For rap and hip-hop fans, 2023 was a good year. The genre had a good mix of heavy hitters like “Utopia” by Travis Scott, “For All the Dogs” by Drake and “a Gift & a Curse” by Gunna, but there was also a good mix of surprising albums like “And Then You Pray For Me” from Westside Gunn and “Jackman” from Jack Harlow. With a great mix of rap and hip-hop albums released in January and February, 2024 is shaping up to be another great year for rap. Here are the top three best rap and hip-hop albums of 2024 so far.
3. “All Is Yellow” by Lyrical Lemonade
Cole Bennett, a 23-year-old from Chicago, started in the rap business by making blog posts about music in the Chicago area and organizing concerts for artists. He then transitioned to making music videos after dropping out of college and gained a lot of support for his unique style of editing and fast-paced videos. “All Is Yellow” is Bennett’s debut compilation album in which he partners with Def Jam Recordings to bring a 14-track album featuring artists like JID, Denzel Curry, Chief Keef, Lil Yachty, Lil Tecca and many more. The surplus of features on this compilation truly shows how talented Bennett is at catering to all types of rap, and being able to work with a wide range of artists. Bennett wanted to make this album for everyone, and with the album as an addition to his already empire of a brand, Lyrical Lemonade is someone to look forward to this year.
2. “Lyrics to GO Vol. 5” by Kota the Friend
Outside of the mainstream rap game is a hidden gem of an artist, Kota the Friend. Born Avery Marcel Joshua Jones, Kota the Friend got his start in music while in grade school and played the trumpet through college where he started to write and perform. After turning down three major record label offers, Jones created his label FLTBYS. In his music, he raps about looking within yourself and becoming the best version that you can while being aware of the negativity in your life. The fifth volume of “Lyrics to GO” continues the growth of Jones as he navigates his own life while continuing the storyline between previous volumes. For a lyrical artist who produces chill beats and focuses on putting a lot of thought in his words, Kota the Friend is one to check out.
1. “American Dream” by 21 Savage
Easily the best and most influential album of the year so far for me has been “American Dream” by 21 Savage. Also known as Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, Savage was born in London, England, and moved to Atlanta with his mother at the age of seven. Ever since the release of his first solo album in 2017, “Issa Album,” Savage has been one of the most notable rap figures in the industry, releasing multiple collaboration albums with Metro Boomin and Drake.
“American Dream” is Savage’s third solo album, inspired by his identity as an immigrant and the troubles he faced in 2019 with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. With songs full of amazing instrumentals, emotional bars about the traumatic past he has had to overcome and features from talented artists, Savage does not disappoint. After many years of collaborating on music and trying new styles of rap, “American Dream” really shows that Savage has found his footing in the game and isn’t swinging for the fences. After this release, Savage has blessed fans with another 21 Savage classic and solidified his spot as one of the best modern rappers in the game right now.
