Unbelievably, 2025 is nearly halfway over. But is it just me, or have we spent the last six months talking more about drama and scandal than actual music?

Seriously, I’ve heard more about court cases, online rants and “tea” than I have about quality music.

Let’s change that.

In terms of actual music, 2025 has been … a little hit or miss. It feels like we’ve had more releases than ever – I’m looking at you Boldy James. I swear he dropped 37 project alone. Several high profile artists attempted comebacks that failed MISERABLY, while a few other hotly anticipated released kinda floundered. But there was still wins, and, as always, you had to dig a little deeper find those gems.

If you haven’t had time to discover those overlooked masterpieces yourself, you’ve come to the right. Place. I’ve listened to 127 mixtapes and EPs so for this year (WHEW), and today we’re going to celebrate (in no specific order) the 25 best of the year … so far.

But first, a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut:

2 Chainz, Larry June & Alchemist, Life is Beautiful

Teddy Swims, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 2

Boldy James & Chuck Strangers, Token of Appreciation

Estelle, Stay Alta

Lloyd Banks, A.O.N. 3: Despite My Mistakes

Kyle Dion, Soular

Key Glock, Glockaveli

CRIMEAPPLE and DJ Skizz, Rose Gold

Stalley, Gamla Kyrkogatan

Benny the Butcher, Excelsior

Coco Jones, Why No More

Alessia Cara, Love & Hyperbole

RJ Payne & Drega33, Triangle d’Or

Currensy & Harry Fraud, Never Catch Us

Brother Ali & Ant, Satisfied Soul

Oddisee, En Route

Kool Keith, Karpenters

Alex Isley, When

Read our review here

Alex Isley was literally born to do this. R&B royalty is her birthright. Although her previous projects were solid, I was a bit worried that she may fall into the trap of similar artists who failed to evolve their sound. Thankfully, When bucks that trend. The EP may only features six songs, but it’s arguably her most daring and dynamic release to date. Sometimes she’s sweet and sensual, other times she’s confident and cocky but her vocals remain pristine and her songwriting retains its poetic edge. When is a glimpse of an artist willing to evolve both her career and R&B as a whole.

Saba & No ID, From the Private Collections of Saba and No I.D.

Saba is one of those many artists I often say are just one major project away from breaking out. Paring him with fellow Chicagoan and top-tier producer No ID might be the secret ingredient that unlocks his destiny. From the Private Collections of Saba and No I.D. may have originally been envisioned as a mixtape, but what resulted is so much more. This album is a beautiful blend of introspective lyricism and masterful production. Saba is a honest and emotional storyteller, and No I.D.’s beats do well to elevate those themes. Private Collections feels like two rap generations meeting in the middle, and the result is one of the best hip-hop releases of 2025.

The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow

If you frequent Soul In Stereo regularly, this selection might surprise you. Although Weeknd has enjoyed lots of acclaim in the past five years, I’ve been … less than enthused by most of his recent projects. And that’s coming from an OG Weeknd fan, when he was obsessed with making zombie strip club music. While Hurry Up Tomorrow doesn’t take us back to the days of houses made of balloons, it’s a big improvement over what we’ve heard lately. Hurry Up Tomorrow plays out like a dystopian synth-pop opera. Instead of leaning solely on his well-worn 80s pop sound, he switches things up, peppering in more of the somber elements that defined his early work. It makes for a more diverse listening experience, as does his more introspective reflections. Hurry Up Tomorrow is Weeknd’s most balanced project in years – just make sure you skip that movie and stick to the music.

Smif-N-Wessun, Infinity

Tek N Steele are among hip-hop’s most unsung heroes. Their 1995 intro still stands as one of the best debut albums in rap history. And though their names are too often left off those lil’ lists y’all like sharing on the social media, Infinity proves these vets are still war ready. Infinity is a powerful tribute to their boom-bap heritage – gritty and forceful as their heyday but presented through a more mature lens. They may be wiser but their hunger hasn’t subsided – the duo sound especially energized over the more soulful production. True to the name of this project, their passion is infinite.

Jon B, Waiting on You

Read our review here

They say good things come to those who wait, so Jon B’s fans finally got the blessing they’ve deserved. Waiting on You, Jon’s first release in well over a decade arrives on a R&B landscape that’s somewhat light on worthy contenders. That means all eyes are on him, and he seizes the moment. Waiting on You is a powerful return to form that honors his ‘90s R&B roots while incorporating modern production polish to upgrade his sound. As always, the writing is sound and several of the vocal performances are downright stunning. It’s refreshing to see a veteran artist deliver exactly what his fans want, with a few fresh twists here and there. Waiting on You is Jon’s love letter to them.

Black Milk & Fat Ray, Food from the Gods

Black Milk just might be the most underrated hip-hop producer in the past 20 years. Hopefully, his latest collabo with Fat Ray will be enough to open eyes. Food from the Gods is chicken soup for the hip-hop soul – well, more like raw meat, because Fat Ray sounds famished. Black Milk’s production is as rich and unpredictable as ever, giving Fat Ray space to pelt listeners with his unrelenting bars. If you’ve been missing that raw, unrelenting hip-hop sound, pull up a chair. Black Milk and Ray are here to feed the streets.

GIGI, Waves of It

Do. Not. Sleep. On. GIGI. The Detroit born singer-songwriter has slowly been making waves through the R&B scene for years, but her latest EP is where it all starts to come together. Waves of It is a sensual and soulful experience, delivered with GIGI’s smooth vocals and dreamy production. Though the project is just five tracks long, she maximizes her minutes, gliding through hip-hop infused cuts and more neo-soul inspired efforts. Make sure GIGI is on your radar, R&B needs more artists like her.

Termanology & Bronze Nazareth, Things I Seen

One look at Termanology’s discography and you can tell this man never sleeps. He’s been putting out music – at a very high level, mind you – since the early 2000s. That’s probably why he’s found a kindred spirit in Bronze Nazareth, who equality hasn’t stopped moving since the George W administration. Together, they make Things I Seen a true highlight. The production is almost cinematic thanks to the heavy use of soul samples and gritty tempos, while Termanology’s flow remains as relentless as ever. If you’re missing that East Coast underground sound, Things I Seen is what you need to keep your eyes on.

JoJo, NGL

The evolution of JoJo has been incredible to experience – from cutesy teen star to angsty grown woman. It’s that authenticity that make her most recent projects so powerful, and that continues with her EP NGL. Heartbreak, healing, and personal empowerment are the messages of the day, but it’s the piercing songwriting that make those themes stick. Lines like “I’m selfish with my time now/Is it okay if I cry now?” linger with you long after the track ends. Though the themes can be heavy, the production – swaying between pop and soul – keeps the atmosphere from being too depressing. JoJo continues to remind her audience that there’s power in owning your truths.

Ray Vaughn, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu

Ray Vaughn has had quite the year, hasn’t he? With the rap world still hungry for competition after the Great Drake Massacre of 2024, Ray has had several high-profile sparring sessions with Joey Bada$$ – and I’m all for it. Rap has always been fueled by competition, after all, and Ray is built for battle. But he’s much more than a battle rapper, he’s a conceptually competent MC as well, as The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu proves. It’s a very perceptive take on poverty, wellness and family, with lots of sharp bars and hilarious commentary to drive the points home. Ray Vaughn is loaded with charisma, and he’s not afraid to jab at anyone – whether its rival rappers or society in general – who stands in his way. This project is the first sign of great things to come for Ray.

Ann Nesby, ANNiversary

We love a comeback story! Ann Nesby has been wowing R&B fans since Sounds of Blackness injected the power of positivity into our veins back in the 90s. ANNiversary (awesome title BTW) is her first project in over a decade and she hasn’t lost a step. Standing as a celebration of both her gospel and soul roots, Nesby effortlessly uses her powerhouse vocals to uplift and inspire. Her messages of love and hope are not just relevant, they’re timeless.  

Dave East & Ransom, The Final Call

If you want bars, I got bars for you! Well, specifically, Dave East and Ransom are here to deliver. The Final Call is a no-frills spitter session, plain and simple. Ransom’s philosophical flows pair perfectly with Dave’s gritty bravado, and the soulful backdrops serve as the best soundscapes for their storytelling. Simply put, it’s pure, uncut hip-hop, a masterclass in MCing. If you like your hip-hop straight, no chaser, you won’t find a better album this year.

Eric Benet, The Co-Star

Last year we got the appetizer, this year Eric serves up a full-course meal. Though it was just five tracks long, Benet’s Duet’s EP was one of the stronger R&B offerings of 2024. The Co-Star fleshes out the concept and there’s even more to love. The concept is simple – Eric is joined by some of the best female vocalists in the game, and everyone makes magic. The album’s strength is its diversity – of course we get the expected bedroom burners, but there’s also hip-hop inspired efforts, reflections on Southern culture, beautiful Latin-infused performances and high-octane empowerment anthems. The Co-Star is an extremely fulfilling experience, and proof that it takes two (sometimes even three!) to make a thing go right.

Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams, Trainspotting

CONDUCTOR!!!!! That’s not just my favorite producer tag at the moment, it’s a calling card of excellence. My expectations were high when I heard that Rome Streetz would be teaming with the trainmaster, and after hearing Trainspotting, those expectations were met. Rome Streetz’s hard hitting lyricism is tailor-made for Conductor Williams’ soulful, sample-heavy beats. Conductor’s production gives Rome’s bars enough room to breathe – so they can mow us down like a freight train. This duo has incredible chemistry – I need to hear more.

NAO, Jupiter

We all know that R&B has faced a rocky road in the past two decades, which is why I’m always happy to celebrate the artists who kept us afloat during the toughest of time. East London’s NAO is one of those quiet MVPs who held us down when the genre’s biggest stars were off cosplaying as rappers. Her streak of consistent R&B continues with Jupiter, which is as futuristic and spacey as its name implies. NAO’s signature falsetto is a treat over production that invokes a journey through the Milky Way as she tackles love, loss and self-discovery. When R&B times get tough, you can always depend on NAO to deliver.

Little Simz, Lotus

It feels like I’m repeating myself, but I’m going to keep saying it until it sticks – Little Simz is one of the greatest artists we have right now. Yeah, she can spit, but as Lotus proves, Simz has an incredible talent for painting emotional portraits. Simz is no stranger to introspective songs, but Lotus is her deepest dive to date. Lotus almost feels like a self-therapy session as Simz bares her soul and faces her traumas head-on. Grief, burnout, family strife and more are explored, but this isn’t a plea for pity, it’s a guide to overcome those demons. Lotus isn’t always an easy listen, but it’s a necessary one, and proof that Simz’s artistic growth is boundless.

Ledisi, The Crown

If Soul In Stereo is doing a recap of the year’s best music, it’s a safe bet that a Ledisi project is making the cut. It’s both a credit to her consistency and top-shelf quality. In my eyes, The Crown outshines many of her more recent projects, thanks to its diversity of sound and its overarching theme that puts the spotlight on Black womanhood. Ledisi blends R&B, gospel, jazz and even pop elements to weave a regal narrative of modern-day matriarchy. The Crown’s message is clear – queens deserve to hold their heads up high.

McKinley Dixon, Magic, Alive!

Magic, Alive! Is one of the best kept secrets of 2025, so allow me to spill the beans. McKinley, a fellow Va native (who also shares my birthday, oddly enough), has spent the last decade dropping thought-provoking releases that blend elements of jazz, hip-hop and spoken word. Magic, Alive! is his most accessible release to date, and easily his best. Dixon’s social commentary is downright poetic as he tackles grief, legacy and the Black experience. The unpredictable production is also a plus – the blending of genres and use of live instrumentation make every track an adventure. There’s not too many albums out there like Magic, Alive!, and that’s what makes it such a special experience.

Banks, Off With Her Head

Oh you didn’t know? At Soul In Stereo, we stan for Jillian Banks. Banks’ 2014 debut Goddess remains in rotation, and while her follow ups were all good, nothing came close to that initial outing. Until now. Banks has called Off With Her Head a sort-of spiritual successor to Goddess, and that’s why it works so well. Banks experiments with electro-pop heavily but also drifts back to more soulful sounds, pairing throbbing bass with eerie harmonies. As a usual, her pen drips venom as she lashed out at those who have wronged her. Banks has her mojo back with this release.

Jae Skeese, 40 Hours

Jae Skeese has been on an incredible roll over the past couple of years. Abolished Uncertainties grabbed me by the throat in 2023 and he hasn’t let up on the pressure since. 40 Hours is his latest in a string of wins, as he conceptually tries to find a work/life balance as he pursues his rap dreams. Skeese’s knack for engrossing storytelling makes this approach even more relatable – it’s not just empowering for the listener, but you want Jae to win too. As long as he continues to drop projects this strong, I have no doubt that he will.

FKA Twigs, Eusexua

FKA Twigs has always been an enigma, and trust me, Eusexua keeps the intrigue going. The album’s eclectic vibe has resulted in more than a few mixed reviews but, in my opinion, that’s what makes this album so daring and intriguing. Her voice glides, cracks, and soars through ethereal production – they’re like intergalactic club bops. But through the experience, Twigs retains her vulnerability as she tries to unravel a complicated world. It’s weird, it’s jarring, but it’s adventurous and engrossing all at the same time.

Wiz Khalifa, Kush and Orange Juice 2

Most of you know that I’m pretty skeptical of sequel albums – trying to recapture the energy of a previously acclaimed work is often a fool’s errand. But in this case, Taylor Gang pulled it off. Wiz’s projects often tend to be hit or miss, but no one can deny the quality – and impact – of the original Kush & OJ mixtape. The sequel is a worthy follow up – sweeping, hazy production, great guests and Wiz’s laid back flow is as soothing as ever. It’s not just a worthy sequel, it’s affirmation that Wiz can still be a major player in 2025.

Sault, 10

Being a Sault fan is a frustrating yet fulfilling experience. Albums drop out of nowhere, touring information flashing in and out in obscure videos – it’s like they have the Riddler on their PR team! But once we do get those mysterious albums and performances, they always deliver. 10, which is actually their 12^th studio album (see what I mean by the confusion?), may stand as one of their best outings to date. Cleo Sol’s elegant vocals and Inflo’s vintage R&B production blend to provide a satisfying, soulful experience. The lyrics are sparse but potent, making every syllable count as Cleo drives her messages of empowerment. Sault makes you work for their music, but it’s always rewarding.

Blu & August Fanon, Forty

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” That quote jumps to mind when listening to Blu’s stellar new release Forty, a heartwarming ode to maturity and legacy. Blu is no stranger to lyrical introspection – it’s always been his calling card – but his bars have even more weight than usual as he reflects on family and his place in hip-hop’s history. It’s all elevated by August Fanon’s textured, jazz-heavy production – melancholy but reflective. Though Blu positions himself as a seasoned MC, it’s his wisdom and experience that continues to drive his career to new heights. Let’s be real – hip-hop culture has often punished those who dare to mature. Forty defies that, proving that there is no age restriction on talent – and it’s why Forty currently stands as the best rap project of the year so far.

Durand Bernarr, Bloom

It’s finally Durand Bernarr’s time, and I couldn’t be more excited. Durand has spent nearly two decades climbing to the top of R&B’s Mt. Olympus, fueled by critically acclaimed live performances, strong albums and an eye opening Tiny Desk set. Bloom might be the final push to finally get him to the top. Durand’s unapologetic approach to his craft, his love life, his well, everything, is what makes Bloom such a success. He refuses limit his talent, stretching his vocals from flirtatious falsettos to soul-stirring power at a moment’s notice. He laces songs with funk, R&B, gospel and electronic textures, making each track a unique experience. And his writing – from the unbridled passion of “No Business” to the vulnerability of “Home Alone” constantly goes deeper than surface level reflections of love. Bloom is as somber as it is eccentric, heavy as it is hilarious – a perfect reflection of the contradictions that make all of us human, and make Durand such a superstar. As of this moment, it’s the best R&B LP you’ll find in 2025.

I highlighted 25 of the best, but I may have missed a few of your faves. Which albums would you add to the list?