Eminem’s ‘Kamikaze’: This surprise album was a quintessential Eminem move—bold, confrontational, and unapologetically raw. Eminem had always been an artist unafraid of pushing boundaries, both lyrically and thematically. “Kamikaze” was his way of reclaiming the narrative, in the process challenging not just other rappers but also critiquing the industry and even himself. It’s a full-circle moment for an artist who started as an underdog and, in many ways, returned to that spirit to reinvigorate his art.

Travis Scott’s ‘Rodeo’: A pioneering piece of work, “Rodeo” had Travis Scott introducing the world to a new dimension of hip-hop, combining multiple musical elements into a seamless experience. In a world where hip-hop has often been pigeonholed into certain styles or sub-genres, Scott’s work felt like a breath of fresh air. His exploration of different sounds, coupled with a conceptual narrative, showcased the limitless possibilities within hip-hop.