Hip Hop Albums

I only have two albums for this section today, as it has been a heavy rock and roll, and indie couple weeks for me. But every day, I find myself coming back to these two albums: “Hyperyouth” by Joey Valance & Brae, and “Vessel” by Twenty-One Pilots. These two albums are extremely different in vibes, beats, story, production, and almost everything, but they both hold an extremely special place in my heart.

Joey Valance & Brae are one of the most unique artists out there right now. Two best friends from Penn State, JVB makes all their beats and records in a bedroom - but you would never know it. Their most recent album, “Hyperyouth” really spoke to me. The duo transitioned from more of the Beastie Boys style they were known for to do more club-type music, they also added many slower songs with a little bit of singing parts that I thought were beautiful songs. There is one main theme displayed throughout the album - the duo’s fear of growing up. Of the people they hang out to stop dancing and to have kids and do all these things while they are still partying. There is one line that is repeated on the song “Live Right” where it says, “As long as I got my friends, don’t want this to end”. This album and that song in particular hit me at the exact perfect time. I am getting ready to go to college, and the idea that some of my best friends now I might lose, has been haunting me. I have had the same group of around 10 guys for 6 years, and now I am leaving everything I know behind and growing up. And just like they said, I don’t want this phase of my life to end. But as far as the album is concerned, if you are looking for songs to dance and just vibe to, this is the album for you. Joey is an absolutely amazing producer and knows how to make perfect, infectious beats. The album also has great transitions in between songs, like the one from “Hyperyouth” to “Bust Down”. Features from JPEGMAFIA, Rebacca Black, and Tia Corine also put the cherry on top for this album. I can’t really even put into words how much I love this duo and all of their music. There are a must check out if you are into this genre. My favorite song was 100% “See U Dance”.

I questioned where to even put Twenty One Pilots, given the fact that they aren’t a hip hop group, but on “Vessel”, there is a lot rapping, so I decided to put it in this section. Twenty One Pilots was my first love when it comes to music. I must’ve been 8 when my dad showed me Vessel and Blurryface, and instantly I was hooked. About two weeks ago I came back to Vessel, after watching a Turning The Tables reaction video, and it was so nostalgic and enjoyable for me that I haven’t been able to stop listening ever since. And after calling Joey Valance & Brae unique, I don’t even know what to call Twenty One Pilots. Their ingenuity and creativity is other worldly. Frontman Tyler Joseph does a wonderful job writing about anxiety and depression, which are topics most everyone, including myself, can relate to. He talks so much about the night and how intimidating the night can be for a lot of people, and it is beautiful the way he portrays it. Songs like “Ode to Sleep” really encapsulate everything that Twenty One Pilots are capable of. It shows the rapping, the melodies, the outstanding production, and it also gives drummer Josh Dunn a chance to show off his skills. I think the most beautiful song on the album is the song they still close every concert with, “Trees”. There are so many catchy lyrics, catchy drum beats, and just songs that I would consider bops on this album. It is an absolute gem. The song “Guns for Hands” is my song of choice on the album. If you have never listened to this album, I would change that today.