Consumer interests flipped on its head this year. Apple Music revealed that their top five streamed songs of 2025 were all songs released in 2024. So the hits weren’t in abundance like they once were. In exchange, the focus on a potent body of work made a comeback. It’s now up to the consumer to find the hit in your tracklist, or several. And while you’re at it, you got to stand out in some shape or form. For pure music-heads, this couldn’t be more of a win.
The commercial decline in rap supported that thought. Like in every decade, the new guard are taking over, as rage became the new torchbearer from trap music. The underground ecosystem in the UK had a feast, from the likes of Rico Ace, EsDeeKid and Fakemink blowing up overnight. Legendary rap groups saw a hearty return to the mic (Clipse, De La Soul). Pop continued to become more niche and imaginative. Breakthrough artists of the decade proved they weren’t a flash in the pan. And above all, there’s more range than genre labels to hand out.
So much range that this list could’ve even been a top 100. Instead, it’s a lean 50 choices for the Best Albums of 2025. Whizz through the first batch and get further thoughts for our top 30 picks below.
50–31
30. JID, God Does Like Ugly
Eight years on from his debut, JID’s developed a consistent, no-nonsense catalogue. God Does Like Ugly continues to showcase his lyricism, which remains one of the best around, rather than upgrading JID’s calibre for crafting a groundbreaking album. The opening six-track run is one of the strongest openings this year, going head to head with esteemed rappers such as Vince Staples, Pusha T and Malice. It’s no new chapter, but a worthwhile page in the Book of JID.
Best tracks: “Glory”, “Community”, “VCRs”, “Of Blue”, “Sk8”
29. Little Simz, Lotus
Coming off her highly-acclaimed SIMBI and No Thank You albums, Lotus signifies strength and rebirth for the consistent Little Simz. While Lotus is not new sonic territory for Simz, the ‘new chapter’ comes largely from the album’s content. Opening cuts “Thief” and “Flood” openly call out ex-collaborator Inflo, whom Simz is suing for unpaid loans. With the two severing ties indefinitely, it’s Miles Clinton James who leads production this time. Personnel change or not, Lotus shows Little Simz can still make quality albums. She’s as candid as ever, divulging themes of trust, friendship and her creative habits. It’s another impressive addition to her esteemed catalogue, and continues to mark her as one of the most consistent active rappers. Cough that money up, Inflo.
Best tracks: “Thief”, “Lotus”, “Peace”, “Blue”, “Lonely”
28. Afrosurrealist, BUYBRITISH
Sometimes, that “Rap is a young man’s game” stereotype is hard to deny. 19-year-old Afrosurrealist proves precisely why. BUYBRITISH is the South London producer’s debut album, uniting the UK underground scene with the likes of Chefbkay, Tay Jordan, Ceebo, N4T, Zino Vinci and EHSI all contributing dexterous performances. It’s also producers’ permit galore, with Afrosurrealist assisted by .nathan., BexBlu, Jim Legxacy and others. BUYBRITISH goes here & there without breaking stride, melting a library of samples to tailor the rappers in play, nailing whatever style’s attempted. It’s a rich, London canvas, anchored by a talented group of young Black British artists with one shared goal. You can only stand up and give a round of applause for such successful curation.
Best tracks: “intro (harlem heat)”, “wunblud”, “a day in the life”, “the valleys are peak”, “boys don’t cry”
27. Dexter in the Newsagent, Time Flies
Every so often you hear a project that sounds like a warm embrace. Dexter in the Newsagent’s debut mixtape radiates that sensation, a 12-track sonic companion honeycombed in sweet melodies, nimble production, and heartfelt songwriting. From the ’00s tinge of “Eighteen” to the nocturnal bounce of “Tonight”, Time Flies is like a friend you can rely on to be a good listener no matter where your mind is at.
Best tracks: “Special”, “Eighteen”, “Tonight”, “Stranger to Love”, “Take Care”
26. PinkPantheress, Fancy That
Three projects in, PinkPantheress has proven she wasn’t a fad — if it was ever still in doubt, that is. Her knack for pop hitmaking is undeniable now and she continued to prove so on Fancy That. The 8-song project builds even stronger towers around her signature fusions of UK garage, jungle, R&B and ’00s pop. It’s beyond nostalgia bait at this point, Pink is the 2020s most innovative popstar.
Best tracks: “Illegal”, “Romeo”, “Girl Like Me”, “Stateside”
25. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, Alfredo 2
Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist charge their batteries for a consistent, congruent sequel. Alfredo 2 comes together cleaner than its predecessor, with The Alchemist opting for mellow beats as the background for Gibbs’ streams of conscious raps & threats towards Akademiks’ man melons. Thematically, it takes a Japanese-inspired motif on board, which adds to the project’s passive worldbuilding. The result is an extremely cohesive album with no real lulls.
Best tracks: “Ensalada”, “1995”, “I Still Love H.E.R.”, “Lavish Habits”, “Lemon Pepper Steppers”
24. Mac Miller, Balloonerism
Lost art is given full disclosure on what’s potentially Mac Miller’s last album. Balloonerism is a special, tragic odyssey that makes you both mourn and celebrate the life of a generational rapper, artist and being. Recorded and shelved in 2014, Balloonerism’s official release commemorates Mac Miller’s forward-thinking artistry—as it doesn’t sound dated one bit, even eleven years later. Death, innocence & childhood and existentialism mark some of Mac’s best writing. Hard to grasp at first, the brilliance and beauty of Balloonerism becomes apparent with more listens to be one of his best albums. It’s haunting at its core, eccentric at its peaks.
Best tracks: “Funny Papers”, “DJ’s Chord Organ”, “Rick’s Piano”, “Manakins”
23. Armand Hammer & The Alchemist, Mercy
“Grandmaster Flash gave me a job”, Billy Woods proclaims on “Laraaji”, the opening track to Armand Hammer’s second collaborative album with The Alchemist. That’s what Woods does — say the most profound line in just five words. As usual, Armand Hammer’s work is a challenging listen both lyrically and sonically, but once it clicks you’re met with some of the most forward-thinking material hip hop has to offer. Mercy once again brings the A-game of Woods, ELUCID and Al, drawing on their encyclopedia ether as usual. Whether that’s naming a song after a Pakistani city (“Peshawar”), or vividly depicting genocide in Palestine as a “dollhouse of horrors” (“u know my body”), Mercy never hesitates to ask the larger questions — even if there isn’t any clear-cut answers.
Best tracks: “Laraaji”, “Moonbow”, “California Games”, “Super Nintendo”, “Longjohns”
22. Ceebo, Blair Babies
How do you solve problems that you never caused? On Blair Babies, Ceebo examines how Black British Gen Z are the lost tribe of a mishandled, neglected generation. Blair Babies covers that trifecta of Ceebo’s identity, continuing to reflect on the concept of environment like his 2024 EP LAMBETHNOTLA but through a different scope. Despite the political focus, Ceebo still prioritises making a competent song, bringing addictive flows on “jook”, melodic moments on “buzzball summer”, and rapping like the overpriced rent’s due on “018”. It’s a zeitgeist project from a rapidly-developing rapper breaking through ceiling after ceiling.
Best tracks: “jook”, “pentecost of living”, “buzzball summer”, “blair babies”, “how many training days”, “018”, “the gospel (as according to tony blair)”, “where’s it @”
21. Svn4vr, Amen
Out of his three 2025 projects, March’s Amen is the young singer-songwriter’s most developed offering. Pronounced “seven forever”, Svn4vr is the most cryptic artist to emerge out the UK this year. At the time of writing, he’s entirely anonymous, represented digitally through High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu. But who needs to know who he is when the music is what matters? Lo-fi bedroom aesthetics submerge Amen, characterised further by acoustic backings, sweet sung vocals, and evangelical writing. He meanders through nostalgic thoughts, touching on childhood memories, loss and loneliness all within 20 minutes. It’s highly effective as a listener, making you evoke the emotions alongside him, enough to make you think “You’re not alone, I’m here too.” For an artist this premature in his career, Amen and Svn are gracefully ready-made.
Best tracks: “call ur bredrins coz the rapture might happen tomorrow at 7:30am”, “breathing through the walls”, “hypocrite”, “saviour complex”, “high school musical 4”
20. Bad Bunny, Debí Tirar Más Fotos
The biggest artists in the world typically double down on whatever’s brought them success. At this stage in his career, Bad Bunny’s earned the creative license to be bolder. He grabs that with two hands on his sixth solo album. Debí Tirar Más Fotos is a love letter to traditional Puerto Rico, drawing on a rich tapestry of salsa, bomba, reggaeton, plena, and much more to pay full homage without an ounce of dilution. He’s adamant on preserving its heritage, calling out the gentrification and political decisions affecting his homeland. Bad Bunny could’ve leaned into English-speaking music on Debí Tirar Más Fotos, but instead he sticks to his Spanish tongue and asks more from the average listener. It’s a bold decision, and a reminder that home is truly where the heart is.
Best tracks: “PERFuMITO NUEVO”, “KETU TeCRÉ”, “EoO”, “VeLDÁ”, “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”
19. YT, OI!
YT follows up his breakthrough hit with a buzzer-beater tape. OI! continues to do what YT knows best — colourful production contrasted with arid Auto-Tune vocals, and flexes that make you wanna get your money up, not your funny up. It’s yet another indication of the surging UK underground, at which YT is certainly at the helm of.
Best tracks: “Black & Tan”, “Diamonds”, “Girls Trip”, “Put Your Hands Up”, “Prada or Celine”, “Arena”
18. Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
Five years ago, Olivia Dean’s song “What Am I Gonna Do on Sundays?” occupied #40 on our Best Songs of 2020 list. Just two years ago, her previous album, Dive, made our Best Albums of 2023 picks. So I’ve been routing for Olivia Dean as both a listener and a writer. Five years later, Olivia Dean is the biggest artist to blow up in 2025. It’s satisfying to see someone blow up that you saw potential in, and Olivia Dean fully deserves it. While her previous work maintained more character, The Art of Loving replaces that with expertly-woven pop prowess. It’s no surprise that she had not just one, but five hits simultaneously blowing up on TikTok and beyond. Her tender, granular take on songwriting makes you wonder what demon broke her heart this bad. As the album name suggests, Olivia Dean’s vitally bringing yearning back to the mainstream.
Best tracks: “Man I Need”, “A Couple Minutes”, “Nice to Each Other”, “So Easy (To Fall in Love)”, “Lady Lady”, “Close Up”
17. Oklou, Choke Enough
The French singer’s debut album is a dreamland of bedroom pop, putting you right in the clouds for 35 minutes. All self-produced along with repeat collaborator Casey MQ, Choke Enough is addictive in the most nimble of ways. Hints of electronica swarm Oklou’s misty vocals, reaching peaks on the title track and the standout “Harvest Sky”. There’s appeal in being understated, and Choke Enough achieves that expertly.
Best tracks: “harvest sky”, “take me by the hand”, “blade bird”, “want to wanna come back”, “obvious”
16. De La Soul, Cabin in the Sky
The penultimate album in Nas’ Legend Has It… series was a massive one. There’s little bigger flex than bringing back De La Soul for their first album in nine years. It’s even more sincere given the passing of Trugoy the Dove, aka Dave, in 2023, as well as the digital publication of their entire catalogue after settling a long-term dispute with their ex-label. DJ Premier and Pete Rock lend their hand in production, with guest appearances handed to Q-Tip, Common, Black Thought, Nas and Slick Rick. With all that in mind, Cabin in the Sky doesn’t crack under the pressure. It’s your usual high-dose of feel-good De La, self-examinations, and odes to a better life. It all but shuts the conversation on the most consistent hip hop group of all time; from 1989 all the way to 2025, De La Soul are not just elder statements of rap, they’re wizards.
Best tracks: “Cruel Summers Bring FIRE LIFE!!”, “Believe (In Him)”, “Different World”, “Good Health”, “EN EFF”
15. SINN6R, #FEDERAL
Out his two 2025 tapes, SINN6R’s #FEDERAL is the one that feels most like a national movement. His maximalist beats combine the best of rage and trap, plus a British accent that adds the unique sense of clarity that’s missing from this lane. A few collaborations with TeeboFG, Rico Ace and Ledbyher scatter the 10-song tracklist, but it’s still SINN6R’s knack for flows and slick one-liners that mark him as a pivotal piece to the UK underground movement. We’re certainly staying federal in 2026.
Best tracks: “Runner”, “Personally”, “Label Dinner”, “Me & You”, “Chilli”
14. Rochelle Jordan, Through the Wall
And the best danceable album of the year goes to Rochelle Jordan. It’s no competition. Through the Wall is a nonstop club experience, moving and grooving with no care in the world. Rochelle expertly blends traditional R&B into the experience, whether that’s the Neptunes-coded “Get It Off” or the Aaliyah tones of “Eyes Shut”. At its hour length, Through the Wall doesn’t lose steam, making for one of the most cohesive albums of 2025. Wholly nocturnal, it’s Rochelle Jordan’s club and we’re all moving to her tempo.
Best tracks: “The Boy”, “Ladida”, “Eyes Shut”, “Sum”, “Get It Off”
13. Men I Trust, Equus Caballus
If Oklou’s Choke Enough is nimble, Men I Trust’s Equus Caballus is delicate. Lead vocalist Emma Proulx has a calming tone that’s tough to replicate, utilising it throughout the band’s sixth album, and second of 2025. It’s like you’re taking scenic roadtrips in the countryside, sometimes during the day but some also at night. With Equus Caballus, there’s just enough components in play to give you the substance to enjoy but also the space to imagine.
Best tracks: “To Ease You”, “Where I Sit”, “Billie Toppy (2025)”, “Come Back Down”, “Hard to See”
12. Mariah the Scientist, Hearts Sold Separately
The Atlanta, Georgia singer is back to her best. On Hearts Sold Separately, Mariah the Scientist conquers what it means to be an R&B artist with crossover appeal. Firstly, it’s the way the album’s packaged. The green toy soldier on the pink cover symbolises “the war on love”. In simpler interpretation, it screams “You tuff, right?” It sells you the album before pressing play, while Mariah’s previous two albums didn’t feel like they had an identity. She continues her habit of 10-track albums, but the refined songwriting ensures every song hits. Opening song “Sacrifice” is a dreamy career highlight and tonesetter. “Is it a Crime” and “Burning Blue” are the predestined hits. “Rainy Days” scratches that traditional 90s R&B itch. It’s all finally there, and it should only get better from here.
Best tracks: “Sacrifice”, “Burning Blue”, “Is It a Crime”, “Eternal Flame”, “Rainy Days”
11. Amber Mark, Pretty Idea
Looking for R&B’s album of the year? Here it is. Pretty Idea is irresistibly silky exploration of puppy love with a mature soundscape. Amber Mark and her team handle the task with such competence, its artistic callbacks shimmering rather than standing sheepishly. Whether it’s the Amy Winehouse tinge of “Sweet Serotonin” or the Usher interpolations on “Too Much”, it’s appropriate influences that create standout songs rather than a tribute act fighting to discover themselves. The singer’s evolved vastly since 2022’s Three Dimensions Deep, upping her hooks, vocals and production game to deliver songs that could easily blow up on socials if given the right upload by the right influencer. It’s classic, contemporary R&B with all the flavours of great love songs.
Best tracks: “Cherry Reds”, “Let Me Love You”, “Too Much”, “Don’t Remind Me”, “ooo”, “Different Places”
10. Chance the Rapper, Star Line
Six years on from The Big Day, Chance the Rapper’s Star Line is exactly how to rebound from a career low. Thematic and familial, it’s a well-connected album laced with a heartfelt purpose: personal and communal messages, featuring his best raps, memorable songwriting, and an undeniable warmth for the listener. It features some of the finest social commentary of the year — Black plight, incarceration, the American healthcare system are finely explored just a few songs in. “Letters” is a fantastic exploration into the operation of the Church, one of many that bring forth all-timer Chance raps. It’s also a pristinely-produced album, rich in its composition while remaining a balanced force in a majority of the tracklist. It’s a grand comeback, and it knows it is.
Best tracks: “No More Old Men”, “The N***o Problem”, “Back to the Go”, “Ride”, “Letters”
9. Blood Orange, Essex Honey
On his first Blood Orange release in six years, Dev Hynes feels more human than alien. His return comes with featherweight production but a heavy heart, shaped by the loss of his mother in 2023 and reflections on his East London roots. Essex Honey uses its contributors sparsely, granting the likes of Lorde a mere couple lines on album standout “Mind Loaded”. Caroline Polachek’s multiple appearances feel like a distant friend from the past helping Hynes narrate the tough times. It’s well curated just as much as it’s a deeply personal Blood Orange album.
Best tracks: “Mind Loaded”, “The Field”, “Vivid Light”, “Somewhere in Between”, “The Train (King’s Cross)”
8. Earl Sweatshirt, Live Laugh Love
“The message couldn’t be missed”, Earl states on “Forge”. And it couldn’t be more true. Live Laugh Love offers upgraded clarity on Earl’s light at the end of the tunnel. As usual, Earl’s one of the best rappers when it comes to saying more with less. His raps are still constructed masterfully, describing feelings so vividly that personify exactly why hip hop is a peak artform. Closing track “Exhaust” is an all-timer Earl cut, featuring beautiful production and his most comfortable flow. From a #FreeEarl campaign during his Odd Future era, to a liberated way of expressing his thoughts that still sound sporadic. They’re just more positive now.
Best tracks: “TOURMALINE”, “exhaust”, “Heavy Metal aka ejecto seato!”, “Gamma (need the <3)”, “Static”, “CRISCO”
7. The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow
The Weeknd fulfils the definition of an odyssey on the boldest album of his career. Hurry Up Tomorrow is a rich experience that combines the emotion of After Hours with the energy of Dawn FM, and the despair of Trilogy. Conceptualised as a popstar performing his final show, Abel reckons with late-stage doubt while transcending over to something else. Rarely do we see a popstar conceptualise their work to such a level, distinctly completing the narrative of “The Weeknd” character.
At a sizeable 84 minutes, Hurry Up Tomorrow drops no duds amongst its 22 tracks. Perhaps not every song feels necessary, but it’s also tough working out what to chop. Utilising every genre he’s dabbled or developed over the years, it purposely covers the Canadian’s career to bring it full circle, drawing several parallels to past songs along the way. The sequencing is one of the best in recent memory, and for an album of its stature of the last few decades. Its slick transitions are instrumental in this mission, but the moods of the album are finely distributed, going synth-pop on “Wake Me Up” and “Open Hearts”, to sample-heavy R&B on “Niagara Falls” and “Enjoy the Show”. The final songs hint at the death of The Weeknd, & a rebirth for what’s next.
It may be the nail in the coffin for “The Weeknd” but it’s a seed sprouting for Abel Tesfaye.
Best tracks: “The Abyss”, “Timeless”, “Take Me Back to LA”, “Baptized in Fear”, “Cry for Me”, “Enjoy the Show”
6. billy woods, GOLLIWOG
Heavy is the pen when it comes to a Billy Woods album. He paints abstract tapestries that give you a rich glimmer into the largely anonymous private rapper’s life. Haunting and better yet, frightening, GOLLIWOG is the greatest horrorcore album of recent memory. Titled after the racist minstrel doll, Woods explores a plethora of nightmares that aren’t dreams but reality shaping our crooked world. “BLK XMAS” describes an impoverished family stealing from evicted neighbours during the holiday season. He mocks billionaires’ greedy dreams of inhabiting Mars on “Corinthians”. “Waterproof Mascara” is the most frightening track of all, built around a weeping woman’s crying as Woods reflects on domestic abuse his mother endured through the eyes of a young child. It’s the heaviest hip hop song of not just the year, but perhaps the decade thus far — so heavy that most may find it unlistenable. That’s the stomach-churning effect of GOLLIWOG.
Woods enlists an array of producers to soundtrack his stories, from The Alchemist, Conductor Williams, El-P, Kenny Segal, Preservation and more — atypical for Woods’ workflow, who usually locks in with one producer for his albums. Every track feels like a new trap door, submerged into Woods’ bleak, parlous reality of fear, distrust, systemic injustice, history and trauma.
On “Pitchforks & Halos”, Woods plainly states: “Right up to the last second, idiots really thought I was just rhyming.” And he’s right. He’s not just rhyming, he’s talking some shit. Woods has mastered the art of vague specificity, leaving you thick crumbs rather than spoonfeeding the listener. At the end of GOLLIWOG, you still have to think for yourself. Good luck with that.
Best tracks: “Waterproof Mascara”, “Counterclockwise”, “A Doll Fulla Pins”, “BLK XMAS”, “Corinthians”, “Golgotha”
5. EsDeeKid, Rebel
A quiet storm was brewing in the UK underground this year. In January, I heard “Palaces” by a Scouse rapper called EsDeeKid while searching for new British music. I thought it was a bop, so it got added to the likes. Twelve month later, he’s become the fastest-growing rapper of 2025. At the start, it was merely my job to stay tuned into the UK underground. What no one could have estimated is not the rise of a young Scouse rapper, but the explosion of a young Scouse rapper. We’ve had Aystar, we’ve had Hazey, and more recently had Mazza L20 and Kasst 8. But it’s always been an acquired taste, or a flash in the pan.
Enter EsDeeKid, dropping his debut album Rebel in the summer of 2025. And then came the floodgates. Produced entirely by producer of the year Wraith9, the duo created a winning framework by combining jerk, rage and trap with EsDee’s thick Scouse accent, melodic flows and knack for a killer hook. Brief runtimes, a key lyrical framework to each song, a masked identity and Timothée Chalamet conspiracies were the cherries on top for Rebel churning out five viral hits in unison. The biggest secret to the addictive recipe? His verses are like mini-hooks. Once he finds a flow he doesn’t tap out of it. It creates irresistible cadences, where even Charlotte from Nebraska can find the appeal in such abrasive rap songs. Wraith9’s beats are super skeletal, but man those bones are tough. He proves all you need is one killer melody, another distinctive element to all 11 songs.
Credit also has to go to Rico Ace, whose four guest appearances are vital to hits like “LV Sandals”, “Phantom” and “Cali Man”. Their partnership is the best in the scene right now, and we’re patiently waiting for his solo breakthrough in 2026. For now, it’s Rebel on the tip of everyone’s tongue.
Best tracks: “4 Raws”, “LV Sandals”, “Cali Man”, “Mist”, “Panic”, “Tartan”, “Prague”
4. Playboi Carti, MUSIC
I wonder how it feels when an artist’s sound takes over the game, but they’ve already moved onto something different. That’s Playboi Carti and his plainly-titled MUSIC. The pioneer of rage now has multiple clones, and yet they can’t seem to do it as well as Carti can. While rage inhabits the core of rage, MUSIC fuses Southern hip hop to create yet another subgenre that has you wondering “What the hell is this?” Over 30 tracks, Carti channels Atlanta mixtape energy backed up by its composition, sound effects and ad-libbing by DJ Swamp Izzo. It’s a fine reminder that this album’s sound may be new-gen, but is still deeply rooted in the fundamentals of hip hop.
There is appeal in the imperfection of MUSIC — just like how the best of classic Southern rap mixtapes possess. He dares to test the listener and be downright ridiculous. There’s abrasive chaos in the opener “POP OUT” and the insaner “OPM BABI”. Future goes to space on “TRIM”, the choir of “CRUSH” are compulsive, “LIKE WEEZY” and “COCAINE NOISE” use samples masterfully. It makes Whole Lotta Red feel like redundant child’s play.
Carti continues to back up the hype with forward-thinking production and vocal performances, taking multiple risks from the sonics down to the format. It leads to an entertaining album, one that stands out in the landscape of monotonous rap, while incorporating authentic hip hop roots. It’s a feast of trap and hyper-rap that Carti popularised, and there’s few that can replicate it.
Best tracks: “HBA”, “TRIM”, “CRUSH”, “LIKE WEEZY”, “COCAINE NOSE”, “RADAR”, “DIFFERENT DAY”
3. Rosalía, LUX
What makes one holy? Rosaliá dives headfirst into the analysis, from multiple angles. LUX (Latin for Light) is the year’s greatest demonstration of devoting to your craft. In preparation for the album, Rosaliá studied a total of 14 languages to incorporate into her writing. She uses her background in classical training to her advantage once again, composing sweeping symphonies for the brave “Berghain” or mixing the classical with the contemporary on “La Rumba Del Perdón”. Conceptually, it’s an exploration of the divine feminine, splitting the tracklist into ‘four movements’, each representing a different female saint. Inspiration’s drawn from Saint Rosalia of Palermo, who ditched arranged marriage to dedicate her life to God as a hermit. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rich, historical influences for LUX.
Such substance in the songwriting, concepts and production for a pop artist at this level is hard to come by. At this point, it’s perhaps unfair to even call Rosaliá a pop artist. That’s all before we even get to the vocal performances, reminding listeners exactly why she’s one of the greatest contemporary vocalists of our time.
There’s a pattern to the albums landing in the trio of top spots — a pattern crowned by pure dedication to the craft. LUX is not just a great album, but a lifetime accomplishment. It brings back the art of trying, pushing boundaries, experimenting confidently. To pivot so hard from 2022’s MOTOMAMI is not an easy feat. Yet Rosaliá dares, and succeeds beyond comprehension.
Best tracks: “Reliquia”, “Berghain”, “Divinize”, “De Madrugá”, “La Rumba Del Perdón”, “Sauvignon Blanc”, “Dios Es Un Stalker”
2. Jim Legxacy, Black British Music
In the midst of a national search for something new, Jim Legxacy came and became the torchbearer for the new UK soundscape. He’s been doing it for years, even before landing a spot on our Best Albums of 2023 with the masterful Homeless N***a Pop Music. Now freshly signed with XL (home or ex-home of Adele, Giggs, Jai Paul), Black British Music continues to build on Jim’s fusion of alt-pop, emo and hip hop sampling, offering a masterclass in production & melody in 2025. This time round, it’s the real breakthrough, taking Jim’s name beyond the UK & into a global stage.
True to its namesake, it embodies a plethora of homegrown genres and national references, whether it’s areas in London or interpolations of classic UK songs (Dave, Kojo Funds). The project is oozing with melody, jam-packed with a memorable hook on every track, achieving what’s often an unattainable feat across its 15 tracks. Jim’s boyish vocals are pivotal to all tracks, able to offer upbeat cuts like “d.b.a.b.” and “’06 wayne rooney”, while delivering emotional cuts like “brief” and “issues of trust”. It’s also one of the best-produced projects of the year, brewing all its influences in a melting pot to create something vintage yet fresh.
Black British Music finely showcases Jim Legxacy’s generational talent, providing a rich, unskippable experience with melodies and production on steroids. If it’s a legacy Jim’s after, he’s certainly heading in the right direction.
Best tracks: “father”, “i just banged a snus in canada water”, “new david bowie”, “sos”, “’06 wayne rooney”
1. Clipse, Let God Sort Em Out
It was the Year of the Unc in hip hop this year. As a matter of fact, it has been for the majority of the decade. For all the proof collected so far, there was one vital final boss left to pass the test. The two Virginia brothers had an illustrious run in the 2000s, dropping back to back classics in Lord Willin’ and Hell Hath No Fury. ’09 saw them bow out gracefully with Till the Casket Drops. In the meantime, Push focused on his equally impressive solo career, while Malice stayed quietly active in the Christian hip hop sphere. But when rumbles of a new Clipse album were all but confirmed in 2023, it became the most anticipated hip hop album of the decade.
The most anticipated rap album of 2025 came through with a completed checklist for rap aficionados. Let God Sort Em Out reintroduces Clipse to the modern landscape as if they never left, dropping masterful raps on every track over rejuvenated Pharrell beats. It’s as if there was no need to dust off the pen, offering multiple rap verses of the year between them. “The Birds Don’t Sing” is a tearjerking ode to their late parents. “Chains & Whips” qualifies for rap song of the year. “So Be It” finds Pharrell locked in beyond measure, flipping an 80s Egyptian sample to perfection. “Mike Tyson Blow to the Face” is a clever coke-rap anthem, while “Inglorious Bastards” take you back to 02’s Lord Willin’. Pharrell opens up “E.B.I.T.D.A.” with an impressive rap verse, and Stove G’s contribution to “F.I.C.O.” is a gold-encrusted feature.
Clipse (and many other rappers) proved that age is just a number in the rap world. Decades on from their debut, Pusha T and Malice are still able to deliver a competent, concise body of work, knowing the magnitude of the task and yet not folding under the pressure one bit. From performing at the Vatican to the immaculate rollout that lasted the entire twelve months, Let God Sort Em Out was not just a successful comeback, but a tip of the hat to the entire craft.
In a highly competitive year for music across all genres, Clipse granted us the best album of 2025 to ensure it’s snowing all year.
Best tracks: “Chains & Whips”, “So Be It”, “The Birds Don’t Sing”, “M.T.B.T.T.F.”, “F.I.C.O.”, “Inglorious Bastards”, “Ace Trumpets”
Mic Cheque 