Even though new releases have slowed down for the year, we're continuing to look back at some of our favourite albums of 2023, week-by-week and genre-by-genre. This week, we're taking a deep dive into some standout hip-hop projects from the last 12 months.
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne – "Welcome 2 Collergrove"
Welcome 2 Collegrove is the long-awaited sequel to 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne's groundbreaking collaborative LP COLLEGROVE, released in 2016. Conceptually, ColleGrove is a portmanteau of Chainz’ hometown, College Park, Georgia; and Wayne’s hometown, Hollygrove, Louisiana. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne—both rap royalty in their own right—have been close friends and collaborators for nearly two decades, since Wayne first showed up in 2007 as a feature on the street classic “Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle. Other collabs by Chainz and Wayne over the years have included the RIAA-certified platinum tracks “Rich As Fuck” and Juicy J’s strip club anthem “Bandz a Make Her Dance.” Welcome 2 Collegrove showcases the chemistry they have perfected over all these years, with features including 21 Savage, USHER, and Rick Ross.
Nicki Minaj – "Pink Friday 2"
Simply put, Pink Friday 2 reminds us why Nicki Minaj is still the undisputed queen of hip-hop. The 22-track project arrived just in time for the rap legend's birthday on December 8th and opens with "Are You Gone Already"—a stunning re-imagining of Billie Eilish's "when the party's over" where Nicki explores themes of family, guilt and happiness. Emotional cuts like this are perfectly contrasted by hard-hitting songs like "Red Ruby Da Sleeze" and "FTCU." The album is complimented by standout features from J. Cole, Lil Wayne, Drake, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Ice Spice – "Like..?" Deluxe
It's safe to say that nobody else had a breakout year like Ice Spice. Take one look through the tracklist of Like..? (Deluxe) and you'll realize that the Bronx rapper has already amassed a catalog of hits in what felt like the blink of an eye. She's been on a roll from from the unforgettable jersey club bounce of "In Ha Mood" and the hard hitting 808s of "Deli", to the icy "Princess Diana" and certified hood classic "Munch (Feelin' U)". That's not to mention her standout collaborations this year with Taylor Swift on the "Karma" remix and with Nicki Minaj and Aqua on "Barbie World". It's hard to imagine that Like..? (Deluxe) is only the start of this artist's story. Grrah!
Offset – "Set It Off"
Offset’s first solo studio album since 2019’s acclaimed Father of Four was well worth the wait. SET IT OFF is a highly personal project that Offset describes as “healing for me and a letter to my fans and supporters.” The 21-track album contains some of Offset's greatest work to date and features guests Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Future, Cardi B, Mango Foo, Latto, Young Nudy and Chlöe. Standout tracks include "SAY MY GRACE (feat. Travis Scott)", "FAN" and "JEALOUSY (feat. Cardi B)."
