Best Albums of 2025 So Far

This is a content collaboration with Urban Pitch, the leading website covering soccer culture.

We are halfway through 2025 and it’s been an eventful year in the sports world. The Philadelphia Eagles won their first Super Bowl under Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Unrivaled's first season tipped off with major star power like Satou Sabally, Arike Ogunbowale and Angel Reese. The PWHL continued to soar across the United States.

Music-wise, Kendrick Lamar is dominating the summer with his Grand National tour, but, after “Not Like Us” was inescapable last year, we don’t exactly have a song of the summer for 2025. A year out from K.Dot’s beef with Drake, is it safe to say the closest thing we have to a summer anthem is “Nokia?” C’mon, it is seriously infectious.

Besides those two superstars, other artists from across the world have put their mark on 2025. Little Simz and Central Cee are holding it down for the United Kingdom while we await albums from Dave and Skepta. Stateside, we got a surprise announcement that Clipse is releasing a new project, which will certainly feed the streets, and we are patiently waiting for projects from a range of artists, including AmirSaysNothing and A$AP Rocky.

Even though anticipation is high for what the rest of the year has to offer, there has been a variety of music, from Memphis rap to pop-rock, that has impressed us through June.

Here’s are the best albums of 2025 so far…

Little Simz — "Lotus"

Little Simz reasserted herself as one of the preeminent artists in today's music landscape with her new album, "Lotus." Little Simz has always experimented with sound and her latest offering is a blend of alternative rock, fierce bars and soulful piano all with the theme of blooming from the mud. She made this statement without her good friend and right-hand producer, Inflo. Together, they crafted incredibly artful projects, including her Mercury Prize-winning album, "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert," and its follow up, "No Thank You." Earlier this year, Little Simz sued Inflo over a $2.2 million loan he didn't repay. 

Simz' pain at the broken friendship is evident throughout "Lotus." It's clear "Thief" is dedicated to the betrayal and the musical conversation "Blood" with fellow British MC Wretch 32 is about a falling out with a brother figure. The line "You're not for the culture, you're just for the cult" on "Hollow" is especially scathing. There’s also no Cleo Sol on Lotus since she is Inflo’s wife. The singer and Little Simz created bright moments like “Woman” and “Selfish,” but the features on the new album were still plenty strong. Nigerian singer Obongjayar, who also assisted her with the critically-acclaimed “Point and Kill,” appears on two tracks, including the riveting “Flood.” "Blue" with the one and only Sampha touches the heart. The love song "Only" with Lydia Kitto is lighthearted and, combined with the playful “Young,” they bring balance to the heaviness of the album.

The single "Free" remains the firm beacon of hope. That’s what makes Little Simz so magical is that even though she has been through so much, including racism, sexism and the betrayal of a friend, she maintains the brightest of smiles while assuring fans that if she can come out on top, they can too.

Xzibit — "Kingmaker"

The King is back! Xzibit released his first album in more than a decade in the form of "Kingmaker." The project is thoughtful and fierce as the West Coast veteran reflects on the importance of keeping real ones in your circle and dominating your space while staying grounded by family and faith.

The production is signature West Coast (DJ Battlecat's beat for "Shut Yo Mouth" is iconic) sprinkled with cinematic soundscapes, reflective reverbs and a bit of jazz. There's a variety of guests, including Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, Compton Av, JasonMartin, Lorine Chia and X's fellow Serial Killers member B-Real. Jenn Em’s smooth vocals bring “Been a Long Time Pt. 2” to a lighter place as Xzibit confronts those who called his career over. Tre Capital is featured on "End of the Day" for his first official placement on one of his dad's albums and he brings his own vulnerability to elevate the project.

The title track and album closer showcases Xzibit rapping with a fierce hunger to share his message. It’s clear that this music isn’t for himself, but for others who need to hear encouragement to live in their own sense of purpose and peace. It’s quite a beautiful thing.

E.M.E — "Foreigner"

Afrobeats is the hottest genre in the world right now and Denver-based and Nigeria-bred E.M.E is the rising star to watch. His debut album, "Foreigner," is solid. The project opens with a word from his mother about how E.M.E was born sickly and now is a miracle walking into his destiny. From there, fast-paced rhythms and E.M.E’s strong, smooth vocals take listeners on a journey through love, home and finding your purpose. 

The single “One Day” is a standout track that’s slowed down a bit as E.M.E envisions his ascent in the industry and how he is going to be a well-known name. The fame won’t be for himself, but for the Believers — his friends, family and fans — who he wants to inspire to live out their dreams. E.M.E is a student of the game and on “Movie,” he references J Hus’ hit song “Did You See” while giving some insight into his life overcoming struggle but now enjoying a life of luxury.  Later on “Don Dada,” there’s another cool reference to Gucci Mane’s “Wasted” where he spits the iconic line “Rockstar lifestyle, might not make it.” There are more reflective moments on “Lost Souljah” and “Back to Sender.” “Yey Yey” is bolstered by a booming bass that rivals YG’s “BPT” while Danae Simone’s soothing voice on “Soul Ties” balances out the project nicely.

Mereba — "The Breeze Grew a Fire"

A lot has happened in Mereba’s life since the 2019 release of her debut album, "The Jungle is the Only Way Out." Perhaps most significantly, she became a mother. The singer released an emotive project in her return to music via "The Breeze Grew a Fire." The album was fittingly released on Valentine’s Day and explores several types of love between romantic partners and family. The lead single and album opener, “Counterfeit,” is bouncy and upbeat with a witty message about the importance of authenticity in relationships. From there, the project is simply smooth as it slinks between the funky “White Doves,” the ethereal “Out of the Blue” and the mesmerizing “Hawk” where she spits a few bars. Mereba proves herself as a true artist who draws her audience into her heart and soul.

Ovrkast. — "While the Iron is Hot"

East Oakland rapper and producer Ovrkast. released quite an exciting half hour of music in the form of his sophomore album, "While the Iron is Hot." While he’s established himself as a master of the lo-fi sound, this album jumps into the action right away with the dizzying jazzy “HOT!” Then “truth?” gives a glimpse into the purpose of the album as Ovrkast. spits about finding his place in the world. The beat drop on “Small Talk” is impeccable and the thumps of the bass and gritty sample of Biggie Smalls’ “Gimme The Loot” are balanced perfectly by soft horns and Samara Cyn’s ethereal voice. The rest of the project has a fairly chill vibe with lots of piano and a prayer of protection at the end of “SPIKE LEE.” But there’s moments of hype like the energetic “MAVKAST!” with North Carolina MC Mavi and the slap-tastic “Strange Ways” with the illustrious Vince Staples.

There’s so many sonic layers on "While the Iron is Hot" and only one song is more than three minutes long. Ovrkast. is on track to be in the conversation of this generation’s genre-bending artists like Little Simz, Tyler, The Creator and Pharrell.

Read the full list of best albums of 2025 so far at Urban Pitch.