I know how people feel about lists. These are simply HHD’s personal recommendations for the albums we enjoyed most in 2024. There were so many to consider and inevitably this is not a total of all the great music that was released this year, merely our favorites. Assuredly many dope releases that are deserving of recognition are not on this list. Out of 355 albums that were purchased this year, THESE are the ones I present to you as our Top 10 and do so humbly out of respect to all the artists who share their craft with us.
#1
The #1 album of 2024 is none other than Skyzoo’s, Keep Me Company. Skyzoo has a catalog of dope releases over the last couple of decades, and as some artist’s taper and diminish, he is creating his best works. He is the “emcee’s emcee“. His wordplay, concepts, and just charisma on the microphone are undeniable on this his latest album. He is a one man showcase, displaying unparallel talent with this album! Favorite Tracks: Finders Keepers, Courtesy Call, Esoteric
#2
The number two album of the year in my mind belongs to Philmore Green, with his project, The Grand Design. And that’s an extremely fitting name. In this album is woven, a city, an experience, a tale, a man, and his music. You can’t take a piece of that away, or else the album loses it’s identity. This album strikes as the embodiment of being an artist and a man in Chicago. It’s as if Chicago was speaking through him. Favorite Tracks: Street Lights, OMG, Stay Gone
#3
Bobby J From Rockaway and Dom Dirtee strike hip hop gold with their collaborative album, Higher. This is an album made for the fans, by artists who are elite in their craft. There is a sound for every mood and endeavor. Every vibe and moment is tapped into by our artists for this album. Whether your mind is in attack mode, a somber state, or just simply want to vibe out. This album was made for YOU in mind. Favorite tracks: Higher, Dangerous, Break Me Down
#4
With our #4 favorite album of the year we bring you Heems and Lapgan with their album, LAFANDAR. It released much earlier this year and is my MOST listened to album in 2024. I can’t get enough of the sounds that Lapgan curated to give this project a vibe all unto itself while letting Heems unleash bravado, observation, and humor in the cleverest of ways. It’s just a unique and captivating release. Favorite Tracks: Stupid Dumb Illiterate, I’m Pretty Cool
#5
We again have a city and artist collide for the makings of our #5 album, Los Angeles, by Blu & Evidence. I was not immediately taken by this album, because the expectations of a Blu and Evidence were enormous. But listen after listen, I began to hear the brilliance and the music resonate with me. It became more exceptional with each play and is an album, you must delve further into! Favorite Tracks: Los Angeles, LA Traffic, Wish You Were Here
#6
Unabating and relentless is how I would describe the #6 album on our list. Locksmith pulls no punches with, No Atheists In Foxholes. He is aggressive yet insightful, but ALWAYS with the touch of one of the most preeminent pens and flows in hip hop. He is able to tackle self-reflection, social commentary, vulnerability, and confidence like no one else in the game. Favorite tracks: I Meant It, Watch Your Mouth, Flinch
#7
Rockness Monsta and Ruste Juxx keep the spirit of Sean Price alive to the fullest with the release of Crownsville. Our #7 album of the year is the embodiment of the art that Duck Down has represented since the early 1990s. And when the sidewalks talk we listen! Ruste and Rock combine elite talent with chemistry on the mic that was more than impressive over some of the best beats in 2024. Favorite Tracks: Crownsville, Crash Ya Whip, Sean Lives On
#8
Speaking of chemistry we need to talk about what Finn and Daniel Son did with their album Hare Brained Schemes which clocks in as the HHD #8 release of 2024. I love Daniel Son as an emcee. And he has put out a ton of dope projects the last few years, but what I love on this release is how Finn laces this melodic production that showcases Daniel Son’s talent and dexterity on a new level. Favorite Tracks: Courtleigh Chemist, Chalk Brothers, Fall Breeze
#9
At #9, we have Maze Overlay, with his Swab backed release, Enzo. Now by the time of this writing, I think Maze has seven albums in 2024 which is prolific, and all range from quite good to excellent. But Maze and Swab crafted something a little more haunting with this release and I love how emcee and producer fed off of one another to create this unique and ominous sound. Favorite Tracks: Respect The Brand, Mask On Mask Off, Phlex
#10
With #10 we are going with K.A.A.N. and DJ Hoppa’s Delusions Of Grandeur. Hoppa creates a chaotic masterpiece that is equal to K.A.A.N.’s frenetic pace. It is a dark, girtty, and sometimes unnerving body of work, but also one of the most cohesive albums you will find this year. It’s hip hop from the padded room. So journey through the mind! Favorite Tracks: Nightmare, Delusions Of Grandeur, Kiss The Ring
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