As we approach the quarter-century mark, Hip-Hop is as progressive and inclusive as it’s ever been.The past year has been filled with transformative moments that impacted the culture and left fans with a steady supply of new music to choose from.
Veteran acts were very much present, potential stars made good on promise shown with blockbuster debuts, and an even fresher influx of talent made waves. Yet, the most significant development that occurred, overall, is the women taking center stage and showcasing the depth and breadth of their artistry.
While the top male artists’ year was defined by the drama, the ladies put the focus on their art, resulting in album releases that were aplenty and dominated the charts, streams, and all in between, leveling the playing field like never before.
With a new year on the horizon, VIBE looks back at the 25 Best Hip-Hop albums released from Nov. 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024.
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‘Fine Ho, Stay’ – Flo Milli
With Fine Ho, Stay, Flo Milli ended the trilogy introduced in 2020’s Ho, Why Is You Here? and 2022’s You Still Here, Ho?. This year’s installment expanded the Alabama rapper’s brand of bad bi**h bops and painted a colorful portrait of a 24-year-old Black girl who understands her ever-evolving desires and displeasures. On the album, the Alabama native is sharp and witty, firing off one-liners and self-assured boasts perfect for social media captions, repeating in the mirror, or enthusiastically chanting on a night out. Fine Ho, Stay also uncovers a vulnerable side of Flo Milli, giving listeners a glimpse at the softer side of the mom-to-be. Standout tracks include the trendy “Never Lose Me,” “Neva” featuring Monaleo, “Got The Juice,” and “Understand.” — DeMicia Inman
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘One Of Wun’ – Gunna
Last year, Gunna somberly reflected on his time in jail and falling out with so many YSL affiliates. This year, on One of Wun, he reminded the world that he was different. These records were more confident and braggadocious than what we heard on 2023’s A Gift & A Curse. This time around, One of Wun’s title track took off, along with “On One Tonight” and “Back In The A.” The Atlanta star also showed his ability to deliver more soulful, emotive records with the help of Normani on “$$$” and Leon Bridges on “Clear My Rain.” The RICO trial may have stopped his momentum in 2022, but he came back for it all this year and earned a No. 2 album on the Billboard 200 chart. — Armon Sadler
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘City Cinderella’ – JT
City Cinderella served as JT’s reintroduction to the masses as a solo Hip-Hop artist with her own style outside of City Girls and her forever groupmate Yung Miami’s collaborative efforts. On the mixtape, the Miami-bred musician experimented with various sounds and positioned herself as a promising act with a bright future in rap music. With features from DJ Khaled, Stunna Girl, Clip, and Jeezy, the project boasts everything from club-ready anthems to introspective, personal rhymes.
Throughout the 16 tracks, JT is confident and clear. In sound, the mixtape echoes modern Hip-Hop techniques, Miami bass, Atlanta Trap, and ‘90s R&B with JT’s voice literally and figuratively at the center of it all. With a sometimes nonchalant delivery, she pushes back with slick jabs at any naysayer who dares deny her authority. Whether with hyperbolic brags or humble reflections, the mixtape makes room for JT’s solo career to flourish in whichever artistic direction she chooses to take. Standout tracks include “JT Coming,” “Intro (Hope)” and a remix of “Okay” featuring Jeezy. — DeMicia Inman
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘World Wide Whack’ – Tierra Whack
Tierra Whack has always thrived on her eccentricity and fun personality, but on World Wide Whack, she travels into more vulnerable space. Compared to her debut Whack World (2018), where her pain was camouflaged by quirky metaphors and zany visuals—her latest album sheds her animated skin and offers an introspective dive into themes of depression and anxiety.
The mostly J Melodic-produced album leaves room for Whack’s voice to shine. On the bouncy track “Chanel Pit,” she plays with pitch and delivery, whereas on “Numb,” she’s brutally honest and raw. Although the project feels a bit heavy, it still showcases the Philly native’s unmatched lyrical prowess and creativity. The closer, “27 Club,” hears Whack confront her demons head-on as she raps: “Suicide/ Like the glass full but I’m empty/ Said, ‘I’m broken, can you fix me?’” Vulnerable, bold, and deeply personal, World Wide Whack is an evolution in Whack’s artistry. – Amber Corrine
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘TAKE CARE’ – BigXthaPlug
BigXthaPlug’s husky voice, quick-footed flow, and larger-than-life presence have made him the pride of Dallas’ rap scene and one of the hottest up-and-coming stars in the industry. For the first third of his latest album TAKE CARE, he laments the struggles of his success: growing apart from friends and family when he can’t give them all the money and resources they’re asking for (“Lost The Love”), being accused of changing when he sees himself as the same person that he’s always been (“Change Me”), and having to spend time away from his children when he’s on the road performing (“Therapy Session”). But after a skit that finds him getting advice from Wallo267 of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game, he renews his focus to the brilliant street tales that earned his audience. “Story of X” recounts drug dealing, failed scamming attempts, and paltry unemployment checks before his success in music. “2AM” weaves a tale reminiscent of Biggie’s “Warning,” and his producers (largely Charley Cooks) playfully flip samples by Will Smith, Rick James, and the Law & Order theme song. The album’s short songs and 31-minute runtime mean it’s over before you know it, but you’ll be sure to put it on repeat soon after. — William E. Ketchum III
Listen: Apple Music | Spoify | Tidal
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‘american dream’ – 21 Savage
American Dream, the third solo album by 21 Savage, is Atlanta trap in dark mode, illuminating the shadows of street life with a superstar’s radiance. Savage comes to terms with his international popularity and how that connects to his difficult upbringing on tracks like “Dangerous” and “All of Me.” The influence of Metro Boomin on its ethereal tracks shows. American Dream debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200 and set a record for the most-streamed trap album in its debut week with 169.53 million on-demand streams. Notably, 14 tracks entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “Redrum” reaching No. 5 and “Née-Nah” at No. 10. — George Chidi
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Richmond Hill’ – Masta Ace & Marco Polo
In 2024, fiftysomething Hip-Hop icons LL Cool J, Common, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg all dropped new albums, proving that rap legends can still bring the noise even in middle age. But this year in grown-a** rap kicked off quite masterfully with the latest from underground New York elite Masta Ace. The second collaboration between Ace and Canadian-born producer Marco Polo continues the conceptual, semi-autobiographical tone they created for their 2018 team-up A Breukelen Story. Polo (who recalls his formative years via skits) provides boisterous, boom-bap beats, while Ace comes with pulverizing, introspective rhymes, touching on everything from consumerism to Hip-Hop authenticity to, of course, growing old and taking care of yourself. Young MCs (Coast Contra) and seasoned vets (Inspectah Deck) join in on the journey. — Craig D. Lindsey
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‘We Don’t Trust You’ – Future & Metro Boomin
There’s a haunting allure soaked throughout Metro Boomin’s production of We Don’t Trust You. Paired with Future’s decision to go full villain, the album takes listeners on quite a ride with the slow trek to the top of the rollercoaster akin to tracks like “Ice Attack” and the Travis Scott-assisted “Cinderella” and the embodied climax of “Fried (She A Vibe)” and “Like That” with Kendrick Lamar. As music aficionados look back on this moment in music, We Don’t Trust You is bound to age gracefully. The entire project shows the evolution of what Andre 3000 has called “the most negative inspirational music ever,” from Future and Metro Boomin owning the score to an unforgettable moment in hip-hop history. — Desire Thompson
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Sugar Honey Iced Tea’ – Latto
Latto secured her place in Hip-Hop with her third album Sugar Honey Iced Tea— an ode to her Atlanta roots. From the introduction “Georgia Peach,” Latto sets the tone for the entire LP, as she goes on to exude confidence and versatility with sultry tracks like “Copper Cove” and “Ear Candy,” to the playful and gritty Grammy-nominated hit “Big Mama.” Latto pivots from being a sensual lady to a whole gangsta on “Blick Sum” and even taps into her humble bag with “S/O To Me.” S.H.I.T—which debuted No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums Chart—made history for the 25-year-old as she’s the first solo female rapper from the A to reach the milestone.
The LP has nods to ATL’s Magic City, the iconic ATL character “New New” and more. Features on the project also include ATL’s finest from Ciara to fresh talent like Hunxho and Young Nudy. Latto balances sensuality, emotional depth and raw skill—cementing her as a powerhouse making her mark in rap right now. – Amber Corrine
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)’ – Eminem
Eminem often has a bone to pick on his musical offerings, and that is no different on his 2024 release, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), where he attacks cancel culture full-on as the brash “Slim Shady” before offing the alter-ego. Long conflicted between the persona that made him a household name and the man he’s matured into, Em gives listeners a peak inside the mind of a recovering madman who is still haunted – and even tempted – by his abrasive past. There are a few beats and references that feel dated, and even the idea of trying to get oneself cancelled may have arrived too late due to a current shift in culture away from the extreme leftist ideals of the late 2010s that bordered on censorship of anyone questioning the zeitgeist.
That said, the mother**ker is still rapping like he has something to prove. Basic metaphors and similes are child’s play for one of Hip-Hop’s greatest lyricists of all time, hitting fans with so many flows, cadences, alliteration, callbacks, jokes, and wit. The pen is just so damn potent, any fan of straight bars got their fill with this album. The body of work also provided what I deem the single best guest verse of the year, JID’s opener on album standout “Fuel.” It appears Em’s fanbase has grown with him, as well, with the album debuting at No. 1 and pushing 281,000 album-equivalent units in its first week before hitting Gold status within a month. — Jessica “Compton” Bennett
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Doing It For Me’ – Larry June
After months of scathing disses and discourse overtook the Hip-Hop world, in came “Mr. Breath Of Fresh Air” Larry June with his peaceful and motivational album Doing It For Me. In this August 2024 release, the Bay Area native stuck to his regularly scheduled programming in the best way, encouraging his listeners to do a Sunday reset with “Cleaning My Spot (Interlude),” take a well-deserved trip out to the West with “Meet Me In Napa,” or set their intentions for the day with “Morning Calculations.”
Between the meticulously selected soul samples and endless gems about keeping it player and never “letting anyone f**k up your day,” his eleventh studio album provides the perfect escape on any day of the week. Spin this relaxing LP a good amount of times and before you know it, you’ll also be looking at the ocean from your imported couch. — Regina Cho
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH’ – Rakim
Rakim has long left his fans in anticipation, with a nearly 15-year hiatus since his last solo project. With G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH, Rakim returns not only as a master of words but as the sole producer, marking a bold and dynamic entry into his next chapter.
Opening with “Be Ill,” featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa, Rakim sets the tone with a poetic meditation on authenticity. His complex lyricism shines, as he seamlessly weaves philosophical musings and reflects on the choices that define success and existence. “Now Is The Time,” a collaboration with Compton Menace, Hus KingPin, and B.G., explores mortality and legacy, with Rakim contemplating his place in hip-hop.
“Love Is The Message” offers social commentary, confronting the struggles of survival in a fractured world. Meanwhile, “Pendulum Swing” is a lyrically intense track that brings together Rakim, KXNG Crooked, Canibus, La The Darkman, and Chino XL in a display of raw, technical lyricism.
The album also features standout collaborations like “International” with Kool G Rap and Joell Ortiz, and “Sign of SE7EN” with Prodigy, Method Man, and X-Raided. G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH is a triumphant return, showing that Rakim remains at the peak of his powers. — Preezy Brown
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Slant Face Killah’ – Conway The Machine
What if your rap album was considered one of the best of 2024 simply because you (wait for it) made undeniably dope raps? Well, that’s the case for Conway the Machine‘s Slant Face Killah. The impressive 14-track collection finds the grizzled veteran fully embracing his role as Drumwork Music Group’s ruthless leader, firing with every weapon in his arsenal. Conway’s grimy bloodletting spares no emcee in his path as he aims to stake his claim as one of the best on the microphone. And, for the Buffalo, New York emcee, SFK solidifies what he’s been musically saying: Conway is a problem. — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin
Listen: Apple | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Play Cash Cobain’ – Cash Cobain
Cash Cobain has released multiple projects over his career, but none was more anticipated than Play Cash Cobain. He took over 2024 with singles and features, but this ambitious 19-song LP proved to new listeners that he’s capable of putting together a full-length effort for them to enjoy. The highest highs in this project come when he steps into new arenas with the Soulja Boy-sampling “Dunk” or island-influenced “Luv It.” It opens on a strong note with “Slizzyhunchodon” featuring one of the best Quavo verses in a while and Don Toliver’s infectious croons. With sexy drill-leaning and heavy samples, it’s pleasing to see what he does flipping songs like Pop Smoke’s “For The Night” or Laila!’s “Not My Problem;” the latter featured the biggest cast of artists all on one record that we have seen in a while, namely Big Sean, 6LACK, Fabolous, and more. Play Cash Cobain works because the album cuts vary significantly from the tone of its singles; it would be difficult to put the “he makes the same song” allegations on him after hearing this. This release worked in his favor, as he charted on the Billboard 200 for the first time in his career. – Armon Sadler
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal -
‘Samurai’ – Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco puts on a lyrical clinic with his battle-rap concept album Samurai. Reunited with frequent collaborator and producer Soundtrakk, the Hip-Hop veteran reclaims his time to shine by wielding his pen and weaving his signature wordplay into eight imaginative tracks inspired by the late chanteuse Amy Winehouse. His deep reverence for martial arts, jazz, and artistry enhances the narrative portrait. Beautifully packaged bars are everywhere as heard on the boom-bap-esque “Mumble Rap,” the commanding “Cake,” and the meditative “Palaces.” With an extensive discography that includes the classic albums Food & Liquor and The Cool, Samurai is a katana-sharp reminder that he’s been this talented all along. No weapon — or writer’s block — formed against this rap warrior shall ever prosper. — Adelle Platon
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Might Delete Later’ – J. Cole
Might Delete Later’s purpose in J. Cole’s overall prolific catalogue is clear: a stepping stone to The Fall Off. With that mission in mind, the North Carolina rapper delivered a solid mixtape that showed he’s continuing to get his reps in as a true spitter after all these years. The LP hit all his bases. It houses introspective tracks, upbeat hype offerings, impressive and diverse features, and even a rare 2024 Cam’ron guest verse. Despite minimal marketing or warning, the project debuted at an impressive No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200, marking Cole’s eighth project on the chart.
The project’s glaring blemish is its former outro track “7 Minute Drill,” the Kendrick Lamar diss that was later removed after his infamous apology to the Compton rapper at Cole’s 2024 Dreamville Fest. At the very least, his decisions showed a man taking accountability for his actions and correcting them in real time, despite what he knew the Hip-Hop community would say. Might Delete Later will forever represent this moment in the scope of his career when it’s all said and done. And due to his intensely loyal and understanding fanbase, he’ll be just fine. — Regina Cho
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘#RICHAXXHAITIAN’ – Mach-Hommy
To those unfamiliar with Mach-Hommy, his masked persona and his unconventional retail approach may leave you with more questions than answers. But there’s a reason that his fans are so willing to spend hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars for a piece of his product. His latest album, #RICHAXXHAITIAN, shows exactly what makes his music so powerful. The Newark, New Jersey-bred MC goes bar for bar with the likes of Roc Marciano, Black Thought, and 03 Greedo, spitting rhymes that merge revolutionary politics, street tales, and references to his Haitian ancestry. His nonlinear style often leaves it up to listeners to piece everything together, but when he’s armed with ambidextrous flows and grainy beats by the likes of Conductor Williams, Chris Keys, and Elijah Hooks (along with a dance-ready jam by KAYTRANADA for the title track), the scenic drive Is less important than the ETA. — William E. Ketchum III
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‘Dark Times’ — Vince Staples
Dark Times follows Vince Staples‘s greatness on Romona Park Broke My Heart, and the low-key emcee has yet to lose a step. Staples’ sixth studio album submerges itself in the rapper’s California roots. As a result, he crafts his most personal work to date, trading the hard, guarded exterior for hopeful hard truths. That growth is evident in the anthem “Little Homies,” where Staples proclaims, “Life hard, but I go harder,” and defiantly stands in the face of an unjust American judicial system. With willful delivery over crisp crestfallen production, Vince Staples emerges molded by Dark Times but is unwilling to be defeated by them. — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin
Spotify|Apple|Tidal
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‘Hardstone Psycho’ – Don Toliver
Don Toliver’s Hardstone Psycho would be like his final evolution if he were a Pokemon. The Houston native has dabbled in alternative rap and trap sounds for a long time and infused more R&B and house music. Now, he has reached full rockstar status. Fortunately, he does not leave behind the sounds people have come to love him for; instead, he finds a way to blend it all across the four-disc LP. That is why you get records like the song-of-the-summer contender “Attitude” with Cash Cobain and Charlie Wilson, its sidekick in the romantically violent “Glock,” the synthy “New Drop,” plus the chaotic “Bandit” and “Kryptonite.” Each time it seems like Don may have found a new peak or reached his artistic ceiling, he adds more tools to his arsenal to prove otherwise; all while maintaining his popular melodic croons throughout whatever production he endeavors to use in records. And it debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 as his second-highest position ever on the chart. – Armon Sadler
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Blue Lips’ – ScHoolboy Q
ScHoolboy Q masterfully spins his habits and contradictions into healing and clarity on his deeply introspective sixth studio album Blue Lips. The 18-track record follows the South Central sharpshooter rapping the blues and making his mess a masterpiece. Best illustrated by standouts “THank god 4 me,” “Blueslides,” and “Cooties,” Q gets top-tier bars off on expertly-crafted beats while shaking off his demons and leaning heavily into vulnerability. His personal album rankings aside, Blue Lips may be Q’s best body of work off sheer execution and personal evolution alone. “I just didn’t know wHere I would fit in tHis circus of just bullsH*t & algoritHm so I made my bed and cHose art,” he shared on X in March. Growth has never sounded better. — Adelle Platon
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘The Auditorium Vol. 1’ – Common & Pete Rock
Common came from humble beginnings in Chicago, but at this point in his life, he doesn’t need Hip-Hop to pay the bills. He’s established a respectable career in Hollywood, appearing in films alongside Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves, and he’s become a reliable pitchman for companies like Microsoft. So, at this point, Common is rapping because it’s what he loves. As he says in “Dreamin’,” “This was a God dream, Hip-Hop was our religion.” The Auditorium Vol. 1, his joint album with producer Pete Rock, is essentially a tribute to the culture they fell in love with decades ago, both with its Hip-Hop references and its spirit.
The two previously teamed up for “The Bi**h In Yoo,” Common’s powerful, mid-90s Ice Cube diss track; but they’ve since become elders with a tone of wisdom, gratitude, and reflection. Pete samples soul legends like Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye and rap greats like Main Source and Cypress Hill, making a batch of lush, wistful beats that make lyrical nods to Common’s topics. Comm, meanwhile, brings an assortment of sly (and occasionally corny) punchlines while lending his thoughts on spirituality (“A GOD (There Is)”), paying homage to his hometown (“Chi-Town Do It”), and continuing to carry hip-hop with pride. “Ode to the greats who did it with grace and charm / The game’s in good hands and this man’s arms,” he raps on “This Man.” It’s still true, even more than 30 years later. — William E. Ketchum III
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Please Don’t Cry’ — Rapsody
For the past decade, Rapsody has arguably been the best female emcee with raw lyrical ability. So, would you be shocked if we said her fourth studio album, Please Don’t Cry, is easily one of the year’s best? Neither would we.
Rap returned with a mission to finally tell her story and scattered pieces of her identity across 22 songs. Actress Phylicia Rashad acts as the work’s narrator and therapist. “Who are you in your rawest state?” Rashad questions in the intro, “She’s Expecting You,” laying the foundation for the journey of self-actualization ahead.
Through interludes, Rap peels back layers, revealing to her fans who they have been championing for so long. “Diary of a Mad Bi**h” acts as a therapy session, “A Ballad For Homegirls” vulnerably examines womanhood and its matriarchal power, “DND” serves as a self-care anthem, and “Loose Rocks” finds Rapsody detailing a loved one diagnosed with dementia. Additionally, lyrics detailing Rap’s childhood, personality, family dynamic, and even intimate relationships help further detail the rapper’s fascinating lore. The intimate Please Don’t Cry is the type of album Rapsody has been working towards since her debut. The fact that she isn’t done working or growing should be terrifying for her competition. — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin
Spotify|Apple|Tidal
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‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’ – Doechii
Doechii‘s Alligator Bites Never Heal marks the rapper’s breakout moment that propelled her into the spotlight as one of hip-hop’s most dynamic and compelling voices.
Doechii brings a blend of vulnerability, wit, and brash confidence to this ambitious debut. Her sharp, gender-bending alter-ego, Ricardo, adds layers to her storytelling, allowing her to explore themes of identity, fame, and self-worth.
The album dives deep into existential questions, where Doechii contemplates the fragility of life with dark humor. Tracks like “DEATH ROLL” continue this theme as she reflects on the pressures of success. She mixes personal introspection with bold statements, addressing the challenges of being a Black woman in the industry.
“CATFISH” and “WAIT” exude lyrical depth and vulnerability, while “BEVERLY HILLS” delivers a breakup anthem with fiery anger, mirroring themes from shows like Daria and Insecure—cynical yet relatable. The line, “I’m the new hip-hop Madonna, I’m the trap Grace Jones” on “NISSAN ALTIMA” underscores her fearless self-confidence.
With Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii blends raw honesty with sharp humor. It captures the angst of modern life with an authenticity that’s as refreshing as it is captivating. Her complex lyricism and genre-bending sound make her one of the most exciting and thought-provoking new voices in hip-hop today. — Preezy Brown
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘CHROMAKOPIA’ – Tyler, The Creator
Released in October, Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA disrupted the music industry and earned the California native one of his biggest career moments to date. After his mother reassures him by saying “You are the light. It’s not on you, it’s in you. Don’t you ever in your motherf**king life dim your light for nobody” on its opener, the album portrays the 33-year-old as a young man on top of the world, grappling with outside pressures, internal revelations, and the seemingly endless quest for purpose and power.
With all songs written, produced, and arranged by the Grammy-winning rapper, CHROMAKOPIA gives insight into Tyler’s outlook, goes beyond the surface, and dives into the experiences that shaped his perspective. Examining ideas of identity, monogamy, aging, parenting, and paranoia, the California native’s rap skills shine through bold declarations, slick wordplay, and keen storytelling.
Aside from its deeply personal messaging, CHROMAKOPIA fully displays Tyler, The Creator’s commitment to rap music not only as an artist but also as a student exploring style and sampling sounds from other regions. He called on rising rap star Doechii on “Balloon” which features a sample of Uncle Luke’s “I Wanna Rock,” unites the past and future of Florida Hip-Hop with all of its uniqueness. There is also a distinct homage to his Hip-Hop predecessors, including Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, and Pharrell Williams. It’s an apparent and deep reverence that’s appreciated in his creative flair.
CHROMAKOPIA debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s 200 chart after earning 299,500 equivalent album units in the first week, which only tracked four days of sales due to Tyler, The Creator’s intentional Monday release date.
Standout tracks in his eighth studio album include “Sticky” featuring Sexyy Red, GloRilla, and Lil Wayne, “Thought I Was Dead,” featuring ScHoolboy Q and Santigold, “Like Him” featuring Lola Young, “Hey Jane,” Rah Tah Tah,” and Take Your Mask Off,” featuring Daniel Caesar and Latoiya Williams. — DeMicia Inman
Listen: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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‘Glorious’ – GloRilla
GloRilla‘s Glorious marks a pivotal moment in her career, propelling her from a rising talent to a bonafide superstar.
The album kicks off with the intro, encapsulating everything we love about GloRilla—her unapologetic attitude, bold voice, and unique style. Tracks like “Hollon” feel like a rallying cry, with Glo’s delivery resembling a marching band’s anthem of empowerment. In “Procedure,” she teams up with Latto, offering a catchy and motivational anthem for women on top.
“TGIF” and “Watchu Kno About Me” explore her versatility, shifting from anthem-ready hype to introspective vulnerability. “Stop Playing” stands out as a deeply personal track, while “Don’t Deserve” with Muni Long and “How I Look” with Megan Thee Stallion inject a dose of star power into an already impressive roster.
“I Luv Her” with T-Pain provides a glimpse into Big Glo’s personal life, whereas on “Queen of Memphis,” she asserts her dominance, exuding independence and self-respect.Glorious is a powerful testament to GloRilla’s rise from underdog to champion, serving as a modern-day baddie’s handbook. It’s not just an album—it’s a defining moment of the past year, cementing her place as one of hip-hop’s brightest stars and a voice for the people. — Preezy Brown
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