The 50 Best Albums of 2024

50.Tommy Richman, Coyote

Label: ISO Supremacy Pulse

Release date: Sept. 27

In the middle of the desert, Tommy Richman stands as a lone wolf. Known for breakout hits like “Million Dollar Baby” and “Devil Is A Lie,” the DMV artist defied industry norms by not including the singles that made him a household name on his debut album, Coyote. Instead, he prioritized the album's artistic integrity. "I wanted to make an album that you can play front to back," Richman told Complex.

Artistically, the risk paid off. Coyote features a whirlwind of contrasting sounds that bleed through Richman’s piercing vocals. The result is a genre-bending album that blends glitchy funk-wave with his distinct voice. Coyote showcases the kind of versatility Richman brings to the table, injecting the game with innovative funk-wave grooves that shine on highlights like the heart-wrenching “Green Therapy” and the anthemic “Letterman.”—Jon Barlas

49.Kali Uchis, Orquideas

Label: Geffen Records

Release date: Jan. 12

In a career that stretches over a decade, Kali Uchis has earned a reputation for music that's as versatile as it is stylish. She reinforced that reputation with Orquídeas, an LP that blends synth pop, reggaeton, and cosmic R&B with seamless ease. For “Muñekita,” she teams up with El Alfa and JT for a dembow-infused single that conjures sexual impulse in the heat of the dancefloor. Meanwhile, on “Te Mata,” she stews in a disembodied soundbed for a break-up anthem that's as spiteful as it is luxuriant. It’s all connected by a deft sequencing and vocals that can emit hurt or icy cool. It’s a virtuosic effort that captures all the moody atmosphere of last year’s Red Moon in Venus. Orquídeas, her second Spanish-speaking effort, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, proving once again that slaps will always translate. —Peter A. Berry

48.Lil Tecca, PLAN A

Label: Galactic/Republic

Release date: Sept. 20

“PLAN A summarizes my plan for life,” Tecca said ahead of the release of his fourth studio album. “It’s never a plan B.”

In just five years, Lil Tecca has transformed from a wide-eyed teenager lying about having "two twin Glocks" to an established industry presence. What’s helped his development is the fact he’s been wildly productive, developing a knack for crafting earworm hooks in the process. PLAN A is propelled by bouncy, internet-era anthems like the Don Toliver-assisted “I CAN'T LET GO” and girl-stealing singles like “NUMBER 2” and “NEVER LAST.” Tecca has grown into his artistry, sounding more confident and comfortable, while maintaining a boundless energy that shines through. —Jon Barlas

47.Denzel Curry, King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2

Label: PH/Loma Vista

Release date: July 19

In the past, Denzel Curry has struggled when diving too deeply into heady concepts. Releases like TA13OO and BLACK BALLOONS drowned beneath their weighty themes, while more succinct projects like ZUU and UNLOCKED were celebrated for their coherent vision and Curry’s effortless lyrical dexterity.

Continuing a series he began back when he was a Raider Klan member, King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 blends these two worlds together, giving the project the feel of a backyard barbecue with your best buds.

Denzel’s strength lies in his assembly of talent. TiaCorine and A$AP Ferg are paired on “HOT ONE,” while Kenny Mason and Project Pat add their flair to “SKED.” Ty Dolla Sign and Juicy J roll through on “COLE PIMP” while Key Nyata makes multiple appearances throughout. KotMSV2 is a reminder that everyone in rap wants to work with Denzel Curry. —Will Schube

46.Lucki, GEMINI!

Label: Empire

Release date: Sept. 20

LUCKI occupies an enviable position in rap’s hierarchy. He’s a darling of the underground who’s built his audience on his own terms, attracting devotees with a warbly, melodic flow and penchant for plugg-adjacent beats. At the same time, he’s beloved by rappers with higher profiles, many of whom rightfully attribute many of rap’s modern styles to his influence.

With features from Future, Rylo Rodriguez, Veeze, Lil Yachty, and more, LUCKI bridges the underground and mainstream more coherently than ever before on GEMINI! The solo cut “KYLIE!!!” is built around gauzy vocal samples and a scorching guitar solo, atop which LUCKI freely associates about his success in the game: “Bigger than life, for sure/ Bigger than Kylie Jenner.” It’s a moment of levity, where you can hear how deeply LUCKI believes in his own talent.— Will Schube

45.Chris Patrick, The Calm

Label: CXR

Release date: April 3

Chris Patrick isn’t afraid to put his ugly truths on wax. Being on the brink of rap greatness sounds cool in theory, but the reality is far more complicated. The price of switching lanes in life includes overdue bills and unresolved trauma. On The Calm, there are moments when Chris evokes the raw, personal style of The Warm Up-era J. Cole, as he intricately weaves his life’s struggles into his lyrics.

Take the title track, for example, where he raps with painful honesty about how his self-destructive behavior has led to alienation: “I got to be honest with me for the sake of development / Most of the people I lost / I done lost to the cost of embracing my selfishness.” —Jordan Rose

44.Camilla Cabello, C,XOXO

Label: Geffen Interscope

Release date: June 28

Two headlines dominated Camilla Cabello’s C, XOXOrollout. First, there was the buzz around the delightfully deranged, Jackson Pollock-esque hyper-pop single “I Luv It,” which features Cabello channeling Gucci Mane and Playboi Carti muttering an indecipherable verse. Second, there were the album’s two Drake features that arrived on the heels of his beef with Kendrick Lamar, only to serve as a subtle reinforcement of some of Kendrick’s points (“Ain’t no accent you can sell me”).

These moments threaten to overshadow the album’s true heart: C,XOXO is a love letter to Cabello’s hometown, Miami. This theme is most powerfully conveyed on “B.O.A.T.,” which samples a Pitbull club anthem, transforming it into a melancholic, syrupy ballad. The song feels like Miami at 6 a.m.—where you escape the blinding strobe lights and pounding bass of the club, only to run to the beach and surrender to a mix of hope and regret.—Miki Hellerbach

43.Freddie Gibbs, You Only Die 1nce

Label: AWAL/ESGN

Release Date: Nov. 1

If Freddie Gibbs regrets being a gangsta rapper, he definitely doesn't sound like it on You Only Die 1nce. The album is a playground of somersaulting flows, stylish soul beats, and vivid micro-diaries. Whether reflecting on his rise from D-boy to rap star in "Cosmo Freestyle," or cruising over pensive piano on tracks like "Rabbit Island," Gibbs is in his element. The wit, specificity, and dexterity of his lyrics elevate these tracks—whether it's a Jussie Smollett reference or a dismissive Keffe D name-drop.

On "It’s Your Anniversary," he flips a Tony! Toni! Toné! song into a dark toast to a dead opp: "It's the 'caine train, hundred percent, fresh off the lip / Chopper shot wet, nothin' but net, I hear the swish." You Only Die 1nce is as macabre as it is masterful, proving that the best raps don't have to die at all.—Peter A. Berry

42.Chow Lee, Sex Drive

Label: EMPIRE

Release Date: Sept. 6

Few things in life are certain besides death, taxes, and getting horny at some point in between. The need to reproduce has kept us afloat since the dawn of time. Chow Lee taps into those desires to create the high-energy, sexy drill banger Sex Drive.

If aliens landed in New York City and you had to show them an authentic example of how young adults mate, you’d play them "Ms. Beautiful V!"—a filthy love letter dripping with all the current Slizzy slang. If they need a crash course on the many ways to have sex, play them "bangbang!," on which Chow effortlessly glides through different positions and the drug combinations that enhance them.—Jordan Rose

41.Fousheé, Pointy Heights

Label: Trackmasters/RCA

Release date: Sept. 13

Two years following her punk-influenced debut album Softcore, alt-R&B singer Foushee heads to her maternal homeland of Jamaica for a reggae-lite album named after an area of land owned by her grandfather. While the singer-songwriter returns to her roots, the lyrics are relatable to listeners from all walks of life. Anyone can connect to the feeling of finding a too-good-to-be-true romance, which Fousheé softly delivers on “feel like home.” The singer pays homage to all-night ragers-turned-nostalgia-trips on the Steve Lacy-produced “100 bux,” where Musical Youth’s classic “Pass the Dutchie” is fittingly interpolated. Ska sonics echo through the short but sweet “war,” as Fousheé warns, “Pray for my opps every day, ‘cause they gon' hate this here year I'm having.” —Jaelani Turner-Williams

40.LL Cool, The Force

Label: LL Cool J, Inc / Def Jam / VMG

Release Date: Sept. 6

Executive-produced by Q-Tip, LL Cool J’s The Force is a refined constellation of athletic raps, inspiration, and righteous intent. LL isn’t trend-chasing anymore; this is the same surrealistic boom-bap that Tip cooked up for A Tribe Called Quest’s We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service. LL doesn’t sound reinvigorated as much as reborn. “Spirit of Cyrus” is a harrowing trip through the mind of a vigilante who seeks to solve racism with bullets instead of rhetoric; you might not agree with the methods, but LL’s crisp inflections and uncompromising death threats make you feel the urgency behind them. When LL’s not seeking vengeance, he’s mapping out playboy logistics (“The Force”), matching wits with Eminem (“Murdergram Deaux”), or serving up a surprisingly seamless post-disco duet with Saweetie (“Proclivities”). —Peter A. Berry

39.Rod Wave, Last Lap

Label: Alamo

Release date: Oct. 11

One day, future scholars will study how Rod Wave, the heartbroken singing rapper, became a voice that defined a moment, capturing a massive swath of music listeners with zero frills or tricks up his sleeves. Last Lap, his latest, is widely considered one of his strongest to date.

The lows are what pull us in, but it’s the moments of joy that keep us listening. The album opens with “Turtle Race,” a mournful track where Rod wrestles with the anxiety and loneliness of life, singing, “Sometimes my life get super wild and I be wishing I was with you / But the turtle race continues.” The somber tone gives way to flashes of triumph, like in “The Best,” a gospel-tinged track where Rod offers both advice to someone else and a reminder to himself: “There is a master plan in store for you … If you just make it through.” —Will Schube

38.Gunna, One of Wun

Label: YSL / 300 Entertainment

Release date: May 9

Gunna raps like he’s floating down a river, letting himself flow into every little nook of the beat without putting up much resistance. It’s a hypnotizing style that lends itself well to vibe-setting albums that glide from one song to the next. On One of Wun, he allows his vocal inflections to freely bounce off every snare and hi-hat in a way that’s as watery as his most iconic cover shoot. So, as surprising as it might be to see a name like Leon Bridges on this tracklist, don’t underestimate Gunna’s ability to go toe to toe with the smoothest vocalists on the planet. One of Wun is highlighted by standouts like the title track and “Hakuna Matata,” but we’d recommend starting on track one and letting it freely wash over you until the end. —Eric Skelton

37.Tyla, TYLA

Label: Fax / Epic

Release date: March 22

On her eponymous debut LP, South African pop vocalist Tyla brings a sensual edge to her girl-next-door charm. In 2023, you couldn’t miss her breakout single, “Water”; on TYLA, the singer makes a splash on 14 tracks, all summertime-appropriate. Tyla softly coos flirtation on the lush “Breathe Me,” invites Gunna and Skillibeng to the bashment on the tantalizing “Jump,” and declares herself a “masterpiece” on the aptly-titled “ART.” The 22-year-old comes into her own on TYLA and offers listeners a fresh introductory album. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

36.Future, Mixtape Pluto

Label: Freebandz / Epic

Release date: Sept. 20

While We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You got the most attention, don’t sleep on Mixtape Pluto. A nod to his mixtape tenacity, the project represents all of Future’s rawest, impressionistic impulses. Layered in sinister keys, demonic synths, and flurries of staccato murmurs, “SKI” is classic Hendrix—a hazy ambience that ensnares you in an L ride you can’t escape. “Ready to Cook Up” creates a similar effect, his druggie bars and meandering flexes melting into an opiate soundscape that will make it feel like you’re mud-walking, too. The whole album slaps, but the centerpiece is “Plutoski,” wherein Future turns scattered ramblings into a soundtrack for a movie called Zombies in Bandoland. —Peter A. Berry

35.Ab-Soul, Soul Burger

Label: Top Dawg Entertainment

Release date: Nov. 8

Ab-Soul’s words have an adhesive quality, sticking to your brain until his stories feel like your own. His raps on Soul Burger are no different, but the album also finds the TDE artist looking beyond himself as he mourns the passing of his friend DoeBurger, who died in 2021.

What impresses most about Soul Burger is how the ingenious production matches his complex abilities as an MC. On "9 Mile" he seamlessly interpolates Eminem’s 8 Mile flow over Soul II Soul’s “Back To Life” and Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones.” On "California Dream," he shifts to a slower tempo, embracing a more soulful sound. And then there’s the highlight, “Squeeze 1st 2,” an absolute lightning rod of a track with a bassline so heavy it could clear up congestion. It’s these dips and sways that compel you to keep listening, eager to see where Ab-Soul will take it next. —Jordan Rose

34.Samara Cyn, The Drive Home

Label: Samara Cyn LLC / VANTA Music/VANTA Records.

Release date: Oct. 25

Samara Cyn’s debut EP, The Drive Home, is designed as a journey of self-discovery—and while the EP is a short ride, it’s still a scenic and eventful one. “Sinner” finds her spitting boastful bars and weaving clever Bible-related punchlines over a haunting, echoed chorus. “100sqft” features her falling for a new love interest while navigating the residual damage from previous relationships. Meanwhile, “Entry#149” illustrates the realities of heartbreak by its constant seesawing between desperately missing an ex and wanting them back.

Samara likes to mix it up. She uses frank, straightforward rhymes at some points and more abstract, thought-provoking lyrics at others; she’ll rap over a spacious melody at one moment, and sing over a guitar-tinged ditty the next. But no matter what, she comes with confidence, vulnerability, and with ideas that feel fully developed. —William E. Ketchum III

33.Anycia, PRINCESS POP THAT

Label: UnitedMasters

Release date: April 26

Anycia’s Princess Pop proves that the future of Atlanta rap is in good hands. Despite being a relatively new artist, Anycia commands every song on her debut album, even when she’s rapping with more established acts, like Latto on “Back Outside.” She keeps shit Atlanta across a diverse array of beats, from sexy drill with a JetsonMade Southern twist on “That’s Hard” with Cash Cobain, to spitting over a Japanese indie pop sample on “Eat!” Even when the subject matter gets repetitive, Anycia is still able to make the tracks feel distinct with the different pockets she finds. Princess Pop That has a run time of only 27 minutes, but that’s all the time Anycia needs to convince you that she has natural talent and the work ethic to send her career to the stratosphere in due time. —Jordan Rose

32.Vince Staples, Dark Times

Label: Def Jam / Blacksmith

Release date: May 23

For his sixth and final album on Def Jam, Vince Staples took a walk down memory lane. Dark Times puts Long Beach, California in his front view, from folkish opener “Black&Blue,” which recalls his self-titled 2021 album, to electronic hitter “Little Homies,” which could easily be a Big Fish Theory outtake. Tracks “Freeman” and “Étouffée” find Staples reveling in his major-label exit, the latter song even turning into an all-out bounce music function. While he still looks over his shoulder for hidden dangers, Staples doesn’t hide from his reality and narrates it as only he knows how. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

31.Latto, Sugar Honey Iced Tea

Label: Streamcut/RCA Records

Release date: Aug. 9

On Sugar Honey Iced Tea, Latto reaffirms her “Queen of Da Souf” title. “Big Mama” showcases her amorous side over sensual production, before flipping the script with a high-energy second half. Throughout the album, Latto’s influences shine through, particularly Drake’s, whose knack for melodic earworms she’s openly acknowledged to have impacted her style.

Latto also finds time to flex on her terms—look no further than “Brokey,” one of the hottest songs of the summer. Lyrics like “Bitches gotta wait till they birthday to go out of town” sparked controversy, with some fans thinking she was shading hard workers. (She later tried to make amends with the $10,000 Brokey challenge.) Whether you find it offensive or not, the track is undeniably an anthem. —Kiana Fitzgerald

30.Kenny Mason, 9

Label: RCA

Release date: March 14

As the final piece in a trilogy of projects, 9 unleashes Kenny Mason’s full range of niche versatility, compacted into nine tracks (or 18, counting each EP). A potent showcase of the Atlanta star’s dynamic skill set, the album—featuring Veeze, BabyDrill, and Toro Y Moi—not only highlights his talent for deep, narrative-driven lyrics, but also his signature ability to blend ATL trap, sample-based hip-hop, and heavy metal into one. He toes this line nearly perfectly on 9, with highlights like “CHOSEN,” “SLIP,” and “MONEY SIGNS” offering reflective themes on his embattled upbringing in Atlanta.—Jon Barlas

29.21 Savage, american dream

Label: Slaughter Gang / Epic

Release date: Jan. 12

american dream is packed with blockbuster aura. The UK-born, Atlanta-raised rapper not only puts forth a full-length effort dedicated to his origins—e.g., mobbing through the streets of his native London in the video for “redrum”—but it’s also his most cohesive solo project to date. Known for infusing menace with luxury, and even tackling loverboy anthems as of late, 21 delves into his complicated lifestyle on tracks like “all of me,” “née-nah” and “see the real,” offering some of the most concise and personal performances of his catalog. 21 was already a superstar, but american dream solidifies his status as one of the premier rap album makers of this generation. —Jon Barlas

28.Rema, HEIS

Label: Mavin / Jonzing/ Interscope

Release date: July 10

In 2023, Rema became the first African artist to surpass a billion streams on Spotify, thanks to the Selena Gomez-assisted remix of "Calm Down." For his new album, he could’ve easily released 12 watered-down versions of his Afrobeats hit. Instead, he made a fucking movie.

I don’t mean to lean on old-school rap clichés, but HEIS is an iMAX experience. His second studio album is loud, pulsating, and confrontational, packed with anthems like the thumping "HEHEHE" or the addictive "YAYO." But it’s also a departure from contemporary Afrobeats, which has been heavily influenced by the smooth, frictionless sounds of amapiano.

This shift is intentional. Before the album’s release, Rema copped to being bored with Afrobeats. P.Priime, a key producer on the album, said Rema was “angry” when he recorded it. That bold, rebellious energy is why HEIS has drawn comparisons to Ye’s Yeezus, a comparison Rema embraces. “It’s fair … I kept it raw, original … it’s going to be a fan favorite,” he told Complex. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo

27.skaiwater, #gigi

Label: GoodTalk / Capitol

Release date: June 14

As underground internet rap music becomes increasingly obscure, brain-shattering, and, frankly, incomprehensible, Nottingham-born rapper skaiwater has found a way to push the genre forward while keeping it fresh and accessible. skaiwater draws from some of the most innovative musical movements of the past few years—Jersey club, rage rap, blown-out beats, and a sprinkle of Brazilian funk—to craft an album that isn’t just autotune mush, but more like a lasagna: layered and full of flavor.

The Playboi Carti-coded "Rain" has been the breakout, but it’s not even the most inviting song on the album. There are potential hits scattered throughout, including the infectious “Richest Girl Alive,” the whimsical “Play,” and the dance-ready “Choke.” —Dimas Sanfiorenzo

26.Mach-Hommy, #RICHAXXHAITIAN

Label: Mach-Hommy

Release date: May 17

Much has been written about Mach-Hommy’s idiosyncrasies over the years, from his mysterious background to his unorthodox distribution strategies. But sometimes the dialogue around the Haitian-American rapper overshadows an indisputable fact: Mach-Hommy has been building one of the great catalogs in underground rap history.

So when you get an album like #RICHAXXHAITIAN, it’s best to not get buried in narrative. Just focus on the music. #RICHAXXHAITIAN is incredible, driven by a political undercurrent that is featured throughout the album: You have Creole rapping; snippets of news clips; choruses about the International Monetary Fund; and even an extended skit with the infamous Haitian Jack. The album is heady but not isolating; if you’re an underground rap nerd there is nothing more exhilarating than listening to Mach and Roc Marciano go full Raekwon and Ghostface on “ANTONOMASIA.”—Dimas Sanfiorenzo

25.Rapsody, Please Don't Cry

Label: We Each Other / Jamla / Roc Nation

Release date: May 17

The rap world is in a better place when Rapsody drops. And she delivers with interest on her fourth studio album, Please Don’t Cry. Each of the songs feel like distinct acts in a play that tells the tale of how Rapsody found power in her insecurities and converted them into the pure energy that she channels through her precise bars. With the help of Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Niko Brim, Alex Isley, and more, Please Don’t Cry is an album that champions coming as you are from an artist who is a true master of the craft. —Jordan Rose

24.Mk.gee, Two Star & the Dream Police

Label: R&R

Release date: Feb. 9

Through the dreamy, waning haze that is Mk.gee’s debut album, Two Star & The Dream Police, the Linwood, New Jersey singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist finds the same passion (and confidence) in his voice as he does in his guitar. Mk.gee melds ethereal bedroom pop and alternative R&B that just barely sits on the edge of either genre. There’s a certain push-and-pull that feels otherworldly yet nostalgic on Two Star. Tracks like “I Want” and “Candy” sound like songs you’ve heard before, but can’t quite place your finger on. He drawls mysteriously throughout much of the 12-track LP, whispering between the ebbs and flows of his inimitable guitar playing. This, though, is the beauty of Two Star & the Dream Police: It’s intimate yet expansive, a fever dream in final form. So alien yet so human. —Jon Barlas

23.Don Toliver, HARDSTONE PSYCHO

Label: Cactus Jack / Atlantic

Release date: June 14, 2024

Exploration and experimentation have driven Don Toliver ever since his scene-stealing 2018 feature on Travis Scott’s “CAN’T SAY.” His latest effort, HARDSTONE PSYCHO, is Don Toliver’s opportunity to experiment with rock.

Don Toliver presents HARDSTONE PSYCHO in four acts, each movement represented by four songs. Toliver, a motorcycle enthusiast, connects each section to a landmark that he loves to ride through in the valley of California. Act one is Thunder Road; act two is Dead Man’s Canyon; act three is Twin Peaks; and act four is Promise Land. Despite the intentional lines of demarcation, the album stitches itself into a cohesive tapestry, thanks to Don Toliver’s vocals. His reedy vibrato floats from track to track and act to act, flowing from punk rap (“TORE UP”) to sexy drill (“ATTITUDE” featuring Charlie Wilson and Cash Cobain).

Don Toliver’s rock inspiration presents itself most clearly on the Lil Uzi Vert-assisted “DONNY DARKO” and “GEEKED UP” with Yeat, proving that he’s capable of exploring further out than we ever might have expected. —Kiana Fitzgerald

22.Yeat, 2093

Label: Field Trip Recordings/Capitol Records

Release date: Feb. 16

Yeat doesn’t talk much, but when he does, he usually brings up his two favorite topics: time-traveling and aliens. So it was really only a matter of time until he made a whole sci-fi rap album about his dystopian vision of the future. Full of sludgy beats and outlandish lyrics, 2093 is a delirious-ass project that leans into all of Yeat’s eccentricities, and it doesn’t sound like any other rap album this year. Shit, it doesn’t even sound like it came from Earth. Whether he’s making apathetic moshpit anthems like “Breathe” or singing about love on industrial rave records like “ILUV,” Yeat yields to all of his most self-indulgent impulses and pulls off an intoxicating album that might just make you forget what planet you’re on (or even what year it is). —Eric Skelton

21.J. Cole, Might Delete Later

Label: Cole World / Interscope

Release date: April 5

Yes, the title of J. Cole’s surprise project, Might Delete Later, aged poorly. But the title also proves that even the Carolina rapper’s throwaway verses can create motion that forces the music industry to stop and listen. Might Delete Later offers a wide array of subject matter that gives fans an update on Cole’s mental state—like the regret he feels about holding grudges after losing a friend on “Stealth Mode,” and how he continues to wrestle with the gravity of his fame on the second half of his verse on “H.Y.B.” The project’s thesis is found on “Trae The Truth in Ibiza,” where Cole raps about how he’s still working to show every aspect of himself in the music—“the good, the bad, the ugly, the strong, the weak.” These untidy truths are what make Cole Cole, and what makes Might Delete Later worthwhile—with or without a diss record. —Jordan Rose

20.¥$, VULTURES 1

Label: Yzy / Independent

Release date: Feb. 10

Look: Ye hasn’t said shit in six years, and when he has let loose even semi-coherent thoughts, they’re often as delusional as they are hateful. And yet, he’s able to make his vapidness sound damn good on VULTURES 1, a shimmeringly vacuous joint album with Ty Dolla Sign. Yeezy’s production is as luminous as it is dynamic, oscillating between celestial gospel (“Stars”) and pulsing Chicago house (“Paid”). Ye himself doesn’t say much, but with Dolla $igns’ pristine vocals and strong guest verses from Freddie Gibbs, Rich The Kid and even YG, he doesn’t have to.

“Back to Me” is one of the most electric songs of 2024, with Kanye’s absurdist hook jarringly juxtaposed with Dolla $ign’s serene bridge. “Carnival” is an apocalyptic banger that saw Ye literally import Inter Milan fanatics to serve up colosseum chants for the hook, eventually driving the track to his first Billboard No. 1 as an independent artist. Fun and occasionally inventive, the LP proves that, somewhere behind the haze of bullshit remains a curator that’s as genius as he is troubling.—Peter A. Berry

19.Sabrina Carpenter, Short n' Sweet

Label: Island

Release date: Aug. 19

We tend to like our pop stars enthusiastic and bubbly, not sarcastic and wry, which makes the success of Sabrina Carpenter so fascinating. She's a singer who crafts airy, catchy pop songs while fully in on the joke. Short n’ Sweet is a blast—a true throwback to the days of pop stars delivering no-filler, expertly constructed earworms. It’s an album with NC-17 lyrics (“Hold me and explore me (Ah-ah) / I’m so fuckin’ horny”) wrapped in a glossy sheen for a PG audience.

Obviously, songs like "Espresso" and the Dolly Parton-inspired "Please Please Please" are perfect pop songs. But I would argue that’s not even the best stuff on here. “Bed Chem,” Sabrina’s alleged ode to ex-bae Barry Keoghan, hits you with about a dozen charmingly corny sex puns in the span of two minutes, from “Come ride on me, I mean, camaraderie” to “I bet the thermostat’s set at 69.” It’s an absolute joy. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo

18.Chief Keef, Almighty So 2

Label: 43B

Release date: May 10

Rap sequels usually stink. Often, they are a sign that a rapper is running out of ideas, so they try to channel a feeling from a previous era, with the hope that it rekindles some spark of enthusiasm. So it’s credit to the artistry of Chief Keef—who at only 29 is a grizzled rap veteran—that the sequel to his 2013 classic sounds this inspired. Almighty So 2 is one of the most versatile rap records of the year, one that never stops surprising. And with the exception of the Michael Blackson skits, the album doesn’t share much DNA with its predecessor, instead finding different spaces that allow Sosa to challenge his creative instincts. (In an interview with the Recording Academy, Chief Keef said Almighty Sosa 2 has “no connection at all” to the first one.)

So what we have is an album where Chief Keef—a big Dipset fan—plays around with Bobby Womack soul samples, merging them with Gatling gun drum patterns; an album where he pulls out the red carpet for Tierra Whack to spit a verse-of-the-year candidate; an album where he’s brash and confrontational one moment, reflective the next, like on "Believe"; an album where his aggressive rap flow clashes with the most pristine production you’ll hear in contemporary rap (“Treat Myself”). So … when is Almighty So 3 coming? —Dimas Sanfiorenzo

17.BigXThaPlug, Take Care

Label: UnitedMasters

Release date: Oct. 11

BigXThaPlug loves trapped-out, dusty soul samples. This much has been clear since his breakthrough 2021 single “Mr. Trouble,” which became the blueprint for his tried-and-true formula. The Dallas rapper’s latest album, Take Care, is filled to the brim with soulful sounds from the ’70s and ’80s—it feels especially appropriate because BigXThaPlug bares his soul throughout the project. “Came up off of violence, don’t mean I condone it / I’m chillin’ but I keep the Glock if you want it,” he raps on the title track, which samples the soul/funk icon (and fellow Dallas native) Willie Hutch. BigX understands that not everything that comes with fame and fortune is sweet.

A father of two, the 26-year-old MC dedicates his life and music to his children and other members of his family. But tracks like “Lost The Love” feature pensive bars about his struggle to carry the weight of being the one who made it out. He speaks directly to the growing frustration he feels as a rising rap star on “Change Me” and “Leave Me Alone,” calling out family, friends, and newly formed haters for sus behavior. Adjusting to the spotlight isn’t easy, and BigX addresses these difficulties head-on by arranging his lyrics as if he were rapping from his psychologist’s couch on the aptly titled “Therapy Session.” As challenging as it is to transition from trapper to full-time rapper, BigXThaPlug moves with earned confidence. BigXThaPlug may think of his new status as a curse, but the music he’s created despite it is a gift. —Kiana Fitzgerald

16.Charli XCX, Brat

Label: Atlantic

Release date: June 7

All it took was a puke green hue, low-resolution Arial font, and 15 spunky career-defining tracks for Charli XCX to drop one of the best pop albums of 2024. In case you’ve been living under a rock since June, we experienced a Brat summer in which Charli’s adrenalizing sixth album made an inescapable statement. The British artist has always pushed the boundaries of electronic and hyper-pop, but on Brat, she goes even further by letting fans into her deepest insecurities, self-loathing thoughts, and intergenerational trauma. On “Sympathy is a knife,” Charli cryptically compares herself to another “tortured poet,” asking herself, “Why I wanna buy a gun? Why I wanna shoot myself?” This vulnerability returns on “Girl, so confusing,” a diaristic ode to the public comparisons made between her and alt-pop singer Lorde, who levels with Charli on the song’s remix. The party doesn’t stop on Brat, but Charli XCX makes it plain that she’s just a girl who’s feeling all the feels. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

15.GloRilla, GLORIOUS

Label: CMG Interscope

Release date: Oct. 11

Gloria Hallelujah Woods had an undeniably blessed year. Her debut album, GLORIOUS, builds on the momentum of GloRilla’s Grammy-nominated “Yeah Glo!” The lead single, “TGIF,” took on a life of its own after being teased on social media, and it’s not hard to see why. The amped-up production sounds like an intensifying action-movie scene combined with a neighbor beating on your wall because the volume’s too loud.

Glo’s delivery, complete with sprinkles of “ayeeee” ad-libs, boosts her message of being independent and far ahead of the game. The viral success of “TGIF” paved the way for GloRilla to dive deep in her bag on Glorious. Bad-bitch anthems like “Procedure” with Latto and the Sexyy Red-assisted “Whatchu Kno About Me” further illustrate Glo’s ability to tap into the authentically defiant “F.N.F. (Let's Go)” energy that first catapulted her into the rap game.

But GloRilla contains multitudes, and she wants us to know it. She’s long contended that she creates hood gospel, and she fully leans into that subgenre by genuinely praying and testifying on “Rain Down on Me,” featuring Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore.

As much as GloRilla is adored for her spiritual side, she’s most beloved for her Memphis crunk, which remains the foundation of her sound. Over thunderous production, she aggressively asks “How I Look” alongside her frequent collaborator Megan Thee Stallion. Glo rejects the idea of her friends settling for less than what they’re worth on “Don’t Deserve,” featuring Muni Long, and she refuses to take any disrespect on “I Ain’t Going.” The highlight of the album is “Let Her Cook,” a track that sounds like it would have been assembled by Beats by the Pound for a contemporary No Limit release. In moments of profound introspection or outright expression, GloRilla carries us through the gamut of her emotions, holding nothing back. —Kiana Fitzgerald

14.Tems, Born in the Wild

Label: RCA / Since '93

Release date: June 7

It’s hard to imagine that it took Tems six years to release her debut album; the Nigerian singer has long been among the largest music acts out of her hometown of Lagos. She won a Grammy for a Future and Drake collaboration that she was prominently sampled on and earned an Academy Award nomination for a track from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.But even when Tems was behind the scenes, she faced betrayal and growing pains, which tested the resilience that encapsulates her storytelling on Born In the Wild. She flawlessly makes a 1997 Seyi Sodimu staple her own on the amorous track “Love Me JeJe.” Elsewehere, she looks for a bad boy who can match her freak over the rhythmic acoustics of “Gangsta.” And she comes to grips with her regret of becoming a romantic avoidant when confronted by collaborator J. Cole on “Free Fall.” Tems gets real with her internal struggles and doesn’t run from herself. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

13.Metro Boomin & Future, We Still Don't Trust You

Label: Epic / Freebandz / Republic / Boominati Worldwide

Release date: April 12

If We Don’t Trust You is Knives Out than We Still Don’t Trust You is Glass Onion, a blockbuster sequel that can stand with the first. After kicking off the 2024 rap war with a high-octane hip-hop album, the Atlanta duo slowed the tempo on their second offering by pouring a syrupy concoction of R&B ballads over deceptively fluttery beats. The Weeknd delivers his Drake disses over angelic interludes on “All to Myself,” while Future goes deep into his own melodic repertoire with elite precision on tracks like “Beat It,” “Right 4 You,” and “Red Leather.”

The second half of We Still Don’t Trust You feels like an entirely different project that taps into mixtape Future and adds a different dimension to the album. We Still Don’t Trust You may not have a song as explosive as “Like That,” but it does provide a diverse offering of tracks equipped with lush sonic pairings that create a complementary sequel. —Jordan Rose

12.Ayra Starr, The Year I Turned 21

Label: Mavin

Release date: May 31

The maturation of Arya Starr is clear on her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21. No longer a teenager, as the Afrobeats and R&B singer was whilst recording her introductory LP 19 & Dangerous, Starr addresses the very real things that women her age experience—heartbreak, anxiety, and the growing pressures of adulthood—and, sometimes, all at once. She doesn’t mince her words on opener “Birds Sing of Money,” popping off saucy lines like “I don't watch my tone ’cause I like how I sound, bitch,” because time is, well, money. When social media tried to instigate a feud between Starr and Grammy winner Coco Jones, they joined each other and Brazilian artist Anitta on the feminist war cry “Woman Commando.” As sultry as she is sharp, Starr takes control on 21. It’s only up from here. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

11.SahBabii, Saaheem

Label: StreamCut

Release date: Nov. 8

Sahbabii has long been considered one of the most talented descendants of Young Thug. But as his devoted fanbase, the Squids, knows, the Chicago-born, Atlanta-raised rapper has always charted his own path.

Sahbabii’s earlier projects,—Do It for Demon, LeakOut, Barnacles, Squidtastic and S.A.N.D.A.S.—were energetic, hilarious, and often sexually charged listens. However, Saaheem feels like his real breakout. The 27-year-old sounds more seasoned than ever. He melodiously puts on for his late cousin, DemonChild, and their close-knit crew on “Belt Boyz.” He pulls off some chaotic verses while getting into crooner mode on “1095 Osbourne Road”—see “She on bean pies lookin' like a Muslim” and “Rich dick nigga tryna fuck Oprah.”

To be fair, lines like this are tame in comparison to those on Sah’s deep cuts like “Dickalationship” and “Tongue Demon.” “Viking” has become the viral hit, even getting praise from Tyler, the Creator, but it’s the bass-thumping “All the Way” that’s the real MVP. On the song, Sah runs up the beat in his signature euphonious tone, and when he isn’t manifesting a Rap Snacks deal and “chasin’ a mil,” he’s rapping extended metaphors dedicated to 2Pac.

On Saaheem, Sahbabii completely locks in; to paraphrase what he insists on “Roll With Me,” he didn’t choose the game—it chose him. —Jaelani Turner-Williams

10.ScHoolboy Q, Blue Lips

Label: Top Dawg Entertainment / Interscope

Release date: March 1

It’s easy to lose track of ScHoolboy Q in the shadow of Kendrick Lamar. The last time we heard from him, it was on his lackluster 2019 album, CrasH Talk. That didn’t get him any legacy points. But Blue Lips did. With coated, shapeshifting production, lucid reflections, flexible vocal performances, and dynamic flow structures, the LP reminded folks of Q’s all-around rap mastery. Tracks like “Cooties” and his Mac Miller tribute, “Blueslides,” are among the most personal and technically sharp raps of his career. Laced with an alluring flute sample and bars that are as celebratory as they are reflective, “Thank God 4 Me” is one of the best rap songs of the year. It’s as powerful as any song he’s ever created—and the same goes for the entire album. —Peter A. Berry

9.Laila!, Gap Year!

Label: IIIXL Studio

Release date: Sept. 6

Laila! is a genuine child prodigy. The 18-year-old singer’s debut album, Gap Year!, tells the story of a young person navigating the complexities of adolescent love, strife, expectations, and the looming pressures of impending stardom.

There are moments, like “Sani (Homework Freestyle),” that authentically sound like they were recorded in her bedroom, while tracks like “IDONTNEEDUANYMORE” are infused with teenage angst, tempered by surprising maturity. Take, for example, when Laila! sings, “What if I told you you’re not what I need?” What really sets her apart is how sure of herself she sounds at such a young age. From ages 16 to 18, most artists are still figuring out their voice and what they want to say. But on Gap Year!, which she entirely self-produced, Laila! already seems to know exactly who she is and how to convey her experiences in a way that resonates with a wide audience.

Perhaps Laila!’s success can be partially attributed to the “genius gene” passed down from her father, Yasiin Bey. Or maybe she’s simply tapping into an R&B space that’s open and ready for fresh talent. But honestly, it might just be that she’s this good all on her own. —Jordan Rose

8.Eminem, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)

Label: Shady / Aftermath/Interscope

Release date: July 12

The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace) finds Eminem both paying homage to the flippant, wacky persona of his past, and grappling with how both he and society have outgrown it in the decades since. Jokes about Christopher Reeves and marginalized communities abound (“fuck deaf people! And blind people suck!” he quips on “Trouble”), along with dextrous displays of rapping and some of his signature funhouse-styled production.

But it’s all in conceptual context: The immature moments are the Slim Shady figure making a final stand. The album’s climax is the clever, cinematic “Guilty Conscience 2,” which pits the old Slim against the middle-aged Marshall Mathers in an ethical death match. There have been plenty of split-personality-styled rap songs, but few carry the referential weight needed to create this level of investment. And there are still another five songs after that on the album, some of his most naturally clever (“Tobey,” featuring Big Sean and Babytron) and earnest (“Temporary,” a heartfelt ode to his daughter) songs that prove he still has plenty to contribute. —William E. Ketchum III

7.Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter

Label: Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia

Release date: March 29

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter is a homecoming for the Houston legend, on which she celebrates her country roots while simultaneously reclaiming them. As she did on Renaissance, Bey acts as a great party host, finding a way to welcome everyone into her line dance by embracing the jazz and blues roots of Southern music while also infusing it with her own brand of R&B and rap.

Beyoncé makes her own versions of country classics like “Jolene” and “Blackbird,” while also highlighting a rising generation of Black country stars like Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, and more across the album. Cowboy Carter is packed with homages to country’s past while still leaving room for its future, creating a bridge in generations that could only be built by Beyoncé. —Jordan Rose

6.Ka, The Thief Next to Jesus

Label: Iron Works

Release date: Aug. 19

Before his death at age 52 in October, Kaseem “Ka” Ryan was the definition of an “if you know, you know” MC. He split time between rapping and his longtime job as a New York City fire captain. He earned a die-hard fan base from his signature sounds: sparse, often drumless production (much of which he did himself) and grim, poetic lyrics rooted in struggle and pain, delivered through densely detailed themes and a smoky, sober delivery.

With his (presumably) final record, The Thief Next To Jesus, Ka delivered exactly what made his fans love him so much. He uses the album as a vehicle to question and criticize Christianity — specifically its centuries-long hold over the Black community, despite its failure, from his perspective, to deliver anything of substance. The production is minimalist and powerful; he employs the use of organs and gospel samples to coincide with the theme, and songs are introduced and concluded with vocal clips about the shortcomings and hypocrisies of religion. He speaks about religion both through the lens of his own experiences on the street, and in the context of historical racism that has been supported by Christianity. “Fragile Faith” cynically wonders why God would allow such rampant and unending poverty for people who worship Him so much, and “Beautiful” finds him placing internal rhyme schemes in each bar before ending every line with a sampled choir singing the song’s title. But Christianity isn’t the only target of Ka’s ire: Album opener “Bread Wine Body Blood” finds him critiquing hip-hop with just as much fervor, taking “dummy rap” to task for its idolization of money, drugs, and sex. Whether the culprit is God or rap, Ka’s clear-eyed stoicism is clear: No one and nothing is going to save you. —William E. Ketchum III

5.Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

Label: Darkroom / Interscope

Release date: May 17

Billie Eilish has always found a way to surprise and defy expectations, but Hit Me Hard and Soft stretches this notion beyond. On her most authentic and versatile body of work, Eilish transcends through refreshing electronic-laced cuts (“Chihiro”), bassy bangers like her hit single “Lunch,” and aching tender ballads (“Birds of a Feather” and “Wildflower”) with ease. As always, created with her brother Finneas, the album ultimately transports you to an alternate universe where Eilish croons with a refined sense of self-assurance and authenticity. While her previous album, Happier Than Ever, reflected on a period of confusion and depression, Hit Me Hard and Soft marks Eilish’s ability to embrace the complexities of her identity and intimacy—welcoming her constant evolution as an artist above all. —Jon Barlas

4.Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal

Label: Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records

Release date: Aug. 30

Doechii is a hungry student of hip-hop. She’s absorbed every available morsel of the genre’s canon, and applied the lessons learned to her own approach to life. The result is her Grammy-nominated 2024 mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, where Doechii invites us deeper into her idiosyncratic world of vulnerability. “STANKA POOH,” a brooding intro that could sit comfortably alongside early Odd Future output, sees Doechii contemplatively running through the myriad thoughts that may hit her on an average day. This unguarded approach carries the tape from beginning to end.

The top of the project, from the ’90s-underground-inspired “BOILED PEANUTS” to the fluid storytelling of “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” showcases Doechii’s trained lyrical prowess. Around “HIDE N SEEK,” Doechii softens up, leaning more into her abilities as a singer. The effect is no less potent; if anything, her vocals wrap themselves around the mortal messaging she’s crafting in real time. She’s a human being, like any of us, and she’s figuring this life shit out one day at a time. “BOOM BAP” is Doechii’s moment to blow up the box that people have been rushing to put her into since day one: “Say it’s real and it’s rap / And it boom and it bap / And it bounce and it clap / And it’s house and it’s trap / It’s everything / I’m everything!” The star of the tape, the thrilling, tongue-twisting “NISSAN ALTIMA,” is Doechii at her most uninhibited. Alligator Bites Never Heal stands apart as a prime example of why it’s important to explore every bit of potential that lives within us. —Kiana Fitzgerald

3.Metro Boomin & Future, We Don't Trust You

Label: Epic / Freebandz / Republic / Boominati Worldwide

Release date: March 22

The best Future music is driven by spite, whether it’s animosity towards an ex or a rap rival. We Don’t Trust You, Future and Metro Boomin’s first official collabo album, is now known as the project that launched the greatest rap battle of all time. But I’m here to tell you it’s more than just “Like That.” The album is a return to form for one of rap’s greatest artists.

Yes, We Don’t Trust You is a middle finger to Drake, with various shots throughout. But it also functions as a response to growing apathy around Future’s releases. Pluto has had hits over the last couple of years—“his first No. 1, someone put it in his hand—but there have been dwindling returns on his last couple of albums.

That changed with We Don’t Trust You. On this album, Metro and Future embrace a tried-and-true formula—rap nostalgia—and elevate shit to blockbuster levels. Channeling the energy of Prodigy—an underestimated rapper who was always seething with anger—Future embraces a calm but rude demeanor throughout the album. Listen to “Magic Don Juan (Princess Diana).” Listen to “Claustrophobic.” Listen to “Type Shit.” Just elite scumbag rap, backed by Metro Boomin’s cinematic, often layered production. It feels like a 2024 version of Mobb Deep’s Hell on Earth (1996), powered by codeine instead of E&J.

This album marked the beginning of a banner year for Future, who would go on to essentially go 3-0 with full-featured releases. But his most pronounced statement came the first time around. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo

2.Tyler, The Creator, Chromakopia

Label: Columbia

Release date: Oct. 28

On his seventh studio album, Tyler, the Creator offers his most vulnerable self-examination to date. He tackles topics such as sexuality, nonmonogamy, paranoia, abandonment, generational trauma, and even a pregnancy scare. "Hey Jane" stands out as one of Tyler's strongest tracks. On the song, Tyler adopts both male and female perspectives to portray the emotional complexity of facing a positive pregnancy test in real time. His portrayal of internalized panic, juxtaposed with an effort to remain outwardly calm and supportive, is a remarkable exploration of the often overwhelming nature of a high-stakes moment .

What truly stands out about Chromakopia is the advancement of Tyler’s producing and arranging. The album features a collage of later-era Tyler production—the alternative melodic sounds of Igor blending with the abrasive slaps of Call Me If You Get Lost and colliding with Flower Boy-esque synth waves. He even flexes Ye-styled studio moves, like tapping innovators for minor roles; Inflo is enlisted solely for the drums on “Noid,” the standout lead single, which seamlessly fuses ’70s Zamrock, dub reggae, and gospel choir tones. The album’s high points are powered by by HBCU-band-style production, first on the posse cut “Sticky” and then on “Thought I Was Dead,” which fearlessly lays his personal grievances on the table: “Why am I filled with this hate? Got freedom in every way / Y'all wanna take what I got, but y'all do not got what it take.”—Miki Hellerbach

1.Kendrick Lamar, GNX

Label: PGLang/Interscope Records

Release date: Nov. 22

If we’re being real, the GNX rollout began on March 22. There was no way “Like That,” the shot heard ’round the world, wouldn’t escalate into a rap beef on the scale of Avengers: Endgame. If played right, the momentum from that drama would eventually ignite intense demand for a new Kendrick Lamar album. But how would that album sound?

On GNX, Kendrick wisely lowers the stakes, opting for something leaner, meaner, and more localized. Sometimes, the most ambitious thing a cerebral artist can do is trust their muscle memory. For Kendrick, that means embracing the schoolyard bully antics of his youth—something we haven’t seen since the Nickerson Gardens days.

Kendrick has one of the greatest rap catalogs of all time. When it’s all said and done, GNX won’t sit at the top of that list. But it is the best album of 2024, capping off one of the finest rap years we’ve ever seen from an MC—and also one who just defeated his main rival. It serves as a guidebook for what superstars should do when they have the world’s attention: Bring them into your world. And for Kendrick, that world is Compton.

“Not Like Us” isn’t on the album, but you can still feel its impact throughout. The sounds here are unmistakably LA—loose, spare, bass-heavy car rattlers. Jack Antonoff is credited on nearly every track, but the album’s sonic direction is largely shaped by DJ Mustard, who also delivers a PG-13 “Not Like Us” stand-in with “tv off.”

Kendrick’s rap style is simplified here; he’s dialed back some of the usual gymnastics in his flow, minimized his trademark voice switches, and opted for a more apathetic, dismissive tone. (Drakeo the Ruler zealots have noticed.) These changes are mostly for the better, giving fans an album that’s more accessible but more specific at the same time.

Even cooler is how much space Kendrick gives to underground rappers from the LA scene—figures who are talented but raw, and would likely struggle to gain national recognition without a boost. (This is how Kendrick came up, appearing on random The Game posse cuts in the mid-2000s.)

To their credit, every young rapper on here gets their shit off. The title track is a standout, with Peysoh, Hitta J3, and YoungThreat all seizing their opportunities to shine, while Kendrick mostly takes on hype-man duties. And then there’s Dody6, who just came home a couple of months ago, delivering an almost album-stealing verse on “hey now.”

All 12 songs on GNX cracked the Billboard Hot 100, which means these underground rappers now each have a hit on their hands. Even with a more stripped-down, less grandiose album, this is how Kendrick continues to fortify his legacy. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo