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HIP HOP

ALBUMS of the MONTH

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.

July 2025

Clipse
Let God Sort ‘Em Out

A cartoon-style illustration of a human skeleton with closed eyes and X marks, surrounded by pink and purple abstract shapes made as album cover art for The Clipse album 'Let God Sort 'Em Out'.

‘Chains & Whips’

‘So Be It’

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
Alfredo 2

A bowl of ramen noodles with boiled eggs, green onions, and meat, with a hand holding chopsticks above, appearing as if the hand is controlling the bowl like a marionette. Made as album cover art for the Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist album "Alfredo 2'

‘A Thousand Mountains’

‘1995’

Benny The Butcher
Summertime Butch 2

A group of young people standing outside a convenience store with a luxury car in front. The setting appears to be a casual urban scene in black and white. Album cover art made for the album 'Summertime Butch 2' by Benny The Butcher

‘Told You So’

‘Gold Plated Leica’

UFO Fev & Big Ghost Ltd
Albizu’s Revenge

A vibrant and colorful graffiti mural featuring a skeletal figure wearing a crown, kneeling with hands on the ground, surrounded by bright abstract shapes, flowers, and angels with halos. The background depicts a historical scene of a man using a tool in a tunnel with light emanating from the tool, and a stylized American flag. The words 'ABUZUS REVENGE' are painted in bold blue letters at the bottom.

‘Scarlet Fever ft. Red Inf’

Honourable Mentions:

The Emperor’s New Clothes - Raekwon, DON’T TAP THE GLASS - Tyler, The Creator, GDLU (Preluxe/Mixtape) - JID, On My Way To Berlin - Smoke DZA, Neighborhood Gods Unlimited - Open Mike Eagle, Soli Deo Gloria - Homeboy Sandman & Sonnyjim

June 2025

Russ
W!LD

A blue stylized elephant graphic with the word "WILD" written underneath. Album cover art for the album 'W!LD' by Russ

‘Crazy’

Juicy J & Logic
Live And In Color

Two silhouetted people, one with dreadlocks and the other wearing a cap, stand facing each other against a vibrant, swirling pink, purple, and yellow background with a large yellow circular pattern. Album cover art for the album 'Live And In Color'

‘The Problem’

Slick Rick
VICTORY

Black and white close-up of a person’s face partially concealed by hands, with one eye peering through fingers, adorned with a glittering ring. Album cover art for the album 'VICTORY' by Slick Rick

‘Documents ft. Nas’

‘VICTORY’ (The Film)

Samara Cyn
backroads EP

Honourable Mentions:

The Carter 6 - Lil Wayne, Lotus - Little Simz, Don’t Die Before Your Dead - AJ Tracey, Sundiata - Vic Mensa, Beauty and the Beast - Ye, 5816 Forest - Tech N9ne, Fine Dining - Dave East & Young Chris, I Took It Personal - Nick Grant

May 2025

Amine
13 Months of Sunshine

‘Arc de Triomphe’

Benny The Butcher
Excelsior

‘$ & Power (feat. Skylar Blatt)’

Snoop Dogg
Iz It a Crime?

‘West Up’ (Visualizer)

Honourable Mentions:
Conversational Pieces - Boldy James and Real Bad Man, Glockaveli - Key Glock, Daaam! - The Alkaholiks, 7 piano sketches - André 3000, Trainspotting - Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams , Kingmaker - Xzibit, Can’t Get Right - Lefty Gunplay & JasonMartin

April 2025

Sauce Walka & That Mexican OT – Chicken & Sauce

‘Samsung Screenz’

‘Check Please’

Wu-Tang Clan & Mathematics – Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman

‘Mandingo’

‘Warriors Two, Cooley High’ ft. Benny The Butcher

Ray Vaughn
The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu

‘Dollar Menu’

Wiz Khalifa
Kush + Orange Juice 2

‘5 Star’

‘Khalifa’s Home’

Godfather of Harlem & Swizz Beatz
Godfather of Harlem: Season 4
(Original Series Soundtrack)

‘Danger Danger’ ft. Pusha T & Jadakiss’

Honourable Mentions:
Alphabet Highway - Boldy James & V Don, Intrusive Thoughts - Mozzy, A.O.N. 3: Despite My Mistakes - Lloyd Banks, (The) Forever Dream - Fly Anakin

March 2025

Curren$y & Harry Fraud
Never Catch Us

Saba & No ID
From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID

ILL Tone Beats & Black Soprano Family
The Outcome

Willie The Kid & Real Bad Man
Midnight

Kevin Gates
I’m Him 2

Honourable Mentions:
Hommage - Boldy James & Antt Beatz, Rent’s Due (Deluxe) - Nemzzz, Seeds In Babylon - Che Noir & Superior, Things I See - Termanology & Bronze Nazareth