1. Mach-Hommy - #RICHAXXHAITIAN

Mach-Hommy’s #RICHAXXHAITIAN might not topple H.B.O. (2017) and Pray For Haiti (2021) as our favorite Mach-Hommy records, but it’s a strong addition to his discography. This 17-track project is a deep dive into his signature abstract lyricism and grimy production, hinting at a possible artistic shift.

The production on #RICHAXXHAITIAN is terrific. The beats are impressive front to back, from soulful Quelle Chris and Georgia Anne Muldrow tunes to haunting soundscapes by Conductor Williams and August Fanon. These instrumental backdrops, often with jazz, reggae, and other musical influences, perfectly complement Mach-Hommy’s vocals.

Mach-Hommy himself is on fire too. His signature slow flow rides these abstract beats, and his bars are consistently sharp and thought-provoking. He switches between English, French, and Haitian Creole, adding another layer of complexity. Features like Black Thought, Roc Marciano, and Drea D’Nur elevate the tracks they are on.

The abstract nature might be challenging for some listeners, but it’s partly what makes #RICHAXXHAITIAN so rewarding. It’s an immersive experience that demands repeat listens to appreciate its intricacies fully. Tracks like “COPY COLD” and “HOLY ____” evidence the album’s potential for both catchy hooks and elite lyricism. The project’s core theme is Haitian identity and social issues. Mach-Hommy doesn’t shy away from addressing the country’s struggles, weaving his commentary into his abstract narratives. The album’s second half is particularly strong, offering some of Mach-Hommy’s most innovative and cohesive song structures.

#RICHAXXHAITIAN is a triumph for Mach-Hommy. It’s a cohesive and consistently engaging listen, demonstrating his growth as a lyricist and willingness to experiment. The production is top-notch, the features are well-chosen (with the possible expectation of a dubious line from Your Old Droog on “EMPTY SPACES”), and the exploration of Haitian themes adds depth. It’s certainly one of his most rewarding records, offering a glimpse into the mind of a truly unique artist.

Release date: May 17, 2024. 

2. Vince Staples - Dark Times

Vince Staples dives deep into personal territory on Dark Times. Thematically, it recalls the introspective storytelling of his 2015 debut album, Summertime ’06, exploring past struggles and the weight of the present. The production reflects this inward focus, with a slower, more atmospheric soundscape than his previous releases.

Dark Times prioritizes a cohesive flow over individual bangers. Standout songs like “Black & Blue” and “Freeman” showcase some of Vince’s sharpest lyricism, painting vivid portraits of his experiences. However, the emphasis on atmosphere comes at a cost. Catchy hooks are largely absent, and some tracks struggle to stand out independently. The well-crafted production, heavily influenced by jazz, lacks the versatility of his past work, maybe leaving some listeners wanting more upbeat moments. We like the subdued vibe of this album though, making this Vince Staples’ best work since his classic debut in our book.

Dark Times is a compelling listen. Vince’s rapping is top-notch, and his introspective lyrics offer a unique perspective on familiar themes of religion, societal struggles, and personal growth. This is a well-made, grounded, and honest Hip Hop album. While some may miss the energy of Vince Staples’ earlier work, Dark Times offers a mature and thought-provoking exploration of one of modern Hip Hop’s most captivating voices.

Release date: May 24, 2024. 

3. Rapsody - Please Don't Cry

Five years after her critically acclaimed album Eve, North Carolina rapper Rapsody is back with her fourth studio LP, Please Don’t Cry. This introspective project presents her signature soulful production, razor-sharp lyricism, and a newfound vulnerability.

While there’s no denying Rapsody’s talent, Please Don’t Cry has some minor flaws. Clocking in at 22 tracks, the album feels slightly bloated. Some tracks, like “Raw” and “Black Popstar,” are good but don’t quite match the brilliance of others. However, the highs on this album are truly exceptional. Tracks like “Asteroids” showcase Rapsody’s resilience in the face of criticism, while “3:AM” featuring Erykah Badu offers a heartwarming glimpse into her personal life. “He Shot Me” tackles gun violence with raw honesty, and “Look What You’ve Done” explores the challenges faced by women in the music industry.

Comparisons can be made to classic albums like Little Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021) and Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). Please Don’t Cry shares a similar introspective quality, tackling themes of growth, self-acceptance, race, personal struggles, plus genre boundaries crossing musicality. Rapsody’s flawless wordplay and ability to craft relatable narratives further cement her position as one of Hip Hop’s most skilled lyricists.

Despite its length, Please Don’t Cry maintains a cohesive flow, smoothly transitioning between soulful introspection and energetic bangers. This record feels genuine, demonstrating Rapsody’s artistic growth and willingness to lay bare her soul. While a few tracks might not hit the mark, the overall quality is undeniable.

Release date: May 17, 2024. 

4. Crimeapple & Big Ghost Ltd - Bazuko

Crimeapple and Big Ghost Ltd. are back with a bang on Bazuko, the successor to their excellent 2018 collabo Aguardiente. Bazuko is a masterclass in raw lyricism and gritty production. Crimeapple unleashes lyrical fire over Big Ghost’s signature beats, blending jazz (“Laugh Now”), hardcore boom-bap (“Chemical Imbalances”), and soulful samples (“Pretty Girl Who Can Rap”).

Bazuko explores a range of themes, from the harsh realities of street life (“5000 Degrees”) to introspective self-reflection (“Higher Learning”). Crimeapple tackles even darker territory with “Smoke Signal,” while “Las Trompetas” injects a welcome groove.

Surpassing its predecessor El León, Bazuko boasts a richer soundscape and a more seasoned Crimeapple. This reunion proves their creative chemistry is still there, resulting in a project that elevates both the rapper and the producer.

Release date: May 31, 2024.

5. Copywrite - The Last Supper

Underground Hip Hop veteran Copywrite returns with his seventh full-length album, The Last Supper, a dense and potent project that feels like a culmination of his career. Harkening back to the golden age of the Weathermen crew, The Last Supper boasts 13 tracks brimming with that early 2000s boom-bap sound. Copywrite reunites with DJ Mighty Mi for a few tracks, and Swab, another frequent collaborator, takes the production helm on a significant portion of the album, crafting instrumentals that evoke a nostalgic 89-tek-9 vibe reminiscent of the classic WKCR days.

The guest list is a who’s who of indie rap’s golden age, featuring underground royalty like Ras Kass, Breeze Brewin, Niko Is, Bless Picasso, Mickey Factz, and Atmosphere’s Slug. Breeze Brewin’s presence alongside Bobbito Garcia on a Swab-produced banger is sure to excite fans of that era, while Slug’s introspective lyricism perfectly complements Copywrite’s own on the poignant “Turning the Page.”

Other standout tracks include “Green Screen,” where Copywrite lays down scorching bars over a classic Evidence beat, and “Diamond Bukowski,” featuring Niko Is and Bless Picasso, a track that flaunts the pure lyrical passion of these underground veterans.

The Last Supper is a strong contender for Copywrite’s best work yet. It’s denser and more focused than his previous releases, with the production matching the intensity of his lyrical power. This album is a must-listen for fans of underground Hip Hop and those who appreciate skilled lyricism delivered with raw intensity.

Release date: May 10, 2024. 

6. Saigon - The Jordan Era

Brooklyn emcee Saigon’s 2024 album, The Jordan Era, represents a significant step forward in his artistic development. best known for his mixtape background and debut studio LP The Greatest Story Never Told (2010), Saigon hones his rapping style and elevates his lyricism on this project. The featured artists, including Hip Hop legends like Grandmaster Caz, Big Daddy Kane, and Kool G Rap, hold their own alongside Saigon. French producer Fredro provides a strong foundation with his beats throughout the album.

The Jordan Era takes listeners on a vivid journey through Saigon’s experiences in Hip Hop culture in the 1980s. The opening track, “G Miller,” sets the energetic tone for the album. Tracks like “Lyrical Genius” and “Think Twice” featuring Grand Puba demonstrate Saigon’s growth and his ability to collaborate with established icons. Songs like “The Mobbery” and “3 Digits” delve into gritty narratives of street life and ambition. The collaboration with Pete Rock on “Get Loose” is a particular highlight, offering a funky and classic boom-bap sound.

The Jordan Era is a strong addition to Saigon’s discography, a return to top form after previous studio albums that fell short. This album prioritizes authentic storytelling and skilled production, paying tribute to Hip Hop’s roots while propelling Saigon into a new era of his own. Fans of 80s Hip Hop will appreciate the homage to the era and the dope guest appearances that enhance the overall listening experience.

Release date: May 3, 2024.

7. Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist - Black & Whites

Los Angeles rapper Big Hit’s sophomore album, Blacks & Whites, is a study in contrasts. Fresh off a wrongful conviction and recent release, Big Hit teams up with his son, Hit-Boy, and legendary producer The Alchemist. The Alchemist and Hit-Boy deliver a masterclass in beatmaking. From the murky boom-bap of “Drug Tzar” to the atmospheric “Temperature Check”, the production is consistently dope. However, Big Hit’s rapping is a point of contention. While his raspy voice is a good fit for the gritty production, his skills don’t always match the caliber of the beats, and excepting a killer verse from Boldy James on the album highlight “Godfather, Pt. 2”, not all featured artists deliver.

But despite the mixed bag of vocals and guest spots, Blacks & Whites is a dope LP. The Alchemist’s signature touch is undeniable, and Hit-Boy proves to be a worthy collaborator. Big Hit delivers some tough bars, particularly on tracks like “Only Weight I Feel”, “Gank Money”,  and “Foreclosure”, making for a solid listen for fans of raw, traditional Hip Hop. It’s not a perfect album, but the production shines bright, and Big Hit’s energy and passion is undeniable.

Release date: May 28, 2024. 

8. Machacha - Kunst.Art

As with any project featuring Danish producer Machacha behind the boards, Kunst.Art is a must-listen for underground Hip Hop enthusiasts. The album lives up to expectations, putting Machacha’s production talents on full display. The true strength lies in the instrumentals Machacha creates, but the lyrical side is no slouch either. He’s assembled a crew of renowned underground artists, including SmooVth, Estee Nack, Daniel Son, Nowaah the Flood, Vega7 the Ronin, Josiah the Gift, Eddie Kaine, Supreme Cerebral, Ty Farris, and WateRR, to name a few.

Overall, Kunst.Art is a dope producer’s album, highlighting Machacha’s sonic vision and complemented by the lyrical skills of the featured artists. Favorite tracks: “Rooftops” and “Ferragamo Bvlgari”.

Release date: May 5, 2024. 

9. Conway The Machine - Slant Face Killah

Conway the Machine returns with Slant Face Killah, a project showcasing his signature gritty boom-bap style with some notable highs and a few lows. While there are a couple of stinkers like the trap-heavy “Ten/Rya Interlude” and “Dasani,” the album boasts a solid collection of tracks. Standouts are “Mutty”, “Give & Give”, “Milano Nights Pt. 1”, “Meth Back!”, “Surf & Turf”, “Karimi”, “The Red Moon In Osaka, and “Vertino.” The latter features a killer verse from Joey Bada$$, marking him and Stove God Cooks as the album’s most impressive guest appearances.

Production is strong, with heavyweights like Conductor Williams, Camoflauge Monk, Daringer, Swizz Beatz, and The Alchemist lending their talents. Unfortunately, the tracklist pacing suffers with the poorly placed trap tracks disrupting the album’s flow. Despite these hiccups, Slant Face Killah delivers a satisfying dose of grimy Hip Hop.

Release date: May 10, 2024. 

Honorable Mentions

• Masamoon – B.I.D.S. (Beautifully Ignorant Disrespectful Sh*t)
• Ras Kass, RJ Payne & Havoc – GUTTR
• Ghostface Killah – Set The Tone (Guns & Roses)
• Spice 1 – Platinum O.G. 2
• People Without Shoes – Selective Ingreenients
• Double Life – The Path
• OT The Real – Pale Horse
• Freak Tha Monsta – The D.O.P.E. Book
• Reek Osama & No!sy Neighbour – Consigliere
• Dave East, Mike & Keys – APT 6E
• Tru Trilla – XVI: Return Of The Gods
• Brotha Lynch Hung – Season Of Da Siccness 2: Kevlar
• Tha Dogg Pound – W.A.W.G. (We All We Got)
• Money Mogly & Rasmus Beats – Its All Down Hill From Here
• The Quarter Inch Kings & Che Uno – Sun Of May
• RLX & Buck Dudley – Reloj
• O Finess & 2Wo Offishall – Whores Antidote
• Heem B$F – Bars & Noble
• Struggle Mike – Honor
• Freak Tha Monsta – The D.O.P.E. Book
• Rook Director & SB the Wavegod – Keep It Rolling
• Courtney Bell – Microdose
• Dan-e-o – Vigilante
• Juicy J – Mental Trillness 2

Full 2024 Honorable Mentions List