My Top 20 Albums of 2021

Towards the end of the year I usually give my list of Top 10 R&B albums and my list of Top 10 Hip Hop albums however I would often find trouble with defining some albums genres as genres can get lost within creating art. So this year I did my Top 20 albums of 2021.

EP’s or Compilation albums like “If Orange Was A Place”- Tems or “When It’s All Said And Done…Take Time”- Giveon won’t be counted.

Also, this is all subjective, this is my list.

20. Overgrown – Joyce Wrice

I’ve been watching the growth of Joyce Wrice for a while, and this year she released her debut album “Overgrown” with features from Lucky Daye, Masego and KAYTRANADA this certifies her amongst the next generation of R&B acts.

My Favourite Tracks: On One (feat. Freddie Gibbs), So So Sick, Addicted

19. 4NEM – Chief Keef

The G.O.A.T behind a lot of todays’ sound released his first studio album in over 4 years. This album didn’t disappoint one bit, it was fun with a lot of energy and contained some great production. It reminded me how golden Chief Keef was in the early 2010s.

My Favourite Tracks: Bitch Where, See Through, Hadouken

18. A 64 East Saga – Ryan Trey

I have been waiting for this album since 2019 when the first single was released. The Trapsoul movement was impactful on me growing up. So I end up enjoying an album that contains Trapsoul elements like this album does.

My Favourite Tracks: Nowhere to Run (feat. Bryson Tiller), Rollin, Far From St. Louis

17. to hell with it – PinkPantheress

Maybe it’s my TikTok addiction but this album was so fun to listen to. The pop sound mixed with that drum and bass makes sure you’re dancing. However, the downside is that this project is under 19 minutes long! Way too short. However, I am excited to see how PinkPantheres grows as an artist as she is still very young.

My Favourite Tracks: Pain, Break it off, Passion

16. WEIGHT OF THE WORLD – Maxo Kream

Maxo knows how to get personal when creating music, throughout the album, he questions his religion, opens up about his use of drugs and his brother’s death. The production throughout the album contains a lot of Chipmunk Soul Samples and I am a sucker for them!

My Favourite Tracks: CRIPSTIAN, STREETS AlONE (feat. A$AP Rocky), WORTHLESS

15. And Then Life Was Beautiful – NAO

NAO has such a warm, beautiful and effortless voice. This album is a testament to NAO’s growth throughout the years and is such a great album to relax to.

My Favourite Tracks: Antidote (feat. Adekunle Gold), And Then Life Was Beautiful, Woman (feat. Lianne La Havas)

14. Hitler Wears Hermes 8 – Westside Gunn

Inspired by the Devil Wears Prada, Westside Gunn has found his place in music in recent years. HWH8 is a perfect example of this. The whole album is full of dirty, grimy soul beats, with drug & fashion lyrics. A great ending to the HWH series.

My Favourite Tracks: Vogue Cover (feat. Stove God Cooks), Westheimer (feat. Boldy James, Sauce Walka & Stove God Cooks), Margiela Split Toes (feat. Mach-Hommy) 

13. Unoverse 2 – UnoTheActivist

UnoTheActivist is one of those artists that deserve to be bigger; impacting a lot of today’s sound. Unoverse 2 was Uno’s best album this year. A very fun album that gets me hyped.

My Favourite Tracks: Jimmy Fallon, Givenchy, On The Moon

12. La Maquina- Conway the Machine

I love drug raps over grimy beats and Conway never disappoints. Conway is proof that lots of these rappers are ageing like wine. Their abilities just keep getting better.

My Favourite Tracks: Blood Roses (feat. Jae Skeese), Scatter Brain (feat. Ludacris & JID), Bruiser Brody

11. Snoh Aalegra – TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES

I always enjoy Snoh’s work and with this project, she created such a perfectly calm & soothing album. The perfect album for chilling at home on edibles. It deserves its Grammy nomination.

My Favourite Tracks: INDECISIVE, NEON PEACH (feat. Tyler, The Creator), DYING 4 YOUR LOVE

10. Welcome to the Wildfire – K. Forest

One of the most underrated artists on this list, he gets overshadowed a lot in the conversation of Canadian R&B but this album deserves to be on everyone’s radar.

My Favourite Track: Offshore, Bad Neighbors, For Keeps (feat. Kelvyn Colt)

9. Certified Lover Boy – Drake

A much-anticipated album for the whole world. You can tell Drake felt like he had something to prove to the world with CLB. This was the album I was expecting from Drake. Hits on top of Hits. It is a fun album I truly enjoyed.

My Favourite Tracks: Pipe Down, No Friends In The Industry, Knife Talk (with 21 Savage ft. Project Pat)

8. 19 & Dangerous – Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s debut album at only 19! Fashion Killer has got to be one of my favourite tracks this year, and so is the album as a whole. I am excited to see the growth of Ayra Starr in the future.

My Favourite Tracks: Fashion Killer, Snitch (feat. Fousheé), Beggie Beggie (feat. CKay)

7. Love is War – Prettyboy D-O

An experimental artist that doesn’t conform and incorporates a lot of amazing visuals in his art creation. This album contains some experimental flows and great beat selection PrettyBoy D-O provides a great debut. He is another artist I am excited to see the growth of.

My Favourite Tracks: 1996, Living in Bondage, Lord Protect My Steppings (feat. Pa Salieu)

6. Doja Cat- Planet Her

This album was the definition of fun. We need to speak on Doja’s ability to provide something new on different tracks and not create something repetitive. She has developed into a massive Popstar with a great personality and recently spoke on making a double album with production from Jay Versace and 9th Wonder. Which I am excited about.

My Favourite Tracks: Woman, Payday (feat. Young Thug), Get Into It (Yuh)

5. HARAM!- Goldlink

This album contains lots of Dance & Hip-House elements. Very London inspired project which explains the heavy London based collaborations. Goldlink is always bringing new sounds into his albums and so far this has got to be my favourite one by him. I believe this type of sound will see a rise in the next few years.

My Favourite Tracks: Wild and Lethal Trash! (feat. Fire! & Santigold), Evian (feat. PinkPantheress, Rizloski & Rax), White Walls

4. Donda- Kanye West

A much-anticipated album that contained a very Kanye rollout that gave me TLOP vibes. The gospel elements and the rollout gave the album such a theatrical experience. Listening to the album start to finish album didn’t disappoint.

My Favourite Tracks: Off The Grid, Keep My Spirit Alive, Praise God

3. Still Over It – Summer Walker

My favourite R&B album of this year started as a worry as I thought her lead single “Ex For A Reason” was disappointing. However, listening to it within the whole album is a lot better. This album can even compete with her debut album “Over It”. 4th Baby Mama has to be the biggest diss track of 2021 and if they ever play that in the club you best believe I will be there singing my heart out.

My Favourite Track: 4th Baby Mama, No Love (with SZA), Insane

2. The Melodic Blue – Baby Keem

PGLang had an amazing start with this album. Baby Keem created such an entertaining album, I enjoyed every track. It seemed like Baby Keem was having fun in this album and I feel like that’s why it comes across as so enjoyable.

My Favourite Tracks: trademark usa, lost souls (with Brent Faiyaz), family ties (with Kendrick Lamar)

1.Sometimes I Might Be Introverted – Little Simz  

Little Simz deserves this. This album was perfectly crafted and curated to create a cinematic experience. From the first to last track Little Simz gets intimate and introspective over some amazing orchestral production. I was so lucky enough to see her perform this album live and it was the best performance I have seen. I would strongly recommend you to listen to this album and if you get a chance watch her perform live.

My Favourite Tracks: Listen to the whole album start to finish

Thank you for reading!

Karl

RIP Young Dolph

It saddens me that I am writing about the passing of Memphis legend Young Dolph. I am the type of person when someone dies I like to reflect on all the great impactful moments they brought us. A big thing that Dolph impacted on the music scene was his hustle and independence.

In 2016, Dolph started finding commercial success on his terms. He refused to sign a deal with a label that didn’t understand his vision so he created his path and put so many other independent artists in the spotlight while doing so.

He did a lot for Memphis and Hip hop, his label Paper Route Empire was one to watch. It’s a shame he’s gone because he had so much more to offer.

An artist with such an authentic impact on music was lost and we can see this by the reaction of his peers. Rappers from Westside Gunn to Megan Thee Stallion to Offset all spoke of his greatness.

I am going to leave with my three favourite Dolph Tracks:

All of Mine (feat. Shelley FKA DRAM), Tric Or Treat, In My System (feat. Boosie Badazz)

Karl

What I have learnt about Resso

A friend recently put me on to Resso and news about them becoming the top 3 music streaming platforms in India.

The Chinese streaming platform offers a subscription-based programme that creates a much more social aspect to the music. Users can comment, share lyrics and socialize about the music they love.

This app has been able to ink licensing deals with Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and a few other big names however Universal Music Group and Resso have not been able to make a deal yet.

Resso is planning to launch in 2 months and it will be very interesting to see what this will do to the consumption of music. Will artists have to gauge a newer way to market themselves on a whole new app?

Karl

Still Over It

One of the most anticipated R&B albums is dropping Tomorrow. Summer Walker is dropping her sophomore album “Still Over It” which seems like a sequel to her first album “Still Over it”. Even though I thought her lead single “Ex For A Reason” was disappointing.

I am still excited for it the whole promo with the hard drive touring cities behind unbreakable glass and even the look of the tracklist. With features from Lil Durk, SZA, and Pharrell. As well as a pray from Ciara at the end. I am hoping this album is just as good as her debuts.

This Friday will be a bag day for music with projects from Amine (BTW that Charmander record has been on repeat), Terrace Martin (with features from Kendrick, Smino and Cordae) and Key Glock.

Karl

Some of my favourite drops this week

BIA – FOR CERTAIN (Deluxe)

Adding 6 songs to her 2020 release, she really proves her growth as an artist with this one. Makes me think BIA will be here for a long time

Favourite tracks: BIG DEAL (feat. Sevyn Streeter), CAN’T TOUCH THIS

Maxo Kream – WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

Maxo had one of my favourite albums of 2019. Maxo has a skill with being able to open up to his audience about family matters, gang politics and drug addictions. This album was no different.

Favourite tracks: CRIPSTIAN, STREETS ALONE (feat. A$AP ROCKY)

Wale – Folarin II

Wale is a legend who doesn’t seem to get talked enough. However you can tell he’s respected by other legends within this album with features from J. Cole, Rick Ross, and Jamie Foxx.

Favourite tracks: Tiffany Nikes, Fire & Ice

Karl

Cash App Studios

Jack Dorsey CEO of Square and Twitter has announced that Cash App will create a new program called Cash App Studios. Artists who are excepted into this invite-only programme will be given grant-style funding as well as being able to use Cash App to facilitate payments from fans amongst other new features from Twitter and Square as well.

Tidal goal seems to be around creating an artist-centric platform and with the inclusion of Cash App Studios, it will be interesting to watch the development. Maybe Tidal can offer exclusive content to the fanbase and or Playlisting for the artists?

Either way, I will be interested in watching the growth of Cash App Studios and what artists come out of it. I hope they take the UnitedMasters approach and give guidance to their artist community.

Karl

NFTs are coming to Coinbase

Earlier this week Coinbase announced that users will be able to sell, trade and mint NFTs by the end of the year. They plan to begin the process to help millions of people access possible NFTs with ease the same way they did with cryptocurrencies.

Coinbase has partnered with UnitedMasters, the independent music distributor to pay musicians in cryptocurrencies.

What does this mean for artists?

Hopefully, this gives more artists and their fans to journey into NFTs and create something new in crypto culture. I am very interested in watching what this means for UnitedMasters and their thousands of independent artists. Will NFTs be much easier to promote for the less famous musicians?

I look forward to watching the future of NFTs

Karl

Introducing the next biggest thing, Riff?

Music Tech Company Riff has been in the news recently for raising $4 million in investments. A few of the investors have been music labels like Quality Control, Top Dawg, and Empire. The app which is only on IOS (so far) is meant to be like Instagram live, Clubhouse and Streaming service combined. Music Business Worldwide shares that the Riff team is 75 percent Women and/or People of Colour which is amazing to see!

The COO of Quality Control Coach K said Riff is creating a new media category called “Culture Media”. Its unique features provide something new in the competitive landscape of Social Media. It offers live streams and live audio a step above Clubhouse.

I am personally excited to see where it grows and what impact investors have on the project. How will music impact this social media platform? Are musicians going to have events on there? How will Riff compete with the other platforms?

Karl

Youngboy Better

NBA Youngboy released his third album last week called “Sincerely, Kentrell”. It has been very interesting to watch and analyse the growth of NBA Youngboy and how he was able to develop one of the strongest fanbases in Music.

He was able to develop this internet fanbase through YouTube, learning how to constantly feed his audience, not just with music but with visuals. Even releasing music early on Youtube, these techniques are the reason he was crowned Youtubes Top Artist for 19 consecutive weeks in 2019.

A lot of people in the streets and young kids listen to music via Youtube because they don’t have credit cards or are reluctant to pay. Youngboy understands his audience; lots of his videos are simple and are depicting street life.

He uses these videos of him to open up to his fanbase, his fanbase believes they are getting to know Youngboy. That’s why he has been able to cultivate this Stanbase on the internet, of teenagers commenting “Youngboy Better” or “Yb does it better”.

These reasons are why Youngboy is currently projected to sell 130k first week and is competing for number 1 on Billboard, which could make him the 3rd Hip Hop artist to go number 1 from jail behind Wayne and Pac.

Karl

Lil Nas X is a Popstar

This week saw the release of the very much anticipated debut project “Montero”. With features from Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Elton John, including 2 singles that peaked in the billboard top 5. This album has been one of the biggest this year so far. The album is expected to sell around 125K first week. This is an amazing debut for a Black Queer artist.

The growth of Lil Nas X as an artist has been amazing to watch from being deemed as a fun meme artist to being a Popstar. I am excited to see where Lil Nas X’s career will go from here. From the reaction his music gets from TikTok and Gen Z’s, I expect big things from him and the impact he can have.

I also look forward to the Deluxe there will be a Kid Cudi feature.

If you haven’t already I would recommend giving Montero ago.

My favourite tracks are: THATS WHAT I WANT, SCOOP (feat. Doja Cat) and INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow).

Karl