Back for an eighth straight year, we at TheHipHopDemocrat once again despite being a mostly Hip-Hop based website, decided to include not only Hip-Hop, but a few of the other genres we cover a lot of, such as R&B, Jazz and Soul, as part of our latest best albums of the year list. Counting down from 10 to one, we cover a bunch of the variety of different artists and albums we covered throughout the year and came up with the following for our best of 2023 album’s. A few honorable mentions were even thrown in as well. So without further ado here is TheHipHopDemocrat’s seventh Best Albums of the Year list.
10. Victoria Monét – Jaguar II: Multi-GRAMMYs Award-nominated singer and songwriter, Victoria Monét, for much of the beginning of her career was known for her songwriting with fellow artist and her real life best friend, Ariana Grande. As well as several other high-profile artists like Nas, T.I., Brandy, Fifth Harmony and Chloe x Halle. Though she has been putting out her own solo work nearly a decade or longer. It wasn’t till more recent year’s that she has started to be known for her solo work as well. Starting with the release of her Jaguar EP in Aug. 2020 and its lead single, Moment, which was released in February of that year. Originally intended to be released in three separate EP’s that would come together to form her debut album. Monét‘s very highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed, JAGUAR II, which she released on Aug. 25th of this year. Instead came together as her actual debut album to mostly rave reviews and rightfully so. As it was an album that at 11 tracks, shows her versatility and how great not only a singer and songwriter she is, but overall artist as well. As Monét explores everything from her affinity for smoke on lead single and opening track, Smoke. That features fellow great singer and songwriter, Lucky Daye. To her flirtatious side on the Buju Banton featured party anthem, Party Girls, her freaky side on the KAYTRANADA-produced, Alright, woman’s empowerment on, the very funky and groovy D’Mile & Tim Suby co-separate, Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem), her emotional side on the very beautifully groovy and soulful, How Does It Make You Feel. That has Monét really showing off her beautifully soulful smooth vocals. As she sings so emotionally questioning, but also somewhat answering about how a certain love makes her feel. How relatable Monét is to the everyday woman is explored on previously released hit single, On My Mama. The slinky and triumphant Southern funk background with the catchy hook and punctuating horns to go with the very clever sample flip of Chalie Boy’s 2009 hit, I Look Good. Allowing Monét to playfully use humorous wordplay throughout that so many can relate to such as, ”I’m so deep in my bag. Like a grandma with a peppermint. They say, ’Ooh, she smell good.’ That’s just ‘cause “I’m heaven sent.” Meanwhile tracks like, I’m The One, once again has Monét exploring her emotionally side as so beautifully sings about her being the one true love someone else needs. The classic funk and soul of a lot of the 60’s and 70’s that inspired not only a lot of this album, but the original Jaguar EP. Is ever present on tracks like the very brilliant and witty, Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt). That was co-produced by Monét‘s very good friend, D’Mile, who also co-executive produced both Jaguar projects with Victoria. The aforementioned track also having a very brilliant melody switch towards the end that perfectly segues into the Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét featured, Hollywood. A very beautifully soulful and emotional record that sees Monét and Philip Bailey alongside the bass of Bailey’s EW&F partner, Verdine White. So beautifully reflectively sing about the joys, glory and fame of becoming famous and growing up in Hollywood. Victoria’s 2-year-old daughter cries from when she was born even making an appearance at the end of the record for what is not only easily the best track on the album, but one of the most beautifully emotional records you will ever hear. The wistfulness of groovy soul is once again present on the very beautiful hidden gem of a closing record, Good Bye. That finds Monét so beautifully in group-harmony with the strings of Peter Lee Johnson, guitar of Chris Payton, and trumpets of Kyla Moscovich and Arnetta Johnson. So beautifully sing in group-harmony chorus with Tommy Parker about how a good-bye is still making her feel so good. The sailing groovy backdrop sure to have you ready to get up and 2-step and sing along. Which is also the perfect way to end such a beautifully amazing nearly flawless album. That you can see why it lands at No. 10 in our Top Album’s of the Year list here for 2023. Even earning Monét seven nominations for the upcoming 66th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Including Best New Artist and the coveted Record of the Year for her smash hit single, On My Mama.
9. The Legendary Traxster – Chicago: Legendary and iconic living legend producer, The Legendary Traxster. Has long been one of the forefathers of the legendary Chicago Hip-Hop sound of the streets of the Westside of Chicago and really all street certified Chicago Hip-Hop. So it is only right Traxster in 2023 for the 50th year of Hip-Hop would play a huge part in Chicago Hip-Hop’s rightful place in the storied history of Hip-Hop by releasing a compilation album. Appropriately titled, Chicago. That is double sided like a double album was back in the day. With a 15-track Side A and Side B that features much of Chicago’s best Hip-Hop artists both new and old. Ranging from longtime collaborator’s Twista, Buk of Psychodrama, Belo of Do or Die and Traxster’s wife, Tia London. To such legendary Chicago Hip-Hop emcees as Lupe Fiasco, Cold Hard of Crucial Conflict, Shawnna, MC JUICE, Rhymefest, Twone Gabz, Teefa, G Count and Vic Spencer. Plus newer Chicago Hip-Hop artists such as FAT MONEY, Reese G of R&B group, 3 Piece, IAMGAWD, Tyre Hakim, GRIFFEN and Chimeka. For a compilation that lasts nearly an hour and 20 minutes. There is actually surprisingly very few and far between bad tracks. With the compilation not only being one of the best Hip-Hop, but music compilations across any genre I’ve heard in quite some year’s. That has several highlights throughout. Whether it be the straight to the point street tales from G Count on Killing Season to open the album to the very stellar scene stealing guest spot from FAT MONEY on, Might Go Bad to the smooth slick talking guest spot from Shawnna with the just as smooth great complimentary hook from Tia London on, Calling U and wizardly great guest spot from Buk of Psychodrama on, Pressure Points. Not to mention the very silky smooth singing from Willie Taylor and smooth playa like guest spot from Belo on, Passion and very soulfully smooth singing hook from Gritz along with Twista’s very smooth own playa ladies centered guest spot on, Natural. Which are all on Side A that is the more R&B and smoothed out side. Whereas Side B is a more straight up Hip-Hop and rapping version. That includes such highlights as the rapping bar fest from Lupe on, The Singularity. That is not only easily the best track on the album, but one of the best Hip-Hop tracks of the past several year’s. The straight up great flows, freestyling and super solid bars from Juice and the late great, Twone on, The Mutants and the revolutionary great guest spot from Rhymefest and Tweak’G on, Claws. Yet a couple more highlights. That also includes Teefa so effortlessly going off on, Down Time. Plus IAMGAWD just straight up going off on, The Master And The Student. The hype up from Traxster in between verses making the track that much better too. The GRAMMY Award-nominated producer also reminding people that he is not only one of the most legendary and influential producers ever in Hip-Hop, but a super talented and solid emcee as well. With his very effortlessly personal standout performance on the album’s closing track, The Xec That Sat By The Door. The perfect way to close such a stellar and masterful album.
8. Nas – Magic 3: Not many have had quite the three-year run as Nas and producer Hit-Boy have had from 2020-2023. So in the final chapter to this legendary run from one of the greatest emcees and lyricist’s of all-time. With someone who himself has now solidified himself as a legendary all-time great producer in Hip-Hop history. It should be no surprise that with Magic 3. That was released on Nas’ 50th birthday and in the same year that Hip-Hop itself turned 50. Nas and Hit-Boy deliver some of their best work yet. The very soulful and cinematic hard-hitting opening track, Fever. That interpolates the chorus of Nas classic, Represent, from his classic groundbreaking debut album, Illmatic. Finding the QB rep delivering some of his best bars. Such as, ”Dancin’ to every song like it’s a contest. Singin’ to Stevie Wonder, Happy Birthday. Celebratin’ years of flows and crazy wordplay. Seasoned, I’m leavin’ my forties. I’m a griot. Deep as Deepak Chopra, dress socks and loafers. Family only. I’m holdin’ hands with a cold piece. Bow to the old me, I’m officially OG.” Letting you know from the jump what a great album, lyrical wordplay, wisdom, stellar production and greatness you are once again in store from both Nas and Hit-Boy. The very haunting and sinister, Tsk, yet another highlight. Where Nas in a flow paying homage to the first golden era of Hip-Hop from the 80’s. Raps about the critics, the industry and how he defied them all with his own rules to become one of Hip-Hop’s all-time greats. Where as, Superhero Status, finds Nas over the very soulfully funky backdrop that sounds like it could be straight of a classic 70’s Blaxploitation movie. Rapping as if he was an actual super hero. Very similarly to the way he did on the Nas Morales track from the METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE SOUNDTRACK. The track even finding Nas give hints of that Nasty Nas flow so many of us love. As he so effortlessly floats on the track. Never Die with Lil Wayne as the lone feature. Is yet another highlight as both emcees rap about their legendary and iconic status in Hip-Hop for a truly authentic to the core of Hip-Hop great collaboration. In a nearly flawless album that is not only one of the best Hip-Hop album’s, but really best album’s across any genre here in 2023. Some of the tracks that really stood out the most and have been on constant rotation for me though, like I am sure they probably are for many others. Are, I Love This Feeling and Sitting With My Thoughts. I Love This Feeling, finding Nas over a very luxurious 70’s soul sample rapping so effortlessly and given not only one of his most quotable tracks on the album, but of his whole career. With these lyrics of, ”Cold part, Illmatic all through that episode of Ozark. I think that’s harder than if I had co-starred. A ghetto symphony. I’m Chief Keef, Cozart mixed with Mozart. It’s ill when you get bags for your own art.” Some of the one’s that stood out the most. The Nipsey voice sample from Hit on, Sitting With My Thoughts. Making me also realize how many people we have lost from Kobe to Nipsey and my Dad, among many so many of us have lost during this same three year run too. Also making that particular track and those verse’s on it hit home even more. Tracks like those mixed with the compellingly great streets-centric storytelling tracks we come to expect from Nas. Like the two-part, Based on True Events and Speechless, Pt. 2. Along with how much Hit-Boy’s soulful production throughout not only this album, but their whole run. Where Hit also truly inspired and reinvigorated Nas. Really helped put this album head and shoulders above the rest as by far the best in the Magic trilogy and just barely behind KD3 for the best of the six projects. That Nas and Hit-Boy released together during this historic modern day run. Which makes it even crazier that this album lands at No. 8 on our Top Album’s of the Year list. But also shows how many great album’s have been released across all music here in 2023.
7. DJ Muggs – Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley: Iconic living legend Westcoast producer, DJ Muggs, finally delivered his long-awaited and highly-anticipated third installment of his very popular and classic Soul Assassins here in 2023 with, Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. That comes a little over 26 year’s after the first original installment and nearly 23 year’s after Vol. 2 and was well worth the wait. As Muggs delivers what is very close to yet another classic album and falls just barely short of being one with this new 19-track effort. That finds him working with everyone from legendary emcees as Ice Cube to Scarface, B-Real, MC Ren, Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Slick Rick. Plus many of the great underground emcees he has worked in his recent resurgence over the past five plus year’s or so. Such as Freddie Gibbs, Rome Streetz, Roc Marciano, Meyhem Lauren, Jay Worthy, Boldy James, Evidence and CRIMEAPPLE. Plus some he has never even worked with before like Westside Gunn. With highlights from the album including previously released singles, Metropolis feat. Method Man and Slick Rick, Street Made feat. Scarface and Freddie Gibbs, Joker’s Wild feat. Cee-Lo Green and Dump On Em feat. B-Real, MC Ren and Ice Cube. Plus the Ghostface Killah and Westside Gunn featured, Sicilian Gold, the two Boldy James featured tracks, It’s On, and We Coming For The Safe. Plus the Evidence and Domo Genesis featured, Burn The Playbook, and Rome Streetz featured, Skeleton Bones.
6. Killer Mike – MICHAEL: MICHAEL, is not only Killer Mike’s most personal, honest and vulnerably autobiographical album to date, but easily the best Rap/Hip-Hop album of 2023. Really one of the best album’s across all genres released not only this year, but of the last decade. The Gospel, Funk and Soul mixed with 90’s Dirty South Rap backdrop throughout the 14 tracks that was mostly handled by legendary GRAMMY Award-winning producer No I.D. Who also helped executive produced the album. Really allowing Mike to show all sides of himself. From the hard-hitting Hip-Hop lifer on the hard hitting Cory Mo-produced opener, DOWN BY LAW featuring CeeLo Green to the very confessional loyal churchgoer trying to stir in the right direction of God on the booming and nimbly powerful, Mozzy and Lena Byrd Miles featured, SHED TEARS and the on the run outlaw on the very powerful appropriately titled, RUN featuring Dave Chappelle and Young Thug. There are several highlights throughout the album too. Whether it be the stellar guest verse from Andre 3000 along with the stellar hook from Eryn Allen Kane and just as great powerfully amazing verses from Mike himself on the powerfully soulful, SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS, that also features Future. To Kane’s very powerful chorus on the very emotionally vulnerable and apologetic, MOTHERLESS, that is one of Mike’s most poignantly raw, emotional and vulnerably honest records to date and the great back-and-forth we have become accustomed to from Killer Mike and El-P, as Run the Jewels on the soulful No I.D., El-P and Little Shalimar co-produced, DON’T LET THE DEVIL. Then the very emotionally soulful powerful Tec Beatz-produced, HIGH & HOLY featuring Ty Dolla $ign. That has Mike delivering some of his most emotionally honest and moving verses such as, ”We carry hatred for our rivals. Same as Cain and Abel. Killed his brother ’cause God showed him favor. Mankind killed it’s own savior, man’ll kill his neighbor (Do it again). Man’ll killer his neighbor, they say it’s in our nature. They say wе’re children of a lessеr god and treat us hateful. That shit is so disgraceful, I stay prayed and faithful. I apologize if I’ve ever spoke distasteful. Words in front of elders, sittin’ at the dinner table. I rightened up and tightened up and God showed me favor.” That is the perfect way to end such a masterful album too.
5. The Shindellas – Shindo: A little over two year’s after emerging great R&B/Soul girl group, The Shindellas, dropped their very stellar debut album, Hits That Stick Like Greats. The trio of Tamara Chauniece, Stacy Johnson and Kasi Jones. Returned her in 2023 with an even greater body of work for their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Shindo. A record that from the very funky fun soul-infused and upbeat opening record, Up 2 You. Lets you know the great vocals display from all three and amazing fun time you are in store for over the next eight tracks. That will even have you and most other listeners yourself, ”Ready to dance all night.” As the trio proclaims on part of the catchy fun chorus. That then perfectly segueing into the very fun and playful, Juicy, which sees the ladies singing in perfect harmony together about the quirky fun weird ways they would get juicy with their man. Previously released single, Ooh La La. Yet another highlight as the trio sing in such perfect harmony on this very funky soulful fun new Summer-Ready jam. Letting each lady have their own shine on the record. That then perfectly segueing into the very slick romantic ballad, Think of Me. That is one of those really soulful emotional ballads about a love you can’t live without that everyone can relate to and sure to be a hit in any era. As we get to the midpoint of the album the ladies provide another very funky fun soulful filled jam with hints of pop on, Good as Gold. That evokes elements of classic acts like The Pointer Sisters and even the late great Prince. For what the ladies have referred to as, “New American Soul.” For this sound they and their mentors, Grammy Award-winning production duo, Louis York, have come up with. While, Somethin’ That I Wanna Say, is a very beautiful amazing record about love that really lets the ladies truly show off their vocal range. While showing their influences from such classic powerhouse vocalists as Whitney Houston and Diana Ross. Kiss N’ Tell, another beautiful more slow tempo record that is more ready for slow dancing with someone you are truly in love with. Compared to a lot of the more uptempo fun funk filled records that also will make you want to get on the dance floor, but to more so groove and have a good time as opposed to slow dancing to. This also showing, The Shindellas, versatility too. As we see and hear on the previously released lead single, Last Night Was Good For My Soul. A very irresistibly funky soulful party dance groove. That is a record full of pure joy and blissfully good energy from the very talented trio. Who really show off their soaring great vocals and silky smooth harmonies over the disco-inspired production. The album then closing out with, the ladies given their own slightly funked-up rendition of the Bee Gees’ classic, Love You Inside Out. That allows each member to showcase their individual and collaboratively great vocal ranges. In this more slinked modernized version of the classic track. That is also a perfect way to close out such a stellar timeless masterpiece album. That shows how, The Shindellas, are keeping elements of the old, while also still bringing in their own modernized great take on such a classical great art form. That results in them delivering not only one of the best R&B/Soul releases here in 2023, but one of the best album’s released across all of music this year. Which is why it also lands in the top five of our Top Album’s of the Year list.
4. Leon Thomas – Electric Dusk: One of R&B/Soul and really music’s best kept secrets, is singer and songwriter, as well as producer, Leon Thomas. Who has worked with everyone from living legends and icons Toni Braxton and Babyface to Drake, Victoria Monét and Kosine. Now after year’s of being mostly in the background, 2023 finally seen Thomas release his long-awaited debut album, Electric Dusk. An album that starting with the dramatically and captivating opening track, Slow Down. Lets you know right away the momentous type of album you are in store for. That then perfectly segueing into the previously released Benny the Butcher featured single, X-Rated. Where Thomas sings about a woman he can’t quite let go. Another highlight from the album is the very next track with the very funk-infused, Blue Hundreds, about a lavish infused night that sounds like it’s something straight of a theatrical play and can even lead to trouble. That then leads into what is easily one of the top three tracks on the album in previously released single, Love Jones feat. Ty Dolla $ign. Where both Thomas and Ty so smoothly sing about an expensive love they are trying to satisfy. Leon Thomas very baritone, yet still smooth vocals on full display. Whereas, Sneak, is an intimate home-wrecker slow jam. That finds Thomas over the slow burning Trap Soul backdrop singing about how he sneakingly gets with someone else’s woman. Another highlight is the slow burning and bluesy previously released single, Breaking Point. Where Thomas sings his heart out about a love that has lead him to his breaking point and delivers what is easily one of the most emotionally beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. That then blends into another highlight in the beautifully soulful smooth, Crash & Burn. But by far the best track on the album is the very beautifully soulful, Treasure In The Hills. The vocals and sangin’ from Thomas on the latter along with the songwriting on all 12 tracks. Showing why he is R&B’s next sure to be breakout star and easily one of the best songwriters in all of music regardless of genre. This album a true masterpiece that if it was any other year it would be the best R&B album of all of 2023. But as it stands it isn’t, but is still at the very least one of the top three or even somewhere in the top four R&B album’s released this year. Not to mention really somewhere in the top five best released album’s across all genres released here in 2023. Thomas, I might add also shows with this album that he has made an album that stands out because it can easily be turned in a theatrical play too.
3. Jorja Smith – falling or flying: Coming a little over five year’s after her critically-acclaimed debut album, Lost & Found. Very beautifully talented singer and songwriter, Jorja Smith. Released her long-awaited and highly-anticipated sophomore album, falling or flying, here in 2023 and it was well worth the wait. As, Smith, from the jump with the very cinematic and thumping percussion DAMEDAME*-produced opener and previously released single, Try Me. That is one of her most vulnerable and honest records ever. Sings about putting herself out in front of a world that has many opinions. That she has to face and deal with and how Jorja, herself. Like so many other artists is actually her own biggest critic. That she alludes to with such soulfully heartfelt and emotional lyrics as, ”I know myself. I know I wasn’t. The only one that has been through what I have today. Can you wait for this second? To please. Somebody else other than your needs. You’ve got a lot left on these sleeves. But your heart’s not on your sleeve. Try to believe me though. I’ve got to listen. Got to learn. Got to live. Got to fight. Got to earn.” The very thumping percussion production of DAMEDAME* also present on the also beautifully deeply and personal, She Feels. Where Smith sings about feeling good and all the great memories from a former relationship she had. Something else that makes her new album so great too. Is that it shows Smith’s versatility to be great at several genres and not just the neo-soul that a lot of her debut album was based in. Which is first shown on the U.K. garage sounds of the P2J and New Machine co-produced, Little Things. A swift fun and playful song about someone Smith has her eye on in the club. That’s perfect for the clubs and just any fun setting. Both DAMEDAME* and P2J playing huge parts in production throughout the album too. As one or both produce on all, but the closing track. That is co-produced by Jodi Milliner and Blue May. DAMEDAME*, like Jorja, also show their versatility as producers throughout the album too. Starting with the very maad dancehall-centered banger, Feelings featuring J Hus. That is one of only two features on the album and really shows the perfect chemistry the two artists have together. The passion shown from Smith on the title track has her delivering not only the best track on the album, but what is easily among the most beautifully impassioned records you will ever hear. As over the very lush-pop, yet still beautifully soulful like backdrop she sings about a rendezvous she had and questioning whether it was actually love or lust. The chorus very beautifully impassioned and that you can really feel too. The guitar solo at the end also making the record that much more perfect as it perfectly segues into the very next track with the very pop-punk like backdrop of, GO GO GO. That you would never think would work for someone like Smith, but she absolutely makes work. As she sweepingly sings aside a former lover with a belligerence we have never seen or heard from before. Which Smith does in such a brilliantly amazing way too. She then switches back to the very emotionally vulnerable side we all love from her with, Try and fit in. Where Smith so beautifully sings about how she herself has tried to fit in with the music industry when she doesn’t have to and should just be herself. Something a lot of us can relate to and why her emotional vulnerability hits home so much more on records like this too. Another highlight of the album is the P2J & DAMEDAME* co-produced, Greatest Gift. Where Smith so beautifully sings about how even through all the ups and down’s, her love is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted from anyone. Fellow great international singer and songwriter, Lila Iké also featured on the track and the perfect fit for the record. Broken is the man, yet another record where Smith truly shows her great vocals and songwriting. As over the hauntingly eerie drums and keys of the P2J production, she so vulnerably sings about a man she thought was helping her to become a better woman cause of how much she opened up to him. That made her think she was broken, only to realize how she sings in part of the chorus, ”broken is the man.” P2J continues to provide great production on the standout, Make sense. Which sees Smith beautifully sing about a relationship that started at an unexpected time and she was trying to make sense of. Too many times, yet another highlight. That is one of those tracks that just gives you goosebumps listening as Smith sings about how too many times she has given time to a relationship that was no longer serving her. Whether it be for an actual relationship with someone else or perhaps even a double entendre to both that type of relationship and a relationship with all or certain parts of the music industry. The arrangements plus stellar production from DAMEDAME* and simple, yet beautiful vocals from Jorja on, Lately, making that a great track. The way that she also effortlessly floats over the beautiful keys and other instrumented production from P2J, while so beautifully singing with her angelic vocals about how post-fame has made her learn so many things about herself. On, Backwards. Making it such a standout record. The somewhat haunting solo keys to close it while perfectly segueing into the closing track, What if my heart beats faster? Which finds Smith over the very classic piano keys, string and guitar backdrop. So reflectively with her beautiful angelic vocals sing about all the emotions a certain love will make you realize and feel. The way that all of Jorja’s heartfelt emotions and soulfully impassioned vocals build up towards the end of the record. Making you feel and love the track even more and the perfect way to end such a timeless masterpiece album. That is not only one of the top two or at the very least top three R&B album’s released here in 2023, but top album’s released across all of music.
2. Maeta – When I Hear Your Name: Even though it’s being called and marketed as an EP, let’s be real. Rising great Roc Nation signed singer and songwriter, Maeta’s, most recent project, When I Hear Your Name. Is in all honesty really an album. From the number of tracks 14 to the length of the album at just a little over 40 minutes. That’s clearly album and not EP length. Whatever you do or don’t want to call it though. It’s easily not only the second best R&B/Soul album or project released this year, but one of the top three to five releases across all music here in 2023. Starting with the James Fauntleroy featured, soulfully ethereal and mind blowing opener, Sexual Love. That shows the undeniably great chemistry between Maeta and Fauntleroy, shows the type of soulfully great R&B you are about to get throughout the album. That then perfectly segueing into the very soulfully groovy Omar Grant and 1500 or Nothin’ co-produced, Cool Cat. Right into the very groovy and super nostalgic Shea Taylor-produced, Anybody. Control Freak feat. her Roc Nation Records labelmate, Ambré and the KAYTRANADA-produced, Questions. Two of the more standout tracks that really allow Maeta to show off her beautifully soulful smooth angelic vocals. The latter also one of the project’s more personal records. As Maeta questions her status in a possible relationship with a possible lover that she feels wants to be more. The status of different parts of her love life. One of the main underlying themes of the album. Whether it be her wanting to get back at an ex by openly singing about wanting to, ”Fvck their friend.” As she sings on part of the chorus to the appropriately titled, Fvck Your Friend. To the freaky banger, ASMR. Where she sings about many of the freaky things she would do in bed with her lover or the confusion of the status of a relationship so many of us can relate to. That Maeta and fellow great singer and songwriter, Lucky Daye, sing about on the very soulfully stellar, but also way too short, Camper-produced, Clarity. To the openness of feeling like it is ok to kiss new people after a heartbreak on the Ty Dolla $ign featured, Kissing New People. The very emotionally beautiful and touching, Something Happens When I Hear Your Name. A very personal and near tear-jerking record that will make you want to do right in a relationship with a significant other or any other close relationship with someone that doesn’t have to necessarily be a significant other. The-Dream and Gesteelde-Diamant co-produced, See You Around. Yet another very emotionally beautiful and personal record. Where Maeta sings about a former lover she wishes to no longer see around. The album closing with previously released singles, S(EX) and Through The Night. With the Free Nationals featured latter, one of the most beautifully soulful groovy and heart bearing records you will ever hear and that really allows Maeta to show off her beautifully soulful smooth angelic vocals. That is also one of the most beautifully soulful great ways to end such a beautifully soulful and personal great masterpiece album. That is one of those album’s that will be remembered with how great it’s for several year’s and decades to come.
1. BJ the Chicago Kid – Gravy: Very talented multi-GRAMMY Award-nominated R&B/Soul singer and songwriter, BJ the Chicago Kid. Released what is not only easily the best R&B/Soul album released here in 2023, but the best album across all of music and really one of the best album’s of the past several years. In his newest album, Gravy. A 15-track effort that is a really fun and groovy feel-good record all produced by Yeti Beats. The live instrumentation performed by The Indications throughout, a huge part in establishing the very amazing sound. That pairs perfectly with BJ’s soulfully smooth vocals and is a match made in heaven you hear from the very opening record, Best Of Your Life (Intro). Which is one of those really grown folks records about having a good time and truly making it the best night of your life. Charlie Bereal, who co-produced another key component too. Producing on 7 of the 15 tracks. The next record, the Coco Jones featured previously released single, Spend The Night. A true standout that is a really groovy feel-good record that will have you ready to hit the dance floor and get your 2-step on. As both BJ and Jones show why they’re not only two of the best vocalists in R&B/Soul, but all of music. Plus the truly undeniable chemistry they have together. That perfectly segueing into the very heartfelt love ballad, Never Change featuring Philip Bailey of the legendary and iconic, Earth, Wind & Fire. Right before going into previously released standout singles, Forgot Your Name feat. Cory Henry and Liquor Store In The Sky featuring frequent collaborator Freddie Gibbs. Get Loose a truly upbeat great dance-floor ready jam that you don’t have no pulse if it doesn’t make you want to get up to dance and groove to. While, Who Cares, is a really groovy loving feel-good jam in which BJ’s vocals truly shine as he sings about how meaningless life can be if you don’t spend it without the person you want to share the rest of your life with. Just when you think the album couldn’t get any better too it goes into what is not only one of the best records on the album, but released all year. In the Chlöe featured, Honey. A very groovy and feel-good grown folks record about indulging in a sweet honey love. That truly lets both BJ and Chlöe show off not only their silky smooth honey vocals, but the undeniably great chemistry they have together too. Rogét Chahayed, who co-produced on the record. Playing both keys and strings on it. One of the elements that made it such a great record too. That is a sure fire hit. Following that is standout previously released single, Long Time. A slowed down record where over the bass-heavy, soul-drenched co-production of Yeti and Charlie Bereal. BJ pours his heart out about a lost love he is reminiscing about. Feel Something Do Something, another really true standout. That finds BJ delivering a true bedroom burning baby making jam. That really truly is for the grown folks. While, Feel Good, is a very church coir inspired record. That over the very minimalist piano-driven backdrop lets you know BJ’s church choir upbringings. As he sings about a love he is trying to make so feel good and satisfied to be with him for the rest of his life. After a lot more minimalist and slowed down production on a few of the previous records. BJ and company pick things back up with the Andra Day featured, Crazy Love. That is definitely among my favorites and sees both BJ and Day singing about an unequivocal devoted love they have to go through several tough times with. To make right. The chemistry between both artists equivalent to the great duets of those same type of records from late greats Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. While, Crazy Love, is among my favorites. Nobody Knows, is another very standout record. That finds BJ over a very funk-infused guitar and drums based Yeti and Bereal co-production. Given his best impersonation of the late great Prince and actually doing it pretty well. As he sings about a love he’s trying to lure. With one of the only down sides being how short the record is. The very healing and more acoustic guitar-based, We’ll Be Alright (Outro). That BJ for a time lets Charlie Bereal get his own very slowed down great guitar solo on. The perfect way to end such a timeless masterpiece album and the closing record. One of those one’s that if you’ve ever lost a grandparent, father or someone really close to you. Everyone can really relate to.
Honorable mentions: Glasses Malone – Cancel Deeez Nutz: If you are a fan of the classic Westcoast 90’s Gangsta Rap sound. Then Watts, California-based rapper, Glasses Malone’s newest album, Cancel Deeez Nutz, is a must listen. All produced and also executive produced by legendary and somewhat underrated producer, Ervin ”EP” Pope, who is most known for his work on Kanye West’s first two album’s and The Game’s first three album’s. Provides the stellar production throughout all 17 tracks. That features such standouts as the previously released singles, Kanye Should Have Never Married (That B***h) featuring iconic Westcoast figure Suga Free and Los Angeles sibling duo LA Giantz. As well as the Westcoast banger, ’21 Stimmy Flow. The latter finding Malone given one of his best performances of his career so far. As he so effortlessly raps about how he is keeping it G and gangster. While everyone else isn’t. The album is mostly Malone by himself with the lone features being Suga Free, the LA Giantz on several tracks. Plus Mr. White Dogg, Kam, D Smoke, Nakina and the late great, The Notorious B.I.G. The title track, the DJ Battlecat and Ervin ”EP” Pope co-produced, Fed Up, the very feel-good, Jim Dandy, Westcoast banger, My Nyk Cortez feat. LA Giantz and Mr. White Dogg. Plus U.S. and Mr. California among several other highlights on the album. U.S. a very feel-good track featuring fellow Westcoast emcees D Smoke, Kam and Joey Westside. As they provide verses alongside Glasses on how things would be in the U.S. If it wasn’t for black people and Hip-Hop culture’s influence on the U.S.A. throughout history. A clip of a speech from the late great, Martin Luther King Jr. speaking on that played in between D Smoke and Kam’s verses. Joey providing the very smooth feel-good hook. While Mr. California is another really smooth feel-good track. That is also somewhat of a playas anthem that finds Glasses rapping about all the women across the U.S. from Vegas to Houston, New Orleans, New York, Philly, Detroit, Atlanta and Chicago, he has fvcked. Nakina providing the very silky smooth nasty, yet still feel-good hook about allowing G to fvck her. That elevates the record to another level. Ironically enough the very next track witt the Biggie featured, Tha Loc. Is one of the only tracks that didn’t really work and prevents it from being a classic or better album. The track itself really isn’t a true Big feature and is just Glasses and EP trying to rework and/or flip Biggie’s, Big Poppa into a crip anthem. That just didn’t really land at all in the way I think they thought it was going to. Overall it’s a really great album though and easily not only among my favorite Hip-Hop album’s released here in 2023, but among my favorite album’s released across all of music. Which is also why it lands as an honorable mention in on our top album’s of 2023 year-end list.
Kiana Ledé – Grudges: Kiana Ledé is easily one of the most beautiful and amazingly talented young singer and songwriter’s. In the current ever growing crop of great young R&B/Soul artists right now. Dropping her very stellar and critically-acclaimed debut album, KIKI, in 2020. Ledé returned here in 2023 with her highly-anticipated and long-awaited sophomore album, Grudges. Like her very honest and vulnerable debut, this one comes in at 17 tracks. Focusing mostly on her own experiences and all the different emotions from bitterness to heartbreak, anger, regret and jealousy. She has gone through after a breakup in the time between releasing her debut and sophomore album’s. Doing it so in an honestly vulnerable and not give a fvck’s type of way we have come to expect way from Ledé. She does so from the very opening track with the Mike Woods, Nija Charles & Pat McManus co-produced, Bitter B***h (INTROlude) that at the end of track also warns and lets listener’s know what type of toxic energy they are in store for throughout the rest of the album. That perfectly segues into previously released single, Irresponsible. That is one of those emotionally heartbreak anthems, which is still such a beautifully piano-driven record about all the up and down emotions love can make you go through. Promise Me, another instrumental driven record that has Kiana over this slow jam singing about having a man that she wants to promise she can fvck and get freaky with at any time without any attachments. While, Gone, is a very stellar and moody WavelQ, The Rascals and Naji co-produced track. That is also a Bryson Tiller collaboration that finds the two singer’s singing about all the things that are now gone from each other in a relationship. Which then perfectly transitions into, Gemini Slander. Which you can tell what the track is about from the title and I gotta admit even though I’m a Gemini myself. Is a somewhat surprisingly jamming record. The very stellar production from Mike Woods, Bizness Boi, Nija, Fortune and Boston on, LMK. Really allowing Kiana to show off her truly amazing vocals as she sings in an actually beautiful way about the anger she’s trying to let go of from a previous relationship. One of the album’s best tracks and arguably even the best track on the album is the very beautiful Nija and Vron co-produced guilt-infused, Jealous. A very vulnerably emotional and beautiful duet with fellow great singer and songwriter, Ella Mai, about being jealous and trying to be exclusive with someone in a relationship. With both singers also truly able to belt out and show off their very amazing vocal range. Where as, Focus, is one of those more slow tempo jams. That is another standout track, but allows Ledé in a more softer tone sing about having someone in a relationship focus more on her. One of my personal favorites that is easily one of the top four or at the very least top five tracks on the album though is the Rascal, TaeBeast, Naji and Shanks co-produced, Damage. The beautifully acoustic driven, Too Far, about all her regrets she had in a previous relationship. The very large scale and great production throughout the album and especially on tracks like, Deeper. Where Kiana is vocally able to give her all is also one of the things that make this such a great album. The very beautifully acoustic-driven title track yet another standout that finds her giving such a painfully remorseful and stirring performance about all the overburden resentment and pain she feels from a previous relationship that has made it hard to move forward. The album hits it lowest emotional peak with the very beautifully emotional D’Mile and Nija co-produced, Same Type. Which finds Kiana singing about how everyone from her Dad to many of her exes have made it hard for her to trust many men in her life. Another favorite of mine that is easily one of the best tracks on the whole album is the Khalid duet, Where You Go. That finds both singers singing in such perfect harmony with each other about an undeniably beautiful and truly heartfelt once in a lifetime love you can’t live without. That we all deserve at some point in our lives. The Wu10, Nija and Cardiak co-produced, Closure, a very triumphant record that finds Kiana singing about all the peace of mind she now has after letting go of all the pain, stress, regret and hopelessness’s she had to endure through from her past relationship and heartbreak. A truly hard-fought triumph she can now say she has survived through. That then perfectly segueing into the very triumphantly glowingly soulful and amazing closing track, Magic. In which you can really feel Kiana’s soulful vocals about a new found love she is so into and wants to let know how important they feel to her with all the endlessly great possibilities a possible new and blossoming relationship should make you feel. It’s really the perfect way to end such an amazing album. That’s not only one of the best R&B/Soul album’s released this year, but one of the best album’s released across all music here in 2023. One of the only reasons it lands as honorable mention and not in our our actual top 10 album’s of the year list is because of it being another pretty great year. Here in 2023 of so much great music released.
Masego – self-titled album: When it comes to some of the best singer and songwriters, as well as multi-instrumentalists in all of music to emerge over the last decade. Masego, is definitely near the top. With his critically-acclaimed genre-defying debut album, Lady Lady. Dropping all the way back in 2018. His highly-anticipated and long-awaited self-titled sophomore album finally arrived here in 2023 and though there was all that time in between album’s. Masego did keep busy by coming out in 2020 with an EP entitled, Studying Abroad. Plus a deluxe version of that EP released in 2021, which was nominated for a Grammy. Masego’s self-titled album was definitely well worth the wait though as over the new 14-track effort. He shows from the very opening track, Black Anime. His intoxicatingly dreamy vocals to go with his very smooth saxophone skills. For the very vibey and straight up nice jam that actually has a surprisingly nice Cha Cha Slide interpolation too. Before going into the very dreamy, Sax Fifth Avenue. Then right into the very flirtatious, What You Wanna Try. That shows between a mashup of upbeat bouncy dance beats, pianos and sax solos. How Masego within just those first three tracks continues to be the genre-defying favorite artist we all grew to love so much. We continue to see this on the Dan Foster, Louie Lastic and Wu10 co-produced jam, Down In The Dumps. Plus the more interlude driven, You Play With My Heart. As we reach the midway point we get the dreamy mashup of piano keys and instruments from Braxton Cook, Wu10, Kaleah Wooten and S1 co-production with Masego’s sax solos in between for the beautifully reminiscent standout, Remembering Sundays. That then perfectly segues into the Wu10, Micah Davis and Nate Thomas co-produced standout track, Who Cares Anyway. Where he sings about not wanting to be famous anymore. By far one of the album’s best tracks though and maybe arguably even the best track on the album. Is the very Island-inspired feel-good sounds of the Dan Foster, P2J and EY co-produced previously released single, Say You Want Me. Which then perfectly segues into playfully dynamic and diverse also previously released single, Two Sides (I’m So Gemini). Right into another previously released single, You Never Visit Me. Another Wu10, Todd Pritchard and Louie Lastic co-produced track. That is a smooth mid-tempo jam featuring Masego’s signature intoxicatingly smooth vocals. As he sings and raps about an ex that never visited him. With Justus West providing the electric guitar to make the record even more smoother and amazing. For what is easily one of the top two tracks on the album and truly shows Masego’s growth as a vocalist, singer and songwriter. Plus producer and multi-instrumentalists, as well as just overall great artist. The really saxophone driven, In Style, is yet another highlight. With Masego’s sax play on it really carrying it and the way his vocals go over it just perfectly in sync. Not to mention the unexpectedly dope bridge at the end helping make it easily one of the best tracks on the whole album. The album then closes out with the very peacefully smooth sounds of, Eternal Sunshine (Fire Pit). Masego’s lovely smooth vocals showing how truly even more excellent of a record this truly is. That is also the perfect way to close such a diversely jazzy rich soulfully fun and beautiful, R&B/Soul and Jazz album. That is not only easily among the best album’s released across all music here in 2023, but a favorite of mine and why it is an honorable mention on our top album’s of 2023 year-end list. Which would have been even higher. If not for the immensely great amount of good quality music once again released this year.
Kali Uchis – Red Moon In Venus: When it comes to some of the most talented singer and songwriters to emerge in R&B/Soul over the last decade. Columbian-American singer, Kali Uchis, is near the top. Releasing her highly-anticipated third album, Red Moon In Venus, here in 2023. The singer delivers what is easily not only one of the best R&B/Soul album’s of the year, but of the past several year’s. The 15-track effort a truly soulfully mesmerizing and dreamy experience of Kali’s journey in love. That starts with the extremly smooth & stellar lead single, I Wish you Roses. That finds her showing off her angelically smooth vocals, as she sings very romantically about letting go stuck memories of a former love without any regrets or bitterness. You are instead celebrating and giving them roses by letting go. That then perfectly segues into the sultry and soulfully funky smooth J.LBS, Omar Apollo and Vicky Nguyen co-produced, Worth the Wait. That also features Apollo and sees both Kali and Apollo over the smooth keys and thumping drums backdrop. Singing in perfect harmony with each other about trying to balance a relationship that is both sexual and romantic. The melody/chorus between both artists truly showing their undeniably great chemistry together too. The way that Kali shows off her soothingly, yet seductively smooth vocals towards the end with the keys playing in the background. making the record that much better too. Like the first few tracks it then perfectly and so smoothly segues into the very dreamingly smooth Josh Crocker produced, Love Between… A very nostalgic love ballad about the everlasting love and connection two lovers have with one another. Kali’s very soulfully dreamy seductively smooth vocals and melodies over the just as dreamingly smooth piano keys, drums and bass background. Really caring this very hypnotically soulful and dreamy standout track. The very next track, All Mine. Is a very beautifully heavenly smooth record. Where Kali over the very thumping baseline and stellar co-production from GRADES and Al Shux, graciously lets other “ho*s*” know they can’t have the type of deep connection and love she has with her man. With her powerfully smooth vocals and lyrics of, ”Every time I see you smile. That’s all me. And if they thought they had a chance. I’m sorry. But there just ain’t no way in hell. That’s all mine.” In part of the chorus/melody hitting even more. For what is easily one of the top three tracks on the album and definitely among the better songs so far in Kali’s already great career. The chemistry between Kali and her real life boyfriend, Don Toliver on the afrobeats-infused dance floor banger, Fantasy. That is produced by P2J and Jahaan Sweet. Has Toliver delivering one of his best performances ever and the two singers showing off the very undeniably great chemistry they have together both musically and as actual lover’s. That is like a real life fantasy they are living and you can hear in the music. That shows how truly in love they are together. The very next track, Como Te Quiero Yo. A very beautiful record that picks up where the last one does and Kali letting everyone know that though not all love is perfect and has some flaws. That’s what makes it work. This record the first one where we get to see Kali’s beautifully smooth and amazing transitions between singing in both English and Spanish too. That we also see again in the frosted electro with a bumping beat and stellar guitar co-production from Manuel Lara and Albert Hype on the bilingually stellar groove, Hasta Cuando. Kali brings the groovy retro vibes on the endlessly stellar Rodney ”Darkchild” Jenkins and Marvin ”Toneworld” Hemmings co-produced dance groove, Endlessly. That is not only among the best records on the album, but among my favorite songs ever from Kali Uchis. With how undeniably groovy and great it’s. Having you ready to dance and groove anywhere at anytime for a groovy good time. Can we talk about the vocal performance from Kali on, Moral Conscience, over the very trippy and stellar Sir Dylan production too. The sophisticated pop and saxophone elements on the Sade-esque Yussef Dayes and Josh Crocker co-produced, Blue. Find Kali delivering one of her most breathtakingly great vocal performances of not only the album, but her career so far. As she sings so beautifully and truthfully about all the contemplations she had to go through about ending a previous relationship she never wanted to end. That then perfectly segueing into the Summer Walker collaboration, Deserve Me. Where both Kali and Walker show not only what great chemistry they have together, but what truly great songwriter’s they are too. The drums and bridge on the outro, just ridiculously out of this world good and like they created a whole other genre or reinvented music with this entire record. Not to mention the piano and/or synthesizer chords on the outro that just have you like, ”Wow!” After listening. The dreamingly ethereal and addictive previously released single, Moonlight. Where Kali sings in both English and Spanish with her ethereally dreamy smooth and beautiful, yet seductive vocals about a love she’s fully riding for and taken on an intoxicating love journey with her. That is yet another highlight among many on the album that sticks with the album’s theme of love throughout. The album closing out with the very beautiful and dreamy Sounwave, DJ Khalil and Mndsgn co-produced, Happy Now. That is the perfect way to close out such a beautifully sultry soulful and amazing album. That’s not only arguably the best album of Kali Uchis’ career now, but easily among the best album’s released across all of music here in 2023. Plus one of my personal favorite album’s released this year and why it lands as an honorable mention on our top album’s of 2023 year-end list. Just like with Masego’s self-titled album, the only reason Kali didn’t make it into our actual top 10 album’s of the year list and only as an honorable mention is cause of it being another pretty great year. Here in 2023 of so much great music released.
Jae Skeese – Abolished Uncertainties: Conway the Machine had a pretty stellar year dropping his latest critically-acclaimed solo album, WON’T HE DO IT, plus two EP’s, collaboration projects with 38 Spesh and his first Drumwork Music Group signed artist, Jae Skeese. Overall it was a pretty busy and solid 2023 for not only Conway, but his Drumwork label/crew. Surprisingly it was not The Machine himself despite all the release’s he pumped out, but one of his proteges. Jae Skeese, who not only put out the best Drumwork released project of the year, but one of the best not only Hip-Hop album’s and really best album’s across all music released here in 2023. With his Drumwork debut album, Abolished Uncertainties. That was executive produced by Conway. A very stellar 13-track album that let Skeese show off his great lyrical abilities, inspiring lyrics and motivational raps about his come up in Hip-Hop. As one of the best young inspiring and motivationally great emcees to emerge of this latest generation of soon to be Hip-Hop greats. Conway, Freeway, Jilian Haynesworth, Auragino and Kota Savia being the only guest features on the album. Really letting Jae Skeese show he can hold his own too. The very soulfully almost cinematic like production from producer Age to go with Skeese’s lyrics of, ”It’s like yo. I write this s**t impeccably. Permanently I am going to stay on an upwards trajectory. Like, ’What you expect from me?’ This s**t here is my specialty. I am Rambo with the weaponry.” Plus, ”Who knew the type of impact to the game the legend West would bring? With Benny, Con and Daringer. A special team. Opening the doors so I can kill them on the second spree with the deepest propensity. I spit like I am in need of this desperately.” On the opening track, RVLVR. That sounds like it could of been straight out of the classic Just Blaze, Bink! and prime Roc-A-Fella sound of the early 2000’s. The track really setting the tone for the album and sounding like it letting everyone know from the jump the type of impactful and motivationally great bars. To expect throughout much of the album. The very soulfully eerie, yet inspirational Freeway featured, We Out Here. Another very standout track. That let’s Skeese and everyone know he can spit and hang with the best of them. With other standout tracks being Bonneville, Burner Phone, the Conway featured previously released single, Symmetry and Red Koolaid feat. Auragino and Jillian Haynesworth. Plus EKIN 3 and Sideline Saga. The very soulfully emotional and motivationally real Cartune Beatz-produced Sideline Saga and soulfully piano-laden Tony Seltzer-produced, Auntie Crystal featuring Kota Savia. Two of the most soulfully emotionally and motivationally real tracks. You will not only hear on any debut, but really any album. That’s the perfect way to close such a stellar and near masterpiece album.