Hip-Hop Albums (Oct. 11)
October’s here, bringing a tidal wave of new music. From boundary-pushing experimentation to trap-heavy bangers, these hip-hop releases will surely leave their mark. Here’s what’s hot on the radar.
GloRilla – Glorious
GloRilla‘s meteoric rise in the hip-hop scene continues with Glorious, a project that firmly positions her as a voice of her generation. Known for her unapologetic delivery and raw lyricism, GloRilla channels her life experiences into beats that hit hard. With club-ready anthems and candid storytelling, Glorious solidifies her place in the mainstream. This is a must-listen for fans of assertive, Southern-flavored rap.
Powers Pleasant – Life Sucks
Technically a drop from last week, Life Sucks is too good not to mention again. Powers Pleasant, best known for crafting hits for Joey Bada$$, Princess Nokia, and the Beast Coast collective, returns with his second full-length album. Loaded with energy and emotion, Life Sucks weaves together impressive collaborations with A$AP Ferg, Denzel Curry, and AG Club, among others. The album’s diverse guest list and signature Pleasant production make it an exciting ride from start to finish.
Rich the Kid, Famous Dex & Jay Critch – Rich Forever 5
If you’re craving modern trap heat, Rich Forever 5 is your answer. This trio—Rich the Kid, Famous Dex, and Jay Critch—brings their signature style to the table, serving up melodic hooks and infectious beats. The chemistry between them is undeniable, resulting in tracks that hit hard in the car and even harder in the club. The album taps into the glossy, modern trap aesthetic that’s dominating the charts right now, making it perfect for fans of head-bopping, high-energy rap. Keep your ears on “Money Machine” for an addictive vibe.
Elucid – Revelator [Fat Possum]
For listeners who thrive on unconventional sounds, Elucid’s Revelator offers an immersive trip into experimental hip-hop. Released under the indie powerhouse Fat Possum, Revelator embraces avant-garde production and abstract lyricism. Elucid pushes boundaries, blending gritty beats with thought-provoking messages. It’s not the type of album to play in the background—this is meant to be heard. Ideal for underground hip-hop heads or fans of cerebral, forward-thinking rap.
454 – Casts of a Dreamer
Imagine the burst of energy you get from a six-pack of Mountain Dew and a handful of pop rocks but instead of a quick 10-second boost, it lasts an entire hour. That’s the vibe 454, the Florida-born rapper with a knack for bringing otherworldly pluggnb sounds to Earth. 454 delivers on his latest tape Casts of a Dreamer, which he dropped on SoundCloud last week. The project feels like it was made to be blasted from a convertible on a sun-soaked joyride. It’s got that carefree, adrenaline-fueled rush, like skipping school or work without a second thought, leaving responsibilities in the dust.
Known for his unique blend of cloud rap and trippy psychedelia, 454 once again shows he knows how to craft a soundtrack for those open-road moments. This isn’t his first wild ride, but he’s still got the pedal to the floor, and the thrill hasn’t let up.
Dua Saleh – I Should Call Them
If you’re looking for something that blends genres and defies expectations, Dua Saleh’s I Should Call Them might be your new obsession. Known for merging alternative R&B with experimental hip-hop, Dua Saleh crafts a sonic world that feels intimate yet expansive. Their unique voice and genre-fluid style create tracks that are both haunting and hypnotic. This album is perfect for listeners craving something a little left of center.
