January always feels slow, probably a collective holiday hangover, but that didn’t stop some standout releases from dropping. Here are the five albums we reviewed that rose to the top this month.

TOP 5

5. The Kid LAROI – BEFORE I FORGET (80%)

BEFORE I FORGET blends pop, alternative R&B, and soft soul into LAROI’s most mature and intentional sound yet, as he unpacks heartbreak, longing, and self-reflection with striking vulnerability. Instead of relying on big hooks, the album leans into quiet moments, flowing like a diary of late-night thoughts, emotional accountability, and personal growth, making it less of a typical breakup album and more a reflective coming-of-age moment.

Favorite Tracks: “A COLD PLAY,” “ME+YOU” and “5:21.”

4. Ari Lennox – Soft Girl Era (81%)

Vacancy is a smooth, self-assured blend of neo-soul and classic R&B, with Ari Lennox exploring love, lust, longing, and self-worth through a balance of sensuality and emotional clarity. The album feels effortless and deeply personal—steamy and warm when it wants to be, soft and reflective when it needs to be—never chasing trends, just leaning fully into Ari’s natural charisma. It’s one of her most cohesive and rewarding projects, the kind of album that gets better the more time you spend with it.

Favorite Tracks: “Mobbin In DC,” “Pretzel,” and “Soft Girl Era.”

3. Curren$y – Everywhere You Look (81%)

Everywhere You Look, Curren$y’s 1000th album in the past two years, is a reminder of why he remains a one-of-one presence in hip-hop, even in an era where his nonstop output can feel overwhelming.

While his delivery stays relaxed and unhurried, it never sounds lazy—he glides through beats with ease, offering low-key hustle wisdom, lifestyle talk, and his signature player perspective with consistent confidence.

The rapping is solid throughout, but what truly elevates the project is the production. The beats are slick, timeless, and carefully curated, ranging from atmospheric slow-burners to more upbeat tracks that pull you in instantly. Every instrumental feels intentional and tailored to Spitta’s style, reinforcing the album’s smooth, luxurious tone. While it’s impossible to crown this as his definitive best given the sheer depth of his catalog, Everywhere You Look stands as another strong entry that proves Curren$y’s formula still works—and works well.

Favorite Tracks: “Lose Them,” “Chains on top of Chains” and “Cinema Drugs.”

2. Don Toliver – OCTANE (83%)

Don Toliver’s OCTANE is a full-throttle showcase of what makes him one of the most unique artists in the game right now.

Everything that defines Don—his warped vocals, unconventional song structures, adventurous beat choices, and slippery melodies—is amplified to the extreme. The production is next-level, blending space-age textures, R&B smoothness, trap grit, heavy bass, and constant beat switches that keep the album unpredictable and alive. Nothing feels stale or safe; just when a groove settles in, the music pivots sharply, pulling you into a new pocket without losing momentum.

What really separates OCTANE is Don’s precision—he treats his voice like an instrument panel, dialing in exactly what each moment needs, whether that’s something catchy, gritty, gentle, or radio-ready. The features actually enhance the album instead of weighing it down, with artists like Teezo and SahBabii matching Don’s energy and vision. Overall, OCTANE feels like the work of an artist operating on a different frequency, moving so confidently that it feels like the rest of the game has slowed down around him.

Favorite Tracks: “TIRAMISU,” “ATM” and “ROSARY.”

1. IDK – e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk. (2018)

I’m not exactly sure what IDK goes by right now (IDK or .idk.), but what I do know is that his most recent project, e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk., is hot fire.

In it, he proves once again why he’s one of the most underrated rappers in the game, blending sharp lyricism, versatile flows, and a fearless command over diverse production. Lyrically, he asserts dominance, balancing braggadocio, grit, and moments of luxury with an effortless confidence that makes the project feel alive and daring.

The production stands out, too. It’s gritty yet cinematic, old-school and new-school, hard-hitting and euphoric—all while complementing IDK’s punchy delivery, melodic pockets, and occasional harmonies. By simplifying his approach without sacrificing creativity, he delivers sharp verses, fitting features, and cohesive sequencing, making this a strong, adventurous, and highly enjoyable album despite minor missteps.

Favorite Tracks: “LiFE 4 A LiFE,” “DEViL,” “START TO FINISH – S.T.F.”

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.