Though 2020 revealed many restrictions that greatly affected the music industry, it was a time that many artists used to hunker down and work on their craft. And while it was a slower year in terms of releases, it seems that many artists were using that time to quietly prepare huge projects for 2021.
Now that the year is nearly over, Respect My Region took a look back at all of the prominent hip-hop releases of 2021. We quickly realized that nearly every major rapper released a new project this year, in addition to countless dope underground projects, making this decision a difficult one. Nonetheless, after hours of discussion, we came up with a list of 21 of our favorite hip-hop albums of 2021, featuring a mix of mainstream favorites and underground gems.
Top 21 Hip-Hop Albums of 2021
The Melodic Blue by Baby Keem
Though nearly every mainstream rapper released an album this year, there was one particular rising star that dropped a project arguably more intriguing than any other albums released this year. That artist is Baby Keem, the literal cousin of Kendrick Lamar.
In September, the California rapper released The Melodic Blue, a 16-track album that shows his every angle and capability. The project doesn’t hit just one emotion or vibe, but rather offers song(s) for essentially any occasion or mood. The album shifts between emotional, vulnerable tracks – such as “16,” that are more melodic – and party bangers with crazy flows and hard beats, such as “cocoa” and “family ties.”
Stream The Melodic Blue by Baby Keem
LP! by JPEGMAFIA
If you are a fan of unique, glitchy, and sample-heavy rap, JPEGMAFIA’s LP! is the perfect 2021 album for you. With a Denzel Curry feature on the lead single, “BALD! REMIX,” this album features Peggy in an increasingly refined state. Additionally, LP! is supposedly JPEG’s last major label project, and it is clear that he is looking forward to independence. With the finish line in sight, Peggy delivers one of the most artistically unique and interesting projects of the year.
Stream LP! By JPEGMAFIA
Via @jpegmafia IG
By the Time I Get to Phoenix by Injury Reserve
Injury Reserve returned in 2021 after experiencing the devastating loss of founding member and MC Steppa J. Groggs. Their full-length effort, titled By the Time I Get to Phoenix, features work from the late MC, as they began working on it when Groggs was still with us.
This album is one of the most unique listens of 2021, hands down. Further, Injury Reserve presents a hectic, almost haunting take on an entirely new rap sound. When listening to this album, the combination of sounds and influences creates something almost unrecognizable. With a hypnotic and apocalyptic aura, this album is one that represents 2021 to a tee.
Stream ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix‘ By Injury Reserve
DOG BOY by ZillaKami
Over recent years, hip-hop has morphed and shaped in fresh, unseen ways, creating various new subgenres. One of these newer soundscapes is a popular genre cocktail: rock rap. An artist hitting the nail right on the head in this space is ZillaKami, specifically with his debut solo album DOG BOY, released earlier this year.
As one half of City Morgue, ZillaKami’s talent has been on display for a few years now, but with the release of this solo album, his full creativity and capabilities are showcased. Overall, DOG BOY has an infectiously intense sound, with features including Lil Uzi Vert and Denzel Curry. However, ZillaKami balances it out with an occasional slower, more emotional track, like “FROSTY.” What is consistent throughout DOG BOY are the various guitar riffs behind every beat.
Stream DOG BOY by ZillaKami
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz
On her fourth effort, Little Simz solidified herself as a dominant force in the 2021 hip hop scene. With an incredible sense of melody and feel, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is one of the best hip hop albums of the year. Pulling from a ton of different styles and influences, Little Simz pulls up with an expertly written project. With incredible vocal performances and clever bars, she is at the top of her game. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is the perfect album for anyone looking for more out of modern hip hop production.
Stream Sometimes I Might Be Introvert By Little Simz
Via @littlesimz IG
Donda by Kanye West
Not much is left unsaid about Kanye’s monumental 2021 release, Donda. Afterall, it was easily one of the most hyped albums of the year. In addition to a staggering amount of material, this album also includes a multitude of high-profile features.
With appearances from artists like Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Don Toliver, and Baby Keem, Donda is essentially a “who’s who” of 2021 rap. This album provides a sampling of sounds from all of Kanye’s iconic eras. When looking back at the music we listened to in 2021, Donda will be at the forefront of the conversation for many of us.
Stream Donda By Kanye West
Vince Staples by Vince Staples
2021 was a huge year for Vince Staples, who released his self-titled album over this past summer. This record was a change of pace for Vince, as he seems to show a more sentimental side. With some really mellow and chill textures, this album shows the Long Beach MCs versatility.
With production from Kenny Beats, this record is incredibly cohesive and catchy. Vince reflects on his past while maintaining his confidence throughout the project. With so many heavy hitters this year, Vince Staples deserves to be one of the main artists in the conversation.
Stream Vince Staples By Vince Staples
Image via @vincestaples
CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST by Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator released another critically acclaimed album in 2021. Titled CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, this project represents Tyler at his best in terms of both rap capability and production. With an amazing sense for combining melody with hard hitting beats, Tyler seems to have polished the style he was trying out on his previous album, IGOR.
With features including Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi, and DJ Drama on production, it is undeniable that Tyler pulled up with a top-notch album this year. CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST will absolutely be on a ton of top album lists this year.
Stream CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST By Tyler, The Creator
Bo Jackson by Boldy James and The Alchemist
Boldy James and The Alchemist linked up in 2021 to release a collaborative full length titled Bo Jackson. With the Detroit MC delivering insane bars and Alchemist providing his famed production style, this potent pairing delivered one of the best rap albums of the year.
The Griselda rapper is joined by some of his frequent collaborators such as Freddie Gibbs, Benny The Butcher, and Earl Sweatshirt. Boldy James delivers some of his most staggering bars on this project, and it is apparent that Alchemist’s style really lets the MC shine. With an established mood, Bo Jackson is a mandatory listen for any rap fan.
Stream Bo Jackson By Boldy James and The Alchemist
Via @alanthechemist IG
The House Is Burning by Isaiah Rashad
After staying lowkey for about five years, Isaiah Rashad has returned with his second TDE album. Titled The House Is Burning, Rashad returns with a more refined approach to his music. Thematically, it seems that the Tennessee rapper has resolved some of the internal struggles he was dealing with in 2016.
In addition to some amazing performances by Rashad, featured artists like Lil Uzi and Smino also shine on this project. The production is very smooth overall, and Rashad’s flow is consistently catchy. With solid bars and hooks, The House Is Burning is definitely one of the best rap albums of 2021.
Stream The House Is Burning By Isaiah Rashad
TYRON by slowthai
slowthai delivered an amazing new album called TYRON this year. slowthai reveals an entirely new side to himself, while also including some of his classically unhinged performances. In addition to strong performances from the rising British rapper, we can also hear A$AP Rocky, Denzel Curry, and UK legend Skepta.
With peaks and valleys, slowthai proves that he can deliver an album that isn’t singular in tone. TYRON carries the listener through an expertly produced tour of modern UK rap sounds.
Stream TYRON By slowthai
Via @slowthai IG
Life of a DON by Don Toliver
After the massive success of Don Toliver’s previous release Heaven Or Hell, the Texas MC has returned with another solid album. Titled Life of a DON, Toliver continues to hone his skills as a vocalist and rapper. His melodies on this project are insanely smooth and catchy. The production is incredibly full, with lush synths and percussion that makes you want to dance.
This major label effort also includes the voices of Travis Scott, Kali Uchis, and Baby Keem. These features only compliment the work of Don Toliver, as it allows him to focus on melodic elements as well as lyricism. Life of a DON is a 2021 album that you won’t want to miss.
Stream Life of a DON By Don Toliver
The Off-Season by J. Cole
One of the most woke names in hip-hop, J. Cole had fans hyped for The Off-Season, his first album in three years. With Cole’s lyrical ability and personal subject matter, this masterpiece was like a breath of fresh air for hip-hop heads.
Tapping in with big name artists like Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and even rising star Morray, ‘The Off-Season’ is a culmination of hip-hop passion and culture catching fire to create something to stand the test of time.
Stream The Off-Season by J. Cole
Via @realcolworld IG
Planet Her by Doja Cat
One of the most exuberant artists on this list, Doja Cat popped into the mainstream with her fun-loving style and no-f*cks-given attitude. Her third studio album Planet Her is proving to be her best work to date with some powerhouse names in the features list. Young Thug, Arianna Grande, JID, and SZA grace the tape with their skills, making Planet Her home to one of the best feature line-ups we’ve seen all year. Radiating with an infectious bop energy, Doja Cat’s ’21 project will save anyone from a bad day.
Stream Planet Her By Doja Cat
Certified Lover Boy by Drake
What is there left to say about Certified Lover Boy? It was the only album that could compete for hype with Donda, and Drake made sure he took full advantage of the opportunity. Months of build-up and teases, with tensions building between the two rappers, let to a ravenous hunger from fans to get this release.
CLB was a dope album, but still nothing like some of his old music. Nonetheless, Drake handles his business cleanly, doing his thing running the show as the leading man on almost every track. “Knife Talk,” however, was owned by 21 Savage and Project Pat, who left many fans wishing Drake’s verse wasn’t even on the track. Don’t get it twisted, though, you can’t always be perfect, and Drake is still Drake, sitting at the top.
Stream Certified Lover Boy By Drake
King’s Disease II by Nas
A legend is back again in 2021, this time dropping the second installment of his King’s Disease: the not-so-ambiguously titled King’s Disease II. Nas is one of those artists that – when you see he’s dropping music – you know it’s gonna be fire.
With features from the likes of Ms. Lauren Hill, Nas brings back some of those mid-90’s early-2000’s vibes, while blending in some of today’s modern waves, too. Always coming with a story, listening to Nas’ music is like time travel, as he sucks you into his world, only to suddenly throw you back out at the end of the tape. It’s this level of relatability and realness that leaves people coming back and wanting more.
Stream King’s Disease II By Nas
Kommunity Service by YG and Mozzy
The West Coast OGs YG and Mozzy are banging it out in their joint project Kommunity Service, and we’re with every second of it. Coming from some of the hottest counties in the country, YG and Mozzy do not play games – whether they’re in the streets, or in the studio.
Kommunity Service is a West Coast album to its core, with funk samples and heavy snare/kick; but the bars are all ruthless heat as YG and Mozzy let it rip. They can catch a vibe, too, with tracks like “Vibe With You” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, revealing the other side of their coin.
Stream Kommunity Service By YG x Mozzy
Slime Language 2 by Young Thug and Gunna
Yeah! Its Thugger and Gunna coming with some heat on their highly anticipated compilation album, Slim Language 2. A barrage of talent, there’s too many banging features on this project to name them all. That said, a few notables would certainly be Lil Uzi Vert, YNW Melly, and Kid Cudi.
Slim Language 2 is 23 tracks long, and at a glance, you’re not sure if you’ll make it all the way through on one listen. Fast forward one hour and 15 minutes, though, you’ll be left wondering where the time went, and if you’re even human anymore.
Stream Slim Language 2 By Young Thug x Gunna
The Plugs I Met 2 by Benny The Butcher
Giselda crew member Benny The Butcher makes the list with his album The Plugs I Met 2, a follow-up to his 2019 album The Plugs I Met. Rapping about both the glory and brutality of life out in the streets, Benny takes time to look back on where he’s come from.
Appreciating what he has now and how far he’s come, Benny The Butcher outwardly recognizes that he could be dead or in jail – like many of his homies. But instead, he gets to be out here making music as one of hip-hop’s biggest rising names. He may still feel remorse from time to time but not wasting too much time looking back Benny keeps it pushing on his journey out the hood.
Stream The Plugs I Met 2 By Benny The Butcher
Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B by Westside Gunn
You already know we can’t bring up Griselda Records without mentioning the founder. Luckily, he dropped some dope music this year, too. Westside Gunn outdoes Young Thug and Gunnas project for length, as he dropped a true two-parter. Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf and Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B were both released in 2021. For this list we will focus on the more recent of the two: Side B.
One of the more interesting and experimental artists in 2021, Westside Gunn loves to mix in interludes into his tapes. These can range anywhere, from being an instrumental to a full-on sermon, as heard in the intro. A very Kanye College Dropout kind of vibe, Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B brought back some nostalgic energy while blessing us with some new cuts as well.
Stream Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B By Westside Gunn
Weight Of The World by Maxo Kream
Houston artist Maxo Kream earned some major respect this year. Building off the last couple years, he had some of the biggest growth for any artist in 2021. Some may be reading this confused, because they’ve been rocking with Maxo for years; but he’s an artist who’s been on the cusp of major mainstream success.
His song “Big Persona” featuring Tyler, The Creator lit a fire under the “Roaches” rapper career, as more and more people are recognizing the name and distinct sound that his fans love. Never hitting us with anything too flashy or over the top, Maxo Kream is just speaking on his own real-life experiences, and he has the receipts to prove he’s really about what he raps about.
Stream Weight Of The World By Maxo Kream
Contributing writers: Lucas Bruce, Isaiah Lilley, Hannah Gershowitz
