The Prince of Procrastination. The Duke of Delay. The Viceroy of Vacillation. It’s me. Your boy. Per usual, I wanted to get this done so much sooner, but the fuckery of 2020 has bled into the year of our Lord 2021, and man, have I been stressed, depressed, and unmotivated as hell.
Not to go full mid 2000’s Tumblr levels of oversharing and complaining, but obviously this last year was basically a never ending hell scape for everyone except for billionaires, science deniers, and racists. I myself witnessed firsthand how awful job prospects are during a pandemic, how awfully state and federal governments have handled just about every possible issue this country faces, and how disgusting the overall reaction has been to a historic, worldwide civil rights movement has been.
It’s weighed on me. I’ve indulged in a lot of unproductive habits and routines. Of course many have had it much, much worse than myself. But as someone who is prone to anxiety and depression, 2020 was an absolute constant mental workout. And yet, there were still small pieces of positivity. Little streaks of light streaming through a boarded up window. That positive light, at least for me, has largely been produced by the music I’ve had the pleasure of listening to and covering on this blog.
So, with that overly-personal introduction out of the way, below, you’ll find a rather comprehensive list of my favorite albums that were released throughout all of 2020. You won’t find any of the records I’ve already covered on the blog, since I wanted to use this as a chance to share the wide array of genres and artists I’ve been enjoying.
As someone who is unable to be concise or short, I get that the list is long as a hell. However, even if you pick one album out here that sounds interesting, or has compelling artwork that makes you want to give it a shot, I’ve succeeded in my overall goal of simply sharing music that I love with as many people as possible. It’s (mostly) alphabetical, and I did my damnedest to keep the blurbs short.
Let’s move into 2021 and hope it’s a more fruitful year than the last, but first, we can spend a little time looking back and reveling in some of the good things that came out of a terrible year.
Lil Uzi Vert- Eternal Atake (Deluxe- Lil Uzi VS The World 2)
We start off by saying “fuck the alphabetical order” and going straight to one of my favorites of the year. It’s no surprise if you know me, but Uzi is my absolute favorite artist. His music has always been like comfort food for me, often pulling me out of bad moods, and just being generally bright, positive and energetic. I listened to this album like 600s times according to my Apple Music roundup. We even got a deluxe version just a week after waiting 3 years for the first album, and I for one, was anything but disappointed.
Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist- Alfredo
This is the most impressive piece of work I heard all year. If I did legit rankings, this would probably be number one. Freddie is the best rapper alive right now, and linking up with uncle Alchemist is a match made in heaven. Gritty, yet occasionally beautiful street and cocaine raps are abundant here, and there isn’t a single track worth skipping. Freddie’s flow is un-fucking-touchable. Give this man his goddamn Grammy already.
Action Bronson- Only For Dolphins
Lighthearted, easy going and bright. Hearing Action rap is always a treat, even if his music is as low-stakes as ever.
AM- Mally
This is basically meat and potatoes drill from AM, but it’s his voice and delivery that brings it up a level or two. Dark, violent and in your face. Exactly what a good drill project should consist of, even if it isn’t reinventing the wheel.
Big KRIT- KRIT Wuz Here (2020 Re-Release)
I’m cheating here a bit, but this classic needs to be discussed at every possible opportunity. KRIT is probably the most under-appreciated rappers of our generation. He does it all, and this is where it all started. Shoutout to Pete for constantly playing this during our freshman year.
The Black Dahlia Murder- Verminous
One of my favorite metal bands, going right back to my edgy middle school days. The subject matter coincidentally fits with the idea of plague and pandemics, so it feels timely. It also just goes hard as hell, whether the track is more down paced and chuggy, or lively and blistering, bouncing back and forth from more death metal to black metal leanings, it’s all great.
Boldy James & Sterling Toles- Manger on McNichols
Boldy James- The Price of Tea in China (Deluxe)
Boldy James- Versace Tape
Boldy hit an amazing little trifecta this year. Manger is an experimental jazz/rap album unlike anything I’ve ever heard, The Price of Tea is some of the best storyteller, street rap you’ll hear all year, and Versace Tape is a joint album with former social media star turned legitimate music producer Jay Versace. Boldy’s delivery and view on his experiences are unique and captivating, despite his slow-paced and somewhat deliberate flow. It’s composed and full of life. So happy to see him getting some more shine he rightfully deserves.
Code Orange- Underneath
Somewhat of a concept record that deals with the increasing levels of technology in the world. It’s heavy, full of a bunch of experimental editing and electric sections, and all comes together much better than it may sound of paper. Code Orange continues to be one of the better, more exciting metal acts that I’m aware of.
The Cool Kids- Volumes
I will never not love The Cool Kids. This is a nice little selection of tracks that show of their playful, laid-back energy perfectly.
Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats- Unlocked
Amazing, forward thinking production for Kenny Beats, and great bars from Denzel. It’s just too easy for these two. The chemistry between them is great, and that definitely elevates the overall quality.
Diet Cig- Do You Wonder About Me?
Diet Cig has always made some sweet indie-pop/rock songs. It’s hard to describe this album as anything other than cute as hell, full of catchy hooks and energetic performances.
DigDat- Ei8ht Mile
Oh boy, did I get some mileage out of this album over the summer. It’s full of high-quality drill bangers with an amazing list of guest rappers.
Dogleg- Melee
They remind of a ton of Basement, and that isn’t a bad thing. It’s a tight, if somewhat sloppy, emotional indie/punk record.
Drakeo The Ruler and Joogszn- Thank You for Using GTL
Drakeo’s finally free and recently released anther full length project, but this was his most impressive record to date. Every Drakeo verse was recorded over the GTL jail phone service, and that adds an amazing level of depth and reality to what he’s rapping about. The somewhat off kilter West Coast flow may not be for everyone, but I was absolutely astonished at how good this was, considering the circumstances surrounding it’s creation.
Earl Sweatshirt- FEET OF CLAY (Deluxe)
Technically a 2019 release, but the deluxe came out in 2020 so here it is. Earl’s stylistic evolution has always been fascinating, and this is full of what plays as depressed, somewhat oppressive vignettes of someone who is constantly fighting against the undertow, yet still constantly finding tidbits of knowledge to take with him and share to the world.
The Front Bottoms- In Sickness & In Flames
Another comfort-food-esque band and release here. TFB has finally found a perfect middle ground between their earlier raw, stripped back sound and the more mature and polished sound they’ve been going for ever since they got that Fueled By Ramen record deal. Parts of the album made me laugh, want to dance, cry, and even cringe a little bit; All the tenants of a great Front Bottoms record.
Future- High Off Life
Future makes some of his more interesting production choices, and came through with a solid, if not Earth-shattering project. As a biased Future fan, it would admittedly take a lot for him to drop something that I outright dislike.
Headie One & Fred Again.- GANG
Headie flexed some vocals, got on some extremely experimental production, especially for a drill artist, and ended up crafting a beautiful little project that display him as a legitimate, capital “A,” Artist.
HP Boyz- 6 to the WORLD EP
Australia’s own HP Boyz finally dropped their first project, and it’s a solid start for them, building off of their usual guitar centered drill tracks.
IDK- IDK & Friends 2
Bangers, solid production, and good chemistry with all of the featured artists.
ILLFIGHTYOU- ILLFIGHTYOUTOO
A follow up to one of my legitimately favorite records of all time; That being their self-titled debut. That’s another album that I listed to a TON back in college, and I was so happy when they finally get the sequel completed. Much love to Frank, Khris and Glenn.
Imperial Triumphant- Alphaville
I don’t even think I like this album honestly. However, I have never listened to a metal album that has affected me like this one did. It’s oppressive, unrelenting, and literally anxiety inducing. I guess strictly for that, it’s worth some recognition.
J Hus- Big Conspiracy
One of the most beloved rappers in the UK dropped a highly anticipated record that lived up to the hype.
Jean Dawson- Pixel Bath
Genre melding and bending are all over this project. Pop, rock, rap, and electronic music all find their homes here, making Jean one of the more interesting artists to keep up with moving into the new year.
Jeff Rosenstock- NO DREAM
Punk legend Jeff Rosenstock is the absolute best and capturing the impending dread and doom that is our current reality.
Joyce Manor- Songs from Northern Torrence
A cool little compilation of a few of Joyce Manor’s earliest recordings, as well as some demos. It’s always fun to hear early iterations of tracks and see how they changed once they landed on the official release.
JPEGMAFIA- EP!
JPEGMAFIA compiled the loosies he’s released throughout 2020 and continues to prove why he’s the most exciting artist in the experimental/industrial rap scene.
KEY!- I Love You Say It Back
I love Key. Never takes anything to seriously, can ham it up emotionally, and is always hilarious.
Lil Baby- My Turn
I’ve always loved Baby’s flow, and he’s really tightened up his performances over the years, culminating in one of the better rap releases of the year.
Future and Lil Uzi- Pluto and Baby Pluto
This may not have been the reality altering project that some people wanted or expected but, it’s a fun listen, even neither Uzi or Future are at their peak power here.
Lorde Fredd33- Folklorde
An awesome, more experimental offering from a great local Milwaukee artist.
M Huncho- Huncholini the 1st
The album that cultivated my love for M Huncho. Another one of my most listened to albums this year.
M24- Drip N Drill
It’s so cool to hear M24 elevating himself past someone who sounds better on features than his own solo tracks.
Mac Miller- Circles
I haven’t listened to this as much as I normally would have. I just can’t get through it without being overwhelmed emotionally. I miss Mac so much. RIP buddy.
MIKE- weight of the world
One of the guys that had a hand in Earl Sweatshirt’s currently artistic output, and it shows. MIKE’s music isn’t the most uplifting, but he’s got a lot to say and interesting ways to share those thoughts over a plethora of dusty, off kilter beats.
NNAMDI- BRAT
NNamdi makes music that is fun, cute, aggressive and energetic. The styles are all over the place, but it never feels unfocused. It jumps all over from various form of rap and pop music, always keeping you on your toes.
ONEFOUR- Against All Odds
Australian drillers ONEFOUR got much more melodic here, but considering the amount of prison time members have faced, and just the overall struggle they’ve endured as a group, I get it. It helps that they’re all so talented and that the singing and melodic leanings come off so well.
Open Mike Eagle- Anime, Trauma and Divorce
The title sums up the year for Mike pretty succinctly. He never fails to intersperse these tracks with his trademark humor and nerdy tendencies. I don’t think this man has ever dropped an underwhelming project.
Orville Peck- Show Pony EP
A country released made it onto the list! Peck leans in to the Johnny Cash-era of country. The lonesome cowboy on the road, drifting from town to town. His voice doesn’t exactly fit his appearance, but as a flamboyant gay-country singer, it all really does make perfect sense if you don’t think about it too hard.
Playboy Carti- Whole Lotta Red
This will certainly go down as the most divisive project of the year. I for one, absolutely fucking love it. Carti essentially gives us a hybrid between a punk and trap album. It’s like that trick where you translate a sentence through Google Translate so many times that it eventually morphs into something completely different, but you can still normally get the gist of it. That’s WLR. It’s a trap album with punk tendencies and energy, even featuring some of the few instances in which Carti get’s autobiographical and actually raps about his life and real issues. I get why certain people won’t warm up to it, but I just cannot get enough of it.
Polo G- THE GOAT
One of the most promising and technically gifted rappers out right now. Yeah, some of the choruses and flows get a little same-samey after a bit, but he’s young and has plenty of time to branch out and play with his sound a bit. Until then, I guess we’re stuck getting above average-to-great music from him.
Pop Smoke- Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon/ Meet The Woo 2
RIP POP.
R.A.P.- Ferreira- Purple Moonlight Pages
The artist formally known as Milo puts together some of his most impressive flows and beats here. It’s filled with his normal philosophical and literary references, as well as his tongue-in-cheek, playful asshole-ish nature.
Rico Nasty- Nightmare Vacation
Rico and Carti both dropped two of the best punk-leaning rap albums of the year. Her energy is INSANE, and she does dip back into her more auto-tuned and melodic sound of her early career. Whether she’s screaming, rapping, and slathered in auto-tune, it’s all exhilarating.
Right Away, Great Captain- The Lost Sea
A low-key, acoustic album that follows up a few of my favorite albums from my high school days.
Run The Jewels- RTJ4
RTJ are 4/4 in regards to dropping nearly perfect albums. Killer Mike and El-P are going to go down as the best duo of the 2010’s and 2020’s if they keep this up.
Skepta, Chip and Young Adz- Insomnia
An album that made zero sense on paper, but worked in almost every regard in reality. Another one of my most listened to albums.
System Of A Down- Protect The Land/ Genocidal Humanoidz
SOAD return after 15 years to drop a few tracks in reference to the current unrest and war between Armenia and Turkey. “Protect the Land” is clearly more concerned about getting their message across, while “Genocidal Humanoidz” features some riffs that sound like peak, classic System of a Down.
Tee Grizzley- The Smartest
Tee’s always been a technically great rapper with a ton of charisma. All of that remains true here, even as he tackles some heavier issues.
V9- Yudokuna
This is my favorite drill project that I just never got around to reviewing. V9 and his devilsh bars are always a treat.
Undeath- Lesions of a Different Kind
Nasty, grotesque, unnerving, heavy, pulverizing. That’s this death-metal album in a nutshell. It’s pretty straightforward death-metal, yet the verses actually feature rhyming lyrics and a fair bit of subtle melody. And I mean, come on, how can tracks title, “Kicked in the Protruding Guts,” “Chained to a Reeking Rotted Body,” and “Suitably Hacked to Gore,” be anything but amazing?
Vic Mensa- V TAPE
It’s just nice to hear Vic RAP again. There’s a lot of personal minutia here that may not be as compelling to someone who doesn’t keep up with Vic’s day to day and general career arc, but this feels like an artistic return to form. Please no more punk albums, Vic.
Westside Gunn- Pray for Paris
Out of all of the Griselda Records albums that dropped this year, this is still the best one.
YG- 4 The People EP
“Fuck Donald Trump,” and “Fuck the Police.”
Young Nudy- Anyways
His off kilter, pause-averse flows, kind of squeaky, nasally voice and hilarious punchlines will always be fun to me.
03 Greedo and RONRONTHEPRODUCER- Load It Up, Vol 1
FREE GREEDO. I love 03 Greedo, and he was another one of my most listened to artists of 2020. Yeah it can be a little hit or miss from track to track, but there are some great tracks here
21 Savage and Metro Boomin- Savage Mode II
I don’t think this is all that brave of a statement, but this is clearly better than the first Savage Mode. Pussy.
98s- Class of 98s
I really regret not reviewing this one in full. V9, KO, Billy Billions, Stally, Unknown T and the rest of the 98s have an insane level of chemistry and other than the “freestyle” track, there is so much to love here. Show stopping performances across the board, and a lot of the lesser known members had a chance to shine and flex their skills. They rarely, if ever, failed to take advantage of that opportunity.
This is already long as hell, especially with the intro, so if you made it this far: Thank you, sincerely. I hope this list gives you all something to dive into and eventually discover some great music. I plan on getting back on a mostly regular posting basis in the coming weeks. I’ve got more planned in terms of different types of pieces, so keep your eyes out for those. I love you all.