It’s been a transitional period for the Pacific Northwest music scene as some established artists expand their reach outside of the city while the younger generation is starting to find their footing and make a name for themselves. Life has also been lifeing lately on a broad scale which has impacted these artists physically, financially, and creatively.
Historically, during turbulent times artists have been able to pull influence from the turmoil of society to produce some of their most relatable and impactful works. The time we’re living in now is one of those turbulent times and this year, we saw many musical gems emerge from the crushing pressures of society.
The following may seem like an exhaustive list, almost as if I’ve written about every single release from the PNW. The fact of the matter is this is just a small portion of the music coming out of this region right now. It’s a collection of artists that I couldn’t stop listening to, talking about, or recommending to others. These are the albums that soundtracked my seasons, the songs that set the tone for each day. Altogether, there are over 50 albums from the Pacific Northwest listed here that made an impact on me, my playlists, and the community at some point throughout the year.
Jump to an Album:
T’$ Top Albums from the Pacific Northwest 2024
TeZATalks – Black Girl American Horror Story
This year, TeZATalks released her debut album Black Girl American Horror Story. It presents to us her perspective on what it’s like to be a vulnerable Black woman in America who doesn’t fit the cookie cutter mold of what society believes a woman to be. She showcases the highs and lows of navigating relationships, not just with friends and family, acquaintances and colleagues, but the relationship you have with yourself. In the face of adversity, she remains a pillar of strength and confidence, even when self-doubt rises above everything else.
During her album release party at Neumos in October, you could feel that inner strength in her voice although it trembled and cracked from an overwhelming swell of emotions. You could see her confidence exuding through the polish of her performance all while she was singing about her vulnerabilities and insecurities.
The diverse range of instrumental compositions throughout the album amplify all of those emotions with a celebratory tone. Whether it be a high-octane-punk-rock-face-melter, an ethereal operatic ballad, or even a catchy hardcore-pop club banger, each song is more evocative than the last. Overall, Black Girl American Horror Story is a spectacular showcase of the complexities of who TeZA is as an artist and human being all in one.
Seaan Brooks – WELL BE ALRIGHT
While most artists are fiends for the spotlight, seeking it out and selling their soul to bask in its glow, Seaan Brooks is one of those artists where the light follows him. As a reflection of his life, his music is soaked with an honest integrity that’s been built on the strength and resilience that comes from persevering through the struggles of being a Black man in America. Through his hardships, his spirit still exudes a captivating essence that makes him, and his music, a guiding force in the world. His latest album WELL BE ALRIGHT made a profound impact on my playlist this year and was an easy decision to include in this list.
AJ Suede & Wolftone – Permafrost Discoveries
Seemingly, Permafrost Discoveries is centered around exploration and innovation. By melting away the sounds of the past, AJ Suede and Wolftone are able to build upon their foundations while trekking across the tundra to new territories. Suede has developed a signature flow for himself, which is on full display throughout the project. However, the highlights are the moments when his effortless delivery plays off of the rhythms in the beat.
Wolftone’s production is shrouded in darkness that is offset by moments of bright melodies that glow like fresh snowfall in the middle of the night. He goes to unexpected places from one song to the next, blending classical, edgy, and innovative elements to create a sound that is uniquely his. The harmony between their artistry and their boundary pushing approach makes for one of my favorite releases of the year.
SWANKS – SKIP 2 MY LOOT
The first of two projects released this year, SKIP 2 MY LOOT showcases SWANKS’ raspy, smoked out deliveries alongside some truly beautiful production that acts as a platform for his lyrics to take the spotlight on. Even though the nuances of the beat live in the background, the drums punch you in the face and emphasize each bar.
SWANKS – YOU DONT LOVE ME, YOU JUST LOVE MY LIFESTYLE
The sultry side of SWANKS came out on his second project of the year, YOU DON’T LOVE ME, YOU JUST LOVE MY LIFESTYLE. In contrast to his previous project, here he more frequently opts for autotune and rolling melodies that showcase a different side of himself. It’s still just as gritty and raw, but the landing is a bit softer on the palette. Overall, both of these projects are captivating and provide a quick snapshot that effortlessly portrays who SWANKS is.
Dark Chisme – Self-Titled
Dark Chisme was one of those “never heard of them but I’ll check it out” artists on the Capitol Hill Block Party 2024 lineup and I was so happy that I did. Stepping into Barboza for their set felt like stepping into their own unique world. Their eclectic blend of dark 80s synth, rock and roll, and Latin influences creates a dynamic experience whether it’s being performed live or recorded. Their debut self-titled album is a magnificent expression from vocalist and producer Christine Gutiérrez and multi-instrumentalist Erik “E” Schneider. Their infectious sound quickly made an impact on the city with their debut coming in at #6 on the Seattle Times’ critics’ choice list of best albums in Washington.
Yonny – Everywhere, But Always
Deeply profound and poetic, the album Everywhere, But Always is an astounding portrait of who Yonny is. It’s an inside look into his personal life while physically exploring the dynamic soundscape that he has crafted for himself over the years. The lead single, “City In Motion” caught fire gaining over a million streams with its catchy lyrics, polished production from Jake Crocker and Evan George, as well as its technically flawless music video directed by Nash Pearson. The project overall is crisp and clean and reinforces the undeniable talent that Yonny possesses.
Chong the Nomad – DO WE MAKE OF THIS?
Chong the Nomad’s elevated aural palette is able to paint pictures and tell stories with unique sounds that seemingly only she can develop. In her first full-length album she uses her songs to tell the story of her journey in artistic development as well as life in general. DO WE MAKE OF THIS? takes you many places as she blends her light-hearted, playful personality with the taut melodies of her vulnerabilities which either results in moments of harmonious bliss or beautifully stressful examples of her audible growth.
Keys Open Doors – Beta
There’s a rich overall quality to Keys Open Doors’ album Beta with a warm, full-bodied tone to the final mix that is comforting. Then, you have the layered and diverse compositions that effortlessly combine the production and lyrics. The way he writes, he treats the lyrics not as an addition to the beat, but as another instrument with which he can compose the production with. From the relatable emotional moments to the witty and humorous one-liners, his lyrics are the Keys that Open many different Doors throughout the album. You can see that same degree of exploration through the different instrumental sounds and feelings heard throughout the production.
Oblé Reed – Retrovision
Oblé Reed’s latest project, Retrovision, was released with a music video for each track that has been compiled together by Nash Pearson to create a full album experience that immerses the listener into Oblé’s creative headspace. The seven-track project showcases the tremendous growth he’s had in the short time since his debut as an artist. Not only are there no skips, but every song is filled with clever lyrics and the power to stand on its own to make just as big of an impact as the project does as a whole.
Lovely Colours – Dancing with a Ghost
Dancing With a Ghost, blends together influential sounds from across different decades to create a uniquely retro-futuristic, alternative sound. From 70s punk rock attitudes to 80s inspired synths to the grittiness of 90s grunge and the sparkles of 00s alternative pop, the Lovely Colours sound is as fresh as it is familiar. The bright melodies and catchy hooks throughout the album are offset by haunting rhythmic undertones that create a simultaneous feeling of comfort and unease. These tracks are just audible manifestations of the anxieties we live with every day and how that affects our relationships. Dancing With a Ghost is for those optimistic, emotional wrecks who keep a positive outlook while embracing the darkness that comes with the more intense emotions we experience.
Josiah Mekhi – Implode
If we’re talking about the future of R&B music, especially in the greater Puget Sound area, Josiah Mekhi needs to be a part of that conversation. His project Implode, has been in heavy rotation for me since it dropped. The lead single from the EP titled “Memories” grabbed my attention immediately early on in the year. Then he released “CRINGE” which solidified it all, and Josiah became an artist of interest for me. Not only does he have silky-smooth vocals, but lyrically he’s writing some beautiful songs that sound fresh and vibrant in a heavily diluted market.
grxtty – Vol. 2… grxtty?
Yeah, grxtty could be famous. You know that? This year he dropped an EP titled Vol. 2… grxtty? which absolutely dominated my playlist. All three tracks on the project are catchy as hell. It’s the type of music that makes you want to spark it up like a hot tamale, you might even mix some tequila and yerba mate. He’s the reason why they have to rebuild all season, because no matter what he’s spitting, he’s destroying his competition and proving exactly why he deserves your attention.
La & Jester – Ice Cold
La’s rhymes are cold as ice. The way his punchlines hit, stings like frostbite. Although La and Jester are usually cooking something up with fire, they definitely hopped in the freezer for their most recent collaboration Ice Cold. They tap into the soul of hip-hop with a heavily nostalgic boom-bap sound, as well as bars on bars on bars that depict the raw reality of his life. The impactful way La delivers his rhymes, make it so they stick with you well after the album is finished playing.
Blake Anthony – Planet Bazaar
Like he was playing a game, Blake Anthony weaves his bars together in a meticulous manner to unlock the potential within Goldenbeets production on their latest collaboration Planet Bazaar. He hits all of the achievements completing his mission to the fullest with help from a few friends along the way. Overall, the album gives me such a joyful sense of bliss that it’s been therapeutic having it in my daily rotation.” On top of Planet Bazaar, Blake released his album Afrogalactic which is a collaboration with DJ Grumble. It’s a stellar collection of iconic Blake Anthony tracks from over the years.
Ralphy Davis & Tope – No Co-Sign
I’m a big fan of Ralphy Davis‘ rhymes, and I’m a big fan of Tope‘s beats; you put those two together and they need No Co-Sign to tell me that their album is going to be dope. Ralphy takes his time with his deliveries throughout the project, exuding a secure sense of confidence that only comes with spending years in the trenches of the rap game. The same could be said for Tope’s production which flows effortlessly from track to track, building up the composition in dynamic ways to emphasize Ralphy’s lyrics in the best ways possible.
Perry Porter – Fear of Loving Las Vegas
Usually, Perry Porter has a hint of romance to his music but on this project, it takes the spotlight as the jazzy production from Quise.Wav speaks its own language of love in the background. His smooth, charismatic flow makes my heart flutter uncontrollably and only the soothing, soulful beats paired with each track can balance its rhythm back out. Although I love his entire discography, Fear of Loving Las Vegas has definitely taken one of the top spots for my favorite releases from Perry yet.
Anna Therese – Alchemical
Anna Therese recently released her latest EP, Alchemical, with production from Noah Coinflip. There is a swagger within the soulful production that gives a modern tone to Anna’s vintage jazzy, R&B vocals. The complexity of the instrumentals gives a sturdy foundation to support the strength of emotions coming through her vulnerable lyrics. The track, “Know U Better” was one of my most listened to songs of the entire year- the project is THAT good.
Bvmmer – Holland
Equal parts of indie rock and whimsical pop come together to create a body of work that collectively reflects the different sounds that Bvmmer has explored over the years. The album, titled Holland, has a daydream-like quality to it that feels like you’re peering into his head as he touches on his experiences with and feelings towards death, growth and love. You can hear the birds chirping throughout the album and can almost feel the grass beneath your feet and a light breeze blowing against your skin. Overall, Bvmmer gives us a dynamic listening experience that taps into the vulnerable moments in life making for a relatable and highly replayable album. He also happened to have released one of the most adorable music videos to an incredibly catchy single he released earlier this year called “LIVIN THE DREAM,” you can click here to watch that.
1-800-FL0Wrs – Self-Titled
From the brains of John and Katie came 1-800-FL0Wrs, an expression of what it means to grow as a human being, embracing change, as well as the weird thoughts that live in the back of your brain. Life can be serious and light-hearted at the same time. Their self-titled debut album highlights that duality brilliantly through quirky productions and catchy melodies with a sprinkle of life lessons throughout. Every time one of their songs comes on, it tickles my ear drums in an almost indescribable way, and for that, it was a no-brainer to add it on to this list.
Nobi – IBAST
IBAST is the sophomore album from Nobi that puts his growth on full display. The cathartic project explores the strange times we’ve been living in through an experimental range of sounds. He tackles the hard to discuss emotions like anxiety, paranoia, and self-doubt in an incredibly beautiful way. Although I enjoy listening to the album digitally, until you hear it performed live, I firmly believe you haven’t truly heard what Nobi has to offer. Being in the crowd for his album release party at the Clock-Out Lounge was a deeply spiritual experience for me and one that I reflect on often.
Pricy – Stomp Down P
Stomp Down P, sees Pricy both on the production as well as the rhymes with all but one track being produced by him. For a majority of the album, his signature flow takes on a smooth, charismatic, crooner-type flow. Pricy’s sophisticated brand of floetry is not only entertaining but relatable as well. Throughout the project he discusses the dynamics of his life through a poetic lens with a groovy backdrop. Another banging album from him this year, The Last Posse, is also a must to check out.
Swavy – Champagne Predicament
Swavy managed to bring the funk back to the forefront of my playlist with their debut project Champagne Predicament. As a collective of established musicians, the quality of the EP is evident immediately. As purveyors of funk, the groove is delicious and highly infectious from start to finish. Four tracks are seemingly all you need and simultaneously not enough to feed the addiction that overcomes you after listening for the first time.
OG Mambo – Almost Missed My Flight
OG Mambo was running a little late to his gate this holiday season while working on his latest album, Almost Missed My Flight. The collaboration with the legendary DJ Holiday also features artists like Curren$y and Nef the Pharaoh among others. Even though he waited for the two-minute warning of the year to release it, it’s already spent some quality time in my rotation with “Ain’t No Playground,” “Stupid or Sum,” and “Simple Math” standing out to me right off the bat.
BlkSknn – STOP SMOKING REGGIE
For the STOP SMOKING REGGIE EP, OldMilk brought his stank-face inducing beats to each track while BlkSknn effortlessly rides across each instrumental. He flows over every bump, dodging the cracks to create a harmonious listening experience that still keeps your ears active and intrigued. Not only does he craft intelligent literary verses, but every song features a catchy chorus that allows the tracks to stand in its own spotlight, as well as creating a collectively, incredibly memorable project.
Koth – Maharaja
Mr. King of the Hill, KOTH linked up with Jester to produce his latest album Maharaja. The reflective project has a nostalgic sound that plays out cinematically. The way he delivers his rhymes mimics the sound of a film roll spinning as it projects its images onto a screen. His bars are the frames which pass by in perfect cadence, expanding on the rhythms that Jester kneads into the doughy beats. The unique crackles in his voice flickering like the grain on an aging film. Of course, in the digital streaming era, this is an outdated metaphor, but it happens to encapsulate KOTH’s album to perfection. Also worth noting, his most recent album, Deluxe, is another collab with Jester and most definitely worth the listen as well.
KOTH & The Flavr Blue – Relick
An incredible collaboration, KOTH linked up with Parker Joe and Lace Cadence of The Flavr Blue to release a timeless EP titled Relick. The throwback vibes emanate from the cover art which features the Elephant Super Car Wash logo emblazoned into an encrusted gold chain. KOTH brings an effortless flow dripping in swagger to the table as he skates over the soothing, flavorful beats. The three-track EP will take you into a different atmosphere where the rhymes are heavy, and the production is light and effervescent.
Talaya – C l e a r.
Talaya’s blend of downtempo R&B produces a comforting aura that wraps around you like a weighted blanket. Her new album C l e a r. is tender, tapping into Talaya’s vulnerable side while she sings with passion and clarity. The intimate nature of most of the tracks are best listened to through headphones while you’re lying on the floor with your mind and heart open to experiencing the same vulnerability that Talaya expresses herself. As the album progresses, you can feel the energy rise until the culminating track “we can just vibe” which finishes the project on a groovy note that reinforces the empowering messages she had sprinkled throughout the album.
Rell Be Free – Good Grief
At the very last moment in the year, Rell Be Free gave us a reflective project that came from the deepest parts of his soul. Good Grief is a snapshot of where he is in life right now. It’s a reflection of his efforts to stay grounded through the chaos, a swagged-out projection of faith in oneself to keep themselves going. The album celebrates community and the effect it can have on the greater good when it comes together for each other. Overall, Good Grief is a beautiful showcase of how talented and eloquent Rell Be Free truly is.
J’von – Purple Suit EP
J’von hit his third costume change of the year with the release of the Purple Suit EP. For this mission, it seems that J’von set out to make light-hearted tracks taking inspiration from his kids. Although the EP sparkles with a childlike sense of joy, the reading level required to analyze his lyrics is far from Elementary. With a new color scheme and his signature flow, he flaunts his pen game with fresh and witty bars that still surprise my ears after all my years listening to his music.
Altogether in 2024, J’von had an EP for four different colored fits; the Purple Suit EP is the one I’ve played through most, but the Blue Suit EP started the year off right, the Green Suit EP saw J’von collaborate with Thelonious Martin for a dazzling yet fleeting 12-minute-long project. Then we saw him swap to the Red Suit EP, which is probably my second most listened to release of his from this year and features Grady‘s soulful touch on the beats. Lastly, he rounded out the year with King Cheetah 2 which I’m still diving into but had already impressed from the little bit that I’ve heard. It truly doesn’t matter which project you pick to explore first, J’von never disappoints.
LROC – Mandatory Obligations
Throughout Mandatory Obligations, the soulful beats from Rob Nollan provide the perfect stage for LROC to let his verses play out on. As if you’re the only one in the audience, he takes you on a journey from start to finish pulling back the curtain on some of his required commitments in life. Lyrically, this is one of LROC’s most effortless, yet most impactful bodies of work to date and is a must to add to your collection.
Nacho Picasso & Televangel – Jesse’s Revenge
The revenge is sweet on Nacho Picasso’s latest album Jesse’s Revenge with each track completely beheading its victims by the end of its runtime. The larger-than-life production from Televangel allows Nacho to showcase just how sharp his skills have gotten. He wastes no moment with every song filled to the brim with heavyweight bars that knock each other out the way. He takes a trip down “Memory Lane” as he reflects on “The Old Nacho,” his past, how he’s grown, and shows appreciation for how his life is today. It’s no question that he never lost his sauce, he just let it simmer for a few years to let the flavors really meld together.
Jang the Goon – GooN SHii VoL. 1
Jang the Goon‘s debut project GooN SHii VoL. 1 is an intense blend of hip-hop and grungy, punk rock sensibilities that take us to the dark side of his world. Although he doesn’t get too violent or gory with his lyrics, the overall energy his music brings makes the heart race like you’re watching an exciting thriller. His performance is infectious, and the vibe will spread through you latching on to your psyche as if you were possessed. Jang is also part of the AFFILI8D collective who dropped their EP 88 Days In this year which is also worth checking out.
Bad Tofu (Milc & Chuck Strangers) – Affordable Luxuries
I really thought that Milc‘s album Extra Phish was going to be the project that I wanted to highlight in this list, but then he dropped Affordable Luxuries with Chuck Strangers as the duo Bad Tofu, and my whole tune changed. It doesn’t negate the excellence that Extra Phish brings to the table, but Milc’s work on Affordable Luxuries is truly mind-bottling.
Greg Cypher – Hello, I Must Be Going
In this chapter of his artistic career, Greg Cypher is simultaneously exploring new sounds and approaches while he refines his distinct established sound. His latest album Hello, I Must Be Going is a bold statement reinforcing the decade-plus-long dedication Greg has had towards nurturing his craft. His ability to produce has unleashed a fresh energy that my playlist has been loving as of late. On top of his own project, Greg has been working with many other artists and released a collab album with Rick Reams, titled Sprezzatura, one week before the end of the year.
Jesse Desean x Tay Lorence – BEST WISHES
Stemming from the brains of Jesse Desean and Tay Lorence, a collective of artists came together to produce a polished body of work titled BEST WISHES. Overall, the project moves along with a swagged-out saunter that enshrouds you in a blanket of comfort. It’s the kind of music you reach for in moments of heavy grief or change, times where you need help processing the complexities of human emotions.
Lewie – If You Only Knew
Lewie continues to burrow out a spot in my ear drums, nestling his music firmly into my usual rotation. This year, he dropped his project If You Only Knew and it has swiftly become my favorite thing he’s ever done. With his latest releases, he’s shown just how much he has refined as an artist. He has tightened up his deliveries, expanded his vocabulary and sharpened his storytelling skills.
Chima the Stubborn – heaven examiners and high-tech space scanners
As the title suggests, heaven examiners and high-tech space scanners is full of digitized galactic soundscapes that can be disorienting in a dark discotheque kind of way. All you have to do is ride the wave of the beat and allow Chima the Stubborn to guide you through as you dance your way to the light at the end of the album. Poetic flows and intelligent lyrics will float along with you throughout, sparking deep thoughts if you can focus your attention on his voice without getting lost in the ambiance of his psychedelic sci-fi fantasy world. I can’t stress enough how brilliant this project is and how much you absolutely need to check it out.
T. $poon, “$poon and Friends”
Take a T.$poon from northeast Portland and sprinkle in some exciting flavors from all over the area and you get the latest compilation album T.$poon and Friends. Featuring artists like Wynne, Lewie, Milc, 2000Baby, Fr3do, JussMelly, and so many more, the album gives us many different approaches that encapsulates the sound from the greater Portland area. Guaranteed, anybody can find a song to vibe out to on this album.
Anthony Danza – Wholesale Tyranny
Merely days before the end of the year, Anthony Danza released the first disc of his highly anticipated double album Wholesale Tyranny. There’s a reason why his nickname is the Bop God because this record is full of nothing but the hits, nothing but the hits, nothing but the motherfucking hits. The features are also next level as well with MDM London, LaRussell, Anthony Eugene, and more lending their vocals to the album. Considering it just dropped, I haven’t gotten to spend near enough time with this album yet, so I’m looking forward to taking it into the next year at the forefront of my playlist.
J Stalin, Anthony Danza, Young Doe, “The Bergin Hunt & Fish Club”
From the Bay to the Sea to the heights of Denver, J Stalin, Anthony Danza, and Young Doe are staying ten toes down standing on business for the West Coast with their collaborative release The Bergin Hunt & Fish Club. The quality of the album from start to finish is impeccable. Everybody brought their best lyrical abilities to the table which was made from matured beats sourced from only the finest of producers on the market. Every song is a certified bop, but as of late I’ve been especially obsessed with “Different,” “Run It Up,” and “2 The Money.”
Hanif Mustafa – Wrapped in Garments
Entirely produced by Flvmingo, the project has a classic sound with bits of Hanif Mustafa‘s life and culture reflected in the boom bap beats. No gimmicks needed, no flashy hooks or catchy choruses to distract you, Hanif gives us straight up, raw bars that detail his life living in Portland. With a couple features from two other PNW icons Fatal Lucciauno and Anthony Danza, Wrapped in Garments is a tremendous celebration for the upper left corner of the hip-hop world.
Terror/Cactus – Forastero
Just like the forest, Terror/Cactus has a healing quality to its music. His latest album Forastero takes a psychedelic walk through the woods to reflect on his life and the complexities it entails. Beautiful compositions float through the air with a mystique to them that slowly opens up more and more the deeper you listen.
Josiah French – Lonely Lovers Hotline
Josiah French’s debut album Lonely Lovers Hotline features expansive moments of instrumental expression that tingle as they settle in your ears, sending shivers down your spine like the touch of your lover’s fingers tracing down your body. It’s an intimate and provocative project that begs to be played under the glow of the moonlight.
At times, it feels as if you’re peering through the curtains into Josiah’s bedroom, getting a glimpse into the most vulnerable moments of his life. He wrote, produced and recorded the entire project himself giving it that heartfelt vulnerability that comes from being in one’s own safe space. At the same time, though, the production can take you on a journey sailing around the globe of his influences and finally harboring in a bay of soothing sounds.
Khris P – Khrispiano Ronaldo 2
Khris P‘s innovative approach to rapping shines on the project with catchy hooks and humorous one-liners throughout. Stand out tracks, for me, include “LOSERVILLE!” which features a verse from BIG Jone$, “NEVER GO 2 LAS VEGAS,” “NO BS,” and “BRAIDS!” Although, this is a prime example of an album that is all gas, no brakes meaning that there are no songs to skip, and you can listen easily from start to finish. Also released this year, Khris P dropped RaP CiTY! in early November and although I haven’t listened to the entire project yet, the promo he’s been doing for it on socials has been so incredible that I can only assume the project reflects those efforts.
Sam Lachow – The Left Handed Bandit
Sam Lachow hit us with a hard-hitting one-two combo with back-to-back projects this year. First, he released The Left Handed Bandit which showcases exactly what Lachowder heads have come to love to hear in Sam’s music. It’s quirky, fun, and chock full of witty bars. After that he released Octopus which is a collaborative project with his childhood friend Ryan Campbell. In each song, they play off of each other’s bars, going back-to-back with funny one-liners and strings of words that sound silly and flow effortlessly together.
Bryce Bowden – Don’t Make Me Fucking Laugh
Bryce Bowden has been in the game for a while now and his latest project, Don’t Make Me Fucking Laugh backs that up. His typically ostentatious rhymes are now sprinkled in with those reflecting his experience as a father and a husband. There are plenty of standouts like the catchy single, “Gimme, Gimme,” “Who’s Mic Is It Anyway?” and the feature stacked “Wade In The Water (Do Better)” with Greg Cypher, Falon Sierra, and Jamel Moxey.
Jaymyloni – Unisex Opera
When asked about the album Unisex Opera, Jaymyloni said, “My mom played both roles, so why can’t I? We all carry both sex’s traits. Of course I’m masculine, of course I’m feminine. I feel both– unisex. I’m a man… but the baddest bitch you’ve seen, truly. So, that’s Unisex. Opera, a dramatic piece of work; this is a unique, dramatic piece of work.” From the start of the project, Jaymyloni gives us hard hitting bars over grimy, electronic, industrialized beats. Their confidence never waivers as they deliver self-assured lyrics that showcase the beauty in androgyny, the strength of femininity and the tenderness of masculinity.
Aleques James – The Aleques James EP
Aleques James‘ smooth, breathy flow carries throughout the project while the beats take on different vibes for each song. The track, “So Smooth” caught my attention early on in the year. Then, once the EP dropped, the song “That’s Wassup” took over my playlist and hasn’t left since. Overall, it’s a very chill, laid-back project that I’m happy to add into my rotation.
YTC – Soggy
YTC, aka Yellow Trash Can, an alternative duo who produce music not bound by a genre. Their latest work, SOGGY, is a compilation album featuring 17 artists, including themselves, that explores a variety of sounds and audible textures. Overall, the quality of the production, the smart lyrical compositions, even the way the track list flowed gave me an overwhelming sense of adoration for this collection of artists and the inspirational community that they’ve built with each other.
Travis Thompson – My Wonderful, Horrible Life
My Wonderful, Horrible Life sounds like a reflection of Travis Thompson’s journey so far, reinforced by the memoir-like lyrics that are written throughout. Although he has always put his feelings into his songs, on this album I can really hear him emote through his melodies on a deeper level than before. His vocals also sound more refined and confident, making this release, in my opinion, a pivotal moment in this chapter of his artistry.
Grieves – Why Not? 2
Grieves and Mouse Powell were back at it again this year with the sequel in their collab series titled Why Not? 2. The second track on the project, “Fuck It” was a quick favorite for me but “Dimes,” “Van Go,” and “All On Black” are some other standouts for me. Overall, it’s the light-hearted, off-beat, give no fucks kind of attitude in their music that keeps me coming back for more.
Shabazz Palaces – Exotic Birds of Prey
Shabazz Palaces returned this year with another mini album titled, Exotic Birds of Prey. The journey throughout the project feels like you took a spaceship deep into the Amazon forest and are exploring the untouched wilderness. The beat chops at the unruly vines and thick greenery to create a path for the lyrics to slither their way through. As each track plays out, different birds find their way onto the track to create a brilliant collection of artists featured within the album.
