Drake's Iceman Tops 25 Best Albums of 2026 So Far as Don Toliver, J. Cole Follow
Updated
Updated · Complex · Jun 11
Drake's Iceman Tops 25 Best Albums of 2026 So Far as Don Toliver, J. Cole Follow
3 articles · Updated · Complex · Jun 11
Summary
Drake’s "Iceman" was ranked No. 1 on a new list of the 25 best albums of 2026 so far, with Don Toliver’s "OCTANE" and J. Cole’s "The Fall-Off" completing the top tier.
The ranking argues Drake’s May release revived a sluggish pop-rap year, saying "Iceman" — and to a lesser extent Drake’s "Maid of Honour" and "Habibti" — injected fresh momentum into the music conversation.
BTS, Ye, Vince Staples, Baby Keem, Brent Faiyaz and Isaiah Rashad also made the 25-album cut, mixing major commercial releases with more experimental rap and R&B projects.
Critical favorites and rising acts such as MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt, Tokischa, Samara Cyn, Slayr, Elmiene and Jordan Ward were highlighted as evidence that the year’s strongest music has often come from cult figures and newcomers.