Best Albums and EPs from July 2023

Dive into July 2023's best albums and EPs—a blend of catchy pop, soulful R&B, and punchy hip-hop.

The sizzling days of July bore sweet musical fruit, with a bountiful crop of albums and EPs that captured the energy of summer. Here we highlight the best releases across hip-hop, R&B, and pop.

Hip-Hop continued to evolve as artists unpacked their experiences over creative beats—introspective lyrics combined with various production styles to create a snapshot of the genre. Whether tackling social issues, personal themes, or just straight-up rapping, the music was a compelling reflection of the artists’ truths. The R&B offerings with silky vocals layered over mellow soundscapes. Rich harmonies and supple rhythms conjured laidback vibes perfect for tranquil summer nights.

On the pop front, infectiously danceable beats ruled supreme. Feel-good anthems with bright synths and buoyant melodies provided the soundtrack for summer fun. The effervescent energy of the production paired effortlessly with honeyed pop vocals. From rhyme schemes to harmonies, July’s musical mosaic showcased the pluralism of contemporary sounds.

Black Milk — Everybody’s Good?

Detroit rapper-producer Black Milk delivers his eighth studio album, Everybody Good?, showcasing a fusion of genres that seamlessly blends rap, soul, funk, rock, and ghettotech. With lush synthetic funk beats and meticulously crafted production, Black Milk creates a sound at home on a sweaty dancefloor or in the solitude of AirPods. The album features a proggy sprawl and long instrumental bookends that let the songs marinate before the vocals kick in, displaying Black Milk’s growing ambition as a bandleader and producer.

Calculus — La Cosa Nostra

Johannesburg producer Calculus assembled an all-star lineup of veteran emcees for his new album La Cosa Nostra. The project features gritty boom-bap production and A-grade bars from lyrical heavyweights (Planet Asia, Canibus, Killah Priest, etc.). Calculus crafted a backdrop of hard-hitting, stripped-down beats to complement the assembled talent. While the production may be straightforward, it packs a punch—deep bass, crisp drums, and sinister melodies create an uncompromisingly rugged sonic landscape. He succeeds in crafting a project that lets the rappers take center stage rather than distract from them—straightforward and enormously enjoyable, La Cosa Nostra bumps from start to finish.

CHIKA — SAMSON: The Album

CHIKA’s debut album, SAMSON: The Album, is personal and ambitious. It explores a range of musical styles and traditions while reflecting CHIKA’s uncompromising approach to her music. Collaborations with artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Freddie Gibbs, and Snoop Dogg add depth and speak to her recognition in the industry. CHIKA’s previous successes, like a Grammy nomination, highlight her status as an artist to watch. Her unique sound and raw, unfiltered lyrics connect, making SAMSON: The Album significantly contribute to her career and the broader music scene, despite the news.

Chino XL & Stu Bangas — God’s Carpenter

God’s Carpenter is a collaboration between Chino XL and Stu Bangas, bringing together hard-hitting production and intricate lyricism. Stu’s robust beats support Chino’s verbose bars, creating a powerful hip-hop experience. Vinnie Paz joins for the grimy anthem “Murder Rhyme Kill,” and “Remind You” explores a more melodic and introspective sound. The album maintains a high energy, with standout tracks like “Art Apothecary” and “Scribbled Sorcery.” The collaboration delivers a super bar-heavy offering with intricate wordplay and hard-hitting production.

Dante Bowe — Dante Bowe

Grammy Award-winning singer Dante Bowe released his new self-titled album as a former member of Maverick City Music. The album represents a shift in his music style and is released through TRUE Music, a label Bowe co-founded. The 14-track album features a fusion of R&B and hip-hop while still incorporating gospel tracks. Bowe's goal is to give hope to listeners, not just for himself but for others.

Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove — Decay

Decay is a collaborative effort by rapper Fatboi Sharif and producer Steel Tipped Dove. The duo spent over a year creating the album in Dove’s Brooklyn studio. The project is experimental and stands out from other hip-hop records. It featured no guest appearances and was crafted meticulously by the two artists. Sharif was inspired by Dove’s attention to detail and ability to push hip-hop forward. The album takes listeners on a journey into the dysfunction surrounding us all.

Gabriels — Angels & Queens

Gabriels, a trio of American Idol alum Jacob Lusk, film director Ryan Hope, and composer Ari Balouzian, have released their debut album, Angels & Queens. The album showcases Lusk’s remarkable vocal abilities and the group’s cinematic production style. The trio gained attention with their breakout single, “Love and Hate In a Different Time,” which was praised by Elton John. The album is a soul-infused record that sounds timeless without being derivative. The staggered release of the album has added to the anticipation, and each track tells a compelling story. Angels & Queens is an epic and impressive album showcasing Gabriels’ unique talents.

Grip — STILL (Five & A F*** You)

Grip released his latest album, STILL (Five & A F*** You), as a sequel to his previous tape. The album showcases a balance between boom-bap and trap sounds. Grip’s raw and intimate lyrics are complemented by instrumentals ranging from piano trap to grim trap bangers. The tracks address topics like success, personal growth, and relationships. The absence of features allows Grip's talent to shine, and the album proves his continuous musical evolution.

J Hus — Beautiful and Brutal Yard

J Hus’s latest album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard, showcases his multifaceted nature. The album features a consistent sound thanks to the work of producers like TSB, iO, and Levi Lennox. The instrumentation is lush and organic, with slapping drums and glistening guitars. Hus playfully explores and subverts the clichés of modern masculinity, using language and imagery creatively. Guest appearances from Naira Marley, Villz, and Burna Boy add depth to the album.

Lehla Samia — LOVERS WAVE, VOL. 1 - EP

Lehla Samia’s EP, LOVERS WAVE, VOL. 1, is a collection of R&B songs that capture the genre’s essence. Released under Yo Gotti’s label, the EP showcases Samia’s impressive vocals and relatable songwriting. The project includes the previously released single “Favorite Guy,” produced by London On da Track and co-written by The-Dream. Another standout track is “Miss Me,” written by Sevyn Streeter, and the staff favorite, “Boomerang.”

Mahalia — IRL

Mahalia’s second LP, IRL, showcases her growth as a songwriter and vulnerability. The album draws inspiration from the ‘90s and 2000s R&B and collaborates with artists like JoJo and Stormzy. Mahalia explores themes of self-discovery, relationship trauma, and the importance of vulnerability. The track “Goodbyes” reflects her ability to find humor in difficult situations, while “Wassup” interpolates Soul for Real to convey her emotions. The album's title track encapsulates her journey as an artist and her desire to make her dreams a reality. IRL is one of the better R&B records highlighting Mahalia’s talent and authenticity.

MELONYX — Soul Glow

Soul Glow is the long-awaited debut album by MELONYX, a soul-sister duo comprised of Georgia Copeland and Nadia Latoya. Produced by Joe Buhdha, the album blends hip-hop, neo-soul, and lovers rock. The 13-track release explores themes of self-acceptance, empowerment, and the value of Black women. It includes singles like “At the Door” and “Solar Power,” which have garnered support from various platforms and DJs. The album delves into experiences of feeling undervalued, finding strength, and taking time for oneself. MELONYX’s vocals and Joe Buhdha’s production create a confident and assured sound throughout the LP.

MMYYKK — The Midst of Things

The Midst of Things is a thought-provoking album from MMYYKK that explores the impact of globalization and technology on our humanity. It raises questions about American values, trust in a world of deep fakes, and the existence of objective truth. The album also addresses his personal experiences of trauma and hardship during the pandemic and civil unrest in Minneapolis.

Nas — Magic 2

The album Magic 2 by Nas, produced by Hit-Boy, showcases their evolving sound and exploration of new rhythms. The project features adventurous moments with Nas experimenting with different flows and styles, bringing fresh energy to his music. While some of the punchlines and flexes may be hit-or-miss for some fans, Nas’ storytelling and aged reflections add depth to the album, balancing his old and new personas.

Ransom & Nicholas Craven — Deleted Scenes 2 - EP

Ransom, a veteran MC from New Jersey, released his 9th EP, Deleted Scenes 2. After leaving the duo A-Team and his work ethic, he gained recognition and has since released multiple projects. The EP features soulful samples and discusses topics like personal growth and the value of time. The collaboration with producer Nicholas Craven is praised, with their previous work being well-received. The project is undoubtedly one of the strongest releases of 2023 so far.

Tori Kelly — tori - EP

Tori Kelly’s seven-track EP, tori, co-produced by Jon Bellion, showcases her most empowered songs to date. The EP reflects Kelly’s settled and confident state of mind. Her velvet vocals shine on the pining “cut” and the longing “missin’ u.” The afrobeats-infused “unbelievable” and the piano ballad “alive if i die” add depth to the EP. Kelly's busy schedule and collaborations over the past few years suggest that she may have more to share in future projects. Despite its brevity, tori is a vital interlude for the soulful pop star. Get well soon, Tori!