As 2025 is almost over, the inevitable drops of year-end album lists and the arguments they spark online are upon us. Hip-Hop Wired is joining the fray, and we’ve compiled our top Hip-Hop releases of the year.
2025 was a strong year of releases, with acclaimed works from veterans such as Mobb Deep and De La Soul, among others, gaining well-deserved recognition for their projects. Talented younger acts, such as MIKE, Niontay, Mavi, and others, have shown and proven that the game will be in great hands for years to come.
We also saw solid drops from the likes of Westside Gunn, Armand Hammer, Earl Sweatshirt, Open Mike Eagle, Nas, Conway The Machine, and Freddie Gibbs, among several others.
The ladies also had something to say this year, with the return of Cardi B shaking off the sophomore slump with ease. SALIMATA, one of our favorite discoveries in 2024, returned with a fourth-quarter banger, underground veteran Queen Herawin, displaying exceptional skill, and the works of Che Noir and 7xvethegenius collectively and apart, reminding folks that lyrics still matter.
As always, this list is in alphabetical order, and if we missed a favorite drop of yours this year, let us know in the comments or on our socials.
Here’s to 2026 and beyond. Peace to the Hip-Hop Wired nation!
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Photo: Getty
