Music has become one of the top forms of entertainment music consumers rely on to help them traverse through these new and sporadic times. Even with uncertainty, countless music creative committed themselves to release new and exciting sounds this year.  With stay-at-home orders and limited access to social interactions, these music creators did what some considered impossible, release great music. We’re here to celebrate these fantastic bodies of work, but we also celebrate the commitment to craftsmanship. Consider this list to be your musical guide to what you should hear before the ball drops into the new year. Here are 8 projects to hear before 2021.

Connie Diiamond - ‘Trap Elliot 2’

Bronx rapper Connie Diiamond releases Trap Elliot 2. Premiering 5 tracks that carry a non-stop barrage of bars, witty punch lines, and potent storytelling, this female rapper has proven to deliver. Trap Elliot 2 includes production from Dizzy Banko, BudaandGrandz, and TeddyDaDon with guest features from Stargiela and TheRealA. Connie spear no one as she serves up lethal tunes. Be sure to listen to both here. 

Favorite Tracks: “Mask On”, “New Shmurda”

Outlaw The Artist - ‘Villians Never Die’

East London raised artist Outlaw The Artist drops his Villains Never Die project, a part two in his working Villians trilogy. Production from Scullious, Kion, The Ninetys, VenessaMichaels, Kaelin Ellis, Jikay & Milan with features from SAARA, KhaliSol, VenessaMichales, LUVK, Eris Dublin, and Dakota Bleu, Villains Never Die is a project one never saw coming. The project’s infectious UK grime sound backs Outlaw the Artist vigorous rhymes. Words filled with zest, vigor, and fierce emotion, Outlaw awakens his sleeping beast as he engulfs every instrumental placed before him. 

Favorite Tracks: “Master Splinter”, “Drip”

MORGAN - ‘Alien’

London based artist MORGAN releases a 5-track EP titled Alien.  Filled with alluring vocals and playful tones, MORGAN highlights messages of love, strength, and depth. Her unique pitch quickly becomes the focal point of her music as she drifts from song to song. 

Favorite Tracks: “Let Go”, “My Year”

Tems - ‘For Broken Ears’

Tems, a Nigerian singer-songwriter, and producer released her For Broken Ears EP striking hearts with her organic production bundle. This seven-song project combines a feeling of freedom and adventure. As she builds on a nostalgic essence, Tems comfort listeners with a refreshing rhapsodic journey. For Broken Ears is the inquisitive music discovery to hear.   

Favorite Tracks: “Ice T”, “Free Mind”

Jean Deaux ‘Watch This’

Chicago artist Jean Deaux shares Watch This (Deluxe). This 10-track collection features verses from Young Baby Tate and Saba. The project also included production from Prodxvzn, Renzell, DaeDae Pivot, 1Mind, Mike Robbins, ROMderful, and others. Jean pairs rumbling instrumentals with delicate vocals, igniting passion and life into her sound.

Abby Jasmine - ’Who Cares?’

Staten Island, NY artist Abby Jasmine shares her nine-track project release Who Cares? With notable features from Kash Juliano, Guapdad 4000, and BEAM, Abby Jasmine’s music includes hints of trap, pop, and R&B. Abby Jasmine distributes a project filled with dynamic sounds and her admired cadence. With the release of her deluxe project Who Cares,? Abby Jasmine caters to her fanbase. 

Favorite Tracks: “Do Better”, “Groovy”

Eric Penn - ‘Songs I Wish You Heard’

Are you looking for some wholesome rhythm and blues? Eric Penn’s Songs I Wish You Heard will satisfy that satiation. Produced by Brandon Jhon, Eric Penn curates symphonic melodies that are too delicate for ears. Eric brings new life into each music note. From start to finish, this EP is a treasured collection that hits the spot. 

Favorite Tracks: “Safer Than Sorry”, “Sinking Sand”

Brandon Banks- ‘Static’

Static EP is a musical sonnet. Features from UMI and Mereba and production credit from Danny Dwyer, Jonah Christian, and William VanDandt, Static fills any room with ease. Brandon brings forth a soothing rendition with every instrument, revealing simplicity in this project that heightens the appreciation. The perspective shared on humanity, individualism, and community brings new insight to listeners.

Favorite Tracks: “Balance”, “Self”