Another switch up on the usual guys. In 2018 I merged the For The Mindset playlist with #UkUsTop5Top20 which I did in the two years prior in 2017(US, and UK) 2016 (UK and US). This year I’m giving you that and some more!:
Ok, cool story bro but I’m new here, what’s this even about?
Throughout the year I listen to a stupid amount of music which leads to me shaping overall views of artists and projects they deliver. In some instances, I share these views with you through my reviews/ Instagram posts. At the point of these end of year posts, I challenge myself to sum up my top artists in under 100 words each and curate a playlist and newly for 2019 a mix in collaboration with DJ Delano (at the bottom of the post or directly below this)
UK Music
1. Headie One
To be honest Headie’s 2018 projects were much better than his 2019 ones from a pure drill standpoint. That being he again proved he can lead with the crossover drill Afro-Swing infusion with tunes like “Rubbery Bandz” and”Both” (read my review here)
2. D-Block Europe
The wave which started in 2018 with DBE has only grown in force in 2019. They provided two projects (with 3rd on the way )which independent of each other wasn’t anything crazy but when you mix and match there is a solid 20ish bangers (take a read of my PTSD review and Home Alone reviews)
3. Dave
Dave delivered the strongest conceptual project across the board in my opinion (read my review here). He has continued to impress me with every project he delivers and in this one, he had a truly mega-hit in “Location”. For me, it’s Grammy level coming in as a UK version of Good Kid M.A.A.D City from a pure storytelling standpoint.
4. Wretch 32
In this most recent album Upon Reflection, I heard a new angle of Wretch which differs from his prior projects. On the surface level, some may see it as “watered down” from what one of the UK GOATs is capable of but that would be overlooking his versatility. For sure one of my standouts of 2019 from the lyrical genius who gives flavors for the masses.
5. Krept & Konan
This deadly duo came out of nowhere with Revenge Is Sweet their strongest project to date in terms of no waste and complete balance. They pulled out all the stops here and I was thoroughly impressed top to bottom (read my review here).
US Music
1. Rick Ross
The biggest boss dropped a vivid nostalgic feeling project with excellent production. I was worried when I knew he was retouching Port of Miami,a classic in his catalog but there’s no doubt the boss delivered a very soulful body of work.
2. NF
NF really came onto my radar this year as I found myself going back to his album The Search a lot for my playlist updates. He’s the first “Christian rapper” beyond Chance who is like bubble gum corny most of the time who really spits substance suitable to the masses.
3. YBN Cordae
This was a very hard choice, it was a close toss-up between YBN Cordae and Polo G. Both of these young talents came onto my radar in 2019 and thoroughly impressed me with their albums. Listening to both albums back to back I feel like Cordae’s had more diverse production so he took the spot but Die a Legend is a slept on the album!
4. J Cole (Dreamville)
This position really isn’t just for Cole as he didn’t drop a solo project but the whole crew. The Dreamville album was a very diverse project with both animated and serious elements. I’m really excited about what Cole will drop on his solo album he was really deserving of this position as the Ville’s Head Huncho.
5.The Game
The Game’s “final album” Born2Rap really took me back to the essence of hip-hop making me appreciate that he truly is a legend. This is the first album from him which I have truly rated for a good few years (read my review Born2Rap here)
I think that’s enough for now! so listen in and let me know your thoughts!
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