As we head into 2025, we’re looking back at what an amazing year 2024 was for music. So many incredible albums dropped, and we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 picks from across all genres.
At Platenspelr Records, we’re all about finding the music that stands out—the bold, the fresh, and the unforgettable. We’re hardcore music lovers, so believe us when we say we’ve listened to a lot of what came out this year.
Our 2024 list shines a spotlight on artists who went all in, pushed their limits, and delivered albums that were bigger, better, and totally next level. Whether you’re into vinyl, streaming endlessly, or just searching for your next favorite jam, our Top 10 Albums of 2024 is full of surprises you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!
10. Boldy James & Nicholas Craven – Penalty Of Leaderschip
This album is a testament to resilience and artistry under pressure. Recorded while Boldy was recovering from a life-threatening car accident, the album carries an undeniable weight, blending his razor-sharp storytelling with a deeper sense of introspection. Nicholas Craven’s minimalist yet soulful production sets the perfect tone—atmospheric, raw, and hauntingly beautiful. Boldy’s bars hit harder than ever, each word deliberate, each tale vivid and gripping. An unforgettable collaboration that proves Boldy is unstoppable.
9. Mustafa – Dunya
Dunya is an emotional rollercoaster, blending the personal and the universal with stunning vulnerability. Mustafa delves into deeply personal topics, from the discrimination he faces as a Black Muslim man to his struggles with faith and mental health. On tracks like the poignant “Gaza is Calling,” he shifts to broader issues, addressing global pain with the same delicate touch. The result is an album that moves through a spectrum of emotions—anger, sorrow, melancholy, and despair—without ever shying away from the hard truths. Dunya is a raw, unfiltered exploration of the human experience, making it both powerful and unforgettable.
8. Roc Marciano – Marciology
Marciology is a standout in a career built on originality and skill. Dropped in March 2024, the album weaves personal stories with sharp social insight, all delivered through Marciano’s vivid lyricism and clever wordplay. The production is lush yet precise, reflecting his growth as both a rapper and a producer. Songs like “Bad JuJu” draw listeners into his world with striking detail, reaffirming his role as a key figure in contemporary hip-hop. This album is a bold statement of perseverance and creative mastery, essential for any fan of the genre.
7. Mach-Hommy – #RICHAXXHAITIAN
#RICHAXXHAITIAN is a bold exploration of identity, culture, and resilience. Released in May 2024, the album spans 17 tracks and features collaborations with artists like Kaytranada, Roc Marciano, and Black Thought. Seamlessly blending English and Haitian Kreyòl, Mach delivers intricate lyricism over richly textured beats. Highlights like “POLITickle” and “COPY COLD” tackle complex themes with finesse, while the Kaytranada-produced title track offers a dynamic sonic shift. A triumphant addition to his Haiti-focused discography, #RICHAXXHAITIAN cements Mach-Hommy’s place as one of hip-hop’s most innovative voices.
6.Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
Chromakopia is a bold and introspective project that showcases his growth as both an artist and a person. Released in October 2024, the album blends hip-hop, R&B, and jazz influences, featuring collaborations with Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne, and GloRilla. Tracks like “Noid” explore Tyler’s struggles with fame, while songs like “Rah Tah Tah” highlight his dynamic production and flair. With its mix of vulnerability and confidence, Chromakopia solidifies Tyler’s place as a trailblazer in modern music.
5. Westside Gunn- Still Praying
Still Praying, released in November 2024, is a stunning conclusion to his “Praying” trilogy. The album stands out for its impeccable beat selection, blending soulful samples and gritty production that perfectly complement Gunn’s unique delivery. Featuring collaborations with Benny the Butcher, Boldy James, Conway the Machine, and Stove God Cooks, the project creates an immersive soundscape that pulls listeners into Gunn’s world. Tracks like “Beef Bar” and “Dr. Britt Baker” showcase the exceptional production, making Still Praying a standout moment in Gunn’s discography and a triumph for modern hip-hop.
4. Clairo – Charm
Charm, released in July 2024, showcases her artistic evolution with a warm, ’70s-inspired blend of soft rock, jazz, and soul. Produced by Leon Michels, the album’s lush instrumentation—featuring Wurlitzer, mellotron, and organ—creates a cozy, timeless feel. Tracks like “Slow Dance” highlight the sophisticated production and Clairo’s intimate vocals. Charm is a confident, soulful project that reflects her growth and deepened artistry.
3. Kendrick Lamar – GNX
GNX, a surprise drop in November 2024, is a powerful 12-track album named after the iconic Buick GNX car, symbolizing speed and resilience. Blending West Coast beats with reflective storytelling, Kendrick collaborates with producers like Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, crafting a vibrant yet polished sound. Tracks like “Wacced Out Murals” and “Gloria” showcase his lyrical depth and dynamic delivery. GNX reaffirms Kendrick’s status as a trailblazer, offering innovation while staying rooted in his signature style.
2. Ka – Thief Next To Jesus
The Thief Next to Jesus is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply reflective album that, tragically, became the final release from the late rapper before his untimely passing in October 2024 at the age of 52. Known for his unparalleled lyricism and understated delivery, Ka used this album to explore profound themes of morality, redemption, and the complexities of faith, particularly within the context of Black American experiences.
The album’s title, The Thief Next to Jesus, references the biblical story of the repentant thief crucified beside Christ, symbolizing forgiveness and the human struggle for salvation. Through his poignant storytelling and layered metaphors, Ka weaves narratives that confront the harsh realities of life while searching for grace and understanding. Tracks are built on sparse, gospel-infused beats, blending blues and soul influences to create an atmosphere both somber and introspective.
The album’s cover art, minimalist yet evocative, perfectly aligns with the theme of The Thief Next to Jesus.
More than just a collection of songs, The Thief Next to Jesus is a profound artistic statement, embodying Ka’s unique ability to tell stories that resonate deeply. While his passing leaves an undeniable void, this final project stands as a timeless reminder of his craft and the mark he left on hip-hop.
1. JPEGMAFIA – I Lay Down My Life For You
I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU, released in August 2024, stands as a defining moment in experimental hip-hop and is widely hailed as the best album of the year. This 14-track masterpiece pushes boundaries with a fearless fusion of industrial hip-hop, rap metal, and avant-garde production. Featuring standout collaborations with Vince Staples, Denzel Curry, and Buzzy Lee, the album delivers an electrifying blend of chaos and precision.
Tracks like “i scream this in the mirror before i interact with anyone” showcase JPEGMAFIA’s unparalleled ability to channel raw emotion into explosive energy, while songs like “SIN MIEDO” weave intricate layers of sound that challenge conventional genres. Lyrically, the album is confrontational and deeply introspective, exploring themes of identity, power, and resilience in a way that resonates with listeners on a visceral level.
The production, handled primarily by JPEGMAFIA himself, is nothing short of groundbreaking, incorporating distorted beats, unconventional samples, and moments of unexpected calm to create a truly immersive sonic experience. I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU is more than an album—it’s a testament to JPEGMAFIA’s unmatched creativity and his commitment to breaking the mold. It’s a bold, uncompromising project that redefines what hip-hop can be, earning its place as the best album of 2024 and solidifying JPEGMAFIA’s status as a leader in the genre.
