Another year another wrap-up. In 2019 you got the introduction of mixes and in 2020 you also got Youtube Videos and we will continue that in 2023 (see 2021 and 2022)! 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 challenge myself to sum up my top artists in under 100 words each and curate a playlist and as a mix (at the bottom of the post or directly below this)
UK Music
1.Avelino
Avelino delivered a very solid debut album which you can watch in the review below. His project pushed sound boundaries which many chose to sit and gave a true depiction of himself and his environment. He has fully stepped out of the shadow of his FITB and found his lane.
2. Potter Payper
Potter in 2023 delivered an album with zero features. This album wasn’t full of gang bars or bouncy trap beats. It was true honest and open from the mud to the highs to back down to the mud again!
3. Clavish
I was late on Clavish and was overwhelmed initially by the sheer amount of tracks his mixtape had. The thing is though I found myself going back to traumatised over and over and over. Then I said to myself you know what this guy has something special let me re-tap into the whole thing. When I did that I was gripped, he gave me a new school UK Trap in full.
4. Nines
Nines is an OG in the game and has been for years now. The fact he dropped two albums of high standards in one year made his place a given. I don’t know who from the UK has ever done that? are any bloggers even acknowledging that? no.
5. J Hus
Husslaaaaaaaaaaa baby. Where do I start. Hes been missing for what feels like decades but is really a few years. The album for me was bashed by ignorant listeners who just want a copy and paste of what hes already done. Grow up. Could it have been a better album? watch my review hahaha
Overseas Music
1.Drake
There aren’t many words I could say about the BOY that I haven’t said over the many years I’ve reviewed his projects. So to keep it real simple watch the two videos below.
2. Gunna
They tried everything to kill Gunna in 2023 BUT it didn’t work at all. Whether he snitched or not he’s out and doing well for himself and honestly this album he delivered some serious HITS without a single feature. Way better year than both Lil Baby and Thug.
3. Burna Boy
Burna Boy continues to dominate every single sound and genre put in front of him. He blends them all up to make one big pot of BLACK CULTURE. Every album he has delivered in the last 3-4 years has moved the needle somehow and brought something new. Let us see where he goes next.
4. Popcaan
The URULY BOSS had a great year in 2023. His album Great Is He despite some low marks from unflavoured media is still in regular circulation. His feature placements across genres made sense and overall Dancehall or Trap Dancehall is in a healthy but competitive space which i love to see. He rounded off the year with another fire body of work to keep us warm in Best Mood.
5. Travis Scott
Travis had all the pressure on him following the terrible events at his festival. In this album with that in mind, I needed something more personal. I needed something which showed you’re not just a hyped-up junky who makes good atmospheric hits. Did he do that? watch my review below.
I think that’s enough for now! so listen in and let me know your thoughts!
