Stereogum's 10 Best Rap Albums of 2023

As the old saying goes, you either die a youngin or live long enough to see yourself become an old head. Speaking to Rolling Stone last month, Lil Boat aged prematurely when he complained that they just don’t make rap like they used to. “The place that hip-hop is in right now is a terrible place,” he explained during a chat with Tierra Whack. “It’s a lot of imitation. It’s a lot of quick, low-quality music being put out. It’s a lot less originality.”

Published: December 12, 2023 18:50 Source

# 1

Maps by Billy Woods + Kenny Segal

Album • May 05 / 2023 Abstract Hip Hop Jazz Rap Conscious Hip Hop East Coast Hip Hop

# 2

Ganger by Veeze

Album • Jun 27 / 2023 Detroit Trap

# 3

Sundial by Noname

Album • Aug 11 / 2023 Jazz Rap Conscious Hip Hop Political Hip Hop

# 4

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips by Armand Hammer + billy woods + E L U C I D

Album • Sep 29 / 2023 Experimental Hip Hop Abstract Hip Hop East Coast Hip Hop

# 5

Scarlet by Doja Cat

Album • Sep 22 / 2023 Pop Rap West Coast Hip Hop

# 6

Hood Hottest Princess by Sexyy Red

Album • Jun 09 / 2023 Trap

# 7

VOIR DIRE by Earl Sweatshirt + The Alchemist

Album • Oct 06 / 2023 Abstract Hip Hop Drumless West Coast Hip Hop

# 8

Like..? by Ice Spice

EP • Jan 20 / 2023 Sample Drill East Coast Hip Hop

# 9

Gumbo by Young Nudy

Album • Feb 28 / 2023 Trap Southern Hip Hop

# 10

SCARING THE HOES by JPEGMAFIA + Danny Brown

Album • Mar 24 / 2023 Experimental Hip Hop Hardcore Hip Hop