Our Year In Review continues with the best music we heard in 2025.
This year seemed to go by especially fast, and there was plenty of music to serve as the soundtrack for the whirlwind.
Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP for the second straight season and, while they might have taken a little longer than a year in between projects, Clipse definitely went back-to-back in the rap game by following up 2009’s Til The Casket Drops with Let God Sort Em Out.
We appreciated being fueled by music from around the world as we prepare for the men’s World Cup next summer. British rap captured our attention again. Little Simz, Dave, and Central Cee impressed with their albums and we loved seeing Jim Legxacy become a star in his own right. Olivia Dean and Joy Crookes offered something soothing, while British-born, Berlin-based Bearcubs gave us joy with his music. And Feefa and Bad Bunny brought the Latin goodness to our ears.
Friends of Urban Pitch continue to make us proud as AmirSaysNothing released a heartfelt project that defies genre and Lord Juco showed hip-hop is alive and well.
We didn’t get albums from Skepta or A$AP Rocky, but there were plenty of other projects, from pop to rap, that kept us satisfied.
Here’s Urban Pitch’s Best Albums of 2025:
Feefa — FEEFA
Feefa made a statement with his self-titled album this year. In the midst of political strife and fear for millions of people across the country, the Salvadorian rapper took the opportunity to celebrate his heritage and empower his people. FEEFA opens with a personal reflection and a deep sense of pride in how his parents made ends meet. “Déjame Amarte” is the LAFC fan’s interpretation of Mario’s classic “Let Me Love You” with a reggaeton twist. “Tiralo” with CHASETHEMONEY and ATM Danny (even though he’s a Galaxy supporter) has a West Coast vibe with each artist exhibiting a smooth flow and witty lyricism. This is one of those projects that is just fun to listen to, but has added depth because it has a deeper significance.
Bearcubs — Breathin’
With a spot on the EA Sports FC 26 soundtrack, Bearcubs’ infectious “Take Me Home” immediately captured us and we were curious to see what his album, Breathin’, would deliver. The answer is more of the same goodness, although Bearcubs shows a great sense of range. Breathin’ opens with the synthy “Eraser” and glides through the vibey “Spin Cycle” with German singer-songwriter Mulay, and the uptempo “Sofa” with the ethereal voice of airwavesaremycigarettes. Breathin’ lives up to its name, encouraging listeners to just take a moment to breathe, feel, and be inspired.
Central Cee — Can’t Rush Greatness
Take a look at your friends’ Spotify Wrapped and you probably saw a handful of them with Central Cee’s Can’t Rush Greatness in their most-played albums of the year. That’s because it was GOOD. It also probably helped that Cench released his project in January, which gave fans all year to digest it and replay their favorite hits over and over again. And there are hits aplenty. “GBP” with 21 Savage, “Band4Band” with Lil Baby, “Ten” with Skepta, and “St. Patricks.” Central Cee’s inclusion of the American rappers along with Skepta and Dave, as well as the trappy production, helped transcend the British rap scene and make this album popular in the United States. He even sampled Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” on the melodic “Truth in the Lies.”
But perhaps what made Can’t Rush Greatness so special is the Shepherd’s Bush rapper’s decision to tap into his vulnerable side. “Limitless” is a standout track that explores the pressure Cench faces trying to provide for his family and how he’s continuing to grieve the loss of his friend. Central Cee is a mainstream artist that rap purists might be hesitant to give a crown to. But this is good music that we have to appreciate.
Olivia Dean — The Art of Loving
Everyone is talking about Olivia Dean, and rightfully so. Her album, The Art of Loving, is mostly singles finally grouped together, but each and every song is so lovely. “Man I Need” is the snappy megahit that everyone has been singing all year. “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” and “Nice To Each Other” have been equally inescapable, not that we want to by any means. Then there’s the clever “Lady Lady,” a soulful ode to Mother Nature and a call to trust the process of life. Dean is more of a hopeful lover than a hopeless romantic. She might not overtly flex her vocal abilities like fellow British crooners Adele or Raye, but she has a special ability to draw people in with her gentle vulnerability. Not to mention her understated yet impeccable taste in fashion. Her U.S. stadium tour next year is well-deserved.
Dave — The Boy Who Played the Harp
Perhaps the most anticipated album this year was Dave’s The Boy Who Played the Harp. And he delivered. The British MC based this coming-of-age project off his birth name and the story of King David in the Bible. There’s clear Scripture references throughout the album and “175 Months” is a reflection on Dave’s prayer life and personal relationship with God. The features help elevate the project, including beautiful vocals from James Blake and Tems, and a back-and-forth with Jim Legxcy on “No Weapons.” Perhaps the most intriguing song on the project is “Chapter 16” where Dave and Kano have an authentic dinner conversation about their musical journeys.
There’s no obvious radio hit on The Boy Who Played the Harp, nor is there a political statement as strong as “Black” off his 2019 debut, Psychodrama. Is The Boy Who Played the Harp a perfect album? No. It might not even be as good as Psychodrama, but it is an exemplary project that invites one to reflect on something deeper.
Bad Bunny — DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bunny released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS in January as a tribute to his Puerto Rican heritage. The album title translates to “I should have taken more photos” and is about capturing moments. Benito traded in commercial pop sensibilities for a return to his roots and the musical voyage is utterly contagious.
The opener, “NUEVAYoL,” is an immediate departure from his signature sound and jumps into a fiery salsa, but it invites the listener into who he is as an artist and bridges the gap between the concrete jungle of New York and the bright playas of Puerto Rico. It’s not long before “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR” features reggaeton and draws listeners in with repeated lines like “Voy cazando y muero perreando,” a reference to pioneering Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Angel & Khriz and their early 2000s song, “Cazando Voy.” Another standout reggaeton track is “KETU TeCRÉ” where Bad Bunny flexes his vocals as he has second thoughts about a girl he got involved with, with a witty reference to Toy Story. “VeLDÁ” ends with a looming soundscape that would fit right into Vince Staples’ divisive Big Fish Theory album.
This album has had quite a journey from its release date. It’s appeared multiple times at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. When Bad Bunny announced the tour for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, there weren’t any United States dates. Some people were confused as to why he wouldn’t capitalize on such a lucrative market. But little did they know he will make a statement as the headliner at next year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Radamiz — LIGHTMAN, the album
One of our favorite artists to discover this year was Radamiz. He’s a Brooklyn-bred, Los Angeles-based MC who created a guidebook to life in the form of LIGHTMAN, the album, which was produced entirely by Fortes. It opens with the soothing “Grace, Grace, Grace” about being understanding while having healthy boundaries. Not only is he a clever lyricist, but Radamiz draws listeners in with other creative elements. On “Hold treasure,” he utilizes a sample from a sermon about Jesus Christ and a bluesy guitar riff before he explains how he’s increasing his faith and staying “t-t-tapped in.” The album is very rappity-rap, but Jordan Mackampa brings a soulful melody to “From Nowhere, To Everywhere” and there’s an ethereal bridge on “My Darling, It’s Winter Again.”
It’s evident Radamiz’ art comes from a deep sense of spirituality. It would be easy to compare him to Ab-Soul or another lyrical storyteller. But it’s clear he is focused on his own mission. “Stop wanting to be Tupac, just be who you are,” he raps on “Face Up” and “Y’all compete with Kanye, me? With Paul.”
Radamiz’ music is to encourage everyone to live as their highest self. As he says on “6 A.M.,” he “got friends that work at Wendy’s, friends that sell out Wembley, friends that would have killed each other if they ain’t met me.” That’s power.
Miley Cyrus — Something Beautiful
Miley Cyrus’ artistry has gone through many phases from her Hannah Montana days to her pop reign and her brief foray into hip-hop all while holding onto her country roots, but she seems to have found confidence in embracing the unexpected on Something Beautiful. The project is pure drama and is bolstered by instrumental moments that don’t just fill space, but create clear emotions as Cyrus showcases how she’s embraced the fact that she doesn’t fit into a box. The transitions are immaculate as the album weaves between genres.
The title track is jazz-infused with horns and a gentle bass line that is interrupted by crashing guitar riffs as Cyrus declares her obsession for a love interest. There is a clear ‘80s pop influence with braggadocious synth-heavy tracks like “Walk of Fame” and “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” which comes with a superstar appearance from Naomi Campbell. “Easy Lover” has a tinge of blues as Cyrus wrestles with affection that is equal parts addicting and toxic. She bares her soul on the snappy “Golden Burning Sun” where she daydreams about a lover and “More To Lose” draws listeners in when she relatably croons “My tears are streamin’ like our favoritе show tonight, tonight / Memories fade likе denim jeans.”
Something Beautiful is a thrilling sonic journey that also invites others to be our own beautiful selves no matter what that definition might be.
AmirSaysNothing — We Are Who We Say We Are
AmirSaysNothing released his first album since 2021 in the form of We Are Who We Say We Are. The project comes after a season of grieving where Amir lost his grandfather, uncle, and best friend. Through the process, he gained a greater sense of confidence and purpose that resulted in a beautifully eclectic album. We Are Who We Say We Are blends Amir’s signature witty lyricism and thoughtful reflection with his influences of Southern rap, New York grit, and alternative rock. It opens with the warm and woozy “NeedToKnow” and floats through the vibey “Amazing Me” and the ethereal “The Water, The Sea And Everything In It” where you can hear the emotion in his voice. He previously released “D.M.M. (Kickback)” in 2022, but it was still exciting to hear him go toe-to-toe with the legend Project Pat. A cool feature that established AmirSaysNothing with today’s greats was Killer Mike on “Rome.”
AmirSaysNothing proves that there is a difference between cockiness and confidence. Artists like him, who have persevered through hardship and create a sense of community with their fans and loved ones through their art, have earned the right to declare he is HIM.
Joy Crookes — Juniper
Joy Crookes might not be as well-known as Olivia Dean, but she is equally as talented. The British singer made her return with Juniper four years after releasing her debut album, the critically-acclaimed Skin, in 2021. Her voice is gritty and her lyrics are witty. Standout tracks include “Carmen,” which rues today’s beauty standards, and the snappy “I Know You’d Kill.”
The features on Juniper only add to her amazing storytelling. Vince Staples offers a stellar guest appearance on the grungy “Pass The Salt.” “Mathematics” with Kano is a heart-wrenching breakup song where the grime vet has superb wordplay with “Roses are red like my message was left on.” The gut-wrenching “Forever” perhaps shows Crookes’ abilities in their purest form. Over a soft piano, she sings about “heartbreak consistent like British weather.” Crookes isn’t afraid to turn her pain into art and we thank her for it.
Clipse — Let God Sort Em Out
They’re back! Pusha T and Malice did not miss a step in the 16 years between Til The Casket Drops and this year’s gem, Let God Sort Em Out. When the lead single, “Ace Trumpets,” dropped, everyone was yelling “Yellow diamonds look like pee pee” all summer. Only King Push could get a nation united around a line like that.
Then, when the album came out, it was high art. Pharrell’s production is a little quirky, but that’s part of what makes this album so special. It opens with the heartfelt “The Birds Don’t Sing” anchored by a piano, John Legend’s crooning and a tribute to the Thornton brothers’ parents. “So Far Ahead” is also a lighter track with a Gospel feel. Kendrick Lamar joins on the looming “Chains & Whips” and Tyler, The Creator has a remarkable verse on “P.O.V.” The latter’s hook of “They content create, I despise that/I create content, then they tries that” is the epitome of how everyone wants to be luxurious and effortlessly badass like Clipse, but only they actually live this life.
Little Simz — Lotus
Little Simz reasserted herself as one of the preeminent artists in today’s music landscape with Lotus. She has always experimented with sound and her latest offering is a blend of alternative rock, fierce bars, and soulful piano all with the theme of blooming from the mud. She made this statement without her good friend and right-hand producer, Inflo. Together, they crafted incredibly artful projects, but earlier this year, Little Simz sued Inflo over a $2.2 million loan he didn’t repay.
Simz’ pain at the broken friendship is evident throughout Lotus. It’s clear “Thief” is dedicated to the betrayal and the musical conversation “Blood” with fellow British MC Wretch 32 is about a falling out with a brother figure. The line “You’re not for the culture, you’re just for the cult” on “Hollow” is especially scathing.
The single “Free” remains the firm beacon of hope. That’s what makes Little Simz so magical is that even though she has been through so much, including racism, sexism and the betrayal of a friend, she maintains the brightest of smiles while assuring fans that if she can come out on top, they can too.
Lord Juco — Break a Leg
While a certain Toronto rapper has resorted to sophomoric Instagram captions and more corny behavior, Lord Juco is holding it down for The 6. He released the Break a Leg album in July, and it’s pure hip-hop. The title track jumps right in with Lord Juco’s nasal voice and some fierce bars. The title of the album is a play on the popular showbiz phrase, while also referencing an actual injury Lord Juco suffered.
Furthering the clever metaphor, he asserts that “crutches the only thing I ever leaned on” as he went through his music journey. “Better” is another standout that dares haters to slow him down. We especially appreciated his wordplay on “8+1.” He spits “Low key like under the mat/Unlocked thoughts how we come up with that/Stopwatch how they clockin’ my pocket/Boy stop it.” Soulful samples are sprinkled throughout the 10 tracks of resilience and realness.
Lord Juco’s run this year included packaging together season three of the groundbreaking Death at the Derby series with Cousin Feo and DJ Dubplates, and the gritty Two Birds album with Asun Eastwood and Jesse Green Beats. It’s not hard to see why he’s one of Urban Pitch’s favorite artists.
Jim Legxacy — black british music (2025)
Jim Legxacy is one of the most exciting new artists across the pond right now. The British multi-hyphenate made a splash when he produced Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” and he stepped into his own spotlight with his black british music (2025) album. Legxacy’s smooth vocals soar across several soundscapes as he croons about love, belonging, and seeking life direction.
There’s some great rap moments, including the reference of J Hus’s “Did You See” on “sun” and the reunion with Dave on “3x.” There’s some bold claims in the song titles, including “new david bowie” and the breezy rock song “’06 wayne rooney.” The latter got an incredible video treatment reminiscent of the ’06 FIFA video game. It had clever details like a World Cup program and a newspaper whose headlines go along with the lyrics. Wayne Rooney himself gave his co-sign to the rising star on Instagram. Legxacy had to be on cloud nine this year and we salute him.
