The year 2024 proved to be one of the most dynamic and creatively rich years for music in recent memory, with standout releases spanning multiple genres. However, the biggest storyline of the year was the explosive revival of hip-hop, spearheaded by Kendrick Lamar and a dominant West Coast resurgence.

The rap landscape was defined by major moments, including the high-profile feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which captivated fans and shaped the genre’s direction. Meanwhile, the cultural phenomenon dubbed “brat summer”—a movement that stretched into autumn and winter—became a defining trend, fueled by a strong digital presence.

For rap and R&B enthusiasts, 2024 also served as a gateway to exploring a wider spectrum of music, as groundbreaking projects across various genres captured listeners’ attention. While not every standout album can make a personal top 10 list, there were plenty of releases that deserve recognition. Before diving into the rankings, here are some honorable mentions that are sure to leave a lasting impact.

Honorable Mentions:

PERFECT FANTASY – EARTHGANG, Spillage Village

Vibes. Banger after banger. Legendary feature artists. What else needs to be said? The Spillage Village collective gives us a true “perfect fantasy” of sound.

Favorite Tracks:

• LOVE YOU MORE (feat. T-Pain)
• PUT IN WORK (feat. Tommy Newport)
• RED FLAG

MIRADA – Ivan Cornejo

Ivan delivers the longest LP of his career so far, and it does not disappoint.  I believe he holds a special talent to convey emotion extremely well through his singing. He continues to show why he is one of the best musicians and songwriters today.

Favorite Tracks:

• Quiero Dormir Cansado
• Baby Please
• Donde Estás

Hotel La Rut  – Joanna Wang

This albums feels like I’m being transported into a universe where machines talk and colors smell and lollipops grow on trees. It’s so hyper-active and yet at the same time delivers a lyric-heavy story. Heavy sampling,                                                        which I always enjoy.

Favorite Tracks:

• Tina’s Hausu
• You Lost Me at the Spanking Machine
• I Believe That All His Words are True

#10: Bando Stone & the New World – Childish Gambino

Donald Glover continues to deliver hits under his Childish Gambino moniker, cementing his status as one of the most influential rappers of this era. Following Atavista—the completed version of his 2020 mixtape 3.15.20—Glover has now unveiled what may be his most ambitious project yet.

His latest release is a conceptual album set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic world, a bold and immersive sonic experience that will also be accompanied by a forthcoming film starring Glover himself. With this project, he officially bids farewell to the “Childish Gambino” name, marking the end of an era with a multimedia spectacle that encapsulates his diverse artistic talents.

The album itself is a cinematic journey, pulling listeners into the world Glover has crafted. Its sound is vibrant and full of energy—tracks like Running Around (featuring Foushée) highlight his experimental approach, while songs such as Yoshinoya showcase the kind of sharp, confident rapping that harkens back to his early work. As a send-off, this project stands as a testament to Childish Gambino’s evolution, proving that even in his final act under the name, Glover remains at the forefront of creativity.

Favorite Tracks: 

• A Place Where Love Goes
• Crusin’ (feat. Yeat)
• Dadvocate

#9: Elite Vessel – Lexa Gates

Lexa Gates has the world at her fingertips. My first introduction to her artistry came with 2022’s Universe Wrapped in Flesh, a project that left me eager to see where she would go next. Now, with her latest release, she delivers a deeply personal body of work—one that goes beyond just rapping and leans heavily into storytelling.

While Gates continues to showcase her signature slow, hypnotic flow—undeniably shaped by her Queens upbringing and the legends who came before her—she also pushes herself further, incorporating more vocals than ever. Tracks like Stupid and Lover reveal a vulnerable side of her that I never expected to hear. Though she still flexes with confidence, much of this album explores solitude and the process of learning to stand on her own.

With undeniable talent and a rapidly growing presence, Gates feels poised for a breakthrough. If this project is any indication, she won’t be flying under the radar for much longer. I can’t wait to hear what she does next.

Favorite Tracks:

•  Stacy’s Chips
• I Just Can’t Be Alone (with Billy Lemos)
• Lately, Nothing (feat. Alé Araya)

#8: ORQUÍDEAS – Kali Uchis

Kali Uchis continues her streak of brilliance with ORQUÍDEAS, an album that immediately felt like a top-five contender upon first listen. It also seemed like a lock for my favorite Spanish-language album of the year—until another project later in the year proved me wrong. Still, ORQUÍDEAS is a flawless 10/10, a collection of songs with no skips and an undeniable groove.

While the album doesn’t revolve around a grand concept or come with accompanying multimedia elements, it thrives purely on its musical strength. Every feature is exceptional, Uchis’ performances remain as mesmerizing as ever, and the production across the board is irresistibly danceable. Later in the year, the deluxe edition arrived with four additional tracks, adding even more depth to an already impressive body of work.

Kali Uchis never disappoints, and ORQUÍDEAS is yet another testament to her consistent artistry—simply perfect.

Favorite Tracks:

• Muñekita (with El Alfa & JT)
• Te Mata
• Igual Que Un Ángel (with Peso Pluma)

#7: GNX – Kendrick Lamar

MUSTAAAARD!!! If you’re a Kendrick Lamar hater, you might want to skip this part. The G.O.A.T. just delivered one of the greatest performative years in music history, shattering records and cementing his dominance.

Now, let’s be clear—I’m a massive Drake fan. Me and Aubrey go way back. But greatness is undeniable. Watching Kendrick’s master plan unfold over the past year, and how everything aligned for him and the hip-hop scene in L.A., felt like witnessing LeBron in his prime. His influence even sparked responses from his East Coast contemporaries, most notably Joey Bada$$, whose early 2025 track The Ruler’s Back stands as one of the most compelling reactions to the West Coast resurgence.

And now, onto the album itself—an absolute masterpiece. From the moment the opener grabs you by the neck, it refuses to let go. The production, the samples, the sequencing—it’s all meticulously crafted. The legendary Luther Vandross sets the stage in luther, while Kendrick channels Tupac’s spirit with eerie precision on reincarnated. It’s a project packed with raw emotion, made even more impactful following Lamar’s so-called “low point”—his divisive 2022 album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. While I personally loved that record, this new LP serves as a resounding reminder of just how untouchable Kendrick can be.

If this is just the beginning of his 2025 run, we are in for something special. Hip-hop fans, we’re eating well.

Favorite Tracks: 

• luther (with sza)
• gnx (feat. hitta j3, youngthreat, peysoh)
• squabble up

#6: Submarine – The Marías

Favorite Tracks:

• Sienna
• Love You Anyway
• Ay No Puedo

#5: BAÑO MARÍA – Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso

This is it—my favorite Spanish album of the year. Woah.

My obsession with Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso began after stumbling upon their NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The energy, the chemistry, the sheer musical talent—I needed more. That deep dive turned into months of fascination, and now, with their latest release, they’ve completely solidified their place as one of the most exciting genre-bending duos today.

Both artists hail from Argentina, having met while studying music, and their classical training shines through in their wildly experimental approach to trap. The result? A meticulously produced album that is both relentless and refined. It bombards you with hard-hitting beats that stick in your head for days, yet seamlessly transitions into smooth, silky moments that feel reminiscent of Anderson .Paak’s best work.

Ca7riel’s performance on LA QUE PUEDE, PUEDE is simply masterful—his voice contorts and shifts with astonishing creativity, proving he can mold himself into any track. Meanwhile, Paco Amoroso’s gravelly yet hypnotic delivery mirrors the raw magnetism of Future, blending grit and melody effortlessly.

Clocking in at just 30 minutes, this album wastes no time and rewards you for every second of your attention. Adding to the experience, the duo also released a stunning 10-minute short film on their YouTube channel, a visual companion that hints at even more boundary-pushing creativity to come.

I cannot wait for their next move, and if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor—watch their Tiny Desk performance. You’ll thank me later.

Favorite Tracks: 

• DUMBAI
• BABY GANGSTA
• EL ÚNICO

#4: Charm – Clairo

I was late to the Clairo hype—really late. In fact, Charm is the first album of hers that I’ve listened to all the way through. But if there was ever a perfect time to start, this was it.

The album’s lead single, Sexy to Someone, set the stage beautifully, giving listeners a taste of what was to come—an effortlessly cool blend of ‘70s-inspired grooves infused with jazz, psychedelic folk, and soul. The entire record feels like basking in the sun on a perfectly breezy, not-too-hot, not-too-cold afternoon at the park. Over time, it has become a personal comfort album, one that keeps revealing new layers of Clairo’s versatility with each listen.

The production is nothing short of stunning. Slow Dance and Terrapin stand out as absolute masterclasses, thanks to the work of Leon Michels, and throughout the tracklist, some of my favorite drum arrangements of the year shine through.

And as I move further up this list, I’ll be saying “this album had no skips” more and more—but Charm? Had. No. Skips. Period.

And no, this album’s placement isn’t Clairo shade. She absolutely delivered.

Favorite Tracks:

• Juna
• Add Up My Love
• Pier 4

#3: Imaginal Disk – Magdalena Bay

Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Levin’s duo, Magdalena Bay, delivered one of the most talked-about albums of the year with their sophomore effort, Imaginal Disk. Topping countless rankings, this album isn’t just a musical experience—it’s a fully realized concept that pushes the boundaries of electronic pop.

At its core, Imaginal Disk tells the story of True, a character who has an “imaginal disk” implanted in her forehead to create her ideal self. When her body rejects the disk, she’s forced to relearn the human condition from the ground up. This sci-fi narrative, paired with Magdalena Bay’s wildly inventive music videos, further showcases the duo’s surreal and meticulously crafted vision.

The album’s execution is flawless. From the moment you press play, you’re transported into a shimmering, artificial utopia—one that feels simultaneously futuristic and unsettling. The storytelling unfolds through intricate instrumentation and layered vocal effects, making Tenenbaum’s voice even more mesmerizing. Tracks like Image highlight her vocal prowess, while Death & Romance has been hailed as one of the best songs of 2024.

Even if synth-pop or electronic music isn’t your go-to genre, Imaginal Disk has something for everyone. It’s an album that demands a full listen—no skips, no filler, just a brilliant display of creativity in a year that saw plenty of it. Simply put, this is the defining project of 2024’s electronic scene.

Favorite Tracks:

• The Ballad of Matt & Mica
• Cry For Me
• Love Is Everywhere
• Image
• Vampire in the Corner

#2: CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

Oh my goodness—I love this album with my whole heart and soul. I wouldn’t call myself the biggest Tyler, the Creator fan in the world, but I’ve always held a special appreciation for his boundless creativity and genre-defying artistry. Ever since IGOR and CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, the world has been waiting for his next move. And with this album, he gave us everything we could have asked for—and then some.

This is, without a doubt, the best-produced album of Tyler’s career—which is saying a lot for an artist who’s already won two Grammys. The rollout alone was legendary, with cryptic appearances of shipping containers branded with the album’s title popping up in random locations, setting the internet ablaze. And his new masked persona? Ironically, it allowed him to be his most personal and vulnerable yet.

I did not expect this album to hit so many emotional beats. Like Him has quickly become an internet ballad, exploring Tyler’s complicated relationship with his father in a way we’ve never heard before. His mother’s revelation that his father’s absence wasn’t entirely his fault flips the long-standing theme of resentment in Tyler’s music on its head—without diluting its impact. Meanwhile, tracks like Hey Jane, Take Your Mask Off, and Tomorrow showcase his storytelling at its finest.

And then there were the features—one of the few albums in recent memory that genuinely surprised us with guest appearances. Fans collectively lost their minds when Tyler was joined by GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne on Sticky. And let’s not forget the early physical editions of the album, which included a Playboi Carti feature and others that, unfortunately, didn’t make the final cut.

The sheer anticipation, the shock factor, and the way Tyler captivated the music world in just a few weeks? You had to be there.

This isn’t my #1 album of the year, simply because he went up against the most creative producer of our current era. But make no mistake—this album is legendary.

Favorite Tracks:

• Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown)
• I Hope You Find Your Way Home
• Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)

#1: I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU – JPEGMAFIA

Peggy—where do I even start? From the very first listen, this album has never left my rotation. A veteran of sampling and a cornerstone of industrial rap, JPEGMAFIA has outdone himself, delivering his most cohesive and refined project to date.

As always, Peggy leans into his military past—a recurring theme in his discography—but here, he takes it even deeper. Tracks like Exmilitary and JIHAD JOE hit harder when you understand the trauma he endured during his time in service. These aren’t just songs; they’re pieces of his psyche laid bare.

If Submarine had the best closer of the year, then JPEG’s i scream this in the mirror before i interact with anyone is hands down the best opener. Right from the jump, the album sets the tone—in-your-face, chaotic, and sonically dense, layering all types of instruments, beats, drums, and electronic elements in a way only Peggy can. Tracks like SIN MIEDO and New Black History are prime examples of this unique style—something that truly has to be heard to be understood.

I won’t lie—JPEGMAFIA’s music can be an acquired taste. But let’s not forget that when Whole Lotta Red dropped, it took time for people to realize it was generational. Some artists just need time for their genius to sink in, and Peggy is one of them.

But if I had to choose one song to sell you on this album? It’s either on or off the drugs. This track is incredible. JPEG opens with an A.I.-generated version of Future’s Turn On the Lights, transforming the trap classic into a hauntingly smooth jazz rendition. The execution is flawless. While A.I. use in music became more common in 2024—especially with Kanye’s VULTURES projects—this is the best example of it being used creatively.

And beyond production, JPEGMAFIA can rap. His pen is razor-sharp, his flows are versatile, and his delivery is unmatched. He once said he started rapping because no one else would rap on his beats—well, thank God he did.

Zero skips. This was the crown jewel of the year.

Favorite Tracks:

• either on or off the drugs
• JPEGULTRA! (feat. Denzel Curry)
• i scream this in the mirror before i interact with anyone
• New Black History (feat. Vince Staples)
• loop it and leave it

The One Album to Rule Them All: BRAT – Charli xcx

Okay… yes, I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU is my #1 album, but let’s be real—Charli XCX owned 2024. In everyone’s opinion, she delivered the best album of the year. It was a brat summer—how could we ignore that?

What separates a great album from an all-time classic is when every track is so strong that everyone can have a different favorite and still have a case for it. 360, Von dutch, and Apple might have stood out early, but let’s be honest—you can’t help but vibe with every single song. If you somehow haven’t heard this album yet, know this: it’s the best electronic dance album of the decade, hands down.

After its initial release in June, Charli gifted us with Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not three days later (yes, that’s the actual title), adding Hello goodbye, Guess, and Spring breakers to an already flawless tracklist. Then in October, she dropped Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, a full remixed version of the album featuring guests on every track—a feast for fans while we wait for her next move.

This version gave us some of the year’s most unforgettable collaborations, with Girl, so confusing (featuring Lorde) and Guess (with Billie Eilish) standing out as instant classics. The Billie-assisted version of Guess in particular became one of the most celebrated songs of the year.

Charli XCX was in a league of her own in 2024, pulling off a Kendrick Lamar-level run while simultaneously reviving and redefining her own career. And if her music wasn’t enough, she proved herself as an elite performer every time she hit the stage.

A cultural reset. A flawless album. A pop star at her peak.

Favorite Tracks (BRAT):

• 365
• Mean girls
• Von dutch

Favorite Tracks (Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not):

• Guess
• Spring breakers
• Hello goodbye

Favorite Tracks: (Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat):

• Guess featuring billie eilish
• Girl, so confusing featuring lorde
• I think about it all the time featuring bon iver

Yayyy! We’re done! I absolutely love discovering new music and am always open to recommendations—so if you’ve got something I need to hear, put me on! Finally, this is a playlist on Apple Music with EVERY song that I liked heavily in 2024.