Taylor Swift dropped the biggest album this past week, but someone else reigned supreme!

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TOP 5

5. Lil Tjay – Focus on the Music (68%)

Lil Tjay’s Focus on the Music is a concise five-track mixtape that blends moody beats, street-centered storytelling, and raw emotion. From the aggressive, loyalty-driven grind of “The Score Fine” and “Scrutiny” to the striking Jersey club-infused “Been Had Gigi,” Tjay alternates between braggadocious flexes and vulnerable reflections. Tracks like “Soul Gone” showcase his money-minded swagger and confrontational energy, while “Amazing Years” closes on a reflective, unpolished note, crediting his success to risk-taking and resilience.

Overall, the mixtape positions Tjay in a liminal space between pain and pride, offering an unfiltered glimpse of his life with a balance of grit, emotion, and authenticity.

4. Jeezy & DJ Drama – Still Snowin’ (68%)

Jeezy’s latest album puts his versatility—or lack thereof—under the microscope. Across the project, he taps into multiple shades of his personality, from gritty street tales to flashes of grown-man wisdom. But what really jumps out here is the production. Instead of sticking to his usual trap-heavy lane, Jeezy raps over classic R&B instrumentals, sometimes leaving in vocal samples from the original records. It’s an unexpected creative choice that gives the project a nostalgic feel.

That said, Jeezy’s straightforward delivery occasionally clashes with the soulful backdrops. At times, he feels somewhat one-dimensional for this type of experimentation. Still, there’s no denying the boldness of the attempt. Altogether, the project blends nostalgia, raw confidence, and lessons from a hustler’s perspective, proving Jeezy still has plenty left to say—and plenty of different ways to say it.

3. Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl (78%)

Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl is one of her most dynamic albums yet, blending playful storytelling with sharp vulnerability. Mixing pop, indie, and grungy influences, the project balances humor, heartfelt reflections, and bold jabs, making it both entertaining and deeply relatable.

2. Bryson Tiller – Solace (80%)

Bryson Tiller’s Solace & The Virtues is his most layered work yet, navigating devotion, conflict, betrayal, and exhaustion with honesty and depth. The album moves seamlessly between romantic intimacy on tracks like “I Need Her,” chaotic love in “Strife,” and fractured friendships on “Genuine,” while slower moments like “Uncertainty” pull listeners into vulnerable, introspective spaces.

Musically, it balances smooth R&B melodies with rap-infused elements, showcasing Bryson’s versatility, even if some tracks feel heavy without much variation. At its heart, the album is about survival and truth—messy, real, and deeply human—offering listeners a reflective, unpolished snapshot of life’s contradictions and emotional weight.

1. Mick Jenkins & EMIL – A MURDER OF CROWS (84%)

Mick Jenkins & EMIL’s A MURDER OF CROWS showcases Mick Jenkins at his lyrical peak. With EMIL handling production, the project blends serene, jazzy soundscapes with Mick’s clever, thought-provoking bars. Across the album, Mick alternates between soul-searching introspection, scathing critiques of the rap game, and dynamic flows that shift effortlessly between rapping and singing.

Standout tracks like “Pundits (YAPPERS)” and “Dream Catchers” demonstrate his ability to be both villainous and vulnerable, while “Workers’ Comp” and “DeadStock” highlight his relentless wordplay and sharp critique of peers. Overall, it’s a cohesive, intellectually charged album that balances complex lyricism with calming, immersive production—a record both casual listeners and hardcore hip-hop heads can appreciate.

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