Playboi Carti: Whole Lotta Red (2020) (Hip-hop,Trap)

It's not metal and barely punk, Whole Lotta Red is an unfinished, aesthetically dirty, collection trap scraps. Like his previous album, his writing is often impressionist, with embellishing ad-libs and some versatile inflexions and flows but not as capable as a Young Thug. Carti has a unique lane, it's too bad he does not commit to developing his ad-libs and repeated mantras throughout the song, they just exist to assume space. M3tamorphosis is good and parts of New N3on, and King Vamp have promising instrumentals and flows but are burdened but nonessential ad-libs and under committment

Hip-hop/Trap

C-

Savage Mode II: 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, 2020 (Hip-hop,Trap)

21 Savage is much more versatile much more amiable and occasionally humorous. Metro Boomin keeps up his consistent production with wide dark beats with little shimmers and sparkles. Retro Homage is present as shown on Steppin on Niggas an NWA nod. Savages attempts at softer more sensual trap are largely effective on Mr. Right Now and Said N Done while the tough songs (Glock in My Lap and Brand New Draco) reminding us that this is still a Savage tape. One of the better trap albums of the year.

Hip-hop/Trap

Juice WRLD: Legends Never Die (2020) (Hip-hop,Pop,Trap)

Juice WRLD was one of the many prominent figures in the trend of angsty emo-rap who died much too early. On Legends Never Die, Juice WRLD follows this aesthetic but includes some of his most commercial songs like the EDM tune Come & Go, this may be due to his recent passing and likely may not have been completely part of the artistic planning. But Juice WRLD always threaded close to pop and though that may be present in this album more than ever he still expresses a relatively versatile selection of songs all ranging from EDM, pop to trap with occasions of punk. The trap drums can occasionally get a bit stale, but the aesthetic changes that occur later in album keep things interesting. Juice show's himself to be a competent songwriter and rapper as shown in highlights Conversations, Righteous, Wishing Well, Up Up And Away. 




Emo Rap/Pop/Trap

Future: DS2 (2015) (Hip-hop,Trap)

A nicely bottled album that embodies the luxe, hedonism and druggy nature that Future and much of trap music has been known for. For the most part very cohesive, but occasionally a bit redundant.






Best Tracks: Thought It Was a Drought, I Serve the Base, Where Ya At, Groupies, Lil One, Freak Hoe, Blood On the Money


B


Southern Hip-hop/Trap

Travis Scott: ASTROWORLD (2018) (Hip-hop,Trap)

A chaotic jumble of songs much like his previous album, but this time it's more serious, and there is an emphasis on creating multiphased songs with more interesting production choices. Even if the instrumental transitions don't always feel smooth and some songs rely too much on these shifts, , much of the production choices are successful and captivating. I don't feel as though Travis is an especially spectacular lyricist and many times his performances hinge too much on the "vibe" or energy he gives off, but most of the appeal in ASTROWORLD lies in the psychedelic vibe he and the army of producers and guests craft, which range from chill (STOP TRYING TO BE GOD, YOSEMITE) to frenzied (CAROUSEL, NO BYSTANDERS) allowing for a disorganized but occasionally intriguing listen with a range of different performances. Nice Stevie Wonder harmonica solo on STOP TRYING TO BE GOD.

Best Tracks: STARGAZING*, CAROUSEL, SICKO MODE, STOP TRYING TO BE GOD*, NO BYSTANDERS, YOSEMITE, WHO? WHAT!, 

B

Experimental Hip-hop/Pop Rap/Psychadelic Hip-hop/Trap

Nav: Good Intentions (2020) (Hip-hop,R&B,Trap)

Champion Brown Boy, Nav, returns with another album of mostly lifeless robotic raps and auto crooning with some decent feature performances (Future on My Business) and rare moments of animation even if he litters them with consistently corny raps and generic cliches (Brown Boy, Coast To Coast). The first half of the album is stronger than latter. If you like Nav you will likely enjoy this album but if you don't it's still mostly wallpaper in one of the blandest styles of hip-hop.


Best Tracks: My Business, Turks, Coast To Coast



D-




Alternative R&B/ Hip-hop/ Trap

Yung Lean: Unknown Memory (2014) (Hip-hop,Trap)

Though it at times it can feel inconsequential and flippant, allowing yourself to be consumed by the misty Lean in it's gooey, druggy nature can amount to moments of bliss and intensity (Sunrise Angel, Yoshi City, Volt). Production is largely influenced by Clams Casino cloud rap aesthetics of the time but prepare for a subtle dose of 80s synth-wave and electro. Many songs have very fast tempos and are not just a cloud of intoxication. Don't expect much from the raps but Lean allows himself the freedom to experiment under the hazy veil of production showing that him and his Sadboys collective are worthwhile for the times they get it right.

Best Tracks: Sunrise Angel, Yoshi City, Ghosttown, Volt*

C+

Cloud Rap/Electronic/Trap

DaBaby: Blame It on Baby (2020) (Hip-hop, Trap)

Even though DaBaby has (or had) a somewhat refreshing style of deep-voiced, heavily accented, full-mouthed rapping over tacky trap instrumentals, his style has become even more formulaic and banal than ever before. I think DaBaby has become slightly aware of his monotony, leading him to change it up by singing "some sad shit for the real niggas" in what might be one of worst songs of the year (Sad Sh*t). Beats are minimal, cheap and very routine like his songwriting. Some features provide breaths of fresh air but ultimately a very poor project that stylistically regresses from his previous attempts.

Best Tracks: ROCKSTAR

E

Hip-hop/Pop Rap/Trap 

Don Toliver: Heaven Or Hell (2020) (Hip-hop,R&B,Trap)

Spacey and dreamy half and half doses of Trap and contemporary R&B. Though not groundbreaking, Mr.Tolliver is enough of an artist that has crafted style that blends both genres. The usual trap cliches remain but at this point, it's just a vibe. 






Best Tracks: After Party, Had Enough, No Idea

C-

Hip-hop/R&B/Trap

Lil Uzi Vert: Eternal Atake (2020) (Hip-hop,Trap)

Not as psychedelic or alien as the hype would lead it to be, though an ethereal, cloudy sound are sporadically attempted. The production, gets tiresome quickly and sounds basic and often poorly mixed. Uzi tries his best to show that he can adopt different flows and deliveries which is admirable, however, they are often through a sense of emulation or compensation. The last half of the album improves and a few songs have good moments, largely due to the more ethereal production and more compelling performances by Uzi, however, this album should be consumed in small doses and did not need to be this long.

Best Tracks: Lo Mein, Chrome Heart Tags, Venetia, Futsal Shuffle 2020

D+

Cloud Rap/Hip-hop/Trap

JACKBOYS: Self Titled (2019) (Hip-hop,Trap)

JACKBOYS is one of many nonessential compilation albums. Travis and Co. give mild performances with an air of unearned pompous as the responsibility and authenticity of the record are diffused through members of the Cactus Jack Records. 



Best Tracks: OUT WEST, WHAT TO DO?, GATTI

D+



Hip-hop/Trap

Young Thug: Jeffery (2016) (Hip-hop,Trap)

The eclecticism of Mr.Thug shines bright and effectively on this mixtape. All of the songs, excluding the last, (which is mediocre anyway) are named after his idols and many are influenced by them stylistically, this gimmick allowed Thugger to some of his most eccentric and diverse performances. The opening track Wyclef Jean features Thugger in a rocksteady inspired trap beat. The bass bangs the beat bops and Thugger hits a very melodic chorus. Harambe has him going "Ape shit" with vocals that Harambe would be proud of.
References to his idols are made, some apparent some harder to find.  His voice runs through all kinds of different notes, melodies, and flows, and can be seen as an evolved more sophisticated form of English language. Most of the beats used are good fits and quiet eclectic for pop-rap, elevating songs without much structure creating more of a vibe (Floyd Mayweather). Stylistically this mixtape is inconsistent, perhaps because of the concept of the album, yet it still showcases some of Thugger's best moments. Although these may not as high octane as some trap records, the diversity of performances and styles make it captivating and innovative. 

Best Tracks: Wyclef Jean*, Floyd Mayweather(was better w/o Travis Scott), Swizz Beatz, RiRi, Harambe*, Webbie, Kanye West*

B+

Mumble Rap/Trap