90. Madhattan & Spanish Ran – Dark Times Of Mike Dowd
Spanish Ran is a name that gains multiple positions on our list. The Bronx-based producer creates eerie atmospherical productions that transport you to the filthy, unwelcoming environment of American cities. Filth, smell, and darkness breath out of each track of the Dark Times Of Mike Dowd. We are being walked through the Spanish’s beats by Madhattan’s movie-like lyrics.
Support artists: Shop, Bandcamp
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
89. Wiki & Subjxct 5 – Cold Cuts
New York rapper Wiki joins his talents with producer Subjxct 5 so they can create more than an hour-long mixtape, Cold Cuts. In 2021, we got the albums Telephonebooth and Half God from Wiki; the newest addition to his discography does not have a firm structure and is much more varied compared to his previous work, which is not a bad thing. So, you can expect not just calm, personal tracks, which are typical for the artist, but also some hard-hitting bangers. One of the guests on the album is Papo2oo4 from New Jersey; he and Wiki have perfect chemistry. In between the other guests, you can find names like YL, Navy Blue, Afrikillz, Slicky, Hunnaloe, Reed, Big Ouee, and DJ Lucas. Artists gave us another album that, even though it is quite long, does not lose its breath until the last minute.
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Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
88. Che Noir – Food For Thought
It is not a secret that Che Noir always brings lyrics of the highest quality, and this project is no different. The album has very easily digestible productions, so do not expect any experimental sound, which is not necessarily a bad thing because Che brings absolutely earth-quaking bars and delivers a cohesive project to which you will be happy to return.
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Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
87. Linqua Franqa – Bellringer
Rapper and activist Lingua Franga released the album Bellringer last year. The album is very loud, fierce, and full of urgency. The album is without a doubt one of the year’s most provocative and complex projects. Every track is highly conceptual and meticulously crafted. For example, the title track Bellinger transports listeners to 1991 and the murder of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins in the South Central grocery store.
Support the artist: Bandcamp
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
86. Spanish Ran – Long Way To Reach Heaven
Spanish Ran is one of those names that has been stuck in our minds for the last few years. It is not just because of his productivity but also because of the high quality of his products. He is definitely one of those artists who is still fairly new to the game and steps up his game with every new project. The producer finally decided to deliver a solo album featuring a ton of guests. You can expect Bloo Azul, Emilio Craig, Mooch, Ty Farris, and many others. You have to listen to this album without any questions.
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Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
85. Mr. Muthafuckin‘ eXquire – I Love Y.O.U Cuz Y.O.U Ugly Vol.1
Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, a rapper from Brooklyn, is one of the most unique artists in the current rap game. A combination of original beats, distinctive humor, and unique lyrics always brings interesting project. eXquire is really hungry on the album I Love Y.O.U Cuz Y.O.U Ugly Vol.1; every track is remarkable, and if you feel like listening to something really creative, this is the right spot.
Support the artist: Bandcamp
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
84. RLX & MichaelAngelo – RealLifeXperience
RLX belongs to the new wave of artists from Massachusetts with a style that is digging its way through to a bigger and bigger fan base every day. Album RealLifeXperience is completely produced by MichaelAngelo from Boston. As the name suggests, the main motto of the album is the honesty of the rapper himself, who slides along the beats and shares his life experiences.
Support artists: Bandcamp
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
83. Estee Nack & Grubby Pawz – “IWANNAFXCKCARMENHAYES”
Rapper Estee Nack is one of the most interesting artists on the scene and does not have an issue conquering any beat that you will put in front of him. It does not matter how fast or slow it is or on anything else, Estee will come and dominate. The album “IWANNAFXCKCARMENHAYES” was produced by Grubby Pawz. You can expect a very colorful palette of tracks, including some melodic jazz productions as well as tracks on the opposite end of the spectrum, crazy, aggressive tracks.
Support artists: Bandcamp
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
82. Planet Asia & Body Bag Ben – Heist the Crown
Planet Asia collaborates with producer Body Bag Ben to incorporate uncompromising raw bars into boom bap beats. Planet Asia is one of the best lyricists on the current scene, and it is always a pleasure to hear him behind the mic. His skills combine perfectly with Body Bag Ben’s dirty, rough sound. This album is not as epic as Rule of Thirds, but it is still an amazing experience and one of the rapper’s most solid albums.
Support artists: Bandcamp
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
81. AJ Suede & Televangel – Metatron’s Cub
AJ Suede makes his first appearance on our list. “The first” is intentional because we’re going to talk more about AJ and his work throughout the list. He started last year with the album Metatron’s Club, produced by Televangel (of Blue Sky Black Death). You can expect atmospheric, psychedelic tracks full of the rapper’s abstract lyrics. You don’t have to look far for mystical, religious, and unusual puns.
Support artists: Bandcamp I, Bandcamp II
Album: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
