## Honorable Mentions:

Penalty of Leadership - Nicholas Craven, Boldy James

MIXTAPE PLUTO - Future

Mi Casa, Su Casa - insyt.

The Crossroads - Cordae

american dream - 21 Savage

## 10.  shadowbox - MAVI

*Shadowbox* feels like a stream of consciousness turned into an album, showcasing MAVI’s ability to paint vivid pictures with words. The lowkey hazy production complements his rapping by allowing for the poetic lyrics to shine through. Tracks like “The Giver” stand out, with MAVI delivering a captivating flow as he masterfully unpacks the pain of watching the girl he loves move on without him.

## 9. HARDSTONE PSYCHO - Don Toliver

Don Toliver delivers his most cinematic project yet, blending melodic trap with subtle metal influences in a triumphant comeback after the uninspired *Love Sick*. Showcasing his impressive versatility, Toliver effortlessly transitions from electrifying, high-intensity tracks to smooth R&B cuts. This dynamic range highlights his position as one of the most innovative voices in the genre.

## 8. CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The Creator

*Chromakopia* is a deeply personal album that sonically embraces a military theme, exploring Tyler's experiences and struggles with relationships and monogamy. It also reflects his journey of personal growth while grappling with the impact of growing up without a father. While the album features fun tracks like "Sticky", higher replayability could have elevated it to best drop of the year.

## 7. Sick of Myself - 21 Lil Harold

This is the most underrated project of the year, surpassing Slaughter Gang’s own 21 Savage in quality. Lil Harold commands an energetic and bold presence on every track and demonstrates a keen ear for production. Filled with catchy flows and choruses, along with impressive features, this album is a short and sweet must-listen.

## 6. You Only Die 1nce - Freddie Gibbs

Returning to form after his foray into a more commercial sound with *$oul $old $eperately*, Freddie Gibbs reaffirms his status as one of the best rappers of the last decade with unmatched flow and consistency. He delivers sharp bars over gritty, soulful production, delving into themes of temptation, his past struggles, and the journey that has shaped him into the artist he is today.

## 5. Across The Tracks - Boldy James, Conductor Williams

It feels like Boldy dropped 100 albums in 2024, but *Across the Tracks* emerges as the clear standout. Two of the best in their respective lanes come together with undeniable chemistry. Boldy's vivid street lyricism and gritty flow fit perfectly over Conductor's sweet, catchy, looped soul samples and boom-bap drums. This concise project features some of the year's best tracks, including “Terms and Conditions” and “St. Juliana.”

## 4. WE DON’T TRUST YOU - Future, Metro Boomin

Talk about undeniable chemistry… Future and Metro Boomin. Both have inspired countless clones, yet no one can command toxic anthems like Future, nor can anyone create dark atmospheric trap cuts like Metro. This project is filled with standout moments and highlights, while still delivering the deep cuts I love from Future, only held back by its length.

## 3. Dark Times - Vince Staples

*Dark Times* by Vince Staples is a hauntingly introspective project that delves into themes of loss, survival, and the cyclical nature of violence. Staples delivers sharp, reflective bars over moody, minimalist production that underscores the album's somber tone. With its raw honesty and cohesive sound, *Dark Times* stands as one of Vince's most powerful projects to date.

## 2. GNX - Kendrick Lamar

*GNX* is a West Coast victory lap, cementing Kendrick as the greatest to ever do it. Dot delivers his most braggadocious and accessible record yet with bouncy, energetic tracks while still weaving in the societal commentary and personal introspection we’ve come to expect. He even gifts us his best R&B track yet with “luther”.

## 1. BLUE LIPS - ScHoolboy Q

Look at that… another West Coast album. *Blue Lips* features experimental, swirling production full of beat switches that showcase ScHoolboy Q's versatility. The sporadic production and shifting energy mirror his state of mind as he navigates coming to terms with his past street life and gang affiliations while contrasting it with the cushy lifestyle that rap has afforded him. Q is still at the top of his game and rapping his ass off.

The West Coast dominates 2024… who will make the Top 10?

Top 10 Best Hip Hop Albums of 2024

top10-hiphop-2024

## Score: 8/10

Travis Scott carefully crafted another certified classic for the Hip-Hop/Rap genre. The unique sound that Utopia delivers makes for a listening experience like no other from this genre.

Scott’s Utopia provides the listener with beautifully produced action-packed tracks. It is clear on this project that Scott was focused on creating a futuristic style of sound in a genre of music where most artists choose to follow the same kind of formula. With the intent of creating a whole new sound, Scott is able to display his wide range of instrumental skills. His clever use of Afroswing drums, theatrical crescendos, dramatic tempo changes, and an endless array of samples makes for a futuristic/eerie sound that leaves the listener craving more. 

Similar to other Scott projects, Utopia incorporates a wide variety of eclectic features. The clever vocals that Scott chose to accompany each track just make sense, and allow for Scott to stray away from traditional Hip-Hop/Rap style. This doesn’t mean that the project doesn’t contain tracks that are reminiscent of other popular Hip-Hop songs. On tracks like: Meltdown feat. (Drake), TOPIA TWINS feat. (21 Savage, Rob 49), and CIRCUS MAXIMUS feat. (Swae Lee, The Weeknd) the listener gets the same kind of hard hitting drums and verses that one would expect on other chart-topping Hip-Hop songs.

With Utopia, Scott delivers a comprehensive showcase of his musical arsenal, allowing him to create a captivating and genre-defying listening experience.

Travis finally delivers his highly anticipated album UTOPIA and it does not disappoint.

Review: UTOPIA - Travis Scott

utopia-review

### 8. Owl Pharaoh (2013)

Owl Pharaoh is Travis Scott's debut mixtape, and while it shows glimpses of his potential, it's also a bit rough around the edges. The production is often cluttered and overwhelming, and Travis' rapping can be hit-or-miss at times. Still, there are some standout tracks on the mixtape, like *Upper Echelon* and *Quintana*.

### 7. Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho (2017)

The collaboration between Travis and Quavo is a decent album, with some standout tracks like *Modern Slavery* and *Dubai Shit*. However, it's also a bit forgettable and monotone, lacking a sense of evolution and excitement. 

### 6. Days Before Rodeo (2014)

Days Before Rodeo is a solid mixtape that helped establish Travis Scott as a rising star in the hip-hop world. It is raw and unpolished, as Travis was experimenting with different sounds and styles. he had not created his own sound, instead was very influenced by Migos. While it's not as cohesive as his later projects, it's still a must-listen for Travis Scott fans.

### 5. JACKBOYS (2019)

As a collaborative effort between Travis Scott and his label mates, JACKBOYS is a short and sweet project that showcases the talents of Travis and his crew. It's a fun and energetic listen with every track delivering something different. Some might not include this project in his discography, but I would argue it holds its own against his other projects and features him enough throughout.

### 4. Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight (2016)

Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight is a solid follow-up to Rodeo, albeit one that doesn't quite reach the same heights. It comes across as a little disjointed with a few tracks that are duds. That being said, there are many highs on this album and overall is great. This is Travis’s *The Life of Pablo.* He throws a variety of tracks at the wall and most of them stick, but some fall to the ground.

### 3. UTOPIA (2023)

Travis continues to evolve by building on his signature sound, but with a more industrial *Yeezus* (and sometimes *808s & Heartbreak*) inspired take. The production is phenomenal and contributes to the dystopian theme of the album. Mr. Scott brings some great performances and brings a plethora of hard-hitting features. The album is a little inconsistent and it wears the Yeezy influence too heavily on his sleeve, keeping the album from ranking higher.

### 2. Rodeo (2015)

Rodeo is a landmark in modern trap music, a genre-defining album that helped put Travis Scott on the map. It's a dark and moody record, filled with distorted synths, heavy baselines, and Travis' signature auto-tuned crooning. This project contains master pieces like *90210*, *Oh My Dis Side*, and *Antidote*. Everyone was trying to sound like travis after this dropped, and for good reason.

### 1. ASTROWORLD (2018)

ASTROWORLD is Travis Scott's most ambitious and fully-realized project to date. It's a masterful blend of trap, psychedelic rock, and Houston rap, anchored by Travis' own distinctive voice and vision. The album creates a unique experience that no other album quite has. It is consistent from front to back with no lacking tracks.

What are the best and worst Travis Scott projects? Don’t worry we’ll tell you. Updated with UTOPIA!

Travis Scott Projects Ranked

travis-scott-ranked

## Score: 9/10

Sonically, Let's Start Here is a departure from Yachty's previous works. The album is filled with swirling trippy guitar-driven tracks that are heavily influenced by psychedelic rock. Additionally, there is a heavy 80s pop influence towards the end of the project, which made for some really sweet and catchy tracks. Yachty's vocals blend well with the instrumentals and his lovable personality shines through. The fantastic production helps deliver the themes of love and self-discovery that he tackles.

One of the standout tracks on the album is the opening track, "the BLACK seminole." The track sets the tone for the album with its cinematic sound and prepares the listener for what's to come. Another notable song is "pRETTY," which is a self-love anthem where Lil Yachty showcases the same quivering and infectious vocals that were present in Poland.

The album's track transitions are well-executed and smooth, creating a seamless listening experience that takes the listener on a journey. The 4-track run from "sAy sOMETHINg" to "The Alchemist" is a particular highlight, with each track melting into the next.

At just 14 tracks, Let's Start Here feels like an intentional and well-thought-out album, rather than a collection of singles designed to appeal to the streaming era. Overall, Let's Start Here is a fantastic album that showcases Lil Yachty's growth and versatility as an artist. It is his best album to date.

Lil Yachty steps out of his traditional rap sphere and takes a dive into the world of psych rock. To deliver an impressive and cohesive album.

Review: Let's Start Here. - Lil Yachty

lets-start-here-review

## Honorable Mentions:

Only Built For Infinity Links - Quavo, Takeoff

God Don’t Make Mistakes - Conway the Machine

Ramona Park Broke My Heart - Vince Staples

Melt My Eyez See Your Future - Denzel Curry

$oul $old $eperatel - Freddie Gibbs

## 15. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers - Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick gets extremely personal on this record and has many moments where it feels like he is talking with his therapist. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers are not as sonically appealing as his other works and comes off almost as an essay, which is why it is lower on the list.

## 14. DS4Ever - Gunna

DS4Ever is the exact opposite of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, as Gunna delivers melodic vibes that have little in the way of substance. This is probably Gunna’s best project and is easy to throw on at any occasion.

## 13. learn 2 swim - redveil

Redveil delivers a very impressive album, especially for such a young artist. The production on learn 2 swim is super rich and soulful that works well with redveil’s energetic delivery. *Pg baby*
 is a great example of this and was one of the best songs this year. This project leaves you wondering what he will deliver next.

## 12. Her Loss - Drake, 21 Savage

This album feels more like a Drake album featuring 21 savage and delivers some strange moments like *BackOutsideBoyz.* Despite this, there are some real highs on this project where the duo comes together to create great tracks. Overall, it is a great listen and one of the best drops this year.

## 11. TW20 50 - KayCyy

TW20 50 is a short and sweet EP that is a real treat to listen to. The production from Gesaffelstein is incredible and lets KayCyy shine with melodic earworms. The vibe of this project is incredible and would be higher on this list if it was a full-length project.

## 10. LOUIE - Kenny Beats

I am not one who usually likes beat tapes, but Kenny delivered an incredible one. It just has you wishing there were artists over the tracks, though the songs don’t need them. Kenny manages to make the project come across as very personal and it will have your head bopping the whole listen.

## 9. MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES - WESTSIDE BOOGIE

Boogie comes with a very solid project to follow up Everything’s for Sale. His songwriting feels very honest, you get a real sense of who he is on these tracks. The production is solid, but could have used a little more variety and energy.

## 8. 2000 - Joey Bada$$

After a long five-year wait Joey brings a follow-up to 1999, his break-out project. While not quite at the same level as 1999, 2000 does not disappoint. Joey has solid wordplay and punchlines while reflecting on his come-up and the life lessons he learned along the way

## 7. It’s Almost Dry - Pusha T

It’s Almost Dry is a fantastic follow-up to DAYTONA that shows he is still the king of coke rap. Pusha T’s witty bars and pen game are as present as ever, but this time they come with a more playful atmosphere.

## 6. Few Good Things - Saba

Few Good Things has a sense of peace and positive energy. Saba’s thoughtful lyrics and well-crafted flows pair great with his storytelling and self-reflection. He leaves a lot of space for the lowkey and soulful production to shine, which adds to the ambiance.

## 5. I NEVER LIKED YOU - Future

One of the trap GOATs delivers another incredible project of doing what he does best. Like most of his projects, Future paints himself as a villain and lets you into his toxic lifestyle. The production plays into this with its dark and menacing that lets Future deliver some of his best rap performances to date.

## 4. The Forever Story - JID

JID continues to prove himself to be one of the best rappers of the new generation with The Forever Story. He has the ability to deliver fast and impressive flows almost effortlessly, while not coming across as corny. JID also gets in his singing bag on songs like *Kody Blu 31.*
 Lastly, you can tell JID puts his all into his tracks, which connects you to the music.

## 3. No Recognition - Aaron May

Aaron comes into his own sound on this EP, which is very reminiscent of early J. Cole. His melodic style floats over the smooth and mostly mellow production, though there are some high-energy moments. Aaron May tackles his personal struggles and voices them over the record without getting overly deep.

## 2. HEROES & VILLAINS - Metro Boomin

The producer behind countless hits from the 2010s, accompanied by his usual collaborators, creates one of the best projects this year. While Metro does not step out of his comfort zone, he delivers the same energy he is known and loved for. The features all deliver great performances and there is not a dull moment on this project.

## 1. Luv 4 Rent - Smino

Smino made his best project to date with Luv 4 Rent. The album is incredibly fun and Smino shows his versatility with a variety of vibes. He delivers infectious hooks accompanied by fluttering flows and fantastic production. The features on this album are well-placed and only add to their respective songs.

These are the best hip hop albums from 2022, featuring the likes of Smino, Pusha T, and Drake.

Top 15 Hip Hop Albums 2022

hiphop-2022

### 14. Thank Me Later (2010)




Thank Me Later has a dated sound, from both a production and vocal stand point. Even the best tracks, *Find Your Love* and *Fancy,* have not aged fantastically. It is not a terrible listen, but I would rather listen to any of Drake’s other projects.




### 13. Scorpion (2018)




Scorpion has aged the worst out of all of his albums. All of the hits, except for *Nice For What,* feel pretty stale. Songs like *Mob Ties*, *Blue Tint*, and *After Dark* are now the real stars. The album is also really bloated, which makes it a chore to listen front to back. Lastly, Scorpion holds Drake’s worst song *Ratchet Happy Birthday*.




### 12. So Far Gone (2009)




So Far Gone is the beginning of Drake stepping into his own lane and developing his own sound. He delivers his classic *Best I Ever Had* and *Successful*, but besides that this album does not stand the test of time.




### 11. Care Package (2019)




Care Package is just a collection of previously unreleased tracks for streaming services, and it definitely feels like it. There are some staple Drake songs like *Dreams Money Can Buy*, *The Motion*, *How Bout Now*, *Trust Issues* and *Can I* on the project, but besides these tracks Care it falls pretty flat.




### 10. More Life (2017)




Similar to Scorpion, More Life has way too many tracks on it. Though, it is an more dynamic and interesting listen than Scorpion, additionally the tape has more highs with classics like *Passionfruit.* Many of More Life’s tracks are unrefined and don’t flow into each other, giving the tape no consistency. 




### 9. Honestly, Nevermind (2022)




Drake delivers an EDM inspired album that sounds perfect for private jets or late nights in Ibiza. This project is definitely not for everyone, but still has some great tracks (*Jimmy Cooks* + *Massive* + *Sticky* + *Tie That Binds*). Overall Honestly, Nevermind is a pretty consistent project, but is not a standout in Drake’s discography.




### 8. Her Loss (2022)




Her Loss feels like a B-side Drake album featuring 21 Savage, rather than the joint effort I was looking forward too. There are enough good tracks on this project to make a fire EP (*Pussy & Millions* + *On BS* + *Middle of the Ocean*), but it is held down by songs like *BackOutsideBoyz.* Her Loss can feel hollow at some points, which holds true for the production.




### 7. What A Time To Be Alive (2015)




Drake and Future deliver a solid mixtape that is a little generic, but has its enjoyable moments. The most notable being *Jumpman* and *Big Rings,* where the duo brings energy and memorable hooks.




### 6. Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020)




This might be the hottest take on the list, but Dark Lane Demo Tapes is Drake’s most overlooked project. Drake delivers vibes like *Not You Too,* *Time Flies*, and *Chicago Freestyle,* which might be his best song since 2015. This project being a B-sides tape is where it falls short, as some songs are clearly skeletal and not finished completely.




### 5. Certified Lover Boy (2021)




At the time of release CLB was not Drake’s best received work, and it still isn’t. What holds this album back the most is its corny moments, like the pregnant emoji album cover or *Way 2 Sexy*. If you can get past the corniness, there are a lot of gems on CLB. *Champagne Poetry*, *Pipe Down*, *Knife Talk*, and *You Only Live Twice* being great examples.




### 4. Views (2016)




Views had the opposite effect than Scorpion. On its release it was boring and had too much filler. While that is still mildly true, “the filler” has a way of growing on you (*With You + Weston Flows +* *Fire & Desire).* Views is probably Drake’s most commercially successful album and has hits that hold up to this day, like *Too Good.*




### 3. **Take Care (2011)**




Drake’s undeniable classic. On Take Care Drake comes out of his shell and fully commits to showing his soft side on tracks like *Take Care* and *Marvins Room*. Despite this he still delivers some of his best rap songs (*Headlines* + *Lord Knows*). Take Care has not aged perfectly, especially some of the production like on *HYFR* or *Make Me Proud*. 




### 2. If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late (2015)




The first half of IYRTITL is near perfect with some of Drake’s best songs. Debatably has the best five song run of all time, with *Legend* to *No Tellin’*. If the second half was stronger, IYRTITL would be Drake’s best album. Drake comes with more confidence than any other project, yet still delivers his best R&B cut with *Jungle*. 




### 1. **Nothing Was The Same (2013)**




The middle project in one of the best three album runs of all time. Drake delivers his least bloated and most consistent album that cemented his place in hip hop. Nothing Was The Same is masterfully crafted and delivers a consistent sound that displays Drake’s strengths. There are the bangers (*All Me* + *Started From the Bottom)*, the vibes (*Hold On, We’re Going Home +* *Too Much*), and songs somewhere in between (*Furthest Thing + Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2).*

We dive into Drake’s discography and determine his worst and best albums. Don’t worry, we will keep it short and sweet :)

Drake Projects Ranked

drake-ranked

## Rating: 8/10

Metro Boomin's album Heroes and Villains delivers a consistent project filled with the trap sound he helped establish. The album features his usual collaborators and some of the industry's most prominent artists, including Young Thug, Future, The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Don Toliver, among others. The album's production is impressive, with Metro Boomin showcasing his signature sound that is both dark and melodic, featuring hard-hitting 808s and cinematic moments, while still showing his ability to create atmospheric cuts.

One of the standout tracks on the album is *Metro Spider*, which features Young Thug. The track is a perfect example of Metro's ability to create a relentless and high-energy beat that perfectly complements Thug's unique flow. Another standout track is *Superhero*, which features Future delivering his signature auto-tuned crooning over a swelling horn beat. 

Another highlight on the album is *Creepin*, which features The Weeknd singing an interpolation of Mario Winan’s *I Don't Want to Know*. The track fits The Weeknd's style perfectly, and 21 Savage's addition adds an extra layer of intensity and rawness to the track. Similarly, *Too Many Nights*, featuring Don Toliver, has a catchy hook and a hypnotic beat that puts the listener in a trance, just like the track with Travis Scott and Young Thug.

However, the album is not without its faults. While the production is impressive, there is a lack of experimentation and differentiation between tracks that may leave some listeners craving something more innovative. The album is consistent throughout, but it could have benefited from more variation and exploration of new sounds.

In conclusion, Heroes and Villains is a great addition to Metro Boomin's already impressive discography. The album features some of the best artists in the industry, all delivering great performances over Metro's signature beats. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking, it remains a great project that is a must listen.

The producer behind countless hits from the 2010s, accompanied by his usual collaborators, creates one of the best projects of 2022. 

Review: Heroes & Villains - Metro Boomin

heroes-and-villians-review

## Mostly new tracks for you to check out that we love!

All of the songs we are listening to right now. Find songs that you will love from what we love.

Recent Rotation

recent-rotation

## Week 1 - Late Night Vibes




### **(1) Swangin’ On Westheimer - Don Toliver**




Let the song take you on a ride with Don’s ethereal vocals over an infectious synth beat. One of the standout songs from Life of a DON.




### (2) E30 - Ryan Trey




Ryan Trey brings a great blend of hiphop and R&B on this cut. The hook has a choppy but melodic flow that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head.




### (3) Don’t Play With Me - Dwn2earth (ft. Ty Dolla $ign)




Both Dw2earth and Ty deliver great vocal performances that pair perfectly. The chorus is super catchy and Ty has one of his best verses ever.




### (4) Stay Down - Brent Faiyaz




This is one of Brent’s most underrated songs and he delivers a great performance over a beautiful guitar driven beat.




### (5) Friendly - K CAMP (feat. Yung Bleu)




This song is just a vibe soaked in reverb. It is super laid back, which works perfectly for the two artists.




### (6) Time Flies - Drake




Drake does his thing on a simple beat that is perfect for just chilling after dark. Time Flies deserves more love, as it kind of fell through the cracks from being on the Dark Lane Demo Tapes.

A collection of underrated tracks that you need on your radar. Six new songs are added every week within a given theme.

Slept On Six

slept-on-six

Chill hip hop songs that will have you staring out the window. The perfect playlist to throw on when its pouring outside and you need something to match the vibe.

Rainy Rap

rainy-rap

## Our 20 Favorites:

1. Buy U a Drank - T-Pain (feat. Yung Joc)
2. Replay - Iyaz
3. Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston
4. Love Story -Taylor Swift
5. Nothin’ on You - B.oB. (feat. Bruno Mars)
6. Hey Ya! - Outkast
7. Hot In Herre - Nelly
8. A Mili - Lil Wayne
9. Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
10. Toxic - Britney Spears
11. The Way - Ariana Grande
12. Headlines - Drake
13. Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
14. Fireflies - Owl City
15. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
16. We Found Love - Rihanna, Calvin Harris
17. Watcha Say - Jason Derulo
18. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
19. Crazy In Love - Beyonce (feat. JAY-Z)
20. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

You will be singing along to every song! These are all the essential anthems from the 2000s.

Throwbacks (2000s)

throwbacks-2000s

## Features the likes of D’Angelo, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Alicia Keys to fill your soul with good vibes.