The best rap albums from Ohio artists in 2020

 

It's been one week into 2021 and I am already exhausted. I meant to have this list in then but with everything going on in the capitol right now, it seemed secondary.

Now after a few weeks off, here is my final best of list for 2020 chalk full of my favorite projects from artists from and around Cleveland. These artists are on the come up, don't be surprised if you see them start to make waves in mainstream music industry soon.

That last sentence is always a "hopeless romantic" saying, but I honestly do think Cleveland is beginning to carve out a sound for itself. It may not be in the next few months, even the next few years but there are plenty of artists ready to make the leap to a wider audience. For these artists, all it takes is that Tik Tok, Ebro picking your shit up, or a break out hit so undeniably classic that anyone can pick it up.

Some of these artists are already there, some of these artists will soon be there.

Here is my list of the best albums from Ohio artists in 2020 (in no order):

Homme - Kipp Stone

I know I said this list wasn't in an order but that's only semi-true. Homme by Kipp Stone is my favorite local project of 2020 without a doubt. The 13 track album highlights what life is like growing up in Cleveland and provides an insightful and entertaining look into the Stone's life. It's hard to believe this was going to be one of Stone's last album but it outlines a path to success that could eventually rival Kendrick Lamar's.

Yes - I believe Stone is that good.

Beautiful - Russ Hall

Conscious rap will be a trend on this list but its justified. With artists like Russ Hall creating a foundation of poetic boom bap, it's hard to ignore. Beautiful, Hall's eight track effort is another good reason to keep your eyes open for lyrical rhyme spitters in Ohio. Musically, this feels like an album that would bring you back to the days of Mos Def and MF DOOM. He has the lyrics, he has the boom bap, all that's missing is a mask and red microphone.

Burgundy - Will Cherry

Will Cherry has to be one of the more notable stand outs to 2020. His debut project, Burgundy, is one of the main reasons for this. In the 10 track project, the Elyria crooner opens up about grief and the loss of his father. Despite the dark undertones, the album still songs like "DEATH PROOF" to balance things out. Overall this project is a perfect roadmap to Cherry's future.

With the art direction and production that Cherry puts into his projects, he's certainly one to watch out for 2021.

Nymphae - Mai Moxi

While most of these albums make a strong case for Cleveland rap. This album makes a strong case for Cleveland's R&B scene. Moxi's 12 track effort, which brings back the classic 90's style of R&B shows that there's more to the city's long history of rap. That's not to say Moxi isn't a good rapper, she's a great one and on tracks like Boulder Co Freestyle, she backs it up. 

Strings and Keys Vol1 - Shawn K

An album that was released before the blog was started, Shawn K has been on a roll with new music. This five song project offers something different from what you're typically used to with even emo rap because it's stripped back with minimal production to hide behind. It's a crystal clear window into Shawn K's life including addiction, love and loss. It's not poppy, there's only one song on this project that I would call a radio single but still, this is a refreshing take on the popular genre of rap.

Not so Picture Perfect - Cassidy King

King has long been making a name for herself in the music industry. Still, it's worth mentioning that her EP was one of the best productions out of Ohio. King blends story telling and pop music easily in this six song project that mainly focuses on heartbreak and loss. This project is a mood machine so only play it if you're ready to have a little cry and a snuggle.

Don’t Look Down - Peso

Another great example of an artist to watch out for. Peso makes a strong case for the psychedelic rap scene in Ohio. Drawing from a number of inspirations like Jim Morrison and Kid Cudi, Peso skill fully crafts an album that talks about depression, addiction and growing pains. Sonically, I think Peso has one of the best ears for beats I've ever seen. 

Demons R Us - Doeboy

No one can deny the rockstar status Doeboy has been garnering for years now. All of that hype comes to a head in his joint project with Southside, which makes a strong case for Trap music from Cleveland. With guest verses from Lil Uzi Vert, Future and Chief Keef Demons R Us is probably one of the most star studded projects coming out of Cleveland. Not to mention that most of this project's visuals are hype as hell - my favorite being Stimulus Check.

In case you were wondering - Weswill

Cleveland is known for genre blending and making something better. Weswill is the perfect example of this idea blending a perfect mix of West Coast music with Midwest style. The 10 song project is a rap nerd's playground for witty lyricism, tight production and lyrics that could be posted into bio's for years to come.

Don't get it twisted though, this project is a skillful commentary on being black in America. It's something that is often attempted and often falls short, Weswill pulls it off seamlessly.

Let me know what you think,

Lux