Every time Mike Floss releases new music, it sets a higher bar for himself and every other MC in Nashville. The cuts on Floss’ second release since changing his name from Openmic are raw and clear-eyed about all the difficulties he faces and all the power and potential he has as a young man, as a black man, and as an artist. What’s more, they’re some of the best songs anyone has written in Nashville this year. Ducko McFli, Syk Sense, Shmuck the Loyal and Floss himself are among those who put in work on the beats — and as with Floss’ previous work, the engaging, enveloping sound they’ve created makes its own rules. Your grandkids are going to love this album, but let’s hope it doesn’t take that long for the world to catch up with Floss. STEPHEN TRAGESER
Best Hip-Hop Album
Mike Floss, Tennessee Daydreams
