The Best Music of 2024: My Take

by Noah Santiago

We saw lots of great music in 2024. Artists from all genres left amazing albums and released incredible songs this year. Here I'll highlight the best albums and songs of the year that stood out from the rest.

Best Albums of the Year

1. Chromakopia - Tyler, the Creator

   

   ALBUM COVER

I believe that Chromakopia is the album of the year. There are no misses on this album and it has very high peaks. Tyler again shows off his creativity and ability to expand across different styles.

2. Atavista - Childish Gambino

   Gambino finally returns after not releasing a full album since 2016's "Awaken, My Love!" This album also has no misses, and Gambino makes sure to deliver on all 11 songs. This has a much more laidback vibe and Gambino shows that he has mastered all genres.

3. Hardstone Psycho - Don Toliver

Don Toliver delivers his best album over this past summer. He has evolved in his sound and production. Each song has its unique vibe to it. This album is great overall.

4. American Dream - 21 Savage

   21 has grown in his lyricism and it is showcased on this album. With one of the earliest hits of the year - 'redrum' - he emerged as one of the world's biggest rappers. Although this album does have its lows but for the most part, they are overshadowed by the album's peaks.

5. King of the Mischievous South vol. 2 - Denzel Curry

Denzel Curry returns after releasing 'Melt My Eyez See Your Future' back in 2022 which received lots of praise. He doesn't disappoint on this summer hit with features like Ty Dolla $ign also standing out.

6. Vultures 1 - Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign

One of the two Vultures albums of the year - which received lots of criticism. I think these albums are overhated and have some hidden gems on here such as 'Stars' or 'Problematic'.

7. We Don't Trust You - Future, Metro Boomin

   One of the two collab albums released by Future and producer Metro Boomin this year. This album became big after igniting the widely publicized beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Metro releases the best production work of his career here.

   
   

8. Kendrick Lamar - GNX

   Kendrick diverts from his traditional sound with GNX. This album is made to be popular and succeeded in doing just that. Although it is a good album, it is Kendrick's worst.

   
   

9. Bando Stone and the New World - Childish Gambino

   The second of Childish Gambino's album this year which appears to be a soundtrack for an upcoming movie that he is directing. This album is more diverse than Atavista and has a mix of Rock, Rap RnB, and alternative. I don't think this album has any misses but not a lot of spectacular songs.

10. I Lay Down My Life For You - JPEGMafia

This is the best-produced album of the year. JPEGMafia has not been in the public eye but has been consistently releasing quality albums, as shown with this one. JPEG also continues to grow as a rapper as well.

Top 5 songs of the year

Now that we got through the best albums of the year, let's take a look at individual songs.

1. Lithonia - Childish Gambino

   This is the song of the year. This is from his album Bando Stone and the New World. This song is perfect in every way and Gamino never fails to deliver.

2. Like Him - Tyler, the Creator

   Here, Tyler delivers a heartfelt message about his dad. This song became an instant hit after its release and it is not hard to tell why.

3. Sweet Thang - Childish Gambino

   This is the best song on his album Atavista. It's also the longest coming in at 7 minutes long. Summer Walker also shines on this track as well.

4. Trae the Truth in Ibiza - J. Cole

The closer for his album, Might Delete Later, after he took his diss aimed at Kendrick - 7 minute drill - off the album. This album has great production and great lyricism from J cole.

5. Family Matters - Drake

This comes off as Drake's respone to Kendrick's Euphoira as part of the beef. He shines with his disses here and his production.

It is without a doubt that 2024 will go down as one of the best years in music history.