When people think of states with a rich history of music, they usually imagine places like Tennessee for pioneering country and the blues, or New York for being the birthplace of hip-hop. However, Virginia is often not a part of the discussion, despite an increasingly elite crowd of artists coming out of the Old Dominion. Multiple albums came out this summer from both Virginia legends and up-and-comers alike.
Let God Sort em Out – Clipse
The Virginia Beach rap-duo Clipse, composed of brothers Pusha-T and No Malice, formed in 1994 at the recommendation of fellow Virginia legend Pharell Williams. They released three studio albums between 2001 and 2002, including their sophomore project Hell Hath No Fury, which remains one of their best. After their 2009 album Til the Casket Drops, the duo went on hiatus for eight years, just recently returning this past July, when they released their fourth studio album Let God Sort ‘em Out. Let God Sort ‘em Out is executive produced by Pharell Williams, stars writing from Stevie Wonder, and features Kendrick Lamar and Tyler the Creator. Some highlights include touching lyrics about the passing of their parents on “The Birds Don’t Sing”, featuring vocals from John Legend, as well as the energetic and hard hitting production from Pharell on tracks like “Inglorious Bastards.” This album is for anyone who likes hip-hop production from the late 90s and early 2000s such as The Blueprint by Jay-Z or Illmatic by Nas, known for soul samples, boom bap inspirations, and skillfully written lyrics.
Sincerely, – Kali Uchis
On May 9 2025, Alexandria City High School alumnus Kali Uchis released her 5th studio album Sincerely which debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200. Uchis stated in an interview with Variety that the album is dedicated to her newborn child and her recently deceased mother. She says she wrote the song “Angels All Around Me…” before her mother passed, but hearing the lyrics afterwards helped her process her grief. In interviews promoting the album, Uchis discusses the generational trauma in her family. Specifically, she felt it was a curse that she was responsible for breaking, which is a theme present throughout the album in songs like “It’s just us.” Sonically, Uchis combines the softness of her voice with background choirs and smooth basslines to create a dreamily ambient feeling throughout the album. Songs like “Sunshine & Rain” combine the rhythmic vocal delivery of pop music with the floating ambiance of dream pop, creating an atmosphere that leaves the listener mesmerized.
Magic, Alive! – McKinley Dixon
Richmond singer-songwriter McKinley Dixon released his 5th studio album Magic, Alive! On June 6, 2025. The project is a concept album, meaning that each song in the album contributes to an overarching narrative. The narrative of the album is told through the perspective of a kid trying to bring his friend back to life with magic and music, only to learn his friend’s true immortality lies in his legacy and memory kept alive through artistry. The production by Sam Koff and Sam E. Yamaha shines on this album, with carefully structured piano, bass, drums, and wind instruments lending to the magical tone of the lyrics on songs like “Run, Run, Run Pt. II.” Dixon’s beautiful and poetic writing continues from his previous albums, with the central metaphor of magic being used to discuss grief and loss, as well as memory and immortality.
Lowlife – quinn
On July 26th, Quinn (stylized in lowercase) self-released her fourth studio album Lowlife. The former Woodbridge resident emerged in the emerging hyperpop era of the 2020s, with her early music being compared to artists like Sybyr and Bladee. Her most recent album reflects the continued evolution of her sound, with a more melodic and slow rhythm compared to her early releases like a night in virginia. However, Quinn still maintains some of her iconic characteristics like her stylized auto tune and wide range of vocal and instrumental samples. Quinn’s pitched-up vocal samples and heavily processed voice on songs like the album’s title track lowlife create an infectious melody alongside the swinging delivery of her bars, as she seamlessly blends elements of rap and digicore to create her own unique sound. Her music is for those who enjoy genre-bending artists like Glaive and Midwxst.
Whether it’s boom-bap, R&B, or hyperpop, Virginia’s influence continues to make waves in today’s music world. These were just a few of the many Virginia musicians who released albums this summer, with both chart toppers and local talents continuing to cement their status and make a name for themselves. If the momentum of this summer continues, Virginia will surely secure its well-deserved recognition in contemporary music history.