2020 has undoubtedly been a long year. Throughout the year, artists continued to save us by delivering us new music. When the first Shelter-In-Place order was in effect, many musicians paused their tours and album releases alike in hopes that it would be business as usual after a couple of months—that clearly wasn’t the case. Although some albums were delayed and tours were canceled, we received plenty of music from emerging and established acts alike. Drake dropped his ever so catchy “Toosie Slide”, Lil Uzi finally dropped Eternal Atake and we got a posthumous Pop Smoke album. All in all, it was a healthy year for music. Here are some of our favorite albums from 2020.
Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2
Lil Uzi isn’t one to be peer pressured. That certainly was the case in his long-awaited LP Eternal Atake. Uzi dropped his second studio album right before the start of quarantine. The album features hit songs like “Lo Mein,” “POP,” and “You Better Move.” Lil Uzi is a rockstar in every sense of the word, and this rollout proved that. A week after dropping his critically acclaimed Eternal Atake, Uzi graces fans with a deluxe version which also happens to be the sequel to LUV vs The World with Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2. Is there such a thing as too much Lil Uzi? Probably not, but I can earnestly say that both of these projects are enough to make you feel again. – Yared Gebru
Kamaiyah – Got It Made
If you’re sleeping on Kamaiyah, then give her first release of 2020, Got it Made, a chance. Kamaiyah tells a story on each track in combination with beats that are hella smooth. Many emotions get involved as Kamaiyah speaks her mind about her success and experiences in the music industry. Throughout the album, most of the songs start with an energetic sensation but settle into a more laid-back feel. In addition to this, there are a few Bay Area artists featured on this album – J. Espinosa on “Get Ratchet,” Too $hort’s introduction on “1-800-IM-Horny,” and lastly the smoothest track ever, “Digits” featuring Capolow. This whole album will put you in a certain mood whether from the lyrics or the amazing beats. These are the reasons why I recommend listening to Got It Made by Kamaiyah. – Anna Houn
Rod Wave – Pray 4 Love
The best album I heard this year was Pray 4 Love by Rod Wave, a singer-rapper from Florida that blew up about a year ago. Many people like his music because of the way he’s able to passionately sing about depression and heartbreak. My favorite song on the album has to be ¨No Weakness,” for the beat and his flow on the track, both of which are unforgettable. Another highlight on the album is “Rags2Riches 2” a collaboration with 2020s breakout star Lil Baby. This album has aged pretty well and people in my community still play it even though it was released earlier in the year. – Xion Abiodun
King Von – Welcome to O’Block
On November 6, Dayvon Bennett’s life was cut short, but music under his stage name, King Von, lives on. Before he passed away, The Chicago rapper gave us a masterpiece with Welcome to O’Block which is filled with emotional storytelling over high-energy drill music. Tracks like “Why He Told,” display his ability to vividly tell stories, in this particular song King Von talks about one of the realest people he knew—snitching. “How It Go,” tells the story of life in jail and what it’s like when you first get out. This album brings you into the ever-evolving world of O’Block. Listen to what is arguably one of the better rap releases of this year! – Rodrick James
Blxst – No Love Lost
One of my favorite albums this year has to be No Love Lost by South Central L.A.-based Blxst. Released on September 4th, the album consists of 8 tracks in which Blxst sings and raps about relationships that only an artist from South Central can. My favorite track on the album,¨Be Alone” features a sample from Aaliyah´s 2000 track ¨I Don’t Wanna.¨ If you’re into LA rap n’b, I would recommend listening to this album and, if you feel so inclined, the deluxe which was recently released. – Faith Collins
Chloe x Halle – Ungodly Hour
Sister duo Chloe x Halle’s sophomore album, Ungodly Hour is an electrifying R&B/Pop album that certifies the singers as this generations’ stars to watch. The sisters dominated the summer with memorable visuals and thrilling live performances that not only made them stand out from their peers but also boasted frequent comparisons to their mentor Beyoncé. Ungodly Hour highlights the musicians’ artistic growth and maturity. This album feels like a love letter for a young black woman, framing emotional insight for romantic relationships and struggles in a carefree, independent attitude. With both fun and heartfelt lyrics, energetic beats, and ethereal harmonies, Ungodly Hour was definitely one of the most stand-out albums in R&B this year. Check out their recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert featuring an all-woman band, for a glimpse of their exceptional artistry. – Symphreona Clark
Lazr – Blawsome
When I started listening to DJ Franzen on Twitch, there were some songs that he’d play almost nightly by Lazr. I looked for a long time, but these songs weren’t even on Youtube or Soundcloud. But persistence prevails, and I uncovered some real bootleggy bootlegs of the Twitch famous slaps: “Bestfriend” and “Feelings.” For the following week and a half, I had those songs on a 24-hour loop. “Bestfriend” stuck out because the production sounded very contemporary but not derivative. Lazr’s lyrics are clever and optimistic, and his delivery is varied and entertaining. “Feelings” has late-night club vibes, after-hours-shoot-your-shot-type beat. The lyrics have definite warning label levels of explicitness, but the cheerfulness of the hook might encourage even your mom to sing along. Blawsome is the breakout album from Lazr, who has also been collecting points as a sought after music writer. Give it a whirl. – Bridgido Bautista
Charli XCX – how i’m feeling now
Charli XCX is a next-level pop star, known for her experimental electronic sound. When COVID-19 forced us into lockdown, stalling Charli’s album progress in the process, she decided on a true test of artistic genius. She announced that she’d be releasing an entire album during quarantine. Giving herself six weeks, she worked tirelessly with her collaborators – namely A.G. Cook with whom Charli was named Innovator of the Year by Variety – remotely, recording stems and filming music videos on her own at home. Thematically, the album focuses on love in quarantine after growing closer to her longtime long-distance boyfriend. Charli meshes the softness of love with her hard electronic synths perfectly. Softer tracks like “forever” and “7 years” are offset by others like “pink diamond” and “anthems” – total bangers that make you wish you were in a dark, sweaty nightclub sooo bad. The result – the ultimate DIY project, a sonic masterpiece to add to Charli’s upward trajectory. Do yourself a favor and listen to the most innovative release of the year! – Emiliano Villa
