2017

The year of anxiety

If anything was clear this year, it's that people are hurting. There were a number of exciting new R&B artists on the scene, but hip hop most accurately portrayed the emotional weight of the events of the year. More than anything, there was a focus on inner turmoil and the subsequent importance of mental health.

10

Flower Boy

Tyler, the Creator

Upon the release of Yonkers, I informed everyone I knew not to listen to the demonic Tyler, the Creator. Well, Tyler has changed, as have I, and my new recommendation is for you to listen to Tyler through the lens of someone who is desperately calling out for help. View his brazen acts as overcompensation for the honest, soft ones that follow.

9

About Time

Sabrina Claudio

It's about time Latina singers get the production they deserve. Similar in style to Alina Baraz, and in her own way, Sade, Sabrina's sultry voice floats over a mix of submersed synths and guitar plucks. It's the good kind of modern.

8

Morning After

dvsn

The debut album of the modern day Ginuwine. Expect nothing less.

7

Everybody

Logic

I'm a sucker for a concept album. Although his flow just isn't for me, Logic has been making solid, consistently-themed albums since his mixtape days - "Everybody" being his best to date. We follow the story of a man named Adam, who, after dying in a car crash, is accompanied by God through the steps of (Logic's interpretation of) the afterlife. The surprise revelation definitely makes the album worth a listen.

6

I'm Brain

Brain

I don't care. Ignore technical ability, cultural appropriation, morals, etc. Lil Dicky is expanding the limits of the genre. I laugh every time, and it's great to work to. Love it.

5

don't smile at me

Billie Eilish

It's hard to have expectations for the debut EP of a 16 year old, but this little 8 song collection is worth your time. The production (produced/recorded by her brother in his room) does exactly what it's supposed to: showcase her voice, which should be described as nothing less than beautiful. She makes the word "bullshit" sound like I love you.

4

SweetSexySavage

Kehlani

1995 : Aaliyah :: 2018 : Kehlani

3

This Old Dog

Mac DeMarco

Mac DeMarco is an interesting guy. In some ways just a regular musician, and in others a true left-fielder, he really does have a unique sound. What I'd call hummable wait music, or stoner elevator jams, he calls jizz jazz. However you'd like to describe it or him, this album is the perfect backdrop to whatever you do for relaxation.

2

4:44

Jay-Z

So. To me, the majority of the music on this album does not appeal sonically; wherever a sample isn't poorly constructed, it seems Jay's flow catches the wrong beat, save for a few instances. But then came the music videos. Do yourself a favor and try out a new lens: listen to this album as if Jay is narrating the subtext of a film.

1

DAMN.

Kendrick Lamar

Take away the conspiracies, blogs, reporters, and general hype, and how does DAMN. hold up? In my opinion, better. This album is only for certain people, at certain times, but when those circumstances align, this music is all there is.

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