Let the Ratings Games begin!
We’ve decided to launch monthly Power Rankings to highlight the best albums of the year, culminating in a playoff event in December (Which our readers will decide on who wins).
To make this list, the album has to have at least 11 tracks, be “mainstream enough” (At least one million total views), and not feature BabyDrill.
The Playoff will comprise the top 16 albums of the year, which we will gather in December. Without further adieu, here’s the list!
TOP ALBUMS OF 2024 (Updated March 6th)
1. Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign – Vultures 1
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures 1 is receiving mixed reviews. I’m one of those people who thinks the album is fantastic. Though Kanye’s rapping on it is subpar (especially on “BACK TO ME”), I believe the album’s production is great, the songs are dynamic, and the guest appearances are pretty dope.
2. ScHoolBoy Q – Blue Lips
BLUE LIPS is an acquired taste album. That said, if you appreciate expressive, multi-faceted music that is slightly influenced by contemporary vibes, you’ll appreciate this one. I also think the album will grow on people as the months go by.
3. Dizzee Rascal – Don’t Take It Personal
Dizzee Rascal has always been someone who has the hardest bars out there. With this album, Dizzee undergoes something of a reinvention. Throughout the project, he experiments with frantic, hyper hip-hop beats tailor-made for festivals and clubs in Ibiza. What’s impressive is that you still get the same aggressive raps from him, proving he’s as formidable as ever and staying true to his roots.
4. Benny The Butcher – Everybody Can’t Go
My love for hip-hop emerged in the late ’90s when almost every album featured quality raps and great beats. As someone who reviews practically every mainstream hip-hop release, I can tell you that we aren’t getting that on a consistent basis these days. Everybody Can’t Go proves to me that the ’90s era can still be channeled because if you placed this album alongside releases such as It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot or The Life & Times of Shawn Carter, Vol. 3, it would fit right in.
5. Yeat – 2093
Initially, when I encountered Yeat’s music, it felt like noise to my ears. However, over time, I’ve grown to appreciate his unique creations, particularly his adeptness in manipulating high-octane, psychedelic beats alongside lo-fi melodies. However, with 2093, I’ve noticed a significant evolution in Yeat’s sound. He sounds clearer, more confident, and more open to experimenting with conventional rap elements. It’s as if Yeat’s music and our ears have finally found common ground.
6. Kevin Gates – The Ceremony
Kevin Gates has always been a very interesting rapper to me. After listening to him for over ten years, I have always found it difficult to identify what kind of music I like hearing him make the most. After listening to The Ceremony, I’m still undecided. The album features some pretty solid club bangers, such as “Eater” and “Yonce Freestyle,” some pretty solid lyrical bangers, such as “RUMORS” and “God Slippers,” and some pretty solid emotional trap bangers, such as “Letter 2 My Fans” and “Do It Again.” Each song style complements one another well and features tons of passion from the Louisiana native.
7. 21 Savage – american dream
I would describe this album as solid; not good or great. While 21 Savage holds his own as the star of the show, I am hesitant about its long-term appeal, as I find it lacking in depth and overall interest. Nonetheless, it’s good enough to make this list… For now.
8. Kid Cudi – INSANO
Doesn’t it feel like Kid Cudi is playing with house money these days? Why not feel this way when you’re considered a legend like he is? In INSANO, Kid Cudi has tons of fun; as a listener, it is fantastic to experience.
Think an album deserves to be considered? Mention it in the comments section.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
