The 20 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2023

‘NO THANK YOU’ – Little Simz

For 5 exceptional albums, London’s “Top Girl” (pun planned), Little Simzhas actually shown herself to be among the more significant rap artists from the UK considering that Slick Rick. On NO THANK YOU— her 49-minute, mentally exhilarating musical rollercoaster she’s done showing herself and intends to nab whatever from the hearts to the scalps of the music organization.

Simz draws listeners in with misleading ease thanks to Inflo’s soft, recovery production on “Angel” and jabs her business capitalist opponents with sharp-knuckled accuracy. “Never cared ’bout bein’ commemorated/ How can I stand with the opps and not with the people?” she raps. “They offer you a dream and after that desire you to glorify.” The album’s most fulfilling minute originates from its emotional pinnacle, “Broken.”

Thinking about the Black cumulative’s distress and discomfort around today’s international and financial problems, Little Simz’s message is relatable with immediate words for listeners. — Mark Braboy

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‘The Patience’ – Mick Jenkins

Mick Jenkinsthoughtful lyricism puts him completely control of his imaginative company on The PatienceMick comprehends this duration in his profession however can’t assist to vent his disappointments with persistence. Tunes like “Michelin Star” and “Pasta” use styles of carefully crafted food to show the distinction in between him and his microwaved competitors. His visceral shipment enhances his desire to strike that next level on “Farm To Table.”

Rapping on terse production, Mick goes for rap quality on his own accord. Jenkins makes his objectives clear throughout the LP with a real sense of self-validation at the core of his work. No matter an end-of-the-year list, Mick Jenkins feels now is his time. And he’s lyrically geared up to rise. “I originated from behind/Ni ** a, I comprised my mind,” he asserts on “Show & & Tell.” “Can’t provide a f ** k ’bout a list/Which end we are burning it at?” — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin

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Organization is Business – Young Thug

Like Gunna ‘s Present & & A Curse Young Thug ‘s Service is Business was an extremely expected album from the incarcerated rap artist, as numerous fans waited to step inside Jeffrey’s mind and hear if he ‘d resolve snitching reports about his YSL RICO case. A line from the opener, “Parade On Cleveland,” might have been a play on Gunna’s “Pushin’ P,'” however you can be the judge of that. “Just pushin’ more Peter, more sweeter, more completer than any Peter pusher around,” he raps after Drake asks how he’s doing.

The LP, which follows his 2021 task Punkisn’t lyrically among Thugga’s greatest (perhaps due to his imprisonment and having less autonomy over track choice). Musical help from 21 Savage, Drake, Future, Travis $cott, on standout tracks like “Money On The Dresser,” “Hoodie,” and “Oh You Went,” assistance bring the album.Service is Business debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and made 90,000 comparable album systems.– Amber Corrine

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‘Noise Kandy 5’ – Rome Streetz

With the type of penalizing lyrical design that characterizes the difficult, cold, concrete of Brooklyn, New York, Griselda Records’s own Rome Streetz continues to feed the streets with the 5th installation of his seriously admired Sound Kandy series, Sound Kandy 5

Throughout layers of winding, smoked-out, and trippy noises from well-fitting manufacturers like Evidence, Piff James, and Conductor Williams among others, Rome sets a few of his finest bars of unflinchingly truthful and explosive storytelling and a few of the most nimble streaming in rap.

Case in point, “Shake & & Bake” is him streaming and rhyming as efficiently as Kyrie Irving’s manages. And the enormous mega duet, “Fire At Ya Idle Mind” with fellow Brookynite Joey Bada$$, showed to have actually been among the most unsafe pairings as the 2 trade a few of the album’s most relentless bars with magnificent chemistry.Sound Kandy 5 is a strong example of why genuine rap ain’t dead.— Mark Braboy

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‘Sunday Dinner’ – Nick Grant

It’s not daily that a competent rap artist purposely selects not to rest on their laurels. It’s not daily that a Black guy select biting vulnerability. It’s not daily that a bonafide star takes the (longer, harder) roadway less taken a trip. WithSunday Dinner Nick Grant showed himself a rarity– crafting a traditional from large knowledge and wit.

Steeped in his journey from strife to self-actualization, the album finishes a years-long objective for the rap artist: sharing the core of his life story. Never ever one to stint lyrical workout, Grant handles to weave his expertise for wordplay into perky anthems (“KNOW YOUR WORTH,” “COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS”), powerful stories (“WORRYIN’ BOUT A CLASSIC,” “SINCE ELEMENTARY”), and full-blown exhibit (“BRAVO,” “DOPE FIEND’S THEME”). As the year unwind, Sunday Dinnerstays unparalleled– in circulations, shipment, musicality, cohesion and adaptability. The genuine is undoubtedly back. — Iyana Robertson

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‘Gumbo’ – Young Nudy

Young Nudy formulated a pot of Gumbo and, in December 2022, dished out a well balanced part of hypnotizing beats and threatening yet amusing lyrics. The 13-track job functions Key Glock and 21 Savage with production from regular partners Coupe and Pi’erre Bourne. While the Atlanta rap artist has actually not attained mainstream success on the exact same level as his peers, Gumbo shows that the 30-year-old is just improving.

Like the hot creole meal, Gumbo is delicious. Young Nudy has among the greatest ears for beats in Hip-Hop, and on this album, each critical holds its own. With tune titles like “Brussel Sprout,” “Okra,” “McChicken,” and “Fish & & Chips,” each track is completely sequenced to invite the next course.

Young Nudy raps with the state of mind of being invincible, and if you listen carefully, it’s credible. Braggadocious flexes, homicidal storytelling, and late-night adventures are all detailed onGumbo with the rap artist’s unique southern appeal. Standout tracks consist of the viral “Peaches and Eggplants,” “Portobella,” Pancake,” and “Pot Roast.” — DeMicia Inman

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‘The Great Escape’ – Larry June, The Alchemist

Larry June and The Alchemist‘s The Great Escapeis the best marital relationship in between underground cool and traditional appeal. Alchemist produces a cinematic soundscape ideal for June’s business-pointed prose. June coasts through the low profile and emotional beats with styles taking on self-care, bossing up, credibility, and entrepreneurial acumen.

Listeners are transferred to the traveler seat of a foreign high-end vehicle on tracks “Turkish Cotton” and “Porsches in Spanish.” Alc and Larry make rest stop in Detroit, where they relate to Big Sean to create fundamental life abilities (“Solid Plan”). Boldy James captures them before they leave on “Art Talk,” where they masterfully talk about “millionaire propensities” (aye, aye, aye, aye).

Alchemist brings the hustle’s grittier aspects to the job– blood, sweat, and sacrifice. At the exact same time, Larry June’s orange juice-like personality represents the fruits of that labor. The album is a sonic analysis of the grind and how to leave it in satisfaction.

The LP peaked at No. 12 on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart and no. 32 on the Billboard 200. The Great Escapepeaked at 9 on the Top Rap Albums chart and 4 on the Independent Albums chart. — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin

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‘And Then You Pray For Me’- Westside Gunn

According to Westside Gunnhe isn’t attempting to be the very best rap artist. No. He wishes to be the “illest manager of perpetuity.” It makes sense that his album, And after that You Pray For Me, is the boldest departure from the Griselda noise. The Buffalo-born tastemaker sent a bat signal for a few of the dopest artists in the culture. JID, Conway the Machine, Stove God, Boldy James, Ty Dolla $ign, Denzel Curry, and more show up for a sonic painting.

Gunn releases strokes of Griselda boom bap on “Mama’s PrimeTime,” with JID’s mad verse taking the program. “Kostas,” called after the in your area famous Greek Buffalo, N.Y. dining establishment (IYKYK), discovers Benny and Con’ joining their sibling in bars for an excellent posse cut. Make no error, Gunn’s signature catchphrases and diverse personality work to fit each varied track into a merged job.

It’s obvious Westside Gunn’s bars take a rear seat here more than his previous efforts. Gunn’s Thelma Golden-like curatorial practice sees a favorable reward for art’s sake. If you like gritty beats and your raps curtained in Balmain, this euphoric curation is practically worth hoping for. — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin

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Rocket Power – Quavo

Quavo ‘s Rocket Power was extremely expected as everybody awaited his beliefs after the loss of his nephew and brethren in music, Takeoff. After the Migos rap artist launched a homage video for his one-off single, “Without You,” he dropped Rocket Power : an open journal of Quavo’s inner ideas about loss, spirituality, household, and his mindset. To him, his 2nd studio album is an ideal example of “gangsta gospel.” “It’s for the ones who often might let a cuss word slip out in church, however still state, ‘Sorry, Lord,’ he discussed to VIBE

The album’s title track and tunes like “Hold Me” hear the 32-year-old grieving the loss of Takeoff. Others tracks like “Greatness,” “Where Can I Start,” and “Not Done Yet” mark completion of Migos as a group, however the authorities start of a brand-new chapter in Quavo’s solo profession. The LP, which peaked at No. 18 on the Hot 100 chart, is both spiritual and amazing. You get a mix of these qualities with “Who Wit Me,” Wall to Wall,” “11:11,” and the charting single “Turn Yo Clicc Up” including Future.– Amber Corrine

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‘Hood Hottest Princess’ – Sexyy Red

Sexyy Red became among music’s most intriguing acts in 2023. With glasses on and stacks of cash in hand, the St. Louis native went from TikTok trending noises to Signboard charts with Drake for the indisputable catchiness of her vulgar rhymes. On Hood Hottest Princess, Sexyy Red bases on service as a celebration starter; she’s not here to supply reflective bars on motherhood and her individual predicament. The task supplies the soundtrack for an excellent (and most likely ghetto) time– an element of rap music that ought to not be looked down on or neglected.

Without flowery metaphors and challenging one-liners, Sexyy Red’s task provided club anthems, with production from Tay Keith, DJ Paul, TrueBeatzz, and others. Her blatantly brazen bars– like the notorious “my coochie pink, my booty hole brown” on her breakout record “Pound Town”– become part of her signature method to music. What sets her apart from her peers is not just her decision to stay real to herself Likewise her “Female Gucci Mane” energy.

A mix of Mane’s East Atlanta Santawith a dash of Trina’s specific edge, Sexyy Red shows she is here to remain and control a lane she’s paved with decision. Hood Hottest Princessfunctions Nicki Minaj, Juicy J., Sukihana, and more throughout 11 tracks. Standouts consist of “SkeeYee” and “Lookin For The Ho * s (It Ain’t My Fault).” — DeMicia Inman

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‘For All The Dogs’ – Drake

Drake discovers himself at an intriguing put on For All The Dogshis 8th solo studio album. The Toronto super star who fans grew to enjoy due to his relatable heartbreak anthems and fear handles a brand-new, adversarial position on ladies. Coincidentally, while he appears to have the most to state, he “generally” raps the least he ever has on an album. Changing his pensive, no-hook fan preferred bar fests are more of his melodic, rap-R&& B hybrid records. “7969 Santa” and “Drew A Picasso” are mid-tempo mullings over females whom he has actually lost and are filled with outrageous, despiteful jabs at the males they are presently with.

“First Person Shooter” discovers him and J. Cole commemorating their areas at the top of the rap video game, and The 6 God apparently sidetracking himself from his anguish by acknowledging his success. The reality of this LP, and why many individuals appear to dislike it, is that Drake feels entitled to a love that ought to come quickly to him. That sadly isn’t the case and he is tired with being the hero with a number of No. 1 albums– this one consisted of– who continuously ends up last in the race for a long lasting union. — Armon Sadler

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‘Magic 3’ – Nas

Nashas actually defied the hands of time and is on an unmatched run for an artist of his age, stature and quality. The Queensbridge griot generated his 50th birthday with the release of Magic 3the 6th and last album in he and manufacturer Hit-Boy’s double collective series.

Celebratory vibes exist on “Fever,” with Nas indulging in the splendor of reaching the half-century mark while browsing a bruising soundscape. “TSK” stimulates his “Nasty” alter-ego, while “Never Die” boasts a lyrical battle with Lil Wayne, representing Magic 3 ‘s only function. Different nods to previous product are spread throughout Magic 3 He reviews the Magicstandout “Speechless,” releasing a stream of awareness that teeters in between braggadocios and reflective.

While “Pretty Young Girl” and “Blue Bentley” provide a mixed-bag of musical minutes that are rather disconcerting, joints like “Japanese Soul Bar” and “1-800-Nas&& Hit” ravel those rough spots, making Magic 3 an album strong enough to move a variety of fans to put their all-time rankings into concern.– Preezy Brown

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‘Glorious Game’ – El Michels Affair & & Black Thought

Black Thoughthas actually invested the previous 5 years molding his musical identity beyond The Roots. After shedding his cape of privacy and putting his name on the marquee, the well-regarded veteran continued his succession of releases with Remarkable Gamehis collective job with El Michels Affair A time pill to the treacherous South Philadelphia streets of the past, Remarkable Game discovers Black Thought layering detailed recollections of his youth atop emotional backgrounds.

On “Grateful,” he regrets the “pursuit of the American Dream” and accompanying guidelines of engagement. On the KIRBY-assisted titular track, the 50-year-old kicks freedom and development. “Protocol” is peppered with impassioned vocals thanks to Son Little, representing among Remarkable Game ‘s more sonically absorbable offerings.

Sentimental vibes exist on “The Weather” and “Miracle,” whereas extreme truths obtained from the concrete are gushed throughout brooding standouts like “Hollow Way” and “I Would Never.” Completed by the reflective closing cut “Alter Ego,”Marvelous Game marks yet another creative accomplishment for Black Thought and includes additional cushioning to his prominent resume.– Preezy Brown

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‘Set It Off’ – Offset

This present chapter of Balanced out‘s profession includes difficult ends and important clean slates. While processing the loss of his precious partner Takeoff, pertaining to terms with the main conclusion of the Migos, and stabilizing marital relationship to a super star and domesticity, the 31-year-old rap artist required to transform himself in 2023 for a critical period in his solo profession. While in this shift, Set It Off did simply that.

Working as his 2nd solo task, the 21-track offering flaunted his remarkable and varied variety and lyrical enhancement. The LP’s introduction entices listeners in with a sample of KIRBY’s “Black Leaves,” signaling we might be seeing a various side of the Atlanta rap artist this time.

As a long time trap rap essential, hardly ever has the daddy of 4 bared his soul on wax in this brand-new method. On Set It Off, he practically right away gets susceptible, rapping on “Say My Grace”: “Ask God, why I didn’t get a response? Why I lose my bro to bullets?/ Why I lose my grandmother to cancer? Why me, God? I require responses.” On “Red Room,” he slams polices and misses his household. His single “Jealousy” sees him going toe-to-toe with his other half Cardi B about relationship characteristics. Offset is exercising his balance of keeping the signature enjoyable in his music while getting more individual than ever previously.

An element about the LP that can not be disregarded is its unforgettable press run. Weeks before Set It Off’srelease date, Set signed up with enormously popular banner Kai Cenat for a live-streamed slumber party. The 2 produced numerous viral minutes that assisted Offset win individuals over thanks to his humorous character, offering the best runway for the album’s expose. He likewise made headings by reuniting with Quavo at the 2023 BET Awards to honor Takeoff with a homage.

Set It Off was a refined album that revealed Offset is severe about his craft and marked the start of an appealing brand-new experience for the skilled rhymer. — Regina Cho

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‘SAMSON: THE ALBUM’ – CHIKA

CHIKA ‘s launching studio album,SAMSON: THE ALBUM is “the most renowned, ingenious, HARD, strong launching hip-hop album considering that Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation,” according to the artistherself. Sure, it’s a vibrant claim, however the Alabama local is a vibrant female, unafraid– or, maybe, hammering out her worry– to share the reality as she sees it with the masses. This has actually frequently led to possible listeners turning away from the wordsmith, showing that fatphobia and colorism still play a part in how artists are viewed. Due to the fact that who is dismissing Cardi B’s music– or any variety of outspoken artists– for ventingtheir disappointments on social networks?

Despite how some see the MC, CHIKA’s music screams with self-confidence, as it should. SAMSON’s theatrical feel (thanks in part to contributions from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Derek Dixie), variety of noise (“Night 4,” “Delilah,” “Awards”) and complex bars (every damn tune) make it a stand-out of its period, a real gem throughout a year that has actually not respected Hip-Hop with something to state. Do not get it twisted. Sis is far from preachy, sharing her inmost vulnerabilities while tackling her own fights with psychological health and life in basic.

Drawing contrasts to the abovementioned Hill record, along with Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndriod, CHIKA now stands next to these similar artists in an uncompromised pursuit of creative quality that merely ain’t for everyone. Here is the thing though … it canbe. There is something for everybody from the trap fans to the pop girlies here, and all of it feels authentically CHIKA, served with ability and objective. All you need to do is press play. — Jessica “Compton” Bennett

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‘Sundial’ – Noname

Considering that the release of her well-known launching Space 25, a series of events have actually taken place in the life of NonamePolarizing political statements, spoken jousts with rap peers, and innovative disenchantment all totaled up to a boost in headings and prestige for the 32-year-old. The occasions put the Chicagoan under the microscopic lense, however she moved the uptick in attention to Sundial her long-awaited sophomore album that surpasses its predecessor.

The “socialism sibling” lulls listeners in with superb grooves thanks to the Daoud-produced “Black Mirror,” a breezy initial salvo that belies the more heavy-handed product throughout the job’s 11 choices. Previous U.S. President Barack Obama is taken to job on “Hold Me Down” and cultural voyeurism is taken a look at on “Balloons,” a terse structure strengthened by a look from Jay Electronica.

In a blunt and transparent style, Noname’s Sundialtakes on all the elephants in the space by pirating Kendrick Lamar’s circulation on “possibly the interlude,” resolving European charm requirements on “Beauty Supply,” and discussing the intricacies of situationships on “Toxic.”– Preezy Brown

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‘Heroes & & Villains’ -Metro Boomin

City Boomin casted the ideal ensemble of Heroes & & Villains for his late 2022 release. The 14-track album (consisting of a perk track) includes John Legend, Future, Chris Brown, Don Toliver, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Young Nudy, Young Thug the Weeknd, Mustafa, ASAP Rocky, the late Takeoff, and Gunnawith narrative by A$ AP Rocky and Morgan Freeman.

Functioning as the follow-up to Metro’s 2018 launching task,Not All Heroes Wear Capes Heroes & & Villains debuted at primary on the United States Signboard 200. The album consists of a few of the St. Louis local’s signature trap beats and checks out R&B and alternative noises with co-production from the similarity TM88, DJ Moon, Peter Lee Johnson, Johan Lenox, Allen Ritter, and Honorable C.N.O.T.E. The superproducer stepped up to the obstacle of developing deliberate cooperations with a few of Hip-Hop and popular song’s greatest names.

The album’s strength depends on the sequencing and artist pairings. Each track is a brand-new scene in the Metro Boomin sonic universe where he completely weaves a plot of enormous insanity and victorious boasts. Standout tracks on Heroes & & Villainsconsist of “Creepin;” “Umbrella,” “Metro Spider,” and “Feel The Fiyaaaah.” Heroes & & Villains exhibits why Metro Boomin is among the market’s best musical designers.— DeMicia Inman

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Scarlet – Doja Cat

“No more pop … I likewise concur with everybody who stated most of my rap verses are mid and corny,” Doja Cattweeted in April. “I understand they are. I wasn’t attempting to show anything I simply take pleasure in making music however I’m burning out of hearing yall state that I can’t so I will.”

To demonstrate how lyrical she might get and more, Doja launched her rap album, Scarlet The eccentric artist had something to show and invested the early quarters of the year safeguarding her brand-new look, discussing her noise, and trolling fans about her brand-new LP. Scarlethas actually ended up being Doja’s brand-new gory alter-ego after personally declaring her 2 very first albums, Hot Pink and World Her were “average pop” and “money grabs ” A no-holds-barred Doja resolved a couple of subjects throughout the 17-tracked album consisting of going toe to toe with other females rap artists, being identified “hellish,” her love life, leaving being popular song, and more.

With her record breaking No. 1 hit “Paint the Town Red” opening the alternative rap/R&& B album, Doja set the tone for the remainder of the task and stated she’s basing on company when it happens her genuine self. She trolls a bit on the track “Demon,” before genuinely revealing how she feels about being compared to other rap women on “F ** k The Girls (FTG).” “Ouchies,” “97,” and “Balut” are simply a couple of titles that highlight Doja’s lyrical capability. On the other hand, she displays her vocals on softer tracks like “Agora Hills,” “Can’t Wait,” and “Often.”– Amber Corrine

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A Gift & & A Curse’ -Gunna

Gunna‘sA Gift & & A Curseis a bittersweet offering. The Atlanta rap artist shows his durability, handling the album’s 15 records all on his own. He stands out at catching the listeners with his active circulations, perky croons, and elegant flexes over a varied selection of uptempo and mournful beats, he concurrently develops an air of compassion by showing on his seven-month stint in prison and the desertion of his previous good friends after taking the Alford Plea in the middle of the continuous YSL RICO case.

There are victorious minutes like the sustaining hit “Fukumean,” which works as the best alley-oop for “Rodeo Dr” right later. There is the album better “Alright,” where the Atlanta rap artist sounds tired and beat however solves to continue pressing onward. The pensive “Idk Nomore” has him questioning whatever, even himself. Needless to state, Gunna’s title choice for this LP is spot-on; he reveals the present of banking on himself, however menstruation that includes inescapable feelings due to his withstood losses.

A Gift went on to peak at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, breaking his two-album streak of No. 1’s. He acquired something much better than a 3rd No. 1: the pointer that individuals will enjoy his music and assistance this brand-new journey that he is on.— Armon Sadler

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‘Michael’ – Killer Mike

Killer Mikehandles criticisms imposed his method on his newest effortMichaelOn the surface area, listeners take pleasure in records where he compares versus André 3000, Future, Young Thug2 Chainz, and more, and especially holds his own in the arena of competitive rap. On a much deeper level, it is a pointer that people and their beliefs are imperfect as he opposes himself a bit throughout the job. The Run The Jewels rap artist has actually welcomed his advanced side for many years and looked for to remove the system. On this album, there are minutes where he blames the individuals, not the system, for their bad luck. Rap is frequently inconsistent, so this can not be restricted to simply Killer Mike, however it is notable.

Still,Michaelis a deeply individual check out the guy behind the raps and an outstanding display screen of lyricism and songmaking. While listeners might not concur with his dispute ideas of “combating versus the guy” while likewise looking down on their miseries produced by manufactured facilities, the quality of the music is indisputable. Aside from the bars, there are likewise some emotional singing offerings from 6LACK, Eryn Allen Kane, Blxst, Jagged Edge, Kaash Paige, and more. Killer Mike supplied a varied tracklist of skills brand-new and old, developing a task that was the subject of conversation for rap fans of any ages.— Armon Sadler

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