My Favorite Music Projects And Singles Of 2023
While yes 2023 was a overall up and down year when it comes to music let alone everything else in general there was indeed more than a few bodies of work that deserves praise. Below are my some of my favorites of 2023.
Gunna — A Gift & A Curse (Album)
In life we face obstacles and challenges that are not to be expected, Gunna not only defied the odds of making a musical comeback but excelled with his latest album ‘A Gift & A Curse.’ No features, no serious PR & marketing campaign, no public cosigns, just great music and a hungry Gunna who clearly had a chip on his shoulder.
Tems — Me & U (Single)
One of the most soothing and beautiful singers in the world Tems is back from a two year music hiatus with “Me & U” which puts listeners in a trance. Every time I play this track I feel like I’m at the beach with the woman of my dreams while drunk and enjoying life. It’s a beautifully curated song and is my favorite single this year.
Victoria — Jaguar 2 (Album)
2023’s breakout superstar Victoria Money showcases her brilliant song writing and hit making ability with her latest body of work ‘Jaguar 2’ which is a funky, soulful mash of R&B and pop done at a elite level. Well done, she’s a one of a kind artist.
Dave & Central Cee — Split Decision (EP)
I really wish this was much longer because the two UK emcees put their foot on the gas pedal and drove this EP with four incredibly diverse tracks which features some of my favorite rap of this year. Dave in particular needs more praise because that boy be RAPPING. His chemistry with Central Cee is perfect and dynamic.
LOE Adde’ — After A Pep Talk With Livengood (EP)
Personal bias aside, LOE Adde really put his all into a career year with his budding music career and this EP is him overcoming personal trauma through what he know best by curating quality rap. Run up those streams LOL you help us run it up!
Doja Cat — Scarlet (Album)
She might be a little bonkers in the head but damn Doja Cat is a dynamic and talented musician. Her latest release ‘Scarlet’ is her showcasing her rapping abilities which I will say puts her with Nicki Minaj as the best woman rappers in the game and one of the best overall out right now.
Juvenile and Mannie Fresh — NPR Performance (Single)
No Words can describe this work of art! Watch below please
Fridayy — Fridayy (Album)
This that dark liquor and red wine with the lady of your dreams type of R&B! All jokes aside while I was aware of Fridayy from the DJ Khaled album I had no idea of how amazing of a artist he was. His self titled debut LP is filled with great song writing and soulful music which should stand the test of time for years to come.
Sleepy Harlow- Boy Meets World (Album)
Probably the most underrated mainstream rapper in the game Sleepy Harlow returns with, in my opinion, his best body of work to date with ‘Boy Meets World.’ I just hope he stays out of trouble and continues to progress as a artist overall.
Law — Why Me? On The Radar Performance (Single)
Law knows she can sing and puts it all on the floor with her dynamic On The Radar performance. For fans of darker R&B in style of a young Rihanna add Law to your daily mix, she’s fire and a joy to work with.
Don Toliver - Love Sick (Deluxe) (Album)
Probably the most diverse rap album along with Teezo Touchdown who I shall get to later, the Deluxe version of ‘Love Sick’ from Don Toliver is a masterclass of music. From nostalgic samples to vibish sounds, Don really made his best album yet.
Tony Shhnow — Love Streak (Album)
Who doesn’t love trap references over quality R&B samples!? Atlanta playboy and the plug Tony Shhnow recently revealed one of my favorite LPs this year by the way of Love Streak. It’s very exquisite don’t scare the hoes music and is a good example of a rapper who is mixing modern hip hop tropes while having the ability to have this release sound like a breathe of fresh air. Samples might be a bit overused in today’s music landscape word to Prince but Tony doesn’t use it to make his music catchy. He works with the sample to give it a different perspective and that’s much appreciated.
Alex Vaughn — The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack) (Album)
Rising R&B star from the DMV and LVRN artist Alex Vaughn did her big one by the way of The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack). Beautiful vocals and great song writing decorate a eleven track body of work where Alex discusses love, lust, trust, and other topics in one of my favorite releases this year. I’m a man and Ms. Vaughn has me saying F that man LOL.
Shame Gang — Better Late Than Never (Album)
Now time for a GEM gem with DMV native and North Carolina resident Shame Gang’s latest efforts Better Late Than Never that just might put make Shame a mainstream name. With features from Smoke DZA, Lute, Big Pooh, and Skyzoo. However what really shines is Shame Gang’s ability to procure crafty rhymes about his life which makes this LP really damn relatable.
KP SKYWALKA — Southeast Love Story (Album)
For this edition of artists to look for from Washington, D.C. comes KP SKYWALKA, a very soulful and talented young emcee who released one of my favorite projects of 2023 with ‘SOUTHEAST LOVE STORY.’ You can hear the obvious D.C. influence but also in my opinion I can listen and find some ques from artists such as Jay Z, young Wiz Khalifa, and Big Krit. Yes, that’s a unique combination but it’s some about KP that is special.
Larry June & The Alchemist — The Great Escape (Album)
A listen to The Great Escape by Larry June and The Alchemist a day keeps the haters away. Nobody raps about smoothies, washing your car, and buying your lady gifts as smoothly as Larry June does. The orange loving emcee enlisted the legendary The Alchemist to procure amazing beats and production overall.
Tymain Robbins- Fashionably Late (Album)
My comrade Tymain Robbins is a astounding procurer of words and his latest body of work ‘Fashionably Late’ is just sensational to listen to. Very soulful and heartfelt rap really reminds me of a blend between LL Cool J and his North Carolina brother in music J. Cole. Very quality work, must listen.
Teezo Touchdown - How Do You Sleep At Night? (Album)
Now this guy is special and he taught me to never judge a books by its cover because his looks clearly does not match how talented along doverse of a music artist he is. He’s him and he is my pick to be the next breakout superstar in music. EASY.
Brent Faiyaz — Larger Than Life (Album)
Toxic wonderboy Brent Faiyaz reveals his most DMVish LP to date and I love it. While it’s not his best body of work in my opinion he tries new things and it’s too much success. Very well done and needs more love.
Schlish — If I ruled The world (Single)
Janelle Monáe — The Age of Pleasure (Album)
Miss Monae is finally getting the attention she deserves and her newest body of work ‘The Age Of Pressure’ is perfect. A blend of soulful R&B and neo-soul done at a very high level. One of my personal favorites this year.
Nicki Minaj — Pink Friday 2 (Album)
The queen of rap dropped my favorite album from her in years, it’s very high quality and can’t really describe how much of a living legend she has became. Great music.
Shaboozey — Let It Burn (Single)
Now this is art, the blend of country and rap is amazing. Please watch the video below, it’s jaw dropping.
