Best Music of 2020
AVAILABLE HERE by the way! Anyway, let’s talk about a bunch of stuff I listened to while making my latest body of work and what I kicked myself listening to after I made FTP Server.
Albums
Album/Rank:
#20- Who Made the Sunshine by Westside Gunn
Standout Track:
”98 Sabres” (ft. Armani Caeser/Conway the Machine/Benny the Butcher)
Why Though:
I kept giving the Griselda sound a chance over the years and I don’t know what it is about this year that just fully flipped the switch in my head. The flow isn’t that intricate but it’s distinct and the beats are pretty sparse for the most part. Not my favourite usually, but here we are in 2020 where most projects from this camp have made the list. Westside’s Shady release was just the album I spent the least amount of time with. The Just Blaze closer to the album was certainly appreciated in terms of shaking things up.
Album/Rank:
#19- Women In Music Pt. III by HAIM
Standout Track:
”3 AM”
Why Though:
I loved the first album by HAIM and I’m glad to announce that this album that I didn’t expect to come out, brought me back to Este, Danielle, and Alana’s world. It’s a good thing too, otherwise I would have pretty much only been listening to Hip Hop this year so I could stay in the right headspace to write as well as record FTP. This was just a nice break.
Album/Rank:
#18- Man on the Moon III: The Chosen by KiD CuDi
Standout Track:
”She Knows This”
Why Though:
Based on this list and other year end lists on TDF Everything, it’s clear that Scott came back to us in a big way in 2020. I for one am thankful I don’t have to write any more potentially misguided letters to him to see if he’s ok. The album is new to me but there’s moments like the Scott Pilgrim snippet that truly make me feel like the album will only grow on me as I unpack all the layers to the story and music.
Album/Rank:
#17 - Blame it on Baby by DaBaby
Standout Track:
”Find My Way”
Why Though:
What can I say? I like how DaBaby puts together music. Plus he seems to branching out in Nelly-like ways. Those moments show that there is a true artist in there somewhere who is not just content to jump on the same beat for 35 minutes at a time.
Album/Rank:
#16- Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle
Standout Track:
”ROYL”
Why Though:
The twins from Grown-ish (as I was introduced to them), just keep growing, this album proves the last one wasn’t just a fluke or a marketing play. There is growth here and shows that Chloe x Halle have different sides to them. I will continue to look out for new music and acting gigs from them!
Album/Rank:
#15- The Recession 2 by Jeezy
Standout Track:
”Almighty Black Dollar” (ft. Rick Ross)
Why Though:
This was the year of Hip Hop sequels and the fact that Jeezy invoked the name of my favourite project from him with my favourite Don Cannon beat, did make me raise my eyebrow. However, Jeezy, did not disappoint. The production and subject matter, for the most part, felt like the perfect continuation of the original Recession album! Plus Jeezy and I both enjoyed the words of Tamika Mallory, word to the opening song of this album.
Album/Rank:
#14- Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God by Busta Rhymes
Standout Track:
”Best I Can” (ft. Rapsody)
Why Though:
Yet another sequel to an album I hold in very high esteem. While I don’t think it works as well as the original, it’s great having Busta back in album mode - it’s been too long. As one of my top 10 favourite MC’s Busta is in a weird place where I like anything he does while I hold him to an almost impossible to top standard all at once. That’s why this album didn’t crack the top ten of the year and made it onto this list at all.
Album/Rank:
#13- Music to be Murdered By by Eminem
Standout Track:
”I Will” (ft. Royce Da 5’9/KXNG Crooked/Joell Ortiz)
Why Though:
It should be known that this album (along with another one later in this list) made me want to start writing again. There are like 3 or 4 Royce sightings on this album which means the bars are on display. Who doesn’t enjoy these two together? This album suffers from being pretty inconsistent but the appearance of other real MCs on this album means that Eminem stepped up and didn’t just coast on R&B collabs.
Album/Rank:
#12- Ho, Why Is You Here by Flo Milli
Standout Track:
”May I”
Why Though:
If you want to have a lot of fun while listening to Hip Hop, listen to Flo Milli’s latest project. From her consistently disrespectful ad libs and song topics to the beats and her flow, it feels like listening to a fully formed artist step into the spotlight. There is something exciting about listening to this self-assured rapper be so obviously herself.
Album/Rank:
#11- Dinner Party: Dessert by 9th Wonder, Kasami Washington, Robert Glasper, & Terrace Martin
Standout Track:
”Freeze Tag” (ft. Cordae & Phoelix)
Why Though:
I’m aware of and like 3/4s of this super group (sorry Robert Glasper… at least I like you now?) so I tried out there rapper less version of this album. That wasn’t quite my vibe in 2020, so I’m glad the rerelease involved rapping, especially from Cordae and narration from Snoop Dogg! This music feels grown up from the opening and doesn’t let up which truly rewards re-visits.
Album/Rank:
#10- The Imperfect Storm by Wale
Standout Track:
”MAAJO”
Why Though:
This is one of the albums I listened to after creating FTP server and I was like, glad to hear Wale and I are pretty close to being on the same page. I mean a lot of these albums really got into the stress of being black especially in 2020, but this album did it over more lively music. Which is to say, it was nice to hear Wale not necessarily come off like an artist who put things on hold because they had something important to say, he was just continuing to create the way he always has. I mean afro beats and Wale speaking on the real is what we’re all here for right?
Album/Rank:
#9- The OutRunners by Curren$y & Harry Fraud
Standout Track:
”Gold and Chrome”
Why Though:
I’m a big Curren$y fan. I just forgot about that In recent years. Luckily, Harry Fraud hooked up with him to bring us The Outrunners. An album which has laid back beats for Curren$y’s distinct voice and style to truly shine on. The album truly sucks you in and keeps you in the zone for its entirety.
Album/Rank:
#8- Pray for Paris by Westside Gunn
Standout Track:
”$500 Ounces” (ft. Freddie Gibbs & Roc Marciano)
Why Though:
This was the album that did it, by the way. I don’t know what made me listen to this album when it showed up on my Tidal home screen, but I did and didn’t look back when it came to Griselda. If I’m honest, it’s gotta be the proximity to Ghostface and most things Wu that makes me enjoy these Buffalo natives. That and the sensational Westside Gunn adlibs. In fact they all have great ad libs but the gun noises, tho!
Album/Rank:
#7- Detroit 2 by Big Sean
Standout Track:
”Full Circle” (ft. Key Wayne & Diddy)
Why Though:
I’ve struggled with Big Sean albums in the past. I think he’s a great rapper who just hasn’t made a full body of work that connects with me. That is until this year. The songs about his mental health (and physical at times) really hooked me plus the beats were on point this time. it might have had some songs on it that could have been saved for other projects though or just left out of public consumption all together. Sorry if this seems harsh but we’re well into the top 10 now.
Album/Rank:
#6- Streams of Thought Vol. 3: Cane & Abel by Black Thought
Standout Track:
”Good Morning” (ft. Pusha T/Killer Mike/Swizz Beatz)
Why Though:
Black Thought doesn’t just back Fallon and pal around with Lin Manuel. He’s got bars, This was the perfect year for me to listen to new output to your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper. He even had a fancy pants mainstream play complete with Swizz ad libs with “Good Morning” which was right up my alley!
Album/Rank:
#5- From King to A GOD by Conway the Machine
Standout Track:
”Juvenile Hell” (ft. Flee Lord/Lloyd Banks/Havoc)
Why Though:
And with that condescending laughing ad lib, I understood the appeal of Conway the Machine. The production on this album felt a bit more special while staying true to what makes Griselda special. Plus the appearances of Lloyd and Meth proved that New NY and old NY can work together to make great music.
Album/Rank:
#4- Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
Standout Track:
”Something to Rap About” (ft. Tyler, The Creator)
Why Though:
I guess I think Freddie Gibbs is a great rapper or something. I feel like he consistently shows up on these year end lists. In a year where I was trying to get back to rapping instead of just enjoying rap, it makes sene that Fred and Al’s offering worked for me. Plus the album name is their names put together but in an appetizing way. That’s something right?
Album/Rank:
#3- Burden of Proof by Benny the Butcher
Standout Track:
”Sly Green”
Why Though:
Yeah, as a long time Roc-a-Fella fan, I think it makes sense that the Benny project works the best for me. It feels like the same approach to production as the Roc would have in their heyday! I must admit “the butcher’s coming” really grew on me.
Album/Rank:
#2- A Written Testimony by JAY ELECTRONICA & JAY-Z
Standout Track:
”Universal Soldier”
Why Though:
And here we are! The album that actually got me to record something. I’m that big of a JAY-Z fan that the fact that he surprised us with a de facto Watch the Throne 2 actually got me to stop hemming and hawing and actually record myself and put together an album by myself. I remember being luke warm on the idea of a Jay Electronica album but from the first real track where Hov’s vocals came out, I was like… wait… is he going to be on every song? How will this be anything but the best album of the year? Welp leave Jigga off the No I.D. track and that’ll happen.
Album/Rank:
#1- King’s Disease by Nas
Standout Track:
”All Bad” (ft. Anderson.Paak)
Why Though:
I remember how many people were upset with me for not thinking this was a great album. My mental block with Nas must have factored into my initial lack of enthusiasm. Hit-Boy solved the big issue I have with Nas which is his beat selection so it seemed I just needed time with this album. So here we are months later and I have to admit, this is the best body of work for 2020. I’m as surprised as you are. Nas’ album grew on me, A LOT. What can I say?
Singles
Song/Rank:
#10- “The Box” by Roddy Ricch
Why Though:
It’s that “ee-oo” sound. I’m not going to lie. I enjoy the orchestra hit (I’ve used It in the past) but it’s that sound that just works for me. I don’t have anything smart to say about this song. I don’t even really know what it’s about or why it’s called the Box, I just like that sound and Roddy’s cadence.
Song/Rank:
#9- “The Adventures of Moon Man & Shady” by KiD CuDi (ft. Eminem)
Why Though:
KiD CuDi didn’t have to stunt like that. He had so much music this year he could afford to leave this extended Eminem verse off his album. If you like Kid Cudi, this song may work better for you than if you’re an old school Eminem fan.
Song/Rank:
#8- “Life is Good” by Future & Drake
Why Though:
I know I like this song because it works even without this very fun video. I’m really into the Drake half, but it says a lot that I mostly rap/sing along with Future. And even though the beats are different, it all comes together as parts of a whole.
Song/Rank:
#7- “WAP” by Cardi B (ft. Megan Thee Stallion)
Why Though:
Who wasn’t rapping/chanting a section of this song this year? Talk about cross-over appeal. Especially considering the subject matter. It was just undeniable. Was hoping this meant we were getting a Cardi album but at least we got this 2020 gem!
Song/Rank:
#6- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
Why Though:
Crissle from the amazing The Read podcast said that The Weeknd always seems like he’s just done coke or is about to do some. What a perfect way to introduce someone to this song and video. If this isn’t coke music, I don’t know what is. That doesn’t mean I don’t throughly enjoy this song.
Song/Rank:
#5- “Savage (Remix)” by Megan Thee Stallion (ft. Beyoncé)
Why Though:
Seriously, Beyoncé is becoming someone you should really worry about giving 16 to on a song. She may murder you on your own hit. Fortunately for Megan, that’s not what’s important with this anthem. But you have to admit, Queen Bey went off on this song. So much so that when Megan performed it on SNL she just let the Beyoncé part rock. Those “okay” ad libs really work for me.
Song/Rank:
#4- “The Scotts” by Travi$ Scott & KiD CuDi
Why Though:
I’m here for a The Scotts album when they’re ready. It was the fact that Cudi appeared on a Travis track back in the day that made me listen to Stormi’s dad. So it just makes sense that they keep that momentum going with more bangers like this.
Song/Rank:
#3- “ooh la la” by Run The Jewels (ft. Greg Nice & DJ Premier)
Why Though:
I may have borrowed this for FTP Server. So it’s weird to listen to it after the fact. Either way, RTJ went in on this song and it really spoke to me.
Song/Rank:
#2- “CUT EM IN” by Anderson.Paak (ft. Rick Ross)
Why Though:
The guitar lick and simmering organ that give way to the knocking drums and piano? What am I not a part of Sick,Wicked&Nasty? Of course I loved this song. Anderson was everywhere this year and gave us this soulful gem for an NFL video game? He had time this year to improve everything he came into contact with. Thank you Mr.Paak, you make good music!
Song/Rank:
#1- “Lost In Yesterday” by Tame Impala
Why Though:
Speaking of making music with white people, Tame Impala hit me over the head with this dope song. I’ve never been that big of a fan. Not a hater, but certainly not a vocal fan. This driving bass and pleasant synths makes me feel like I need to go back and check what else Tame Impala has to offer.
-YG