Top 20 Indie Rap Albums of 2021

Over the course of her lush, expansive, defiantly sprawling album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, the Ivor Novello-Award-winning, Mercury nominated Little Simz delivers an undeniable modern classic, effortlessly condensing any number of disparate styles and genres into music which thrillingly broaches the gap between urgent modern treatise and hip hop. A bold, quantum leap forward from the critically beloved "Grey Area", this is hardly music aiming simply for the pop charts; rather, it is turbo charged with the kind of fury and potency, confusion and anxiety that make up the modern experience of being Black, British and female at this particular point in time. This is no mere philosophical exercise, however - the result is her most ambitious and soaring body of work to date, one which operates at the very heights of what rap can be. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

When it comes to West Coast rap, you have mention Caleborate. The Bay Area native has been the leader of the indie rap scene since his debut project 1993 in 2016. As hit art is often rooted in current realities, his latest album Light Hit My Skin is no exception. On the 15-track project featuring appearances by Duckwrth, Kota the Friend, Deante’ Hitchcock, and more Caleborate explores as the album title states light more specifically the reflective nature how light and the subjects touched by it including himself. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

All eyes in Hip-Hop are on Chicago and duo Mother Nature (Klevah Knox and TRUTH) is doing a great job at keeping the indie scene in the conversation. Since their past work with label Closed Sssions, the pair has continued to cement their legacy in the Windy City. On their latest collaborative project SZNZ with producer Boathouse is gunning for the top spot in their city. The 15-track project is a masterclass for today’s emcees on what it means to rap. The album features guest appearances from Brittney Carter, Murph Watkins, Sir Michael Rocks, and more. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

It is no secret that things are getting worse. By virtually any metric––economic or medical, or ones more abstract and spiritual––American society is in decay. The feeling permeates daily life in innumerable ways, giving the present a gnawing, ambient dread. Solemn Brigham is not content to leave this at a low hum. On his debut album, South Sinner Street, Solemn examines this decay through the prism of his hometown: Albemarle, North Carolina, where the blocks he grew up on are crumbling like everything else. “What was once a vibrant area now survives as a reminder that the only thing eternal is change,” Solemn says when describing the project’s genesis. “Trash and debris flood the streets, relics of the many lives lived––each piece with a story to tell.” South Sinner Street not only traces the degradation of the world around us, but documents the way communities can come together to stave off that slow death, lifting its members up in the process. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

In support of his award-winning film by the same name, multifaceted talent Topaz Jones’ sophomore studio album, Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma is a genre-bending work blending together influences of both past and present. The 13-track project features guest appearance by anaiis, Phonte, Leven Kali, Floyd Fuji and more with production by Alissia Benveniste, Jack Hallenbeck, Jacob Rochester, Thelonious Martin and more.. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Off the heals of his crically album Don’t Feed The Monster, Homeboy Sandman’s latest EP Anjelitu is his personal battle within himself put on wax. When asked about the project, Sandman simply replied, “I wrote half of these songs when my energy was either headed in the wrong direction or already there. I wrote the other half while my energy was moving in a direction I'm more excited about, that I find to be more enriching. They're all still my songs though. My mother, and lots of my relatives, used to call me "Angelito." Little Angel. The taijitu is the symbol for yin and yang. Opposites that make a whole. Given the dualistic/duelistic nature of the songs on the record, put it all together and what do you get, Anjelitu." To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

The Sharecropper's Daughter Deluxe Edition contains six new tracks serving as a companion piece to Sa-Roc's already acclaimed Rhymesayers debut, The Sharecropper's Daughter, released in October of 2020. These new songs further showcase Sa-Roc’s sharp skills as a lyricist, and her gift for captivating melodies and engaging content, featuring production from Sol Messiah and Evidence, as well as a guest verse from the late MF DOOM. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

When it comes to the indie community within the state of New Jersey, rapper Samad Savage is leading the pack. With more than five projects under his belt, the Montclair-native’s latest album Duo-Litty is yet again another solid showing from the emcee. From his production skills and writing technique to Samad Savage is paving a lane custom fit to him. The album features appearances by Pineappleciti, Macc McCray, RNBHunter, Blaze, Quadeca, and more. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Namir Blade controls the clouds and the concrete. With the blink of a synapse, his imagination conjures elaborate visions of valleys of death, bad Tijuana dreams, and shotgun raids. In the next breath, he’s blowing off texts, rolling out of bed around noon, and crooning falsetto pleas about his willingness to change. The Nashville’s latest, Imaginary Everything is a work of teleportation and twisted fantasy, a wig-flipping blast of surrealism and slang editorials. It is a journey and experience. A collaboration with the otherworldly producer, L’Orange. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

Following the release of several singles throughout year, Radamiz decided to treat fans with a full-length project. Every Bad Day Has Good News is an album about perspective. When outlining the nexus of the album Radamiz said, “I've been able to survive, to grow, to evolve, to never be swayed too much off my center by life when it becomes rambunctious. made the majority of this knowing our first baby was on the way...Life's a trip. enjoy this piece of my heart, this documentation in between yesterday and the future.” The project features guest appearances from Marlon Craft, Topaz Jones, Heaven Williams, Big E, Devin Tracy, and History. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

Legendary hip hop producer The Alchemist’s EP This Thing of Ours 2 as a sequel to April’s EP of the same name. The short but sweet 5-track release from the critically acclaimed super-producer features appearances from the likes of Danny Brown, California’s Vince Staples, North Carolina’s MAVI, and Detroit collective headed by Dany Brown in Bruiser Brigade including J.U.S., Bruiser Wolf, Fat Ray, and Zelooperz,” writes Sam for The Source. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Birthed about of intimiate conversations between Lecrae and 1K Phew surrounding the disconnect believer felt after the shutdown of many of their reglious homes, No Church In A While is one of the most honest explorations of faith in recent times. When asked about the inspiration behind the album, 1K Phew replied, “this album is for everybody who ain’t been to church or connected to God in a while who thinks they can’t go back. It ain’t really that deep. God is waiting for everybody to tap back in. No Church In A While is telling people there’s still hope, you can still turn to God no matter how long you’ve been away.” To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Rapper and reality television stars Beanz has come a long way since her breakout showing on Netflix competition show Rhythm and Flow. Her new album Tables Turn, is a reintroduction of the recording artist to not only the fans she’s picked up along the way but to herself. The 17-project features guest appearances by Eric Bellinger, Reason, Dizzy Wright, Benny The Butcher, and Cozz. When asked about the inspiration behind the project Beanz replied, “every day I live, I learn, & I’m becoming more solidified in who ‘Beanz’ is. I’m grateful enough to be able to share that on Tables Turn.” To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music.

Rap artist Aaron Cole closed the year off strong with the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, Two Up Two Down. The 14-track album features guest appearances from Tauren Wells, TobyMac, Terrian, Parris Chariz, and more. When asked about the inspiration behind the album Cole replied, “Two Up Two Down is all about never forgetting how far God brought you.” To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

Pink Siifu’s latest solo full-length studio release GUMBO’! is one of his greatest works to date. The 18-track album from the Alabama-born rapper features guest appearances from Nelson Bandela, BbyMutha, Turich Benjy, Big Rube, CoCo O., Cool-Aid, Peso Gordon, Nick Hakim, Asal Hazel, Kamilah, Jaybee Lamahj, Liv.e, Maxo, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Skiiiwalker, Swaggy Q, V.C.R, and Vonbeezy. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

The collaborative album between multitalented Angelo Mota and WELL$, was a 5 year journey in the making. As a dedication to their mutual creative colleague Mike The Curator’s newborn child, ZAïRE. The 10-track project features appearances by Southside Gauxst and Erick Lottary with guest production by Bluflame James, Jerm Scorsese, MightyMike, and Tim Gunter. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.

In March 2020, right as the whole world was entering into a transitional phase, Evidence released a single titled “Unlearning”. More than a year later, Evidence released his most raw album of his career, Unlearning Vol. 1, picking up where the single of the same name left off, and going beyond. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

Hailing from Brownsville, Brooklyn, Taphari got his start in the underground queer club scenes of Bushwick. His live performances are explosive dance parties and an aggressive call to action. Truly charismatic on stage, music is Taphari’s most efficient means of communication. He writes of his struggles as a young loner from the hood seeking asylum in laughter, queer expression, hip hop, and the internet. On Blind Obedience, we find Taphari on a journey of self-actualization, transcending suffering through the power of self-love and authentic musical expression. This hard-hitting, confident debut centers the skilled rapper's syllable hopscotch over mutating beats. Staying in a lane he's forged himself, the rap alien's rage is explosive out the gate. On lead single "Table 42," featuring seasoned rapper Pink Siifu, Taphari sings of lost love and the end of the world over drum 'N bass beats. "Back soon," featuring label mate Benét, is a generous breath from this kinetic collection of bangers. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

Your Grandparents drops their debut album Thru My Window showcasing a nostalgic fusion of groovy R&B and rap as an ode to the elders who've inspired their eclectic but classic music tastes. Thru My Window is an alternative commentary on love in early adulthood. Illustrated through the joint perspective of Your Grandparents, the narrative portrays the origins of a budding relationship and its potential complexities. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, or purchase on Bandcamp.

In the midst of the many projects the actor and reality tv star, LightSkinKeisha has been a part of this year, the Atlanta-native still managed to release a new project of all original tracks. Break The Bank is a fun party focused project filled with club anthems only fitting for her hometown. The project features production from JetsonMade, Mally, and more with a guest feature from veteran rapper Trina. To stream the album visit, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music.