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.