We are past the halfway mark for 2021. And a lot of music has dropped so far for the year. Highly anticipated albums as well as surprise projects have been in rotation over the last few months. While music fans wait patiently for new albums from Drake, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and others, the likes of J. Cole, Tyler, the Creator, Pooh Shiesty, Benny The Butcher and several others have satisfied listeners with their latest releases.

 

Do we have any contenders for album of the year as of yet? You can be the judge of that. Take a look at some of 2021’s most noteworthy hip-hop releases.

Call Me If You Get Lost by Tyler, the Creator

 

 

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Hosted by DJ Drama, Tyler’s sixth solo album received critical acclaim and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Bangers: “Lumberjack”; “WusYaName”; “Hot Wind Blows”

 

 

Shiesty Season by Pooh Shiesty

 

 

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The debut mixtape from the rising Memphis rap star features collaborations with Lil Durk, Gucci Mane, BIG30, 21 Savage, G Herbo and Lil Baby.
Bangers: “Back in Blood”; “Box of Churches”; “See Red”

 

 

Planet Her by Doja Cat

 

 

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Doja Cat has arrived. The 25-year-old hybrid from outer space delivers a summer-ready collection of songs that are made for the pop charts.
Bangers: “Kiss Me More”; “Need To Know” “Options”

 

 

The Off-Season by J. Cole

 

 

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J. Cole returns with the help of a few collaborators for his sixth consecutive No. 1 album.
Bangers: “Pride Is the Devil”; “The Climb Back”; “Amari”

 

 

The Plugs I Met 2 by Benny the Butcher and Harry Fraud

 

 

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Well-received, this collaborative project finds Benny and Harry at their best.
Bangers: “Plug Talk”; “Survivor’s Remorse”; “Longevity”

 

 

SoulFly by Rod Wave

 

 

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Rod Wave’s 19-track third album features one guest appearance and lots of soulful vibes.
Bangers: “Street Runner”; “Tombstone”; “Gone Till November”

 

 

Hall Of Fame by Polo G

 

 

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Polo G 3-Peats with his chart-topping third album.
Bangers: “Epidemic”; “GNF (OKOKOK)”; “Rapstar”; “Gang Gang”

 

 

Photo via Dreamville/Interscope/Roc Nation