Lamont's Lists

For hip hop, 2024 represented a triumphant bounce back after slow sales in 2023 led to much hand wringing about the decline in the genre's popularity. Of course, momentum was helped in no small part by the biggest rap beef of all time between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which dominated the cultural conversation for several months. Kendrick's decisive victory, and extended victory lap, was fun for all of us to watch (that is, unless you were a Drake fan).  But there was plenty more to keep us dancing, singing and rapping along in 2024. From the continued rise of women in hip hop - led by contributions from talented artists such as Doechii, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Rapsody, GloRilla, and more - to the resurgence of legacy artists like LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Common and Pete Rock, Rakim, and even Masta Ace, there was something for every type of fan to consume with guaranteed satisfaction. Hip hop even continued to make inroads into country music, thanks to boundary-pushin...

Well 2024 is a wrap, and I'm so happy to report that the rumors of hip hop's so-called demise were once again greatly exaggerated. For all of you who, just a year ago, were gleefully citing hip hop's declining streams and airplay as evidence of everything from a lack of creativity, to rampant commercialism, to too much mumble rap, and all manner of other "it ain't what it used to be" nonsense, let me be the first to say "STFU".  As I knew it would, the culture has once again proven to be resilient. There was so much great music released in 2024 that it was hard to keep pace with. From ratchet to righteous, boom bap to trap, and party starters to thought starters...the sheer breadth and diversity of the tunes offered something for every eardrum.  Yes, shots were fired and beefed settled, but there were also calls for peace, perseverance and power moves. Above all else, the music compelled us to put on our headphones or hit the dance floor or rap along...