Although I tend to listen to music of most genres, I keep a close eye on music releases from the genres of hip hop, R&B and pop punk in particular as I enjoy those genres the most. 

September contained some highly anticipated albums such as Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker’s collaboration album: “Tickets to My Downfall.” Throughout the album, listeners have  the ability to experience the experimentation of MGK as he dabbles in the “Pop Punk” genre. Prior to the release, his main focus in music had been in hip hop.

Colson Baker, also known as Machine Gun Kelly, sings in an emotional fashion as he deals with topics such as drugs, love and acceptance. A deluxe version of the album followed less than a week later named “Tickets to My Downfall (“SOLD OUT” Deluxe).” The features stand out as one of the best parts of the 21-trackalbum. YUNGBLUD on the sixteenth track, “body bag,” and Halsey on the fifth track, “forget me too,” stand out the most to me. 

“Tickets To My Downfall” follows MGK’s 3 singles, “my ex’s best friend,” “concert for aliens” and “bloody valentine.”

The last Friday of September, George Kusunoki Miller, also known as Joji, released his second studio album, “Nectar.” Joji showed the potential he has as an artist through his first studio album, “Ballads 1.” Joji continues to exhibit this  as his career progresses; his sound has evolved into a more mature and experienced production.

The obscure mixture of Lil Yachty and Joji on the eleventh track, “Pretty Boy” especially stood out to me.  Although I would explain it as obscure, their sounds seem to mesh well, with Yachty’s use of autotune matching the flow and counterbalancing the sound of Joji. 

Moving towards the hip hop scene, Detroit rapper, Big Sean, released his fifth studio album “Detroit 2.” Big Sean brings his signature energy to this project with features from heavy hitters including Post Malone and Travis Scott. The album also includes an honourable posthumous feature from late Los Angeles rapper, Nipsey Hussle. 

The manager of Gustav Elijah Åhr, also known as Lil Peep, found the rapper dead in his tour bus on Nov. 15, 2017. One year prior, the “Hellboy” EP would seal Lil Peep as an icon for the emo rap genre. 

The mixtape became available on all streaming platforms in late September. The only way to listen to the EP prior to its official release was via Soundcloud. “Worlds Away” and “Walk Away As the Door Closes ft. Lil Tracy,” definitely my two favorite songs on the mixtape.

Besides the notable albums that dropped in September, singles from artists such as producer collective- Internet Money, $not and Brent Faiyaz came out. 

Internet Money, founded by Taz Taylor which includes producers like Nick Mira, released the collective’s debut album, “B4 The Storm” in late Aug. 2020. Prior to the release, they dropped their hit single, “Lemonade” with Nav, Gunna and Don Toliver. Roddy Ricch worked on the remix with Don Toliver in early September.

Underground rapper, $not, released “Revenge” as his 4th single of the year, he continues to push through into the mainstream music scene. 

R&B artist, Brent Faiyaz released his first single of the year, “Dead Man Walking.” The singer’s last studio album peaked at number one on the “Independent Album” category for the Billboard Hot 100 in Feb. 2020.

With a busy month for releases, many listeners with different tastes can find music that fits their preferences, myself included. Personally I found myself listening to “Tickets to My Downfall” by MGK the most. With this being said, the plethora of music released during the past month can fit almost anyone’s pallet.