Our ultimate hip-hop starter pack for newbies

Brockhampton – Saturation 1/2/3

Spawning out of California, Brockhampton were a truly unique group when they first exploded into the mainstream. An album and several other projects had bubbled up to the surface of the hip-hop scene prior to 2017, but it was really the group’s extraordinary Saturation trilogy that gave them worldwide recognition.

Three albums were written, produced, and released all within a span of several months toward the year’s latter half, each one receiving almost universal praise from music enthusiasts and critics alike. With many members being openly gay and a diverse range of artists, Brockhampton stand out amongst the crowd for their progressive sincerity. Each of these records is a fantastic listen, and a great place to start if you’re looking for fresh, modern hip-hop that’s built to last.

We recommend ‘GOLD’, ‘SWEET’, ‘GUMMY’, and ‘BOOGIE’, but there are so many great songs here that we can’t fit into our list. Make sure to give them all a listen! You may also want to dive into frontman Kevin Abstract’s solo work, as he has various fantastic tracks that may tickle your fancy.

Little Simz – GREY Area

While we love plenty of US artists in hip-hop and rap, it’s good to branch out. Little Simz hails from London, UK, and her recent album GREY Area has been winning over new fans around the world. Both gritty and abrasive, Little Simz pure lyrical skill is perfectly matched with eclectic beats and varied instrumentation throughout this album, making her a clear standout in the English scene.

She’s also an actress and has released four mixtapes and five EPs. GREY Area is brief but poignant, concise and densely packed. If you’re looking for somewhere to begin when it comes to UK urban music, Little Simz is your go to.

We recommend ‘Selfish’, ‘101 FM’, and ‘Boss’, the latter being a hard-hitting pump up track that’ll make you feel strong enough to take on anyone. Just don’t actually start a fight, no matter how buzzed you get off this one. We should also mention several other big UK artists you need to know, including Skepta, Loyle Carner, The Streets, and Stormzy.

Mac Miller – Swimming

Mac’s last ever work was arguable his best. As he grew from his original frat-rap image that mostly concerned relatively simple suburban struggles, Mac became more personal but distraught in his music. He tackled substance abuse and depression throughout his later years which, inevitably, translated into his projects.

Swimming is one such example, a laid-back but sunken collection of introspective songs, each one earnest and heartfelt. From the gentle strings of ‘Come Back To Earth’ to the orchestra sounds of ‘2009’, Mac’s heart is laid out bare on this album. Mortality is ever-present, the looming sadness of a fragile mind threaded throughout. It’s a sobering but touching listen, and one that we reckon will be remembered for many years to come.

Other artists we’d recommend if you’re a fan of Mac are Thundercat, Anderson Paak, and J. Cole. As for Swimming, highlights include ‘Come Back To Earth’, ‘Self Care’, ‘Small Worlds’, and ‘Ladders’.

SABA – CARE FOR ME

Saba’s a little less well-known than some of the artists on this list, but he’s no less important. Originating from Chicago, Saba’s latest project CARE FOR ME has earned him a fair amount of critical acclaim and community admiration. The album’s narrative follows the aftermath of Saba’s friend Walter’s death.

Themes of grief are rife here, with excruciatingly personal anecdotes of life experiences spelled out for listeners to soak up. Saba’s frustration at gun violence, inner-city feuds, and pointless rivalries is obvious on CARE FOR ME, as a young man comes to terms with deep loss. The record boasts jazzy, free-flowing production, and astonishingly dense lyricism that has propelled Saba into the top tier of modern rappers.

We’d recommend listening to ‘BUSY’, ‘GREY’, ‘CALLIGRAPHY’, and ‘PROM / KING’, but this is another album you’re best listening to all the way through. Other artists to check out if you’re a fan of this one are Noname, Chance The Rapper, and Smino.

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly

We’ve put this one last simply because you’ve most likely heard Kendrick’s music. His 2017 effort DAMN, alongside the Black Panther soundtrack, saw him dominate charts for a majority of the year. His smash 2015 hit album To Pimp A Butterfly enjoyed similar success and is often labelled one of the greatest albums of all time.

A jazzy, thickly produced collection of tracks that follow Kendrick’s inner-monologue, a wide variety of topics are covered, including the financial regulation and suppression of black artists, intense alcoholic episodes of depression, and Kendrick’s moments of self-hatred. There’s so, so much to unpack on this album, and it remains a cornerstone of essential modern music. Don’t skip this one.

Highlights include ‘Wesley’s Theory’, ‘King Kunta’, ‘Alright’, ‘How Much A Dollar Cost’, and ‘The Blacker The Berry’. If you’ve somehow missed his other work, make sure you also dive back into Kendrick’s back catalogue for a host of other top material.

Do you have any artists you think should have been included? Let us know in the comments below.