2023 was a year that displayed the constant evolution of music globally, allowing space for any good artist and project to break through. While there were a few stand-out projects like Potter Payper’s “Real Back In Style”, “Maktub” by Marnz Malone and Raye’s long-awaited debut album “My 21st Century Blues”. All three projects are stand-out bodies of work that have catapulted each artist into their next form, honing their craft and abstaining respect from those of us who appreciate music.

There was not one particular sound that took the limelight this year. But rather, artists released music that stood for everything of that genre, K-Trap and Headie’s joint release, “Strength To Strength”, Rod Wave’s “Nostalgia” and “Lahai” by Sampha, all championed their sound through and through.

2023 was a good year for music and here at Mixtape Madness, we’ve spotlighted 30 projects (in no particular order) that you should take in…

Potter Payper – Real Back In Style

Jimmy – Alchemy

Marnz Malone – Maktub

KwolleM – Melo

Mnelia – Closure Tapes

Raye – My 21st Century Blues

KiLLOWEN – Pub Therapy 

CASISDEAD – Famous Last Words

Clavish – Rap Game Awful

Headie One and K-Trap – Strength to Strength

Dave and Central Cee – Split Decision

Jim Legxacy – HNPM

Sampha – Lahai

Cleo Sol – Gold

J Hus – Beautiful and Brutal Yard

Nines – Crop Circle 2

Odeal – Thoughts I Never Said

Loyle Carner – Hugo

Ken Carson – A Great Chaos 

Digga – Back To Square One

M Huncho – My Neighbours Don’t Know

Fredo – Unfinished Business  

Lil Durk – Almost Heeled

Slim – Still Working 2

Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying

Rod Wave – Nostalgia 

Doja Cat – Scarlet

Gunna – A Gift and A Curse

Sexyy Red – Hood Hottest Princess

Travis Scott – Utopia

Bawo – Legitimate Cause