The time has come. You know the tradition around here. My album rankings have finally arrived. For the third year in a row, I’ve compiled a list of 30 albums that I have listened to. There are some that just missed the cut that will be put under my “honorable mentions”. Here is our annual reminder that these lists are MY favorite albums & songs. Please don’t attack my messages with rage if your favorite album isn’t where you want it to be. However, I do love interacting with people about my content. I can always take constructive criticism, just not calling me an awful writer because I didn’t include Taylor Swifts’ latest album in my top 30. Shout out my boy Jake Gyllenhaal. Before we get into my top 30, let’s check out some honorable mentions that missed the cut.

Honorable Mentions

Yung Bleu – No, I’m Not Ok (December 17th)

Yung Bleu is an artist that has caught my eye with his latest releases. His “Love Scars: The 5 Stages of Emotions” project that dropped last year had some absolute gems on it like “We’re Undone” and “2AM in Houston“. Those songs, combined with the mega-hit known as “You’re Mines Still” made me intrigued to listen to new Yung Bleu in 2021. “No, I’m Not Ok” was a refreshing five-song EP to end the successful 2021 for the Mobile, Alabama native. Can’t wait to tune in to more music from Yung Bleu. You may or may not see him again on this article.

Favorite Songs

1. No, I’m Not Ok
2. Yea, Save Yourself
3. Damn, I’m Jealous
4. Welcome Back, Dummy
5. Family Feud ft. Monica

Summer Walker – Still Over It (November 5th)

She really went and got Larry tattooed on her face. My goodness. However, the music is still great. Before every single woman that is reading this flips out I just want to clarify that the only reason this project is in the honorable mentions section is because I didn’t give the album enough listens to properly rate it. She is very good at what she does. Summer’s perspective and shot-throwing lyrics are her main appeal but what people forget to appreciate is her singing and beat selection. I mean, she is still signed to LVRN (6LACK’s label). Shout out to Summer though, for her own mental health I hope she doesn’t have to make another “Over It” album. Also “Playing Games” is still the greatest song she will ever make. Summer has clearly made it, after securing her first #1 album, and I think she’ll continue to thrive.

Favorite Songs

1. Toxic ft. Lil Durk
2. Throw It Away
3. No Love ft. SZA
4. Broken Promises
5. Insane

Now we are back in business. Ladies and gentlemen, people of the world, wherever you are right now I just want to thank you for tuning in. Here are my favorite albums of 2021. Hope you enjoy.

YSN FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2021

30. OTF – Only The Family – Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros (March 5th)

Some big tracks came from this project like “Hellcats & Trackhawks” and “Turkey Season“, are the reason this project just made the cut. Durk brought all of his guys together to deliver a decent project with some bangers. Shout out to Slimelife Shawty, he’s not in the mainstream yet but don’t be surprised if he is in the next couple of years.

Only The Family in my eyes, b****, we got each other – “Hellcats & Trackhawks”

Favorite Songs

1. Hellcats & Trackhawks – Lil Durk
2. Turkey Season – Lil Durk & Chief Wuk
3. Out The Roof – Lil Durk, King Von & Booka600
4. JUMP – Lil Durk, King Von, Booka600 & Memo600
5. Dying 2 Hit Em – Lil Durk & Slimelife Shawty

29. A Boogie wit da Hoodie – B4 AVA (December 10th)

Highbridge’s finest returned with a seven track EP just to remind everyone who he is. The 26 year-old has been through his fair share of shade room craziness in his time under the bright lights, but at least he’s stuck to the formula. From “Artist” in 2016 to “B4 AVA” this year, he has delivered all types of sounds with his signature voice.

You told me go to hell ’cause I was drivin’ you crazy. B****, I will drive you there. – “Man in the Mirror”

Although he might not be as big commercially nowadays we can’t as a society sit here and act like A Boogie doesn’t have classic hits. Put “Jungle” or “No Comparison” on around me and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Favorite Songs

1. Man in the Mirror
2. Be Free
3. Notifications
4. Glasses
5. 24 Hours ft. Lil Durk

28. Lil Tjay – Destined 2 Win (April 2nd)

Lil Tjay is someone I’ve been listening to for a long time now. Pun intended. “True 2 Myself” was an energetic entrance into the spotlight for the 20 year-old. He had songs finally going gold and platinum, and was featured on Polo G’s mega hit “Pop Out” Tjay hasn’t been as consistent since, but I still think his music has that top quality. “Destined 2 Win” was highly anticipated by fans, including me, but it didn’t have that same impact as his debut project did. Commercially it still did well, peaking at #5 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Tired of guessin’ and stressin’ and questionin’ love, I guess it’s best I disappear. – “Irregular Love”

I still call myself a Lil Tjay fan, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t looking for more in this project. The only reason it made my list is because the good songs were on a different level. I’m still excited for the next Tjay project and hope he still has the inspiration and hunger to keep going.

Favorite Songs

1. Calling My Phone ft. 6LACK
2. Move On
3. Headshot ft. Polo G & Fivio Foreign
4. Run It Up ft. Offset & Moneybagg Yo
5. Irregular Love

27. Morray – Street Sermons (April 30th)

What a year Morray has had. Since coming on to the scene with “Quicksand” in late 2020, the Fayettville artist has made big strides in the industry. Some strides bigger than others including landing on J. Cole’s album with “m y . l i f e” and opening for him on his tour.

How you living with ya mama and yo ass is almost 30? How you borrow from your friends? Can’t afford to pay em back. – “Mistakes”

Many people like to compare Morray to Rod Wave but I honestly think that’s unfair. Each artist has their own perspective on both their art and personalities. Morray’s signature style is what gravitated me towards this project. Even his song on the Madden 22 soundtrack, “Mime”, had me hooked. All in all, this was a great project by Morray and I’m thoroughly impressed. If you haven’t yet go check his interview on the Breakfast Club dude is a real stand-up guy and I wish him the best in his career.

Everything ain’t always what it seems. Everything is easier if you believe, if you believe. – “Trenches”

Favorite Songs

1. Reflections
2. Big Decisions
3. Mistakes
4. Trenches
5. Bigger Things

26. Young Dolph & Key Glock – Dum and Dummer 2 (March 26th)

RIP Young Dolph. The definition of that true Memphis sound is apparent all over this project. Dolph and Glock’s chemistry is something that can’t be taught, it’s just naturally there. A huge loss to not only the rap community but just the people in Memphis too. Dolph was a big influence there and gave back to the community a whole lot. Prayers up to his family and love ones.

They don’t like me, f*** ’em, ball on they b**** ass like Derrick Rose. – “Penguins”

Favorite Songs

1. Penguins
2. Case Closed
3. Cheat Code
4. A Goat & A Dolphin
5. In GLOCK we trust

25. Pi’erre Bourne – The Life Of Pi’erre 5 (June 11th)

I wrote about Pi’erre’s project in one of my “songs I’m listening to” articles this year. I truly enjoy this guy as an artist. He’s clearly versatile in what he does, and he does it at a high level. He has a pretty big fanbase that stands behind his every release and sells out his shows. From making a classic beat in the back of an Uber to dropping his own projects on his own label. Shout out to Pi’erre Bourne man. A revolutionary.

Will Smith, yeah, you know I’m fresh. It’s a stake for the cheese like Philly. Moncler on when I feel chilly. – “Couch”

Favorite Songs

1. Couch
2. 40 Clip
3. Practice
4. Switching Lanes ft. Playboi Carti
5. HULU

24. Blxst & Bino Rideaux – Sixtape 2 (July 16th)

It’s just smooth. Like there isn’t much to explain once you listen to the music. Shout out to Blxst and Bino Rideaux for creating such an underrated summer project. Like I said in one of my last articles, Blxst’s voice is smooth like butter and Bino Rideaux just eases in to every beat.

Love don’t cost a thing but if it did, blow the bag on you – “Time Will Only Tell”

I’m a huge fan of the LA-based production and Blxst knows how to kill it. I’m happy to see Blxst get the recognition he deserves and I’m hoping him and Bino collaborate more in the future. Shout out to LA.

Favorite Songs

1. Time Will Only Tell
2. Movie
3. Program
4. Pop Out
5. Accountable

23. Rod Wave – SoulFly [Deluxe] (August 20th)

The man who earned my #1 spot last year, Rod Wave. I went and saw him in concert with my friends and it was truly a holy experience. We were front row and this man sounded exactly like how he does in the songs live. He even performed “What’s Wrong“, which is a highlight for my year so far. Rod Wave simply does not miss and if he keep dropping songs like “By Your Side“, he’ll last forever in the music industry. Like he said, he “Already Won“.

They turned they back on me, it left me scarred. I turned my back on them to save my heart – “What’s Wrong”

Favorite Songs

1. What’s Wrong
2. Get Ready ft. Kodak Black
3. Escape
4. Already Won ft. Lil Durk
5. 2019

22. Toosii – Thank You For Believing (May 7th)

Toosii has found himself on my album of the year rankings after landing on my 2020 list with “Poetic Pain”. Toosii is an artist that I first discovered last year with his song “Reminiscing” and I haven’t looked back since. This project’s highlights were incredible, especially “red die” & “what it cost”. He just recently dropped a three-song EP on December 3rd called “Pretty Girls Love Toosii”, but I’m waiting on the next album.

Tell the truth don’t lie, please. Ask God, “Why Me?”. Must be two sides to the story siamese – “red die”

Favorite Songs

1. red die
2. what it cost
3. f**k marry kill
4. back together
5. windows down

21. Dave – We’re All Alone In This Together (July 23th)

Dave’s emergence into the rap world has been truly astonishing. From taking over Streatham to taking over the big screen with Top Boy, the 23 year-old is truly on top of the world. I started to listen to Dave in early 2020 after he dropped his debut album, “PYSCHODRAMA”. The album had me hooked immediately. A melancholy look inside Dave’s mind as he dealt with his own mental demons and pressures of his newfound superstar status. It was a true masterpiece, a project I wish I had discovered in 2019 so I could’ve included it in my favorite albums article. “Lesley” & “Screwface Capital” should’ve and could’ve won Grammy’s for how amazing they were. In his sophomore album, “We’re All Alone In This Together” Dave traveled to Los Angeles for the recording process. The album did well commercially of course, however it just didn’t grab me like the first one did. Don’t get me wrong there is still some major quality on this record, which is why it is landing at the #21 spot on my list. However, I don’t know if he can top “PYSCHODRAMA”. I believe in him though and we shall see.

Love’s a film and I’m just flicking through the parts I’m in. – “Both Sides Of A Smile”

Favorite Songs

1. Clash ft. Stormzy
2. Both Sides Of A Smile ft. James Blake
3. Survivor’s Guilt
4. Verdansk
5. Twenty To One

20. Young Thug – Punk (October 15th)

Sir Thugger is back with another solo album, his first since “So Much Fun” in August of 2019. This project was knowingly anticipated to be a very experimental body of work. Thug told fans that he was experimenting with a lot of new sounds and I could hear that throughout the album. There were many songs with a “rap” feel but towards the end you could hear Thug pulling inspiration from Rock and R&B. “Love You More” with Nate Ruess (lead singer of Fun) was an incredible mixture of pop and just the typical Young Thug sound across the track.

I’m finished here, but still no fear, yeah. Ain’t no more reminiscin’. Ain’t no more judgin’, no intuition. – “Dropping Jewels”

The world needs more artists like Young Thug. Plain and simple. Never afraid to go out of his comfort zone and experiment with new fashion and sounds. What a legend.

Favorite Songs

1. Droppin Jewels
2. Peepin Out The Window (with Future & Bslime)
3. Die Slow (with Strick)
4. Bubbly (with Drake & Travis Scott)
5. Rich N***a Shit (with Juice WRLD)

19. Lil Tecca – We Love You Tecca 2 (August 27th)

I feel bad for Lil Tecca. People don’t give him the credit he rightfully deserves and he also dropped this project two days before Kanye dropped “DONDA”. People always talk about the “platinum with no features” feat as a big thing in an artists career. Tecca did that at 17. He was running TikTok with snippets for this project, especially with the lead singles “Show Me Up” and “Never Left“. Although this project didn’t have as many hits as his first one, I still thoroughly enjoyed WLYT2. Hopefully, Tecca takes a well-deserved break and comes back with some new heat for us.

I could play all positions, b****, I feel like I’m KD – “SHOOTERS”

Favorite Songs:

1. NEVER LEFT
2. MONEY ON ME
3. SHOW ME UP
4. LOT OF ME
5. SHOOTERS

18. Young Stoner Life, Young Thug & Gunna – Slime Language (April 16th)

Young Thug has once again made an appearance on my list. This time, in the form of his label Young Stoner Life, a.k.a. YSL. The second installment to the Slime Language series was a little more star-studded then the first one, with appearances from Don Toliver, Travis Scott & Drake. The energy was palpable early as “Slam the Door” is the first song waiting to be played. When you take a look at this cover you can truly grasp how influential Young Thug is to the music industry. There are few kingpins in Atlanta rap that have major influence on today’s music. Young Thug is most definitely one of them.

The price I want for a show, you gon’ need three promoters – “Ski”

Favorite Songs

1. No Surprise – Young Thug, Don Toliver & Bslime
2. Diamonds Dancing – Young Thug, Gunna & Travis Scott
3. Slam The Door – Young Thug & Gunna
4. Solid – Young Thug, Gunna & Drake
5. Ski – Young Thug & Gunna

17. Polo G – Hall Of Fame 2.0 (December 3rd)

They love to see the come up, but they hate when you stay at the top. That’s the only logical reason I can think of why social media has suddenly turned its back on Polo G. After dropping two back-to-back classic projects, Polo G came with the “Hall Of Fame” series this year. It was met with critical reception with a lot of “Piano G” memes. Which is wild considering “RAPSTAR” is one of my top 50 songs of the year.

So much goin’ on, I can’t feel a thing, I think that I’m numb – “Young N Dumb”

With all this hate on social media, to his girlfriend cheating on him, Polo G has been going through a lot recently. I hope he is able to just settle down and focus on what makes him happy in life. If you don’t remember, we almost lost Polo G to pill overdose back in 2019, so I just hope he can take a break from all the madness. The talent is undeniable. A bunch of 12 year-olds in the comment section won’t ever change that.

Favorite Songs

1. Fortnight
2. Don’t Play ft. Lil Baby
3. Young N Dumb
4. Suicide ft. Lil Tjay
5. Unapologetic ft. NLE Choppa

16. Roddy Ricch – LIVE LIFE FAST (December 17th)

Roddy Ricch is one of the most talented young artists in the music industry today. I mean, anyone who makes “War Baby” has a talent sent from God himself. So when he announced on December 1st that his next project, “LIVE LIFE FAST” was set to drop in I was insanely hyped. However, when it dropped I realized that not many people shared the same opinion as me. A lot of people were very underwhelmed with the project. I can understand their frustration, because everything we’ve gotten from Roddy before this was just straight no skips. This is the first time I’ve listened to a Roddy Ricch project and have had to skip some songs. My official verdict with this album is the bad songs are REALLY BAD and the good songs are great. I also have a strong feeling that this will grow on me, but we shall see. There’s no way a man who made “Every Season” is not capable of better. We all know you are Roddy. I ranked your last album at the #2 spot in 2019. Take your time with your next one and make it worth it.

Told her at times I wanna give you trust but I can’t – “late at night”

Favorite Songs

1. late at night
2. paid my dues ft. Takeoff
3. thailand
4. everything you need
5. man made

15. Yung Bleu – Moon Boy (July 23rd)

I told y’all he’d be back. Yung Bleu is an insanely impressive artist who just officially stamped his ticket into my playlists with “Moon Boy”. With his unique voice and versatility, the Mobile native is the perfect example of a Swiss army knife. He even just recently started producing as well, already receiving a co-sign from Kodak Black himself. And if you go to my top 50 songs of the year article, you’ll see my favorite song from this album at the #50 spot. And that’s big because I had to cut a lot of songs from that list. I’m happy for Yung Bleu for his recent success and hope he continues to climb to the top.

Don’t break my heart, tell me beautiful lies – “Beautiful Lies”

Favorite Songs

1. Beautiful Lies ft. Kehlani
2. You’re Mines Still ft. Drake
3. Tired Of You ft. H.E.R.
4. Contract Killers
5. Old Days

14. The Kid LAROI – F*CK LOVE 3+: OVER YOU (July 23rd)

Laroi is back on the list. The Australian has been going absolutely insane this year. Ever since I heard him for the first time in January of 2020 I knew he was going to be a star. However, I didn’t think he was going to reach that level of stardom this quickly. He has also announced that his debut studio album is coming next year. At 18 years old he has a #1 album and song. He has a song that is 5x platinum to go along with 15 other plaques. Laroi still has a long way to go in his career. The way it’s looking, he’s going to be here for a long time.

The fame change people, why don’t you just call me? – “BAD NEWS”

Favorite Songs

1. BAD NEWS
2. BEST FOR ME
3. OVER YOU
4. ABOUT YOU
5. STAY ft. Justin Bieber

13. Polo G – Hall of Fame (June 11th)

I don’t care about the memes or the hate that this man gets, the music always delivers. He knows his lane, and while he may experiment with different sounds sometimes, he can always dominate the track. Now this album was not as good as “The GOAT”, which was #7 on my list last year, but it was still a well-rounded project.

Miss who you used to be, ’cause that’s who I was closer with – “Epidemic”

Polo returned to his drill sound several times on this album with songs like “GNF (OKOKOK)” and “Clueless” but also had some smooth slow songs like “RAPSTAR” (which became his first #1 hit) and “Epidemic“. To drop two albums in a year is already something that’s hard. To make my favorite albums list twice is even harder (just kidding). That may or may not happen again on this list *wink wink*.

I’m the chosen one, seen my potential , so they fear me – “RAPSTAR”

Favorite Songs

1. RAPSTAR
2. Epidemic
3. No Return ft. The Kid LAROI & Lil Durk
4. Painting Pictures
5. Toxic

12. J. Cole – The Off-Season (May 7th)

I kind of have the same stance for J. Cole as I do for Polo G. People on socials are always trying to talk down on them or try to make them a meme, when in reality they are delivering consistent greatness. One thing I’ve learned in life, especially with so many artists dying unexpectedly, is to appreciate the greats while they are here. God forbid anything happens to anyone on this list, but that’s just a fact. Cole is about to be 37 in January and is out here still delivering great projects.

Christ went to Heaven age thirty-three And so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey – “I n t e r l u d e”

While the “Fall Off” is cooking up, and possibly a kiLL Edward album, we can listen to this project with a smile on our faces. And a project with features too! Cole world came and delivered like always.

Favorite Songs

1. a m a r i
2. I n t e r l u d e
3. m y . l i f e ft. 21 Savage & Morray
4. p r i d e . i s . t h e . d e v i l ft. Lil Baby
5. l e t . g o . m y . h a n d ft. Bas & 6LACK

11. Migos – Culture III (June 11th)

The third installment of the Culture series finally arrived this year. After not releasing a project together for three years, Migos finally came through and dropped “Culture III”. No matter what the commercial success is the music is always quality to me. People have to understand how influential these three artists are. Quavo, Offset & Takeoff are pioneers fo the sound in today’s music. From 2013 to now, these guys have stayed on top of their game against all the odds.

Ain’t shoppin’ Rodeo. You wanna see the three Migos? Then turn on your Vevo – “Avalanche”

There’s always going to be people that are just never pleased with whatever some artists drop. They’ll always compare it to their previous releases and just lose all the fun. Like there are HITS on this album. Sit down, take a deep breath and appreciate the good music.

Turn a pandemic into a bandemic. You know that’s the s*** that we on – “Straightenin”

Favorite Songs

1. Straightenin
2. Modern Day
3. Need It ft. YoungBoy Never Broke Again
4. Avalanche
5. Why Not

10. Lil Durk – The Voice (Deluxe) (January 29th)

We have made it to the top 10. This album right here is the sole reason that Lil Durk is my most listened to artist this year (68 hours). It is also my 8th most listened to album. Durk is on an incredible run which for me dates back to 2017 with his collaboration project with Tee Grizzley, “Bloodas”. I was listening to Durk way before that, but since 2017 he hasn’t missed once with a release. Just in the last two years he has dropped “Love Songs 4 the Streets 2”, “Just Cause Y’all Waited 2” & “The Voice”.

We locked back in, we feel like zero, Jayson Tatum – “Intro”

Durk has been through a lot lately, I just hope he’s in a good mental space. He just recently got engaged so that hopefully will brighten things up for him. His seemingly unstoppable run doesn’t look like it’s coming to an end any time soon. And you’ll definitely be seeing him on this list again.

Favorite Songs

1. Should’ve Ducked ft. Pooh Shiesty
2. Finesse out the Gang Way ft. Lil Baby
3. Switched Up
4. When I’m Lonely
5. Love You ft. Sydney August

9. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Sincerely, Kentrell (September 24th)

After spending seven months of 2021 locked up, YoungBoy dropped this 21-song project from behind bars in September. There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said about YoungBoy. He is an incredible artist with the ability to change his tone and flow at a drop of a dime. He has two songs on my top 50 of the year. His versatility is apparent on every project he drops and at only 22 years old, he’s only going to go up from here.

Is it real, is it fake? I don’t know, I can’t tell. I’m just hopin’ time worth it, I’m just hopin’ we don’t fail – “Life Support”

The problem with YoungBoy has never been the music. It’s always been the trouble that he gets himself into. Currently he’s in Utah on house arrest awaiting on what is going to happen with the case stemming from his arrest in March. Let’s just hope that he can stay out of trouble and keep blessing us with this great music.

Favorite Songs

1. Life Support
2. Sincerely
3. Bad Morning
4. Toxic Punk
5. No Where

8. Tory Lanez – Alone At Prom (December 10th)

I had a very hard time putting this album here instead at #7. However, after some more listening and analyzing I have finally decided on #8 for “Alone At Prom”. Tory Lanez is undeniably one of the most talented people in the music industry. From making songs from scratch on Instagram live to dropping an incredible 80’s theme album, the man can do it all. Ever since he dropped “LA Confidential” he has been on a consistent run of great music.

Speedin’ car goin’ 90 in the rain. She took my heart, filled it with nothin’ but pain – “The Color Violet”

Both of Tory’s projects this year have been filled with a lot of records regarding breakups and pain situations. Sonically the album is an incredible listen. From his vocals all the way down to the production. And he’s doing this while being fully independent.

Favorite Songs

1. Lavender Sunflower
2. The Color Violet
3. Lady of Namek
4. Pink Dolphin Sunset ft. Tee
5. Enchanted Waterfall

7. Tory Lanez – PLAYBOY (March 5th)

BACK TO BACK appearances on my list. Not just two albums in the same year, not just two albums in the top 10, but also two songs from this project in my top 10 for songs of the year. That should tell you how good this music actually is. This album is personified pain. I don’t even have to say much. Just see the above album for reference. What an incredible body of work.

‘Cause when it’s said and done, all I got is these melodies – “And This is Just the Intro”

Favorite Songs

1. Distance
2. And This is Just the Intro
3. Y.D.L.R
4. Shooby Doowoop//One Last Heartbreak ft. NYCE
5. …The Make Up

6. Don Toliver – Life of a DON (October 8th)

This is the start of a legendary career. Ever since we heard Don Toliver on “CAN’T SAY“, he has not missed a single time. After dropping “Heaven Or Hell” last year, and landing at #8 on my 2020 list, I thought he was going to take at least a two year break from dropping projects. However the Houston native came back with an immaculate body of work. That’s two top 10 appearances in back-to-back years. Don Toliver is one of those artists that has a unique sound and has mastered it.

Sometimes you gotta find, what’s wrong, yeah what’s right – “Swangin’ On Westheimer”

“Situation” will most likely always be my favorite Don Toliver song but “Swangin’ On Westheimer” is creeping up to that 2nd spot closely. The consistency of this man is astonishing. Whatever music he’s involved in is a hit. That’s just the Donny effect. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

Favorite Songs

1. Swangin’ On Westheimer
2. XSCAPE
3. Way Bigger
4. You ft. Travis Scott
5. Crossfaded

5. Drake – Certified Lover Boy (September 3rd)

21 tracks. No lead singles. Just the power and authority of dropping an album with no remorse for anyone else’s release. Man literally put pregnant emojis as his cover and still went platinum in three weeks. Drake is an icon. What did I say for J. Cole’s album? Appreciate the legends while they are still here. This is one of my favorite albums by Drake for me 100%. In five years they are going to be calling this one a classic too. That’s just how the cycle goes.

I don’t have to second-guess nothing with no one I love – “Champagne Poetry”

Favorite Songs

1. Pipe Down
2. N 2 Deep ft. Future
3. In The Bible ft. Lil Durk & Giveon
4. Papi’s Home
5. F*****g Fans

4. Rod Wave – SoulFly (March 26th)

Rod Wave will not be going back-to-back for the #1 spot on my album of the year rankings. However, that doesn’t mean his album wasn’t as good as “Pray 4 Love”. One of the common themes with this top 10 is that these artists either very rarely miss or they simply don’t. Rod Wave simply doesn’t miss.

It ain’t a loss it’s just a lesson and a story to tell – “Blame on You”

I was actually blessed with the opportunity to go see Rod Wave perform this October in DC. This man sounds the exact same on stage as he does in his songs. His stage presence is strong and his performance always has the crowd’s attention. My first listen to this album I just sat there and just kept calling every song a hit. You could put this album on and I genuinely would just let it play. No skips. None. And then to end the year off he dropped a song that I rank is his all-time top five with “By Your Side“. Which is actually also in my top 10 for my favorite songs of the year. He keeps saying he has another album on the way but we shall see. God bless Rod Wave.

I just hope we don’t end how they do. Crash and burn on the shade room – “Street Runner”

Favorite Songs

1. Street Runner
2. Blame On You
3. Changing
4. Don’t Forget
5. Gone Till November

3. Meek Mill – Expensive Pain (October 1st)

What???? An album ranking by Yanni and Meek Mill isn’t first??? Is this real life??? Yes, I know that it is surprising but these are my honest rankings. After waiting exactly 35 months to get an album from Meek Mill, my favorite rapper, you could say that I was a little excited. You could also tell how much I liked the album from my review. Like I said then, the album is one that fits the title of “Expensive Pain”. It’s a deep-dive into the harsh reality of actually making it big. The people that try to use you, the women that do you wrong & the hardships with trying to please everyone around you. Meek delivers a great body of work with a lot more versatility. You can hear the difference between songs like “Outside (100 MPH)” and “On My Soul“. I’ll give y’all an excerpt of what I wrote in my review of this album, something that I still think holds true.

“There are at least three songs on this album that I would put in my top 20 Meek Mill songs of all time. Through all the internet antics/beef, Meek never fails doing the one job that he’s been destined to do. Make great music. From the battle rap scene of Philadelphia to having dinners with Jay-Z and Robert Kraft, I think his pain is definitely a lot more expensive now.”

You ain’t gotta talk behind my back, you know my number, call me – “Love Train”

Favorite Songs

1. Expensive Pain
2. Cold Hearted III
3. Sharing Locations ft. Lil Baby & Lil Durk
4. On My Soul
5. Halo ft. Brent Faiyaz

2. The Voice of the Heroes (June 4th)

Let me tell y’all a story about this album. It was June 3rd at around 8:40 p.m. Me and my brother were in Los Angeles, California on vacation. We had just finished eating our dinner at a food truck called Mariella’s Tacos. My brother ate a burrito, half of mine, red velvet cake & about two cookies. Safe to say he ate a lot. When we got to the car he immediately crashed and fell asleep. I dropped him off at our hotel and decided to take our rental Toyota Corolla on the California highway for a drive. One thing about me is I can drive for hours as long as the music is blasting. Since we were in LA, the album came out at 9 p.m., so my first listen to this project was on the highway in our rental. You guys should’ve seen my face when the bass came through the car speakers on “2040” for the first time. I think I actually played “Still Runnin” 11 times in a row (no exaggeration). I drove for almost two and a half hours giving this a full listen, and I haven’t stopped since. The chemistry between Baby and Durk is crazy. They almost make it sound too easy. Which is why it is currently my second most listened to album of all time with over 1600 minutes played. Both Lil Baby and Lil Durk are on undefeated runs right now with their music and this project is the perfect example of that. This album was my album of the year for about two months, until this next one came along.

I know how it feel when you try your best to be real. I know how it feel when you think no one understands you. – “How It Feels”

Favorite Songs

1. That’s Facts
2. Still Runnin ft. Meek Mill
3. Hats Off ft. Travis Scott
4. Man of my Word
5. How It Feels

MY 2021 ALBUM OF THE YEAR

1. Kanye West – Donda (August 29th)

We have finally arrived at our destination. My #1 album of 2021 goes to Kanye West’s album “Donda”. From the moment I tuned in to the first livestream I knew I was witnessing something special. It’s the same thing with big artists like Drake, they drop something and years later it is finally appreciated. Kanye West is arguably the best artist of all-time and when he is focused on music he is almost untouchable. As Charlamagne tha God said, “I don’t think there’s anybody in the history of hip hop who has the culture in the palm of their hands like Kanye West.”

Like who’s here when I need a shoulder to lean on? I hope you’re here when I need them demons to be gone – “Jonah”

The album, named after his late mother, is an incredible piece of work. Kanye’s 10th studio album is just a premier showcase of his talents and when put under the bright lights he never fails. No matter the controversies that surround Kanye, the music delivers with ferocity. He is an icon. The definition of a pioneer. Always willing to push the boundaries with every release. Kanye has six songs on my top 50 songs of 2021 list, and they are all in the top 15. This was a special project. All I can do is Thank God that I am alive while Kanye West is making music.

Know you’re alive and God’s not finished – “24”

Favorite Songs

1. Come to Life
2. Jonah ft. Vory & Lil Durk
3. 24
4. Moon ft. Don Toliver & Kid Cudi
5. No Child Left Behind ft. Vory

Well, here we are. We have made it to the end of 2021. What a year it has been. Not just for music, but just for life in general. We’ve lost a lot of great people this year, but a lot of great things have happened too. Personally, I’m very proud of what I accomplished in 2021. I wrote for my school paper, I passed all my classes in both spring and fall with only one C, I started a radio show with my good friend Sam Wolfe & I did not get COVID-19. The crazy part about this article is that on December 23rd my website was hacked and I was fearing the worst. Customer support told me that there would be a good chance that I could lose all my content. I’ve been publishing articles on this website since July 1st, 2019. This is my 83rd article on this website. I’ve put everything into this website, so many late nights at two or three in the morning grinding on a new article. So the fact that I was able to get the site back with all my content is such a blessing. Honestly, it’s the perfect analogy to how life has been for me for the past two years. There are always going to be hiccups or roadblocks on your way to success, it’s just how you bounce back that’s important.

It means so much to me that you guys take the time out of your day to read what I write. Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy it. I appreciate all feedback and every interaction I have about my content. It gives me hope and motivation to keep going. I want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year. May 2022 bring nothing but blessings towards you and your loved ones. Keep your energy, happiness & money protected. Thank you for tuning in. This is YSN, for the last time in 2021, signing out.