This artist needs no intro. I’m assuming y’all already big fans of the self-proclaimed “queen of Seattle,” Gifted Gab. Throughout the year I’ve had love affairs with other records, but it’s Gab The Most High, released in May, that I’ve consistently returned to again and again. Few records have felt so confident, demonstrating such complete command of instruments, writing, rapping, vocal sampling and on. Gab is a magpie, collecting threads from multiple genres: funk, R&B and reggae; and then layering in new textures, including showing off a soulful singing voice. The album release party featured a full Motown-style backing band.

Videos from this record

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Gifted Gab: Gab The Most High Swishahouse Remix Gifted Gab: Girl Rap Sam Lachow: Friends, Funk & Liquor Various Artists: Solar Power: New Sounds in Seattle Hip-Hop Sam Lachow: Huckleberry Gifted Gab: Cause & Effect Mic Capes: Concrete Dreams Jarv Dee: Satellites, Swishers and Spaceships