Rollingstone have released their best albums of 2021 so far list and two young Nigerians made the list.
The US-based magazine named Joeboy’s Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic and Blaqbonez’s Sex over Love albums amongst the best albums of the year.
Here’s how Rollingstone described both albums,
On Joeboy’s Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
“Indeed, his first album to be released in the United States teams with bright melodies, gorgeous rhythms, and an optimistic vision. On “Number One” his voice skates into a supple high register over a skittering beat. On “Better Things”, he creates something glistening and majestic from a simple guitar loop and his warm harmonies. Whether he’s singing about love and marriage or more ephemeral romance, everything on this uniquely pretty records flows with the warmth, generosity, and beauty of an Al Green valentine.”
On Sex over Love by Blaqbonez,
“Who hurt Blaqbonez? We owe them a thank you. The self-proclaimed “Best Rapper in Africa” channeled his romantic rage into his triumph of a debut album, Sex Over Love. From the strip-club ready “Heartbreaker” with South African rapper Nasty C, to the cheeky “BBC” remix with Afrobeats darling Tiwa Savage, to the Drake-influenced “TGF Pussy” with Blaq solo, Sex Over Love offers a cohesive collection of hip-hop and Afropop that may make you look at your partner sideways.”
Blaqbonez and Joeboy are joined on the Rollingstone list by a lot of music industry heavyweights. The list included Taylor Swift, J. Cole, Lana Del Rey, Selena Gomez and The Foo Fighters to name a few.
You can see the entire list here
Joeboy released his debut album, Somewhere between Beauty and Magic in February 2021. He was also one of the first artists to participate in emPawa Africa. A mentoring program founded by Afropop star, Mr Eazi.
Emeka Akumefule, also known as Blaqbonez dropped his first studio album in April 2021. The album titled Sex over Love is an exploration of hedonistic themes with colorful style and themes.