Here are my 10 favourite albums/mixtapes released in 2013…

10. Denzel Curry – Nostalgic 64

Florida’s Denzel Curry released his debut album in September, featuring production from Nuri, Ronny J and POSHstronaut.

Standout Tracks: Threatz, N64, Benz, Zone 3.

 

9. ItsNate – So Slocal

London’s ItsNate released his fourth project, So Slocal in October, displaying a grimier sound than on his previous releases.

Standout Tracks: Savage, All For The Night, I’ll Be.

 

8. Lucki Eck$ – Alternative Trap

Alternative Trap is the first project I’ve heard from Chicago teenager Lucki Eck$, but it’s enough to make me hungry to hear more.

Standout Tracks: Everything Outside, Love It, Count On Me.

 

7. Vic Mensa – INNANETAPE

INNANETAPE featured some of the year’s best songs cementing Vic’s spot on the list. Though it’s a mixtape, it sounds more like an album, with songs catering to fans of many genres.

Standout Tracks: Orange Soda, Hollywood, LA, Tweakin’, YNSP

 

6. Piff Gang – Pizzy

The sixth mixtape from Piff Gang, Pizzy displays a more grown up sound from the weed-scented rap group.

Standout Tracks: Osirus, Smokin’, Lookin’

 

5. Flatbush ZOMBiES – Better Off Dead

The second release from Flatbush ZOMBiES, Better Off Dead came across as an even stronger release than their previous mixtape, D.R.U.G.S.

Standout Tracks: G Tearz, Death 2, MRAZ

 

4. Kelela – Cut 4 Me

The only non-Hip Hop release on my list, Cut 4 Me is so good it hurts. Kelela managed to make modern day RnB songs with a UKG influence sound so perfect.

Standout Tracks: Go All Night, Send Me Out, Keep It Cool

 

3. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris

Following his debut self-titled mixtape, the world was left starving for new music from Mr Sweatshirt. In 2013 he gave us Doris, and for that we are thankful.

Standout Tracks: Chum, Hive, Sunday, Guild

 

2. Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap

Pretty much everyone’s favourite release this year, Acid Rap deserves all the praise it’s getting. Considering this is a mixtape, it’ll be interesting to see what happens when Chance releases an album.

Standout Tracks: Paranoia (Hidden Track), Juice, Lost, 

 

1. World’s Fair – Bastards Of The Party

They’re not the Bastards of this party. The debut album from World’s Fair proved how great the Queens collective can be. Not that I was unaware.

Standout Tracks: Heathrow, B.O.T.P., Rearview, Sammy Sosa