GALLERY
Page: 7
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Lil Baby last dropped a full-length album in 2022’s It’s Only Me which was a solid outing from the southwest Atlanta rapper and was thought by many to be the next step in his burgeoning stardom. Three years later, Lil Baby dropped his fourth studio album WHAM (Who Hard As Me) and the early returns on X are in with fans giving their knee-jerk opinions as expected.
Hype for Lil Baby’s latest project bubbled at a steady rate in 2024 with Young Thug dropping cryptic tweets suggesting that the pair were soon to cook up something for the masses. As the months rolled on, LB dropped a series of teasers, including sharing a partial tracklist on social media before he officially announced his new album at his birthday concert last month.
Now that the project is here, our first listen to the album reveals that LB hasn’t lost his gift for melody while keeping the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” approach to the music. The guests on WHAM are also perfectly hand-selected with Young Thug and Future showing up for the early standout track “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber” and GloRilla put on a scene-stealing show on “Redbone.”
Other features include “By Myself” featuring Rylo Rodriguez and Rod Wave, and Travis Scott shows up for the “Stuff” track. What many fans online are zeroing in on is 21 Savage’s feature verse on the track “Outfit” with some believing the Slaughter Gang star is shouting out Drake while throwing a slight shot toward Kendrick Lamar.
Lil Baby should get most of the credit for carrying the project as his mix of sing-song trap anthems and some rare moments of vulnerability highlight how well-rounded an artist he’s become over the years. However, and we’re not sure why, but the reactions are mixed with some believing the production doesn’t match LB’s talent while other fans are enjoying the output.
On X, the reactions to WHAM are still coming in and we’ve got them listed below.
Where I’m from, your heart and your hustle is everything.
WHAM | 1-3-25 | Pre-Save https://t.co/znTirK9Gho pic.twitter.com/HcnTYhpRcl
— Lil Baby (@whamcbfw4) December 30, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
—
Photo: Prince Williams / Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been vocal proponents of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and their proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) office along with their stances on H-1B visas. After feeling the wrath of the MAGA faithful, Elon Musk shifted his tone while Donald Trump showed support for the visa program for foreign workers which has angered the many figures within the GOP and the wider base.
On Christmas Day, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy made their case for the support of H-1B visas with the suggestion that the program allows business leaders to find the best engineering minds possible. Ramaswamy found himself in the thick of it when he casually suggested that Americans and the media they consume might be contributing to their lack of engineering or intellectual excellence. Musk, a recipient of an H-1B visa himself, likened the recruitment of the foreign workforce to selecting the best players of the NBA, which too has several foreign-born players who are near the top of their class.
Over the weekend, Trump joined the fray and expressed his approval of the aforementioned visa program.
“I’ve always liked the (H1-B) visas, I have always been in favor of the visas, that’s why we have them,” Trump said in an interview with the New York Post. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
This comment from Trump was an exaggeration of facts as reports came forth that many Trump staffers who work at his properties on visas did so through the H-2B visa program, which gives companies the ability to recruit foreign workers for temporary jobs such as hospitality work. According to a CNN report, Trump last used the H-1B visa program in 2022 in order to hire a data analyst for the Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.
This has sparked right-wing infighting with key figures such as former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer aiming at both Trump and Musk for walking back the campaign promises of the so-called America First agenda that focused on mass deportation and the hiring of more American workers at some of the top companies.
Elonn Musk has been defiant in his unique way and issued a profane reply on X towards Christian conservative Steven Mackey, who criticized Musk’s endorsement of the H-1B visa program.
“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and F*CK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend,” Trump wrote to Mackey.
The Tesla founder has since softened his rhetoric, writing on his X platform, “Please post a bit more positive, beautiful or informative content on this platform” which garnered several passionate and colorful responses. This also sparked a still unproven rumor that Musk is using X under the “Adrian Dittman” alias.
We’ve got X comments regarding Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, H-1B visas, and the MAGA kerfuffle below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Andrew Harnik / Getty
Elon Musk‘s X is now firmly the main meeting space for all things MAGA, offering a safe haven for the hateful and belligerent who fell in line with the movement. However, “First Buddy” Elon Musk and his DOGE Bro Vivek Ramaswamy are catching MAGA wrath on Musk’s social media platform.
To illustrate what is happening with the proposed DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) coalition of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, we look into their recent activity on X as the impetus of the critique both are receiving. On Christmas Day (Dec. 25), Musk posted a missive on X shooting down the idea that more American engineers should be hired over foreign workers, sparking a testy debate.
“The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low. Think of this like a pro sports team: if you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be. That enables the whole TEAM to win,” Musk wrote.
An X user fired back with, “There are over 330 million people in America. Surely, there must be enough among them to build your ultimate team? Why would you deny real Americans that opportunity by bringing foreigners here?” to which Musk fired back and doubled down with, “Your understanding of the situation is upside-down and backwards. OF COURSE my companies and I would prefer to hire Americans and we DO, as that is MUCH easier than going through the incredibly painful and slow work visa process. HOWEVER, there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America.”
The H-1B visa, which allows foreign nationals to work for American companies in special capacities, has been criticized by President-elect Donald Trump in the past and he has shown his preference in hiring American workers first.
Ramaswamy added fuel to the proverbial fire by siding with Musk, who is an immigrant, and pushing the concept of hiring outside of the United States to bring a standard of excellence to the nation. It was a lengthy post from Ramaswamy and we’ll share a portion below.
From Vivek Ramaswamy’s X account:
The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over “native” Americans isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if we’re really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH:
Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). That doesn’t start in college, it starts YOUNG.
A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers.
A culture that venerates Cory from “Boy Meets World,” or Zach & Slater over Screech in “Saved by the Bell,” or ‘Stefan’ over Steve Urkel in “Family Matters,” will not produce the best engineers.
The posts from Musk and Ramaswamy have created quite a firestorm of comments from the likes of Laura Loomer and other conservative figures who believe that the pair are getting this wrong. You can read one of Loomer’s X replies to Musk here.
On X, observers are taking note of the MAGA infighting and potential for implosion within the incoming Trump administration and he hasn’t even been sworn in yet. We’ve got reactions below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Terrence “Punch” Henderson, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment and, according to his bio, SZA‘s manager, found himself at the center of social media discussions regarding the talented songstress. Although we haven’t been able to determine all the fine points, fans on social media believe there is beef between SZA and Punch, but in typical TDE fashion, those on the outside aren’t privy to the facts.
SZA has been enjoying plenty of fanfare lately after the surprise drop of her SOS Deluxe: Lana project, a reissue of 2022’s SOS. The singer, real name Solána Rowe, posted and later deleted comments Punch reading, “And to be clear, I love Punch deeply! NO ONE should be attacking him or being cruel on my behalf. Sometimes people grow apart, and that’s okay.”
We’ve tried to find the original space where the CTRL singer wrote the comment but only the Hip-Hop screenshot accounts online are pushing this supposed split. However, upon deeper examination, Punch still has in his bio that he’s still SZA’s manager and eagle-eyed fans are slowly realizing that the beef is something they may have imagined, seizing upon the past creative rifts.
A quick scan of the (formerly?) feuding twosome’s social media accounts doesn’t seem to point to any issues. Punch’s timeline seems to give the most direct clues that whatever transpired is behind the two and that it’s all peace and love.
“Also, nothing real can be threatened. Relax ppl. lol,” read one X reply with another reading, “SMH. Change your bio and everything goes haywire. Sheesh. I’m beginning to suspect some of you guys don’t fancy me very much.”
Punch’s last reply on X featured him asking fans what their favorite songs from SOS Deluxe: Lana was, sharing a couple of his selections.
On X, fans are still trying to make this beef with SZA a thing. We’ve got reactions from all sides below.
Listen to SOS Deluxe: Lana below.
Lmao closed my eyes for two seconds for the first time in 36 hours and missed the damn drop ! SOS DELUXE ( Lana ) OUT NOW ON ALL PLATFORMS !!! https://t.co/AlJpuNRp7c pic.twitter.com/bvNiwknUOk
— SZA (@sza) December 20, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
—
Photo: Getty
KISS OF LIFE, true to their name, are breathing new life into the K-pop scene. Debuting with their first mini-album KISS OF LIFE on July 5, 2023, the group has steadily gained both recognition and sales in the Korean market. Their first single album “Midas Touch” earned them their debut on the Billboard Global 200 chart, peaking at No. 165 and remaining on the chart for two weeks. In a K-pop industry increasingly dominated by major corporations, KISS OF LIFE has been dubbed the “miracle of mid-sized companies.”
For the group’s growth, Belle shared, “We used to only dream about moments like these, and now we made our dream come true. Winning our first music show trophy with ‘Sticky,’ a song we particularly love, made us feel like our hard work and confidence in our music had finally paid off.”
The group’s uniqueness is evident in both the concept and tracks of their mini-album KISS OF LIFE. They chose to present their album in a “magazine” format, showcasing their visuals in a distinct way. Moreover, from the very beginning, all members included solo tracks on the album, with Natty’s “Sugarcoat” achieving even greater success than the title track “Shhh,” solidifying KISS OF LIFE’s name in the public’s mind.
One of the group’s defining traits is their nostalgia. Tracks like “Bad News” left a strong impression with its incorporation of 1990s and 2000s hip-hop elements, including iconic phrases like “ain’t no diggity” and “from the east side to the west side.” Their latest single “Get Loud” evokes the Neptunes-era sounds of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. However, the group’s music isn’t confined to these influences. Their summer anthem “Sticky” brought them their biggest success yet, while “Igloo,” with its minimalist production and powerful choreography, marked their re-entry on the Billboard 200 chart. These diverse approaches continue to raise anticipation for what lies ahead.
By seamlessly blending American hip-hop/R&B elements with K-pop, KISS OF LIFE has emerged as a rookie group worth watching. Stepping outside the conventional paths to success, they’ve proven that K-pop can still offer fresh sounds and styles. Just over a year after their debut, they completed a successful North American tour and are now preparing for a European tour — a remarkable feat for such a young group.
Below, find Billboard Korea’s Q&A with the rising group.
It seems like KISS OF LIFE has had a really busy year!
Belle: It’s been an incredibly busy year. Thanks to all the love we’ve received, we were able to have multiple comebacks, hold our first concert, and even complete our first tour in such a short time. It really feels like a year of tremendous growth — both as a group and as individual artists exploring our own paths.
Haneul: I thought last year was hectic, but this year really felt like we poured all our youth into it. [Laughs]
As mentioned, you achieved a lot this year, including another Billboard Global 200 entry, your first world tour and first music show win. What has been the most memorable moment for you?
Belle: Winning our first music show trophy is something I’ll never forget. It was a dream we always talked about, and achieving it with “Sticky,” a song we love so much, made us feel like all our hard work and confidence in our music finally paid off.
Haneul: It’s amazing that the song kept charting even after our next album came out!
Julie: Every moment we achieve something, it feels unforgettable and precious, but for now, I’d say our U.S. tour stands out the most. We gained so much experience and grew a lot, and I already miss those memories!
Natty: I was so happy to see so many overseas fans knowing and singing along to our songs!
Many artists say that after their first world tour, their perspective broadens and they begin to see things they hadn’t noticed before. What has changed for KISS OF LIFE after their KISS ROAD tour?
Julie: It’s hard to pick just one thing, but I’d say our attitude toward the stage. I’ve started to think more deeply about the mind-set I bring to every performance.
Belle: I realized I don’t need to be nervous onstage. People enjoy seeing me have fun and relax while performing, and I loved the connection we shared with the audience — it’s the joy of music at its best!
Upward trajectory is often seen as the most beautiful graph. The response to KISS OF LIFE has been just that, with sales and reactions steadily increasing from mini-album 1 to mini-album 3.
Belle: We’ve kept moving forward with nonstop comebacks and activities, but I think the key has been focusing on what makes us unique and keeping our fans engaged. Above all, I believe our genuine love for music has resonated with people.
While “Get Loud” from “Lose Yourself” didn’t receive the response you had hoped for, “Igloo” was met with a hot response, particularly for its performance. Who came up with the concept of the sunglasses performance?
Belle: It was the idea of our performance director, who’s been with us since debut. They understand us so well and always come up with unique performances that highlight each of our individual charms. The moment we all put on sunglasses felt like a Super Bowl performance and was both cool and playful.
Haneul: The company was concerned about covering our faces, but we all agreed to go ahead with it and in the end, it worked out perfectly.
Natty: At first, we were all a bit worried! It was our first time covering our faces during a performance, so there were some concerns, but we trusted the vision, and the response was amazing! Fans even bring sunglasses to our concerts now!
“Igloo” presented a different vibe compared to previous KISS OF LIFE music and performances.
Haneul: I expected it to be cool, but I didn’t expect such a hot response. [Laughs]
Julie: This was a style I always wanted to try, and personally I felt most confident in it, so I believed people would recognize it, and I’m so happy that we received so much love!
Belle: We had a feeling that the “Igloo” choreography would be well-received when we first started practicing it. The song, with its trap hip-hop base and refined yet playful choreography, felt like it would stand out in a new way.
KISS OF LIFE who had previously shown a ‘summer’ vibe presented a new side with ‘Igloo’. What other new things can we expect?
Belle: We will continue to evolve and reveal even more new sides of ourselves. While the future is uncertain, we will definitely bring fresh music and performances that will entertain both the eyes and ears of our fans!
Each member is involved in songwriting and composing. How do you want to express yourself through KISS OF LIFE’s music?
Belle: I believe only those who fully understand the music they make can produce a certain vibe. We always want to show our fans authentic and sincere music.
Haneul: Music feels like a diary to me, capturing my emotions and experiences. When I’m sad, I listen to music and cry. When I travel, I listen to music and feel even more excited — music becomes a way of saving those personal experiences.
Natty: I feel particularly confident in R&B, and I’d love to explore a variety of styles when I have more time!
You always present a “magazine” concept for your albums and even do magazine shoots. How are the two different?
Belle: In our album photo shoots, we focus on bringing out KISS OF LIFE’s identity, but in actual magazine shoots, the focus is more on showing a new side of me. Both are enjoyable!
Julie: I think magazine concept photo shoots feel less pressured than our album ones. Since the photos are for our KISS OF LIFE albums, we feel more encouraged to push our boundaries!
Natti: They’re quite similar! I really enjoy photo shoots, so I have a great time during both album and magazine shoots!
Finally, what can we expect from KISS OF LIFE in 2025?
Belle: It will be a leap forward. I believe we will achieve even more growth and take a big step forward!
Haneul: Beyond our planned European tour, we’ll have more opportunities to meet overseas KISSY, and Korean KISSY will also get to see a lot of new sides of us.
Julie: We’re going to achieve amazing things! We’re planning to fill 2025 with even better music and incredible stages!
Natty: We’re going to make it big!
Natty
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Hot Girl Natty
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: All-rounder
My favorite song at the moment: “Nothing”, “Igloo” by KISS OF LIFE
But my favorite song of all time is: “Sugarcoat” by KISS OF LIFE
Julie
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Sexy
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: Leader
My favorite song at the moment: “Toxic Till The End” by ROSÉ
But my favorite song of all time is: “Igloo” by KISS OF LIFE
Haneul
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Bob Sky, Haneul-e, neul-e
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: Lead Vocal, Maknae
My favorite song at the moment: “Back to Me” by KISS OF LIFE
But my favorite song of all time is: “Says It” by KISS OF LIFE
Belle
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
I love it when fans call me: Gifted, talented
My position in KISS OF LIFE is: Main vocalist, songwriter. Mainly in charge of the musical process!
My favorite song at the moment: “Toronto 2014” by Daniel Caesar & Mustafa
But my favorite song of all time is: “Feather” by Sabrina carpenter
KISS OF LIFE
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
What can fans expect from KISS OF LIFE in 2025? “We’re going to achieve amazing things!” Julie promises. “We’re planning to fill 2025 with even better music and incredible stages!”
Natty
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: “You’re doing great, You’re killing it!!”
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: Y2K, Original Hip-Hop
Julie
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: Hard work pays off
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: Hip-Hop
Haneul
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: Hard work pays off in the end
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: Dreamy, Rock Punk
Belle
Image Credit: Sungjae OH/Billboard Korea
My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: Trust your gut!
The concept I’d love to try most in KISS OF LIFE is: bright pop music
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
The end of 2024 is upon us and that means holiday festivities, gift swapping, and a lot of eating and drinking if we’re lucky. For those of us who indulge in cannabis products, this is a fine time to get gifted or hand out some holiday cheer so let’s get into it.
As my coverage of cannabis continues to take shape, I’m learning more and more about the wide uses for the plant and how it doesn’t always have to end up in a blunt, joint, or bong for me to get the relief and effects I want. I’ll level with readers and say I’m not much into flower but if it’s already rolled, I’ll indulge in a fresh “j” here and there. My preferred method of use is vaporizers, edibles, and concentrates and I’m more of a sativa or sativa-leaning hybrid kind of guy. I find it helps me with my ADHD, joint pain, and general mood.
In this short list, I’m listing brands I’ve tried in my travels across the country along with brands that have select locales but are still worth highlighting. Heck, you might be one of those frequent flight hoppers like myself so this can aid in your search for good products.
I do want to say that before we end this post and lock it down until 2025, please indulge in cannabis safely and observe the rules and laws in your respective hometowns. I hope all of you have an amazing holiday season and we’ll see you at the top of the year.
For now, enjoy this handy cannabis gift guide. Let us know in the comments what some of your faves are.
—
Photo: Getty
1. 22Red
Source:22Red
22Red is the brainchild of Shavo Odadjian, who some might know is a member of System of A Down. The cannabis brand specializes in a wide variety of flower, prerolls, concentrates, infused flower, and vapes.
Learn more here.
2. CAKE She Hits Different
Source:CAKE
CAKE She Hits Different, co-founded by Chloe Kaleiokalani, is dope for the fact we need more women-owned brands in the cannabis space. The brand’s Designer Distillate vaporizers are the first to boast a 1.25 capacity and boosted with terpenes.
Learn more here.
3. Housing Works Cannabis Co x Cartography NYC—Stoner Nameplate Necklace
Source:Cartography NYC
We’ve featured Housing Works Cannabis Co in previous gift guides and love what they’re doing up in New York. They also have a collaboration with Cartography NYC via the Stoner Nameplate Necklace now available for preorder. Peep the other gear in the eShop too!
Learn more here.
4. iGrowcan
Source:iGrowcan
For the novice home grower, iGrowcan is a handy option to help those with an aspiration for having “green” thumbs, if you get our meaning. Salute to the Royal Queen Seeds crew!
Learn more here.
5. Jeeter
Source:jeeter
Jeeter bills itself as the number one preroll brand in the world and they certainly have a wide reach in the game. They also have infused prerolls with TCHA diamonds, live resin concentrates, and more.
Learn more here.
6. Live ORO
Source:Live ORO
Live ORO is billed as a drinkable sleep aid boosted with 10 MGs of THC and 10 MGs of CBD, promising a relaxing night’s sleep in every bottle.
Learn more here.
7. Reefresh
Source:Reefresh
Reefresh is another drinkable cannabis option but without the bubbles. Sometimes, you just want a crushable sip and they have a 10 MG canned option, along with a concentrated 100 MG flavored shot that you can dose at your comfort.
Learn more here.
8. Royal Queen Seeds — TYSON 2.0 Collab Seeds
Source:RQS
For home growers, Royal Queen Seeds is a name most should come to know. And now, they’ve partnered with Mike Tyson, a known cannabis enthusiast with his own Tyson 2.0 seeds.
Learn more here.
9. Voila!
Source:Voila!
I drink quite a bit of sparking mineral water and having an infused, flavored version of the drink is right up my alley. Voila! is a brand that’s new to us but we hope to try them out soon.
Learn more here.
10. WYNK
Source:WYNK
Wynk is actually the first cannabis-infused hard seltzer I tried and I appreciate the fact that it’s a very mild dose that’s perfect for social settings and also for those who want to take a break from alcohol.
Learn more here.
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Tony Buzbee, the high-profile attorney representing the alleged victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z, is facing a heavy accusation himself. A woman has launched a lawsuit against Tony Buzbee alleging that the Texas lawyer gave her a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
As reported by TMZ, the lawsuit filed by Jane Doe in New York Superior Court claims that Tony Buzbee has been connected with her since 2018 after initially meeting online. Doe wrote in the filing that Buzbee interacted with her to the point of convincing her to go on a date and travel to his hometown of Houston for a night out.
Doe stated further in the filing that Buzbee booked a hotel room and laid on the charm before the pair engaged in intercourse. Doe claims that Bubzee failed to disclose his status and passed on the unnamed STI to her. The next day, Doe says she noticed pain around her groin area, and after an examination, the STI diagnosis was revealed. Doe says she contacted Buzbee, who allegedly apologized and appeared to note that he knew of his status before having sex with the woman.
Despite the diagnosis, Doe continued to date Buzbee despite feeling shame about the matter. She also claims that Buzbee used his power and influence to manipulate and control Doe on his terms and to keep his disease a secret from the public.
Buzbee told TMZ that the lawsuit from Jane Doe is a shakedown tactic connected to his pursuit of Combs, calling the claim “false, frivolous, laughable and ridiculous” and believes it will be dismissed.
Tony Buzbee was sued for assault in November for allegedly using a champagne flute as a weapon according to a former client of his.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Dragos Condrea / Getty
Year-end album lists are a gift and a curse for a Hip-Hop and music journalist because we’re never going to hear all of the hundreds of projects that dropped over the past 365 days. However, Hip-Hop Wired is attempting the impossible to deliver our favorite Hip-Hop projects of 2024.
Breaking the wall here, I want it known that I might be a man of a certain age but I never turned my back on the music and culture that, quite frankly, has given me so much as a writer and participant. Just like some people grew out of loving Hip-Hop, that has never happened with me. Each year, I’m discovering more and more acts that release music that speaks to me and I enjoy the hunt of digging in the crates, even if it’s digitally.
For this list, I only listed albums or mixtapes (whatever that means in 2024) that have 10 songs or more. This means that a lot of the nine-song releases that are listed as albums on DSPs are not mentioned here but that doesn’t mean they weren’t dope. I just believe wholeheartedly that there should be at least 10 songs on a project before we call it a full-length release. Further, if I added EPs to this list, it’d be even longer than it already is.
As I’ve done with past lists, the Hip-Hop albums and mixtapes listed below are in alphabetical order by artist name, not rank or preference. I don’t believe in segregating the music because it doesn’t fit some mysterious aesthetic. What I’ve listed below are albums I routinely played, reviewed, and believe stood out among all I’ve heard. If I missed something, don’t flame me. You will see a lot of West Coast artists on this list along with acts from the South, East Coast, and all points in between.
For now, enjoy this massive listing of Hip-Hop Wired’s top projects of 2024 below.
Top Hip-Hop LPs/Mixtapes of 2024
Ab-Soul – Soul Burger
Although not immediately introspective as his previous album HERBERT, Ab-Soul shows and proves his formidable ability as a lyricist while paying homage to his dear brother, Doeburger.
Action Bronson – Johann Sebastian Bachlava the Doctor
Action Bronson is at his best when he’s delivering one of his usual one-take verses that take the shape of whenever he’s feeling in the moment. Another reliable drop from Queens native.
Apollo Brown & Crimeapple – This, Is Not That
Crimeapple, a rapper out of New Jersey by way of Colombia, raps with bone-chilling precision and conviction. This pairing with Apollo Brown is a standout among his other releases this year.
Benny The Butcher – Everybody Can’t Go
Benny The Butcher’s debut album with Def Jam Records doesn’t mute or clean up the grit and grime he’s known to deliver. The Black Soprano boss gets production from Hit-Boy and The Alchemist while running the operation expertly.
BigXthaPlug – Take Care
Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug had a busy 2024 but the cherry on top was his second studio album, Take Care. Yes, the album dives into BigX’s time in the street but also the importance of leveling up.
Boldy James & Conductor Williams – Across The Tracks
Boldy James dropped four albums this year and we could’ve gone with any of them. We decided on his collaboration with Conductor Willams and their potent Across The Tracks drop.
Blu & Exile – Love (the) Ominous World
Among the four studio albums, Blu dropped this year, his project with Exile, Love (the) Ominous World, is the one we couldn’t stop rocking.
Common & Pete Rock – The Auditorium Vol. 1
Age ain’t nothing but a number and the pairing of Common and Pete Rock proved that concept all across their enjoyable album, The Auditorium Vol. 1.
Conway The Machine – Slant Face Killah
Conway The Machine doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as a rapper and his versatility is unmatched. Slant Face Killah is a proper showcase for the Drumwork Music Group honcho.
Cordae – The Crossroads
Cordae came into the game with plenty of promise and his latest studio album takes all of his strongest points while adding that major label sheen.
Chuck Strangers – A Forsaken Lover’s Plea
Chuck Strangers got his first look as a producer as part of the sprawling Pro Era collective but has since emerged as his own man. His second studio album, A Forsaken Lover’s Plea, stamps Chuck Strangers as a standout voice among the producer-rapper set.
Curren$y & DJ Fresh – The Tonite Show The Sequel
Curren$y drops so much consistent heat that we had a hard time picking an album but his past work with DJ Fresh drew us to The Tonite Show The Sequel and we’re better for it.
Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2
Denzel Curry is an enigma of an artist who is capable of dropping brilliant bars but also can turn up. King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2, billed as a mixtape, feels just like that but in the best of ways.
Dizzy Wright, Demrick & Mike & Keys – Blaze With Us 3
Dizzy Wright was active in 2024 along with maintaining his various business interests. Reconnecting with Demrick, also an entrepreneur, the pair’s Blaze With Us 3 boasts fantastic production from Mike & Keys and yes, it’s perfect to pair with your favorite strains. (Also, Demrick’s “Watch This” is still dope.)
Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
Doechii’s breakout year was capped by the soulful Tiny Desk concert that recently dropped. Much of that performance featured songs from her latest mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, which makes us wonder what the album will sound like.
EARTHGANG – PERFECT FANTASY
EARTHGANG keeps our attention every time they drop new music and the duo of Olu and WowGr8 are still adept at finding new flows, sounds, and themes. There is a tendency to compare them to another duo out of Georgia but they own their unique sound solely.
El Costeau – Merci, Non Merci
El Costeau first appeared on our radar by way of MIKE’s excellent Burning Desire album. The Washington, D.C. rapper’s loose, heady verses showcase the varying creativity and interests of the Northeast native.
Erick the Architect – I’ve Never Been Here Before
As a member of the Flatbush Zombies, Erick the Architect proved he is a rapper worth noting. With his solo album, I’ve Never Been Here Before, Arc delivers a varied and personal project that rewards the listener several times over.
Flo Milli – Fine Ho, Stay
Flo Milli’s second studio project continues the “Ho” theme from her previous drops and is the strongest of the three. The 24-year-old starlet and expecting Mom is no slouch and we’re ready to hear what’s next.
Freddie Gibbs – You Only Die 1nce
Freddie Gibbs is growing up, or at least that’s the message we’re getting from You Only Die 1nce. The Gary, Ind. rapper sounds remarkable on an album that fans didn’t see coming.
Freeway & Jake One – The Stimulus Package 2
Philadelphia rapper Freeway and Seattle producer Jake One made magic in 2010 with The Stimulus Package. 14 years later, The Stimulus Package 2 is just as strong as its predecessor and maybe better in some aspects.
Future & Metro Boomin – We Don’t Trust You
Yes, we know that “Like That” is the highlight for many but Future and Metro Boomin showed their chemistry all across We Don’t Trust You.
Gangrene (Oh No & The Alchemist) – Heads I Win, Tails You Lose
Gangrene, the duo of Oh No and The Alchemist may very well be the best producers on the mic. Heads I Win, Tails You Lose is the duo’s fourth studio album and it’s all bars, beats, and boasts, just as it should be.
GloRilla – Glorious
Memphis rapper GloRilla came into the game with plenty of motion, culminating in her crowd-pleasing debut studio album, Glorious. Big Glo covers all the bases on the release, and we know it’s only up from here.
Gunna – One of Wun
Gunna kept his head down and continued to work despite all the smut people attempted to throw on his name and delivered a stellar album in One of Wun.
Heems & Lapgam – LAFANDAR
Heems, who some might remember from Das Racist, dropped two albums this year, the first of which, LAFANDAR, was done with Lapgam, a fellow Indian-American.
J. Cole – Might Delete Later
J. Cole got a lot of heat for deleting his Kendrick Lamar diss, “7 Minute Drill” from his fourth mixtape, Might Delete Later, but it’s a touch unfair. The rest of the project is one of the strongest sets of bars we’ve heard from the North Carolina MC and producer.
JasonMartin & DJ Quik – Chupacabra
JasonMartin, formerly known as Problem, connected with the legendary DJ Quik for the funky, sun-soaked Chupacabra. Even if you’re not from the West Coast, it still goes.
Jay Worthy & DāM-FunK – Magic Hour
Jay Worthy is always dropping new music and this year was no different. Nailing down our favorite record was difficult. However, Magic Hour, made alongside DāM-FunK, was the one that kept cropping up.
JPEGMAFIA – I Lay Down My Life for You
JPEGMAFIA is a difficult artist to explain to the unfamiliar but what we can say is that if you’re able to capture anything about Peggy is that he’s all over the map and that’s fine with us.
Ka – The Thief Next To Jesus
Ka unfortunately passed away this year and his loss is still sending waves of shock among his devoted fans. Music lives on and the Brownsville lyricist’s album, The Thief Next To Jesus, is another in a long list of projects that should be studied in colleges.
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Read our review here
Let The Dirt Say Amen – I Love You, I’m Not Sorry
Let The Dirt Say Amen, a rapper, and producer out of Washington, D.C., dropped one of our favorite albums in 2021, God Hates Gucci. I Love You, I’m Not Sorry is more of Dirt’s strong production, relentless verses, and some of the best sh*t-talking we’ve heard all year.
LL COOL J – The FORCE
LL COOL J shocked a lot of fans with The FORCE, a departure in sound for the Queens veteran. Produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest fame, there are some interesting curveballs within the project but that’s why we enjoyed it so much.
Logic – Ultra 85
Logic is polarizing among Hip-Hop fans for reasons beyond the music, which has generally been good to great. Ultra 85 definitely leans to the great side of the Maryland rapper’s discography and despite its length, Bobby Tarantino is the reason to tune in.
Mach-Hommy – #RichAxxHaitian
Mach-Hommy doesn’t reveal much about himself despite several dozen releases acclaimed by critics and listeners alike. The Haitian-American New Jersey native shakes up things on #RichAxxHaitian with interesting features but the main character remains Mach-Hommy.
Marv Won – I’m Fine, Thanks For Asking
Marv Won is one of the most gifted rappers out of Detroit, a city that seems to produce rappers who can flow over anything. I’m Fine, Thanks For Asking gets into Marv Won’s thoughts in a way that almost feels intrusive but we appreciate him for letting us in.
MAVI – shadowbox
MAVI burst onto the scene with his debut album Let The Sun Talk in 2019. The Charlotte, N.C. rapper’s third album, shadowbox, is an emotional, soul-stirring collection of thoughts that finds the 25-year-old rapper wrestling with the weight of the world.
MIKE & Tony Seltzer – Pinball
Despite his mature sound and thematic aims, MIKE is still very much a young man in his 20s. Instead of taking over the beats, Big MIKE connects with producer Tony Seltzer for the youthful and frenetic Pinball. Don’t get it twisted, MIKE is still going in but it’s a lot lighter than his usual fare.
Nappy Nina & Swarvy – Nothing Is My Favorite Thing
https://open.spotify.com/track/7LzCHlDZnG3AfrqJo7paob?si=745795dd6746450e
Nappy Nina’s 2023 album Mourning Due was one of our favorites and instead of coasting on that excellent body of work, the Oakland. rapper’s Nothing Is My Favorite Thing with producer Swarvy took us on a marvelous audio journey.
Navy Blue – Memoirs In Armour
Navy Blue’s 2023 Def Jam Records debut, Ways Of Knowing, gripped us by the ears from the first second. Now fully independent once more, Memoirs In Armour finds Navy Blue once more centering spirituality and his connection to his family, all of which is delivered in an almost melancholic but reflective tone.
Nickelus F – MMCHT
Nickelus F is another example of an artist with immense ability who seems content with rapping for those who get it and unbothered with chasing fame. The Richmond, Va. MC and producer’s MMCHT is one of his most personal releases and one where he doesn’t rap in character.
NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxledge) – Why Lawd?
NxWorries, the duo of singer, rapper, and drummer Anderson .Paak and producer knxledge, return with their second full-length, Why Lawd? With his sing-rap style, .Paak is in top form and Knxledge has been a beast on the boards for years.
Planet Asia & Local Astronauts – No Retirement
Planet Asia will always have a fresh platter of heat for his legion of fans and among the drops from this year, No Retirement with production team Local Astronauts was our top choice.
Previous Industries (Open Mike Eagle, Still Rift & Video Dave) – Service Merchandise
Previous Industries finds Open Mike Eagle, STILL RIFT, and Video Dave collectively working out the realities of aging along with still having a lot more to say. The longtime Chicago associates’ fantastic Service Merchandise album is full of moments of clarity along with comical revelations. It’s sharp work.
Rapsody – Please Don’t Cry
Rapsody should be mentioned among the greats and it is no fault of her own that she is often misunderstood. On Please Don’t Cry, Rap is more plainspoken than ever and there isn’t a wasted bar on the project.
Raz Fresco & DJ Muggs – The Eternal Now
Raz Fresco, an incredibly prolific Canadian producer and MC, dropped joints this year that could be in place of our pick, The Eternal Now. That said, Raz and his “marvelous right wrist” style and Five Percent Nation teachings work well with DJ Muggs’ production.
Roc Marciano – Marciology
It could be argued whether or not Marciology is the best album in Roc Marciano’s catalog but instead of needlessly pitting the Long Island rapper-producer’s music against each other, we’d rather state the fact that Roc Marci’s vision was fully realized on this release.
Roc Marciano & The Alchemist – The Skeleton Key
Yes, we know Roc Marci is on this list twice and this 11th-hour drop from Roc and The Alchemist shows and proves the pair know how to bring the best qualities out of each other. This is definitely an album for the wintertime grind.
ScHoolboy Q – Blue Lips
Read our review here.
Sideshow – F.U.N.T.O.Y.
Sideshow, a Washington, D.C. rapper who now resides in Los Angeles, doesn’t grant interviews so much of what we know about him is in his music. The Ethiopian-American rapper’s music is replete with street tales and hazy production best suited for a smoke session or running a mission.
Slum Village – F.U.N.
Slum Village, now a duo with original member T3 and producer-rapper Young RJ, has kept the SV flag flying over the years. F.U.N. continues the tradition and finds them both having a lot of fun on the microphone per the album’s title.
Smoke DZA – THC3 (Kushedgod Bitch)
Smoke DZA is severely underrated and it’s kind of frustrating for us who are fans of The Kushedgod. On THC3 (KushedGod Bitch), George Kush aka Smoke DZA shows off his effortless cool once again.
Tha Dogg Pound – W.A.W.G.
With the West Coast sound fully rocking the radio nationwide, it was a perfect time for Tha Dogg Pound to reintroduce themselves with W.AW.G. aka We All We Got, which features stellar production from Mike & Keys.
Thurz – Yannick Koffi: In Time
Fans of the rap group U-N-I should be familiar with Thurz, formerly Thurzday. His latest album, Yannick Koffi: In Time gets into the story of the Inglewood native as we’ve never heard before before.
Tierra Whack – WORLD WIDE WHACK
It’s hard to believe that Tierra Whack’s WORLD WIDE WHACK is her debut studio album, but it does serve as a great introduction to those who haven’t heard the dynamic Philadelphia star.
Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
Tyler, The Creator is now a legitimate superstar, and the interest surrounding his latest album, Chromakopia, proves that fact. The album dives into themes of fame and the pressure that comes along with it but there are also classic moments of T talking his talk.
Vince Staples – Dark Times
Vince Staples’ sixth album, Dark Times, is his final album on Def Jam Records but, as is his penchant, the Long Beach rapper doesn’t dial it in. This is another excellent collection of Vince Staples’ thoughts.
Westside Gunn – Still Praying
Westside Gunn is possibly Hip-Hop’s greatest self-promoter but thankfully, he backs up his boasts more times than not. Still Praying finds the Griselda mastermind rapping about a lifestyle few can afford and proving that the lane he occupies is firmly his own.
Your Old Droog – Movie
While we wait for the long-teased collaboration with Madlib, Your Old Droog’s Movie is more than a mere holdover. Droog’s ear for beats and his humorous reflections keep the album a light but raucous listen.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Rayful Edmond, a notorious drug kingpin whose operation terrorized the Washington, D.C. streets at the height of the so-called “Crack Era” is reportedly dead according to unconfirmed accounts. Rayful Edmond was released from prison this past summer after serving well over three decades behind bars and was transferred to a reentry facility in Tennessee.
On X, formerly Twitter, social media accounts are claiming that the brother of Edmond confirmed that his sibling has died although we have yet to see an official report. Edmond, 59, ran a lucrative drug operation that not only ravaged the Nation’s Capital, but also ignited turf wars, and bloody shootouts, and placed the wider region under siege.
We’ve reached out to sources looking for a confirmation but nothing has yet to materialize. We also reached out to the Residential Reentry Management (RRM) office in Nashville where Edmond was reportedly sent to after his prison release to no avail.
As we gather more information, we’ll be back to update this post.
—
Photo: Screencap
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
ABC News has sparked the ire of many on social media after reports went wide that the network settled a $15 million lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump. The money from the settlement will go toward a charity that will use the funds to build Donald Trump’s presidential library.
As reported by the Associated Press over the weekend, ABC News will pay $15 million as a “charitable contribution” that will be deposited into the care of a non-profit organization that will help build the library for the incoming president.
Trump brought a lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos after the veteran anchor said on-air that Trump was found civilly liable for raping E. Jean Carroll, with a jury awarding the writer $88 million in damages stemming from a pair of lawsuits filed by Carroll, who accused Trump of the assault in the 1990s. The verdicts of those matters are under appeal.
As part of the settlement, ABC News shared an editor’s note apologizing for Stephanopoulos offering his take on the legal matter in a report delivered on the This Week program. ABC will also pay $1 million to the law firm of Trump’s attorney Alejandro Brito to cover legal fees.
“We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing,” ABC News spokesperson Jeannie Kedas said.
As the news of the settlement went wide, many were moved to outrage that the network decided to settle instead of locking into a legal fight. Some believe this is the network pledging fealty to Trump and his incoming leadership team while others have used more colorful language to describe the outcome.
On X, formerly Twitter, ABC News has found itself hammered with criticism. We have those reactions below.
—
Photo: Getty