If you’re searching for new works in the classic and ground-breaking genre, look no further! Below are my top-picks in must-listen projects that have released in recent months. Check back regularly for updates to this article. (Artists names and album art are buttons that link directly to them!)
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The Alchemist & Various artists- “Yacht Rock 2”
Released on: August 30, 2019
Duration: 23 minutes 9 seconds
The Alchemist returns with a few of his friends to create one of the smoothest collaborative hip-hop albums to come out this year. This project features well-known rappers within hip-hop such as Westside Gunn, Action Bronson, and Gangrene. This is a perfect album to ride out to.
Ghostface Killa– “Ghostface Killahs”
Released on: September 13, 2019
Duration: 33 minutes 20 seconds
One of The Wu Tang Clans finest, Ghostface Killah sets out on a warpath in his typical fashion; along with some help from old time Clan members: Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, and many more. Ghostface never strays too far from his roots, and remains one of the most distinct voices in hip-hop on this album.
Conway the Machine– “Look What I Became”
Released on: September 13, 2019
Duration: 28 minutes 12 sec
The Griselda crew seems to be single-handedly ruling the rap game this year; with multiple releases from all the labels’ artists, it’s been hard to keep up! “Look What I Became” is one of THREE albums that Conway the Machine has put out this year alone. This is the most recent solo project from this resilient rapper. It features support from Griselda heavyweights, Benny The Butcher, and Westside Gunn; along with other familiar names like Dave East and Jim Jones.
Danny Brown– “uknowhatimsayin¿”
Released on: October 24, 2019
Duration: 33 minutes 42 seconds
After three years of waiting, Danny Brown is back with an even more masterful and conscious flow than I remember, on newest album: “uknowhatimsayin?”. This impressive album is produced by A Tribe Called Quest member, Q-tip, and has appearances from JPEGMAFIA, Run The Jewels, and Blood Orange. This album feels mature, and very well crafted. Danny Brown set out to remind people that he’s still one of the best at what he does for rap and hip-hop.
Femdot– “94 Camry Music”
Released on: October 1, 2019
Duration: 25 minutes 51 seconds
Femdot is a Chicago native who came and wrecked with this album. If you didn’t catch Femdots’ 2018 release, Delacreme 2, then this newest album should be what puts you on game. As the title of this album suggest, this record is good to listen to while on a drive. The flows and lyricism on this project are so smooth and easy to relate to. What more can you ask for?
Rapsody– “Eve”
Released on: August 23, 2019
Duration: 1 hour 3 minutes
Rapsody is one of the strongest leaders for women in rap. This year, Rapsody brings forth the full length, and very thoughtful album: “Eve”. Rapsody has many stories to tell, and it all comes with a rap flow that will command your attention from track to track. Tap in for a ride through all of this rappers’ inspirations.
Medhane– “Own Pace”
Released on: November 12, 2019
Duration: 29 minutes 58 minutes
Brooklyn based rapper, Medhane, may be a name you haven’t heard of yet; good thing you’re reading this article, because you just caught wind of his first solo album, and it only just came out this month! Now is the time for your own discovery of this very talented and young rapper. Medhane has the same amount of potential as some of your favorite names in hip-hop today, and even worked with MIKE on this record. This one is something you don’t want to miss out on.
Gang Starr – “One Of The Best Yet”
Released on: November 1st, 2019
Duration: 37 minutes 9 seconds
One of the most iconic rap duos from the 90’s has returned with a haunting revival of the late MC Guru. DJ Premiere, along with Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, J. Cole, and more help to breath new life to one of the greatest rap teams to ever do it.
Chucky BLK- “Late Summer // Early Fall”
Released on: October 23, 2019
Duration: 20 minutes 16 seconds
Chucky BLK is a great talent local to Austin, TX. I quickly became a fan after this project. Throughout this short EP is a heartfelt, and open letter to Chucky’s listeners on his come ups, struggles, and the good place he’s in now. There’s a lot to love about this hip-hop artist on the rise. Smart lyricism, and beautiful production is what you can expect here.
Benny The Butcher – “The Plug I Met”
Released on: June 21, 2019
Duration: 24 minutes 30 seconds
Benny is back with his 8th studio album, “The Plug I Met”. As expected, the Buffalo native comes with ruthless and cut-throat rhymes alongside some fellow artists such as Black Thought, Jadakiss, and Pusha T.
Benny is by far my favorite from the Griselda Records crew, and he certainly didn’t come to play on this album.
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib– “Bandana”
Release Date: June 28, 2019
Duration: 46 minutes 24 seconds
MadGibbs is at it again with their follow-up project to “Piñata“. With what could be one of the best Rapper/Producer pairs in Hip-Hop, Madlib and Freddie Gibbs cook up a good ol’ fashioned “cocaine summer” record. Expect hard lines about come-ups, moving product, and much more that is delivered ever so smoothly by Freddie—alongside appearances from Pusha T, Killer Mike, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and more. Hip-Hop heads are sure to love this self-claimed album of the year from this dynamic duo.
(p) Keep Cool/RCA Records
Your Old Droog– “Transportation”
Release Date: June 14, 2019
Duration: 49 minutes 19 seconds
YOD has been pretty busy this year. After just releasing “It Wasn’t Even Close” back in April, Droog returns with a new project that tells yet another vivid Brooklyn tale. “Transportation” has tracks with themes relating to the title–such as stories from trains rides, like in “Train Love”, and driving around in his whip like on “Head Over Wheels II”. There’s also artful rap ballads about women, and fun “inside job” stories that only Droog can paint just right to visualize clearly in your mind.
(c) (p) 2019 Mongoloid BanksMach-Hommy– “Wap Konn Jòj!”
Release Date: June 21, 2019
Duration: 18 minutes 44 seconds
Mach-Hommy returns with a short record featuring some of the most exciting young names in hip-hop right now–such as Quelle Chris, Your Old Droog, and even Earl Sweatshirt. This album is filled with relaxing, jazzy beats and samples accompanied by smooth lines from the rapper. Mach-Hommy is what you might consider underrated, but with the A-list co-signs he has throughout–along with some production from Earl and the Alchemist, I guarantee you’ll love what this man has to talk about.
FNGR FOOD 
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