In a world increasingly looking beyond meat, 2024 in Hip Hop will be remembered for beef. After a decade of simmering tension, Kendrick Lamar and Drake finally clashed in lyrical warfare — and it lived up to the hype, unless you’re a close associate of the 6 God with skeletons in the closet.
Witnessing two titans at their peak go head-to-head was more captivating than any sporting event this year. It reignited a passion for lyricism as both Kendrick and Drake compelled fans to listen intently and dissect their verses (and even their music videos) to fully grasp the potency of their blows.
Beyond the diss tracks, 2024 was shaped by several compelling trends and movements: the resurgence of West Coast rap, the ongoing dominance of female rappers, New York drill’s evolution into a sexier sound, innovative music release strategies from major artists, classic Southern Hip Hop continuing to inspire contemporary hits, and veteran MCs further proving that Hip Hop is not just a young man’s game.
From industry giants solidifying their legacies to a wave of exciting newcomers making their mark, from powerful collaborations to solo stars commanding the spotlight, 2024 provided a rich soundtrack of audio gems.
Here are the 20 best rap songs of 2024, as ranked by HipHopDX.
20. Common & Pete Rock — “Wise Up”
Produced By: Pete Rock
“Wise Up,” the grittiest track from Common and Pete Rock’s collaborative album The Auditorium Vol. 1, evokes the raw energy of Golden Age New York Hip Hop. Fueled by an iconic MC Shan vocal sample anchoring the hook, Pete Rock’s classic production ignites one of Common’s most aggressive lyrical displays in years. If lines like “my man ain’t from Dallas but he knows where the TECs is [Texas]” don’t make you scrunch your face, you need to wise up. — Andy Bustard
19. LL Cool J — “The FORCE”
Produced By: Q-Tip
While LL Cool J’s The FORCE technically opens with “Spirit of Cyrus,” a bold track where he embodies cop-turned-killer Christopher Dorner, the title track itself is as impactful as any rap album intro this year. The fusion of Q-Tip’s explosive, synth-heavy production and LL’s boastful, chest-thumping rhymes feels like a champion boxer’s entrance music before a knockout punch. Despite their veteran status, these two Queens, New York legends continue to demonstrate that Hip Hop’s vitality extends far beyond youth. — A.B.
18. Eminem feat. Skylar Grey — “Temporary”
Produced By: Eminem & Skylar Grey
In a surprising turn, Eminem delivered 2024’s most emotionally resonant rap song. “Temporary,” described as the “hardest thing” he’s ever written, finds Marshall Mathers preparing his daughter Hailie Jade for his eventual absence, offering words of love, comfort, and unwavering support from beyond. Eminem’s voice even cracks with emotion as he tells his daughter, “I know I was your rock, and I still am / Saying goodbye is just not ever easy.” This is dad rap at its most poignant and heartfelt. — A.B.
17. Big Sean & The Alchemist — “Together Forever”
Produced By: The Alchemist
The Alchemist and Detroit rappers are a consistently winning combination. Following in the footsteps of Danny Brown, Boldy James, and Royce Da 5’9″, among others, Big Sean became the latest Motor City MC to establish instant chemistry with Uncle Al on “Together Forever.” A lyric-focused rapper with an affinity for soulful beats, Sean Don effortlessly shines over The Alchemist’s ethereal sample and crisp, head-nodding drums. With a joint project reportedly in development, if it echoes the quality of “Together Forever,” it could easily contend for Album of the Year. — A.B.
16. Latto — “Big Mama”
Produced By: Coupe, OZ & Kid Masterpiece
Latto may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of her female rap peers, but her talent is undeniable. “Big Mama,” a standout double single from her third album Sugar Honey Iced Tea, showcases both her seductive, melodic vocals and fierce, beat-attacking lyricism within a concise three minutes. Whether exuding tenderness or toughness, Latto radiates confidence, sex appeal, and Southern charm. — A.B.
15. Sexyy Red — “Get It Sexyy”
Produced By: Tay Keith & Jake Fridkis
Over a bouncy Tay Keith beat, Sexyy Red crafted the ultimate hype anthem with “Get It Sexyy,” converting even skeptics into fans. The contrast between the song’s explosive energy and Sexyy’s almost monotone delivery created an earworm that became a constant in DJ sets throughout the year. — Marisa Mendez
14. BossMan Dlow — “Get In With Me”
Produced By: dxntemadeit
Clocking in at just two minutes, “Get In With Me” presents a conversational BossMan Dlow, whose understated delivery makes the rhymes and hook almost blend seamlessly. However, these very qualities create a strangely captivating and hypnotic effect. — Shawn Setaro
13. Doechii — “Nissan Altima”
Produced By: Childish Major
Despite its name referencing a forgettable mid-90s sedan, there’s nothing forgettable about Doechii’s “Nissan Altima,” one of the most inventively joyful songs of 2024 across genres. Sparkling with playful sexual innuendo and virtuoso rapping, the TDE artist exudes confidence, comparing herself to Madonna and Grace Jones. Doechii represents the future, and we’re excited to witness her journey. — Sam Moore
12. Drake — “Family Matters”
Produced By: Boi-1da, Tay Keith, Mark Ronson, Fierce, Kevin Mitchell, Dramakid, Preme & Jordan Fox
Drake may have suffered a decisive defeat against Kendrick Lamar, but “Family Matters” was his most potent counterpunch in the feud. Setting aside the (unproven) allegations of domestic violence, “Kendrick just opened his mouth, someone go hand him a Grammy right now” remains one of the most memorable lines from the entire lyrical battle. Perhaps the 6 God would have been more successful focusing solely on K.Dot instead of trying to engage his “20” other rivals simultaneously. — A.B.
11. Future & Metro Boomin feat. Travis Scott & Playboi Carti — “Type Shit”
Produced By: Metro Boomin, Mike Dean & D. Rich
Playboi Carti has had a remarkable year with scene-stealing guest verses while anticipation builds for his third album, I Am Music. He dominated Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Carnival” and hypnotically commanded the first half of The Weeknd’s “Timeless.” Then there’s “Type Shit,” a warped homage to the downbeat mumble rap style that Carti, Future, and Travis Scott have perfected.
Featuring one of Metro Boomin’s signature beats with a haunting piano that evokes a church bell before transitioning into something more surreal, “Type Shit” is the kind of song your mother warned you about. — S.M.
10. ScHoolboy Q — “THank God 4 Me”
Produced By: Kal Banx, DJ Fu & J.LBS
ScHoolboy Q makes boasting and dissing snitches sound soulful on this standout track from Blue Lips. Its confident yet reflective approach sets the tone for much of his exceptional sixth album. — S.S.
9. Cardi B — “Enough (Miami)”
Produced By: OG Parker, Romano & DJ SwanQo
Before stepping back from music in 2024 to focus on her new baby and divorce from Offset, Cardi B dropped the high-energy anthem “Enough (Miami).” Over a pulsating, bass-heavy beat, the Bronx icon delivers her signature sharp, rapid-fire flows while effortlessly showcasing her bold confidence and unfiltered personality. — M.M.
8. Cash Cobain feat. Bay Swag — “Fisherrr”
Produced By: Cash Cobain, FckBwoy! & WhoIsJiggi
“Sexy drill ballad” would have seemed like an oxymoron just a few years ago, when aggressive, gang-focused drill dominated Brooklyn and the Bronx. But Ice Spice first made drill about relationships, achieving mainstream pop success, and now Cash Cobain has centered the sound around sex. “Fisherrr,” a duet with Bay Swag, marked Cash’s breakthrough: a mellow, almost drum-less track that perfectly showcases their loverman persona. — S.S.
7. Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign feat. Rich The Kid & Playboi Carti — “Carnival”
Produced By: Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign, Digital Nas, TheLabCook, Ojivolta & The Legendary Traxster
“Carnival” embodies the duality of post-breakdown Ye: simultaneously polished and expensive, yet chaotic and improvised. Kanye even leaves his verse unfinished. However, any flaws in the track vanish the moment Playboi Carti takes the mic. His unpredictable and unique style elevates the song to another level. — S.S.
6. 21 Savage — “Redrum”
Produced By: London On Da Track & Peeb
50 Cent declared “Redrum” the year’s hardest track upon its release, and he wasn’t far off. 21 Savage delivers a Shining-inspired narrative of guns and street paranoia, comparing the dangers of the block to being trapped in the Overlook Hotel haunted by ghosts. The UK-shot video, a nod to 21’s British roots, is also a highlight. — S.M.
5. Megan Thee Stallion — “Hiss”
Produced By: LilJuMadeDaBeat, Bankroll Got It & Shawn “Source” Jarrett
Before “Not Like Us,” there was “Hiss,” Megan Thee Stallion’s venomous strike at Nicki Minaj. Amidst the drama surrounding her in recent years, it’s easy to forget Megan’s raw lyrical prowess. “Hiss” serves as a three-and-a-half-minute reminder of her fiery bars.
“These hoes don’t be mad at Megan / These hoes mad at Megan’s Law,” she spits, targeting Nicki and her husband, Kenneth Petty. The Houston Hottie was even ahead of the curve with plastic surgery jokes aimed at Drake. — S.M.
4. Tyler, The Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne — “Sticky”
Produced By: Tyler, The Creator
Despite his love for Stevie Wonder-esque chords, Pharrell-inspired melodies, and smooth R&B singers, Tyler, The Creator knows how to create a certified banger. Bursting with stomping, marching band energy, hype verses from GloRilla and Sexyy Red, and a well-placed Young Buck sample, “Sticky” might be his best yet. The way he orchestrates the chaos and builds tension throughout the song, particularly with the “Get Buck” horns, is masterful. It’s no surprise this track became an instant crowd-pleaser at shows and festivals. — A.B.
3. GloRilla — “Yeah Glo!”
Produced By: B100, Go Grizzly, Squat Beats & Lil Ronnie
GloRilla started 2024 with a bang on “Yeah Glo!,” bringing her infectious energy and unapologetic confidence over booming bass and a nod to her Southern roots with an interpolation of a classic Kingpin Skinny Pimp phrase. After facing criticism for a lackluster 2023, Glo reasserted her position with this hit, setting the stage for a successful year. — M.M.
2. Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar — “Like That”
Produced By: Metro Boomin
Even without Kendrick Lamar’s verse, “Like That” would be a standout on We Don’t Trust You thanks to Metro Boomin’s sci-fi-inspired keys and Future’s signature chicks-and-drugs appeal. Then Kendrick Lamar explodes onto the track.
While it might seem tame compared to what followed, Kendrick immediately targeted Drake and J. Cole, reminding them that their “First Person Shooter” comments were not forgotten. “Muthafuck the big three, n-gga, it’s just big me,” he declared, and by year’s end, he proved his point. — S.M.
1. Kendrick Lamar — “Not Like Us”
Produced By: Mustard, Sounwave & Sean Momberger
The future will be divided into before “Not Like Us” and after “Not Like Us.” As the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud dominated global conversation, the Compton rapper delivered a decisive blow with the most danceable diss track ever created.
From the brutal and unforgettable lines (“Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor”) to the Crip Walking Mustard beat, Kendrick incinerated Drake, extinguished the flames with urine, and then reignited the fire. The most talked-about song of 2024, the most listened-to song of 2024, and undeniably the best song of 2024. — S.M.
