Celebrating new music is important. In the subculture, we are constantly faced with a chorus of people who will tell you that the genres are dead and that there is nothing good coming out anymore. This opinion alone indicts how out of touch a person can be. There is a deluge of incredible new music coming out every year and it is important to take the time to praise the work of those who contribute to the subculture's sonic archive.
An aside about this year’s lists. My favorite part of compiling the annual best of the year lists is that at the beginning I’m always feeling disappointed, believing nothing notable came out in the year. As I start looking up what was released, I am always, without fail, pleasantly reminded that not only were there good releases, but an overwhelming amount of them. Good new music is out there. You just have to want it and be willing to look for it. This was the deepest and most competitive year I can remember in the 11 years of making these lists. Thank you to all the artists who released great new music this year for making that possible.
Best Rap / R&B Releases
Best Releases In Open Competition
Best Hardcore / Punk Demos