“BRAT” by Charli XCX

I’ve been a fan of Charli XCX since high school, and artists that you fall in love with as a teenager will always be in your heart. I would listen to her music while doing homework, going to class, and hanging out with friends. As I gained independence, and a driver’s license, she began to represent more than just an electro-pop star. I was inspired by her rebelliousness and self-expression. She continues to evolve in a way that resonates with fans. The album “BRAT” discusses grief, womanhood, and identity. My favorite songs are “Club classics,” “Everything is romantic,” “Von dutch,” and “365.”

“Chromakopia” by Tyler the Creator

“Chromakopia” is a body of work I am still trying to understand. It pushes creative boundaries while exploring Tyler the Creator’s personal life and relationships. I’ve always appreciated him as an artist and I think his creative ambition sets him apart from other musicians. I love that the album refers to his cultural roots, too. In an interview with Fast Company, Tyler the Creator said, “I always thought my last name was weird. (...) My full name, Tyler Okonma, in all caps, just looks really cool. So you might see more of that, I don’t know. I’m getting older and I think when people get older, they start realizing s—. You just start changing.” As a fellow Nigerian, I can definitely relate to him. My favorite songs on “Chromakopia” are “Balloon,” “Rah Tah Tah,” and “Thought I Was Dead.”

“Alligator Bites Never Heal” by Doechii

I cried like a damn fool watching Doechii’s “Camp Flog Gnaw” performance and I am not ashamed. She is my favorite rapper right now and I can’t stop listening to her album. Doechii is extremely talented and it shows through her choreography, storytelling, and vocal ability. She was recently nominated for three Grammy awards, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album. After many years of hard work, she is now earning the recognition she has long-deserved. It makes me emotional seeing a Black woman win against all odds. I’m glad that the “Swamp Ruler” has taken over the rap game. She is an inspiration to many people, especially myself. My favorite songs are “Nissan Altima,” “Death Roll,” and “Boom Bap.”

“You Only Die 1nce” by Freddie Gibbs

I’ve been a distant fan of Freddie Gibbs for some years now. By distant, I mean that I liked his album Alfredo but I didn’t want to listen to other songs. This album completely changed my mind. It examines his journey to success while engaging with societal issues such as poverty, mass incarceration, and violence. The production is amazing and his voice smoothly flows over the beats. Freddie Gibbs is rapping like he needs rent money and I absolutely love it. My favorite songs are “Brick Fees,” “Rabbit Island,” and “Steel Doors.”

“GNX” by Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar has reached the zenith of his career after breaking records with the song “Not Like Us.” He recently announced that he will be touring with SZA and headlining the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. In addition, Lamar dropped his most recent album with no previous announcement on a Friday afternoon, “Okay Beyoncé!” This album features local artists from the Los Angeles area and classic west coast production. The project leads with “wacced out murals,” which discusses Lamar’s recent beef with Drake. It challenges anyone that opposes him, including rap legends Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. I felt like a super villain listening to these songs. My favorite tracks are “hey now,” “peekaboo,” and “squabble up.”