5 Great Hip-Hop Albums You May Have Missed This Year

A few days ago, we highlighted five underrated R&B releases that we hadn’t had a chance to discuss on the site. Now it’s hip-hop’s turn.

The story of 2023 is essentially the story of hip-hop for the past five or so years. While most of rap’s chart toppers continue underwhelm us, fans have to dig a little deeper for the intricate storytelling, passionate delivery and infectious energy that has fueled 50 years of hip-hop.

Believe me, there’s some great music hidden out there. And lucky for you, I’ve done the digging for you. Peep these gems.

Mick Jenkins, The Patience

Now, who went and pissed off Mick Jenkins? Whoever it was, thank them. Mick has spent nearly a decade dropping critically acclaimed but often overlooked projects. But on The Patience, it seems like he’s tired of waiting for the spotlight – he’s taking it by any means. Mick forgoes his usual cool demeanor for a more fiery delivery and pointed bars– a much needed change in this era of lackadaisical rap. Lyrically, Mick is as sound as ever and his effortless flow remains intact. But this newfound focus makes The Patience one of Jenkins’ best offerings to date. If y’all won’t give props, he’s ready to snatch them from you.

Paul Wall & Termanology, Start, Finish, Repeat

2022’s Start 2 Finish collabo album between Termanology and the People’s Champ was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year, so it was only right that they run it back. And this time, with lots of friends. AZ, Tony Sunshine, CL Smooth, Big KRIT, Sheek Louch and a host more join our dynamic duo for another round of bars layered over soulful production. In fact, producer Statik Selekath is the project’s true MVP, providing a diverse set of soundscapes for Termanology and Paul’s stories. As always, the chemistry is undeniable, proving that this paring’s success isn’t a fluke, it’s magic.

Nick Grant, Sunday Dinner

I always give artists props for attempting to evolve, even if it doesn’t work out. 2018’s Dreamin Out Loud is the project that officially made me a Nick Grant fan – I was enthralled with his fervent bars and wisdom beyond his years. Last year’s follow up – Welcome to Loveland – was a jarring diversion in the vein of Andre 3000’s The Love Below. It didn’t quite work. But third time’s the charm, and Nick is back in rare form with Sunday Dinner, a project that has faint sprinkles of Three Stack’s influence but it’s much more in the mold of the 2018 release. Sunday Dinner shows Nick opening his heart AND his rhymebook as he waxes lyrical on family and his spot in the game. Good for Nick for experimenting, but Sunday Dinner is the table he’s most comfortable sitting at.

D2x, Hotel 1105

Chicago’s Demauris Dixon has the makings of rap’s next great storyteller, and it’s all because he wears his heart on his sleeve. Hotel 1105, D2x’s sophomore LP, is a reflective look at the Black family structure. He digs deep, deftly recounting his fractured upbringing – but not with the bitterness you’d expect. His hurt rings with tinges of hope; storytelling that’s brought to life thanks to soulful production. D2x’s honesty, and lyrical prowess, makes him one to watch.

Noname, Sundial

As a Noname fan, it’s pretty frustrating to see controversy constantly overshadow a great catalog. To wit: almost immediately after its release, conversations surrounding Noname’s Sundial raged about the controversial inclusion of Jay Electronica verse. But Noname is no stranger to quarrels – while Twitter burns, she keeps it moving with more dope music. Sundial doesn’t shy away from sociopolitical commentary, holding listeners and her peers accountable for their actions while simultaneously raging against the machine.  Noname’s flow is impactful, her insight is poignant and her passion is undeniable. Noname is always ready to keep it real, even when the world around her would rather close its ears. Sundial keeps the legacy of protest music alive, and it’s never afraid to shake the table.

Share your underrated rap gems below.