King Kendrick has another accomplishment he can add to his resume.

Kendrick Lamar has had an absolutely monumental 2024, and the wildest part? He didn’t even drop an album. Entering into a high-profile beef with Drake might just be the best move he’s ever made. Since the explosive “Like That,” where he unapologetically called out Drake, Kendrick has solidified his place as one of hip-hop’s GOATs.

This year alone, he’s been celebrated as the victor of what many are calling the biggest beef in hip-hop history, earned multiple Grammy nominations for “Not Like Us,” snagged a coveted Super Bowl halftime performance spot, and had his diss tracks hailed as some of the greatest of all time. To top it all off, Apple Music just crowned him Rapper of the Year.

Here’s the kicker: Kendrick’s entire 2024 output has been either direct diss records or tracks that feel like they might be diss records. Yet his influence is undeniable, and Apple Music agrees—nobody had a bigger impact on hip-hop this year than King Kendrick. And honestly? If he drops an album in 2025, we might see him claim the title two years in a row.

Do you believe Kendrick Lamar deserves to be named 2024 Rapper of the Year by Apple Music?

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.