This quarantine just decided to truly mess up everyone’s lives. It’s currently 4:33am, I should definitely be asleep. Maybe when the birds start chirping I’ll know it’s a sign. HOWEVER, I am here and MY TIME IS NOW. So let’s go.
1. Don Toliver – Heaven Or Hell
When I first heard Don Toliver, like most people, it was on Travis Scott’s song, “CANT SAY”. Instantly I knew whoever this man was that he was going to be a star. Coming on to the scene with his Astroworld feature and his mixtape, “Donny Womack” in August of 2018, Don Toliver had everyone waiting for his next move. The world once again got to listen to Don as he made three appearances on Cactus Jack’s collaboration tape, “JACKBOYS”. And what he did on that project quadrupled the hype for his debut album.
After releasing the single for the album, “Cant Feel My Legs” in December, fans were waiting at any time for Don to drop his rumored debut album. And on March 13th, the moment finally came. “Heaven Or Hell” included features from Kaash Paige, Travis Scott, Quavo, Offset, and label mate Sheck Wes. In my humble opinion, the album was absolutely incredible. With songs like, “After Party” and “Spaceship” as the frontrunners on the rage playlist and slow melodic songs like, “No Idea” and “Euphoria” Don showed the world what he was capable of. He has established his place in the game and isn’t looking to leave anytime soon according to these snippets I’m seeing.
Favorite Songs
- No Photos
- After Party
- Candy
2. Pop Smoke – Meet The Woo 2
First off I wanna start by saying rest in peace to Pop Smoke, he was tragically taken from us before he even got to fully experience the rewards of his hard work. He was only 20 years old. Life taken because of pure jealousy and greed that control the minds of the desperate. It hurts even more to see how much people enjoyed his music and his presence. I for one have not gone a day without listening to this album since it dropped. Whenever I need to get some energy in the morning I’ll play this album while I’m showering. Since his rise to stardom with his hit song, “Welcome To The Party” in the Summer of 2019, Pop Smoke was on pace to takeover New York City. Using the drill sound from London to New York and putting his own twist to it, Pop revolutionized the sound and brought the attention around the world.
Meet The Woo 2 would’ve only been the beginning for him. 50 Cent has recently said he’s going to executive produce his album of unreleased music and even though I’m not the biggest fan of posthumous releases, I feel like 50 is the right one to do it. RIP Pop Smoke.
Favorite Songs
- Get Back
- Invincible
- Mannequin ft. Lil Tjay
3. Giveon – TAKE TIME
Giveon completely took me (and probably the world) by surprise about two seconds into Drake’s song, “Chicago Freestyle”.
Giveon then took to twitter to let everyone know it was him that was singing and not Sampha and he then had everyone’s attention.
“TAKE TIME” is an 8-track album that was released almost a month after his feature on, “Chicago Freestyle”. I immediately downloaded it but I chose to listen to another album first, we’ll get to that album later on this list. While I was doing homework one day I put Giveon on to just give it a listen and maybe distract myself from the topic of political involvements in children’s literature for my English class. Once I was thirty seconds in to the first song I immediately stopped what I was doing and went downstairs to fully pay attention to the music. It is absolutely incredible. Giveon delivers on every single track on this album with a range of vocals over relaxing beats to get you in this mood (pictured below). This album is the perfect description of a late night drive that has no destination but is just to go let off some steam. Something that is much more common nowadays due to our splendid quarantine. Don’t be surprised if this project sneaks in to my top 10 albums of the year.
Favorite Songs:
- FAVORITE MISTAKE
- HEARTBREAK ANNIVERSARY
- LIKE I WANT YOU
4. PartyNextDoor – PARTYMOBILE
After disappearing for almost two years on social media PartyNextDoor finally dropped his album, “PARTYMOBILE”. Party hadn’t dropped a full length album since 2016 with, “P3” so I was definitely patiently waiting for this one. This was the album I required myself to listen to before I listened to Giveon. “NOTHING LESS” started the album off and I just had the biggest smile across my face, it was time to get into my feelings and I was never more ready. Party has been consistently dropping amazing projects (let’s ignore Seven Days please) and this one didn’t stop the streak. And it’s not like I enjoyed the album simply because it was his return to music, I’ve been listening to it every day since it dropped. The quality of music is there with beat selection and replay value. Party has always been the unsung hero of OvO, writing for stars in the industry such as Rihanna (who’s on the album) and even Drake himself. For me, Party just hasn’t missed on an album yet (like I said forget Seven Days) and I don’t expect him to anytime soon.
Favorite Songs:
- TURN UP
- THE NEWS
- SAVAGE ANTHEM
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5. Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake
What felt like the longest wait in the world finally came to an end on March 6th. Lil Uzi Vert dropped his album, “Eternal Atake” an album considered to many fans as non-existent and just straight up teases to keep fans waiting on the edge of their seat. However, when he did drop the world stopped. Uzi topped the charts at the #1 spot and stayed there for three weeks. The Philly rapper has already established his spot in music Hall of Fame just for his ability to come out of the shadows with no promotion at any time and go #1. When you have that ability you are considered elite to me. Uzi managed to keep the listeners attention throughout the album with hits like, “Silly Watch” and “Celebration Station” while integrating his own concept. Uzi said the first six songs was his alter ego, “Baby Pluto” the middle six songs were, “Renji”, and the last six was himself as Uzi. Lil Uzi Vert’s eccentric personality and undeniable talent have rocketed him to the top of the music industry and he isn’t letting his foot off the gas. When he is able to tour this album you can definitely expect me in the front row.
Favorite Songs:
- Silly Watch
- P2
- Bigger Than Life
Just to state this real quick, I also loved Tory Lanez “New Toronto 3” and The Weeknd “After Hours” projects but I haven’t given them enough listens to be able to give a full review and try to put them in this category. I will definitely do that as we are on literal lockdown and I have nothing else to do. PSA as well, these albums are not listen in any order of quality. I was just putting them in a numbered list. Let’s hope that 2020 brings some type of blessings for all of us. YSN signing off.
