From a rap battle to deluxe albums and mixtapes, the year of 2024 was a legendary one for music. Rap giants and gods, from Eminem to Tyler the Creator, all released music this year, making it one for the books.

Starting off with the most dominant artist in the game, Kendrick Lamar surprised-dropped “GNX” Nov. 22. The album follows Lamar’s highly-publicized rap feud with megastar Drake, and marks Lamar’s sixth studio album. The battle ended when Lamar dropped his chart-topping, award-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” and solidified Lamar as the rapper of the year. 

The album features high moments such as tracks like “squabble up” and “tv off,” as well as slower tracks like “man in the garden” and “dodger blue.” West-Coast artists like Roddy Rich and Dody6 worked on the album, as well as SZA collaborating on the tracks “luther” and “gloria.” 

The first track, “wacced out murals,” has Lamar settling scores with people who have wronged him. This included roasting Lil Wayne for his Super Bowl comment as well as addressing Snoop Dog for reposting a Drake song on Instagram back in March. Another stand-out track remains “luther” feat. SZA, where Lamar samples Luther Vandross’s song “If This World were Mine” to create an ethereal love song with the hope of inspiring others to form strong, healthy relationships. 

Speaking of SZA, the R&B artist dropped the deluxe version of her hit album “S.O.S.,” called “LANA,” at the very end of 2024. “LANA” gave SZA some more chart-toppers, including “BMF” and “30 for 30” (feat. Kendrick Lamar) in addition to the already popular “Kill Bill” and “Snooze” from the original “S.O.S.” With over 15 new songs in 2024, SZA has solidified herself as a dominant presence in rap and R&B culture. For SZA and Lamar fans, they will be going on the joint Grand National Tour in 2025, so look out for ticket sales. 

Another artist who began to pick up steam at the end of 2024 was Doechii, who released her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal” Aug. 30. Doechii began rising to fame, however, following her collaboration with Tyler the Creator on his track “Balloon” in his newest album, “CHROMAKOPIA.” Now, Doechii songs like “DENIAL IS A RIVER” and “Nissan Assulta” are beginning to rise in popularity and the new rapper won a Grammy for Best Rap Album. 

Following a three year hiatus from music, rap giant Tyler the Creator dropped his seventh studio album “CHROMAKOPIA” in October to rave reviews. Stand-out tracks like “Like Him” and “Darling I” not only feature unique beats, but critics compliment them for Tyler’s self-aware lyrics. Through his raw honesty about his personal family problems and addictions, these tracks connected Tyler to not only his fans but to everyone, thanks to his vulnerability. “CHROMOKOPIA” remains my personal favorite rap album of 2024 and even 2025, so far. With the effortless transitions between tracks and the mix of upbeat hype songs and reflective, production-heavy songs, this album has it all. Tyler will be down in Miami March 24, 2025, so buy tickets here if interested. 

Overall, 2024 has shined for rap and R&B lovers, and there are more to come in 2025. With the Weeknd and Drake’s recent drop, 2025 holds just as much promise, if not more, than 2024. 

_{Tickets start at only $60 for Tyler, the Creator’s concert in Miami; however, with most tickets already bought, resale prices have skyrocketed to excessively expensive tickets. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)}