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Influential music critic Anthony Fantano, known to millions as the host of theneedledrop, has dropped his highly anticipated year-end list, crowning Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out as the top album of 2025. This comeback from the hip-hop duo Pusha T and No Malice, produced by Pharrell Williams, edged out a stacked field of innovative releases. Fans have flocked to the video, pushing views past 460,000 within weeks of its December 22 release. What stands out here is Fantano’s knack for spotlighting both mainstream heavyweights and underground disruptors, setting the tone for 2026 listening.
The list wraps up Fantano’s “2025 List Week,” a tradition that draws massive engagement across platforms. With likes nearing 17,000, reactions range from ecstatic agreement to spirited debates over snubs. This ranking captures a year defined by genre-blending boldness and raw artistic risks.
Clipse Reclaims the Throne with Flawless Execution
Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out sits at number one, hailed by Fantano as a flawless 10/10 return to form. Pusha T and No Malice deliver some of hip-hop’s sharpest verses, backed by Pharrell’s inventive beats that keep the project endlessly replayable. Guest features elevate the energy, while the album’s flow cements it as one of rap’s greatest comebacks. Critics and listeners alike praise its precision, proving veteran acts can still dominate fresh talent. This placement underscores 2025’s appetite for lyrical mastery amid sonic experimentation.
Top 10 Packed with Breakouts and Veterans
Nourished by Time’s The Passionate Ones lands at number two, a bedroom pop gem with murky ’90s R&B vibes that captivated Fantano from first listen. Geese’s Getting Killed takes third, blending chaotic performances with standout tracks like “Long Island City.” Guerilla Toss’s You’re Weird Now at four evolves their noise rock into alien funk, marking their best work yet. Imperial Triumphant’s metal opus Goldstar rounds out the top five, a dizzying take on capitalist dystopia. Jane Remover, Viagra Boys, SPELLLING, McKinley Dixon, and Panda Bear fill out six through ten, showcasing pop chaos, health-themed grooves, witchy alt-rock, jazz rap, and psychedelic pop respectively. Each pick reflects Fantano’s ear for mood-shifting innovation.
Hip-Hop’s Unyielding Grip on the Upper Ranks
Hip-hop courses through the list, from Clipse’s summit to entries like McKinley Dixon’s jazz-infused Magic, Alive! and others delving into social themes with trap and jazz hybrids. Veterans like Aesop Rock with Black Hole Superette and Danny Brown anchor the underground pulse. JID, Little Simz, Navy Blue, and Earl Sweatshirt add layers of introspection and flow mastery. This dominance highlights the genre’s adaptability, even as electronic and rock challengers push boundaries. Fantano’s selections prove rap remains 2025’s cultural engine.
Experimental Edges and Cross-Genre Fireworks
Deeper cuts reveal glitchy synths, field recordings, and AI-tinged experiments from acts like Imperial Triumphant and Jane Remover. Collaborations abound, such as Chat Pile & Hayden Pedigo or SUMAC & Moor Mother, fusing live grit with digital wizardry. Global flavors shine in Gaby Amarantos’s Rock Doido and Mon Laferte’s FEMME FATALE. These hybrids transcend silos, boosting festival buzz and streaming numbers. Underground gems like miffle and Snõõper signal rising appetites for the avant-garde.
Lasting Buzz and Metrics Fuel the Hype
Top albums racked up billions of streams on Spotify and Apple Music, with critical scores hovering near perfect. Vinyl surges for leaders like Clipse reflect a collector revival. Social media exploded with memes, tour demands, and career launches for breakouts like Nourished by Time. Voter polls mirrored algorithms, affirming the list’s credibility. Fantano’s opinion-driven take resonates, blending data with passion.
Final Thought
Anthony Fantano’s Top 50 cements 2025 as a banner year for fearless music-making. Clipse’s win reminds us comebacks can redefine eras. Which album from the list are you spinning first this year? Drop your picks in the comments.
Source: Original YouTube Video
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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