IN MY MIND PRESENTS: Best Of 2020

With the public being confined to their homes for most of 2020, music became one of the few forms of entertainment everyone could still enjoy in solitude. In the midst of a pandemic, this year has been the best year for music in quite some time. Left with nothing but time to create while much of the nation was on lockdown, artists from all genres have released music that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the industry. That's why IMM created a best of 2020 playlist with over 5 hours of hits! Despite the countless good music, I've compiled a list of my favorite albums this year that separated themselves from the rest of the pack.

Amaarae - The Angel You Don't Know

I immediately fell in love with Amaarae’s music after discovering it through Moses Sumney’s“Black Future” playlist. Though there are heavy afrobeats and r&b influences, her music cannot be placed in a single genre. Amaarae uses her soft, sensual voice to sing and rap catchy lyrics over pop-leaning production that makes the listener want to dance.

Buddy & Kent Jamz - Janktape Vol. 1

Buddy and Kent Jamz made the perfect album to ride to. With smooth tracks like “To the Grave” and tracks with straight bars like “Burberry Party”, both artists do an excellent job alternating between their rapping and singing. While I admit, I slept on Kent Jamz (of Overdoz), but Buddy quickly became one of my favorite artists after the year he's had.

Pi'erre Bourne - The Life of Pi'erre 4 (Deluxe)

Adding an album’s worth of bonus songs, the deluxe version of “The Life of Pi’erre 4” includes even more seamless transitions and infectious production. With this album, Pi’erre does a great job establishing himself as an artist outside of his production for others. With the recent trend of "deluxe" albums, Pi'erre's deluxe seems to be the only one worth the extra listen.

Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon III: The Chosen

With "Man on the Moon III: The Chosen", Kid Cudi revisits his classic sound while also taking a bolder approach. The third installment in the trilogy came at the perfect time, as many people (including Cudi himself) were struggling due to the chaos that is 2020 and needed something to help them through it. While he raps of the troubles of his past that still haunt him, MOTMIII has a more hopeful feel, indicative of Cudi's life currently.

Unotheactivist - 8

As a notable rapper in the Atlanta music scene, he's established his own sound that's just as alternative and out of the box as it is trap. Stand out tracks like "Devil on Yo Right Shoulder" and "My Go To" feature more introspective lyrics that show a more vulnerable artist.

Tame Impala - The Slow Rush

Tame impala’s latest album sounds like a soft disco record compared to its other efforts. The passage of time seems to be a loose theme of the album, with many of the tracks dealing with this notion in some way. Songs like “Tomorrow’s Dust” and “On Track” deal with not letting the past determine your future, a lesson crucial to remember especially during a year like this one.

Sahbabii - Barnacles

What I love most about Sahbabbi is his ability to be completely vulgar while also dropping clever bars. It is easy to compare him to Young Thug with how similar their voices sound. However, SahBabii goes a great job in distinguishing himself from the pack with his brand of humorous rap, which works so well because he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Along with great production that pairs well with his relaxed flow, Sahbabii has found his own lane in a climate filled with more of the same.

Key! - I Love You Say it Back

“I Love You Say it Back” is Key!’s most accessible effort yet. Initially conceived as a sequel to his previous project, “So Emotional”, the feelings are still very much present in this body of work. Like most of Key!’s work, “ILYSIB” features an album’s worth of hits. Tracks like “Let’s Go” and “Out the Way” feature that lighthearted, melodic production that Key! is known to float on. It is rare that an artist has the ability to create a hit song with so little effort like Key! Has done time and time again.

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Despite a year filled with great music, the pandemic has prevented artists from being able to tour and promote their albums the way they want to. While music can still be enjoyed from the comfort of your home, some music is appreciated more when it can be shared during special occasions. With the pandemic still going on, it is sure to have an impact on music being made. It will be interesting to see this impact throughout the next year.

Listen to IN MY MIND PRESENTS: Best of 2020 here -