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list Oct 5 2024 Written by

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month: For this piece, we selected our 9 favorite Hip Hop albums released this September. Did we miss any albums you feel need to be mentioned? Let us know in the comments!

Also read: The Best Hip Hop Albums Of 2024

1. LL Cool J - The FORCE (Frequencies Of Real Creative Energy)

LL Cool J’s The FORCE is a strong and unexpected return to form, easily his best album in almost 25 years, since G.O.A.T. (2000). Where much of his output in recent decades leaned toward pop and was often lackluster, this album shows LL with renewed energy and lyrical sharpness. His long-awaited collaboration with Q-Tip brings together LL’s veteran swagger with Tip’s dynamic production. Although at times the beats don’t mesh perfectly with LL’s rhymes, the album delivers a consistently engaging experience, peaking with highlights like the posse cut “The Vow” and the ferocious “Murdergram Deux,” where LL and Eminem engage in an exhilarating bar-for-bar exchange.

The album’s strength lies in its confident, unapologetic approach. LL doesn’t try to chase current trends, but he also avoids being too nostalgic, making The FORCE sound timeless. Tracks like “Runnit Back” are full of the kind of affirmations that speak to all generations, and the inclusion of newer voices on “The Vow” feels refreshing, a rare feat for a project driven by an artist from Hip Hop’s golden era. LL’s signature braggadocio, displayed on tracks like “Post Modern” and “Black Code Suite,” is balanced with introspective moments like “30 Decembers,” where he reflects on aging and the passing of time in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The album is not without its flaws, as some tracks feel underdeveloped or a bit overstuffed. Still, LL’s charisma and lyrical prowess make up for the few stumbles, and his features—particularly Nas and Eminem—only elevate the project further. Q-Tip’s beats bring a rich variety, from boom-bap to funk, with the chemistry between producer and rapper rarely faltering.

It’s important to recognize LL Cool J’s pedigree and the foundational role he played in shaping Hip Hop. As one of Def Jam’s flagship artists, he helped define the genre in its earliest stages. His debut, Radio (1985), produced by Rick Rubin, was a raw, stripped-down record that showcased his brash delivery and larger-than-life persona. He followed this with Bigger and Deffer (1987), home to classics like “I’m Bad” and the iconic “I Need Love,” one of the earliest rap ballads. Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) further solidified LL as a powerhouse, with tracks like the title cut proving he could evolve with the times without losing his edge.

On The FORCE, LL taps into that same hunger that made him a household name. At 56, he’s still proving that he can hang with the best, delivering intricate flows and clever bars that remind listeners why he’s one of the genre’s longest-standing legends. This project proves LL’s staying power, and though it might not reinvent the wheel, it’s a solid offering that reaffirms his place in the pantheon of Hip Hop greats.

Release date: September 6, 2024. 

2. ANKHLEJOHN - Pride Of A Man

ANKHLEJOHN, the Southeast DC native, is a force to be reckoned with. This self-made artist handles production, mixing, mastering, and creative direction for his work while running his Shaap Records label and touring globally. His prolific output is clear, having already released eight full-length albums since 2018 – a sign of a tireless work ethic.

We’ve been fans of ANKHLEJOHN’s music since his excellent collaboration with producer Big Ghost Ltd, VAN Ghost, one of our favorite albums released in 2018. His 2021 LP As Above So Below is a great album too. Pride of a Man is arguably his best effort since those previous releases.

ANKHLEJOHN’s brand of boom-bap is anything but ordinary. His sound is gritty, his lyrics potent, and his music evokes a time when rappers spoke with purpose rather than mere posturing. With Pride of a Man, he paints vivid pictures of his life story, using cinematic flair and thought-provoking parallels to captivate his audience.

With 17 tracks and a 45-minute runtime, this album has the polish and depth of a major label debut. Pride of a Man boasts top-tier production values, with collaborations from acclaimed producers like The Alchemist, Statik Selektah, Nicholas Craven, and August Fanon. ANKHLEJOHN commands the album with effortless skill, without having to rely on guest features on every track. The few well-placed featured artists – Navy Blue, Willie the Kid, Domo Genesis, Fly Anakin, and Inspectah Deck – only serve to enhance the overall experience.

Fully realized and well-rounded, Pride of a Man is a prime example of how a compelling full-length Hip Hop album is done. For those who appreciate raw, unapologetic lyricism backed by gritty production, Pride of a Man is a must-listen.

Release date: September 4, 2024.

3. Blu & Exile - Love (The) Ominous World

Blu & Exile’s Love (the) Ominous World adds another chapter to the duo’s impressive collaborative catalog, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their classics Below the Heavens (2007) or Miles (2020).

Blu’s storytelling remains sharp, offering personal reflections and narratives about his life in L.A. On tracks like “Suge Knight,” he delves into his early career experiences, recounting his encounters with major labels like Death Row and Roc Nation. Exile’s production, rooted in boom-bap with soulful and jazzy undertones, creates a solid backdrop for Blu’s introspective bars.

Standout moments include “Undisputed,” where Blu confidently tackles hard-hitting topics, and “Homies,” a heartfelt tribute featuring Cashus King and Pistol McFly. “Gold” is another highlight, blending reflective lyricism with classic boom-bap production. The album concludes with “Love Is Blu,” a powerful track that brings the project full circle.

Blu’s recent collaboration with Evidence, Los Angeles (released earlier in 2024), arguably packs a stronger punch in terms of production, lyrical depth, and concept. Love (the) Ominous World still delivers plenty of brilliant moments though, blending nostalgia with sharp reflections on life and the music industry. This album is another strong effort from a duo consistently delivering thoughtful, high-quality Hip-Hop.

Release date: September 20, 2024. 

4. MC Lyte - 1 of 1

MC Lyte’s 1 Of 1 marks a triumphant return for the legendary rapper, offering a fully realized 50-minute album that we feel is her best in over three decades. This project reasserts her presence in the Hip Hop landscape after nearly a decade away, featuring Lyte’s signature sharp lyricism and storytelling over solid beats, with some tracks seasoned with R&B-influenced hooks.

Lyte’s journey in Hip Hop began in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where she discovered her passion for rap at 12. By 16, she made an impactful debut with “I Cram to Understand U,” addressing the crack epidemic. Her thoughtful approach continued with singles like “Poor Georgie” and “Eyes Are the Soul,” tackling issues such as drunk driving and the AIDS crisis.

1 Of 1 opens with “Thank You,” featuring Muni Long and Mary Mary, setting a reflective tone. Tracks like “Life & Luxury” and “King King” explore the complexities of success and pay homage to Black men, with the latter featuring a collaboration with Queen Latifah. Tracks like “To Rock the Mic” and “1-5” showcase vintage Lyte, packed with assertive bars that speak to her longevity in the industry.

Songs like “Alright” offer honest reflections and wisdom from Lyte’s experiences, while “Music Is” closes the album by reflecting on her connection to the art form. The lead single “Woman” with Big Daddy Kane and Cheryl “Salt” James further highlights her collaborative spirit, and “Change Your Ways” featuring both Common & Stevie Wonder (!) is one of the most thought-provoking cuts on the album, encouraging listeners to make changes in their lives.

Throughout her extensive career, Lyte has collaborated with icons like Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Queen Latifah, paving the way for future female artists in a male-dominated genre. 1 Of 1, produced by Warryn Campbell, Nottz, DJ Scratch, Easy Mo Bee, and others, follows 2015’s Legend and features the artists mentioned in this review and other notables, like Ghostface Killah.

1 Of 1 proves that MC Lyte’s influence and talent continue to inspire and uplift, making this latest work a significant addition to her storied career. It’s more than a comeback; it’s a powerful reminder of her continued relevance and skill in Hip Hop.

Relesase date: September 20, 2024. 

5. Talib Kweli & J. Rawls - The Confidence Of Knowing

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

Talib Kweli, the Brooklyn MC known for his work with Black Star, Reflection Eternal, and classic solo albums Quality (2002) and Eardrum (2007), delivers a strong offering with his 10th solo album, The Confidence of Knowing. Fully produced by J. Rawls, this album is like a reunion between two longtime collaborators, with Rawls previously behind memorable tracks from Black Star’s 1998 classic Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. This partnership continues to thrive as J. Rawls provides a backdrop of dope soulful, jazz-infused beats, well-suited to Kweli’s thoughtful lyricism.

Throughout the album, Kweli remains grounded in the themes that have long defined his career, touching everything from art and Hip Hop history to reflections on society. Tracks like “Breath, Eyes, Memory” offer a laid-back vibe, while “Native Sons” is a nice nod to classic boom bap. “We Outside,” featuring TriState, brings a jazzy flair, and “SWAT” with Coast Kweli takes a more hardcore approach. Guest appearances from Blu, Buckshot, Skyzoo, Ras Kass, and others enrich the project without overshadowing Kweli’s voice.

Although The Confidence of Knowing may not reach the iconic status of some of Kweli’s earlier works, it’s a cohesive and engaging listen that displays his continued relevance in today’s Hip Hop. His delivery is smooth and reflective, never overly aggressive, which pairs well with J. Rawls’ smooth 90s-centric production. Great album.

Release date: September 13, 2024.

6. Killah Priest - Abraxas Rebis Simha Pleroma

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

Killah Priest is one of the most distinctive voices in Hip Hop. Refusing to conform to mainstream trends, he has carved out a unique path with a staggering music output. Even if the quality of his work can be mixed, works like Heavy Mental (1998), Elizabeth (Introduction to the Psychic) (2007), The Psychic World of Walter Reed (2013), Planet Of The Gods (2015), and Rocket To Nebula (2020) all are top-tier Hip Hop albums.

Abraxas Rebis Simha Pleroma fits comfortably within the stronger half of his discography. This album offers a more accessible listening experience compared to his recent works. It blends his signature esoteric and spiritual themes with more relatable lyrics, combining drumless instrumentals with harder beats. As fans of Killah Priest, we thoroughly enjoy this album. For those new to his music, it is an accesible introduction to his catalog. All in all, Abraxas Rebis Simha Pleroma is a strong addition to Killah Priest’s ever-growing discography.

Release date: September 18, 2024. 

7. The B Boys - We Get Down

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

After 41 years since their inception, The B Boys—Donald-D and Brother B—have finally dropped their debut album, We Get Down!. Known for their legendary 80s underground singles, Donald-D went solo and joined Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate, but the duo reunited in the mid-2000s. The result is a nostalgic return to old-school Hip Hop, driven by hard-hitting beats and raw emceeing. With features from Ice-T and Chuck D on “Hello,” the album captures the essence of 80s Hip Hop with its boom-bap production and scratches. Though their voices may have aged some, their attitude and energy haven’t faded. Fans of golden era Hip Hop will enjoy this no-frills throwback. We Get Down! is a dope reminder of and tribute to Hip Hop’s roots, bringing back the sound that helped define a generation.

Release date: September 13, 2024.

8. Nyesui Loe & Loman - THE BALLAD OF LOESPERADO

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

Nyeusi Loe made waves in 2022 with MSCLN DST, a trippy collaboration with Lynn, MA producers The Mellos, reflecting the psychedelic aesthetic of that region’s rap scene. The Ballad of Loesperado takes an emotional turn, especially on “4EVA23,” a heartbreaking tribute to Loe’s late brother. The raw emotion in his voice, paired with deeply personal lyrics, creates a visceral impact. Loe’s versatility shines across the album, from the lively “Sinful” to the intimate “BIRDMANHANDRUB.” Featuring Michael Christmas, Kaleo Jacobs, and DATKIDBRAVO, Loesperado is an impactful album you won’t regret checking out.

Release date: September 3, 2024. 

9. Dead Players - Faster Than The Speed Of Death

September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month

Jam Baxter, Dabbla, and GhostTown return to complete their Dead Players trilogy with Faster than the Speed of Death. This latest chapter builds on over a decade of music-making, maintaining the signature Dead Players energy while embracing the evolution of its members. Born out of Soul-2-Soul’s legendary studio in North London, the project transformed into a cross-continental collaboration—Baxter in Mexico City, Dabbla hopping around Europe, and GhostTown in Yorkshire. To finalize the album, Dabbla and GhostTown flew to Mexico, combining creative sessions with temple visits and tamales.

The result is a 13-track ride through dark, atmospheric beats with moments of levity woven throughout. Baxter and Dabbla’s sharp lyricism cuts through GhostTown’s thunderous production, creating a high-octane, crimson-tinged experience. Dabbla mentioned that this might be their last album, but if it is, they’ve left a powerful statement behind. Faster than the Speed of Death is one of the most remarkable UK Hip Hop albums of the year, completing the Dead Players trilogy with a bang.

Release date: September 26, 2024. 

Honorable Mentions

  • Blak Madeen – When All Else Fails
  • William Bostick – Smack On Wax
  • blackchai & August Fanon – OTHERWISE A BLUR
  • Vic Monroe – Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
  • J. Sands – Cash Flow, Buddha & Shelter
  • Dell-P – I Can’t Make This Up!
  • Spook x SadhuGold – Hell On Wheels
  • Recognize Ali – Underground King III
  • Fashawn & ProducerTrentTaylor – You Owe Us With Interest
  • Doza the Drum Dealer & Machacha – Everything Must Go!
  • COOLETHAN – You Can Never Go Back
  • Consequence – Nice Doing Business with You
  • Guy Grams – Actors & Ballplayers
  • 60 East & The Soul Council – My Hometown
  • SB11 – Heavenly Unknown
  • Streets Soprano – U Hear Me 2
  • DJ Jewels Baby – UNDR DAWG

 

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One response to “September 2024 Round-Up: The 9 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Month”

  1. Duke says:

    Great list. I would add “Pumpkin Seeds “ from Wiseboy Jeremy on honorable mentions list.

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