The year 2024 was swirling with rhythms and rhymes, with both seasoned musicians and fresh faces making their mark. In this year overflowing with musical talent, it was Kendrick Lamar who stood out. The saga began with a single verse on one track dropped in March (‘Like That’ which also featured K. Dot, Future and Metro Boomin), which became the catalyst for a heated dispute with music’s heavy-hitter Drake, propelling the MC from Compton to unprecedented heights. Amid this turmoil, a plethora of extraordinary music being released, particularly in the domains of hip-hop and R&B, could not be overlooked. Multiple artists presented pioneering albums that stirred both professional critics and social media alike. Here is the enumeration of the top 10 albums of 2024.
First on the list is Beyoncé with her album ‘Cowboy Carter.’ Not just an audial treat, it unveiled the frequently ignored history of the shared space between country and Americana music with African-American artists at the forefront. The album carves a audacious path through country music’s landscape, the traditional domain often unfairly associated with white artists. ‘Cowboy Carter’ defied such stereotypes with songs that tell profound stories, a key element of any country music, reminding everyone that African-American artists indeed have a rich reservoir of stories to tell.
Doechii magnetized the audience with her album ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal.’ As soon as it was released, discussions sparked regarding its potential for album of the year. Showcasing her ability to both rap and sing with finesse, the unique approach she demonstrates in her tracks were a revelation for those already aware of her, transforming casual listeners into devoted fans. Doechii’s album put her amongst the pantheon of the most talented artists of the year.
Tyler, the Creator breathed life into his personal journey with ‘Chromakopia.’ Among the forerunners for album of the year, its musical innovation is unlike any other. Tyler shares his stories of maturing, delving into deep thoughts about fatherhood and family. His vulnerability and self-reflection come through in tracks like ‘Like Him,’ garnering immense emotional resonance.
Standing tall among the crowd was Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX.’ Kendrick Lamar ascended to the throne of 2024’s music scene with this album. Although it almost seemed like the only thing missing from his year was an album, when ‘GNX’ dropped as a surprise in November, it was clear that the year belonged to him. The album embodied a importance that stretched beyond its musical brilliance, permeating the charts with tracks like ‘tv off’ and ‘squabble up,’ while ‘Dodger Blue’ instigated a new line dancing trend.
GloRilla’s ‘Glorious’ album was an instant hit among music lovers. The album’s multitude of hit singles found a home not just on the dance floor but also during casual commutes, outdoor picnics, post-church gatherings, and certainly for any Friday night celebrations, proving that favourable public sentiment does indeed translate into amazing records.
‘The Auditorium, Vol. 1,’ a blended effort of Common and Pete Rock, two renowned and respected architects of hip-hop, presented an album exactly when the music world needed it. Common’s sophisticated writing and rapping amalgamated with Pete’s beats, which were reminiscent of boom bap’s heydays yet in sync with 2024’s pulse, resulted in an authentically impressive album.
Muni Long managed to stun listeners with her album ‘Revenge.’ Unfortunately, the potential viral success of the album was hampered by the delayed release after her 2023 TikTok hit ‘Made For Me.’ Nonetheless, when the album ultimately graced the music world, it was greeted as an R&B offering of exceptional quality. The album was a creative collaboration with some top-tier creatives and kicked off energetically with ‘Superpowers.’
The acquisition of Leon Thomas’s ‘Mutt’ in one’s music library was a delightful surprise for many. This sophomore album hybridized atmospheric vibe with classic R&B weaved by a proficient singer-songwriter. ‘Mutt,’ the leading single, became a constant in many listeners’ playlist. ‘Lucid Dreams’ with Masego didn’t leave any stones unturned to keep the listeners hooked.
Tierra Whack with her album ‘World Wide Whack’ carved a niche into the listeners’ minds with her imaginative and innovative music. The album navigated through a myriad of styles and soundwaves, leaving a lasting impression.
Last but not least, Future and Metro Boomin remained the stalwarts in the music industry. Their collaborative album ‘We Don’t Trust You,’ released in March, filled the airwaves with addictive tunes reaffirming Future’s trademark style.