HERE'S A LIST OF THE TOP ALBUMS OF 2023

You knew 2023 was going to be an epic year for music when just three months in, we already have new albums from some of the biggest stars dominating the scene. Between hip hop heavyweights Gunna, Meek Mill & Rick Ross, Drake, Andre 3000, Nicki Minaj, and more all dropping projects this year, rap fans have been eating well. Here's our list of the best albums 2023 had to offer.

1. A Gift and a Curse - Gunna

Gunna let it all out on his fourth album "A Gift & a Curse." After his December release from jail on charges with YSL, Gunna addressed the controversy and rumors on this project. The single "Bread and Butter" hinted at his side of the story, then the full album gave fans insight into what was really going on in his mind during that difficult time. "A Gift and a Curse" went on to do very well, debuting at number three on Billboard with over 112 million streams in the U.S. alone. Without any features, Gunna proved he could hold his own. On the album, Gunna raps about loyalty, trust, forgiveness and perseverance. His verses suggest he felt betrayed and upset with how things went down, yet still hopeful for the future. Gunna seems to recognize both the highs and lows of his situation - the gift of freedom and success, balanced with the curse of legal troubles and damaged relationships. The beats are melodic and atmospheric, setting the perfect tone for Gunna's reflective lyrics. His signature style of rapping in a languid, melodic flow makes every word impactful. After the last track fades out, you're left with the sense that Gunna has grown from this trial, using his music as a form of personal therapy and a way to set the record straight. With "A Gift and a Curse," Gunna proves why he's at the top of the rap game. His ability to turn life's lemons into lemonade shows his dedication to his craft and his fans. This redemption tale is a gift we can all learn from.

2. For All the Dogs - Drake

If you thought Drake didn't have any more hits left in him, think again! His latest release "For All the Dogs" is a reminder of why he's been reigning over hip hop for the past decade. The 23-track album delivers a little bit of everything for Drake fans. You've got your heartfelt R&B ballads, hard-hitting rap collabs, and of course, those infectious pop songs that'll be stuck in your head for days. Some of the early standouts are "Trouble in Paradise" featuring 21 Savage, the island-infused "One Dance" remix with Wizkid and Kyla, and "Pink Matter Freestyle" which has Drake flexing his lyrical skills.

Production is handled by Drake's longtime collaborators like 40, Boi-1da and T-Minus, as well as some new names. The result is a cohesive sound that still showcases a variety of styles. Lyrically, Drake touches on familiar themes of relationships, loyalty, and his come-up in the rap game. However, there are glimpses of a more mature and reflective Drake this time around. Over a decade into his career, Drake has proved yet again why he holds the keys to the rap kingdom. With an unmatched ear for hits and an ability to blend genres, "For All the Dogs" gives fans all the sides of Drake they've come to know and love. The formula may be familiar, but when the end result is this good, who's complaining? If you thought he was running out of tricks, Drake's latest effort will make you think otherwise. The 6 God's reign continues!

3. Pink Frday 2 - Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj dropped her highly anticipated “Pink Friday 2” album in December, reminding us all why she reigns as the Queen of Rap. This 22-track project showcases Minaj’s versatility and range. After over 17 years in the game, Nicki continues to keep up with both veteran artists and up-and-comers. In a recent interview, Nicki gave props to fellow female rappers, saying many of them inspired her. “Pink Friday 2” breaks the record for the most charting songs by a female artist, with 17 tracks hitting the Billboard Hot 100.

Nicki has been outside prior to her album release. Minaj jumped on the remix to two of the biggest songs of the year, Sexyy Redd's "Poundtown" and Ice Spice's "Princess Diana". Nicki even connected with emerging Brooklyn-drill rap group, 41 and had allegedly signed her first artist to her new label "Heavy On It", showing her ability to boost up-and-comers in the game. “Pink Friday 2” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning Nicki her seventh number-one album. All 22 tracks charted on the Hot 100, with seven in the top ten. The Barbz came through, streaming the album over 100 million times in the first week. After over a decade of reigning, Nicki proves she's still at the top of her game. With “Pink Friday 2,” the Queen of Rap reminds us who's on the throne. All hail the Queen!

4. Split Decision

Dave and Central Cee's collaborative project Split Decision HAD to be featured on this list! In their hometown of London, both Dave and Central Cee have reached massive success. Central Cee gained millions of new fans with his hit record, "Doja" and even earned himself a Drake co-sign! Dave on the other hand has also had an amazing breakout year. From acting, to rapping and modeling, there is nothing the 25 year old rapper can't do.

Just when fans thought things could'nt get any better, the two announced their collab album "Split Decisions" would drop June 5th 2023. On 1 June, the lead single "Sprinter" released alongside a music video. It broke the record for the most streams for a hip-hop song in Spotify UK. To make this album and release even more iconic, the EP was released on Dave's 25th birthday, which was a day after Central Cee's 25th birthday.

The album highlights both of their known abilities, as well as showcasing a genuine chemistry between them. "Split Decisions" is a strong body of work that caught the attention of fans all over, proving that the UK has something to say. Between Dave, Central Cee and Ice Spice, UK rap is making major waves.

5. Like...? - Ice Spice

Ice Spice is proving she's not going anywhere. The Bronx artist came onto the scene with her viral drill track "You Thought I Was Feelin' You?" and earned herself a coveted co-sign from Drake. But Ice Spice is showing us she has way more to offer.

Her EP "Like..?" is full of catchy, quotable bars and infectious beats that have us all singing along. Each track features Ice Spice's signature NYC slang and style. Produced by RiotUSA, "Like..?" debuted at number 37 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number 15, showing the world that Ice Spice is a force to be reckoned with.

There's no denying Ice Spice's impact on drill music. Her music is laced with the genre's characteristic cadences, beats and references to her hometown. But as a female artist, Ice Spice is helping to redefine what drill music can be. Her fun, flirty songs prove drill doesn't have to be all tough talk and aggression. Ice Spice brings a refreshed, feminine energy that the genre desperately needed. The remix of "Princess Diana" featuring Nicki Minaj took Ice Spice's success to the next level. Landing a feature from one of rap's biggest stars was a major boss move and signified Ice Spice's rise as an artist to watch. The track peaked at number 15 on the Hot 100, becoming Ice Spice's first top 20 hit. It's clear this is only the beginning for the artist Billboard called "rap's hottest new star."

Ice Spice has had an undeniable breakthrough year, but she's showing no signs of slowing down. With her unique style and infectious tracks, Ice Spice is proving to any doubters that she's not just a one-hit wonder. The future is bright for rap's coolest new "it" girl.

6. Summer's Mine - Babyface Ray

7. Glockoma 2 - Key Glock

8. Ganger - Veeze

9. 4 God II - Rob 49

10. Red Eye - Money Man

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