A busy week sees Charlie Puth, Ye, and Chief Keef land in our top 5 albums of the week.

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TOP 5

5. Chief Keef – Skeletor (C)

Chief Keef operates in a lane entirely his own on Skeletor, fully embracing the unfiltered, unpredictable energy that has defined his career. Across 14 tracks, he moves through dark drill production with shifting flows, loose structures, catchy hooks, and experimental pockets that reflect both his influence on modern drill and his willingness to bend its boundaries.

Lyrically, Keef embodies multiple personas at once, from chaotic street figure to free-spirited figure moving without limits, giving the album a sense of constant motion. His delivery remains effortless throughout, whether he’s hyping listeners or drifting into more freeform cadences. Features from G Herbo, Rich The Kid, Ballout, and ian add variety, but Keef stays firmly at the center. With several extended tracks pushing past six minutes, Skeletor stands as both a continuation of his legacy and a reminder that he still thrives in his own unshakable creative space.

Favorite Tracks: “The Real Chief Keef,” “Video Shoot,” and “Harry Potter.”

4. Ye – BULLY (C)

Kanye West remains required listening despite ongoing controversy, but his recent work, including DONDA 2 and BULLY, feels unfinished and scattered compared to his classic albums.

While BULLY still shows flashes of his signature production style with soul samples, layered textures, and atmospheric synths, it often leans toward stripped-down ideas that lack full impact (Depending on who you talk to, this could be a good or bad thing). Also, his rapping feels more muted and less urgent, with themes like resilience and inner conflict present but never fully realized. Features from artists like Travis Scott, CeeLo Green, and André 3000 add brief highlights, but they don’t elevate the project significantly.

Overall, BULLY plays more like a collection of loose ideas than a cohesive statement, missing the punch, structure, and spark that once defined Ye’s strongest work. I do still think it’s a solid listen.

Favorite Tracks: “PREACHER MAN,” “I CAN’T WAIT,” and “ALL THE LOVE.”

3. Central Cee – ALL ROADS LEAD HOME (C+)

Central Cee’s ALL ROADS LEAD HOME showcases his relentless hunger, delivering seven tightly focused tracks that blend drill, trap, Afro rhythms, and mafioso-inspired production. Despite his success, his delivery remains sharp and street-rooted. While the project feels cohesive and dark in tone, it offers limited sonic growth, playing more like a teaser than a full evolution. I’ll still take that!

Favorite Tracks: “Y FI DAT,” “SLAUGHTER,” and “FEELINGS”

2. Charlie Puth – Whatever’s Clever! (C+)

Whatever’s Clever! showcases Charlie Puth’s artistry through detailed production, genre-blending sounds, and effortless vocals. Mixing pop, jazz, funk, and ’80s influences, the album feels organic and intentional. Balancing fun with introspection, it highlights growth, confidence, and musical passion, making it a smooth, replay-worthy listen from start to finish.

Favorite Tracks: “Sideways,” “Home,” and “New Jersey.”

1. RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. (B-)

RAYE’s THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. plays like a cinematic journey, blending genres with intentional precision and powerful vocals. Her deeply personal yet relatable songwriting explores pain, healing, and growth. With standout features like Al Green, the album delivers emotional weight, ultimately offering a sense of release and quiet, lingering hope.

Favorite Tracks: “I Know You’re Hurting.,” “Life Boat.,” “Fields.”

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