Finally, I was able to compile a list of projects that were the soundtrack to my year. Even though 2020 proved to be one of the most horrible years in history, music kept us sane. 2020 served up some of the best music since the beloved year 2016. The music is one of the only things that people can mention about 2020 without feeling totally bummed out. So, here’s to some of my favorites from last year.
My Turn – Lil Baby.
This album was an absolute favorite of mine. My Turn Charted Number One on the Billboard Top 100 and was a favorite for many fans. This album was packed with heavy-hitting beats and bars that really stuck with listeners. In songs like “All In” and “Hurtin’,” both produced by Quay Global, showed a vulnerable side to Lil Baby. My Turn was truly an Atlanta sound and was one of the best albums of the year. This album really made me want to get out and grind harder and become a better me.
Ungodly Hour – Chloe x Halle
Ungodly Hour was definitely a staple in my 2020 playlists. The girls gave a more mature sound than some of their previous projects. As the girls are growing and evolving, their music is too. The duo really tapped into their dating lives and delivered bops “Busy Boy,” “Forgive Me,” and “Wonder What She Thinks of Me.” There were also the fun hits like “Do It” and “ROYL” that really got people on their feet and just dancing. Then there was a side that really dug deep into mental health with songs like “Overwhelmed” and “Baby Girl.” This album was a great combination of love, dance, spiritual, and relatable music for many girls coming into themselves—a definite BOP.
Wunna – Gunna
“Wunna was on some other ish.” This is one of the first things said at my first listen. Wunna was a really interesting album because of the beautiful contrast in his melodic trap beats, regular trap beats, and his subject matter. This album screamed versatility for Gunna, and it was awesome. Some songs like “Nasty Girl/ On Camera” could be strip club anthems, and then others like “Don’t Play Around” that really spoke to everyday life. This album was a fantastic addition to my downloads. Young Gunna Wunna has definitely done it again.
Good News – Megan Thee Stallion
Is there anything that really needs to be said? Megan Thee Stalling literally “Ate it up and gave it back,” as she rapped in her song “Body.” Good News was literally some of the best news 2020 had seen, and the hot girl really delivered. The Hot Girl gave range with the Pop track “Don’t Rock Me To Sleep,” and Reggae beats with track “Sexual Intercourse.” This album will definitely be a summer anthem.
Heaven or Hell – Don Toliver
Heaven or Hell was definitely an underrated project in 2020. Not many people mention the body of work that is “Heaven or Hell.” However, this album gave us popular songs “After Party,” “Had Enough,” and “No Idea.” Aside from the popular songs, there were so many other gems like “Euphoria” featuring Travis Scott and Cash Paige and Cardigan. This album was produced beautifully, and will definitely be timeless.
City on Lock – City Girls
As always, JT and Caresha of the City girls DELIVERED. The duo gave us some summer hits that made their fans feel empowered. Some of the album’s main takeaways were to get your own bag, never let anyone play you like a fool, and know your worth. The city Girls always know what to say in order to get people moving and people on their feet reciting lyrics.
The Album – Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor really served up plenty of vocals and really have an amazing performance. There were love songs, turn up songs, and of course, the beloved ratchet songs. This album definitely showed variation in her vocals, and in the production of songs. The Album was one of Teyana’s greatest works thus far.
The Life of Pierre 4 (Deluxe) – Pierre Bourne
The album was originally released in 2019; However, the deluxe followed in 2020. Pierre gave his fans 15 more songs, and this made the original project even better. It is always refreshing to Pierre on his own beats, it’s like a poetic experience. Pierre Bourne really got candid on his life in college, relationships, and the everyday Life of Pierre (no pun intended).
Almost there – Lucki
This was one of my favorite albums by Chicago rapper Lucki. Almost there was lyrical, and it was a look into Lucki’s Life. Tarantino was the song that really stuck out the most, with lyrics like, “I can’t wait for no sh** that I’m just born to get.” Lucki really allowed people to tap into his mind, and really see his thought process.
Emergency Tsunami – Nav & Wheezy
Lastly, Emergency Tsunami was one of my favorite albums to rock out to. The Brown Boy (Nav’s Alter Ego) gave multiple projects in 2020, and this was a definite fave. The album was on repeat constantly. Nav went CRAZY, and we were able to see an extremely hard side that we’ve never seen before.
Honorable mentions (because there was so much great music in 2020):
Insecure Season 4 Soundtrack
Eternal Atake – Lil Uzi Very
Whole Lotta Red – Playboicarti
Shoot For The Stars Aim for The moon – Pop Smoke
Not Playin – Madmarcc
Positions – Ariana Grande
Chilombo – Jhene Aiko
Queen of the South – Mulatto
Fuck The World – Brent Faiyaz
When it’s all said and done – Giveon
2020 was one hell of a year, but we managed to make it to the end. Music is always one of the many things that help get me through troubling times. I’m extremely grateful that the worst year ever gave some heat to compensate. When younger generations ask about 2020, the music will be one of the first things I tell them – then the crapload of sadness about the year will follow.