2024 could’ve been another standard year for rap music; however, it proved to be anything but that. With the beef heard around the world between two of music’s biggest stars, a bevy of new female rappers, and artists constantly pushing the bounds of what it means to be a modern rapper, 2024 served up some of the best rap albums of all time.
When one thinks of rap in 2024, one will think of the Drake versus Kendrick Lamar beef that is still playing out actively in real-time. While that felt all-consuming, artists like Doechii, Latto, Tyler, The Creator, Gunna and more still shined through with their respective projects.
As the rap space becomes more competitive and arguably more crowded, many rappers are leaning into their niches and creating a sound only they can achieve. While this music landscape promotes and pushes singles, the artists below are creating bodies of work that resonate with people, have a cultural impact, and are the manifestation of fleshed-out concepts.
10. Latto, Sugar Honey Iced Tea
Latto is Big Mama for real. She released her third album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, this year with fan favorites like “Put It on da Floor,” “Sunday Service,” “Big Mama,” and “Brokey.” Her ability to create fun bops that are clever but not overly analytical has kept this project in heavy rotation.
9. Big.Ass.Kids and Pigeons & Planes, See You Next Year 2
See You Next Year 2 (SYNY2) is an album you may not know, but you definitely should. The compilation album was released by distribution and artist platform Big.Ass.Kids and Pigeons & Planes is an eclectic mix of alternative rap artists like Kenny Mason, skaiwater, AG Club, and more. It shines a light on the semi-underground rap scene that typically lives outside the Top 40 hip-hop charts. See You Next Year featured Teezo Touch Touchdown and Fana Hues before their mainstream breakthrough, so consider giving SYNY2 a spin and potentially finding your favorite artist before they “blow up.”
8. Chow Lee, Sex Drive
Chow Lee is fun, quirky, and, at moments, just a good time. With Sex Drive, the album, he’s embraced that as his lane and pushes further with it. It’s not too serious—it’s great club music, great commute music, and can give your Instagram stories a splash if you need a sonic background.
7. Cash Cobain, Play Cash Cobain
Cash Cobain isn’t just taking over NYC with ‘sexy drill’; he’s going global with his album. There is power in consistency, and his debut studio album Play Cash Cobain is a very fitting title because it can be played on shuffle or in order and still achieve the same carefree, laid-back vibe. While Cobain doesn’t emphasize lyrical complexity, his focus on vibe and melody takes him far on this record.
6. Don Toliver, Hardstone Psycho
Hardstone Psycho feels like Don Toliver’s official shift into a rockstar persona, with his adoption of a biker grunge aesthetic inspired by motorcycle culture. The album packs ambitious production and Toliver’s vocal versatility, with standout tracks like “Glock” and “Deep in the Water” highlighting his artistic growth. “Attitude,” featuring Cash Cobain and the legendary Uncle Charlie Wilson, showcases his ability to weave sounds that, on paper, very few would think could work.
5. Tyler, The Creator, Chromakopia
Tyler is one of music’s most notable album artists, and this time he builds on the sonics of his last string of albums. As the masked cover implies, the EBONY Power 100 honoree digs deep and becomes incredibly vulnerable in his delivery. While the multi-hyphenate has always offered depth to his art, Tyler leans into directness versus metaphors and wordplay. Bringing Doechii, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, and Teezo Touchdown along for the ride makes the vibe that much sweeter.
4. Nemzzz – DND
The Manchester, UK teen has quickly made a name for himself with the release of his debut mixtape, DND. Nemzzz’s stoic yet flagrant bravado makes him one of music’s most exciting young stars. His Manchester accent offers something different to both fans of UK rap and those indifferent to the sound. His track “It’s Us” made waves in the U.S., anchored by its Lil Yachty feature, but it’s the track “PTSD” that is putting him in global conversations. With a sound that is all his own, 2025 looks bright for Nemzzz.
3. ScHoolboy Q, Blue Lips
Blue Lips is arguably ScHoolboy Q’s best album since his breakout Oxymoron. He delivered his best vocal performance, with standout flows that showcase his pen is still working overtime. Tracks like “Blueslides” and “Yeern 101” are production and songwriting masterpieces that have earned their place in what will inevitably be his ‘Greatest Hits’ collection in 15 years.
2. Kendrick Lamar, GNX
Kendrick has long been a rapper who produces cohesive bodies of work, and after the strong but slightly unexciting effort that was his 2022 album, Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers, he has come out swinging with his Q4 release, GNX. After essentially shedding the “activist” narrative around his music, Lamar is having fun and rapping over punchy beats like “Squabble Up” and “Peekaboo,” featuring AzChike, while still offering retrospection with songs like “Luther” and “Heart Pt. 6.” The album features some of Kendrick’s best use of samples in nearly a decade, ushering listeners into a new era while remaining familiar enough to feel grounded.
1. Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
Doechii’s latest mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, is a testament to her artistry and versatility. Spanning 19 tracks, she delves into the essence of hip-hop, offering a diverse palette of sonic experiences that reflect her commitment to the craft. The mixtape balances straightforward, digestible tracks with moments of raw vulnerability. Songs like “Nissan Altima” are club-ready anthems, while “Denial Is a River” showcases her theatrical flair and storytelling ability. The production is both refined and raw, embodying the essence of her Tampa roots with swampy, humid tones. This project is more than a collection of songs—it’s a cohesive body of work that underscores her intention to be a formidable presence in today’s hip-hop landscape. Standing on the cusp of stardom, Alligator Bites Never Heal positions Doechii as a potential leader among the new wave of rappers, blending raunchy bravado with intimate introspection.
Honorable Mentions:
One of Wun, Gunna
Saaheem, SahBabii
The Drive Home, Samara Cyn
We Don’t Trust You, Future & Metro Boomin
Glorious, GloRilla
