2025 was a ridiculously competitive year in hip-hop. Newcomers stepped on the scene, bringing a different energy, OGs made a resurgence, dropping timeless pieces, and established superstars put out some of their best work so far. The playing field was relatively even, but at the end of the day, only one album could be the best.
Here’s our list of the 10 Best Albums of 2025, and the reasons they made the cut.
10. Lil Tecca, ‘Dopamine’
Lil Tecca couldn’t have chosen a better album title than this. Dopamine blends nostalgic sounds and samples with meme references, and tops it off with present-day flows and scenarios, making for one of the most fun albums of the year.
The hits from the album, “Dark Thoughts” and “OWA OWA,” jumpstart the energy, and it continues throughout the project in its entirety. It’s no surprise that Dopamine is one of the highest-streamed rap albums of 2025.
9. Ken Carson, ‘More Chaos’
2025 was Ken Carson’s biggest year yet, and More Chaos solidified him as the next big star from the Opium camp. Everything about the album is bigger and better than his last, from the production and delivery to the tracklist. At 22 songs, the rage just keeps going, and so do his numbers.
In addition to how the album is performing streaming-wise, people are raving about his live performances during Carti’s Antagonist Tour 2.0, with many fans saying he could even be the standout act. It’s safe to say there is even more chaos on the way.
8. Gunna, ‘The Last Wun’
On what is potentially his last album under YSL, Gunna is more reflective than he’s ever been. The Last Wun picks up where a Gift & a Curse and One of Wun left off, illustrating the journey and subsequent fallout of his relationships after the YSL RICO trial. The biggest difference is a wider lens on optimism and moving forward.
While he still sticks to the signature Gunna sound, he continues to polish his abilities and choose instrumentals that fit the world he’s trying to build. “Podcast” takes shots at everyone still talking on his name, but rather than aggression, you can hear the disappointment in his voice. But, by “him all along,” the final track on the album, it sounds like he’s ready to put it all behind him.
7. Tyler the Creator, ‘Don’t Tap The Glass’
It’s usually impossible to tell what direction a Tyler project will take. Even with teasers, singles, and visuals, his albums can easily go through various twists and turns, signaling his entry into a new era. However, with Don’t Tap The Glass, this was not the case. Off rip, he let everyone know this body of work was made with one goal: to make people dance.
At only 10 songs and 28 minutes, Don’t Tap The Glass is by far Tyler’s shortest album—and it makes sense considering it dropped less than a year after the deeply intentional and personal CHROMAKOPIA. But after moving to every track on the project, you’ll see that the runtime is perfect.
6. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, ‘Alfredo 2’
Freddie and Al cooked up yet again on Alfredo 2, and this time, they added some new ingredients to the mix. The influence of Japanese Yakuza and Samurai films is prevalent in the sample work, the references, the visuals, and even the cover art—which is a bowl of Ramen rather than the pasta the name alludes to. But the one thing that didn’t change? The outstanding quality.
Gibbs never takes a verse off, and The Alchemist is up to the challenge. The bars and the beats are in constant conversation, with space for both to take center stage. And the rare features, namely Anderson .Paak, JID, and Larry June are the icing on the cake.
5. JID, ‘God Does Like Ugly’
JID’s unmatched energy and wittiness made God Does Like Ugly one of 2025’s most entertaining albums by far. Rather than trying to stray too far from the sound he’s known for, he doubled down and refined his skillset, presenting what can be seen as his most well-executed project yet.
From the calculated and meticulous wordplay of “VCRs (ft. Vince Staples)” to the zany and chaotic “WRK,” every JID fan can find something that sticks with them. He even shows off his Spanish on “No Boo,” a vibey joint with Jessie Reyez.
4. JACKBOYS, ‘JACKBOYS 2’
Every time the JACKBOYS link up, the energy is through the roof, and the sequel took that up a notch. A more expansive, wide-ranging body of work than the first, JACKBOYS 2 explores the lanes of every artist involved—while managing to still convey that trademark JACKBOYS sound.
The artists signed to Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack label have sounds and attributes that work together perfectly. “2000 EXCURSION” (with LaFlame, Sheck Wes, and Don Toliver) showcases the duality that exists in each one of them: melodic artists who understand structure and vibe, but can go hard when the moment calls for it.
3. NBA YoungBoy, ‘MASA’
YB is known for his relentless drive and passion for music, so it’s not out of the norm to get multiple projects from him within a single year. This album, however, was special. With his legal troubles finally behind him, ‘MASA’ shows an even more amped up and revitalized YoungBoy in his element.
The first single from the album, “Shot Callin,” was our choice for 2025’s Song of the Year, but the album has much more to offer. “Games of War” is signature YB energy, from the triumphant horns off rip to the explosive delivery and “I’ve been gettin’ money” chorus, it’s no surprise that it became a favorite among athletes. “Priorities” is a sleeper hit for those who like melodic YB, and “Fire Your Manager” has one of the best beats for deep voice Playboi Carti to trade flows with YB.
As always, there’s a deep blend of brash energy and self-reflection that makes YB a unique, yet somehow relatable artist. And after everything he’s been through in the last few years, it’s easy to tell that this album was a release for him.
2. Clipse, ‘Let God Sort ‘Em Out’
While Pusha T and Malice didn’t top the list this go around, it was highly debated amongst the team—and for good reason. The Clipse reunion exceeded every expectation, and that’s saying a lot when you consider their discography. Not a single bar was wasted between the two of them, and every Pharrell beat served as a perfect canvas.
Let God Sort ‘Em Out’s features were nearly impeccable, too. Kendrick and Tyler put their best foot forward, elevating the vision of their respective tracks (”Chains & Whips” and “P.O.V.”). But the real standout feature came from Stove God Cooks, who damn near turned the “F.I.C.O.” hook into an anthem. Densely lyrical and sonically cohesive, Let God Sort ‘Em Out is one we’ll be talking about for years to come.
1. Playboi Carti, ‘MUSIC’
The insane 5-year wait for Carti’s newest project finally paid off when he released MUSIC on March 14, and it more than lived up to the hype. When it dropped, the world tuned in—so much so, that it broke daily and weekly streaming records across various platforms. The rollout had everyone, fans and non-fans alike, ready to see what Carti had to offer.
Boasting 30 songs and 10+ features, MUSIC has something for every type of Carti fan imaginable. Are you there for the melodic, chill Carti? He links up with Kendrick Lamar and Jhene Aiko for “BACKD00R,” or you can spin “Rather Lie,” his collab with The Weeknd. Looking for something more trap-oriented? “TRIM” with Future is what Atlanta trap dreams are made of. Or, if you want the rage that Carti has become known for, look no further than “POP OUT,” which he will perform 5+ times at live shows while jumping in the pit.
Speaking of live shows, the Antagonist Tour 2.0 was an absolute spectacle. The setlist consisted almost exclusively of songs from MUSIC. And that was a non-issue, as every concert video showed fans having the time of their lives. Carti’s music is constructed in a way that caters to live shows, so how well the songs perform factors into the quality of the project itself.
As far as execution goes, Playboi Carti knocked it out of the park, and MUSIC sits on the throne as our Album of the Year for 2025.
