The Big 3 (Rap Albums of July): Clipse, Freddie, and Tyler

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Hip-hop fans can’t complain this year. 2025 has delivered a smattering of great releases, brimming with everything rap fans fiend for: bold beats, sublime storytelling, and artistic versatility. This year has seen no lack of respectable rap releases on the domestic front: see Loyle Carner (‘hopefully !‘), Kae Tempest (‘Self Titled‘), Central Cee (‘CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS‘) or Wretch 32 (‘HOME?‘) to name a few. Plus, we can’t forget Little Simz who disrupted the whole game with a worthy album of the year submission in ‘Lotus’.

Today however, we’re peering across the pond at three noteworthy drops from last month that need dissecting. These albums brought the heat to an already sweltering July – but which record stands tallest? Let’s investigate.

‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS‘ – Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator just dropped his ninth album ‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS’. The album title gives you a sense of his aggressive energy straight off the bat. Less than half an hour in listening time, this is a delicious, bite sized delight from the LA MC. What makes Tyler reign supreme for me as an MC is he delivers an energy I can’t get anywhere else. His creative bravery is unmatched. This is echoed in his social media post prior to the album release, where he opens up on why he made this project. “…our human spirit got killed because of fear of becoming a meme,“, he said. I couldn’t agree more. Let’s let our hair down – or enviable Afro in Tyler’s case – and enjoy life.

‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS‘ sees the versatile rapper displays his boundless energy in a 80s, Quincy Jones aesthetic. Throughout the project he’s reinforcing his lack of trust and showing off his rebellious persona. Tyler threatens his haters whilst dressed glamorously. This artist is fresher than you, and he needs you to know it.

As a long-time fan, I know this persona is one colour from a very wide emotional palette. For more diversity in thought and approach, ‘CHROMAKOPIA‘ is more well-rounded but this still serves as a superb project for fans who love this Tyler. For fans of ‘IGOR‘ like myself, this album is very easy to listen to, and makes me somewhat nostalgic for the that era.

This is a very cohesive project that you shouldn’t overthink. It’s maximalism, narcissism, ego centric – and I love every bit.

Rating: 8.5/10

Tyler is on Instagram and X. Buy the album here.

‘Alfredo 2’ – Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist

Did I manifest this epic sequel? Potentially. After singing the praises of the original ‘Alfredo‘ project on a recent anniversary piece, I hinted at the fact Al and Freddie would team up again. I’m glad to report, they have! If you loved the first project as much as I did, and wish the original was double the length, this is Christmas day. However, if you’re looking for a new direction from the dynamic duo, you may be disappointed.

Brilliantly menacing, the audio equivalent of a Scorsese picture, this album is laden with beautifully orchestrated laid back beats in Al’s traditional style. Meanwhile, Freddie details his escapades with ‘plastic’ women, and his graduation from street ruffian to Hollywood hustler. I never tire of this from Freddie, who presents himself as rap’s Tony Soprano. The villain role was made for him, as he throws many petty shots that are anything but discreet. I won’t name drop here but if you know the rappers he’s coming for… you know.

‘Ensalada‘ featuring the inimitable Anderson .Paak is one of my favourite rap songs this year. ‘Skinny Suge II‘ and ‘Shangri La’ are also stand out songs.

This project does what it says on the tin – or the box – if we’re running with the pasta theme. I didn’t expect nor desire this pairing to to try something different on ‘Alfredo 2’, so I am delighted with this project. However, I’m seeing a lot of fans voicing their opinions online, sharing their disappointment that they stuck to the original script so fervently.

To conclude, this LP is a cohesive, easy listening experience that satisfies those hungry for more of the original project. However, if you’re looking for something a bit different from ‘Big Boss Rabbit’, you won’t have long to wait. He has a KAYTRANADA collab album on the way which I’m sure will be exceptional.

Rating: 8/10

Freddie and Alc are also on X. Buy the album here.

‘Let God Sort Em Out’ – Clipse

In my opinion, this is an album of the year contender across every genre, let alone just rap. This is an incredibly layered record by the Virginian brothers as it takes a torch to critics who claim they are only capable of coke rap. Whilst it still has all the critical ingredients that characterise them, Clipse balance violent musings with a deep meditation on loss and faith.

This project symbolises a phoenix rising out the ashes for Pusha and Malice, proving they are back better than ever in a menacing fashion. This deeply human project still houses a nostalgic feel courtesy of Pharrell’s magic touch.

In summary, this will satisfy those in search for some cold lyricism, but also delivers a broader appeal than some of their previous work. Furthermore, as far as features go, it’s legends only permitted from longtime hip-hop heavyweights like Nas to new legends like Stove God Cooks. A must listen!

Rating: 10/10

Clipse are on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Buy the album here.

So there we have it, three fantastic projects by the rappers leading the charge in the US. These three albums, albeit unique in their own right, adopt a shared approach: raw, confident and clever craftsmanship. I hope to see this calibre of releases continue in the second half of the year.

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