1. Skyzoo - Keep Me Company

Skyzoo’s Keep Me Company is an introspective, jazz-infused Hip Hop masterclass. Rooted in the traditions of storytelling and lyricism that have defined his career, the album sees Skyzoo reflecting on personal growth, relationships, and legacy with an ease that comes from years of perfecting his craft. It’s a project that feels intimate yet universal, a hallmark of Skyzoo’s music.

Though Skyzoo has built an impressive career collaborating with legends like 9th Wonder (Cloud 9), Appolo Brown (The Easy Truth), Pete Rock (Retropolitan), and as part of Barrel Brothers with Torae, Keep Me Company represents a quieter, more reflective chapter. This isn’t about reinvention but refinement, showing an artist at peace with himself and his artistry.

The album opens with “Community Service,” where jazzy horns swirl over a steady beat as Skyzoo examines themes of unity and purpose. His conversational delivery pulls the listener in, and JRose’s spoken word outro adds depth and warmth. From there, the project unfolds with tracks like “Finder’s Keepers” and “Home Away From Home,” which lean into lush, jazz-inspired production while exploring themes of ambition, connection, and memory. The instrumentation breathes, complementing Skyzoo’s intricate rhymes without overshadowing them.

“Drug Free School Zone” brings a rawer edge, with Skyzoo reflecting on responsibility, legacy, and survival. The production is stripped back, emphasizing his words and showcasing the precision of his storytelling. Similarly, “Prayers for the Customers” and “Courtesy Call” balance everyday observations with larger, philosophical questions. The latter features Chuck D, whose commanding presence underscores the weight of Skyzoo’s reflections on life’s stakes and the consequences of choices.

Lighter moments, like “Record Store Day,” bring charm and relatability as Skyzoo spins a narrative around vinyl culture and fleeting connections. The cozy, jazzy backdrop enhances the track’s nostalgic feel, making it a standout. As the album progresses, tracks like “Sleeping Beauty” and “Wins of the Father” delve deeper into Skyzoo’s personal life, offering raw, emotional reflections on family, love, and gratitude.

The closing track, “Jazz in the Projects,” is a sprawling eight-minute finale that encapsulates the album’s themes of survival, growth, and triumph. Over lush production, Skyzoo weaves vivid imagery and introspection, leaving listeners with a sense of closure and quiet confidence.

What makes Keep Me Company resonate is its honesty. Skyzoo isn’t chasing trends or overloading his music with flashy production. Instead, he’s creating a cohesive, timeless project that invites listeners to sit with it and uncover its layers. The jazz-infused boom-bap production gives the album a warm, lived-in feel, perfectly complementing Skyzoo’s thoughtful lyricism.

Keep Me Company is Skyzoo at his most reflective and intentional, delivering an album that feels deeply personal yet widely relatable. It’s a project that rewards patience, growing richer with each listen, and reaffirms Skyzoo’s place as one of Hip Hop’s most consistent and thoughtful voices.

Release date: November 29, 2024.

2. Kendrick Lamar - GNX

Kendrick Lamar’s new album, GNX, landed like a curveball, surprising fans and critics alike. Known for intricate storytelling and heavy conceptual themes, Kendrick flips the script here with a looser, more visceral project. The energy is pure West Coast—a soundtrack for blaring from car speakers on a hot LA afternoon. While unmistakably Kendrick, with clever wordplay, hard-hitting beats, and moments of brilliance, GNX lacks the ambition of masterpieces like To Pimp a Butterfly or Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Kendrick’s releases often spark an almost ritualistic rush to proclaim “Album of the Year” before the first track even finishes. His track record justifies the hype, but this time, the worship feels overblown. GNX isn’t groundbreaking; it’s a digestible, fun collection of tracks that reflect Kendrick’s current mindset—mature, reflective, and less concerned with perfection. It’s not an album that redefines the genre or pushes a grand cultural agenda, but it doesn’t try to be.

The album opens strong with “wacced out murals,” where Kendrick’s fiery delivery takes aim at the industry and some of his idols over pounding drums and ominous strings. Tracks like “reincarnated” stand out for their introspection, with Kendrick weaving imagined past lives into a soulful meditation on history and identity. Meanwhile, songs like “gloria” and “luther” add depth, and SZA’s smooth vocals add texture in her two standout features. However, not all experiments land—tracks like “gnx” (featuring LA newcomers) and “dodger blue” falter under weak production, a recurring issue throughout the album.

While GNX lacks the cohesion of Kendrick’s earlier projects, its looseness offers charm. It feels less like a masterpiece and more like a mixtape—a snapshot of where Kendrick is now. Though uneven, it’s still proof that even on an off day, Kendrick remains miles ahead of most peers. Not “Album of the Year”, but undeniably a worthy addition to K-Dot’s legacy.

Release date: November 22, 2024.

3. Bobby J From Rockaway & Dom Dirtee - Higher

Bobby J From Rockaway and Dom Dirtee’s Higher feels like a straight shot of Hip Hop adrenaline, rooted in tradition but still full of personality. The album’s production and lyricism are focused and purposeful, creating a world that feels classic without coming off as overly polished. From start to finish, it’s clear this isn’t about trends—it’s about staying true to the fundamentals of sharp bars and beats that hit hard.

The title track kicks things off with a beat that feels atmospheric and determined, setting the tone for the record’s energy. “Once Again” leans heavily into the boom-bap pocket, giving Bobby room to deliver commanding verses that make his intentions clear. “Vibin’ (All By Myself)” shifts gears with a playful nod to the joy of solitary moments spent with good music, a relatable sentiment that feels effortless.

“Dangerous” brings a raw, unapologetic energy, while “I Gotta” enlists Paul Wall for a collaboration that brims with confidence and swagger. Tracks like “Round N Round” hit with relentless drums and a rhythmic intensity that keeps you locked in, while “Get Away” provides a moment of reflection, expressing the need to break free from the grind. The pacing of the album ensures that the momentum never lags, yet it still allows space for introspection when necessary.

Closing with “Hello” and “Break Me Down,” Bobby delivers moments of resolve, confidence, and defiance. Dom Dirtee’s production remains consistent throughout, layering soulful elements with hard-hitting percussion that complements Bobby J’s precise delivery. At just over 35 minutes, Higher is lean and intentional, packing sharp rhymes and versatile beats into every second. It’s Hip Hop made for those who value craftsmanship, energy, and authenticity, leaving you wanting more without feeling incomplete.

Release date: November 18, 2024.

4. Schoolly D - 'Cause That Nixxers Crazy That​’​s Why

Schoolly D is a name that carries weight as one of Hip Hop’s early innovators. Known for his raw lyricism and gritty beats, he helped define the gangsta rap style in the mid-1980s. His music stood out for its unflinching look at life on the streets, tackling topics like violence, racism, and survival with a boldness that pushed Hip Hop into new territory. Tracks like “P.S.K. (What Does That Mean?)” and “Gucci Time” became underground anthems, and his first two albums Schoolly D (1986) and Saturday Night! (1987) remain influential classics.

With his new release, ‘Cause That Nixxer’s Crazy That’s Why, Schoolly D revisits the essence of what made his early work so iconic. Almost four decades after his debut, he’s crafted an album that captures the gritty, bass-heavy beats and rebellious energy of his prime. Tracks are raw, unpolished, and steeped in the classic boom-bap vibe, reminding listeners of a time when Hip Hop was built on raw talent and street-level honesty. Ice-T, a longtime admirer who has often credited Schoolly D as a major influence, appears on the album, along with Chuck D, whose SpitSLAM label released the record. Their contributions add a layer of authenticity and camaraderie to a project that feels like a nod to Hip Hop’s roots.

This album isn’t about chasing trends or appealing to modern sensibilities—it’s a gift for fans who’ve stuck with Schoolly D since the mid-80s. For younger listeners, it’s a time machine, pulling them into the era where Schoolly’s confrontational and unfiltered style first emerged. Longtime followers will appreciate how ‘Cause That Nixxer’s Crazy That’s Why reconnects with the sound and ethos of his first two albums. The stripped-down production and biting lyricism feel like a homecoming, a reminder of how powerful his voice was—and still is. Whether you’re revisiting his classics or discovering him for the first time, this album stands tall as a tribute to a Hip Hop pioneer whose influence continues to echo decades later.

Release date: November 1, 2024. 

5. Codenine & BoneWeso - The Cost Of Gold

The Cost of Gold rises above the flood of similar-sounding underground Hip Hop projects released this year. Unlike the many 25-minute quickies out these days, this album offers a substantial 45-minute runtime, offering a welcome full listening experience. BoneWeso’s production shines throughout, delivering smooth and atmospheric beats with an elegant touch that enhances Codenine’s street-oriented lyrics. Tragic Allies affiliate Codenine’s sharp streetwise raps blend effortlessly with the sophisticated sound. The album echoes the style pioneered by Roc Marciano, even approaching the originator’s quality.

The combination of polished production and skillful lyricism makes The Cost of Gold one of the year’s better entries in this Hip Hop subgenre. The project’s cohesive sound and attention to detail in beats and rhymes create a memorable listen that invites repeated plays.

Release date: November 14, 2024. 

6. Cordae - The Crossroads

Cordae’s The Crossroads feels like a reflection of an artist finding clarity while navigating life’s challenges. It opens with “’06 Dreamin’,” a soulful boom-bap track where he recounts a formative childhood moment. The production leans heavily on warm, nostalgic tones, giving Cordae the space to weave introspection into his storytelling. Tracks like “Summer Drop,” with Anderson .Paak, carry an effortless groove, bolstered by J. Cole’s production, while “Nothing’s Promised” pulls listeners into a contemplative mood, reminding us of life’s uncertainties.

The album moves between moods with purpose. “Mad as F***” leans into darker, trap-inspired production, bristling with frustration and defiance, while “All Alone” samples Luther Vandross to dive into feelings of isolation despite outward success. Cordae balances these heavier moments with tracks like “Pray,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, where boom-bap production grounds his reflections on loyalty and life’s impermanence. On “Don’t Walk Away,” he shifts to a breezy, heartfelt plea, offering a glimpse of vulnerability that feels deeply personal.

Cordae’s collaborations feel intentional throughout. Lil Wayne delivers a sharp verse on the raw “Back on the Road,” and Joey Bada$$ matches his reflective energy on “Syrup Sandwiches.” “Two Tens,” another pairing with Anderson .Paak, adds levity with its playful exchange about relationships, layered over jazzy production that ties the album’s sound together.

While The Crossroads occasionally stumbles with tracks that feel less essential, it holds a steady focus on Cordae’s growth and self-awareness. The production leans heavily on boom-bap, soul, and jazz influences, giving the album a thoughtful, layered sound. Cordae’s pen feels sharper, his delivery more assured, and his ability to balance introspection with lighter moments makes this project his most grounded work to date.

Release date: November 15, 2024.

7. Chino XL - Darkness & Other Colors

Darkness & Other Colors is an album that feels like a final reflection from Chino XL, released posthumously after his passing in July of 2024. Unfortunately, due to a poor rollout, this album didn’t receive the attention it deserved, but it offers an eerie and powerful glimpse into Chino’s mind during his final years. Recorded in 2020, it feels like he was already aware of his mortality, with the dark, somber tones reflecting his internal battles.

The album kicks off with “Words in the Color of Death,” where Chino addresses his own departure from beyond the grave. Tracks like “Sermon in Crimson” and “Byzantium Darkness” pair hauntingly sparse beats with Chino’s gripping lyrics, speaking to the darkness that loomed over him. His voice commands attention, whether over sparse, drumless beats or deep boom-bap grooves. On songs like “Burn in Ivory” and “Black Room,” Chino vents about those who never stood by him, while “Lumps of Silver” takes a more soulful turn, showing his resilience despite everything.

Sadly, the album’s rollout was marred by complications between Chino’s estate and the production team, which resulted in it being largely overlooked due to unavailability. Yet, Darkness & Other Colors is an intimate, raw collection of tracks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Release date: November 6, 2024. 

8. Machacha - Kunst.Art 2

Danish producer Machacha’s Kunst.Art 2, follows on his May 2024 release Kunst.Art. His production excellence shines as always on this companion piece, Machacha’s rich, atmospheric beats forming the backbone of each track.

The album brings together an impressive lineup of underground Hip Hop artists. UFO Fev, SonnyJim, AJ Suede, Recognize Ali, and Ferris Blusa lead a deep roster of talent. Shottie, Josiah the Gift, Jay Royale, WateRR, M.A.V., Vega7 the Ronin, Breeze Mantana, André DeSaint, Tre Eiht, Reek Osama, Primo JAB, Apollo, Bub Styles, O the Great, Substance810, and Squeegie Oblong each bring their unique styles to the project.

Kunst.Art 2 maintains the high standard set by its predecessor, creating a natural blend between Machacha’s production and the individual flair of each featured artist. The result is a dope underground Hip Hop album that highlights both the producer’s beat-making skills and the lyrical abilities of his collaborators.

Release date: November 14, 2024.

9. Ab-Soul - Soul Burger

Ab-Soul’s Soul Burger is an album of peaks and valleys. It’s inventive and lyrically sharp at its best, pulling from Soul’s personal struggles and influences. Tracks like “I, Myself & Me” and “Peace” evolve beautifully, building momentum as they unfold, while “BUCKO JR” channels a mid-2000s swagger with a nod to Lil Wayne. The closer, “Righteous,” is haunting and reflective, leaving a lasting impression.

But the middle stretch falters, with some tracks feeling undercooked or overstaying their welcome. Songs like “Saudi Sweets” and “The Sky Is Limitless” feel disconnected, falling short of the emotional depth and creativity found elsewhere. Some features, like Notorious N.I.Q. on “DND” or Punch on “Peace,” lack weight, failing to match Soul’s intensity.

Still, the album’s highlights shine. The production, rooted in jazzy boom bap and West Coast funk, plays to Soul’s strengths while allowing him room to experiment. “9 Mile” stands out with its homage to “8 Mile”—sampling “Shook Ones Pt. II” and echoing Eminem’s flow. “Crazier,” with JID, brims with energy, as both rappers push each other lyrically.

Soul Burger is uneven but gripping when it clicks. Soul’s raw honesty and intricate wordplay carry the project, making it a worthy follow-up to Herbert (2022).

Release date: November 8, 2024.

Honorable Mentions

• Ice Cube – Man Down
• Craig G – The World Is Cooked
• Al-J & Kane Major – Amerikkkan Me
• Westside Gunn – Still Praying
• Dave East & araabMUZIK – Living Proof
• Weapon E.S.P – Kensei
• Joey Majors – VIP Life
• Cavalier & Child Actor – CINE
• Moka Only – Arbutus Canyon
• Tesla’s Ghost & Circa 97 – Grand Piano Gun Safes
• Wolfman Jeckyll – Wolf Gang
• K-Natural – I Am Ready
• Bishop Nehru – Solace in Shadows
• Sparkz & Pitch 92 – Full Circle
• Zaza God, Trillmatic & ABAT BUT LBAG – 777
• Boldy James & Harry Fraud – The Bricktionary
• Speaks – Highrize Jamz
• Dex & Small Professor – A Long Absence
• Psalm One & Optiks – Is This A Safe Space?
• American Poets 2099 – 2099 Unlimited
• El Da Sensei & MentPlus – The Unexpected
• Berner – HOFFA
• Maxo Kream – Personification