THE Rap Pundit. Period.

ICYMI, I shared my favorite albums of 2025 here:

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/803208196819910656/the-best-of-2025-album-edition-a

This year I decided to split up my "best of's" in a different way, so I could shine a light on songs that I really loved but weren't already included on the projects from my 2025 favorite albums list. Now following the same premise as that album list (All-NBA style, but with waaaay more spots!), here are my picks for the best "stand alone" songs of 2025 that still need to be recognized...

****1ST TEAM****

“Student To The Game” - GOODNEWSBAS, Million$ & La reezy

“Me & My” - BabyDrill

"Sum Of Two Evils" - Che Noir & 7xvethegenius

“in the air.” - Remy Banks feat. Bruiser Wolf

"C-Murder Flow" - Lefty Gunplay, Mike & Keys

"Free Market" - Alikho Igama

"Frankenstein" - Chris Patrick feat. Marco Plus

"singsong flow" - Jaysanityy

“Free Rico” - EST Gee

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” - Milc & spinitch feat. Wynne

"Hennessy Straight" - Kenn Starr & Kev Brown feat. DJ Jon Doe

“Gallons” - That Mexican OT & Sauce Walka feat. Lil Jairmy, Sosamann, DRODi & Mg Lil Bubba

“FRANCES” - Na-Kel Smith

"Freight" - GetRichZay feat. 1504 MUTEBABY

"Stacks & Flips" - Boldy James & RichGains feat. Double Dee & Street Lord Juan

“Boss Up” - Kal Banx feat. The Ichiban Don & Daylyt

"BMOP" - Chuck Strangers & Evidence

"456 semm" - Mick Jenkins feat. Smino

"DIDN'T I" - Sincere Hunte & Thelonious Martin

“Black Dynamite” - 2 Eleven feat. Jay Rock

“Ensalada" - Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist feat. Anderson .Paak

"Pressure" - FearDorian

"SS3" - JaeFrmJerz & GRiMM Doza

“Gang Gang” - Chef Boy, Rosencrans HopOut, Ys, Hitta J3 & PHOPH8IGHT

"Walls" - Sir Michael Rocks

"Big Dawg Status" - Bossman Dlow feat. OJ Da Juiceman

"matters of substance" - TAU

“Cracc at 15” - Maxo Kream

****2ND TEAM****

"Flawed Skin" - PATHFINDERS [Blackchai & Illohim]

"YN Flow [Remix]" - Bri3 feat. BAK Jay

"Best Days" - Teller Bank$ & Wino Willy

“Crowned Skull” - QThree & Groundskeeper feat. Cavalier

“Another Day, Another Dolla” - Lil Tony Official feat. Nino Paid

“Crueler Walls” - PremRock feat. Nappy Nina, YUNGMORPHEUS

"Brotherly Hood" - 12k Gotti feat. Sideshow

"stonewall" - Hester Valentine

"TAX SZN" - Moskino, Rob49, YTB Fatt & BabyDrill

“Pulse Points” - Henny L.O. , ewonee, Mirtaw, Illa Styles, Nickelus F & GRT SCTT

"Top Shottas 2K25" - Robb Bank$ feat. Boldy James, Sir Michael Rocks & Big Short

“Community” - JID feat. Clipse

"Vintage Levi's" - Deniro Farrar & Marc Spano

“Ambitionz Of Jax” - Yungeen Ace

“BOBYAHEAD2DIS” - YL & Subjxct 5

“Game Time” - AZ Chike

“True Lies” - Curren$y & Harry Fraud feat. Babyface Ray, Styles P, 03 Greedo

“Cuhmunity Freestyle” - Meet The Whoops feat. AD

“Flip Cup” - Nakama. feat. Rap Man Gavin & kiluhmanjaro

"EVERYDAY SHIT" - Jireh feat. Luke Bar$

"Off The Curb" - Samuel Shabazz, DaeMoney & BabyFxce E

"Putcha Weight On It" - Von Pea & The Other Guys feat. Donwill & Skyzoo

"All Gas No Breaks" - The Alchemist & Hit-Boy feat. Jay Worthy & Big Hit

"SPECIAL TO ME" - Rahiem Supreme DJ Brown13

“Dat” - Rassybugatti & Ralfy the Plug

"10,700 Days" - YUNGMORPHEUS & Dirty Art Club feat. Zeroh, Lukah & Cavalier

"sisyphal stance" - Blvck Svm feat. Sol ChYld, Wulf Morpheus

"Prepping Pizza" - Spank Nitti James & Hit-Boy

"Woodstock 2029" - Your Old Droog & Madlib [Droogie Otis] feat. Jay Electronica & Wiz Khalifa

"Rich Sinners" - Skrilla & Lil Yachty

“PROLONGED” - Davidthetragic feat. Allen Thomas

"offdaleash" - SWAVAY

"QUEST BECKONS" - Mammon feat. LUNGS & Freddy Stone

“Flying Saucers” - your best friend jippy feat. Vodka

“Straight Slidin” - DODY6 feat. Fenix Flexin & Dj Flippp

“Soul Train” - Jay Exodus & Camoflauge Monk feat. 38 Spesh

“City is Mine” - Godfather of Harlem & Swizz Beatz feat. Larry June, Conway the Machine & Sauce Walka

"Nina Sky" - A$AP Twelvyy feat. Lord sko

"WHERE WERE WE" - Valee & MVW feat. Z Money

"89 Rolex" - Smoke DZA, Mike & Keys feat. Ab-Soul

"hmm...BD" - Mello Buckzz feat. G Herbo

"GREAT" - Tomibillsbigger feat. Earl Sweatshirt

“Get Fired” - Pablo Skywalkin

"Gone Fishin'" - Sonnyjim & Morriarchi

"Southern Rap Supremacy" - thefamilyorchestra feat. GRETZKY Da SUMO, Day Tripper

"PNC" - Dango Forlaine & Christopher Jose feat. Rahs God

"Prey For Queens" - KNOWITALL & bop phases

"WORTH SOMETHING" - Icewear Vezzo feat. Big Sean & Peezy

“STEPMOM” - Xella Red

"$100 BILLS" - Shayk Shanif

“Never Need” - Anycia, GloRilla & KARRAHBOOO

“If Not Now” - Mr. Lif, Jehst, Illogic & SPECTACULAR DIAGNOSTICS

“2+2” - Peysoh feat. NLE Choppa

“EASTER ISLAND” - Wiles Martyr

“Daddy’s Girl” - Rapsody & Madlib

“Life Scans” - Marc Andre, ROBEARL & Jamal J.

“BRUDDAHOOD” - Mark Saunders feat. Tee Dot Ohh, Ducksauce, FLII BOOGIIE & SNS

****3RD TEAM****

“Live At the Chinese Buffet” - Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals

"Picture Me Rollin" - BabyChiefDoIt feat. Warholl.Ss & Luhh Dyl

“Stunner” - blank thought feat. IDK Young J. & QuestionATL

"LORDLOVESTERROR" - Cut Beetlez, THEFOODLORD & Lord Karu Villain feat. LORDLOVESTERROR

"lately" - Cardo Got Wings feat. 21 Lil Harold & Nasaan

"PAST DUES" - Ridgy feat. MIXXDRY & .tetsuo

“Flexin” - Moway feat. Wizz Havinn

“Pom Poms” - A2P Fred feat. Nino Paid

"Nostalgia" - T.F & Khrysis feat. Curren$y

"Cigarello Helmets" - The Cool Kids

"Stupid" - turboxl feat. Nutso Thugn

"UPTWO" - YL, LUNGS & Phiik [Another Planet]

"4 Raws" - EsDeeKid

“My Dharma” - Lex Boogie from the Bronx & Senz Beats

"FUBU GENES" - Seafood Sam

“Blood Bath” - Fox BD feat. YTB FATT & Chuckyy

"Brought The 'REAL' Out" - Tree

“No Sense” - DjSlimebxll feat. Slimesito

"Iconic" - TiaCorine

“Cops & Robbers” - Oran Juice Ii feat. JustTy

“Keep Calling” - Mani Coolin

"Glory Hole" - Roc Marciano & DJ Premier

"Goolie Lil Cousin" - Bump J

"Corner Store" - Four50

"paid" - XANG

"Time" - Jorjiana

"ABC's" - Maf Teeski

“I Look Like” - Big Boss Vette

“Silver” - Quincy Hunch feat. Sol ChYld & Onyx

“Good” - EastsideEggroll

"Sky Is Like" - Skyzoo

“High Speed Clouds” -NCY Milky Band & Quelle Chris

"FTW" - G.T. feat. Big Sean

"Cloisters" - Snotnose Saleem feat. Rap Man Gavin

"Air It Out 2.0" - Skooba Steve feat. DUAN GOTTi & RNB.FOEMOB

"MOP STICK" - Young Nudy

“Start Dissin’” - Hit-Boy feat. Spank Nitti James, AZ Chike & Babytron

“Letters To Mars” - Jay Electronica

“READ THE ROOM - LulJustin feat. Zone1eriic

“Infinite Pockets” - Homeboy Sandman & Brand The Builder

"Loyalty" - THE REAL 1 & 3AG PILOT feat. Tony Shhnow

"Militant Gram Gods" - Vic Spencer feat. Panamera P

“F.W.W.I.D” - Kevin Allen feat. Bart Oatmeal & Mani Draper

“Dead Man Walking” - LilCJ Kasino, Sauce Walka & Big Sad 1900

“No Sleep” - Rubberband OG, BABY MEL, Fatt Macc, Big Moochie Grape, ABGR Lil Cory & Trenacote Shawty

“$ & Power” - Benny feat. Skylar Blatt

"ALAKAZAM" - Curbside Jones

“Koolin” - Percaso feat. Luh Tyler

“You're DEAD” - DEAD PERRY feat. al.divino & CRIMEAPPLE

"Long Live My Brother Pt. 2" - EBK BCKDOE

"Magnetic" - Chyna Streetz & 183rd

"L.O.A.T" - Veeze

“Drowsy” - Polo Youngin

"Nesquik” - Napoleon Da Legend & Giallo Point

“Merch His Ahh” - Nutso Thugn feat. LAZER DIM 700

“Dungin” - PROPAGANDA feat. Stik Figa, Dj Sean P

"Thank God I'm A Real N*gga" - Tony Shhnow, Mike & Keys

“End Of The Day” - Xzibit feat. Tre Capital, Domo Genesis & Ade Bekoe

And Haaaaappyyyyyy New Year, folks...

What a year - and I mean that in as many different ways as possible.

2025 was another year of highs and lows, but around these parts The Pundit doesn't allow the lows to overshadow all of the amazing music that dropped this year - especially if I feel like that amazing music didn't receive all of the love that it deserved from the other media outlets.

It's impossible to give all of the shout-outs that I want to give this year (I tried that in the past, but it always leads to someone left unrecognized by accident, or the folks that I want to put a spotlight on getting swept under a scroll of hundreds of names), so here's what I decided to do: I'm borrowing from the NBA and breaking things down into sections, ala All-NBA 1st Team through 3rd Teams.

Within each section the selections are in no particular order, and I will be posting separate "best of" lists for albums/mixtapes/projects and songs. I'm posting the albums first, in an attempt to divide up some of the recognition between the two lists (if you dropped one of my favorite albums of the year, I'll post that album on this list but probably won't post any of the songs from that album on my impending song list...in order to give some love to more songs that weren't covered by the projects below).

Ultimately, I think my goal is to have a year-end record of most of my favorite music all in one place, and a snapshot of the music that I think best represents hip-hop now, and where it's headed.

In case you missed my previous highlight selections from Jan.-Oct. 2025, you can find some links right here:

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/800887024880058368/pundit-picks-the-best-of-2025-spooky

Peace to all of the amazing MC's, Producers, Singers, Mixers, Engineers, Artists, and Writers that continue to make the music that I love so special. And cheers to what I hope will be a happy & healthy New Year for as many folks as possible... 🙏

****Now here is your 2025 ALBUM FIRST TEAM****

A Smile to a Tear by Jay Cinema

Dali Aint Dead by ZelooperZ

OFF-GRID by Gnarly Marley

emerge “n” see by shemar

Old Chicago Stadium by Video Dave

BLACK'!ANTIQUE; ONYX'! by Pink Siifu

TIMESOFPERIL by Sleep Sinatra

Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse

No School by Asterisk

Showbiz! by MIKE

DISCERNMENT by hariroc & Lil Tony Official

Mercy by Armand Hammer & The Alchemist

No Control, No Glory by AKAI SOLO

HEELS HAVE EYES 2 by Westside Gunn

Crook$ & Ca$tles by Ahk Sair

POTLUCK by Bruiser Wolf

The Beautiful Malaise by Tony Bontana & Psychedelic Ensemble.

Life Is Beautiful by Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist

MARCO PLUS vs. tha Underworld by Marco Plus

DRUG$$$ by Teller Bank$, Philth Spector, q no rap name & Killer Kane

Once Upon A Time (Part 1) by Jay Worthy

UNTITLED 007 by DeevoDaGenius

God Takes Care Of Babies & Fools by Myka 9, Blu, Mono En Stereo

The Pilot by Mavi

yoteLAndia by COYOTE

(The) Forever Dream by Fly Anakin

Shawty Got Ball Head Pu**y Like Tupac So I Got High And Kilt It Wit Keefe D by smiles & SMO

GOLLIWOG by billy woods

Live Laugh Love by Earl Sweatshirt

New Moon by Kelly Moonstone

My Place In This World by JamesThe3rd

****2025 ALBUM SECOND TEAM****:

That’s Brilliant! by Bfb Da Packman

DRIVING BLIND by LIFEOFTHOM & Plain Pat

MERRY&RUE by Imani Nichele

At Ease. by IDK Young J. & PTY

check for me by Jaysanityy

A Lost Language Found by Lukah & Statik Selektah

WHAT IF by Declaime & SPECTACULAR DIAGNOSTICS

CANARY: DELUXE EDITION by Kemp Dupri & ILL-Sugi

Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1 by Lord Apex

Auteur by Nate Habits

I Tried To Tell You by KP SKYWALKA

GENESIS by I'll Never Die / JUNE!

Relinquished by AJ Suede, Lord Olo & Televangel

STILL F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I’m Not Through) [Deluxe] by Rio Da Yung OG

Evergreen Plaza by Previous Industries

The Sword & The Soaring by Navy Blue

mahogany blues by WIDNICK

Owin Heart by From, The 3

Matthew Gets Sick Off Cheap Wine and Prefers Gruaud-Larose 1945 by FOHDH Matthew & Wino Willy

MULBERRY SILK ROAD by Errol Holden & Roc Marciano

****2025 ALBUM THIRD TEAM****:

THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR by Hidden Renaissance, Praxeye & Jeph Early

Real Rap by 2Sdxrt3all

Deja Bloo by Bloo Azul & Spanish Ran

4WTRO2 by Zone1eriic & hariroc

City Shimmers by Don Densley, Jay Cinema, LQQPMASTER

Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation) by Murs

King of the Underdogs by Moskino

MADE BY DOPE by Bruiser Wolf & Harry Fraud

Pardon Me, I’m Different by La Reezy & PJ Morton

Psychic Warfare Department by Chester Watson

Flashes In The Dark by J Scienide & Giallo Point

STILL GHETTO by Peezy

GIFT OF GREASES by HAGAKURE & Nyeusi Loe

The White Gold Album II: Sketches of the Imminent Anomaly by Kareem Idris & Sadhugold

Desert Storm by Baz Rui

Faith In The Unknown by ShunGu

Cool Disco Dirt by Let The Dirt Say Amen

The Happening by Salimata

A MURDER OF CROWS by Mick Jenkins & EMIL

The Wizard Behind The Curtain by Bigg Sluggathor

Fada<3of$ by Niontay

All the Dragons Are Dead (Deluxe) by urhra

Neighborhood Gods Unlimited by Open Mike Eagle

SPIRIT BOMB by Halal Boys [Worldwide]

ReBirth.Theory by Sol ChYld

The Treasure Map by J.U.S

My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah by Jamal J.

Contacting by Sunmundi & Sasco

From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID by Saba & No I.D.

WHO WATERS THE WILTING GIVING TREE ONCE THELEAVES DRY UP AND FRUITS NO LONGER BEAR? by $ilkMoney

Pinball II by MIKE & Tony Seltzer

Food From the Gods by Black Milk & Fat Ray

You Can't Hide by AC640

Seeker of Knowledge by CHoW

The Wonderful World Of Squadda B by Squadda B

Armature by Shrapknel & ohbliv

fishing by professor payne

When The Iron Is Hot by ovrkast.

BLACK KNOT by 99 Neighbors, Maari, Wahid & ANTENEH

****Honorable Mentions/Allstar Selections****.....

GT9 by Slimesito

TWICE A DAY W/FOOD by BVNGS

I Live, I Die, I Live Again (Resurrected) by Chuckyy

Brak 2 by Quadie Diesel

Criminally Attached by Boldy James & Nicholas Craven

M Block (Deluxe) by BabyFxce E

THE DYNASTY by WiFiGawd

Cabin In The Sky by De La Soul

8/30 by Curren$y

For My 3’s by Lil Hawa

The Vault Collective by SupremeCreme

ILL Dirty Rufus by Rufus Sims & Master Ill

SALT by Tomorrow Kings

CERTIFIED YOUNGIN by Polo Youngin

Trainspotting by Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams

YN Anthem by 2Sdxrt3all

The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu by Ray Vaughn

OUTSTANDING UNDERSTANDING by R.A.P. Ferreira

UW6 by St6 JodyBoof

FOR MY KID’S KIDS by Jameel Na'im X

Supply & Demand by AyooLii

Remember to Breathe by Landon Wordswell & Es-k

RENT PAID by LaRussell & Hit-Boy

Dis For The Project (Side A) by Dough Networkz

PIFF by Lord Sko

Cegregation by Whyceg

BLEU MAGIC by DeevoDaGenius, Kil The Artist, BLUEHILLBILL

PLUTO WORLD by Pluto

EASE VS EVERYBODY by LITEEASE

‘SKELETONZ’ by MANN

Tag Program (Talented & Gifted) by Lil Gray

LORDLOVESTERROR by Cut Beetlez, THEFOODLORD, Lord Karu Villain

Dirty Harry 2 by El Cousteau

Luka Troncic 2 by Babytron

BLUEHILLBLUES by BLUEHILLBILL & Chef bogey

audiobook by Saje

Codeine Cowboy by Babyface Ray

Sortilege by Preservation & Gabe ‘Nandez

M.E.M.O.I.R.S. by Jamil Honesty & JR Swiftz

THE SQUIDFATHER by hariroc

TOPSTRIKE by Jaeychino

Smoke Sumn Radio, Vol. 1 by The 6th Letter & Ghostboyrj

Summertime Butch 2 by Benny The Butcher

House Arrest Music, Vol. 1 by DJKotarola

Vivid Visions by The Expert

The LEAK by Dezeiioun

NABI by Al.Divino

THE MOTHERSHIP by 2SPVCEDD, KAMEO & YEEZ

SMILODON by klwn cat & Mourning Run

Hot Ramen by John Robinson & Budamunk

Unregistered Kush by blaq kush

MERRY PRANKSTER FOR LIFE by jouquin fox

2000XL: A Space Odyssey by Killer Kane

Peinture Musique by Manast LL’ & 528ron

HOMECOMING by SXLM JUNE

MINO (Supreme Edition) by Elcamino & Black Soprano Family

Liotta’s Way by Jiggs

Vol. 2 The Y.O.Uprint by Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire

Forgiveness Is God’s Job…Part 1 by Don Trip

What Was Found in the Fire by Slumber Logic

Rations by Dillon & Paten Locke

DOPEFUMEMIDI by JAKEWITHSPACES!

HARD AS KELL by Wiz Kelly & Chillon Davis

what do you hear when you pray? by demahjiae

The Black Teddy Santis by Andre DeSaint & Machacha

justicexavier & Friends by JusticeXavier

a Metal Snake by Merkeba

Hedonist by YesteryearATL & Iree

Demo 2: The Oldest Sun by seaven supreme

Light-Years by Nas & DJ Premier

MAFIA CAFE by JasonMartin, Mike & Keys

Janky K by 1100 Himself

No Mercy Ultra by Teeg Austin & Social Misfit

The Wolf & The Walrus by Teller Bank$ & Ed Glorious

BORN by Python P

You Can't Kill God With Bullets by Conway The Machine

EARTHBOUND by Cise Greeny

These Titles Are Getting Pretty Silly AKA Can't Sell 4 by Homeboy Sandman

XANDARIAN WORLDMIND by Oldman Freeman & ClayHead

#MINIMANSIONDUST, VOL. 7 by Estee Nack

************************************************************************

And in case you missed my picks for favorite music of 2025 thus far, you can peep them here:

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/796171202124251136/pundit-picks-the-best-of-2025-deluxe

From my better-late-than-never files, it's exactly what everyone wants right before Thanksgiving: a new best-of music list that doesn't contain anything that's dropped over the past three weeks!

It's no small task keeping up with all of the music that drops on a regular basis, but it is so necessary to give as many artists as possible the shout-out that they deserve. Here's another list of some of the new (or newly discovered) music that I was listening to in October:

*In no particular order*…

"sisyphal stance" - Blvck Svm, Sol ChYld & Wulf Morpheus

God Takes Care Of Babies & Fools by Myka 9, Blu, Mono En Stereo

Flashes In The Dark by J Scienide & Giallo Point

STILL GHETTO by Peezy

"SHORTSTOP" - Sincere Hunte & Thelonious Martin

The White Gold Album II: Sketches of the Imminent Anomaly by Kareem Idris & Sadhugold

MINO (Supreme Edition) by Elcamino & Black Soprano Family

"He Gone" - Juvenile & Mannie Fresh feat. Dee-1

Auteur by Nate Habits

“100$ BILLS” - Shayk Hanif

"Woodstock 2029" - Your Old Droog & Madlib (Droogie Otis) feat. Jay Electronica & Wiz Khalifa

MADE BY DOPE by Bruiser Wolf & Harry Fraud

"360 Photo Booth" - Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon feat. bbymutha

"Painterr" - Jay Cinema

DRIVING BLIND by LIFEOFTHOM & Plain Pat

"EVERYDAY SHIT" - Jireh & Luke Bar$

"ARTMONEY$TAINZ" - Dntwatchtv

Liotta's Way by Jiggs

"Ultra Dark Funk" - AJ Suede, Lord OLO, Televangel

"impaired" - cisco moon & Stevie! feat. money for water

Vol. 2 The Y.O.Uprint by Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire

"Pure Debauchery" - DocturDot feat. Marco Plus

a Metal Snake by Merkeba

A River Dies of Thirst by Snotnose Saleem

"HOMECOMING" - Reuben Vincent & 9th Wonder

PLUTO WORLD by Pluto

Forgiveness Is God's Job...Part 1 by Don Trip

"Peace To The Heavens!" AKAI SOLO

MULBERRY SILK ROAD by Errol Holden & Roc Marciano

What Was Found in the Fire by Slumber Logic

Infinite by Mobb Deep

TWICE A DAY W/FOOD by BVNGS

"Options" - Sule, Tye Cooper, Black Soprano Family feat. The Hoodies

A MURDER OF CROWS by Mick Jenkins & EMIL

"New Edition" - Teeg Austin & Social Misfit feat. Mike Shabb

"im (not) okay" - Your Stepdad

THE SAD CLOWN by hikii

Kept Ballin by Tomibillsbigger

Rations by Dillon & Paten Locke

"Fei Long" - Sleep Sinatra feat. Nolan The Ninja

Sweet For Cynics by Nappy Nina

"Banshee Walk" - Apollo Brown & Bronze Nazareth

"Try" - Paprob feat. dp0mmy & WAKAI

DOPEFUMEMIDI by JAKEWITHSPACES!

HARD AS KELL by Wiz Kelly & Chillon Davis

CERTIFIED YOUNGIN by Polo Youngin

"Magnetic" - Chyna Streetz

"Cascade" - CARRTOONS feat. Wiki, Rae Khalil & The Kount

"Corpotate Thuggin" - Joey Fatts feat. Vince Staples

"Brand New Man" - Loski Baby feat. Moskino

There Was a Wind, But No Chime by Dot Dev

"Talk To The Mass" - ShunGu feat. Fly Anakin, Goya Gumbani & Fatima

"Opening Day" - Slick Devious feat. Something Something Brax

Comemos by Rich Jones & Good Food

what do you hear when you pray? by demahjiae

The Black Teddy Santis by Andre DeSaint & Machacha

"Big Dawg Status" - Bossman Dlow feat. OJ Da Juiceman

"Hood Politics" - Murda Beatz feat. Babyface Ray & Big Sean

"Locally Famous" - Bri3

"POV 2" - Samuel Shabazz

"The Wrath of Farrakhan" - Willyynova

"Don't Be A Menace" - HavinMotion

"TALK HEAVY / ROCKSTEADY" - Newalias feat. SUNNY PAFH

justicexavier & Friends by JusticeXavier

"Ambitionz Of Jax" - Yungeen Ace

100 FROM THE CLARITY STRIPE by SOO DO KOO

The Greatest Show on Earth 2.0 by KING HENDRICK$

"Gold Teeth Smile" - Seafood Sam feat. Huey Briss

"TOMBSTONE" - Masongo Ogora feat. KAYEMJAE

"Glow Cartiers" - Spanish Ran feat. Bloo Azul, Ricky Mapes & DJ Ill Digitz

"Cotton Mouth" - DTM Life, DjSlimebxll, RRoxket & Lisha G

"Was Hannin" - TiaCorine feat. Wiz Khalifa

DIALOGUE. by Ol' Burger Beats & Vuyo

Hedonist by YesteryearATL & Iree

"Dat" - Rassybugatti & Ralfy the Plug

Demo 2: The Oldest Sun by seaven supreme

The summer has been a wrap for a month now (although no one seems to have told the heat yet), but that doesn't mean it's too late to recap all of the great music that stayed in rotation over the past few months. Continuing my list of favorite joints of 2025, this list of shout-outs consists of the dopest of the dope - at least that I can recall - that has dropped since July 1st (and/or anything that I didn't catch up to until after I posted my previous "best of" list back in June - which you can find below, FYI).

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/786544937568206848/the-best-of-2025-so-far-my-favorite-rap

2025 has been yet another year where the world feels like it's gone up in flames, but I am still so very grateful for this music. Thank you to all of the artists - the one's below, but artists everywhere - that continue to share their gifts with the world, and make these trying times a little less trying.

Now time to release this Kraken...

*In no particular order*…

***FAVORITE ALBUMS/EPs/MIXTAPES/PROJECTS***:

MARCO PLUS vs. tha Underworld by Marco Plus

DRUG$$$ by Teller Bank$, Philth Spector, q no rap name & Killer Kane

Pardon Me, I'm Different by La Reezy & PJ Morton

Once Upon A Time (Part 1) byJay Worthy

WHAT IF by Declaime & SPECTACULAR DIAGNOSTICS

HEELS HAVE EYES 2 by Westside Gunn

City Shimmers by Don Densley, Jay Cinema & LQQPMASTER

On My Way To Berlin by Smoke DZA

Matthew Gets Sick Off Cheap Wine and Prefers Gruaud-Larose 1945 by FOHDH Matthew & Wino Willy

Dirty Harry 2 by El Cousteau

DEAD Fi$h, Vol. 1 by DEAD FI$H [Perry Maysun & Ahk Sair]

Owin Heart by From, The 3

STILL F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I'm Not Through) [Deluxe] by Rio Da Yung OG

Leaving Home by FearDorian

Unlearning Vol. 2 by Evidence

Luka Troncic 2 by Babytron

Dali Aint Dead by ZelooperZ

Supreme Clientele 2 by Ghostface Killah

Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation) by Murs

New Moon by Kelly Moonstone

Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse

CANARY: DELUXE EDITION by Kemp Dupri & ILL-Sugi

Live Laugh Love by Earl Sweatshirt

Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1 by Lord Apex

Desert Storm by Baz Rui

BLUEHILLBLUES by BLUEHILLBILL & Chef bogey

OFF-GRID by Gnarly Marley

audiobook by Saje

Real Rap by 2Sdxrt3all

King of the Underdogs by Moskino

I Tried To Tell You by KP SKYWALKA

EVERYTHING BURNS! by Nakama.

Contacting by Sunmundi & Sasco

Codeine Cowboy by Babyface Ray

RISK IT FOR THE BISCUIT by Rahiem Supreme & Brown13

Neighborhood Gods Unlimited by Open Mike Eagle

Sins Aloud by LAZER DIM 700

Sortilege by Preservation & Gabe 'Nandez

BLACK KNOT by 99 Neighbors, Maari, Wahid & ANTENEH

MR. NICE GUY by BA PACE

Late Nights by Dt Tha Kidd

Stellar Reputation by Deniro Farrar & Marc Spano

TROIKA by Hidden Renaissance, New Villain, T H R O N E

8/30 by Curren$y

The Coldest Profession by DJ Premier & Roc Marciano

EVERGREEN by Ridgy

Alfredo 2 by The Alchemist & Freddie Gibbs

the dya after... by whereisfox

Armature by Shrapknel & Ohbliv

M.E.M.O.I.R.S. by Jamil Honesty & JR Swiftz

THE SQUIDFATHER by hariroc

STILL HERE by Jaeychino

Just Cuz 2 by 4pooch & NoGum Hundo

WHO WATERS THE WILTING GIVING TREE ONCE THE LEAVES DRY UP AND FRUITS NO LONGER BEAR? by $ilkMoney

Smoke Sumn Radio, Vol. 1 by The 6th Letter & Ghostboyrj

PAPERWEIGHT by Camden Malik & DVNTBEATS

Summertime Butch 2 by Benny The Butcher

House Arrest Music, Vol. 1 by DJKotarola

Self Portrait by Tony Shhnow, Mike & Keys

UNTITLED 007 by DeevoDaGenius

Vivid Visions by The Expert

The LEAK by Dezeiioun

Scrolling Through The Doom by Rap Man Gavin & LU!

MEET ME AT EARTH'S CORE by Kilian Fonlon

For My 3's by Lil Hawa

I AM THE FEMALE WEEZY by Hester Valentine

SPIRIT BOMB by Halal Boys [Worldwide]

ReBirth.Theory by Sol ChYld

NABI by Al.Divino

Psychic Warfare Department by Chester Watson

THE MOTHERSHIP by 2SPVCEDD, KAMEO & YEEZ

SMILODON by klwn cat & Mourning Run

Hot Ramen by John Robinson & Budamunk

Run For The Arts by Milc & spinitch

Grateful Dead by AJ Suede

GIFT OF GREASES by HAGAKURE & Nyeusi Loe

Unregistered Kush by blaq kush

...& WHAT AFTER THAT?! by Monae Marleau

Living In Large Buildings by J Scienide & Bes Kept

The Spookz Who Sat By The Speaker by The Spookz

CHILDREBELSOLDIERS by freespottie & THEFOODLORD

MERRY PRANKSTER FOR LIFE by jouquin fox

fishing by professor payne

2000XL: A Space Odyssey by Killer Kane

Peinture Musique by Manast LL' & 528ron

IMMORTAL 2 by SWUM & GriMM Doza

Bad Muhf*cka by Premo Rice

Trees Are Undefeated by Vic Spencer

MAFIOSO (Deluxe) by Mafia Skeet

Eat, Sip, Shxt, Studio by Fox BD

HOMECOMING by SXLM JUNE

Relatives and Cousins, Vol. 1 by PARTY IN MY LIVING ROOM

************************************************************************

***WHAT ELSE STAYS IN HEAVY ROTATION (singles, B-sides & loosies)*** :

*In no particular order*…

"Student To The Game" - GOODNEWSBAS, Million$ & La reezy

"Walls" - Sir Michael Rocks

"Boss Up" - Kal Banx feat. The Ichiban Don & Daylyt

"Park Bench" - Blu & Myka 9, Mono En Stereo

"Start Dissin'" - Hit-Boy feat. Spank Nitti James, AZ Chike & Babytron

"Letters To Mars" - Jay Electronica

"F.W.W.I.D" - Kevin Allen feat. Bart Oatmeal & Mani Draper

"stacks." - Remy Banks feat. GVAAN

"Straight Slidin" - DODY6 feat. Fenix Flexin & Dj Flippp

"Guilty" - Homeboy Sandman & Sonnyjim

"Cracc at 15" - Maxo Kream

"If Not Now" - Mr. Lif, Jehst, Illogic & SPECTACULAR DIAGNOSTICS

"bags" - osquinn & FearDorian

"SAME OLD SAM" - Seafood Sam

"FRANCES" - Na-Kel Smith

"Money On Money" - Young Thug feat. Future

"Jawn Dough" - YL, Lungs, Phiik & Ill-Sugi

"Check My Resume" - Fetty P Franklin

"Yes hello?" - Snupe

"SWIZZY (?)"offdaleash" - SWAVAY

"2+2" - Peysoh feat. NLE Choppa

"Dirge" - Sleep Sinatra

"Community" - JID feat. Clipse

"Drill Flow" - Pluto feat. BabyDrill

"PRiNCE GEORGE" - IDK & Cordae

"Mansion Music" - Hoodlum & Peso Peso

"LEGAL" - Cashwhop feat. Nino Paid

"Stupid" - turboxl feat. Nutso Thugn

"The Bay tah Milwaukee" - Gen4jake & Shelbyiv

"Blue Velvet" - Princess Nokia

"VET" - Bri3 & Gizwop

"Drapetomania" - Chance the Rapper feat. BabyChiefDoit

"Get In Der" - TempTimeRadio feat. 2Sdxrt3all & Whyceg

"Certified Trappers" - Certified Trapper & 3200 TRE

"5Star" - PlaqueBoyMax, Rob49 & Veeze

"Dead Man Walking" - LilCJ Kasino, Sauce Walka & Big Sad 1900

Recoechi feat. Mother

"STEPMOM" - Xella Red

"KBR" - Bub Rock feat. DJ Mickey Knox

"Flexin" - Moway feat. Wizz Havinn

"CHILLOUT" - JasonMarin, Mike & Keys

"Daddy's Girl" - Rapsody & Madlib

"Life Scans" - Marc Andre, ROBEARL & Jamal J.

"ROCKIN" - Shoreline Mafia

"Pom Poms" - A2P Fred feat. Nino Paid

"4 Raws" - EsDeeKid

"Eclipse" - Rhocantsleep & Austin Fox feat. ZekeUltra

"Keep Runnin" - YGTUT

"BRUDDAHOOD" - Mark Saunders feat. Tee Dot Ohh, Ducksauce, FLII BOOGIIE & SNS

"ouch" - Nolan The Ninja & Michael Christmas

"...aight, water." - elijah.

"Himothy Johnson" - Jorjiana

"E.14th" - ALLBLACK feat. Big Sad 1900

"OOO WHAT'S THAT" - HUMAN ERROR CLUB & Kenny Segal feat. Quelle Chris & Cavalier

Earl Sweatshirt, Ghostface Killah, Kelly Moonstone, Marco Plus, JID, Teller Bank$, From The 3, Lil Hawa, Babyface Ray, 2sdrxt3all, Evidence, $ilkMoney, FOHDH Matthew & Wino Willy, Rio Da Yung OG, Gabe ‘Nandez & Preservation, Offset, and many more …the past few weeks have seen the release of some of 2025’s finest records.

2025 has proven to be another year of unpredictable, diverse hip-hop music that offers something for everyone, ranging from aesthetics designed to distract you from thinking too hard about anything, to audio expressionism that will have you thinking about absolutely everything happening in the world around you.

As shocked as I am that we are already approaching the mid-point of the year, a quick reflection on what we have seen and heard between January and June clearly indicates that...A LOT has happened. With much of the world feeling like everything is up in flames (sadly in too many cases, that can be taken literally), much of the art we have seen in 2025 echoes a society inundated by images of war, genocide, corruption, an uptick in threats to minority communities, assault on gender identity, a casual comfort in expressing ignorant and sexist views through large-scale means, fractured economic systems with a dangerous lack of protective infrastructure, mostly empty rap battles between coasts that all parties would be better off without (ahem)...and too many other existential threats to cover here. In summary, there's seemingly no end for topics to cover in rap music today.

So whatever music you're listening to right now, I just hope it is bringing you joy, or at the very least, serving a series of tiny reminders that there is still a lot to love about this world, and the people in it. I'm going to try to do my part by sharing some of the music that I have loved in 2025 thus far, and if you end up loving anything from this list that you had not previously heard, let me know. 🙏

*In no particular order*...

***FAVORITE ALBUMS/EPs/MIXTAPES/PROJECTS***:

(The) Forever Dream by Fly Anakin

Murder During Drug Traffic by Boldy James & RichGains

Crook$ & Ca$tles by Ahk Sair

Dear Psilocybin by ZelooperZ & Real Bad Man

emerge "n" see by shemar

GOLLIWOG by billy woods

Shawty Got Ball Head Pu**y Like Tupac So I Got High And Kilt It Wit Keefe D by smiles & SMO

That's Brilliant! by Bfb Da Packman

Supreme Magnetic by ERROL HOLDEN

be a better friend by Jay Cinema & chasay

Black Man! by Teller Bank$ & Wino Willy

MERRY&RUE by Imani Nichele

Showbiz! by MIKE

yoteLAndia by COYOTE

POTLUCK by Bruiser Wolf

Pinball II by MIKE & Tony Seltzer

No School by Asterisk

Food From the Gods by Black Milk & Fat Ray

THE DYNASTY by WiFiGawd

Fada<3of$ by Niontay

From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID by Saba & No I.D.

check for me by Jaysanityy

YN Anthem by 2Sdxrt3all

At Ease. by IDK Young J. & PTY

Trainspotting by Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams

SHIT AIN'T SWEET by JUNE!

The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu by Ray Vaughn

PATHFINDERS by PATHFINDERS (blackchai & Illohim)

The Wonderful World Of Squadda B by Squadda B

Life Is Beautiful by Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist

Seeker of Knowledge by CHoW

Old Chicago Stadium by Video Dave

M Block (Deluxe) by BabyFxce E

Evergreen Plaza by Previous Industries

OUTSTANDING UNDERSTANDING by R.A.P. Ferreira

UW6 by St6 JodyBoof

FOR MY KID'S KIDS by Jameel Na'im X

ILL Dirty Rufus by Rufus Sims & Master Ill

ZOO LIFE by BabyChiefDoit

Forty by Blu & August Fanon

WINNERTIME 2.0 by Papo2oo4 & Subjxct 5

The Beautiful Malaise by Tony Bontana & Psychedelic Ensemble.

Deja Bloo by Bloo Azul & Spanish Ran

When The Iron Is Hot by ovrkast.

I Want Nothin' by Kipp Stone

Remember to Breathe by Landon Wordswell & Es-k

RENT PAID by LaRussell & Hit-Boy

12 by Westside Gunn

UNDEFEATED EP by Icewear Vezzo

I Did More with Less (V1) by A$AP Twelvyy

Salsa Verde by Tom Caruana

Demon Slayer 2 by Lord OLO & Televangel

THUG ZINE issue 003: Against Entropy by bromethugzine (SWAMP THUG & BROMETHAZINE)

Other Blues by Parallel Thought & Defcee

I Live, I Die, I Live Again by Chuckyy

Dis For The Project (Side A) by Dough Networkz

Atlanta Night Life by YN Jay

The Outcome (Deluxe) by Black Soprano Family & ILL Tone Beats

shabbvangogh by Mike Shabb

PIFF by Lord Sko

Pooch On Da Loose! by 4pooch

Conversion of Light EP by Alikho Igama

Cegregation by Whyceg

A Space Between Time by BigDaddyChop & Heir James

The Michelin Man by Cookin Soul & ANKHLEJOHN

BLEU MAGIC by DeevoDaGenius, Kil The Artist, BLUEHILLBILL

GT9 by Slimesito

Welfare Island by KnowitAll & bop phrases

RocAmerikkka 3 by Flee Lord & eto

The Vault Collective by SupremeCreme

EASE VS EVERYBODY by LITEEASE

4WTRO2 by Zone1eriic & hariroc

Stadium Lo Champions by Raz Fresco & Futurewave

Hero's Journey by Sleep Sinatra

'SKELETONZ' by MANN

Life Of A Zootieee by El Snappo

City Shimmers by Don Densley, Jay Cinema, LQQPMASTER

Cold [Deluxe Edition] by Kenn Starr & Kev Brown

BLACK KNOT by 99 Neighbors, Maari, Wahid, ANTI

Tag Program (Talented & Gifted) by Lil Gray

A Lost Language Found by Lukah & Statik Selektah

LORDLOVESTERROR by Cut Beetlez, THEFOODLORD, Lord Karu Villain

***WHAT ELSE STAYS IN HEAVY ROTATION*** :

*In no particular order*...

"Cuhmunity Freestyle" - Meet The Whoops feat. AD

"Flip Cup" - Nakama. feat. Rap Man Gavin & kiluhmanjaro

"Fashion Model" - Skrilla feat. Jorjiana

"REALEST OF YOUR BOYZ" - Tree

"Me & My" - Babydrill

"Hit the Brakes" - Fat Trel & KP SKYWALKA

"Never Need" - Anycia, GloRilla & KARRAHBOOO

"COMPANYFLOW" - urhra & Riley Lamarre feat. Lungs/Lonesword, 98preem & blackchai

"Crowned Skull" - QThree & Groundskeeper feat. Cavalier

"Gang Gang" - Chef Boy, Rosencrans HopOut, Ys, Hitta J3 & PHOPH8IGHT

"$ & Power" - Benny feat. Skylar Blatt

"1:1[FKDUP.BEZEL]" - Pink Siifu feat. Conquest Tony Phillips, bbymutha & Eltheist

"Black Dynamite" - 2 Eleven feat. Jay Rock

"Blood Bath" - Fox BD feat. YTB FATT & Chuckyy

"This Aint That" - Murs

"Money On Money" - Young Thug & Future

“MFWAH” - DeevoDaGenius feat. ElCamino & Estee Nack

"READ THE ROOM - LulJustin feat. Zone1eriic

"Nesquik" - Napoleon Da Legend & Giallo Point

"Refurbished" - Jamal J. SWIZZ B88GIE, Saint Key

"My Dharma" - Lex Boogie from the Bronx & Senz Beats

"Game Time" - AZ Chike

"Prepping Pizza" - Spank Nitti James & Hit-Boy

"gmfu" - Marco Plus

"The Rose Bowl" - The High & Mighty feat. Your Old Droog & The Alchemist

"Armani Section" - Roc Marciano & DJ Premier

"Silver" - Quincy Hunch feat. Sol ChYld & Onyx

"Good" - EastsideEggroll

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith" - Milc & spinitch feat. Wynne

"Be" - Sol ChYld

"Time" - Jorjiana

"Landgrab" - Mavi feat. Earl Sweatshirt

"Stunner" - blank thought feat. IDK Young J. & QuestionATL

"P Bitch" - Myaap & Nedarb feat. Pablo Skywalkin

"Live At the Chinese Buffet" - Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals

"BMJR 3" - Jameel Na'im X

"City is Mine" - Godfather of Harlem & Swizz Beatz feat. Larry June, Conway the Machine & Sauce Walka

"BOBYAHEAD2DIS" - YL & Subjxct 5

"GBP" - Central Cee feat. 21 Savage

"3.5" - Myles Clayton

"Destiny Rose" - Che Noir & Superior

"Crueler Walls" - PremRock feat. Nappy Nina, YUNGMORPHEUS

“True Lies” - Curren$y & Harry Fraud feat. Babyface Ray, Styles P, 03 Greedo

“paid” - XANG

"OLADIPO" - Bump J

"Ask About Me" - ChoppaBaby & Fatt Macc feat. lil double 0

"Ultra Ill Magnetic Street" - Thirstin Howl III feat. Young Hump

"Gallons" - That Mexican OT & Sauce Walka feat. Lil Jairmy, Sosamann, DRODi & Mg Lil Bubba

"NEVER TRUST A BITCH THA- *EXPLODES*" - $ilkMoney

“Ouch” - DDG, Kyle Richh & NLE Choppa

“3167” - Lil Hawa feat. YsnUth

"Koolin" - Percaso feat. Luh Tyler

"Drowsy" - Polo Youngin

"Freight" - GetRichZay feat. 1504 MUTEBABY

"Went Off" - Doseone & Steel Tipped Dove feat. Open Mike Eagle

"Grain Of Sand" - Fresh Daily & Parental feat. Debonair P

"ERRDAY" - kingdoughmane.

"YN" - PlaqueBoyMax feat. Sexyy Red, BabyChiefDoit, LAZER DIM 700 & Baby Kia

"Weed Gentrification" - GOODNEWSBAS feat. Cavalier

“Pulse Points” - Henny L.O. , ewonee, Mirtaw, Illa Styles, Nickelus F & GRT SCTT

"TOXIC" - Playboi Carti feat. Skepta

"World Tour" - Jaeychino

"It Factor" - Boldy James & Real Bad Man feat. EL-P

"Automatic Weapons" - Lil Bread feat. LAZER DIM 700

“Aye Rage” - Benji Blue Bills & BNYX, YourRage

“3B’s” - STAR BANDZ

“PROLONGED” - Davidthetragic feat. Allen Thomas

"Handle Bars" - T.F & Khrysis feat. Flee Lord & Smoke DZA

“Another Day, Another Dolla” - Lil Tony Official feat. Nino Paid

“Infinite Pockets” - Homeboy Sandman & Brand The Builder

“No Sense” - DjSlimebxll feat. Slimesito

"Imported Hashish" - Bigg Sluggathor feat. UGLYFRANK

"Last Laugh" - Jericho Jackson (Elzhi & Khrysis) feat. Domo Genesis & Oh No

“PERFECT WORLD” - Lloyd Banks

“No Sleep” - Rubberband OG, BABY MEL, Fatt Macc, Big Moochie Grape, ABGR Lil Cory & Trenacote Shawty

“EASTER ISLAND” - Wiles Martyr

"Double D's" - Baby Osamaa

“Old School” - 2DATRAP, Dj Gren8de, Slime Dollaz

Choppa FattMac - Ask About Me

“I Look Like” - Big Boss Vette

"God Body Brothers" - Dizzy Wright, D Smoke, Oswin Benjamin, AJ McQueen & Kxvi

"South Still Speaking" - Lukah & Statik Selektah feat. Killer Mike

"High Speed Clouds" -NCY Milky Band & Quelle Chris

"Facelift" - DEAD PERRY feat. Estee Nack, Raz Fresco & Daniel Son

"Uncle Bernie" - Reese Youngn feat. Bfb Da Packman

"Brand New" - The Underachievers (Issa Gold, AKTHESAVIOR)

"scales" - Lord Apex feat. Louis Culture

"Be Foreal" - Luhh Dyl

"Forever My Moment" - Tee Grizzley

"Rent Due" - Jay Exodus feat. Mick Jenkins

"Glockaveli" - Key Glock "Dungin" - PROPAGANDA feat. Stik Figa, Dj Sena P

"Merch His Ahh" - Nutso Thugn feat. LAZER DIM 700

"GARGOYLE" - Obijuan, Mike Shabb

"End Of The Day" - Xzibit feat. Tre Capital, Domo Genesis & Ade Bekoe

"Monta Ellis" - Ghais Guevara feat. Yoko McThuggin

"Look Like Cocaine" - Bravo The Bagchaser feat. X4

"Flying Saucers" - your best friend jippy feat. Vodka

"Bo Crackson" - AC640

"Room Of June" - Vic Spencer & Bucky Luger

"WEIGHTED SHOES" - Perry Maysun feat. Isaiah Poet

"Basquiat Painted Transylvania" - Fatboi Sharif & Driveby feat. LUNGS

"Get Fired" - Pablo Skywalkin "Keep Calling" - Mani Coolin

"Cops & Robbers" - Oran Juice Ii feat. JustTy

"Sucka Free, Pt. 2" - Premo Rice

"The Magic iZ Y.O.U." - Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire

"ventriliquist" - whereisfox feat. Outside House

"ABC's" - Maf Teeski

"K E L L F I R E" - Wiz Kelly & Chillon Davis feat. VEGA7

"Options" - Sule, Tye Cooper & Black Soprano Family feat. The Hoodies

If 2025 ended today we would still be looking at a great year for rap music. It's hard for me to imagine too many future releases being stronger than my favorite records of the year so far, but only time will tell. Stay tuned...

We need to start taking inventory of MIKE’s career and what he’s already accomplished before the age of 30.