Back for a ninth straight year, we at TheHipHopDemocrat once again despite being a mostly Hip-Hop based website, decided to include not only Hip-Hop, but a few of the other genres we cover a lot of, such as R&B and Soul, as part of our latest best albums of the year list. Counting down from 10 to one, we cover a bunch of the variety of different artists and albums we covered throughout the year and came up with the following for our best of 2024 album’s. A few honorable mentions were even thrown in as well. So without further ado here is TheHipHopDemocrat’s ninth Best Albums of the Year list.
10. Skyzoo – Keep Me Company: From his intricate lyricism and storytelling to the way he crafts his album’s. Brooklyn-bred emcee, Skyzoo, is one of the most consistent emcees over the last decade-plus. His newest album, Keep Me Company, just the latest example of such. The new 13-track effort from Skyzoo featuring production from the likes of JR Swiftz, Sir Williams, DJ Manipulator, Marc Nfinit, Seige Monstracity, DaG, Skyzoo, ANKN, VDR, Leo Confident, and Flughand. Is virtually all handled solo by the BK lyricist too with the living legend and icon Chuck D of Public Enemy as the lone feature. A modern day Hip-Hop classic, the very jazzy smooth production throughout the album along with the very mature themes of unity, relationships and connectivity with others. Plus themes of legacy, love, vinyl culture, and fleeting connections. As well as themes of gratefulness, growth and survival. Is woven so seamlessly from beginning to end. The honesty, wisdom and moments of quiet reflection throughout all 13 tracks also providing one of Skyzoo’s most personal albums to date. The different layers and thought-provoking lines unyielded with each listen of the album, showing an album that is both subtle and intentional with the way each line, harmony and beat was put together in perfect harmony with one another. To bring such introspection, grit, growth, vulnerability and strength together as one. Like most Skyzoo album’s it will take multiple listens to unwind all the great lyrics, double and triple entendres. As well as great storytelling from him throughout it. But tracks like Community Service, Home Away from Home, Prayers for the Customers, Courtesy Call, Esoteric, Record Store Day, Wins of the Father and Jazz in the Projects really highlighting it too. As well as why not only is this one of Skyzoo’s best projects to date and one of the top two or three Hip-Hop album’s released here in 2024, but really a top 15-20 album released across all of music this year.
10 (Tie). Philmore Greene – The Grand Design: A meticulously grand, transparent and soulfully cinematic audio masterpiece. That includes some of the most grand emceeing, lyricism, storytelling and production you will ever hear. That is how you can best describe Philmore Greene’s newest album, The Grand Design. Which may be arguably his best work to date in an already very diverse and grand discography of such masterclass work and you can read the rest of my review on said album here.
9. Ravyn Lenae – Bird’s Eye: With many artists their sophomore album’s really show whether they are here to stay for the long run or not. Very talented Chicago singer and songwriter, Ravyn Lenae, is no exception. Her 2024 album, Bird’s Eye, that also happens to be her sophomore album. Showing how much she has grown as an artist in the just a little over two years since she released her very critically-acclaimed debut album, HYPNOS, in 2022. The production throughout all 11 tracks ranging from the very groovy soulfully smooth carefree kind we normally hear from her like we do on the DJ Dahi and Spencer Stewart co-produced opener, Genius and previously released Dahi and FnZ co-produced single, One Wish, to the funky experimental like production of Dahi and J. LBS on Bad Idea. Plus beautifully instrumental piano-driven production from Dahi, Stewart and Ely Rise on the Ty Dolla $ign featured, Dream Girl to the Caribbean like production on, Candy. As well as soulfully hypnotic production from Dahi, Stewart and Solomonophonic on previously released single, Love Is Blind and the very upbeat, yet groovy almost Rock like production and vibes on previously released lead single, Love Me Not. To the beautifully emotional 90’s R&B like production from Dahi, J. LBS and Rascal on, From Scratch and beautifully smooth production from Steve Lacy on, 1 of 1. Showing how much Ravyn has grown as an artist with just the production alone. From her debut to sophomore album. The way that Lenae is also able to show off her magically divine and angelic vocals. As well as stellar songwriting and how much she has grown as not only a songwriter over the time from her debut to sophomore album, but how much she has grown into adulthood. Really allowing Lenae to deliver the classic masterpiece album we thought her debut album would be and showing why she is one of a kind generationally talented artist that will not only be here for many more years to come. But if she continues on this trajectory by the time she is done with her career, also possibly even be recognized as one of the best artists of all-time.
8. JEMS! (Elujay & J. Robb) – GEMS IN THE CORNERSTONE II: JEMS! is the duo of extraordinarily talented Oakland singer and songwriter, as well as rapper, Elujay and Baltimore-bred producer, J.Robb. First coming together for their debut project, GEMS IN THE CORNERSTONE, in 2020. The extremely talented duo came together again this year for their followup to that with, GEMS IN THE CORNERSTONE II. That like their first project is also 11 tracks, but the runtime of 36:11 is actually album length as opposed to their debut project that was only 27 minutes. With this latest release Elujay and J. Robb seamlessly provide some of the most smoothest and easy ride to music you can find. With singles, FLIGHTS and CREEPIN really showcasing Elujay’s soulfully beautiful dreamy vocals and the latter over the very ambient soulfully smooth production from both extremely talented and brilliant Baltimore-bred producer, J.Robb and Bay-area producer, Hokage Simon. Helping provide a soulfully irresistible throwback jam that sounds like a 90’s R&B throwback. Tracks like the very standout Louis Culture featured, BMW, showing off the grunge and UK garage type influence on certain tracks. With him providing a really great guest verse too. While tracks like the Chase Shakur featured, MASHUP, with its very drum heavy, yet smooth production shows their ambient influences and the Rae Khalil featured standout, COURAGE. Shows off the contemporary R&B influences and tracks like, SWEEPSTAKES, shows off the Lovers Rock influences. Then the Amaria featured standout, BREANA, showing off the Caribbean dancehall influences from both Elujay & J. Robb’s shared Caribbean heritage. The very beautiful, DOWN EASY, to close out the album. The perfect way to close such a seamlessly smooth genre-bending masterpiece album from two of the most talented artists in music right now in Elujay and J. Robb. That feels somewhat familiar, but also new with the many influences throughout the album. Which helps them craft such a vibrantly unique album that stands out as not only one of 2024’s best album’s, but one of the best album’s of the past several years.
7. Orion Sun – Orion: Orion Sun’s newest self-titled album, Orion, is some of her most beautifully personal and expansive work to date. That sees the very sought after singer and songwriter, as well as producer over 14 tracks sing and touch on love and the many effects. Both good and bad it has on the human psyche. Whether it be the longing reflection of a past love on the opening track, When I Was In Love, that starts out in a field recording soundscape of what seems to be someone walking in a forest while humming. The instrumentation of a piano, a stringed instrument, programmed drums and electronic sound effects from producer, Rodaidh McDonald, added in later along with Sun’s vocals accompanying them. As she remarks about what it was like when she was in love. That sounds like it’s a note lifted from a personal journal and how it evolved into her longing for a previous relationship on the very beautifully mellow and heartbreaking lead single and next track, Already Gone. Which is about the first nights longing for a previous partner and realizing they are really gone for good. The heartbreaking tone in Sun’s voice making it all the more relatable whether you have been in that situation or know others who have been before. That along with also previously released singles, Mary Jane and Sweet. Starting with the beautifully groovy Mary Jane and using it as a coping mechanism. The very catchy hook along with the guitar and prominent drums on the production from McDonald, Alessandro Buccellati & The Kimba Unit. The perfect complement to Sun’s beautifully amazing vocal performance. The fluttering strings to close out the track so seamlessly going into the beautifully soulful sweet sounds of, Sweet. That really lets her show off her beautifully smooth sweet signature sound. While songs like, Sick and Take My Eyes, really let all the heartbroken emotions melodically and lyrically really shine through from Sun. The latter a very emotionally tender ballad about love and connection. The very simple and almost acoustic like production really letting Sun’s emotional vocals shine through on what is not only arguably the best track on the album, but one of the most heartbreaking, yet beautifully emotional records you will ever hear. Another highlight being the very experimental snare heavy production from Orion and Julian Ali on, Twilight Zone, which Orion even adds a nice little unexpectedly dope mini-rap to at the end of the track. The Heavy Mellow-produced, These Days, yet another highlight that finds the very talented singer and songwriter so beautifully singing about a love that’s making it hard for her to keep her head above water to make it through the day. As we reach the final tracks of the album, Orion, is definitely in a more positive and reflectively hopeful mood. Starting with the very sunny mellow guitars and drums backdrop perfectly complementing her lyrics of, “There’s no place I’d rather be. You know we in this together, no matter the weather. There’s no place I’d rather be.” As Orion sings on part of the chorus of, Rather Be. While, Don’t Leave Without Me, acknowledges the patience it takes to heal after losing a love. Before you move onto your next love and/or relationship. The very deeply personal masterpiece album from Orion Sun then closing with the unusual, but heartwarming and loving tribute, Gannie. That is a tribute to Orion’s grandmother which offers peace and closure to that chapter of her life. But at the same time shows what potential Orion Sun has an artist and why this is really just the beginning of what promises to be a truly special and spectacular career.
6. Jon Connor – III: Jon Connor has consistently put out nothing but dope material since officially departing Aftermath Entertainment in May 2019. Releasing the critically acclaimed album’s, SOS, in 2020 and SOS II: The Road To Legendary, in 2022. Connor back in February of this year completed the trilogy by releasing his latest critically-acclaimed album, III. That at 21 tracks plays like a movie from beginning to end. Starting with the cinematic and reflective opening track, The Gospel According to Ron featuring Phire of Sister Tour and Enjoy Melody into the beautifully powerful and amazing thought-provoking previously released single, Dreams. That features Nikell Johnson and Phire of Sister Tour. Which then perfectly segues into the very hard-hitting, Connor For the Win (For DJ Kay Slay) and sees Connor delivering some of the most hard-hitting and hungry bars you will hear such as, “Slay they don’t make ‘em real as you no more. (No). You wouldn’t believe the n***a they call gatekeepers and all the bullshit they allow to get through the door. But I am going to keep shitting on these n***as like you told me and keep exposing the phonies. And never let this game control me.” Homecoming, the simple, yet hard-hitting, On God (The Sauce) featuring Stretch Money, Forever, The Addiction featuring Flawless, Subtle/Rose (The Gospel According to Chyna featuring Bloque and Double Standard featuring Keke Palmer. Some highlights from the album. An album that also includes features from the likes of Caas Swift, Khujo Goodie, Brelia Renee, DFFRNT, Ricky Calloway, Nikell Johnson, Mr. Nuby, Mr. Mikey, Cam Howe and Reya Gaines. Some of the best tracks on the album also being such double sided tracks as I’m Sorry/You Deserve It, Bulletproof/Tryna Get There, Generation Gap/Heaven Sent Evidence, The Greatest Show On Earth/Bid You Adieu and Harvey/Two-Face. The themes, lyrically great and thought-provoking content to go with such great production, as well as diversity throughout all 21 tracks. Such as the very feel-good Nikell Johnson featured jam, Celebrate. Showing why Connor is not only one of the most talented and thought-provoking emcees, but artists period. That is why, III, delivers as not only such a cinematic classic masterpiece album that is easily the best Hip-Hop album released in 2024, but one of the top album’s released across all of music this year.
5. Elijah Blake – elijah.: In August Elijah Blake delivered his critically-acclaimed self-titled latest album, elijah. That is 12 tracks of some of his most personal and authentically honest work to date and arguably his best album to date as well. Which sees Blake giving some of his best and most captivating songwriting and storytelling to date. Tracks like the 80’s-inspired opening record, Westside Story, that immediately grabs your attention with its funky basslines & complete synths. That sounds like it’s cousins with the late great Michael Jackson’s classic, Smooth Criminal. Showing right away what perfectly balanced captivating nostalgia and contemporary flair you are in for over the next 11 tracks and the many influences of genres he explores too. Whether it be the soulfully upbeat, Rainberry Woods, so beautifully exploring themes of self-reflection, the passage of time and how it relates to his upbringing as a kid. While standout previously released single, Ghostbuster, showcases Blake’s signature beautifully amazing smooth vocals as he sings about a forgone love that haunts you with painful thoughts and memories that cause pain and anguish to short-circuit within your mind. That you are trying to move forward from and no matter how hard you try to replace that lost love, they aren’t easy to forget, let alone even harder to move on from. The live instrumentation on tracks like, Sacrifice, perfectly blending Blake’s beautiful falsettos about a love he is willing to die for. While also previously released single and standout record, Sugerwater & Lime. Finds Blake over the soulfully funky production so beautifully singing about a love that you know wouldn’t last long, but you try to squeeze it all out anyways. Like trying to squeeze lemon juice out of lime. It eventually turns into heartbreak. The very upbeat flavor of the very standout, Is Everybody OK? One of those throwback R&B jams that really lets Blake show off his very beautifully smooth amazing vocals. While, Call Me When You Get There, is a very star crossed record about a love he is absolutely in love with and Best Friend about a girlfriend he was also best friends with and lost as both a friend and partner. That then perfectly segueing into the very beautifully smooth standout, Father Abraham, which sees Blake singing about how success has many fathers and all the things he had to do and be grateful for. To become the successful artist he is. Previously released single, Company, meanwhile is a modern day R&B banger. That finds Blake over the very beautifully triumphant horns backdrop singing so beautifully about a love he wants to stay to keep him company and not leave. Before going into the funky old school beautiful harmonies of, Magic Moments. That sounds like Blake transporting us to a sun-kissed romantic magic night moment into a beautiful sun rise morning with a significant other on a carefree summer day. That all then perfectly closing with easily not only the best record on the album, but one of the best records of Elijah’s brilliantly amazing career and really one of the most beautifully amazing records you will ever hear. In the almost Gospel-sounding inspired, very introspective, Nobu. Where over the slowly built guitar keys backdrop, the production slowly builds up to Elijah’s very emotionally poignant lyrics about a love he patiently committed everything to. Only for them to not reciprocate it to him for someone else that he thought wasn’t good enough for them. Those faint good memories slipping away like echoes as Elijah so emotionally and beautifully shows off his beautifully smooth heavenly amazing vocals. While also showing how over those first 11 tracks it slowly built into this very beautifully emotional heartfelt finale. That perfectly captures how much Elijah has not only grown as an artist, but personally as a human being with this very soulfully personal masterpiece album. That is not only one of the best R&B album’s, but really one of the best album’s released across all of music here in 2024. Which is also among the best album’s released so far in the 2020’s.
4. SiR- HEAVY: Earlier this year, SiR, released his highly-anticipated and long-awaited fourth album, HEAVY. That was well worth the nearly five years wait between his critically-acclaimed third album, Chasing Summer, to this very personally beautiful vulnerable latest album. Which sees SiR over 16 tracks touch on everything in his journey from addiction to sobriety. As well as how he dealt with depression, love, substance abuse and stints in and out of sobriety during his hiatus from music. Starting with the very transparently atmospheric opening record, HEAVY (INTRO). Where SiR right away lets it be known how he feels he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. That is heavy as a lie when you are trying to be honest. That he also touches again on in the heartwarming very melodic TaeBeast & Rascal co-produced title track. Which sees SiR crying for help, as he so smoothly croons about grappling with the pressures of fame and the expectations that come with it. While previously released single, KARMA featuring his TDE labelmate, Isaiah Rashad. Finds both artists singing and rapping about past karmas they have been through. The very standout, SIX WHOLE DAYS, a very beautifully heavenly record that finds SiR over the very amazing instrumentals so beautifully blending his voice. As the perfect tempo switches also allow him to so beautifully sing about the struggles he had trying to do the right things during his recovery. While the very different out of this world previously released single, NO EVIL. Really shows off his versatility as an artist with all the powerful emotions and uniqueness he puts into this Taylor Hill-produced record that we normally wouldn’t expect from him. Records like the very upbeat, POETRY IN MOTION, to Ab-Soul on I’M NOT PERFECT and Ty Dolla $ign on, IGNORANT. Shows the way his features throughout the album flow in perfect harmony with SiR’s beautifully perfect harmonies, melodic sounds and great vocals range. As we get past the midway point the very talented singer and songwriter then over the very upbeat production sings and croons very personal lyrics to a woman he is singing his all to on the appropriately titled standout record, YOU. With its very catchy and infectious hook one you can’t get out of your head when hearing it. Other highlights from the album that are some of the final tracks on the album too including previous released singles SATISFACTION, LIFE IS GOOD featuring Scribz Riley and NOTHING EVEN MATTERS. The beautiful harmonies, songwriting and vocals from SiR over the thumping drums, beautiful horns and keys of the D.K. the Punisher-produced, RICKY’S SONG. Providing some of most beautiful vocals and songwriting on this very beautiful masterpiece album too. The Cardiak and Wu10 co-produced, TRYIN’ MY HARDEST, a very emotionally almost near tear-jerking record. Where over the thumping drums and soft keys of the beautifully smooth production, SiR, so beautifully sings about the struggles, as well as up and downs he had trying to stay sober. The album then so beautifully closing out with the very beautifully healing, BRIGHTER. That is the perfect way for SiR to close such a soulfully beautiful and hopeful masterpiece album. Which is not only one of the best album’s here of 2024, but a truly transformative album that is deeply personal, honest, introspective and therapeutic. That not only helped SiR in his recovery journey, but is one of those once in a lifetime album’s that I am sure will help heal many others in whatever personal recovery, healing or otherwise difficult journeys they are going through as well.
3. October London – October Nights: October London is one of the best voices in not only R&B/Soul, but all of music right now and he continues to show why with his latest critically-acclaimed album, October Nights. That he released just a few months ago and is 16 tracks of pure feel-good throwback R&B and Soul with a modern twist he helped produce which is sure to smoothly resonate feel-good emotions of love, romance and self-respect. The beautifully lush piano and guitar-driven Soopafly-produced opener, Slander My Name. Really letting October show off his soulfully smooth vocals and along with the very jazzy smooth grown and sexy second track, Touch on Me. That sees him so effortlessly evoke emotions of love making that would make Marvin Gaye proud. Which then so seamlessly segues into the beautifully emotional and soulfully smooth previously released single, A Beautiful Woman. That sees October really show off his vocals range as he so beautifully and lovingly sings about his appreciation for all the amazing women in his life. The very groovy Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman-produced, 3rd Shift, finding October so groovily singing about a 23-hour shift. By far one of the most standout records of the whole album though is the very piano-driven, Don’t Go. Which sees October so smoothly singing about a possible love interest he’s pleading to not leave cause he can’t live without them. The way that he so sensually sings with such sensual emotion sounding almost like the late great Prince-inspired and would make, “The Purple One” proud of. Previously released lead single, She Keeps Calling, yet another highlight. The very soulfully groovy smooth number that has London sampling legendary Soul group, The Stylistics. As he shows off his soulfully smooth vocals while singing about a woman who keeps calling him and he can’t let go off. The trap soul co-production from Jarius “J-Mo” Mozee and Boney James on, All I Want Is You. Showing the undeniably great chemistry between London and James. As they both make it very clear they don’t want anybody but their own woman. The very soulful jazzy smooth Charlie Bereal-produced, Don’t Waste Your Time. A record where he sings about life not playing games with him. One of the true highlights of not only the album, but so far of October’s already great career being the very beautifully magical Babyface-produced, Missing You. That sees October so beautifully sing with his beautifully smooth vocals about an ex-girlfriend he wishes he wouldn’t have let others tear apart. As he sings on part of the chorus. The Tyrese duet, Bedroom Bully, a very lustful duet that is also on Tyrese’s own solo album, Beautiful Pain, he released earlier this year. The final four records of the album with the beautifully soulful, Momma, beautifully soulful smooth, Put You On, The Reception, and Time. One of the most beautiful and best four track runs to so perfectly close out an album you will ever hear. The heavenly soulful keys of the Soopafly production on, Momma, such a beautiful tribute to all the mommas of the world and how much they mean to us all. That perfectly complements October’s very heavenly beautiful smooth vocals on the record. The very amazing soulfully smooth chants, keys and other experimentally great instruments from Mike & Keys on the Snoop Dogg featured, Put You On. Finding both October and Snoop upgrading and uplifting their respective women. While, The Reception, is yet another very lush and beautifully smooth October London and Soopafly co-production that allows October along with the very talented, Ledsi, to deliver such a beautiful duet that has them playing the groom and bride of a just married couple. The very beautifully smooth keys of the Soopafly and Michael Letter co-production on the very emotionally touching closing track, Time. Then finds October singing so beautifully about a love he will love until the end of time. The perfect way to close such a beautifully soulful and vulnerable masterpiece album. That is not only among the best R&B album’s, but really a top four to five album released across all of music here in 2024.
2. Andra Day – CASSANDRA (cherith): Andra Day delivered her long-awaited and highly-anticipated sophomore album, CASSANDRA (cherith), earlier this year. That is 16 tracks of the GRAMMY Award-winning singer and songwriter, as well as activist and Golden Globe-winning actress most unwaveringly honest and personal work to date. As Day from the very beginning of the album touches on everything from heartbreak to a love she is entangled in with the very slow-burning and intoxicating R&B groove of an opening record, Maybe Next Time. That sees her over the deep bass and calmly mellow production so effortlessly with her magically mesmerizing vocals performance sing about a troubled relationship of hers she thought would work out and ultimately didn’t, despite her thinking and trying to convince everyone else. Including herself that it would. The frustration and disappointment of a love not working out that she thought would. One that is explored throughout a lot of the other 15 tracks as well. Including the next track and previously released single, Probably. That is a powerfully theatrical retro-soul number that sees Day delivering a very riveting show-stopping vocal performance about a love she gave her all to, but never got that same love back from. For the very captivatingly infectious anthem. While tracks like the jazz-infused Latin-inspired mix with neo-soul on Narcos (H.C.D) and tropical piano-jazz stylings of, In the Meantime. The latter that Day even starts surprisingly singing in Spanish about midway through showing her true versatility as an artist. While records like the soulfully jazzy, More, finds her singing about vulnerability, desire, and the many complexities of love. That Day also somewhat touches again on the somewhat old-school Hip-Hop, yet still prominent R&B flavors of the very standout Wale featured, Heavy On My Mind. Which is also the lone feature on the album. The heavy influences of R&B also seen on previously released lead single, Where Do We Go. A beautifully jazzy sultry and soul-stirring love ballad that finds Day really showing off her beautifully soul-stirring exotic vocals. As she sings about a former love she is still yearning for. While, Bottom of the Bottle, is yet another standout soul-stirring ballad. Previously released single, Chasing, a very beautifully tender number where Day so beautifully sings with such ambition about a yearning for a love and money so many women are always chasing for. The groovingly atmospheric, Nervous, a very entrancingly groovy standout too. The hallowing entrancing almost computer like production towards the end of the record sounding like you are being lifted into outer space and a whole new world. That perfectly segueing into the very standout empowering and spirited, Champagne Flutes. That is a very celebratory record where Day sings so beautifully about authenticity and remembering one’s roots amidst the allure of superficial glamor. A true homage to staying true to oneself while navigating not allowing glamor and fame to take you from your true roots. The very soulfully jazzy piano-driven, Empty, yet another highlight. That allows Day to so beautifully sing about how she can’t give any love to anyone until her cup is full. While tracks like, Still, lets her show her true strengths as a great vocalist. The very soulfully smooth and jazzy piano-driven closer, Thank You God (Mom Reading Psalm 62). Actually being a sequel to, Still, which reflects on the theme of finding peace and stability through faith and self-affirmation. Day’s upbringing in the church like so many other great vocalists that is truly reflected on the closing record with both her vocals performance and her mom’s reading of Psalm 62. The perfect way to show how much through a divine and spiritual guidance that Day has not only grown and matured personally through her music, but her actually personal self and life as well. That helps her deliver not only such a modern day masterpiece R&B album, but one of the best album’s released across all of music here in 2024. Really possibly even one of the best R&B album’s released of the past 20-30 years. That is an echelon almost all by its own.
1. Marsha Ambrosius – CASABLANCO: GRAMMY-nominated R&B/Soul icon, Marsha Ambrosius highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed fourth solo album, CASABLANCO. That is executive produced by Dr. Dre and features 11 new tracks. On paper sounds like a dream and one of the best pairings of all-time. Not only is it actually is and one of the best album’s of 2024, but it’s such a timeless masterpiece album that is her manga opus and among the best album’s of all-time. Erik ”Blu2th” Griggs, Dem Jointz, Focus…, Phonix and DJ Khalil helping lend a hand into the very amazing smothering smooth cinematic out of this world great production on the album that mixes everything from old school R&B and soul to Hip-Hop, as well as classical jazz influences. The grand and timeless production perfectly complementing Ambrosius signature beautifully soulful captivating vocals throughout all 11 tracks. As she takes you on a beautiful journey of her personal journey through creative freedom and sings about everything from smoke to different forms of love, including true love, one night stands, love that is too real and love that is never enough. The way that Ambrosius and Dre arrange her truly beautifully soulful captivating vocals along with her great songwriting throughout all 11 tracks. Truly captivating and takes the listener on a journey that is a truly special kind of experience and enjoyment that fans of real music will truly enjoy. While also showing why Ambrosius is one of the best vocalists out songwriters of all-time. Records like previously released singles previously released singles Greedy, One Night Stand and The Greatest. As well as Tunisian Nights, Self Care/Wrong Right, Wet, and Smoke. Further showing so for an album that was truly really robbed and should have multiple GRAMMYs nominations and wins aside from her one nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for, Wet.
Honorable mentions: Common & Pete Rock – The Audiotorium, Vol. 1: When Common & Pete Rock announced earlier this year they would be coming together to release a collaboration album it was like an unexpected dream come true collabo come true for true real Hip-Hop lovers. That nobody really thought of or knew they really needed. The two legendary and iconic Hip-Hop figures delivering a near masterpiece work of material over 15 tracks. That is some of Common’s best emceeing of his career and some of Pete Rock’s best beat making of his. Which sees the very triumphantly stellar production from Rock on the standout opening track, Dreamin’, really setting the tone for the album. As Common raps such standout verses as, “Baby, we could do it, take your time, do it right. I was hearin’ melodies and rhythms through the night. This was a dream that felt real like a fight. What made it realer, J Dilla was there in the light. A movement was happenin’, H. Brown was rappin’ and Kool G and Polo talkin’ ’bout they back again. I seen Prince; he was time-travellin’. Through the Morris Days and Gladys Knights (Woo). Sheila E. reminded me about the glamorous life. Ali was tellin’ me why he had to fight. The struggle, he never left so we could have our rights. Biggie and Prodigy told me to grab the mic (Yeah). I was shook…. Now ain’t no such thing… ‘cause when I touch dreams, they become things.” The soulful jazzy smooth and sultry production mixed with perfect sampling by Rock throughout much of the album. Really allowing Common to continue to show throughout the album why he is not only among Chicago’s best emcees and lyricist’s of all-time, but really among the best emcees and lyricist’s ever in the history of Hip-Hop to touch a mic. Such stellar bars as, “Fortunate the Lord put me on a path. To use the microphone for a rod and a staff. Fortunate that my heart and the beat knocks. The Windy City street bop… I’m fortunate for Pete Rock (Ayy).” On the standout single, Fortunate. Plus such standout bars such as, “Rack focus to the Black Moses. That’s light skinned. A dawn like when the night end. The multi-hyphened. My stipend was ripened from Chi to Big Apple. On the mic I’m Micah Parsons. Any subject I tackle. And grapple with wack dudes. And school n***as like black schools. Cause they lack rules.” That he raps on the standout single, All Kinds Of Ideas, just a few of the many examples throughout the album that show why he’s still among the best emcees ever and such a legendary and iconic emcee, as well as Hip-Hop figure on the mic. Pete Rock’s own stellar opening guest verses of, ”I’m soul brother uno. Black from the future. Make beats on the table if I break my computer. Still make hits like I used to. Keep your top 5, I’m God’s favorite producer.” Showing why he’s not only solid on the boards, but the mic himself also as well. The features from the likes of Rock, Posdnuos of De La Soul on the standout, When the Suns Shines Again. Bilal on both the latter and also very standout, So Many People. Plus Jennifer Hudson on the very soulfully uplifting gospel-tinged, A GOD (There Is) and PJ on the jazzy groove, Everything’s So Grand. Really complementing and help elevate the album even more. The absolutely banging lead single, Wise Up, plus such tracks as This Man, We’re On Our Way, Stellar and Now And Then. Some more real highlights of many from the album. The many mature themes, effortlessly great flows to go with many of the intricately introspective bars and some braggadocious ones from Common throughout the album. Plus the undeniably great chemistry between Com and Pete Rock throughout as well. Gives off very mature and grown vibes as well from two of the genres elder statesman. That is also the latest in a group of ever growing elder statesmen from the genre such as Nas, Black Thought, KXNG CROOKED, Rakim and Raekwon. To name just a few to strike down the slowly now not as great stereotype that the genre over the years has had of ageism. This album making our list as an honorable mention and still being a top five Hip-Hop album because of the ridiculously great amount of replay value.
Showing what a great year 2024 was once again for music too.
NxWorries – Why Lawd? : The highly-anticipated and long-awaited sophomore album, Why Lawd? From NxWorries was well worth the wait from the very talented duo of Anderson .Paak and producer, Knxwledge. Their newest 19-tracks effort a very silky smooth effort of several laidback R&B funky grooves that oozes a lot of personality and feeling. Which is very cohesive and like so many other great album’s over the years is inspired from the heartbreak of Anderson’s own personal situation and how how he has dealt with life after being in a relationship for so long that he’s no longer in. The way he is able to sincerely turn his pain into such personally relatable artistry that will make listener’s groove and bop their heads. Makes you feel somewhat terrible for his personal situation, but at the same time grateful he used it to turn his voice into his music to make something so great and relatable to everyone. That only an artist of his lyrical caliber and talent can make so great. Which is one of the reasons why the album has such high replay value too. The way that Anderson with his silky sultry smooth vocals is able to so easily glide over Knxwledge’s stellar production throughout the album to show the still undeniably great chemistry between both artists something else that makes this album so great as well. Whether it be on such standouts as MoveOn to Distraction and the trio of exceptional released the H.E.R. featured, Where I Go, Daydreaming and the very silky smooth jam, FromHere featuring Snoop Dogg and October London. While records like FallThru and Battlefield have some of the best vocals performances of Anderson. Paak’s already pretty stellar career. The features whether the already previously mentioned ones to Rae Khalil on both OutTheWay and WalkOnBy, who delivers some of the best vocals performances of her career. The latter also featuring a really solid great guest spot from Earl Sweatshirt. Charlie Wilson’s guest spot on, NVR.RMX, which should have been a longer record. All perfectly complementing and making the album so great as well too. One of my only gripes with the album being that and the outro track being only an instrumental. Instead of adding more vocals from Anderson and among the few things that makes it just barely miss being a classic album. Otherwise the way Anderson is able to provide such charm, charisma and great storytelling throughout coupled perfectly with Knwledge’s very stellar production. Provides one of the most perfectly intoxicating smooth laidback listens you can ever have to just layback, vibe and listen to at anytime you just feel like listening to something very easygoing, relaxing and laidback. That is also very relatable and refreshing.
Krayzie Bone – Chasing the Devil: Chapter 2, Salvation: Legendary and iconic emcee, Krayzie Bone, of the legendary and iconic Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Had a near fatal death experience towards the end of 2023, but is on his way to recovery and doing a lot better these days. His latest solo effort, Chasing the Devil: Chapter 2, Salvation, 20 tracks of very spiritually beautiful inspiring and reflective raps about all the demons he overcame since that point. That had him turn more to God, the Holy Spirit and a higher being in his spiritual growth since then. Reflecting in some of the best raps and music of his career. That results in such standout tracks as Refuge From the Pain, Shine Down On Me, A Lotta Pain featuring Dave Tolliver, Peep Da Game, Handwriting’s On the Wall, Emotions Erode featuring Kayshawn Cole, the Marley Sharlena featured Save Us, Carry On and They Are Fighting. An overall powerful message that results in one of the most beautifully powerful, spiritually enlightening and inspiring not only Hip-Hop, but spiritually enlightening album’s of all-time. The following lyrics that Krayzie spits of, “By making me understand the Lord is who gave me life. So praise the light cause these wicked days are trite. Half the earth is chasing the devil and they paying the price. Stay in the light. No darkness escaping the night. Do we really resist the devil or we faking the fight. The haters take flight. No doubt they throwing shade in my bright. Try to not get lost in all the darkness. All my heart, heartless.” Showing how through his near fatal death experience that God has used Krayzie’s voice and music as a vessel to help others who haven’t yet or need to. See the light to be better not only human, but spiritually great beings as well.
Ice Cube – Man Down: Towards the end of November, Ice Cube, released his highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed latest solo album, Man Down. Coming in at 19 tracks the newest solo effort from the Westcoast Hip-Hop pioneer and icon finds him delivering some of his best work to date in his very illustrious and successfully storied career. The very nostalgic synths production on the opening track, Rollin’ At Twilight. Perfectly completing Cube’s flow and great storytelling to really set the tone for the album off right. That then perfectly segueing into Cube’s hit E-A-Ski-produced single, It’s My Ego and the also stellar previously released real funk-infused single, So Sensitive. Other highlights from the album including the very smooth old school Westcoast banger, She’s Sanctified featuring E-40, October London, Snoop Dogg and Too $hort. That features standout performance from all four members of the Westcoast super group, Mount Westmore and like it was likely a leftover from their album they released a couple of year’s ago, but still fits perfectly fits on the album. October London soulfully smooth vocals on the hook making the record that much better for what is sure to be a future single too. The very cinematic T-Mix-produced, Ghetto Story. Not only easily the best track on the album, but one of the best tracks of Cube’s illustrious career that from the lyrical prowess, storytelling and production. Such standout lyrics as, “When them thangs get to poppin’ (Poppin’). Choppers get to choppin’. Loved ones get to droppin’ (Get to droppin’). When them hearts get to stoppin’. Nobody cares about all the money that you clockin’. A bully on that bullshit (Bullshit), got a bullseye (Bullseye). I forgot he said he on demon time (Mm). I’m on God’s time (Yeah), this is oil and water. Your ass is with the devil, I’m with the Holy Father(Mm). You’ll probably shoot your mama (Mama). For an extra comma over marijuana (A piranha). Everybody say they want the bag. Yeah, I wanna get it, but not that bad.” Shows why Cube is one of the best emcees of all-time. The storytelling from Cube on tracks like that, 3 Lil Piggies and the David Banner-produced, Fighting for My Life in Paradise featuring Kurupt. Plus the David Banner-produced banger, Take Me to Your Leader, as well as other bangers like 5150, I’mma Burn Rubber and the B-Real featured, Let’s Get Money Together. Not to mention the very standout Xzibit featured, Break the Mirror. That finds X-to-the-Z delivering one of the best verses of his career with such standout lyrics as, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was off of Sunset in Hollywood. Still try to make it out the hood for the greater good. Never lie to yourself (Never). N***as sellin’ they soul, sex, murder, and wealth (Who?). X murder to Don Mega. We put in the work (Yeah, work). These Impalas is clean (Clean), got it all out the dirt (Dirt). And when that truth come out. That’s when feelings get hurt. I put your face on a shirt, remember where you heard it first (Yeah).” Ego Maniacs. The Killer Mike and Busta Rhymes standout closing track from the album that is remix to his hit E-A-Ski-produced hit single, It’s My Ego. Also yet another highlight of several very high highs from the album that makes the album so great and have a great amount of replay value that makes the album so good too. The fact that Cube’s album is so great and only made it as an honorable mention on our list once again showing what a great year for Hip-Hop and music in general across all genres was for 2024.