Hip-Hop recap 2024: Top releases, features and controversies, all you need to know

Arguably the first impactful album of the year was ‘Vultures Vol. 1’ by Ye (Kanye West) and TY Dolla $ign. The album received ‘better than most’ ratings in the eyes of critics, with fans and colleagues taken by surprise by the very evident cynicism present. It was a competent release, but like most recent works by Kanye, the project seemed to be overshadowed by his own personality. As Variety said in its review, “It isn’t the most groundbreaking album in his discography, but it’s the clearest vision that he’s presented in years.”

Schoolboy Q then proceeded to drop probably his best work to date, in the form of ‘Blue Lips.’ The 18-track album seems to be evolving its own narrative with each track and yet seems to be aware of its previous position. The precise production paired with exquisite writing made each listener wonder about just one question: Where is the Grammy?

Come March, we would see the release, which would open the floodgates to one of the biggest artistic bouts in the history of this storied art form. Future paired up with producer Metro Boomin to give us ‘We Don’t Trust You.’ While the album was quite good, all eyes were only on one song — Track no. 6 featuring Kendrick Lamar. The king of Compton made it very clear that there is no “big three” (referring to J. Cole and Drake); it’s just him standing alone on the peak.

From there the world was glued to their speakers and earphones in order to catch every bar, reference, and allegation the artistes would level against each other. Cole soon released a surprise album, Might Delete Later, and who would have known that he actually meant it? The last track of the album, ‘7 Minute Drill,’ was a reply to Lamar and, quite honestly, was a solid jab across the chin of the ‘King Kunta’ artiste.

READ MORE: Kendrick Lamar drop gritty album GNX. Tops US charts

Cole would later go on to delete the track from his album and apologise for it at the Dreamville Concert. Lamar and Drake, however, refused to drop the sword and the duo engaged in a battle that lasted for 9 tracks. In the eyes of all those who matter in the world of this ever-evolving genre, Lamar won the duel.

In the coming months, the fans were treated to many quality releases, such as ‘Samurai’ by Lupe Fiasco. The album seems to be a tribute to the 90’s while making a space for itself in contemporary times. July saw a behemoth of the game release his studio album with Eminem’s Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace). The album is a letter to his alter ego and all the fans that keep calling for his return. Later in the year, the Detroit-based rapper also shared news of becoming a grandfather.

Internet phenom GloRilla dropped Glorious and silenced all her doubters with boom-bap-inspired production and a cadence like no other. Other notable artists like Killer Mike, Tyler the Creator, The Alchemist, and Freddie Gibbs also dropped projects. Veterans Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg also dropped albums this year, with the latter collaborating with Dr. Dre.

After a long-drawn-out battle with Drake, Kendrick dropped a surprise album, ‘GNX,’ which mixes the sound of mariachi and the West Coast to deliver an inquisitive and powerful album.

On the other side of the world, the Indian hip-hop scene saw arguably its biggest year yet. Hanumankind’s ‘Big Dawgs’ went viral globally and ultimately got him a ticket for next year’s Coachella. The Delhi-based duo Seedhe Maut dropped multiple projects, including Shakti and Kshama, along with their “beef” with Kashmiri Duo SOS. Artists like Dhanji, Chaar Diwari, Krshna, and Yashraj paired with veterans like Raftaar and Sikander Kahlon are pushing the boundaries of hip-hop in this country.

All in all, 2024 changed the way many look at the genre. From existing stars burning brighter than ever before and new artistes making a space for themselves in this complicated and layered galaxy, this year was quite a successful album, don’t you think?