25 Best Albums of 2023 … So Far

So yeah …. 2023.

In a year where we’re celebrating 50 years of hip-hop and patiently awaiting a revival of the glory days of R&B (a statement I’ve been making for nearly a decade now) there certainly isn’t a lot going on, is there?

Industry veterans, highly-touted newcomers, hotly anticipated comebacks – it seems like hardly anyone can crank anything better than “mid.”

But beyond the hand-wringing over zero hip-hop songs hitting No. 1 on the Billboard charts this year or the curious case of Ice Spice of all people being rap’s “biggest” star, I refuse to wallow in negativity.

Trust in Soul In Stereo, we’re here to help.

I’ve listened to 94 albums so far in 2023, and I’ve spent nearly a month boiling that list down to 25 albums that deserve a place on your playlists. A lot of the year’s biggest names are nowhere to be found (cuz mid) so instead, I’ll be introducing you to many new names that you should definitely give a shot.

Keep in mind that this list is in no specific order – we’ll rank them for real later this year.

The story of 2023 is only half-written. There’s still time to finish strong. But in the meantime, I’m here to celebrate the artists who are pushing their respective genres forward.

Honorable mentions:

Jai’Len Josey, Southern Delicacy

Iyla, Appetite for Disaster

Rome Streetz & Big Ghost Ltd, Wasn’t Built in a Day

Q, Soul, PRESENT

Sabrina Claudio, Archives & Lullabies

Kierra Sheard, All Yours

Che Noir & Big Ghost Ltd., Noir or Never

Maxo, Even God Has a Sense of Humor

IDK, F65

Dinner Party, Enigmatic Society

Kali Uchis, Red Moon in Venus

You never know what you’re going to get with a Kali Uchis release, and that’s what makes her music so intriguing. Kali has spent the past five years bending multiple musical genres to her will but her latest (and possibly best) album, Red Moon in Venus, mainly plants its roots in R&B. I ain’t mad. There’s still plenty of room for experimentation, though. Kali bounces from jazz pop to Afrobeats as she explores love and femininity, but the soulful backdrop keeps everything in sync. Kali wisely uses Red Moon in Venus to push sonic boundaries, making this one of the 2023’s most innovative musical journeys.

El Michels Affair & Black Thought, Glorious Game

Time and perspective are funny things. It didn’t seem THAT long ago where hip-hop fans were wondering if we’d ever see a Black Thought project outside of his Roots collective. But in the past few years, we’ve gotten them nearly yearly – and they almost always are in the running for album of the year. Glorious Game is no exception. The El Michels production team cook up soulful concoctions for Thought’s lyrical warfare, which paint a picture of life in South Philly. It’s a deeply personal affair, which showcases the inner workings of Thought’s soul – from his love of his hometown to wrestling with the doubts of losing his drive. His frank honesty, and blistering, vivid wordplay, continue to keep him in the conversation of hip-hop’s greatest lyricist.

Kelela, Raven

Yes, it was worth the wait. Kelela first turned heads a half-decade ago with Take Me Apart, a sonically adventurous album that was well ahead of its time. But anyone expecting a repeat of that journey will be disappointed. Instead, and once again, Kelela sets her own path with Raven, a mix of Black electronica and club music bursting with themes of empowerment, identity and womanhood. Raven may not as easily accessible as its predecessor but the experimentation sets it apart from its peers. It’s a sublime experience, one as enigmatic as its author, but the journey is refreshing.

Jae Skeese, Abolished Uncertainties

I get a LOT of artist suggestions from readers, and I love y’all for it … except when y’all make me sit through garbage. But sometimes, you gotta listen to your fam. When several Soul in Stereo readers demanded that I get on Jae Skeese immediately, I obliged, even though I thought his previous mixtape was just aight. But there’s something about Abolished Uncertainties that shows that Skeese is ready to hit the next level. Skeese always possessed a potent flow, but on this project, his storytelling hits another level. “Burner Phone,” for example, a spiritual successor to Nas’ “I Gave You Power” showcases some of the best storytelling I’ve heard in a decade. Maybe THE best. Combine his lyrical acumen with solid production and the confidence of a 25-year vet, and Abolished Uncertainties is easily one of the best surprises of 2023. I’m a fan now.

Mac Ayers, Comfortable Enough

I dove into Mac Ayers’ third album expecting some light-hearted R&B fun, or some of his trademark jazzy tunes. What we received was something much profound. Comfortable Enough is a surprisingly sobering look into those painful emotions we bury deep within. Even the sequencing of the tracks tell a story, if you pay attention – “If You’re Feeling Lost”/”I’ll Be Your Home Now”/”& We’ll Feel Better”/”Again.” Artistry at work. Mac’s vocals and composition are as soothing as ever as he unveils uncomfortable truths about finding one’s self. The subject matter might seem intimidating for longtime fans, but trust me, it’s a journey worth taking. It’s a much deeper dive into Mac’s psyche than any album before it, making it a powerful, poignant release.

Skyzoo, The Mind of a Saint

Y’all know I love a good concept album, so props to Skyzoo for making a project as bold, and timely, as this one. The Mind of a Saint is a musical journey into the complex mind of Franklin Saint, the lead of the hit FX drama Snowfall. And while fans of the show likely would have been satisfied with a few name drops and song titles featuring familiar phrases (I knew we were getting a song entitled “Brick by Brick” before I even saw the track listing), Sky goes much deeper. This isn’t a rapper talking about a TV show, he BECOMES Franklin, not only detailing his rags to riches (to rags) story, but showcasing deep introspection as well. “Apologies in Order” is the atonement to his ex-girl Melody that we never got on the show. What essentially should have been just another coke rap album becomes something much, much more thanks to Skyzoo’s boundless creativity. It’s a concept album done right.

October London, The Rebirth of Marvin

October London’s latest album has been a hotly debated topic in recent months, and I understand why it has such a divisive reputation. On one hand, London’s bold brand of soulful R&B is a welcome sight – it’s a sound that’s practically on the musical endangered species list. On the other, his Rebirth of Marvin plays SO closely to the tune of his inspiration that it straddles the line between tribute and outright cosplay. But put me in the category of the former, I see the vision. London uses the Gaye blueprint to craft modern-day soul, leaning on solid songwriting and stirring performances rather than the sparce beats and shock value of many of his peers. The Rebirth of Marvin might be a tough sell for some listeners, but it’s a gift for fans of traditional soul.

Blk Odyssy, Diamonds and Freaks

Like several albums on this year’s list, it’s hard to categorize Blk Odyssy. Sometimes it’s hip-hop, sometimes it’s funk, sometimes it’s R&B. But it’s always intriguing. Diamonds and Freaks is essentially audio erotica – but don’t let that description scare off the pearl-clutchers among us. Though Blk Odyssy’s narrative certainly gets sexual at times, it’s more about the interpersonal relationships surrounding black love. The wide-ranging array of guest stars – from Griselda’s poet laurate Keisha Plum to Rapsody and even Bootsy Collins – keep the story moving while Blk Odyssy meshes the varying sounds into one cohesive package. Diamonds and Freaks certainly will be an acquired taste for some but there’s so much depth that it’s a journey that gets better with each visit.

Raheem DeVaughn, The Colleagues and Vandell Andrew, Love Euphoria

If you ask me, Raheem is one of the most dedicated soldiers in service to R&B. Not a year goes by without at least one project (or two!) winding up one on of these best-of lists. It’s a credit to his hustle, and a credit to his ability to keep things fresh. Love Euphoria is yet another jewel in the Love King’s crown. Backed by saxophonist Vandell Andrew and the jazzy production of the Colleagues, Love Euphoria is a short but sensual journey that relies as much on instrumentation as it does Raheem’s trademark crooning. It’s far from a traditional Raheem release but it’s an excellent mood-setter and another extension of his boundless creativity.

Statik Selektah, Round Trip

After nearly two decades in the game, it feels like producer Statik Selektah has more albums than Disney+ has Marvel shows. I swear he drops a new one every six months. But despite that insanely deep catalog, Round Trip may be one of the strongest of them all. On the surface, this is the typical Selektah project – he steps out of the way and lets his beats do the talking while an array of A-list spitters clean house. That’s the case for Round Trip, expect the stakes are raised. The beats? Harder. The guests? More focused that ever. The result is the Statik experience with much greater results. The Wu-Tang Clan reunites, recapturing their mid 90s fire; Ab-Soul, Bun B and Conway the Machine mesh their contrasting sounds into one unit; AZ and Ransom find instant chemistry – it’s a treat watching these combinations play out before your ears while Statik plays conductor in the background.  Statik Selektah albums are always a fun time, but there’s just something special about Round Trip.

Kaytranada & Amine, KaytrAmine

KaytrAmine is probably the biggest surprise of 2023 for me. While I’m a longtime fan of Kaytranada’s production prowess, I’ve often been indifferent to Amine due to some inconsistent outings. But together, KaytrAmine form a pretty powerful duo. Under Kaytranada’s watchful eye and ear for great beats, Amine sounds more focused than ever, creating an album that’s tailor made for summer. Don’t expect a ton of lyrical prowess or deep introspection – KaytrAmine is the sonic equivalent of a one-night stand. Fleeting, but a lot of fun.

Lloyd Banks, The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain

Third time’s the charm for Banks. The last two installments of Lloyd Banks’ The Course of the Inevitable series have put the spotlight back on the East Coast wordsmith, and chapter three follows up on the momentum nicely. The COTI albums always have a personal touch to them but Pieces of My Pain goes even deeper, with the melancholy production setting the stage for some of his most personal tracks to date. As always, Banks finds chemistry with a host of veterans and new faces, resulting in the all-out barfest that you’d expect. Banks is a no-frills type of MC – which may not appeal to fans of flashier tunes – but he knows exactly how to connect with his core audience.

Kiana Lede, Grudges

During the intro of this album, Kiana flat out tells y’all what’s in store: “Dear, listener; The following material may be offensive … this s*** is toxic.” Grudges doesn’t hide what it is – another R&Bitter album. But what makes this project stand far above its other toxic peers is Kiana’s artistry. This isn’t the usual string of cuss words and Instagram captions masquerading as a song – solid vocal performances and intriguing writing carry Kiana’s messages of broken relationships and lost love. And no matter how tough she pretends to be, her vulnerable side shines brightest. It’s been a tough year for standout R&B releases but Kiana is here to be your petty muse.

Hit-Boy, Surf or Drown

2023 has been the Year of the Compilation, so it’s no surprise that the game’s hottest producer has also thrown his hat in the ring – or board on the waves. While this serves as Hit’s solo debut, following in the steps of his previous mixtapes, the large number of guests make this feel more like a family affair. Hit’s no slouch behind the mic but his real strength, obviously, lies in his production and guiding the many artists who come through, with the likes of Nas and Dom Kennedy among many who shine. Surf or Drown showcases Hit-Boy’s evolution as a MC and solidifies him as one of rap’s most reliable names.

Masego, Masego

Alt-R&B became a dreaded term for fans of more traditional soul in the early 2010s, as the genre we knew and love was constantly being infused with everything from pop to hip-hop to, shudder, trap. But I always contended that change is good, as long as it’s handled with care. In 2023,  it’s Masego who is letting his creativity run wild, and his self-titled LP bears great fruit. His vocals shift like a chameleon along with the production – from jazzy and rap-inspired sounds, to softer harmonies and raspier deliveries. His “Traphousejazz” playbook is strong and the diverse nature of each song makes the album feel like a true event. Individuality isn’t always celebrated in this era of music, so props to Masego for never conforming to the sonic norms.

Navy Blue, Ways of Knowing

Navy Blue has done it all – pro skater, album art designer, Grammy-winning producer – and now he’s standing on his own as an elite artist. Ways of Knowing is a soulful, sentimental look at the lessons of his youth and family. Every track is brought to life by some of the best production of the year, lo-fi soul loops that are welcoming without lulling the listener to sleep. It helps that Navy Blue’s rhymes are so captivating and he continues to grow as a storyteller with each release. Navy Blue has always been bursting with potential, and Ways of Knowing is one that definitely will make his loving family proud.

Rory, I Thought It’d Be Different

Y’all know I’ve had many, many thoughts on hip-hop podcast game (most of them … not so positive) but I have to give major props to Rory for using his platform to push great music and not just stir the drama pot. Playing out like an old DJ Clue record from the early 2000s, I Thought It’d Be Different is a showcase for an array of hip-hop, pop and R&B stars. “I Want You But You’ll Never Know,” the centerpiece feature with Alex Isley and DRAM grabbed the most headlines, but it’s far from the only win. Jay Electronica emerges from the shadows long enough to drop heat, heavy hitters like Conway the Machine and Ari Lennox make appearances, but there’s also room for underrated artists to shine. It’s great to see names like KIRBY and Sinead Harnett get much-needed spotlight. While many  modern-day compilations are little more than a dumping ground for big name artists to drop off rejected album cuts, I Thought It’d Be Different is curated with care, and it shows.

Dreamville, Creed III Soundtrack

There’s been a lot of 90s nostalgia floating around in recent years, and one thing I’m very encouraged to see is the return of the movie soundtrack albums. Back then, soundtracks were as highly anticipated as the films they promoted – in some cases, even more so (shout out to New Jersey Drive and Hav Plenty). The Dreamville Records roster brings that ol’ thang back for the Creed III Soundtrack, and if you’re expecting this to be simply J. Cole N’ Friends, you’d be mistaken – and pleasantly surprised. Cole’s brief but mighty “Adonis Interlude” is a standout, but the rest of the roster happily carry the load. The best part of soundtrack projects is uniting tons of disparate personalities under one roof – it’s the Endgame finale battle of music. From the soul of Ari Lennox, SIR and Syd to the frantic energy of Earthgang and technique of JID, the eclectic mix makes for a complete listening experience. We need more movie soundtracks, and we need more Dreamville compilations, too.

Full Crate, A Kid from Yerevan

The name might not immediately ring a bell for some, but the resume certainly will.  Dutch/Armenian producer Full Crate has quietly become a force on the indie scene, cooking up tracks for artists like Eric Roberson, JoJo and D Smoke. Here on his debut album, he uses his soul sensibilities, along with the journeys of his immigrant background, to create one of the most solid R&B offerings of the year.  Accompanied by a strong batch of guest stars, A Kid from Yerevan is a warm, inviting love letter to his travels and self-love. It’s the type of soul-soothing sonics that were made for a lazy Saturday afternoon. Full Crate deserves this spotlight.

Oddisee, To What End

It’s wild that Oddisee is 10 albums deep – each of them noteworthy in their own right – yet he’s still an overlooked name in mainstream convos. Y’all gotta catch up. Twenty years end, To What End essentially asks the question “how far will you go to succeed?” Oddisee reflects on mental health setbacks and insecurities while also boldly celebrating his impeccable skills. And just when things start getting too heavy, Oddisee lets loose with a few lighthearted tracks to keep it grounded. Oddisee may always be an indie sensation but one thing’s for sure, he’ll always be consistently dope.  

Royce da 5’9, The Heaven Experience – EP

Consider this a lil’ bonus. Royce has dubbed the Heaven Experience – EP as the lost sessions from his 2022 project of the same name. Thankfully, these aren’t just cutting floor rejects. Though it’s just six tracks, the MVP of Detroit goes as hard as ever, even inspiring the mighty Redman to deliver one of his best verses in ages. Royce’s fire continues to be undeniable and shows that even his leftovers make a fulfilling meal.

Jessie Ware, That! Feels Good!

I thought y’all told me disco was dead? Not if Jessie has anything to do with it. After a near decade of music vibin’ us into a coma, Jessie continues to ride this new dance wave, and we’re all better off for it. That! Feels Good! – AKA All! The Exclamation Points!  – lives up to its name – high-octane dance numbers powered by her very underrated vocals. And she still finds time to slow down the beat, which turns out to be some of the album’s best moments. That! Feels Good! Is arguable one of Jessie’s best albums to date and a reminder that sometimes this weary world just needs to shut up and dance.

Conway the Machine, Won’t He Do It

In just a few years, Conway has established himself as one of hip-hop’s most consistent players. If he’s dropping an LP, EP or mixtape, there’s a good chance it’s ending up on one of these best-of lists. Won’t He Do It is no exception to that rule. While the Machine is known for his rugged bars and sinister production, he wisely branches out his sound a bit on this project, diversifying his skillset with more mainstream-friendly production. But don’t worry, Conway never dumbs down his delivery, even when the atmosphere is slightly more energetic. Of course, this Machine fires on all cylinders when the mood is dark and the bars are their most threatening. But Won’t He Do It proves he’s no one-trick pony. He’s here to stay.

Musiq Soulchild & Hit-Boy, Victims & Villains

Interestingly, I remember a lot of confusion – even doubt – when word leaked that Musiq Soulchild would be teaming with Hit-Boy for a new project. I get it – Musiq will always been known as one of the stalwarts of 2000s-era neo-soul, while Hit-Boy was more recently known as the creative genius behind Nas’ masterful King’s Disease series. But many fans missed the deeper connection – Musiq has always been in touch with his hip-hop roots and long before his days with Nas, Hit-Boy cranked out R&B hits. This pair was a match made in hip-hop soul heaven, and Victims & Villains is their hymnal. Though it’s just 10 tracks long, the pair have undeniable chemistry, with Musiq gliding over soulful cuts and harder-edged beats with ease. The result is one of the better albums in Musiq’s two-decade long career and another win for hip-hop’s reigning king of production. I never doubted.

Killer Mike, Michael

While compiling our list of the 50 greatest rap albums of the 2010s, I stumbled upon an interesting stat – three of those albums (with an honorable mention raising that to four) were claimed by Killer Mike, a feat matched only by Kendrick Lamar. That quietly cements Mike as one of the best artists of the past decade, and his latest solo album, Michael, keeps the bar very high. While his Run the Jewels projects typically featuring him raging against the political machine, Michael is a much more personal affair, drenched in gospel chords but retaining his trademark fire. Mike focuses squarely on the Black family structure, diving deep into the loss of his mother and grandmother, teen pregnancy and the affect of drug abuse on loved ones. And of course, this is Mike, so he’s spitting with reckless abandon the entire time. This isn’t a RTJ project and that’s by design – this is more personal and more immediate yet just as empowering. It’s still early but Michael feels like an album of the year contender. Looks like Mike is getting ready to dominate the 2020s as well.

It’s your turn to tell me what I missed. Drop your favorite albums of 2023 (so far) below.