In 2019 we saw a few anticipated album releases that weren’t originally expected, some albums no one saw coming and other albums that met all the hype that came with them. Looking back on the year, these are the albums I thought were the 10 best of 2019.
10.) Megan the Stallion – “Fever”
Although Megan the Stallion already had a hit song with “Big Ole Freak” from her 2018 “Tina Snow” mixtape, “Fever” was the album that put Megan the Stallion on the map. From the down-south Houston production on the album to the club bangers, as well as Megan the Stallion’s couldn’t-care-less-personality, “Fever” stands out as a album no one anticipated being as good as it is.
9.) Deniro Farrar – “Re-Up”
“Re-Up” goes into the category of albums that weren’t on anyone’s radar, but for the few people it was on, they made an effort to sing its praises for all who would listen. Although “Re-Up” doesn’t do anything extraordinary, it checks almost all the boxes people want from a rap album at a high enough level to make it, arguably, the most complete rap album of the year.
8.) Rico Nasty & Kenny Beats – “Anger Management”
The dynamic duo of producer Kenny Beats and rapper Rico Nasty have very few misses on their collaborations, and “Anger Management” is no exception. Rico Nasty already was riding a high with her 2018 album “Nasty” and her hit single with Doja Cat “Tia Tamera.” Rico Nasty didn’t take any breaks and came out with this expertly produced, unapologetic and crude album that’s just a lot of fun.
7.) DJ Shadow – “Our Pathetic Age”
Our Pathetic Age is meant to be a statement, without being preachy. The first half of the album is only instrumentals, leaving it to the interpretation of the individual listener. The second half is where the album reaches its peak. Where the first half is up to interpretation – the second half of the album serves as definitive statements of all rappers involved. The format of it in addition to the strong production and features results in DJ Shadow’s best album in years.
6.) Iglooghost, Kai Whiston, BABii – “XYZ”
This collaborative EDM album featuring production from Whiston
and Iglooghost and vocals from BABii demonstrates the continued success Iglooghost has had. The synergy between all collaborators is evident, and all three succeed at making sure that “XYZ” doesn’t fall into the trap most EDM records do of being all rave-style tracks. There’s truly a track on this album for every mood.
5.) FKA Twigs – “Magdalene”
Twigs’ follow up to her classic 2014 effort “LP1” is truly a masterpiece. It
is haunting yet beautiful and paints a beautiful canvas as to where Twigs is artistically five years after her last album. There is not a track on here that does not capture the ear of the listener. Although it is definitely not the most accessible record to come out this year, it is one of the most expertly-crafted and artistic.
4.) Danny Brown – “uknowhatimsayin”
Since the release of “Atrocity Exhibition,” Brown’s kicked his addiction that plagued him in the past. Now he has a TV show on Viceland and a Twitch channel. This is reflected on his 2019 effort. Whereas “Atrocity Exhibition” was a deep-dive into the rabbit hole of drug abuse and dark thoughts, “uknowhatimsayin” is Brown appreciating and reflecting on life in the clearest and happiest state he’s been in years. This all adds up to a fun and occasionally uplifting album.
3.) Anonymuz – “There is no Threat”
Underground South Florida rapper Anonymuz followed his stellar 2017
EP, “Hiei,” with one of the best albums to come out of South Florida this year. Not only are the trademark Florida-style bangers on this album it also features a lot of lo-fi introspective tracks, giving this album a decent balance. Throw in the features from Sylvan LaCue and Denzel Curry and you get as close to a quintessential South Florida rap album as you can.
2.) Lana Del Rey – “Norman F***ing Rockwell”
Speaking of albums I didn’t anticipate being great – chalk this album up there. Although Lana Del Rey has not been afraid to wear her feelings on her sleeve in previous albums, she puts them on a billboard and broadcasts it for everyone in this one. That kind of emotional vulnerability with the variety of amazing production makes this album stand out in the best way.
1.) Freddie Gibbs and Madlib – “Bandana”
The producer-rapper duo of Gibbs & Madlib released their long-anticipated follow-up to “Pinata.” Needless to say, given my ranking of the album, it did not disappoint. Gibbs and Madlib do a great job at continuing the themes on “Pinata” while still introducing instrumentals and musical stylings exclusive to “Bandana.” Gibbs brings his typical amazing flow and bars onto the project and adds amazing features from the likes of Pusha T, Killer Mike and Anderson Paak. Having all this in mind, this album stands out as the best of the year.
Teren Kowatsch can be reached at [email protected].