2020 is starting strong! There’s a lot of new and exciting albums dropping this week on the hip-hop scene. Whether you’re a casual listener or purest, you’ll have something to listen to.
070 Shake – Modus Vivendi – Something Moody
Whether it’s the cinematic soundscapes scoring ROCKETSHIP, the percussive synth-pop stuttering beneath GUILTY CONSCIENCE, or the distortion reverberating across COME AROUND, each of the album’s 12 instrumentals feels designed to be a standalone piece. Shake’s vocals mesh nicely with the pieces and the album has been described as the “emo-rap Dark Side Of The Moon.”
Bankroll Freddie – From Trap To Rap – Something New
Bankroll Freddie has come through with his first official full body of work, titled From Trap To Rap. The mixtape features his previously released singles, Rich Off Grass, Lil Mama, Drip Like Dis, and features an array of featured artists along with his new tracks. Not bad for his first project.
Dreamville – Revenge Of The Dreamers III Deluxe – Something Deluxe
Hip-hop label collective Dreamville has now dropped the deluxe version of its compilation project, Revenge of the Dreamers III.Boasting the 12 new bonus tracks and the original cuts, the project features artists like: Ari Lennox, J.I.D, Omen, Bas, Cozz, Lute and EarthGang as well as Vince Staples, Childish Major, 6LACK and Guapdad 4000, among others.
Mac Miller – Circles – Something Bittersweet
After Mac Miller’s accidental overdose it was uncertain whether this album would even be released. Miller’s new release is meant to be a sister album to his 2018’s Grammy-nominated Swimming, completed with the help of producer Jon Brion. Miller had been working with him on Circles at the time of his death in September 2018. It has already been met with critical acclaim and Miller’s poignant lyrics are reason enough to give it a listen.
Theophilus London – Bebey – Something Diverse
Theophilus London is back with a new album titled Bebey. The project is his first studio LP since 2014’s Vibes. The third album is comprised of 13 tracks. Raekwon, Lil Yachty, Tame Impala and Giggs are among the guests appearing on the LP. It features everything from old school calypso to steel pan and reggae dub is included, complemented by staunch notes of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and more.
Yung Pinch – Back 2 The Beach – Something Chill
Huntington Beach’s Yung Pinch has dropped Back 2 The Beach, his debut album. It has been described as sounding like a day at the beach with vibes similar to Post Malone. The project is executive produced by Cisco Adler, who is known for his work with Shwayze. The West Coast rapper’s first studio LP includes 16 tracks. YG, Wiz Khalifa, Pouya, Good Charlotte, Goody Grace and Blackbear make appearances on the album.
So whatever your taste, there’s something for you to listen to. After Mac Miller’s shocking death it’s good to see the hip-hop scene picking itself up and getting a running start. We’ll see what the rest of 2020 has in store for hip-hop. Here’s hoping it’s as good.
Not quite hip-hop but still music related. Slipknot has a cruise set for 2020?
Featured image via: Wikimedia Commons
