The Best Hip Hop Music of 2021
A definitive guide to the best hip hop music of 2021. Featuring the top tracks, artists, and albums in the genre.
Best Hip Hop Albums of 2021
There were a lot of great hip hop albums released in 2021. This year saw a lot of new talent emerge, as well as some older veterans solidify their place in the genre. Here are our picks for the best hip hop albums of 2021.
J. Cole – ‘The Off-Season’
When J. Cole released his sixth album, “The Off-Season,” in May 2021, it was clear he was in a different creative space. The 12-track project is a departure from Cole’s previous work, as it focuses more on production and lyrical prowess than anything else. The result is an album that is both cerebral and bangers-filled, and one that is sure to solidify Cole’s place as one of the best rappers of our generation.
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – ‘Alfredo’
If you’re looking for something a little different from the mainstream hip hop sound, then Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist’s collaborative album Alfredo is definitely worth checking out. It’s a dark, gritty and often uncomfortable listen, but it’s also one of the most innovative and interesting hip hop albums of recent years.
Roddy Ricch’s major label debut album ‘Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial’ has taken the world by storm. The album was released in December of 2019, and has already been certified platinum by the RIAA. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200, and has been in the top 10 of the chart for 19 weeks. The album features the singles “Bich, Please”, “Start With Me”, and “Racks In The Middle”.
Best Hip Hop Songs of 2021
The world of hip hop is always changing and evolving. Every year, new artists and new songs emerge and take the scene by storm. 2021 is no different. Here are some of the best hip hop songs of 2021.
J. Cole – ‘a m a r i’
Released in February 2021, ‘a m a r i’ is the lead single from J. Cole’s album ‘The Off-Season’. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and received critical acclaim from music critics.
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – ‘Flat Tummy Tea’
One of the best hip hop songs of 2021 so far comes from Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, with ‘Flat Tummy Tea’. The track is a brilliant display of both artists’ talents, with Gibbs’ intricate rhyme schemes andMadlib’s atmospheric production meshing perfectly. It’s a gritty, hard-hitting banger that will have you nodding your head from start to finish.
Roddy Ricch – ‘The Box’
‘The Box’ is a song by American hip hop artist Roddy Ricch. It was released on January 10, 2020, through Atlantic Records as the lead single from his debut studio album, Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial (2020). The song entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number one, making it Ricch’s first US number-one single. In May 2020, the song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Best Hip Hop Artists of 2021
2021 has been a great year for hip hop music. We’ve seen a lot of new artists emerge and some old favorites return with new music. Here are some of the best hip hop artists of 2021.
J. Cole
J. Cole is one of the best hip hop artists of 2021. His music is characterized by its aggressive and gritty lyrical style, as well as its complex and often emotive beats. J. Cole’s music often tackles social and political issues, making it both relevant and thought-provoking. He is one of the most successful hip hop artists of recent years, with several platinum-selling albums and a large international following.
Freddie Gibbs
Freddie Gibbs is an American rapper from Gary, Indiana. Gibbs initially gained attention with his 2010 mixtape The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs, which was released for free online. He has since released two studio albums, ESGN in 2013 and Shadow of a Doubt in 2015. His third studio album, You Only Live 2wice, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. AllMusic said of the album, “On his third full-length, the hard-nosed gangsta rapper Freddie Gibbs keeps improving his already impressive game.”
Gibbs has been praised for his technical rapping ability and clear enunciation. XXL said of him, “What separates Gibbs from other rappers is his delivery—a rapid fire yet relaxed flow that allows him to paint vivid pictures with his words.” Pitchfork said of his rapping style, “Gibbs has one of the most unusual flows in contemporary rap—a nasal singsong not far from the style used by Chicago drill artists like Lil Reese or Fredo Santana.”
Roddy Ricch
Roddy Ricch is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. His debut album, Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial, was released in 2019 and reached number one on the US Billboard 200. He has released several singles, including “Ballin'” and “The Box”, which peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
