) [10-19] - hip-hop
  • Marlowe: Marlowe (Mello Music Group) [07-13] - hip-hop [***]
  • Masta Ace & Marco Polo: A Breukelen Story (Fat Beats) [11-09] - hip-hop [***]
  • Meek Mill: Championships (MMG/Atlantic) [11-30] - hip-hop [***]
  • Megan Thee Stallion: Tina Snow (SoSouth) [06-11] - hip-hop
  • Meitei: Kwaidan (self-released) [01-30] - hip-hop
  • Mestizo and the Heavy Twelves: Big Bad Death (Fake Four) [08-24] - hip-hop
  • Metro Boomin: Not All Heroes Wear Capes (Republic) [11-02] - hip-hop
  • Meyhem & DJ Muggs: Frozen Angels (Soul Assassins) [06-08] - hip-hop
  • Migos: Culture II (Quality Control/Motown/Capitol) [01-26] - trap rap [**]
  • MIKE: Black Soap (Lex -EP) [05-25] - experimental hip hop [*]
  • MIKE: Renaissance Man (Lex) [06-21] - hip hop [*]
  • Mac Miller: Swimming (REMember Music/Warner Bros) [08-03] - pop rap [*]
  • Milo: Budding Ornithologists Are Weary of Tired Analogies (Ruby Yacht/The Order Label) [09-21] - hip-hop
  • Nicki Minaj: Queen (Young Money/Cash Money) [08-10] - hip hop [***]
  • Moneybagg Yo: 2 Heartless (N-Less Entertainment/Interscope) [02-14] - hip-hop
  • Toussaint Morrison: Best When Sung From the Gutter (Urban Home Companion) [05-25] - hip-hop
  • The Mouse Outfit: Jagged Tooth Crook (TMO) [05-04] - hip-hop
  • Mozzy: Gangland Landlord (Mozzy/Empire) [10-04] - hip-hop
  • Georgia Anne Muldrow: Overload (Brainfeeder) [10-26] - neo-soul
  • Murs: A Strange Journey Into the Unimaginable (Strange Music) [03-16] - hip-hop [***]
  • Muthoni Drummer Queen: She (Yotanka) [03-02] - hip-hop
  • Estee Nack x Sadhubold: Sirfinongold.wav (self-released) [04-20] - hip-hop
  • Nao: Saturn (Little Rokyo/Sony UK) [10-26] - alt r&b
  • Akua Naru: The Blackest Joy (The Urban Era) [04-27] - hip-hop
  • Nas: Nasir (Mass Appeal/Def Jam -EP) [06-15] - hip hop [**]
  • Rico Nasty: Nasty (Sugar Trap) [06-15] - trap rap [**]
  • Nasty C: Strings & Bling (Universal Music) [07-06] - hip-hop
  • Nef the Pharaoh: The Big Chang Theory (KILFMB/Sick Wid It/Empire) [08-10] - hip-hop
  • Bishop Nehru: Elevators Act I & II () [03-16] - hip-hop
  • Ne-Yo: Good Man (Motown) [06-08] - r&b
  • Nines: Crop Circle (XL) [04-20] - hip-hop
  • Noname: Room 25 (self-released) [09-14] - hip hop [A-]
  • Nostrum Grocers: Nostrum Grocers (Ruby Yacht) [08-03] - abstract hip hop
  • Novelist: Novelist Guy (Mmmyeh) [04-13] - grime
  • Tobe Nwigwe: The Originals (self-released) [05-27] - hip-hop
  • Cassper Nyovest: Sweet and Short (Universal Music) [11-30] - hip-hop
  • OC: A New Dawn (DITC Studios/Slice-of-Spice) [03-02] - hip-hop
  • OC & PF Cutin: Opium (Hendrix St) [10-26] - hip-hop
  • OC From NC: It's Not You It's Me (643712 DK) [11-09] - hip-hop
  • Octavian: Spaceman (Black Butter) [09-10] - hip-hop
  • Old Man Saxon: The Pursuit (Pusher -EP) [04-27] - hip-hop [*]
  • Ozzy: Ett Oga Rott (Play 66) [05-18] - hip-hop
  • Anderson Paak: Oxnard (Aftermath/12 Tone Music) [11-16] - hip-hop [A-]
  • PAC Div: First Baptist (RBC) [04-13] - hip-hop
  • Brockett Parsons: The Brockettship (Ropeadope) [10-12] - hip-hop
  • Vinnie Paz: The Pain Collector (Enemy Soil) [09-28] - hip-hop
  • Von Pea & the Other Guys: I'm Good Luv Enjoy (Hipnott) [09-14] - hip-hop
  • Phonte: No News Is Good News (Foreign Exchange) [03-02] - hip hop [**]
  • Pink Siifu: Ensley (Pink Siifu) [08-14] - hip-hop
  • Planet Asia: Mansa Musa (X-Ray) [05-25] - hip-hop
  • PRhyme: PRhyme 2 (self-released) [03-16] - hip-hop
  • Sean Price & Illa Ghee: Metal Detectors (Ruck Down -EP) [03-16] - hip-hop
  • Princess Nokia: A Girl Cried Red (Rough Trade -EP) [04-13] - hip-hop [*]
  • Prophet: Wanna Be Your Man (Stones Throw) [05-11] - r&b
  • Joey Purp: Quarterthing (self-released) [09-07] - hip-hop [**]
  • Pusha T: Daytona (GOOD/Def Jam -EP) [05-25] - hip hop [**]
  • Quando Rondo: Life After Fame (QRN/Never Broke Again/Atlantic) [09-24] - hip-hop
  • Queen Naija: Queen Naija (Queen Naija Bulls) [07-27] - r&b
  • Radio Galaxy: Nobody Digs Your Music but Yourself (Rappers I Know/Radio Galaxy) [03-30] - r&b
  • Rae Sremmurd: SR3MM (Eardruma/Interscope) [05-04] - pop rap [B]
  • Reason: There You Have It (Top Dawg) [09-27] - hip-hop
  • Trippie Redd: Life's a Trip (self-released) [08-10] - cloud rap
  • Rejoicer: Energy Dreams (Stones Throw) [08-31] - left-field hip-hop [**]
  • Rich the Kid: The World Is Yours (Rich Forever Music/Interscope) [03-30] - hip hop
  • Riton & Kah-Lo: Foreign Ororo (Riton Time) [09-28] - grime [A-]
  • Jay Rock: Redemption (TDE/Interscope) [06-15] - hip hop [*]
  • Royce Da 5'9": Book of Ryan (Entertainment One) [05-04] - hip hop [*]
  • Rucci: El Perro (Mackk) [05-04] - hip-hop
  • Saba: Care for Me (Saba Pivot) [04-05] - hip-hop [***]
  • Saint Jhn: Collection One (self-released) [03-30] - trap rap
  • Scarlxrd: Dxxm (Island) [05-04] - hip-hop
  • Travis Scott: Astroworld (Epic/Grand Hustle) [08-03] - trap rap [**]
  • Serengeti: Dennis 6e (People) [09-10] - hip-hop [***]
  • Serpentwithfeet: Soil (Secretly Canadian) [06-08] - alt r&b [B]
  • Bobby Sessions: RVLTN Chapter 1: The Divided States of Amerikkka (Def Jam) [07-20] - hip-hop
  • Shad: A Short Story About a War (Secret City) [10-26] - hip-hop [*]
  • Mike Shinoda: Post Traumatic (Warner Bros) [06-15] - alt rap
  • Shirt: Pure Beauty (Third Man) [02-09] - hip hop
  • Showbiz: A-Room Therapy (DITC) [02-16] - hip-hop
  • Shy Glizzy: Fully Loaded (300 Entertainment) [10-12] - hip-hop
  • Ski Mask the Slump God: Beware the Book of Eli (Republic) [05-11] - trap rap
  • Ski Mask the Slump God: Stokeley (Republic) [11-30] - hip-hop
  • Skyzoo: In Celebration of Us (First Generation Rich/Empire) [02-02] - hip hop
  • Smino: Noir (Downtown JV) [11-08] - hip-hop
  • Smoke Boys: Don't Panic II (self-released) [10-19] - hip-hop
  • Smoke DZA: Not for Sale (Babygrande) [04-20] - trap rap
  • Smove: Funk n' Beats Vol 6 (Bombstrikes) [12-14] - r&b
  • Sneakbo: Brixton (Jetskiwave) [03-02] - hip-hop
  • Rejjie Snow: Dear Annie (300) [02-16] - hip hop
  • SOB X RBE: Gangin (Empire) [02-23] - hip hop [B]
  • The Sorority: Pledge (The Sorority Sound) [04-13] - hip hop
  • Soul Assassins [DJ Muggs]: Dia Del Asesinato (Soul Assassins) [08-10] - hip-hop
  • Stahhr: Respect Due Vol 1 (self-released) [02-28] - hip-hop
  • Vince Staples: FM! (Def Jam -EP) [11-02] - hip-hop [**]
  • Statik Selektah & Termanology: Still 1982 (Showoff/ST) [11-23] - hip-hop
  • Chuck Strangers: Consumers Park (Nature Sounds/Pro Era) [03-16] - hip-hop
  • Styles P: G-Host (Phantom Entertainment) [05-04] - hip-hop
  • Styles P: Dime Bag (Phantom Entertainment) [11-02] - hip-hop
  • Sudan Archives: Sink (Stones Throw) [05-25] - r&b
  • Suicideboy: I Want to Die in New Orleans (G*59/Caroline) [09-07] - hip-hop
  • Tash Sultana: Flow State (Mom + Pop) [08-31] - r&b
  • Swarvy: Anti-Anxiety (Paxico) [07-06] - hip-hop
  • Earl Sweatshirt: Some Rap Songs (Tan Cressida/Columbia -EP) [11-30] - hip-hop [B]
  • Swizz Beatz: Poison (Epiz/Swizz Beatz) [11-02] - hip-hop
  • Takeoff: The Last Rocket (Capitol/Motown/Quality Control) [11-02] - hip-hop
  • Teyana Taylor: KTSE [Keep That Same Energy] (GOOD Music/Def Jam -EP) [06-23] - r&b [B]
  • Tech N9ne: Planet (Strange) [03-02] - hip hop
  • They: Fireside (Mind of a Genius/Warner Bros) [11-09] - hip-hop
  • TI: Dime Trap (Grand Hustle/Epic) [10-05] - hip-hop
  • Torae & Praise: All Praises Due (Internal Affairs) [10-11] - hip-hop
  • Towkio: WWW (Republic) [02-23] - pop rap
  • Trouble & Mike Will Made It: Edgewood (Eardruma/Interscope) [03-23] - trap rap
  • Ty: A Work of Heart (Jazz Re:freshed) [03-02] - hip-hop
  • Tyler the Creator: Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr Seuss' the Grinch (Columbia) [11-16] - hip-hop
  • U-God: Venom (Babygrande) [03-30] - hip-hop
  • Valee: GOOD Job You Found Me (GOOD Music/Def Jam -EP) [03-02] - hip-hop [**]
  • Calvin Valentine: Keep Summer Safe (Mello Music Group) [10-19] - hip-hop
  • The Weeknd: My Dear Melancholy (XO/Republic -EP) [03-30] - alt r&b [*]
  • Sheck Wes: Mudboy (Cactus Jack/GOOD Music/Interscope) - hip-hop [***]
  • Kanye West: Ye (Def Jam/GOOD Music -EP) [06-01] - hip hop [*]
  • Tierra Whack: Whack World (UMGRI/Interscope -EP) [05-30] - pop rap [***]
  • Wiley: Godfather II () [04-27] - grime
  • Alison Wonderland: Awake (Universal Australia) [04-06] - trap
  • Kris Wu: Antares (Interscope) [11-02] - hip-hop
  • Xenony: Polish Space Program (Instant Classic) [04-08] - hip-hop
  • XXXtentacion: ? (Best Vibes Forever) [03-16] - alt r&b
  • YBN Nahmir/YBN Almighty Jay/YBN Cordae: YBN: The Mixtape (self-released) [09-07] - hip-hop
  • YFN Lucci: Ray Ray From Summerhill (Think It's a Game/Warner Bros) [03-09] - hip hop
  • YG: Stay Dangerous (Def Jam) [08-03] - hip hop
  • Young Nudy: Slimeball 3 (self-released) [08-07] - hip-hop
  • Young Thug: Slime Language (Young Stoner Life/300 Entertainment) [08-17] - trap rap
  • Young Thug: On the Rvn (300 Entertainment/Atl) [09-24] - hip-hop
  • YoungBoy Never Broke Again: Until Death Call My Name (Never Broke Again/Atlantic) [04-27] - hip hop [**]
  • Adrian Younge: Adrian Younge Presents... (Linear Labs) [07-27] - r&b
  • Youssoupha: Polaroid Experience (Bomaye Musik) [09-28] - African rap
  • Yung Hurn: 1220 (Live From Earth) [05-04] - hip-hop
  • ZillaKami & SosMula: City Morgue Vol 1: Hell or High Water (Republic) [10-12] - hip-hop
  • 1800 Seconds: Curated by Pusha T (Mass Appeal) [12-07] - hip-hop
  • Black Panther: The Album (Music From and Inspired By) (Top Dawg/Aftermath/Interscope) [02-09] - hip-hop [***]

Reissues, Etc.

  • Double Dee & Steinski: Lesson 4: The Beat (self-released -EP) [10-14] - hip-hop [**]
  • ERR: stream no grade: Joe McPhee/Mats Gustafsson: Brace for Impact
  • A Tribe Called Quest: Revised Quest for the Seasoned Traveller (1989-91, Jive/Legacy) [07-20] - hip hop [***]

Priority Counts

  • Priority 1: 214
  • Priority 2: 27
  • Priority 3: 0
  • Priority 4: 103
  • Priority 5: 1

Total: 345

Grade Counts

  • A- : 16
  • *** : 26
  • ** : 29
  • * : 22
  • B : 10
  • B- : 1

Total: 104