The 39th Best Album of 2025
We're back as though we never left, and kicking off the 30's is none other than Armand Hammer's Mercy. This is the second collaboration between Armand Hammer (Billy Woods and Elucid) and producer legend the Alchemist, following 2021's Haram. Billy Woods was an enigma for me for the longest time. Seemingly universally beloved in critical rap circles, the abstract style and understated delivery didn't click for me until I listened to Armand Hammer's 2023 album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips and Woods' album with Kenny Segal from the same year Maps. Since then every release has been priority listening as no one else is making anything quite like it. I mean, there are a ton of abstract/drumless hip hop artists, but none that do it as well.
The album is excellently produced, the Alchemists distinct style providing dope beats throughout. I think this could be moved up the list probably, but despite growing on me Woods' albums are still something I need to be in the mood for rather than something I'll put on whenever. This holds it back ever so slightly in a year of so many strong releases.