Overall, Aesop Rock adds another feather to his cap with this exceptional release.Īrmand Hammer - We Buy Diabetic Test StripsĪrmand Hammer, the New York duo composed of ELUCID and billy woods, has released one of the best Hip Hop albums of the year with their latest, We Buy Diabetic Test Strips – released under Backwoodz Studioz, the label almost singlehandedly responsible for rescuing the Hip Hop year 2023 from mediocrity. Integrated Tech Solutions is Aesop’s best work since his magnum opus The Impossible Kid (2016) solidifying his position as one of the genre’s finest wordsmiths and most creative producers from the first quarter of this century. The synthesis of Aesop’s near-perfect flow with some of his best beats results in a sonic masterwork. Notable tracks such as “Living Curfew,” “Kyanite Toothpick,” and “Black Snow” stand out with exceptional features from the likes of billy woods, Hanni El Khatib, Lealani, Rob Sonic, and Nikki Jean. Throughout the album, Aesop showcases his storytelling prowess, reaching new heights with tracks like the standout “Aggressive Steven.” While some beats resemble his previous work, the wacky production and open lyricism, as seen in “Vititus,” elevate the listening experience. The album’s synthesis of Aesop’s beats and live instrumentation pays homage to his Def Jux and Labor Days (2001) roots without mere imitation. The album’s robotic and industrial instrumentals, while accessible, add a fresh dimension to Aesop’s impeccable flow, with him navigating away from the excessive wordplay that characterized some of his earlier work. Integrated Tech Solutions presents Aesop Rock at his funniest, weaving absurd anecdotes and remarkable production into a cohesive whole. The storytelling tracks infused with humor and non-sequiturs contribute to an album that feels like a genuine extension of Aesop’s interests. Departing from his previous loner-centric themes, Integrated Tech Solutions explores new aesthetic realms, focusing on technology and everyday life experiences. The album’s ingenious, abstract, and esoteric weirdness breaks conventional norms, showcasing Aesop’s mastery of the craft. Integrated Tech Solutions is Aesop Rock’s tenth album, where he skillfully utilizes corporate jargon to dissect a parasitic worldview. Latest entries: #1 Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions #5 Blockhead – The Aux #7 Danny Brown – Quaranta #36 Vinnie Paz – All Are Guests In The House Of God #52 YUNGMORPHEUS & Real Bad Man – The Chalice & The BladeĪlso check: Greatest Hip Hop Albums 1980 – 2022 & Top 150 Hip Hop Albums Of The 2020s Let’s get into it, check out what we think are the best Hip Hop albums of 2023 so far – best first. This is a top 60, albums that don’t make the best 60 of the year but which are worth listening to anyway are mentioned in the honorable mentions.

But having said that, lots of dope EPs drop every year, so we will not ignore them – scroll down for a section with some of the best EPs released in 2023, as well as a listing of 2023’s best instrumental Hip Hop projects. Some artists market barely 30-minute-long projects as albums – however, HHGA categorizes a project that clocks in at under 30 minutes as an EP, and we do not rank EPs on our album list: an album = an LP. We’re also looking forward to expected releases from EPMD ( Big Business), and Q-Tip ( AlGoRhythms, Riotdiaries, The Last Zulu).Īs always on our best-of-the-year lists, not included are instrumental albums, compilations, and EPs. There’s still lots to look forward to this year (or more likely in 2024), with a bunch of ‘sequels’ slated to be released – Run The Jewels’ RTJ5, Redman’s Muddy Waters 2, Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx III, Ghostface Killah Supreme Clientele 2, De La Soul’s AOI3, LL Cool J’s GOAT 2, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 3, and Jay-Z’s Blueprint 4 are albums we are eagerly anticipating. This list will be updated regularly until the end of the year when it will result in our best-of-the-year list. The only way to compile an authoritative list is to keep track of new releases week-by-week, day-by-day even.

The Best Hip Hop Albums Of 2023: This is a work in progress.

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