Favourite Albums of the Year So Far

We are at the half way point of 2023, and it’s flown by for me. It’s that time of the year to look back at the year so far and mark what have been my favourite projects released in the last six months. Below is ranking of seven of my favourite projects this year, based upon how much I enjoyed them and how much I go back and re-listen to them.

7. KAYTRAMINÉ — KAYTRAMINÉ

Released in May, KAYTRANADA and Amine’s latest collab album came at the right time. A feel good summer album, Amine’s style and vocals blend well with KAYTRANADA’s laidback and feel good production. Records such as “4Eva” and “Eye” are incredibly infectious and just put a big smile on your face. I’ve recently heard the album, which explains why it sits in seventh place. But with more time, I wouldn’t be surprised if it went up in the pecking order. Full review

6. Kelela — Raven

A return to form six years on from her debut album, Kelela’s Raven has been my favourite R&B release of this year so far. Blending R&B and electronic music together for this album, the mix of the two genres and sounds can be odd at times. On the other hand, for the majority of the album, Raven is a good full length project. With “Happy Ending” and “Missed Call” being my two favourite songs on the album. Full review

5. Skyzoo & The Other Guys — The Mind of a Saint

Arguably one of the most creative Hip-Hop projects to come out this year. Skyzoo teams up with The Other Guys for a lovely conceptual album, centered around the character of Franklin Saint, the main protagonist on the FX Series Snowfall. Put simply The Mind of a Saint is a good Hip-Hop project, with great production and great rapping, I’m sure all Hip-Hop fans will love this project. Full review

4. Boldy James & RichGains — Indiana Jones

Reinventing himself with unfamiliar production from RichGains, Boldy James continued his consistent run with January’s Indiana Jones. Indiana Jones has become my favourite project from the Detroit rapper, which says a lot, as his previous efforts Bo Jackson and Killing Nothing were fantastic. Top to bottom, Indiana Jones is a thoroughly enjoyable project and one that I personally believe didn’t get the full attention it deserved. Full review

3. El Michels Affair & Black Thought - Glorious Game

As Hip-Hop celebrates its 50th anniversary we get to see the rappers who continue to age well within this amazing genre. One of the greatest rappers of all time, Black Thought, is one of those rappers who is aging like wine within Hip-Hop. Following up on his marvelous 2022 collab album with Danger Mouse, Cheat Codes, Black Thought releases another phenomenal collab album, this time with El Michels Affair. Similar to the former album, Glorious Game is filled with great bars and great production. Full review

2. Conway the Machine — Won’t He Do It

A year on from his sophomore album, God Don’t Make Mistakes, Conway returned for the follow up and released another great album. Consisting of many great records, I really enjoyed a lot of the production work and features within the album. I would go as far as to say it’s Conway’s best project, with many great standout tracks on the album, such as “Brick Fare” and “Stab Out”. Full review

1. Larry June & The Alchemist — The Great Escape

Number one spot goes to the album that I was highly anticipating. Larry June and The Alchemist did not disappoint with their new collab album, The Great Escape. Filled with great singles and great album cuts, Larry and Alchemist were a match made in heaven. Another great project added to Alchemist’s catalogue, the West Coast producer provided production that perfectly fitted with Larry’s style. Larry June also shines bright on the project, with some of his best performances being on this album, such as “89 Earthquake” and “Ocean Sounds”. Full review