Back for a 10th straight year and a decade later, 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 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 2025 album’s. A few honorable mentions were even thrown in as well. So without further ado here is TheHipHopDemocrat’s 10th Best Albums of the Year list.
10. Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out: Legendary Hip-Hop duo, Clipse’s very critically-acclaimed and highly-touted comeback album, Let God Sort Em Out. Is not only easily one of the best Hip-Hop album’s here in 2025, but one of the best across all of music this year. That is also some of the best work in the already great discography. Which sees both brothers of Pusha T and Malice over 13 tracks all produced by longtime friend and collaborator, Pharrell, going in with the bars and emceeing throughout like they have something to prove. Malice and Pharrell especially between their rhyming and production seeming like they really wanted to prove any doubters wrong about still having it on the mic and boards. The very beautifully emotional and poignantly powerful opening track, The Birds Don’t Sing. That is by far not only one of the most standout records on the album, but one of the best songs released across all of music this year. Also the perfect unexpected opener we would never expect from Clipse that really set the tone for the album and really hit home even more for me cause of me losing my own father a little over 5 1/2 years ago. As the beautifully emotional and poignantly powerful record finds both brothers rapping messages as an homage to their parents, who passed within a year of one another. Pusha T rapping directly to their mother, while Malice does to their father. Both sharing very beautifully emotional and poignant messages of love and grief to their parents they never got the chance to say before they passed. John Legend and Voices of Fire’s beautifully emotional and powerful soaring chorus in between the verses from the Clipse, really elevating the record too. That perfectly into the very talked about Kendrick Lamar featured, Chains & Whips. As well as such standout tracks as the Tyler, the Creator featured, P.O.V., previously released singles So Be It and Ace Trumpets. M.T.B.T.T.F., E.B.I.T.D.A., the Stove God featured, F.I.C.O., Pharrell-featured, So Far Ahead, Ab-Liva featured, Inglorious Bastards, and the title track/Chandeliers featuring Nas, among some of the other standout tracks on the album. A very impactful album that though not a classic is about as close as you can get to one with the insane amount of replay value it has had throughout the year and will continue to have. Which is why we have it not only as a top 5 Hip-Hop album released here in 2025, but one of the best albums released across all music here this year and ranked as our #10 album for Top Albums of the Year. The impact the album has had for the Clipse beyond Rap and Hip-Hop and just across all music shown in their five GRAMMYs nominations for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards. That includes nominations for Best Rap Album and the very coveted and highly-touted, Album of the Year.
10 (Tie). Laufey – A Matter of Time: Grammy Award-winning artist, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Laufey, has had quite the 2025. Releasing her critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated latest album, A Matter of Time. As well as consistently selling out her record-breaking A Matter of Time arena tour. This classically timeless sounding record has so many standout records throughout 15 tracks. Whether it be opening record, Clockwork, that sounds like it is perfect for Christmas and/or the Holiday season to the standout, Lover Girl and very emotionally strings driven-Snow White and even, beautifully emotional guitar-driven heartbreak anthem, Castle in Hollywood to the absolutely beautiful piano and strings-driven, Carousel, hauntingly eerie, yet beautiful and somewhat powerful single, Silver Lining, beautifully sweet classically composed Christmas and/or Snow White-feeling interlude, Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude), beautifully jaw dropping heavenly, Forget-Me-Not, which she sings in part of her native Icelandic. The sure to be heartbroken anthem, Tough Luck, that really lets Laufey show off her beautifully heavenly vocals and goes perfectly with the live instruments and the absolutely beautiful magnetically dreamy powerful, A Cautionary Tale, is not only the best record on the album, but one of the best records you will ever hear. Which really lets Laufey show off her beautifully heavenly sweet vocals and slowly builds up to her powerfully singing about a lover she had hurt her and give her agony after giving them so much of her. That she feels they will later regret in letting her go. The very performatively electric and majestic, Mr. Ecletic, yet another highlight that is another record that sounds somewhat Christmassy or perfect for the Winter months. That also has Clairo on background vocals. The beautifully haunting and somewhat eerie, Sabotage, yet another highlight. The album closing with the beautifully majestic and charmingly classical, Seems Like Old Times. That really allows Laufey to truly stay true to her very at her core classical and jazz roots she was trained in. An album that does also let Laufey explore somewhat a little other genres such as Pop and Country, while still staying mostly true to her classical and jazz roots and still has a lot of very jazzy and classical live production throughout the album we have come to expect from her. It is an album that while just short of being another classic masterpiece album from Laufey. Is still one of the best albums released here in 2025 and can be played almost whenever, but is also perfect theme music for a lot of the Christmas, holidays season and Winter months. Which is why we have it ranked as a tie with Clipse for 10th best album across music here this year and it was appropriately nominated for a GRAMMYs award for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
9. De La Soul – Cabin In The Sky: Legendary and iconic Hip-Hop group, De La Soul. Lost key group member, Dave, due to his sudden untimely passing in 2023. Just as they were getting back their long out-of-print first few albums back from Tommy Boy Records and they were being released digitally for the first time. As well as receiving a remastered campaign for the albums. Surviving members Maseo and Posdnous feeling compelled to press on in his honor and not only continued to tour, but were able to make an album that not only gave honor, homage and reference to their brother, Dave. But continued to keep his spirit alive even without him no longer here in the physical form for the group’s first album in nine years with, Cabin In The Sky. A reference to everyone’s time and questions of the afterlife. Despite him no longer being here in the physical form, Dave’s rhymes and ideas still are a big contributor alongside Maseo and Posdnous to how his life is celebrated and revered on De La’s new album. As over 20 tracks that includes several of the skits they are well known for on their album, they are still able to bring something nostalgic and refreshing, yet still new. The heavenly smooth hilarious intro from Giancarlo Esposito taken attendance of all of the collaborator’s who contributed to the album the perfect way to kickoff such a soulfully near once again timeless album from De La Soul. That then so perfectly and smoothly segueing into the actual first track of the album with the very soulfully smooth, YUDONTSTOP. Where Pos shows why he is one of the most underrated emcees ever and both he and Maseo also show that even without Dave no longer here in the physical form. They will still continue to bring joy and positive vibes as they have always been known for, while also bringing some of the pain and loss part now as well. That so many can relate to. That they all three talk about on the outro before so seamlessly and smoothly transitioning into the very banging soulfully scratch-laden DJ Premier-produced standout, Sunny Storms. That has a clever beat switch about midway through the track. As Posdnous once again spits such positive standout bars as, “God’s work to live amongst hurt. But stay planted in faith in straight form. It’s a norm to have storms take position in skies. But uneasy waters indigenous to lies. But behold, there’s gold tucked beneath the surface. Raised to be on point, but now we on purpose. Convert into a seed when rainy days come to leave lessons to learn from. No need to grieve for the death of the old you, that ushers in change. Give birth to better versions for you to claim. The best weight loss is losing the opinion of others with a cross. To nail to you for sinnin’. They throw stones so that your towel gets thrown in. But you let them see you’ll forever be sown in. To debate, and love has more stamina than hate. And shown in what we should choose to forsake. But knowledge isn’t here to work on behalf of ego. Stormy weather moves through emotions of the people.” That then perfectly segueing into the very upbeat head-nodding standout Supa Dave West-produced, Good Health. Where Trugoy the Dove aka Dave and Pos continue to rap such positive and uplifting lyrics before it perfectly segues into the super groovy Yummy Bingham featured standout, Will Be. Where in between Yummy’s very upbeat and fun uplifting chorus, Pos and Maseo do a nice fun back and forth. As we get some very rare rapping from the latter on the track. Before it perfectly segues into easily one of the best tracks on the album in the super groovy and fun Pete Rock-produced, The Package. Then so smoothly and seamlessly segueing into the soulfully beautiful and heartwarming Nottz-produced, A Quick 16 for Mama. That features Killer Mike and has Posdnuos and Mike giving very heartwarming and honestly transparent 16s dedicated to the memory of their since passed mothers. For what is easily not only one of the album’s best tracks, but the best tracks released all year. That then perfectly segueing into a hilarious Jay Pharoah & Gareth Donkin skit at the beginning of the very summery & smooth, as well as fun carefree Pos solo relationship storytelling track, Just How It Is (Sometimes). That will give you feelings of some of De La Soul’s classic 90’s tracks. Which then seamlessly segues into the very funky disco-inspired Yukimi featured, Cruel Summers Bring FIRE LIFE!! That cleverly samples the late great Quincy Jones & Patti Austin’s classic, Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me and the late great Roy Ayers timeless 70’s classic, Everybody Loves the Sunshine. That then so seamlessly and smoothly segues into one of the albums singles and top 3 or 4 tracks with the positively soulful groovy funk-filled Supa Dave West-produced, Day In The Sun (Gettin’ with U) featuring Q-Tip and Yummy Bingham. That Pos and Q-Tip really sound at home over and has that signature De La sound. That then so seamlessly segueing into the very banging banger of all bangers with the Nas featured, Run It Back!! Easily one of the top 2 tracks on the album. Both Pos and Nas really going in with the bars. Especially the latter after the perfect beat switch before he comes. The track with its outro from famed actor, Giancarlo Esposito, who also did the intro track for the album. Really making this De La and Nas track a full on experience you really need to feel. Things really switching up again with the really soulfully hypnotic and emotional Pete Rock-produced, Different World featuring Gina Loring. Where Pos delivers very emotional transparent and honest heartfelt lyrics reflecting on how much Dave’s loss has affected him. For what is by far one of the most emotional transparent and heartfelt records ever and easily a top three track on the album too. Jake One then delivering the soulfully soothing, Patty Cake. That has both Dave and Pos delivering positively fun lyrics in the same style of the classic, Patty Cake game so many of us grow up playing as kids. That then perfectly segueing into two DJ Premier-produced bangers, The Silent Life of a Truth and the Black Thought featured, EN EFF. The latter track cleverly sample scratching Papoose’s The Plug on the scratch hook as both Pos and Black Thought deliver what is not only arguably the best track on the album, but one of the best tracks across all of music for 2025. That then perfectly segueing into the very soulfully funky almost Gospel-infused feel-good Supa Dave West-produced, Believe (In Him) featuring STOUT, as well as K. Butler & The Collective. Before then so seamlessly and smoothly segueing into the very heavenly soulful and soul-affirming Pete Rock-produced standout, Yours featuring Common & Slick Rick. Which so cleverly updates Rick’s classic 80’s track and single, Hey Young World. Common really flowing on this one and showing once again what great chemistry him and Pete Rock have together. The positively uplifting lyrics from both Pos and Common really showing the positive influence that Dave still has. Especially with the soul-affirming skit outro to the track too. That then so seamlessly segues into the beautifully soulful Pete Rock-produced and Bilal featured, Palm of His Hands and then into the soulfully beautiful and emotional Supa Dave West-produced title track. An emotional performance from Posdnuos to his brother Dave that is a tear or near tear-jerking record. Which so many of us can relate to if we lost someone close to us like that. The album then so smoothly and seamlessly going into the beautifully perfect outro track, Don’t Push Me. A Trugoy the Dove aka Dave produced solo. That is the perfect way to end such a beautifully masterful album from De La Soul and send their now deceased member, Dave, out in style. The way the album so smoothly and seamlessly segues from the first to last track and how cohesive and well composed and crafted the album is. Not to mention the meaningful positive lyricism and positive vibes, as well as great replay value that makes this easily not only a top 3 or 4 Hip-Hop album released here in 2025, but a top nine album released across all of music. That will be getting plenty of replay and is by far some of De La Soul’s best work to date.
8. Mobb Deep – Infinite: Legendary and iconic Hip-Hop group, Mobb Deep’s first album in 11 years, Infinite. That is also their first album since the tragic passing of group member, Prodigy, in June 2017 is one that over 15 tracks is all produced by Havoc and longtime friend, as well as collaborator, The Alchemist. Which fuses new verses from Havoc with never before released posthumous raps from Prodigy as well. That really allows Havoc and Al to be able to perfectly fit so many of Prodigy’s verses without compromising anything and making it sound like an actual Mobb Deep album. With so many standout tracks ranging from Against The World to Gunfire, the killer Clipse collaboration, Look At Me, The M. The O. The B. The B. featuring longtime affiliate Big Noyd, the Nas & Jorja Smith featured, Down For You, Taj Mahal, My Era, the also Nas featuring, Pour The Henny, the Raekwon & Ghostface Killah featured, Clear Black Nights. As well as the also Nas featured and H.E.R. featured, Love The Way (Down For You Pt2) and We The Real Thing. It is an album that really is both Havoc and Prodigy at some of their best ever both production and emceeing wise of their career. Which though just short of being a classic album, is about as close as you can be to one and why it’s also among Mobb Deep’s best work in their already great discography. That ranks as a top 3 Hip-Hop album released here in 2025 and No. 8 in our top albums of the year that is a Top 10 album across all music this year.
7. Lady Wray – Cover Girl: Lady Wray has some of the most soulfully magical, majestic and beautiful vocals you will ever hear in the history of music. The soulfully raw soul and huge gospel power she has in them something she learned from her time singing in her hometown church choir growing up. Something she has really reclaimed in a lot of her more recent music and you can especially her a lot on her very soulfully joyous and beautifully triumphant latest timeless masterpiece album, Cover Girl. That is all produced by longtime collaborator, Leon Michels, whom she has worked with for a decade. The new 11 track album finding Lady Wray able to really able to have that revived blissful and joyful feel in her music. As Michels production also allows her to have contemporary R&B and classic soul with cheeky flashes of disco flair that shows the many influences Lady Wray had growing up to many different genres of music as a child in both the 80’s and early 90’s. Whether it be 90’s Hip-Hop and R&B to 60’s and 70’s inspired soul and disco. As well as touches of gospel from her time growing up as a little girl in her hometown church choir. The very soulfully upbeat piano-driven opening track, My Best Step, where Lady Wray so beautifully sings in harmony with Leon Michels production. Really allowing for her to show off her soulfully magical, majestic and beautiful vocals and soulfully raw gospel vocals. As she affirms her commitment to loving herself and giving both her and her husband her best step forward in love with one another. Throughout all the ups and downs too. Lady Wray’s awareness of her love, self-care and commitment to all aspects of her life. That range from her career to her marriage and motherhood. She touches on throughout the album. Which you hear on such records as the opening track to the very smooth and beautifully funky upbeat guitar-driven Gospel-infused standout, Be A Witness. To the beautifully magical and majestic, Where Could I Be that blends so well with Michels production to the soulfully joyful and triumphant real feel-good anthem of, Hard Times. The beautifully groovy lover’s anthem, Best For Us, the stripped-down absolutely beautiful & powerful heartfelt ballad title track, the silky smooth funky and upbeat, You’re Gonna Win to the very reggae-infused, What It Means. Showing the true versatility of Lady Wray touching on so many genres and musical influences throughout the album so beautifully and seamlessly perfect too. The album closing with the very soulfully beautiful and heavenly, Calm. That really allows Lady Wray to show off her soulfully raw and huge gospel powered vocals so beautifully over the very soulfully beautiful and heavenly keys from Leon Michels production. Which is the perfect closer to such a timeless masterpiece album from Lady Wray. That is not only one of the top R&B/Soul album’s released here in 2025, but really across all of music. That with it coming in at #7 on our top albums of the year list. Shows what another great year it was across all of music. With this album likely being ranked higher or even as the best album of the year in most other years.
6. Jon Connor – Food for the Soul: While a lot of people have talked about the great run and almost resurgence that Ransom has had since 2020. In almost entering another prime or even Nas as well. Another name that should be brought up even more in that same vein is former Aftermath Entertainment and one-time Dr. Dre protege, Jon Connor. Who since 2020 and his departure from Aftermath in 2019 has put out such great masterpiece or near masterpiece albums such as SOS, SOS II: The Road To Legendary and last year’s cinematic classic masterpiece album, III. That you can add his latest critically-acclaimed soulful masterpiece album, Food for the Soul, he released in January to the list of and as not only one of the top two Hip-Hop album’s of 2025, but one of the best released across all of music this year. Connor’s follow-up to III, yet another album that over 18 tracks plays almost like a movie from beginning to end. Where he kicks things off with the soulfully majestic opening track, Intro/We’re Gonna Be Okay that has Jon Connor giving his lyrically best rapping and he even says on the outro to the track how, “This album is about his love for people and the human experience. As different as we are. We are more alike than we think. Things you are going through ain’t just specific to you and how you handled it. We all go through similar ups and downs. So I hope this is food for your soul. And I just really felt like rapping y’all.” Which you can hear the latter in the soulfully head nodding next track, 413 PT. 1. In such lines as, “This the type of talk that belong on the big screen. I’ve been crisp clean since wearing Phat Pharm at 16. Learn about my temperament, go to war with Pennywise. I’m killing it. Clown ass n***as, I’m on some different shit. This Michigan. This ain’t for the weak or the sensitive. Lions and tigers, all you see when you visit here. Come on. Yes, they know that this must be. Something special, so gather around because it’s my seat. I never let you down and never will. Your favorite artist after this got less appeal. It look like they dying on they shield.” The soulfully beautiful I’m Tryin/Nikell for the Soul (Interlude) featuring Cainaen McGhee and Nikell Johnson, yet another highlight that then perfectly segues from the Nikell for the Soul (Interlude) that Nikell Johnson so beautifully sings right into the standout Dylan Kusch-produced single, Everyday. Which finds Jon Connor and Daylyt over the very thumping eerie drums and piano keys production rapping about all the ignorant devilish things most rapper’s rap about from gangs to murdering each other. That a lot of them probably wish they didn’t. Perfectly segueing into, Evolution of Amazing that features a very standout guest spot from, JAG, who is rapping like the rent is due. Jon Connor constantly bringing the best out of his guest features. As Jada Ali and Stalley deliver really great ones on the very next track, Red Velvet. The soulfully drums and horns driven-New Day/Food for the Soul (Interlude) to the very feel-good and spiritually inspiring Dylan Kuechel-produced single, The Vibes featuring Dizzy Wright, Taj and The Sister Tour. Plus the soulfully beautiful and enlightening, They Wonder, the soulfully many jewels dropping, Over & Over, the Termanology featured lyrical murderous track, Double Murda and soulful piano keys and chants production based very uplifting Kelly Price collaboration, Blind Eye View. In which Jon Connor raps such positively and encouraging lyrics as, “Look I am trying to make it out. Make it out I can’t sleep. Trying to make it out. Make it out in one piece. Trying to make it happen. But what the teacher don’t teach. Trying to stay alive with what the preacher don’t teach.” Also among some of the more standout tracks from the album. The very soulful great Dylan Kusch & Smitti Boi-produced, So Much Pressure/Nights (Interlude) featuring Nikell Johnson yet another very strong standout track from the album. As well as the soulfully keys driven, The Great Design/Key Elements of Love. The album closing out with, Outro. Where there’s a message on the intro before Jon Connor raps about the message about the things us as humans and a people should really pay attention to even more and he gives his own “food for thought.” That then transitioning at the end of the track and album closing with a message from the man of, “Sooner or later cause they own this fvcking place. It is a big club and you ain’t in it. You and I are not in the big club. By the way it is the same big club they use to beat you over the head with all day long. And they tell you what to believe. All day long beating you over the head and they mean it. Telling you what to believe. What to think and what to buy. The table is tilted folks. The game is rigged and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care. Good honest, hardworking people. White collar, blue collar, it doesn’t matter what shirt you have on. Good honest, hardworking people continue. These are people of modest means continue to elect these rich cocksuckers, who don’t give a fvck about them. They don’t give a fvck about you. They don’t give a fvck about you! They don’t care about you. At all. At all. At all.” The perfect way to end such a classic masterpiece Hip-Hop album that also has such great food for thought and the soul. That everyone should hear and really hid message from. An album that yet again has Jon Connor showing what not only a great emcee and lyricist’s he is, but an artist and emcee who always gives such great food for thought and messages in his music as well. To once again deliver not only a top two Hip-Hop album of the year, but a top 6 album across all of music here in 2025.
5. Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon – Come As You Are: The perfect blend of R&B/Soul and jazz. Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon’s highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed collaboration album, Come As You Are, that they released back in June. Is an album that is deeply rooted in the two very talented artists South Los Angeles roots and has a sense of community from both the church and cities they grew up in. Which we see in the duality of music on the album. As Dixon likes to put it. It captures the “spirit, the soul, the streets, the musicianship” of their upbringing, in South Central L.A. and Watts. Whether it be Dixon’s daughter, Isley-Rose Dixon’s brief cameo on the Robert Glasper featured, Isley’s Hymn to Rapsody on WeMaj and Ogi on, Follow Me. To the contributions from the likes of Glasper on piano, Craig Brockman on keys, Trevor Lawrence Jr. and Hendrix on drums. Plus Keyon Harrold on trumpet on a couple of tracks. They show what great community is built throughout these 13 tracks. That also starts with the stellar almost uncredited JasonMartin guest feature to kick off the album on opening track, Only Real Ones Survive. That then perfectly segues into Kenyon Dixon’s stellar singing on that same track, as well as a couple of great sax solos in between from Martin. Before then transitioning into the very crazy stellar vocal performance from Dixon over the very groovy out of this world production from Martin on, 211 to the very soulfully jazzy great, Love Yourself. That once again has Dixon given such a beautiful smooth great vocals performance. The Rapsody featured standout, WeMaj is one of the album’s most perfectly blended tracks that shows how both Dixon and Martin can not only so seamlessly blend several genres throughout the album without compromise, but even on one track. That fuses influences of Hip-Hop, Soul and jazz so seamlessly. With Dixon’s almost more so rapping like devotion to romantic devotion to kickoff the track. That is perfectly balanced by Rapsody’s own stellar guest verse in between Dixon’s singing on that same track for the chorus. The classical jazz standard of, “Body and Soul,” being executed on the appropriately titled, Body & Soul. Where Terrace Martin also so brilliantly towards the end of the track gives such a stellar performance on the vocoder. The very addicting YG featured, Tyrese, also finding Kenyon Dixon rapping instead of singing, but him & Terrace Martin still make work. The soulfully beautiful, Ogi duet, Follow Me, having her with her soulfully rich vocals give the perfect contrasting texture to Dixon’s. As they both trade lines and harmonizing to create a rich layering of vocals. That despite being so short still ends up being one of the better tracks on the album too. OUCH with its very injected dose of pure jazz soul from renowned trumpeter, Keyon Harrold’s giving the track a moody, brassy layer, perhaps a stirring solo or background textures that harken back to the bluesy roots of R&B. The live trumpet reminding the listener of the album’s commitment to organic musicianship, bridging the classic jazz club vibe with modern production. By far one of the album’s at the very least top 3 tracks, if not the best track on the album, Circle of Love, meanwhile finds Dixon so beautifully singing about the circle of love over the very beautiful jazz infused production from both Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper with the latter on piano. With Martin on drums, keys and saxophone. Including a very stellar and standout sax solo from Terrace on the last minute of the track. That then perfectly segueing into the title and penultimate standout track. A very exceptional grown and sexy record that finds Kenyon Dixon giving such a standout vocals performance before also stellar R&B/Soul singer and vocalists, Arin Ray comes in about midway through to elevate an already great record. The album then closing with the very organic feeling and Winans-sampling, Not Like That. That has Martin invoking the talkbox sample so brilliantly a performance of Mr. Talkbox’s, The Question Is. Both Martin and Dixon invoking to close the album that perfect balance of both church and “street” they grew up on. As the perfect way to close such a masterpiece album that infuses so many genre influences from jazz to Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul. That is the perfect example too of genre-compelling on one album done right without any compromise. A true to the core heartfelt tribute and ode by both Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon to their upbringing in South L.A. and the church and city “streets” that raised them. Resulting in not only one of the top R&B album’s of the year released here in 2025, but a top 5 album released across all of music this year.
4. Charlie Bereal – Walk With the Father: Grammy-Award winning producer, singer and songwriter, as well as guitar player and multi-instrumentalist, Charlie Bereal, is out to prove why he is among the most soulfully soul-stirring voices in not only R&B/Soul, but all of music right now. On his critically-acclaimed Death Row Records debut album, Walk With the Father. Which he does throughout 13 soulfully smooth soul-stirring tracks. Starting with the very guitar-driven and hopeful opening record, Hope, about his dedication to the Lord. That then so seamlessly transitions into Bereal’s very beautifully amazing tribute to the late great Curtis Mayfield, Some People. His almost own version of Mayfield’s classic record, Power to the People. The very soulfully soul-stirring piano-driven and self-produced, Never Gonna Take Away My Love, having Charlie Bereal so soul-stirringly sing with his impassioned harmonizing about his love and dedication he has to his lover. That is also influenced by soul greats, The Delfonics. While The Stylistics influenced soulfully smooth, The Greatest featuring Snoop Dogg finds Charlie Bereal giving a very soulfully smooth soul-stirring performance about a woman he is pouring all his soul and love out for. That dedication to one lover something he sings so greatly about over the twinkling chants and keys production on the soulfully-stirring standout, My Only One. While the title track finds Bereal over the rolling drums and triumphant lingering guitar plucks backdrop giving a soulfully smooth soul-stirring performance about all he had to go through to make it in L.A. to try to achieve fame. His performance also showing the huge influence such 70’s R&B/Soul icons as Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye had on him and his very soulfully soul-stirring voice/vocals. While the very upbeat and funky JMo and The Greats-produced and featured, Energy, goes in a more funky soulful rock direction that shows Bereal’s great versatility as an artist that isn’t just tied to only old-school Soul with a somewhat modern day twist. The soulfully twinkling production on the very standout, Wherever You Are, meanwhile finding Charlie so impassionedly and soul-stirringly pouring his heart out to a woman he will forever cherish, love and never let go. Things going back in a very funk infused direction for what is arguably one of the album’s top 4 or 5 tracks, Dont Want To Get Up. Things going back to the very soulfully smooth direction on the very soulfully smooth soul-stirring, Toxic Love, that has Bereal singing so soul-stirringly about a toxic love he knows he shouldn’t be engaging with and questions why he does have such a toxic love with this woman. The standout penultimate track, Keep It Pushing, one where Charlie Bereal urges everyone who is going through something to push through it cause you only have one life to live. That also features a standout guitar solo from Charlie at the end too. Before perfectly transitioning into the very soulfully funky closer, Come Go With Me. A very encouraging record about being free that features several great saxophone solos in between Charlie Bereal really encouraging in such great harmonization about others to be free. That sounds somewhat Prince-influenced and is the perfect closer to end such a soulfully beautiful masterpiece album. That is easily not only one of the top 3 R&B/Soul album’s released here in 2025, but a top 4 album across all music for the year.
3. Jenevieve – CRYSALIS: Very beautifully talented upcoming R&B/Soul singer and songwriter, Jenevieve, showed there’s no sophomore slump on her highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed sophomore album, CRYSALIS. She released back in August. The 14-track effort that she created alongside executive producer and songwriter Elijah Gabor, capturing her evolution both musically and personally over the past several years since her last project, Rendezvous EP. Shows why Jenevieve is not only one of R&B/Soul, but one of music’s brightest upcoming young stars. The very soulfully gorgeous and refreshingly upbeat drums on the opening title track really allowing her to show off her signature dreamy and beautifully heavenly addictive vocals. As she sings about a love she is trying to get rid of cause she knows it is not good for her and “Never enough” as she sings on part of the chorus. Questioning, “Where do we go?” About the relationship/love and is the perfect track to kickoff the album to show what a truly great treat of an album you are in store for over the next 13 tracks. That then perfectly segueing into the very smooth and uniquely great standout, Flight Risk. In which Jenevieve really shows off her unique voice and flow. The beautifully dreamy and mesmerizing single, Haiku. That finds Jenevieve in her signature dreamy and beautifully heavenly vocals singing so effortlessly about a love she really likes. Finds her gliding over the groovy backdrop in such a warm and breezy tone while offering a warmth and somewhat retro cool sound that everyone can relate to for one of not only the album’s most standout tracks, but one of the best tracks of her short, yet already great discography. Another highlight being the hypnotically dreamy single, Head Over Heels. That samples Tom Browne’s classic record, Charisma. As Jenevieve over the very hypnotically dreamy chants and other instruments backdrop with her signature dreamy and beautifully heavenly vocals sings so effortlessly about a love she is so head over heels for and the dizzying highs of falling for that person. The beat even switching up nearly midway through the record, as she sings the reasons why she is head over heels in love. The groovy feel-good retro dance like loving energy and feel to the groovy Elijah Gabor-produced backdrop standout, Hvn High. Yet another record that highlights Jenevieve’s signature dreamy and beautifully heavenly addictive vocals she glides with such ease over for this very standout groovy feel-good retro dance-like jam. That then perfectly segueing into the soulfully groovy honey-drenched jam, Naive, about a naive former lover who wouldn’t quite let her go. The very emotionally piano-driven and nostalgic, Enter The Void. By far not only one of the top three tracks on the album, but a nostalgic almost fever dream that is one of the most beautifully emotional and nostalgic records you will likely ever hear. That truly shows what a talented voice, songwriter and artist that Jenevieve really is. Damage Control that is co-produced by Pale Jay and Earl Saga yet another highlight that then perfectly transitions into one of the top 5 tracks on the album in the groovy drums heavy, Nocturne. As we get to the latter backend of the album, Jenevieve delivering the very groovy drums-heavy party starter jam, appropriately titled, Partycrasher. The very soulfully sunny, Iron Lung (Breathe In), that has a beat switch about midway through yet another highlight. The very groovy penultimate track, Faded Love. A very honey-drenched groovy jam where Jenevieve shows off her signature dreamy and beautifully heavenly addictive vocals as she glides so freely over the groovy drums of the Elijah Gabor production. While singing so freely about a faded love on this very addictively groovy record. The album then closing out with the very groovy guitar-driven jam, Beam Me Up. Where Jenevieve so addictively with her signature dreamy and beautifully heavenly addictive vocals sings so effortlessly about a love she doesn’t want to let go, but know she needs to beam her up for something better. As she sings on part of the chorus. Easily one of the best closing tracks of an album you will ever hear and the perfect performance from Jenevieve to end this timeless masterpiece album on such a high note. That really shows what a cohesively great body of work and great replay value this album has. That makes it not only one of the top 2 R&B/Soul album’s released here in 2025, but a top 3 album released across all of music this year.
2. Nas & DJ Premier – Light-Years: Nas & DJ Premier’s long-awaited and highly-anticipated collaboration album, Light-Years, is more than worth the wait. As over 15 tracks two of Hip-Hop’s most lauded icons and longtime collaborators show even after both being in this thing we call, “Hip-Hop.” For a little over three decades. Neither have lost a step and take it back to the core of Hip-Hop with dope rhymes and beats. As well as great scratching and break beats. Kicking things off with the very luxurious upbeat piano-driven opener, My Life Is Real, Nas with his signature intricate rhyme scheme and strong messaging shows he hasn’t lost a step lyrically at all and just as great, if not better than ever before. As he spits such standout bars as, “Already classic before you heard it, the spoiler was all my feature verses. I lined it up kinda perfect and then I hurled it. Rhymes in my minds like pearls and oysters. Boss of bosses, Morpheus on my bullshit. The illest style right here ’til I got white hair. Gettin’ foul type stares, we ahead light years. We come out, the shift starts. So let the fifth spark. Turn the light switch off, drive a block, switch cars. Toss the face mask and gloves, damn, I just caught a buzz. Pulled another hit on a beat, guess who the victim was? Guess who get reconfigured? The whole industry does.” That then perfectly segues into the very funky, old-school Hip-Hop head-nodding standout, GiT Ready. Where Nas shows how much he has grown as a iconic businessman and entrepreneur since his early days as a drug dealer and hustler growing up in the Queensbridge projects. Showing and comparing how much he has grown not only as an emcee, but smart businessman in the over three decades since he released his groundbreaking landmark classic debut album, Illmatic. Nas & Preemo gets nostalgic and complete their highly-lauded trilogy with the third installment of their classic, NY State of Mind, series and Nas gets sociopolitical with several rewindable bars for the cleverly Billy Joel sampled record. Such as, “Steel toe, construct walk, Nike shorts at night at court. Stress’ll cut your life short, I’m from egg rolls and duck sauce. Where the feds rolled on Dutch Schultz, City Island, and Sei Less. Plenty talent, the kids stay blessed, gamble and make bets. Throw on some DMX, his words, they live in all of us. Some get deported, some die young, but it’s all a rush. On part two, I left you with two of my friends. And now our goals is that our sons don’t end in juvenile pens. Rikers should be closed, MDC to Beacon. Wear ice if you real, or they’ll rob you and pawn your piece in. If you was locked down for a while, it’s a different place now. They buildin’ hotels where it once was a Devil’s playground.” Welcome To The Underground stands as another very standout track as Nas over the very upbeat funky guitar Western-like production goes straight up spitting and flowing like those tracks that be giving you the stank face when hearing them. As he details his upbringing’s in the early years of Rap/Hip-Hop to now. The Ice Cube sample of his classic line from N.W.A.’s classic groundbreaking track, Fvck tha Police, the perfect touch to elevate the track even more. By far one of the best tracks on not only the album, but of the year being the very chillingly dark, yet smooth, Madmen, that has the perfect scratch hook from Wu-Tang Clan legends GZA and Inspectah Deck. As Nas so smoothly and effortlessly over Premier’s signature scratches raps about his fellow rap icons, his own writing process and how those in Hip-Hop/Rap, who came before him are celebrated. The timeless cassette noise groove to Pause Tapes, that features Nas signature storytelling about how he himself used to make beats, many of which were the blueprint for his early raps. By far the best track on the album and it being over an actual pause tape making it that more authentic. That then segues seamlessly into another very standout track, Writers. That sees Nas over a very jazzy and bouncy hypnotic Preemo production paying homage to one of the original 4 core elements of Hip-Hop, graffiti. Sons (Young Kings) being yet another highlight that is a very personal record Nas dedicated to his son, Knight Jones. A spiritual successor to his classic and very personal, Daughters, record from his critically-acclaimed 2012 album, Life is Good. That was dedicated to his daughter, Destiny. Nas over the very heavenly piano-driven production from DJ Premier showing on, Sons (Young Kings) why he is arguably the greatest storyteller of all-time. A heartwarmingly feel-good record that really shows off Nas very profound storytelling prowess. DJ Premier showing his elder statesmanship too by cleverly flipping Steve Miller Band’s classic, Fly Like An Eagle, into a very smooth upbeat breakbeat banger with, It’s Time. In which Nas spits such standout bars as, “Ayo, time flows through me. How many rhyme flows and lines can I recite with my eyes closed? Yo, let’s shoot this movie, smoothly, listen to me. Let’s take it to the past long before the new me. I seen it when it first got tricky, dippin’ through the city. Whippin’ new cars to the herb spots for the sticky. I was the one by the tree in the GS3 with Biggie. Next thing you know, where the time go? It’s gone quickly. Spin down the street back where I used to be. Stompin’ grounds, just touched down in QB.” Nas really going off even more on the very cinematically smooth haunting standout, Nasty Esco Nasir. In which he so cleverly raps from each of his historic rap personas. The very standout, My Story Your Story, a very long-awaited collaboration again from Nas & AZ. That like on Nas first album, Illmatic, stands as the lone feature and also shows the undeniably great chemistry that Nas & AZ still have together. The back-and-forth from both emcees showing what fun they had recording the track together and why are long overdue for a collaboration album from Nas & AZ. Bouquet (To The Ladies) meanwhile finds Nas giving love and homage to a majority of the ladies in Hip-Hop from Rap/Hip-Hop’s early beginnings to now. By far my favorite track and arguably the best track on the album though is the very relatable, Junkie. In which Nas raps about his and most of us addiction to Hip-Hop and rap as an art form and lifestyle. The very elite head nodding boom-bap closer, 3rd Childhood, that is a sequel to Nas & DJ Premier’s classic collabo, 2nd Childhood, from Nas classic, Stillmatic, album. Where Nas raps about how Hip-Hop is all about really staying true to yourself. Another very quotable heavy track that is the perfect way to end such a timeless masterpiece album from Nas & DJ Premier. The cohesiveness, great concepts and really great replay value what makes this not only the best Hip-Hop album of 2025, but a top 2 or 3 album across all music this year. That will eventually be recognized years down the road as another great addition in both Nas & DJ Premier’s extensive storied catalogs.
1. UMI – people stories: Ascending R&B star, UMI, released her highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed debut Epic Records album, people stories, back in August. The 15 tracks effort that is all produced and also co-executive produced by V-Ron. Some of her most personal work to date. That has her sharing stories she has been told by fans, friends or loved ones over the years. The very smooth guitar-driven, SOMETIMES, where UMI sings about what people search for in themselves that also features talks from UMI with her therapist. The perfect way to kick things off on such a right note. That then perfectly segueing into the standout very energetic, WHAT NOW. Where UMI sings so freely about getting with her former partner. As she sings the freeing lyrics of, “Retrace all the memories, I’m a broken record. You’re not my fantasy, you’re a goddamn fire. Burnin’ inside of me.” As well as the pre-chorus of, “Tellin’ me lies, like you tellin’ me a story. Not afraid to toss away our history. It’s a shame, it’s a shame, it’s a shame. But I got no one else to blame.” Into the chorus of, “So, what now? Now that it’s, now that it’s above us? What now? I got lost in the thought of us somehow. What now? Innocent hearts lost in a fire. What, what now? Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. Ah-ah-ah-ah, what now? What now?” That then perfectly segueing into the very groovy & fun acoustic guitar-driven, GROCERY STORE, before going into the very fun acoustic guitar-driven standout, THE UNIVERSE. That is a really fun hypnotic jam that is one of those ascending records that just takes you to another universe when you hear it. ITS BEEN A WHILE a very smooth standout where UMI is able to show off her breezily beautiful mellow and enchanting vocals while singing about a former lover and/or relationship it has been a while since she saw. RAIN RAIN, meanwhile yet another acoustic guitar-driven standout where UMI sings about all the emotions a relationship gives you that feels like rain cause you want it to go away. UMI’s therapist once again having words of wisdom at the end of the track. That perfectly segueing into one of the album’s most standout tracks, PINK CAMO. Yet another very fun acoustic guitar-driven record where UMI so effortlessly sings and flows so freely about questioning different things about herself. Like why is she gay? Or also, “Do you really feel like you mean what u say? I gotta feelin’ that trust gets hard. Where do you go when you’re tryna be hard? Know where you’re runnin’, just don’t run far. I wanna be right there when you.” As she sings and almost sing/raps on the second verse of the record. A very fun and catchy tune that’s sure to be a fan favorite by many though. That record then so seamlessly segueing into the very funky fun almost rockish guitar-driven, THE LIMIT. Where UMI sings about a love that pushes her to the limit as she sings, “The limit doesn’t exist (My love). Is it curse or a gift? (You gotta know) Is it the start or the end? (My love) The limit doesn’t exist. You gotta know. (Oh-oh, oh-oh) You gotta know. That strongly builds up to the bridge of, “It just gets deeper and deeper. I just keep drownin’ beneath you, oh. I lose myself in the water. All that you offer.” That sounds very Prince and/or Lenny Kravitz’s inspired too. That then so seamlessly segueing into arguably the best track on the album in the very simple, yet beautifully fun, sweet and carefree almost nostalgic sounding, MANGO STICKY RICE. Where she sings so effortlessly the beautifully carefree and fun sweet chorus and medley of, “Baby, you brought me out of the cold. It really warm my soul, oh. And from the moment under the moon. I knew I would go, I’ll go. As long as I’m with you. Down for somethin’ new. I’ll move how you move. (I’ll move how you move) Yeah. Pack the life I knew, cross the ocean blue. (Cross the ocean blue). Sailboat made for two. Yeah.” As well as, “It’s up to you, it’s what you wanna do. I’m iced if you’re cool. (Cool) Dancin’ in my room. (Ooh) Meet you at noon. We can rendezvous. I’ll meet you at the kind of love. That makes dry eyes cry.” The record also finding UMI so sweetly and fun singing in her originally native Japanese on the second verse. Before perfectly segueing into the also standout very funky upbeat drums and guitar-driven, FAMILIAR FRIEND, about an old friend you thought you were no longer friends with and tried to let go cause of the pain they bring, but it’s hard for you to surrender and let them go. Which UMI’s therapist brings that real life familiar feel of again by talking about on the outro of the track. The segments and portions of words from her actual therapist throughout the album something I really personally connected with after starting therapy myself earlier in the year for the first time ever. The album then closing with 4 of the top tracks on the album in the final 5 tracks. Starting with the very nostalgic dance-centered, RIGHT/WRONG, in which UMI so beautifully with her breezily beautiful mellow and enchanting vocals sings about a love she isn’t sure is right or wrong for her. Before perfectly segueing into, HARD TRUTHS. A very mellow and breezily smooth record featuring multi GRAMMYs-nominated rapper, singer and songwriter, 6LACK. That really shows off UMI’s breezily mellow and enchanting vocals and 6LACK’s gritty and raw, yet smooth vocals over the magically enchanting production. While they both sing so seamlessly in sync together about complexities of self-awareness, the emptiness of materialism and the importance of genuine connection with one another or that two people have together. That then so seamlessly transitioning into the beautifully touching acoustic guitar-driven, SOMEWHERE NEW. Where UMI so beautifully and effortlessly gives vulnerable lyrics about voices telling her to stay the same and not change, but like all humans she can’t help but to change and develop as a better person, human and artist. As she sings on part of the chorus, “Going, I’m going, going somewhere, going somewhere new.” Something we can all relate to of going somewhere new for many different things throughout our lives. Whether it be relationships, our careers or just going somewhere new in ourselves as we develop to grow and be better human beings throughout our lives. That then perfectly segueing into the very touching and emotionally smooth funky guitar-driven, SAFE ROOM. Where UMI brings all the beautiful emotions about being a “safe room” for anyone knows in need of a safe room and space to come to when times are hard or even whenever you need somewhere to be as just a “safe room.” UMI wanting to be that, “sweet escape. When you need escape.” For her friends or whoever she knows needs it as she sings on part of the bridge. The album then perfectly segueing into what is one of the most perfect records ever to close an album and easily a top 2 or 3 track on the album. In the very beautifully breezy and smooth guitar-driven, 10AM. Where UMI shows off her breezily beautiful mellow and enchanting vocals while singing so beautifully and transparently honest about a love and relationship she can’t live without. That she searched her whole life and finally found, which is why she loves and cherishes that love so much as she sings on part of the chorus. Singing, “You are the sky I sing to every day. I love you, yeah, love you. I do, I do, I do.” The perfectly blissful and beautiful standout guitar shed from producer V Ron to close the album. The perfect touch and way to end such a timeless masterpiece album from UMI. That really enhances on why it’s not only the best R&B/Soul album of 2025 and even the best album across all music on the year. But among the better albums released across the first half decade of the 2020s. That should have been nominated for several GRAMMYs awards and was robbed of it. The connection that UMI and her fans, as well as friends and strangers will feel after hearing this album cause of the familiarity and connection we will all have with one another more important though. As she stated in when she first released the album back in August. The album, people stories, is an “Album that has been tremendously healing for me bc i realized i see myself in every people story i’ve written. it’s reminded me that no matter how singular our lives feel-we all live very similar lives.” UMI with people stories also reminds us that our experiences. No matter how specific, tender, or difficult—are never just ours alone. Each story she tells, each emotion she unearths, becomes a mirror in which others can see themselves. By laying bare her own vulnerability, she creates space, not just for herself, but for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or unheard. It’s in this honesty, this refusal to hide the messiness of being human, that UMI offers something rare. That reassurance that we are not alone in what we carry, and that through shared stories, even the most fragmented parts of us can begin to feel whole and so relatable to one another.
Honorable mentions: Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams – Trainspotting: Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams team up once again nearly three years after Rome’s critically-acclaimed 2022 album and Griselda Records debut album, KISS THE RING. Which Conductor was really key in a lot of the production of. This album is all produced by Conductor though and shows the undeniable chemistry that both Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams really still have with one another over 14 tracks. Starting with the standout opening track, Andre Agassi, where Rome is really spitting and flowing. Showing what a treat of an album you are in store for. That then goes into the moody & somewhat dreary, M*A*S*H. Where they cleverly sample the M*A*S*H theme song and Rome with such bars as, “I saw God in my darkest hour, thought I never had religion. A hard head’ll learn when he on the path to listen (Uh-huh). I only came here to earn and stack massive chicken (Money). Push a foreign and talk fly. And put the mash on you n***as like Klinger and Hawkeye.” Lets others know despite his age, Rome actually knows the shows history too. That then perfectly segueing into the very psychedelic and gutter standout, Runny Nose. Where Rome with his bars and flow gives glimpses of the late great Big L with such ill flows and verses as, “I’m out to touch plaques that say “platinum plus” (Uh-huh). Your favorite rapper’s a pack, I roll ’em up and puff. Do you dirty like John Cuff (Uh). I come from a line of hustlers that probably sold your mom stuff (Haha). Little powder, pebble for a fifty (What else?). Pill for a dub, now my face on Channel 60 (Haha). Left the game, ain’t looked back, don’t care if it miss me (Fvck). Millions in my future, servin’ fiends in my history.” Another highlight that is easily the best track on the album being the Spanish-guitar sampled with a flair of mafioso Wu-Tang Clan influenced, Ricky Bobby that appropriately features Method Man, who even with the several standout verses throughout the album. Delivers by far the best verses on the track with his standout guest feature that is also among the best verses of all 2025. Rome delivering more ill verses and great storytelling alongside stellar wordplay on the very cinematically soul-sample heavy production of the very rugged and grimey, Blood in His Boogers. If that wasn’t enough him really going in on some super siyan out of this world flow with the great concept single, Rule 4080. Rome perfecting the double-time flow and really flowing on the quirky unusual, Died 1000 Times. That then perfectly segueing into the soulfully smooth and sensual standout concept storytelling track, Heartbreaker, about Rome Streetz being a heartbreaker and embracing his playa ways. The signature Conductor soul-pitch really elevating the track even more. Throughout the album whether it be on Heartbreaker, the cinematically dusty and spooky signature Griselda sound on the standout, Connie’s Revenge to the rusty gutter and menacing old prime New York sounding banger, 99 Attributes. Both Rome and Conductor elevate each other’s respective performances throughout the album. Be it the latter elevating Rome’s bars and several different flows or Rome with his performances on the mic and with his pen game elevating Conductor’s very standout productions. For some exceedingly standout tracks. 99 Attributes where Rome spits such standout bars as, “Diamonds in a long cable, Palm Angels. Firearm spray you, make pay and pray everyday. I’ll smoke anyone on your label (You n***as trash). This pure cocaine, your shit K2. I married the game, got a ‘K and a tailor made suit (Uh-huh). Racin’ the Mercedes, space coupe, I’m red-linin’ (Skrrt). Everything aligned, you can say it’s divine timin’. On time, when he gave me one twenty-five on consignment (That work). I bagged it up on a cover of Vibe, crime was the assignment. Keep a Glock, culture cipher, my mind on refinement.” The perfect example of this as Rome spits only one verse, but still makes it one of the album’s top tracks that felt like it was actually even more than one verse. The very breezy and jazzy production from Conductor on the standout, Joe Pesci, that has Rome really gliding his flow with such ease and almost like an instrument in itself while he really goes off rapping, rapping. Yet another perfect example of the way they both complement each other on the track. Really elevating and making an already standout track that much better too. The closing track, Resource Room, yet one last example of this. That is actually two parts. The first part being Rome once again really perfecting the double-time flow over the very harmonious flutes production that sounds like an classic 70’s and/or 80’s type flick as he spits such standout verses as, “I’m the one that these bums tryna kick it like. You my son, but I shine with a different light. I’m like Glitter Mike in some Virgil Nikes, we are not alike. (Never) She said that I’m handsome, she wanna come home with a n***a, you know that I took it down (Yeah). I’m in the class all by myself, I’m a special kid, I see no one when I look around. (Nobody here)” The second half of the track then going into the more grittier jazz-infused instrumental where Rome really floats over the Conductor production with such standout bars as, “It all started off with a thought. (Uh-huh) Put ten toes in the floor, bet it all, now he top of New York. (Yeah) If it ain’t the guap, then I ain’t stoppin’ to talk. (Fvck out of here) Knock it off, lately I’m who they all watch and applaud. The new superstar, used to keep the ox in his drawer. (Uh-huh) Now I’m flexin’ hard, whore, this ain’t the luck of the draw. (Nah) He saw a plan, plot, strategizin’, now he enterprisin’. It ain’t surprisin’, my stock risin’. (Money) You fvcked up at rock bottom, it’s millions on my horizions. Pretty vibes want me to slide and be my fling. (Uh-huh) I’m undefeated like Floyd in the ring. Jab, hook, cross, uppercut whoever you bring. How many times I gotta tell you cornballs you’ll never get a win? (Never) When God made me, he was showin’ off. (Uh-huh) Been a golden child. He ain’t give this type of glow to y’all. (Nah)” The perfect way to end such a nearly flawless album that once again shows the very seamlessly undeniable chemistry that both Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams have together. Really elevating each other up in their respective crafts that much more and in turn delivering an album that works so seamlessly together for such an incredible body of work. That has plenty of great replay value and in turn delivers not only as a top 5 or 6 Hip-Hop album here in 2025, but even as an arguably top 11 or 12 album across all of music this year.
Jessie Reyez – PAID IN MEMORIES: Jessie Reyez’s most recent critically-acclaimed , PAID IN MEMORIES. That is 21 tracks and has features from everyone from Lil Wayne to Big Sean, Miguel, Ari Lennox, 6LACK, Lil Yachty, Deyaz, Lekan and Saint Herison. Is easily some of her most complete and diverse work to date and shows the many different influences she has that have shaped her into the GRAMMY-Award singer and songwriter that is also a very known hitmaker as well. Starting with the very harmoniously triumphant Fred Ball-produced opener, **I NEVER SAID I WAS SANE* Where Jessie so calmly sings the chorus of, “Got holy books on my wall. The Quran says I’m Haram. And swears that there’ll be a trial to see. If my soul’s worth shit with inflation. Holy books on my wall. If the Bible’s true then I’m fvcked. Hopefully there’s a higher power. Forgivin’ all my mistakes ’cause. I’m just a sinner.” Before she then just starts bust out rapping and then goes back into the chorus and then singing the second verse before going into the chorus again. The organ solo towards the end of the track that is very harmonious and triumphant. Showing what a treat for an album you are in store for. That first track alone showing some of the several influences in Jessie’s music that she is usually able to execute so well and work. The next track the previously released single, GOLIATH. A very lovely sweet and wholesome record about a love she can’t get enough of and is one of those one of a kind of loves that makes you make not only a love song about them, but want to sing it so passionately, yet sweetly as she does the chorus and post-chorus of the record. The very catchy **NYB** meanwhile showing Jessie’s natural ability as one of her generation and possibly even best hitmakers ever too. The very catchy record one that finds Jessie flirtingly sing, “My New York baby (Yeah). Took his truck and picked me up at Newark. Then he took me to the telly. And he took his time. He said, “I know that you had a long flight. But I got something longer.” That really shows her very great knack for not only making great records and songwriting, but hit records as well. The reggaeton-inspired groove of the very dance-ready Tim Suby-produced standout, **PALO SANTO** to the very pop-oriented **CUDN*T BE ME** once again one of those real loving hitmaking records you can’t get enough of hearing over and over again. The absolutely catchy and so incredible **BEGGIN 4 LUV* really showing Jessie’s knack for such catchy fun records with great storytelling too. Jessie Reyez really showing her knack for not only great singing and songwriting, but hitmaking once again with how she so cleverly flips the guitar riff from The Smashing Pumpkins classic 1995 single, 1979, nearly three decades later into a hard-charging pop anthem. The Lil Wayne featured single, **RIDIN**. Having the very talented singer and songwriter over the very cinematic co-production from The Monsters & Strangerz with frequent collaborator Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman in her signature powerful and soulfully passionate vocals singing about a love she is completely ridin’ for. Wayne with his feature adding a pretty solid guest verse with some really solid double entendres about the type of nasty things he would do to his woman. The really emotional, **NIGHTS WE’LL NEVER HAVE** Not only arguably the best track on the album or even one of the most beautifully heartbreaking records in Jessie’s already great discography, but one of the most beautifully emotional and heartbreakingly honest records you will ever hear. That will really have you yearning for love that is actually worth it. The previously released standout guitar driven Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman & The Monsters & Strangerz co-produced single, **JEANS** A Miguel featured duet that shows the undeniably great chemistry between Jessie and Miguel. As they so seamlessly like a pair of jeans that fit together coo playfully fun sexy & flirty horny lyrics to each other. Such as sitting on each other to how the atoms between them melt them together as almost one. The chemistry from both Jessie and Miguel, slowly building up to one of the most sensually stunning and dreamy amazing duets you will ever hear too. The very soulful and playful guitar-driven downtempo neo-soul of **TORONTO SHORDIE** Yet another playfully fun record where Jessie so cleverly and playful writes and sings about a lover that feels certain ways when he sees her. My favorite being in the second verse where Jessie after it switches to autotune sings, “The way you look at me is like my mama made me at Mattel. Way you look at me is like a lion looks at a gazelle. Way you look at me is like you feel the blood start to swell. Like Barack look at Michelle, like Brady looked at Gisele. Way you look at me is Tyson Fury lookin’ at a belt. Way you look at me is me in JEANS lookin’ at Miguel.” The very soulful and catchy 6LACK standout duet, **6LESSINGS** Meanwhile once again showing the undeniable great chemistry between Jessie Reyez and 6LACK. That shows the one guaranteed duet from both we are usually guaranteed to get on a Jessie Reyez album. The standout, yet under appreciated Lil Yachty featured collaboration, **HEAD N HEADACHES** Meanwhile having Yachty almost sound Andre 3000-influenced with his flow and verses. The guitar-driven **BEEN ABOUTA YEAR** showing the Rock influences Jessie has. As she sings and makes into a small rock anthem about wishing she didn’t stop drinking and still did instead of being sober. The Deyaz-produced and featured emotionally guitar-driven, **BROTHER** One of those very emotionally and touching heartfelt records about the strained relationship Jessie and her brother have had and how it has really affected both of them. That they are both hoping to try to repair. The very emotional charged guitar-driven **L.O.Y.L.** which is Jessie given her all emotionally to a love she is so loyal in given her all too. The guitar build up and super powerfully emotional performance by Jessie Reyez into the final chorus and outro. Before it fades out into a very stellar guitar performance from Jessie’s longtime guitarists in her live performances, Joe Resly and Heather Crawford. As well as the great drums performance from Chino De Villa all in perfect harmony with Jessie’s outro. The perfect way to end another near flawless album from Jessie Reyez. That despite that is still a top 5 or 6 R&B album released here in 2025 and also a top 12 or 13 album released across all of music on the year. That has gotten plenty of replay throughout the year and will even more beyond that as well.
Raekwon – The Emperor’s New Clothes: With his latest critically-acclaimed solo album, The Emperor’s New Clothes. Living legend and icon, Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan delivers some of his best work to date on the 17 track new album. That is easily a 4 1/2 mics album and the replay value on this one is really insanely good and I have been playing it a lot throughout the year. The Chef really shows throughout this album too as you mentioned why he is lyrics as sharp on the mic as he has ever been. There are so many standout tracks throughout the album from Bear Hill to Pomegranate, Wild Corsicans, 1 Life, Open Doors, 600 School, Da Heaviee, The Omerta, Get Outta Here, Debra Night Wine and Mac & Lobster. I thought Bear Hill was definitely the perfect opener to really set things off for how great the album is with how unorthodox but still triumphant and dope the instrumental is and perfectly went with Rae’s stellar vivid lyricism on the track. Wild Corsicans and 600 School, as well as Get Outta Here are such bangers. With Conway and Benny really showing out alongside Rae on Wild Corsicans. Ghost and Method Man did also really complement Rae really nicely on 600 School and as much as Ghost went in on that track Meth had the best verse on that track on it cause of how surgical it is. Nas really left earth on their collaboration and Ghost’s verses on, Get Outta Here, are not only some of the most vivid and dopest on the album, but of the whole year. The track I really loved the most though and I think it comes with getting older and growing more mature along with Rae, Nas, Jay and some of our other favorite emcees is, 1 Life. Cause of how somber, yet beautiful the instrumental is from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and really lets Rae get in his bag of great mature storytelling that so many of us as we grow more older and mature can relate to even more. Especially if you have lost any family members or anyone else really close to you. Overall a really solid album though that is not only a top 7 Hip-Hop album here released in 2025, but a top 13 release across all of music on the year.
Ice Cube – Man Up: Not even a full calendar year between releasing his critically-acclaimed chart-topping latest solo album, Man Down, legendary and iconic Westcoast Hip-Hop pioneer, Ice Cube, already released his newest critically-acclaimed solo album, Man Up, as a sequel and companion piece of sorts to Man Down. The very cinematic E-A-Ski-produced opener, Man Power, where Cube raps about the listener confronting ideas of masculinity, identity, and personal responsibility. Through blunt, provocative questions and vivid imagery. He examines societal pressures around manhood, sexuality, and conformity, while emphasizing empowerment and self-reliance as he raps. “I canned it, boxed it. Shipped it to your college. That is fake knowledge. (Artificial knowledge) They tryna turn your ass into a hybrid. They tryna turn my ass into a pirate. West coast warlord, never stay silent. Tryna stay dignified. They want you sissy-fied. Doing the electric slide. N***a, that’s suicide. Who riding? I’m your worldwide tour guide. This ain’t glorified.” Really setting the tone for the album. Some of the concepts like the concept of fighting against A.I. and technology cause of how a lot of it’s making people dumb instead of smart. On the appropriately titled DecadeZ-produced, Freedumb. As Cube over the sunny g-funk backdrop raps such knowledgeable bars as, “Create a clone through this iPhone. It’s the perfect device to get spied on. Swipe up, swipe down, pipe down. Type it in, never, ever write it down. Knowing, it’s mind controlling. First you start scrolling, then you start trolling
Yeah, what you know about a prison?
Ain’t no rhythm in this algorithm, no. It’s about the vision. It’s about to be a head on collision. Lost my religion. Motherfvckers gotta Google where God at. I despise that.” The very cinematic ShawnSki & Bigg Von-produced, Forget Me If You Ain’t Wit Me, another really standout track. The production to go with the subject matter really sharp, cinematic and on point from Cube. The powerful Hallway Productionz-produced lead single, Before Hip Hop, that finds the iconic emcee with his signature pyroclastic flow and always stellar social commentary and storytelling. Rapping, “Before hip-hop, n***as got shot. Before hip-hop, n***as smoked rocks. Before hip-hop, my uncle had a drop. Before hip-hop, homies stood on the block. Before hip-hop, people smoked weed. Before hip-hop, I’ll get you what you need. Before hip-hop, pimping was gone. Before hip-hop, b*#%hes was on.” Taken on the narrative and stereotype of Hip-Hop being to blame for many of the systemic injustices, crime, murder, violence and other broken systematic oppressions that long predates the genre. Before Hip Hop is a warning shot, wake-up call and call to justice by Ice Cube. The Mekanix-produced and Scarface featured, Act My Age, yet another standout. Where Cube starts to rap the catchy chorus about not acting their age. Before then going into his standout verses about acting a fool and not his age, as well as about how him, Face and the rest of the old school don’t play by the new rules on the mic as lyricist’s, emcees, performers and just in general versus the new school way of a lot of things. Going back into the chorus before Scarface starts to rap his standout verses of, “I don’t give a fvck where you from, n***a. Take your ass back if you love it that much (Yeah). If not, shut the fvck up (Haha). You n***as ain’t built no different (Nah). You talk that shit and don’t listen (What’s the mission?). We can all act ign’ant, bring the guns out. I’m a vampire when the sun’s out. I’m from the streets, I got to act that way. Steady fvcking with me, telling me to act my age. Back up out my face, I ain’t like these dudes. Not finna fight this n***a, I’m ’bout to light this fuse. The fvck they thought? I was just gon’ talk? Let that ho shit slide? Now that ain’t my style.” Showing why we need more new Scarface too and that hopefully this along with recently performing with Cube on tour over the past few months gives him that itch to put out new music again. Some other standouts on the album including Respect My Space, California Dreamin’, That Salt and Pepper, Bring Everybody, It’s My Ego feat. Scarface & Quake Matthews and the very nostalgic Ca$h Clay Beats-produced closing track, All Work No Play. Where Cube over the classic Atomic Dog flipped production raps, “24/7. (Yeah), 365, fvck a day off, every night is the playoffs. I work smarter and harder. I heard a n***a say “What?” Make money, drink water, and I’m doing that. (Yeah) Always pursuing that. Dog really move the cat. (Woof), you can’t ruin that. Vacations don’t tempt me. ‘Cause I’m living up in your fvckin’ mind, bitch, rent free. And it’s empty, full of cobwebs. Now I see why your motherfvckin’ eyes red. I work a double shift, plus OT. Then I smoke an O-Z where the hoes be. I’m the youngest son of hozie. You know the game, pimp. (Yup) Yo’ b*#ch chose me. But I don’t want her. (Nah), you can have her back. You’s a sperm donor that turned on her. I’m a earner with the burner. (Wow) Nat Turner will make you a great learner.” The perfect strong standout track to close such a stellar and solid album from Ice Cube. The subject matter and topics that are definitely as sharp as ever and what makes it such a solid album from Cube too. Making it not only a top 8 Hip-Hop release here in 2025 for a really strong year for Hip-Hop releases, but also a top 14 or 15 album released across all of music this year.
Awich – Okinawan Wuman: I am going to be quite honest in that I didn’t know much about Japanese rapper, Awich, aside from her being featured on Jess Connelly’s critically-acclaimed 2018 mixtape, JCON. In which she was featured on the standout track, Process. When I thought she would be one of the next female emcees and rappers to really breakthrough. Not hearing much from her again until I heard her RZA-produced single, Butcher Shop with A$AP Ferg back in April of this year and the also Ferg & Lupe Fiasco featured single, Wax On Wax Off a few months later. I was surprised to learn about a whole RZA-produced album, Okinawan Wuman, coming from Awich. To my surprise when I heard the album just a few weeks ago. The new 13-track album including skits giving me that old nostalgic signature Wu-Tang sound that RZA is known for. The Japanese influence on RZA and Wu-Tang Clan throughout the years making on paper this a match made in heaven for both Awich and RZA. Which they both not only came through on, but showed the undeniably great chemistry they have together. Starting with the cinematically piano-driven, Lotus (Skit) to open the album, RZA gives words about this woman from Okinawan who is now a widow after losing her husband and how this has helped, “To manifest the power of her and Toyomi’s ancestors. To give protection and inspiration. To become a unique creative force. Nothing great comes easy. But when it comes. It’s well worth it. That’s Hip-Hop. Bong bong.” Which this album really is for Awich. The album then going into Butcher Shop, where, Awich shows off her stellar flow that in same ways is similar to another great female emcee, Rapsody. The flow, verses and chorus from Awich along with RZA’s production the features from Joey Bada$$ and RZA on, Fear Us. So crazy, dope and inspiring that also shows what a chameleon of an artist she is too. The even more crazy Wax On Wax Off finding despite Lupe easily having the best verse on the track and one of the best verses of the year with his feature. Having Awich holding her own in a nice back-and-forth between her, Ferg and Lupe. That works so well as they perfectly bounce off each other’s verses. The 454 & MIKE featured emotionally piano-driven, Shibuya Flex, yet another real highlight with her emotionally stellar hook a solid feature from 454 and a really super strong guest feature from MIKE. Awich closing the track with her own stellar verses flexing about how they have good times out in the town of Japan. Shibuya Flex really such a refreshing fresh air of Hip-Hop we have had in quite some time. Like a majority of the rest of the album feels like too. Including the Westside Gunn featured very extremely soul sample heavy production RZA went super crazy on for, Hold It Down. Where Awich with her off beat delivery and truly Hip-Hop performance at the beginning of the track really taps into that spirit of pure Hip-Hop and the importance of her family to her more then ever after becoming a widow. As she raps, “The god told me hold it down. I was Young from Oki. Mixing lowkey. Screaming ご機嫌だぜ. Listening to da pumped. He said fvck that you in the states better learn how to hold that pump. Shockwave 590 birds head. They shot up our Cadillac in Indianapolis. Scars on my heart pain turned to calluses. A young widow, trying hard to hold it down. When I came out, I came out on top of Tokyo Metropolis. I got a stepson in Collins doing time. He said he’s coming home 2029. He’s only three years younger than me with two stripes. Just like his daddy even without him. And I send for all his kids so they can see the life. Pure gold flakes on the Wagyu slice. I’m not only fly, but my daughter fly. She’s not only fly but she organize. All these youngins in the city, she a young leader. Can you see us?” Westside with his feature showing why they call him, “The Fly God.” As well with how seamlessly he fit over RZA’s production makes me feel and request something I never thought I would. In a Westside Gunn album all produced by RZA. The triumphant and emotional, A Woman Hung Up. A really moving record mainly about her now deceased husband and how he was one of Awich’s biggest supporters who always pushed her to be greater. As she raps, “I put my family over dollar. Traded the benz for the Toyota. Shit got too hot. We had to pack and move out of Georgia. W.I.C. for my daughter. Time’s getting hard. And I caught your ass cheating. Got me fighting in the yard. I be the crazy asian b***h in the fam. Your mama knows. Cuzn had to full nelson me. Put me back inside the door. I cried and cried. But I still forgave you after all. You the only one I loved through it all. And I hated that the world. Was always trying to put you down. Shooting at us like. Paw paw paw paw paw paw paw paw paw. Bullets through the fvcking window. Promise not to leave me a young widow. Even through all these bullshits. You always was my hero. You can’t leave us. When you know we need your fire. You said you love me to death. Then you gotta live, you liar. Toyomi asked me when her Daddy coming back. And I gotta tell her the truth. Cause you always told me that.” Awich’s flow that you can hear as hers, but also sounds a little like another great female emcee, Snow Tha Product on arguably the best track on the album, Ghost of the East. Going super crazy over the almost trap like instrumental I never thought I would have heard from RZA. Her verses and chorus switching between her native Japanese and English also making the track so great too. Another kinda quirky, but still mostly works uniquely different track is, Noble Lies. That going into the very brilliant Full Circle Skit that is the perfect way to go right into the then dope Japan Remix off, Wax On Wax Off featuring R-指定 (R-Shitei), NENE, 鎮座DOPENESS & C.O.S.A. To cap off right the nearly perfect mastery album from Awich & RZA in, Okinawan Wuman. Which is not only a top 9 Hip-Hop release here in 2025, but also a top 15-16 release across all of music this year. That is like a breath of fresh air in not only Hip-Hop, but music and has me looking forward to a lot more from Awich in 2026 for the upcoming new year and beyond.
