Another year another wrap-up. In 2019 you got the introduction of mixes and we are back again with that and more! you are also getting Youtube Videos as a new addition take from our channel. This continues the legacy dating back to 2016 where there was a US and UK music split (2018 in 2017(US, and UK) 2016 (UK and US).
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 the 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 challenged myself to sum up my top artists in under 100 words each and curate a playlist and as of 2019 a mix in collaboration with DJ Delano (at the bottom of the post or directly below this)
UK Music
1. Headie One
To start this off I’m just guna say the Headie One album was top-notch. The album provided his signature style (ad-libs and all) and some new flavors in midst of a solid drill foundation. For the full album, review watch the below!
2. Nines
Nines had a great comeback from his hiatus in 2020 with his MOBO winning album Crabs in a Bucket. Even though I didn’t review this project I really enjoyed it, Nines stuck to what we know him for delivering a street project which crossover hits like Airplane Mode.
3. Potter Payper
After Nines this was right behind as my l favorite conventional rap projects. I heard from a few that this was more mainstream than his prior Training Day projects but regardless for me, it maintained that “road rap” essence. There was so much grittiness behind it, if you want to here my full review list to the below!
4. J Hus
The Big Conspiracy album was clear growth from Hus and set a bar that couldn’t be topped by anyone else in the UK in 2020 even though it came out at the top of the year. I predicted it would win some awards in 2020 which I’m surprised it didn’t but either way read my track by track review here
5. D-Block Europe
I’m pretty sure DBE have been in my top 3 for the last few years due to a consistent stream of hits year in year out. In 2020 the Insomnia project with Skepta, Adz and Chip really had some fire moments which was very much DBE album and took a while to grow on me(watch my review here). From a pure DBE standpoint even with an average album it still had a good handful of standouts.
Overseas Music
1. Benny Butcher
Benny and Griselda really came onto my radar in 2020 and tapped into each of their solo projects. For me Benny’s had that new school Reasonable Doubt feel which I hadn’t come across much.
2. Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke continues to get very regular circulation from me on pretty much a weekly basis. He delivered a great drill mixtape and an album that demonstrated his artistic skill way beyond the genre.
3. Lil Baby
Lil Baby has been absolutely everywhere in 2020 and for me took it as the artist of the year right next to Pop Smoke. His album My Turn and pivotal moments like The Bigger Picture showed me why he’s on another level to the rest in the Trap lane.
4. Tory lanez
The alleged actions behind Tory make this a hard inclusion to make but for me, I just feel there has to be more to it. In terms of his musical output, it’s not even a question in my mind that his two projects New Toronto 3 and Daystar smashed this year up.
5. Burna Boy
Last but most definitely not last Burna Boy. Usually, this end-of-year summary is just US and UK artists and has been for the last 3-4 years of inception but this year I decided to switch it up. Twice as Tall is such an authentic and exceptional album that hit home so well after African Giant.
2021 Artist Predictions!
I think that’s enough for now! so listen in and let me know your thoughts!
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