The 20 best hip-hop albums of 2020

After his 2019 single “Welcome To The Party,” became a big hit, Pop Smoke was not only gaining new fans, but he was also getting recognition by some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to see where his success could take him after he was murdered just days after dropping his mixtape “Meet The Woo 2” in February. Luckily, for Pop Smoke fans, the rapper’s team decided to release his posthumous album “Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon,” with executive production from 50 Cent. With songs like “For The Night,” “Yea Yea” and “The Woo” becoming fan favorites, the album showcased how Pop Smoke was set to cement his place as a leader of the new class for New York rappers.

Just two years since his debut studio album, rising star Lil Baby is out to prove he’s next up with his latest album properly titled, “My Turn.” The album’s lead single “Woah” is a certified banger, along with his second single “Sum 2 Prove.” Amid the Black Lives Matter protests in June, Lil Baby released “The Bigger Picture,” his highest-charting song to date that helped him earn two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. Although the album does lead with a few features, it also helps showcase how much he shines alone—a rapper with charisma and confidence ready for the world to take notice. 

Over the years, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’ have been highly instrumental in each other’s careers. As a sequel to the 2016 joint EP, the rapper and producer joined forces again on their latest album, “Savage Mode II.” They enlist actor Morgan Freeman as the album’s narrator to display how these two artists work magically, as he states “Whether from a savage land, or a booming metropolis.” 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’ float effortlessly with each other that there aren’t many other features besides Drake and Young Thug. It’s safe to say the two have established themselves among some of the genre's most anticipated rapper-producer collaborations.

2020 was the year of Griselda as members of the collective dropped solo projects. Benny The Butcher took fans by surprise upon the announcement he was working with Hit-Boy to solely produce his album “Burden of Proof,” especially since the two are known for different sounds. With Benny’s throwback essence and Hit-Boy’s sample-heavy production, this collaboration is sure to heighten Benny’s appeal into mainstream conversations. Benny finds himself spitting about street life as he teams up with his fellow Griselda members Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine on “War Paint,” while also reflecting on the ups and downs of success on “Famous.” Benny’s lyricism alongside Hit-Boy’s production is proof the rapper is ready for more people to respect his art.

Duckwrth is the ethereal singer-rapper that deserves a lot more shine. He’s an eclectic soul that seemingly draws inspiration from the likes of N.E.R.D., OutKast, and Kanye West. His major label debut album “SuperGood” is filled with vibrant melodies that are sure to keep people dancing and take a listener’s mind to another space. As an LA-based artist, “SuperGood” is what the West Coast feels like—breezy, bouncy, laid-back, all-around cool vibes—the type of album to play while driving across the Pacific Coast Highway or lounging on a beach. While the album features sweet collaborations with Jean Deaux, EARTHGANG, Kian, and Kyle Dion, Duckwrth’s appreciation for vintage sounds and blending genres showcases that he’s in a league of his own.

Any artist who mentions the thought of retiring should always be taken with a grain of salt. Logic has toyed with the idea on several occasions, but in July, he took to social to make the official announcement in addition to the release of his final album, “No Pressure.” This release comes full circle as Logic linked back up with producer and mentor No I.D., someone who was critical during the rapper’s career beginnings. Logic is not only a master at choosing production that he can float across, but also sequencing an album to tell a full story. Whether he’s putting his own spin to a classic OutKast sample on “GP4” or thanking his supporters on “Amen,” if this is truly Logic’s last album, it’s safe to say he’s fully satisfied with his music career and is ready for the next chapter in his life.

Just two years after his previous mixtape, Aminé returns with his second studio album “Limbo.” This time around, Amine seems like an artist who is more in tune with himself confidently than previously heard. There are a number of Kobe Bryant references across tracks like “Woodlawn” and the interlude “Kobe." As an avid basketball fan, Aminé reflects on the heartbreak and sadness he felt when the world lost the NBA legend earlier this year. The rapper also adds a bit of R&B touch by collaborating with soulful veteran Charlie Wilson on “Roots” and rising star Summer Walker on “Easy.” The feel-good songs are “Can’t Decide” and “Shimmy” which pay homage to the late ODB. On the album’s final track “My Reality,” Aminé speaks on how he’s truly living out his dreams even if he's constantly trying to figure out life. 

2020 was a year that fans saw veteran rappers emerge back into the scene. Busta Rhymes, also known as one of the fastest rappers of all time, has a 30-year career to his name, so fans were curious how Busta would sound among rappers for the new generation. His latest album “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God” showcases how his 90s style of hip hop is still in full force—from breath control, to flow switches, to rhyme schemes are innate in Busta’s world. Although the album is quite bloated in length, he makes sure to adhere to new age hip hop fans with collaborations alongside Rick Ross, Anderson .Paak, and Rapsody.

One of the cool things about hip-hop is when artists come together to form a group. Spillage Village is a hip-hop and R&B collective comprised of EARTHGANG, J.I.D, 6LACK, Mereba, Hollywood JB, Benji, and Jurdan Bryant. While the world was put on pause in 2020, Spillage Village created “Spilligion” over the course of two months and grew a deeper bond with each other. Each of these artists has worked together before forming the group, and their relationships help make “Spilligion” so special. Between each artist having their own distinctive sound, the album blends Atlanta trap with neo-soul, R&B, and gospel. With songs such as “PsalmSing,” “Ea’alah (Family),” and “Hapi," it’s an album that gives listeners hope for a better tomorrow.

While a typical rap album shows an artist working with a number of producers, it’s always interesting to hear a rapper choose to work with a sole producer throughout an entire project. Just a year after his previous project “Bandana,” rapper Freddie Gibbs linked up with producer The Alchemist to feed fans on their latest joint album, “Alfredo.” The Alchemist’s style of production pulls from a retro era, such as the old school fusion on ”Something To Rap About” or the mellow ‘90s hip-hop sound on “Baby $hit.” The Alchemist’s beats alongside Gibbs’ ability as a crafty wordsmith prove to be a recipe for success.

D Smoke garnered the attention of many when he became the first winner of the Netflix competition show, “Rhythm & Flow” in 2019. While he did follow up with an EP shortly after, his debut album came earlier this year, titled “Black Habits.” While the album cover is a vintage photograph of D Smoke and his family, “Black Habits” showcases the rapper’s appreciation for his Inglewood hometown and his family upbringing. As the album combines genres of jazz, soul, and gospel, the rapper also adds in doses of Spanish to help appeal to a bigger audience. Some of the key collaborations include Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, SiR, and West Coast legend Snoop Dogg. The debut album also earned D Smoke a 2021 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.

It’s still hard to believe that it’s been two years since the world tragically lost Mac Miller. Although the rapper gave fans plenty of albums during his time here, fans wondered if they would ever hear any unreleased music from him. Obviously, any posthumous album should be completed with the utmost respect for the artist’s work. Luckily, Miller’s collaborator Jon Brion completed the production on the rapper's album “Circles.” Although the album finds Miller reflecting on struggles and challenges he faced, “Circles” gave fans comfort knowing Miller left behind music that can hopefully help others. 

In addition to releasing mixtapes over the last few years, Deante' Hitchcock received a major co-sign joining J. Cole and his Dreamville roster on “Revenge of the Dreamers III” and appeared on a cypher at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards. His debut album “Better” is proof that he adds to Atlanta’s melting pot of hip-hop stars. Whether he’s questioning his thoughts on love on the 6LACK-assisted track “How TF,” doubting religion on “Flashbacks,” or boasting about the fruits of his labor on “I Get Money,” he floats across the content while complementing any artist that he’s featured with. While the original album is ten tracks, Hitchcock recently released the deluxe version and constantly proves that the quality of his work is always better than quantity.

The designated hot girl had a smoking year. With the success of her EPs like “Fever” and “Suga,” along with landing collaborations with artists such as Cardi B, Yo Gotti, Phony Ppl, and Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion gave fans something to listen to and read about all year long. It’s safe to say, her debut album “Good News” was the perfect title. While her hit single “Body” is encouraging fans to participate in the Body Challenge across social media, other album favorites are the empowerment anthem on “Circles” or boasting about her sexual prowess on the SZA-assisted track “Freaky Girls.” The Houston hottie might have experienced a roller coaster year, but "Good News" shows fans that Megan continues to count her wins and revel in positivity. 

While 2020 was full of unexpected events, one of the biggest surprises was the release of Jay Electronica’s debut album, “A Written Testimony.” It was in 2007 when Jay Electronica put the world on notice with his first mixtape, “Act I: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge).” Although he hopped on several features within the last decade, fans were in disbelief that the MC was finally releasing his debut after a nearly 13-year hiatus. “A Written Testimony” includes production from the likes of Swizz Beatz, James Blake, The Alchemist, No I.D., and Hit-Boy, and it was well worth the wait. Let's just hope that Jay Electronica doesn't make fans wait another decade for the next one. 

With over 25 years in the music industry, Nas has long established his spot among hip-hop’s elite MCs—some would deem him as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” At a time in which music is consumed incessantly, a challenge for an artist like Nas is keeping up with the music of today but also staying true to his die-hard fan base. On his latest album, “King’s Disease,” he recruits producer Hit-Boy to help reach a new generation of hip-hop fans, while also keeping his vivid imagery and metaphorical storytelling that his true fans know and love. The album enlists a star-studded feature list including Big Sean, Anderson .Paak, Foxy Brown, and Charlie Wilson. "King's Disease" is proof that Nas still has an it-factor even 26 years after his debut. 

One of the essential ways for new artists to get recognition is getting a co-sign from an established artist. That is exactly how it happened for Don Toliver, who was featured on Travis Scott’s album “Astroworld” before the ultimate rager signed him to his Cactus Jack Records imprint. On his debut album “Heaven or Hell,” Toliver proves that he can step outside of Scott’s shadow and hold his own in the hip-hop world. Adding to a list of newcomers who half-rap and half-sing, his melodic prowess is evident on songs like the TikTok viral hit, “No Idea” and the turn-up anthem “After Party.” Toliver's sound is evident that he is Scott's mentee and "Heaven or Hell" has the rapper ready for the spotlight. 

Killer Mike and El-P formally known as Run The Jewels returned with their fourth installment “RTJ4.” By the time the album was released, the world was already reeling effects of the pandemic on top of police brutality. “RTJ4” came out right on time as it reflects on the state of the world including racist cops, injustice, poverty, and capitalism. Killer Mike and El-P may represent two worlds, but their magic is coming together as a unit to help listeners see how unity is part of progress.

There’s no doubt that women have been reclaiming their thrones in hip-hop over the past several years. Rising star Flo Milli first came on to the scene when her singles like “Beef FloMix” and “In The Party” went viral across social media platforms. Flo Milli’s debut mixtape “Ho, why is you here ?” beams with confidence, attitude, and she has no problem calling out her haters. The 20-year-old is assertive and brash, which is evident on standout tracks like “Weak” and “Not Friendly.” The 12-track debut doesn’t have any features, proving that Flo Milli has the enticing energy all on her own.

If there is any rapper that took 2020 by storm, Roddy Ricch would be at the top of the list. Although his debut album,” Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial” had a late 2019 release, the project along with his hit song, “The Box” became the most streamed of the year on Apple Music. The album features collaborations with artists such as Gunna, Meek Mill, and Ty Dolla $ign. The hit single and album broke records across Billboard charts and earned him a few 2021 Grammy Award nominations. Ricch may claim to be antisocial, but his music is resonating with many listeners and he’s set to have a bright future in the rap game.