Top Albums of 2024

My theory proves me right each year. Hip Hop is only good every other year. And man was this a year for Hip Hop. We must address the rap beef that shook up the world. And STILL is shaking! Kendrick Lamar proved why he is the G.O.A.T of the art form. But he is not the only MC to drop some heat this year. Here are the The Juke Joint’s top Hip Hop albums of the year.

HIP-HOP/RAP

Doechii

Alligator Bites Never Heal

The TDE MC came out the gate swinging. I have a fierce love/hate relationship with female MC’s. Mainly because they act as if they cannot rap about anything besides getting “flewed” out and playin’ ni*gas. Doechii has something to say. Alligator Bites gives us a real rap flow as well as melodic R&B touch creating a fusion of both worlds. She challenges today’s norms through her refusal to make music the labels want to hear and shows the upmost respect to the legends before her by continuing the legacy of ‘boom bap’ music (hate that term btw). This extremely personal and humorous mixtape deserves first place on so many levels.

Kendrick Lamar

GNX

K Dot waited until the end of the year to release the album of the year. I am a girl who likes to let music brew before calling it a great or bad project. But Kendrick knows what he is doing when it comes to not just making a good album but representing the culture in the most respectful way. I did not expect to see Lamar in the top albums for a few more years, but here we are. And he is the number two pick. I am a huge Kendrick fan and find this album to not be his best work, but he made new fans this year, so job well done.

J. Cole

Might Delete Later

The apology heard around the world didn’t stop us from hearing what the Carolina native had to say. I know I’ve shown some aggression towards the MC this year but it’s solely due to the fact I felt he had what it took to battle Kendrick. Might Delete Later follows up really well with the theme from The Off-Season and his fear of complacency. He raps each word as if he has something to lose but is no longer afraid of saying he is one of the greatest. His confidence is much more potent. Great project.

Tyler, The Creator

Chromakopia

It’s got to be said. Tyler is one of the dopest producers the world has ever seen. You must listen to Chromakopia in your headphones to fully digest this production. When you think of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, you think of how they changed the dynamic of hip hop for the better. I think a lot of people lose sight of change but it must be with a purpose. Tyler is doing the same. Chromakopia is a growth album. And at the age of 33, he displays some progression towards maturity.

Common & Pete Rock

The Auditorium Vol. 1

I almost let the masses persuade me into not putting this into the top 5. But I had to remember why I do this. And Common and Pete Rock released one of the most authentic Hip Hop albums of the year. Not only have they been in the game for 30 plus years, they have not lost their touch

HONORABLE MENTIONS

R&B

Nx Worries

Why Lawd?

Fans of NxWorries have waited for an album from the duo for eight years and the wait was well worth it. Knxwledge production is what is missing in the R&B field these days and Anderson Paak. Raspy comforting voice complements the music in a way we do not see today. Hit play and just let this album ride. It’s sure to not disappoint.

SIR

HEAVY

For his fourth studio album, Sir get a little personal. One of the most beautiful songs on the album is the love song to his son, Ricky’s Song. He started teasing us with the release of this album in 2022 with the single, Satisfaction. The Inglewood sensation continues his smooth approach to the art form with a hip hop touch on most tracks.

Lucky Daye

Algorithm

One thing is for certain, Lucky is going to make us dance. His use of live instrumentation is a signature move of his that most look forward to and his song writing is top tier. He also drops a few inspirational gems to get us through our day. Although the albums starts out strong, it finishes a little slow.

Leon Thomas

MUTT

I’m late to the party for Leon Thomas but that intro drum kit/pattern is sick. The samples chosen on this album is great and production is excellent. Mutt is a must listen track if you haven’t already. One setback, his monotoned voice gets a little tiring.

October London

OCTOBER NIGHTS

The Death Row musician continues his Marvin Gaye replica on his second studio album, October Nights. His falsetto, seductive voice is a soft reminder that 60’s feeling music is still alive.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

POP/ALT/ELECT.

Billie Eilish

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

For those of you who have been sleeping under a rock for the past 7 plus years, whenever Billie Eilish drops, it’s kind of a big deal. Eilish dropped this album right before the start of summer and came out hitting hard with her leading single, Birds of A feather. Billie Eilish unique approach to music has a mix of dance, electronic and pop. Her choice of topics are always very personal and entices the listener.

Justice

HYPERDRAMA

What attracted me to this album was music producer Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. The very first track, Neverender, instantaneously brings you into the world of EDM/Electronic. This album is perfect to add to any workout playlist.

Khruangbin

A LA SALA

This easy listening album is perfect for studying or completing simple task. Pop this on and enjoy the ride.

TYLA

Tyla danced her way into Americans hearts with her smash hit, Water. This song played so much I thought my ears would fall off. But her album was just as good as the single. One big setback for the album is all the songs sound the same.