Favourite Albums Of 2024

Lists | December 2024

2024 has been a fantastic year, marked by outstanding musical releases. Hip-hop, in particular, will remember 2024 for years to come. While many will recall it as the year of the epic feud between two of the genre’s biggest artists, Kendrick Lamar and Drake, the sheer volume of great musical releases should not be overlooked.

The first half of the year saw the release of exceptional projects, such as We Don’t Trust You, the first-ever collaborative album from Future and Metro Boomin. This album sparked the heated conflict between Kendrick and Drake, with Kendrick firing the first shots on "Like That." In May, Vince Staples released Dark Times, which, despite debuting with Summertime ‘06 in 2015, stands as his best work to date. Boldy James also delivered an impressive project with producer Conductor Williams, continuing his excellent run of releases with Across The Tracks.

The second half of the year was equally rich in great releases. Denzel Curry and Tommy Richman dropped remarkable projects over the summer. While R&B didn't have as strong a year compared to hip-hop, Richman’s Coyote was a standout gem. Toward the end of the year, we were treated to phenomenal albums from two great West Coast artists. Tyler, the Creator released a fantastic album in October, followed by Kendrick Lamar's GNX in November.

Now, it’s time to unveil the top ten of my favorite albums of the year. Selecting the top ten was an incredibly tough task, given the wealth of outstanding releases this year. However, ranking them proved even harder. In compiling this list, I considered not only the overall quality of the music, but also replay value was a crucial factor. Ultimately, this list reflects the projects that made the most significant impression on me in 2024, offering a diverse snapshot of a remarkable year.

Rome Streets & Daringer
Hatton Garden Hold Up

As always, we received multiple projects from Griselda this year. One of the most impressive releases from the label came from Rome Streetz. Teaming up with Griselda's in-house producer Daringer, they created a fantastic collaborative project that stood out even among the label's high-caliber output. Hatton Garden Hold Up demonstrates that Griselda is in a strong position to carry on its legacy. The label’s early success was spearheaded by Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, and former member Conway the Machine, who helped build Griselda’s reputation during the latter part of the 2010s. Now, with the likes of Mach-Hommy, Stove God Cooks, Boldy James, and Rome Streetz stepping into the spotlight, Griselda is poised to continue its rise. Rome Streetz, in particular, has made significant strides in expanding his profile within the underground scene. His latest collaboration with Daringer now solidifies his position within the genre, marking him as an artist to watch closely. - Full review

Michael Kiwanuka
Small Changes

One of the albums I didn’t get to listen to immediately after its release in November was Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth studio album, Small Changes. However, I managed to listen to it before the year ended, and it was quickly in heavy rotation throughout December. The Ugandan, London-born soul artist has been around for quite some time, with his debut studio album, Home Again, released back in 2012. It wasn’t until his third album, Kiwanuka, that he gained wider recognition as an artist. His latest release, Small Changes, is simply a beautiful album, filled with outstanding instrumental work and Kiwanuka’s smooth, soothing vocals.

Once again, he collaborated with producers Danger Mouse and Inflo—the former renowned for his work with Gorillaz and Black Thought, and the latter known for his collaborations with his wife and Sault bandmate, Cleo Sol. Together, they did fantastic work on Small Changes.Throughout the album, it feels as if the three of them were improvising and letting the magic flow naturally in the studio. You can hear the influence of great soul albums from previous generations channeling through Small Changes, with clear nods to legends like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Al Green.

While the album’s production is smooth and laid-back, the themes are deep and significant. Personal growth, mental health, and self-discovery are layered within the album’s lyrics. The first two singles, “Floating Parade” and “Lowdown (Part I),” address Kiwanuka’s mental struggles and his desire for change, respectively. But the album also radiates positivity with tracks like “Follow Your Dreams,” which focuses on perseverance, and “Stay By My Side,” a fantastic love song. Small Changes arrived at the perfect time and served as a warm backdrop during the cold days of December. It was one of those albums that I found myself turning to for comfort and warmth.

Doechii
Alligator Bites Never Heal

Another project I didn’t get around to immediately was Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal. Released in back in August, and after hearing about the mixtape’s positive reception and the love it was garnering from others, I was pleased to find myself feeling the same way upon listening to it. From the very first play, I was drawn to Doechii’s latest release, which stands as one of the most creative projects of 2024 and has helped her become one of the most exciting new artists to emerge within Hip-Hop.

With each track on the mixtape, you never know where the Floridan rapper will take you. It showcases Doechii’s versatility to be both humorous and seriousness when need be, whilst also being enjoyable to listen to when she chooses to rap or sing. “Nissan Altima” showcases Doechii’s impeccable flow over an upbeat instrumental, while “Denial Is a River” offers dark, humorous storytelling about her recent struggles, presented through a conversation with a therapist. “Wait” shifts to a more somber yet uplifting tone, with a fantastic chorus that emphasises the importance of not dwelling on the past and looking forward with positivity.

TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) has enjoyed a phenomenal run since the blog era, initially introducing artists like Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul, who became some of the most exciting talents of that time. Later, Isaiah Rashad and SZA joined the roster, bringing even more respect and commercial success to the label. In my opinion, Doechii is the most impressive artist TDE has signed since then, and Alligator Bites Never Heal is the best debut project from the label since SZA’s 2017 album, Ctrl. With her versatile skills in both rapping and singing, Doechii’s latest mixtape is undoubtedly one of the most exciting moments in Hip-Hop for 2024.

Blu & Evidence
Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a rich history within Hip-Hop, with countless rappers showing love to the city. From 2Pac's "To Live and Die in LA" to Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre’s "The Recipe," the city has been a central theme in many iconic tracks. Arguably, no other rapper has expressed their love for the City of Angels more than Blu, one of its very own. Teaming up with Evidence, the two created an album that perfectly represents the essence of Los Angeles. Evidence did a fantastic job with the production, providing beats that complement Blu’s flow and the content of his lyrics. While Los Angeles is filled with tracks you can relax to or cruise along with, it also reflects the darker side of the city with songs like "Heaven" and "The Cold." Both Blu and Evidence are beloved veterans of the underground Hip-Hop scene, yet Los Angeles marks their first-ever collaborative project together, and it stands as a massive highlight in each of their decorated careers. - Full review

Tommy Richman
Coyote

Tommy Richman emerged as a breakout star this year with his smash hit single, “Million Dollar Baby,” which has now surpassed a billion streams on Spotify alone. Although a great song, Richman followed it up with an even better single, releasing “Devil Is a Lie” a couple of months later. His music fills a gap that was missing in Pop and R&B, offering infectious choruses over instrumentals that feel like a blend of early-2000s Neptunes beats and the laid-back sonics reminiscent of Houston’s rap scene. Anticipating his debut album, Coyote, I was thrilled to find that it exceeded my expectations, solidifying Tommy Richman as one of my favorite artists this year. Impressively, the Virginia singer chose to leave out both “Million Dollar Baby” and “Devil Is a Lie.” While many artists would have included those successful singles to boost album sales, Richman instead delivered eleven brand new tracks that sound completely different, showcasing his versatility and creativity. - Full review

Tyler, the Creator
Chromakopia

Though Tyler, the Creator released his debut mixtape, Bastard, back in 2009, he still carries the aura of an exciting new artist due to his constant ability to challenge himself and deliver unique albums with each release. Over the past seven years since Flower Boy, Tyler has significantly evolved as both an artist and a musician. Chromakopia finds Tyler at his most vulnerable, marking a stark departure from the shock value content that defined his early 2010s work. This latest effort reflects the thoughts and experiences of many in their late twenties and early thirties, as Tyler explores themes like the pressures of long-term relationships and fatherhood, in addition to life under the public eye. On the other hand, Tyler appears unfazed by internal and external pressures to meet musical expectations. Once again, he crafts an album that is both sonically and lyrically beautiful, further solidifying his artistic growth and maturity. - Full review

Denzel Curry
King Of the Mischievous South Vol. 2

Another entry from Florida, but unlike Doechii, Denzel Curry has been around for quite some time. Similar to Tyler, the Creator, he has continued an incredible streak of phenomenal releases. His latest project serves as a sequel to his 2012 mixtape, King of the Mischievous South Vol. 1, which he released at the young age of 16. This release acts as a tribute to his Southern Hip-Hop roots and the Southern artists who paved the way for him. On Vol. 2, you can hear and feel the influence of Memphis, Atlanta, and his hometown of Carol City, Florida. This is also evident with the inclusion of Kingpin Skinny Pimp narrating the album and features from the likes of Project Pat and Juicy J. Since his second album Imperial released back in 2016, Denzel Curry has failed to disappoint with his solo releases and Vol. 2 is up there competing with his best projects within his discography, albums such as Ta13oo and the previously mentioned Imperial. Full review

Kendrick Lamar
GNX

Though not taking the top spot on this list, it’s undeniable that Kendrick Lamar was the best rapper of 2024. Thirteen years after his debut album, Section.80, 2024 is Kendrick’s greatest year in what is already an illustrious career for the rapper. His victory against Drake back in April during their soon to be iconic battle was monumental, but only marked the beginning of his success. Along with his Pop Out concert which was a symbol of his victory lap and the announcement of being the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl - Kendrick released GNX. A short but sweet twelve track album that consists of songs that fit any different vibe or mood your in. From the enjoyable rapping on songs such as “Man In The Garden”, the aggressive yet brilliant storytelling on “Reincarnated” to the blissful R&B influences of “Luther” and “Dodger Blue”. A fantastic way to close out a phenomenal year for the Compton rapper. - Full review

Vince Staples
Dark Times

Long Beach’s very own, Vince Staples, was another great West Coast artist who released an even greater project with Dark Times. Releasing his debut album almost a decade ago, Vince released his best project to date with his latest released sixth album. Nearly a decade after releasing his debut album, Vince has now crafted his best work to date with his sixth studio album. It feels as though Vince has only just entered the prime of his career, with his songwriting and lyricism reaching unparalleled heights. The production on Dark Times also surpasses that of his earlier releases. The album offers a wide spectrum of emotions, with standout tracks like the introspective “Black&Blue” and the up-tempo, New Orleans-inspired “Etoufee.” At a concise 35 minutes, the album strikes the perfect balance between length and quality, keeping you engaged from start to finish. Vince’s sixth album is genuinely flawless from top to bottom, and the only reason it missed out from the top spot is because the next project had even more replay value than this did. - Full review

Boldy James & Conductor Williams
Across The Tracks

Each album and artist on this list achieved high levels of replay value, but Across The Tracks by Boldy James and producer Conductor Williams arguably had the most. everal tracks from the album, such as “St. Juliana,” “Lamp Shade,” and “Stamps In the Middle,” have been in constant rotation since the project’s release back in June. Conductor delivered some of his finest production work on this album, crafting beats that perfectly complement Boldy’s laid-back rapping style. While Conductor has collaborated with other Griselda members in the past, his partnership with Boldy James has proven to be the most impactful so far.

As for Boldy, he continues to be on an incredible winning streak, with Indiana Jones being one of my favorite projects of 2023. This year saw several excellent rapper-producer collaborations, including Future and Metro Boomin, Rome Streetz and Daringer, and Blu and Evidence. While all of them released fantastic projects - the latter two even earning spots on this list - none came close to the greatness of Across The Tracks. It’s a testament to the great partnership between Boldy and Conductor, solidifying their project as a standout release this year. - Full review