With every passing year bringing more releases into the Juggalo music scene, 2025 in particular has taken the world by storm with some incredible long-awaited albums. Twiztid dropped their Zeuss produced full rock project, Insane Clown Posse (releasing an album when they say they will for once) unveiled the sixth Joker’s Card of the Second Deck, and Alla Xul Elu finally released their long overdue Mike E. Clarke produced record. This has been a massive year for music, and with just over 44,000 listening minutes clocked up in my Spotify Wrapped, has been the hardest top five albums ranking for me to decide.
With my list finalised in my mind, I want to run through a load of honourable mentions before getting into the top five. Anubis by Klokwerk E was one of my most frequently listened to this year, along with The Bastard Son by Somethin Outta Nothin. The self-titled AlkaRythm EP by Lo Key and BatiBatt was the release I listened to all the way through the most, alongside Klokwerk E’s Bukkake Mukbang Extravaganza EP, which still makes me laugh on every listen. Finally, Lo Key’s fifth Oracle album, The Feeding of Neculai, was truly exceptional, though not quite to the point to make my favourite of the year.
All phenomenal releases, but not in my top five, which starts from here!
5) America’s Most Wicked – Ouija Macc
I don’t listen to every project Ouija Macc drops as I don’t care how much I like an artist, five album releases a year is too many, but I’m so glad I listened to this one as it’s one of my favourites ever by him. This album really encapsulates the lyrical style he had in the early days of being signed to Psychopathic Records (namely his debut verse in the 2017 Juggalo Psypher), which is something I always wanted him to return to.
Hopefully his future albums will be a lot more like this!
Favourite tracks – Old Fashioned Horror, Juggzilla, Lil 1700
4) Gods of Evil Rise – Alla Xul Elu
I know the lower placement of Gods of Evil Rise on this list may seem odd so I’ll just come out and say it: I think this is AXE’s weakest album on MNE. I really wanted to love it but despite the fact I don’t, Spotify Wrapped says its my most listened to album this year, with close to 2500 minutes racked up on it. That’s especially wild considering I skip four tracks on every listen.
The Mike E. Clarke production is as great as you’d expect, but as the album was meant to drop around 2023 (if you don’t know, don’t ask) Alla Xul Elu’s style has evolved beyond what they recorded for this album. As a result it feels like a step backwards from music recorded and released after this, such as last year’s Magic Xul Bus EP. Overall, this is still a solid album that I do enjoy listening to, it’s just a shame it didn’t release when it should have and caused this blip on Alla Xul Elu’s trajectory.
Favourite tracks – Paint The Town Red, God Damaged, The Saints
3) Welcome To Your Funeral – Twiztid
An album I admit I felt quite sceptical about until I heard it, having not been impressed by Twiztid’s last rock attempt (Unlikely Prescription) this album really made me swallow my doubts on the first listen. Feeling a lot heavier and more authentic than before, Welcome To Your Funeral personifies all I’ve ever wanted from Twiztid when leaning away from the rap side of their repertoire. I do wish there had been even a little wicked shit mixed in with this record, but I can’t fault the Demented Duo for sticking to their vision.
Even if you haven’t been a fan of Twiztid in the past, and provided you are already positively predisposed towards rock music, I absolutely recommend giving this album a chance.
Favourite tracks – Let Me Go, Dance On My Grave, Thunder From The Sky
2) The Naught – Insane Clown Posse
I was there with the naysayers who remained adamant until the last moment that this album wouldn’t drop on time, but drop on time it did! The sixth Joker’s Card of the Second Deck is here: The Naught, and I believe it to be the best Insane Clown Posse have been for the last decade. With Mike E. Clarke producing part of the album, and Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope firing on all cylinders throughout the duration of the record, this is the time for lapsed ICP fans to pay attention.
The producer tags from Shaggytheairhead that I complained about in Yum Yum Bedlam are not only gone, but his production is infinitely better here than it was before. It’s a shame there have been no music videos to promote this album, but that doesn’t detract from the fact this is the best ICP have given in a long time.
Favourite tracks – Watch Me, Only Wicked Shit, Here We Go
Album of the Year – Rhymebook of the Recently Deceased – Billy Obey
During Alla Xul Elu’s imposed hiatus, the Church of Xul has been a hive of activity. The first album to drop from their assortment of ready to go records is Billy Obey’s debut solo project: Rhymebook of the Recently Deceased, and even on my very first listen I was sure this would end up being my favourite album this year.
Billy has brought nothing but heat on this project, with the pent up frustration, aggression and horrorcore wizardry Xul is capable of being front and centre in a dazzling display of musical perfection.
Favourite tracks – Creepin’ It Real, Saviour Save Your Breathe, Hell is Where The Heart Is
As with previous years, my favourite song of the year doesn’t necessarily have to release on my favourite album, and to show some more love to The Naught, it featured my favourite song released this year.
Song of the Year – Watch Me – Insane Clown Posse
What were your favourite albums released this year? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be back next week with my favourite games of the year ranking!
Written and edited by Alexx.
There’s No Safety in Silence