Hip Hop has been the driving drive of widespread tradition for the previous couple many years, however recognition of this went into overdrive in 2023 because it celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Whether or not it was particular reside occasions, pop-up museums, Corridor of Fame inductions, restricted version merchandise, and even cruise ship celebrations, all eyes have been effectively and actually on Hip Hop — and it was a phenomenal factor to behold.
However whereas previous legends got their a lot deserved flowers, future stars shone simply as brilliant setting the tone and developments for Hip Hop because it heads into its subsequent 50 years. Sexyy Pink dialled up the raunchiness, Veeze constructed up a cult following, and Teezo Landing went off script and toed the road between rap and rock, a lot to the approval of his largest celeb fan, Drake. Talking of Drizzy, he himself had an enormous 12 months, as did his former label boss Lil Wayne and longtime collaborator J. Cole.
Among the 12 months’s largest tales included the return of Travis Scott and Megan Thee Stallion, each of whom endured tragic life-changing incidents, in addition to Gunna, who many didn’t suppose would ever overcome the scrutiny he confronted for pleading out of the YSL RICO case. André 3000 dropped a shock flute album, Killer Mike reminded followers the place his mic-killing moniker comes from along with his first solo album in over 10 years, and though Kendrick Lamar stayed constant along with his reclusive methods, he did simply sufficient to seize the eye of followers.
On the R&B facet of issues, SZA dominated… effectively, every little thing. Chris Brown delivered his greatest album in nearly a decade, Brent Faiyaz paid homage to people who got here earlier than him, and Victoria Monet put it on her mama. Worldwide artists continued to infiltrate the US in an enormous approach because of the likes of Central Cee, Unhealthy Bunny, Tems, Burna Boy, Sampha and Tyla. 2023 additionally performed host to a feminine takeover. Along with the aforementioned powerhouse ladies, Ice Spice, Latto, Doja Cat and Cardi B have been all instrumental in taking the eye away from the fellas.
As with yearly, 2023 had its losses. We sadly needed to say goodbye to Gangsta Boo, De La Soul’s Trugoy The Dove, Massive Pokey, Magoo, and C-Knight of the Dove Shack, amongst quite a few different beloved stars. Nonetheless, some tech-savvy followers weren’t able to bid farewell to their favourite artists, utilizing Chat GPT and AI to convey them again — even when it did divide the business.
HipHopDX prides itself on being a beneficial and trusted supply on all issues Hip Hop for individuals who love the tradition as a lot as we do, and our annual DX Awards replicate this. Some nominees you’ll know and agree with; some you received’t. We simply hope you interact within the dialog and maintain representing to your favourite artists.
— Will “sick Will” Lavin, HipHopDX Senior Information Editor
Yearly, the HipHopDX group get collectively to debate, debate and typically argue concerning the 12 months’s greatest songs, albums and artists. The tip outcome: the HipHopDX Awards. We’ll be rolling out the nominees all week and you’ll verify again right here for the winners of every class starting December 18.
Editor’s Be aware: Nominees are eligible from December 1, 2022 — December 1, 2023.
Monday, December 4
Hip Hop Rookie of the Yr
Greatest Comeback of 2023
Tuesday, December 5
Finest R&B Album of 2023
Finest R&B Tune of 2023
Wednesday, December 6
Finest Hip Hop/Rap Music Video of 2023
Finest Hip Hop Beat of 2023
Finest Hip Hop Producer of 2023
Thursday, December 7
Finest R&B Singer of 2023
Finest Worldwide Artist of 2023
Finest Rapper of the Yr
Friday, December 8
Finest Rap Verse of 2023
Finest Hip Hop Tune of 2023
Finest Hip Hop Album of 2023
HIP HOP ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 2023
In an period characterised by on the spot gratification and in a single day success, rappers come and go however solely a handful handle to carry the general public’s consideration previous the honeymoon part. The choose few who hit the bottom working and found out methods to retain their momentum amid all of the competitors this previous 12 months demonstrated that simply because issues are a sure approach doesn’t imply that’s how they need to be. Whether or not you prefer it or not, these artists are right here to remain.
The 2023 Hip Hop Rookie of the 12 months nominations are…
Nominees:
Dive deeper into why our group nominated these artists for Hip Hop Rookie of the Yr.
BIGGEST COMEBACK OF 2023
Lots can change within the area of 12 months — particularly on the earth of Hip Hop, the evolution of which has been accelerated by social media, streaming companies and bed room studios. This 12 months, quite a few rappers have seen their inventory rise and fortunes change, both by overcoming adversity or coming back from hiatus to remind followers why they fell in love with them within the first place — or, in some circumstances, reinvent themselves totally.
The 2023 Finest Comeback nominees are…
Nominees:
Dive deeper into why our group nominated these artists for Hip Hop Comeback of the Yr.
Historical past of the HipHopDX Awards
HipHopDX will not be new to this, we’ve been making our greatest of 12 months picks for greater than 15 years! For anybody who desires the total historic document of all DX‘s picks through the years, try our previous awards beneath:
Paintings & Graphic Design by JR Martinez
