Is It Just Me, Or Is The Age Of Albums Slowly Coming Back?
When I was younger (OLD MAN ALERT!!), the release of new music was like an event for me and my friends. Payday was more like 'new music day'. After work, we'd jump in the ride and race down to Tower Records (a now defunct music store chain). There ws some incredible about spending hours going through rows and rows of new records, tapes, and CD's finding what new music was released, as well as looking for vintage gems you missed on first glance.
But as time went on (just around the time of the rise of iTunes), artists stopped creating 'full projects', and shifted to creating 2-3 primary songs and filling the rest of the albums with low-to-medium filler. With the end of the quality album, went away the need to buy albums. And in turn, this lessened the need for physical media, leaving only mp3 collections.
So i have to admit. Starting early in 2026, the number of quality albums has steadily increased, so much so that i find, myself enjoy various full released more and more. Don't believe me? Take a look and listen to my top 5 ALBUMS in heavy rotation at the moment.
Spotify
Album
Before The World Blows
Erykah Badu x The Alchemist
When they first announced this album early in 2025, it nearly split my wig. I couldn't understand how I never thought of Erykah and Alchemist doing something together. Their styles were different, but you knew it was just work. Then where was delay after delay.. so much that most people just thought it wasn't going to happen. And then suddently, it was dropped! And DAMN it was worth the wait. Somehow, Alc managed to shapeshift to fit his production perfectly into Badu's pocket. This stays in heavy rotation.
Spotify
Album
Dillagence II
Busta Rhymes x J Dilla
When Busta and Dilla released the first 'Dillagence' back in 2007, it seemed like a match made in heaven. 'Lightworks' alone was worth the price of purchase. But when i heard Busta was releasing this follow-up, i was a little skeptical. As the years went on after JD's passing, a lot of people have released music featuring the beats he left behind, and with head release the music sounded more hollow. The fact that peopel were releasing these beats i felt watered down the legend's legacy. But 'Dillagence II' does J Dilla's legacy justice. Busta picked the perfect set of Dilla's broad production that best suited his flow. Apparently he was gifted close to 300 beats, so we might get more releases in the Dillagence series. I'm all for it!
Spotify
Album
God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops
Rapsody
I don't think there's another Hip-Hop artist (beside Tyler, The Creator) that has such broad creative growth as Rapsody over the past few years. From the point of moving out of 9th Wonder's shadow, she's been on a journey of discovery. Working with artists from Erykah Badu and Moonchild, to her incredible Hip-Hop disply on 'PS-118' with XG lead Jurin Asaya, Rapsody has stretched her creative reach without compromising her cultural foundation. This new album is her next evolution. With songs like 'Apple Juice', 'Abandon Me', and 'Black Is Beautiful', this project feels less like a genre release and more like a creative exploration in the vein of someone like Marvin Gaye back in the day. I love this album!
Spotify
Album
Detour
Samara Cyn
I've been following Samara Cyn since i first hear her 'Green Eyes Freestyle' over a Erykah Badu joint. Her unique voice is easily recognizable, and her pen game is top-notch. 'Detour' feels like she's testing the creative waters to see how far outside of expectations she can stretch while keweping her identity. She shows that she's also go a beautiful vocal tone, and can switch between that and bars with a natural transition. Currently 'over indfluence' is living rent free in my head.
Where The Flowers Grow
Zilo
When Zilo dropped 'The Nature of The Beast' in 2018, it was the ONLY thing I was playing for a couple months. Eveything about her was unique and I was all about her. And then for some reason she seemed to disappear. I'm not sure what happened. Maybe i lost interest or something. But i'd randomly see a song from her pop in my feed and i'd check it out and think it was cool. But that was it. When she dropped her latest this year, I found myself getting that same feeling I use to get when I first discovered her. Now this album stays handy with the rest of my heavy rotation.


