{"id":745,"date":"2024-12-31T23:05:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T23:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/2024\/12\/best-songs-of-2024\/"},"modified":"2024-12-31T23:05:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T23:05:00","slug":"best-songs-of-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/2024\/12\/best-songs-of-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Songs of 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Twelve months of singles, album cuts and promotional tracks means as a listener you\u2019re spoilt with choice. There\u2019s always something new to take in and enjoy, both within the carefully-curated algorithm of your preferred streaming platform, or the unexpected rabbit holes you randomly find yourself in. A year-end songs list must encompass both of these lanes, and range from big hits and casual listening, to in-depth, artful pieces to truly appreciate all kinds of music in the year.<\/p>\n<p>As a hip-hop focused platform, the year-end lists provide us a chance to showcase the best of the genre across the UK and US rap scene, but also highlight genres such as R&#038;B, pop and tracks from the other sides of the world. Singles released in the last quarter of 2023 but land on a 2024 album are considered for selection. Take a dive, make a playlist, and enjoy Mic Cheque\u2019s standout tracks of the year.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>First, some honourable mentions\u2026<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Addison Rae,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cDiet Pepsi\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Ayra Starr,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cCommas\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Billie Eilish,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cCHIIHIRO\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Charlie XCX,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201c360\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Chief Keef,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cJesus\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Erika de Casier,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cHome Alone\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>FloyyMenor &#038; Cris Mj,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cGata Only\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Mk.gee,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cROCKMAN\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Potter Payper,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cBrandy in Your Cup\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Yeat,<strong><em> <\/em>\u201cBreathe\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">50. Meek Mill, <strong>\u201cGiving Chanel\u201d (ft. Future)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/meek-mill-giving-chanel.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/meek-mill-giving-chanel.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/meek-mill-giving-chanel.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/meek-mill-giving-chanel.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/meek-mill-giving-chanel.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>HEATHENISM<\/em><\/p>\n<p>When he\u2019s not under the spotlight for his social media antics, Meek Mill put out a short but punchy EP. One of the standout tracks was \u201cGiving Chanel\u201d, a supremely loud anthem with Future that brings back the essence of 2010s trap.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">49. Boldy James &#038; Harry Fraud, <strong>\u201cSpeedy Gonzales\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/boldy-james-the-bricktionary-1.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/boldy-james-the-bricktionary-1.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/boldy-james-the-bricktionary-1.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/boldy-james-the-bricktionary-1.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/boldy-james-the-bricktionary-1.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>The Bricktionary<\/em><\/p>\n<p>It was another busy year of output for Detroit\u2019s Boldy James. With plenty tracks to choose from, his Harry Fraud-produced \u201cSpeedy Gonzalez\u201d felt like his most accessible and addictive.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">48. Ravyn Lenae, <strong>\u201cGenius\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp?w=1024 1024w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ravyn-lenae-birds-eye.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Bird\u2019s Eye<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The opener for Ravyn Lenae\u2019s <em>Bird\u2019s Eye<\/em> deserved to be a hit. Her sweet vocals soar over the tender hook for \u201cGenius\u201d, a melody you can\u2019t get enough of.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">47. Beabadoobee, <strong>\u201cTake a Bite\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomorrow-movesjpg.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomorrow-movesjpg.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomorrow-movesjpg.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomorrow-movesjpg.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomorrow-movesjpg.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/beabadoobee-this-is-how-tomorrow-movesjpg.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>This is How Tomorrow Moves<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The English singer\u2019s lead single is a warm serving of indie rock backed by multiple phases, instrumentation and a deserving status as one of the best pop songs of the year.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">46. Jungeli, <strong>\u201cT\u2019\u00e9tais o\u00f9?\u201d<\/strong> (ft. Vegedream, Zaho &#038; Alonzo)<\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jungeli-tetais-ou.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jungeli-tetais-ou.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jungeli-tetais-ou.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jungeli-tetais-ou.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jungeli-tetais-ou.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>En Attendant Pour Le Peuple\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The French music scene continues to impress with an all-star collaboration consisting of Jungeli, Vegedream, Zaho and Alonzo.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">45. Denzel Curry, <strong>\u201cWISHLIST\u201d (ft. Armani White)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/denzel-curry-king-of-the-mischevious-south.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/denzel-curry-king-of-the-mischevious-south.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/denzel-curry-king-of-the-mischevious-south.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/denzel-curry-king-of-the-mischevious-south.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/denzel-curry-king-of-the-mischevious-south.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>King of the Mischievous South, Vol. 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Denzel Curry took it back to the dirty South on his latest album. With many standouts to choose from, \u201cWISHLIST\u201d employs one of the best hooks of Denzel\u2019s career and unlimited crossover potential.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">44. Billie Eilish, <strong>\u201cL\u2019Amour de Ma Vie (Over Now, Extended Edit)\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/billie-eilish-lamour-de-ma-vie-over-now-extended-edit.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/billie-eilish-lamour-de-ma-vie-over-now-extended-edit.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/billie-eilish-lamour-de-ma-vie-over-now-extended-edit.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/billie-eilish-lamour-de-ma-vie-over-now-extended-edit.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/billie-eilish-lamour-de-ma-vie-over-now-extended-edit.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The ending to Billie Eilish\u2019s album cut \u201cL\u2019Amour de Ma Vie\u201d is granted a deserving extended cut for its sparkling \u201cOver Now\u201d segment.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">43. Jean Dawson, <strong>\u201cBlack Sugar\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jean-dawson-glimmer-of-god.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jean-dawson-glimmer-of-god.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jean-dawson-glimmer-of-god.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jean-dawson-glimmer-of-god.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jean-dawson-glimmer-of-god.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jean-dawson-glimmer-of-god.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Glimmer of God<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Dawson channels the closest thing we can get to Prince with \u201cBlack Sugar\u201d. It\u2019s weird, multi-phased, and full of creative prowess. <\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">42. Doechii, <strong>\u201cBullfrog\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/doechii-alligator-bites-never-heal.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/doechii-alligator-bites-never-heal.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/doechii-alligator-bites-never-heal.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/doechii-alligator-bites-never-heal.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/doechii-alligator-bites-never-heal.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/doechii-alligator-bites-never-heal.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Alligator Bites Never Heal<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As much as Doechii led the year with her in-your-face branding, its her most subdued cut that demonstrated her at her best.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">41. The Weeknd, <strong>\u201cTimeless\u201d<\/strong> (ft. Playboi Carti)<\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-weeknd-timeless.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-weeknd-timeless.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-weeknd-timeless.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-weeknd-timeless.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/the-weeknd-timeless.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Hurry Up Tomorrow<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Three singles preceded Abel\u2019s supposed final album under The Weeknd moniker. \u201cTimeless\u201d proved to be the best and most successful of the three, enlisting the enigmatic Playboi Carti to get the job over the line.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">40. Clara La San, <strong>\u201cAnother Night\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clara-la-san-made-mistakes.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clara-la-san-made-mistakes.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clara-la-san-made-mistakes.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clara-la-san-made-mistakes.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clara-la-san-made-mistakes.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clara-la-san-made-mistakes.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Made Mistakes<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The viral Clara La San\u2019s light-footed ballads bring serenity to a heavy mind. Her debut album <em>Made Mistakes<\/em> features \u201cAnother Night\u201d, one of the many highlights of the record.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">39. Kanye West &#038; Ty Dolla Sign, <strong>\u201cCARNIVAL\u201d (ft. Rich the Kid &#038; Playboi Carti)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kanye-west-carnival.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kanye-west-carnival.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kanye-west-carnival.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kanye-west-carnival.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kanye-west-carnival.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Vultures<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Overplayed? Perhaps. Sick of it? Understandable. Kanye West is far from his artistic peak. But he still knows how to get a moment. \u201cCarnival\u201d channels the energy of 2021\u2019s \u201cOff the Grid\u201d, driven by its booming ultra chants, hyper-rap production and precise verses from features Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">38. AP Dhillon, <strong>\u201cBora Bora\u201d (ft. Ayra Starr)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ap-dhillon-the-brownprint.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ap-dhillon-the-brownprint.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ap-dhillon-the-brownprint.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ap-dhillon-the-brownprint.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ap-dhillon-the-brownprint.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>The Brownprint<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Punjabi music in the 2020s has been on the map thanks to AP Dhillon. On \u201cBora Bora\u201d, he crosses over with Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who packs in multiple melodies across her addictive performance. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">37. Pa Salieu, <strong>\u201cSoda\u201d (ft. Byron Messia)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pa-salieu-afrikan-alien.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pa-salieu-afrikan-alien.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pa-salieu-afrikan-alien.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pa-salieu-afrikan-alien.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pa-salieu-afrikan-alien.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Afrikan Alien<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Pa Salieu\u2019s comeback was marked by the compulsive \u201cSoda\u201d, an irresistible collaboration with Byron Messia that can knock your speaker all day.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">36. Ka, <strong>\u201cTested Testimony\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ka-the-thief-next-to-jesus.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ka-the-thief-next-to-jesus.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ka-the-thief-next-to-jesus.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ka-the-thief-next-to-jesus.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ka-the-thief-next-to-jesus.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ka-the-thief-next-to-jesus.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>The Thief Next to Jesus<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The late Ka dropped one of the best rap albums of the year just months before his tragic passing. \u201cTested Testimony\u201d fits the project\u2019s Christian symbolisms to a tee, ghoulish in its makeup in hindsight of Ka\u2019s passing.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">35. Yeat, <strong>\u201cAs We Speak\u201d (ft. Drake)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/yeat-2093.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/yeat-2093.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/yeat-2093.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/yeat-2093.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/yeat-2093.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/yeat-2093.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>2093 (P2)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Yeat impressed throughout 2024, elevating his artistic status with his <em>2093<\/em> album. The bonus track \u201cAs We Speak\u201d with Drake is a dramatic take on the cyber-rap template he expertly exerted.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">34. Future &#038; Metro Boomin, <strong>\u201cCrazy Clientele\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>We Still Don\u2019t Trust You<\/em><\/p>\n<p>One of his many addictive tracks of the year, Future channels the spirit of his classic mixtapes on \u201cCrazy Clientele\u201d, produced by his Atlantan partner Metro Boomin. The first verse boasts a gripping cadence for its whole length that only Future can pull off. It\u2019s a vivid track about, essentially, cooking crack, in a creative way matched only by fellow trap legends.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">33. Childish Gambino, <strong>\u201cIn the Night\u201d (ft. Jorja Smith &#038; Amaarae)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/childish-gambino-in-the-night.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/childish-gambino-in-the-night.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/childish-gambino-in-the-night.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/childish-gambino-in-the-night.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/childish-gambino-in-the-night.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Bando Stone and The New World<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Gambino\u2019s long-awaited return was marked by a standout single, \u201cIn the Night\u201d, featuring Jorja Smith and Amaarae. to remind listeners of his pop-R&#038;B expertise.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">32. Playboi Carti, <strong>\u201cH00DBYAIR\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/playboi-carti-h00dbyair.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/playboi-carti-h00dbyair.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/playboi-carti-h00dbyair.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/playboi-carti-h00dbyair.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/playboi-carti-h00dbyair.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Atlanta cult crooner\u2019s had a strange album rollout. Throughout 2024, Carti released YouTube or Instagram-exclusive teaser tracks unavailable on DSPs as of writing this. The best of the batch was the menacing \u201cH00DBYAIR\u201d, proving exactly why the rapper has the most hype of any rapper in recent years.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">31. A$AP Rocky, <strong>\u201cHijack\u201d<\/strong> (ft. Jessica Pratt)<\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/asap-rocky-hijack.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/asap-rocky-hijack.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/asap-rocky-hijack.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/asap-rocky-hijack.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/asap-rocky-hijack.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Another artist who\u2019s teased an album throughout 2024 was ASAP Rocky. With many stop-and-starts to his name than Formula One races, \u201cHijack\u201d was another attempt at getting his rollout off the ground. And to his credit, it\u2019s a brilliant single. It channels a bit of <em>Testing<\/em>, a bit of <em>At Long Last A<\/em>$<em>AP<\/em>. Everything we like about Rocky is here, especially his eccentric choice of features, in this case being the fitting Jessica Pratt who closes out the single.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">30. AJ Tracey &#038; Pozer, <strong>\u201cHeaterz\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aj-tracey-x-pozer-heaterz.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aj-tracey-x-pozer-heaterz.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aj-tracey-x-pozer-heaterz.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aj-tracey-x-pozer-heaterz.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aj-tracey-x-pozer-heaterz.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>AJ Tracey has quietly gone about releasing quality single after single over the last few years. \u201cHeaterz\u201d is another one added to the collection, in collaboration with up-and-comer Pozer. The duo bring back the essence of grime with a modern twist.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">29. Lancey Foux &#038; Fimiguerrero, <strong>\u201cSpanish Guitar\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lancey-foux-x-len-x-fimiguerrero-conglomerate.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lancey-foux-x-len-x-fimiguerrero-conglomerate.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lancey-foux-x-len-x-fimiguerrero-conglomerate.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lancey-foux-x-len-x-fimiguerrero-conglomerate.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lancey-foux-x-len-x-fimiguerrero-conglomerate.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lancey-foux-x-len-x-fimiguerrero-conglomerate.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Conglomerate<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The UK hyper-rap genre had a big year in 2024. It is accentuated by \u201cSpanish Guitar\u201d, the chaotically-brilliant track by Lancey Foux and Fimiguerrero off their collaborative album <em>Conglomerate<\/em>. The production in play here shouldn\u2019t make sense, but that\u2019s the appeal in this wholly-unique anthem.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">28. OhGeesy, <strong>\u201cYacht Master\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ohgeesy-yacht-master.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ohgeesy-yacht-master.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ohgeesy-yacht-master.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ohgeesy-yacht-master.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ohgeesy-yacht-master.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Shoreline Mafia made an unexpected return in 2024. Its member OhGeesy also impressed on the solo front, dropping a simple yet infectious single in \u201cYacht Master\u201d. This is West Coast rap in full effect.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">27. Vince Staples, <strong>\u201cLittle Homies\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vince-staples-dark-times.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vince-staples-dark-times.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vince-staples-dark-times.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vince-staples-dark-times.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vince-staples-dark-times.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vince-staples-dark-times.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Dark Times<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Vince Staples gave us the mantra of the year with this hook: \u201cLife hard but I go harder.\u201d Amen to that, Vince, amen to that.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">26. Clairo, <strong>\u201cSexy to Someone\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clairo-charm.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clairo-charm.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clairo-charm.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clairo-charm.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clairo-charm.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/clairo-charm.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Charm<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Once an underground bedroom pop singer, Clairo\u2019s stardom is undeniable when she\u2019s putting out songs like \u201cSexy to Someone\u201d, a tender tune about that brings the feeling of yearning back to mainstream music.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">25. Griff, <strong>\u201cLast Night\u2019s Mascara\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/griff-last-nights-mascara.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/griff-last-nights-mascara.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/griff-last-nights-mascara.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/griff-last-nights-mascara.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/griff-last-nights-mascara.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Vertigo (Tour Edition)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This single was an afterthought to Griff\u2019s debut album\u2014but it ended up being one of the best songs of the year. The British singer powers through multiple melodic phases in under three minutes, coupled with compelling songwriting and a brilliant metaphor for her heartache.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">24. YT &#038; Lancey Foux, <strong>\u201cBlack &#038; Tan\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/yt-black-and-tan.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/yt-black-and-tan.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/yt-black-and-tan.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/yt-black-and-tan.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/yt-black-and-tan.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you hadn\u2019t placed your stocks into YT yet, you will after \u201cBlack &#038; Tan\u201d. The London rapper mixes abrasion, auto-tune and a dash of his signature British \u201cOi\u201d sample to become one of the most promising up-and-comers out the country.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">23. Chappell Roan, <strong>\u201cGood Luck, Babe!\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/chappell-roan-good-luck-babe.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/chappell-roan-good-luck-babe.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/chappell-roan-good-luck-babe.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/chappell-roan-good-luck-babe.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/chappell-roan-good-luck-babe.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>You couldn\u2019t get many better pop songs than \u201cGood Luck, Babe!\u201d this year. Marrying 80s synths with a glamorous hook, Chappell\u2019s hit track combines a classy composition to create a timeless track, one which carries focused subject matter and impressive vocals.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">22. GIMS, <strong>\u201cSois Pas Timide\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/gims-sois-pas-timide.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/gims-sois-pas-timide.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/gims-sois-pas-timide.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/gims-sois-pas-timide.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/gims-sois-pas-timide.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Le Nord Se Souvient<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The French singer\u2019s smash hit is the textbook definition of rhythm. \u201cSois Pas Timide\u201d (\u201cDon\u2019t Be Shy\u201d) essentially boasts two hooks, all while maintaining melody in the verses. It\u2019s an infectious track that you can\u2019t help leaving on loop.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">21. Mk.gee, <strong>\u201cI Want\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mkgee-two-star-and-the-dream-police.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mkgee-two-star-and-the-dream-police.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mkgee-two-star-and-the-dream-police.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mkgee-two-star-and-the-dream-police.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mkgee-two-star-and-the-dream-police.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mkgee-two-star-and-the-dream-police.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Two Star &#038; the Dream Police<\/em><\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t get a song more intimate this year than Mk.gee\u2019s \u201cI Want\u201d. All the singer-songwriter needs is a guitar and some soft vocals to land a truck-ton of emotion, conveyed masterfully in this feather-weighted ballad.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">20. K-Trap &#038; Blade Brown, <strong>\u201cMobsters\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/k-trap-smile.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/k-trap-smile.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/k-trap-smile.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/k-trap-smile.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/k-trap-smile.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Smile?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>UK trap is on the decline, but K-Trap and Blade Brown are making sure it goes out with a bang. \u201cMobsters\u201d offers two memorable verses filled with quotables and an equally impressive hook by Gipsy Hill native to make you feel like you\u2019re Scarface at the table himself.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">19. Ros\u00e9 &#038; Bruno Mars, <strong>\u201cAPT.\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rose-x-bruno-mars-apt.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rose-x-bruno-mars-apt.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rose-x-bruno-mars-apt.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rose-x-bruno-mars-apt.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/rose-x-bruno-mars-apt.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Rosie<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Harmless, carefree pop came in the form of the South Korean singer\u2019s breakthrough collab with none other than Bruno Mars. \u201cAPT.\u201d merges Korean niches with Western flair to make for an apt crossover hit\u2014pun intended.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">18. Ab-Soul, <strong>\u201cAll That\u201d (ft. JasonMartin &#038; Thirsty P)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ab-soul-soul-burger.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ab-soul-soul-burger.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ab-soul-soul-burger.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ab-soul-soul-burger.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ab-soul-soul-burger.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ab-soul-soul-burger.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Soul Burger<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Remember how much the West Coast had shit popping this year? Ab-Soul was also here to remind you it was a West Coast kind of year. His single \u201cAll That\u201d from the fantastic <em>Soul Burger<\/em> brings out the footwork from the first beat down to Soulo\u2019s space-bar\u2019d flow and braggadocious hook.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">17. Kendrick Lamar, <strong>\u201cTV Off\u201d (ft. Lefty Gunplay)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/2024\/11\/25\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-review\/\">GNX<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>According to Kendrick Lamar, whatever he has is truly not enough. If his number one diss track was a victory lap, \u201cTV Off\u201d is the lit drive home. The two-part banger comes courtesy of DJ Mustard designed for Lamar\u2019s Super Bowl performance. His message to Drake? Turn your TV off when I\u2019m performing these disses in front of the whole world. Crazy, scary, spooky, sadistic.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">16. Mach-Hommy, <strong>\u201cPOLITickle\u201d (ft. Drea D\u2019Nur)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mach-hommy-richaxxhaitian.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mach-hommy-richaxxhaitian.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mach-hommy-richaxxhaitian.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mach-hommy-richaxxhaitian.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mach-hommy-richaxxhaitian.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mach-hommy-richaxxhaitian.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>#RICHAXXHAITIAN<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Haitian legend\u2019s \u201cPOLITickle\u201d is chaotically beautiful. highlighting just why he is one of the best rappers of the decade so far. If the masterful rapping and production wasn\u2019t enough, Drea D\u2019Nur is the perfect cherry on top with her divine contributions throughout the song, but most particularly during the second half of the song.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">15. Future &#038; Metro Boomin, <strong>\u201cOne Big Family\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>We Still Don\u2019t Trust You<\/em><\/p>\n<p>An instant Future classic song is easy to tell. It\u2019s usually minimal, emotive, and brings out the best of his rapping. \u201cOne Big Family\u201d ticks all three checkboxes, using Metro Boomin\u2019s spacey production to transcend Future into orbit. He\u2019s floating on this one.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">14. Kendrick Lamar, <strong>\u201c6:16 in LA\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-616-in-la.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-616-in-la.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-616-in-la.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-616-in-la.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-616-in-la.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The forgotten instalment of Kendrick\u2019s slew of Drake diss songs is far from forgettable. \u201c6:16 in LA\u201d was the perfect warning shot in the midst of the storm that was to come. The only one unavailable on streaming, \u201c6:16 in LA\u201d uses its Al Green sample to mimic Drake\u2019s style of lavish rapping, before speaking with God to check in before unleashing the most destructive bullets in his chamber. Think of Kendrick rapping this one with Ab-Soul on the <em>Pop Out<\/em> stage if you need a reminder of its brilliance.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">13. ScHoolboy Q, <strong>\u201cThank God 4 Me\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Blue Lips<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Sound the horns, because ScHoolboy Q outdone himself on <em>Blue Lips<\/em>. One of its many standouts was \u201cThank God 4 Me\u201d, a multi-phased banger with a hell of a jumper on it.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">12. Pozer, <strong>\u201cMalicious Intentions\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pozer-malicious-intentions.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28914\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pozer-malicious-intentions.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pozer-malicious-intentions.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pozer-malicious-intentions.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pozer-malicious-intentions.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The soundtrack to many 2024 montages, \u201cMalicious Intentions\u201d combines drill and Jersey club for the most cinematic UK rap song of the year.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">11. Kendrick Lamar, <strong>\u201cMeet the Grahams\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-meet-the-grahams.jpg?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-meet-the-grahams.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-meet-the-grahams.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-meet-the-grahams.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-meet-the-grahams.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>TBW<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If this list was Most Terrifying Songs of 2024, \u201cMeet the Grahams\u201d would comfortably be #1. In what was the most iconic night in hip hop of the century, The Alchemist provides the backdrop to the most haunting diss track released maybe ever, written in the form of letters to Drake\u2019s family members\u2014his mother, father, son, and alleged hidden daughter\u2014and a direct response to Drake\u2019s \u201cFamily Matters\u201d, which was released under an hour before \u201cMeet the Grahams\u201d. The lore, conspiracies, and controversy surrounding this diss track will go down in history forever.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">10. ScHoolboy Q, <strong>\u201cBlueslides\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/schoolboy-q-blue-lips.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Blue Lips<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Music is often labelled as therapy. If \u201cBlueslides\u201d doesn\u2019t fit the bill, then nothing will. The jazz-centred cut is a pure stream of consciousness from ScHoolboy Q, finding him at his most personal and vulnerable. It\u2019s a vivid depiction of a man who\u2019s gone through some shit, and is admitting it all.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">9. Sabrina Carpenter, <strong>\u201cEspresso\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sabrina-claudio-espresso.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sabrina-claudio-espresso.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sabrina-claudio-espresso.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sabrina-claudio-espresso.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sabrina-claudio-espresso.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Short n\u2019 Sweet<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Yeah, a song about coffee was one of the best pop songs of the year. It\u2019s not as simple as that in reality, as Sabrina Carpenter uses it as a metaphor for her lover\u2019s sleepless nights. \u201cEspresso\u201d has a strong case for Song of the Summer, and Pop Song of the Year. It funk and disco elements gives it that vintage, throwback feel, while Sabrina\u2019s girlish vocals give it that extra feminine touch that adds to its appeal. <\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">8. Central Cee, <strong>\u201cBAND4BAND\u201d<\/strong> (ft. Lil Baby)<\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/central-cee-band4band.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/central-cee-band4band.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/central-cee-band4band.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/central-cee-band4band.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/central-cee-band4band.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Can\u2019t Rush Greatness<\/em><\/p>\n<p>West London met Atlanta on the biggest UK rap hit of the year. And all for good reason. Its virality largely stemmed from the difference in Central Cee and Lil Baby\u2019s accents (for the Americans) and voices (for the Brits). \u201cWe can go band for band \/ Fuck that, we can go M for M\u201d quickly became a quotable as a result. But virality aside, \u201cBAND4BAND\u201d is a rapid anthem. Central Cee\u2019s verse is a career-best, while Lil Baby returns back to form after having a rocky few years. It\u2019s no wonder \u201cBAND4BAND\u201d is set to be one of the best UK-US rap collabs of all time.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">7. J. Cole, <strong>\u201cPi\u201d (ft. Ab-Soul &#038; Daylyt)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/j-cole-might-delete-later.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/j-cole-might-delete-later.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/j-cole-might-delete-later.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/j-cole-might-delete-later.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/j-cole-might-delete-later.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/j-cole-might-delete-later.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>Might Delete Later<\/em><\/p>\n<p>J. Cole, Ab-Soul and Daylyt said \u201cYou want lyrics? You got lyrics.\u201d The masterful \u201cPi\u201d is nothing but a bar festival, leaving you shaking your head in awe for six minutes straight. Structurally, it\u2019s one of the most unique of the year, finding its features go back to back for a bulk of the track, before handing over to its main artist for a solo venture. There\u2019s many elements and genres that make a song qualify as hip hop, but \u201cPi\u201d really brings that feeling of <em>hip hop<\/em> back to 2024 music.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">6. Kendrick Lamar, <strong>\u201cSquabble Up\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-artwork.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/2024\/11\/25\/kendrick-lamar-gnx-review\/\">GNX<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>The snippet of the year was finally granted release on Lamar\u2019s surprise <em>GNX<\/em> album. Sampling the 80s electro track \u201cWhen I Hear Music\u201d, the nonsensical \u201cSquabble Up\u201d is nothing short of fun. Pure fun. From Kendrick\u2019s odd vocal inflexions to the hyphy elements and aggression to end the second verse, there\u2019s never a dull second in this insanely addictive cut.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">5. Future &#038; Metro Boomin, <strong>\u201cLike That\u201d (ft. Kendrick Lamar)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-dont-trust-you.png?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-dont-trust-you.png?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-dont-trust-you.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-dont-trust-you.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-dont-trust-you.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-dont-trust-you.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>We Don\u2019t Trust You<\/em><\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t define the biggest saga of 2024 without including the song that kickstarted it all. Future and Metro Boomin\u2019s \u201cLike That\u201d was the jack-in-the-box we never expected to erupt. Sampling the iconic \u201cEverlasting Bass\u201d by Rodney-O.&#038; Joe Cooley (famously sampled by Eazy-E), \u201cLike That\u201d is an anthemic trap cut that was, at the time, marked by a surprise, unlisted feature by Kendrick Lamar. \u201cFirst Person Shooter, I hope they came with three switches\u201d? It was go-time from there. Salute for your services, \u201cLike That\u201d. Your bravery will never be forgotten.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">4. JPEGMAFIA, <strong>\u201cSin Miedo\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jpegmafia-i-lay-down-my-life-for-you.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jpegmafia-i-lay-down-my-life-for-you.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jpegmafia-i-lay-down-my-life-for-you.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jpegmafia-i-lay-down-my-life-for-you.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jpegmafia-i-lay-down-my-life-for-you.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/jpegmafia-i-lay-down-my-life-for-you.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>I Lay Down My Life for You<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe had issues with her father, I had issues with my barber\u201d is certainly one way to mark one of the most cracked songs of the year. JPEGMAFIA\u2019s always been an experimental nutcase, but \u201cSin Miedo\u201d finds the balance between brazen and barefaced. It has an opening segment comparable to Lamar\u2019s \u201cDNA\u201d, before charging into an electronic break. Then you get the drums. Then you get the electric guitar. Then you get it altogether. It\u2019s a melting pot of influences, highlighting just why Peggy\u2019s one of the best visionaries in rap at the moment.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">3. Kendrick Lamar, <strong>\u201cEuphoria\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-euphoria.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28921\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-euphoria.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-euphoria.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-euphoria.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-euphoria.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We know, this list is full of Kendrick Lamar songs. But can you blame us? It would be wrong to leave out his first official response to Drake and his \u201cPush Ups\u201d track. Days, weeks passed. Radio silence from the Compton native. Akademiks said he\u2019s on the clock. Charlamagne expressed similar sentiments. Doubts were settling on whether Kendrick would even respond. \u201cEuphoria\u201d quickly put the doubts to bed, not holding back on the delivery, disses and quotables. From \u201cWhat is it, the braids?!\u201d to \u201cI hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress\u201d to \u201cLemme see you push a <em>teee<\/em>\u201c. Outside of the diss, it\u2019s generally an explosive song with elite rapping on display.<\/p>\n<p>He may be greedy with these list entires, but it wouldn\u2019t be fair to leave \u201cEuphoria\u201d out of 2024 history.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:40px\">2. Future &#038; Metro Boomin, <strong>\u201cStreets Made Me a King\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=792\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=792 792w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/future-x-metro-boomin-we-still-dont-trust-you.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>We Still Don\u2019t Trust You<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Statements always need to be made in a compelling rap song. It\u2019s usually effective to prop yourself to high status. For Future\u2019s case, he calls himself a king on one of the best songs of the year. But it\u2019s not as simple as that, as he uses the self-proclamation to detail his upbringings as a drug dealer and how his rough upbringing\u2019s got him to where he is today. When you read between the lines, there\u2019s substance amidst Future making a simple trap anthem. \u201cStreets Made Me a King\u201d didn\u2019t get the noise it deserved in 2024, but we\u2019re here to give it the props it deserves as one of the best songs of the year.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#e6e6e6;color:#e6e6e6\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:44px\">1. Kendrick Lamar, <strong>\u201cNot Like Us\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us.png?w=1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us.png 1000w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us.png?w=150 150w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us.png?w=300 300w, https:\/\/miccheque.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us.png?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Album: <\/strong><em>N\/A<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A whisper marked the beginning of the end. <em>\u201cPsst, I see dead people,\u201d<\/em> he utters at the start of the monumental \u201cNot Like Us\u201d, the song to mark Kendrick Lamar\u2019s victory in the heated beef with Drake. Dropping less than 24 hours after \u201cMeet the Grahams\u201d, it was an instant smash hit. The song reached the pinnacle of Billboard Hot 100, has amassed over 1 billion Spotify streams, and is five-times Grammy-nominated for the 2025 ceremony. But not just that\u2014it\u2019s also a savage diss track. On the song, Kendrick doubles down on his allegations of Drake\u2019s pedophilia and enabling of sex offenders in his circle, coupled with the song\u2019s central theme of Drake being a cultural appropriator\u2014bringing back the days when Drake was considered an outsider in hip hop.<\/p>\n<p>Just like in all his diss tracks, Kendrick masters the art of humour in his bars. \u201cTryna strike a chord, and it\u2019s probably A-minor\u201d will never be lived down. \u201cAnd Baka got a weird case, why is he around?\u201d is still a question that remains unanswered. \u201cLet me hear you say O-V-Hoeee\u201d is hilariously childish. It\u2019s a slew of quotable bars that were necessary in a) helping Kendrick win the beef, and b) making the song as entertaining as it is. The DJ Mustard beat is equally embroiled in the drama, driven by piercing strings that cut through just as hard as Kendrick\u2019s metallic punches.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot Like Us\u201d isn\u2019t just a Drake diss song, it\u2019s a celebration of Los Angeles culture. The hook, often misunderstood, is meant for his people, both geographically and ethnically. At the same time, it feels worldwide. It\u2019s a call to watch over your shoulder, question people around you, and maintain integrity in all matters. This was the cherry on top of what was a massive year for rap, massive enough to be the best song of 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Twelve months of singles, album cuts and promotional tracks means as a listener you\u2019re spoilt with choice. There\u2019s always something&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14044,"featured_media":930,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,6],"tags":[10,9],"class_list":["post-745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-rss","tag-culture","tag-hip-hop"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14044"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=745"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/745\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}