Monthly selections of new hip hop albums (and mixtapes, occasionally) that are changing the genre. Our top picks feature a mix of introspective tracks and energetic beats, showcasing diverse talent. Notable releases that promise to connect with listeners, making for some worthy listening pleasure. All selections are unranked and in no particular order.

june 2026

cry baby
vince staples

the gentlemen’s club
yg

whack’s museum
tierra whack

the plugs i met 2.5
benny the butcher

project x
key glock

trapper’s alley 3: hell or high water
boldy james
&
nicholas craven

Kill The King
T.I.

Honourable Mentions: O.Y.N - Maxo Kream, Sir Render - Navy Blue, Ancient History - Wiki, Frequencies - A-F-R-O & MotionPlus, Blood Of The Lamb -Mickey Diamond & Big Ghost Ltd, Video Tape Club - Chong Wizard, The Insanity Project - Dice Raw, 5786 AM: Easy Listen, Mach-Hommy, Road Trip To Amsterdam -Smoke DZA, I Heard You Paint Houses - Conway The Machine & DJ Whoo Kid, Fortune & Glory - Paul Wall, D12 Forever Vol. 1 - D12, Liquid Form - The Alchemist, Don’t Go in the Women’s Bathroom - Chris Crack,Growing Payne’s - RJ Payne