5 Great Hip-Hop Albums You May Have Missed in 2024

Believe it or not, we’re just a month away from wrapping up 2024, which means your feeds will be flooded with Best Of lists soon enough.

BUT AHT AHT!

Before you start proclaiming which rap albums reigned supreme in 2024, let’s take a minute to look at five projects we haven’t discussed yet here on Soul In Stereo. If you haven’t peeped these yet, do yourself a favor. They deserve a spot on your playlist.

Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal

It’s been a banner year for Doechii – Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and a nod for her banger “Nissan Altima,” as well as a Best Rap Album nom for her best project to date, Alligator Bites Never Heal. Though I guess it’s technically a mixtape, this release has plenty of teeth. It’s an intentional sharp left turn from the success of her breakout hit “What It Is,” delving into much more diverse production and performances. Whether it’s moody R&B, introspective hip-hop, or frantic radio-friendly fare, nearly every track lands. Throughout the mixtape, Doechii often wrestles with imposter syndrome, wondering if the clock is ticking on her success. She has nothing to fear – Alligator Bites Never Heal lays the groundwork for a long, successful career.

Freeway & Jake One, Stimulus Package 2

Freeway seems to only be mentioned when fans reminisce about bygone eras, specifically the 2000s reign of the Roc. But despite label woes and health challenges that would have silenced most, the Philly Freezer is still ice cold. He reunites with Jake One for Stimulus Package 2, the sequel to their beloved union way back in 2010. Freeway sounds rejuvenated as he spars with peers like Jadakiss, Black Thought and Peedi Crakk, all while Jake One laces the tracks with the soulful grit you’d expect from a Freeway release. Stimulus Package 2 is comfort food for fans looking to revisit the sound that defined better days, and it’s a reminder that the 1-900-Hustler ain’t going anywhere.

Killer Mike, Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival – Songs For Sinners And Saints

Nobody was happier than me when Killer Mike’s incredible Michael album received its just due at the Grammys earlier this year – well, I’m sure Mike was happier I was, of course. And that energy clearly fueled his latest release ­– Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival – Songs For Sinners And Saints. While it’s an obvious spinoff from the previous project, it’s not a retread. SFSAS uses the elements that worked on the previous project – the heavy gospel influence and his unabashed vulnerability – to build something new. This time, Mike goes into current-day troubles, like the arrest that followed his big Grammy win. Though he’s ferocious in the booth, it’s his humility that makes his music so down to earth. It seems every time Mike gets pulled into the mud, he emerges more focused than ever. This album is a reflection of that.

Che Noir, The Lotus Child

Che Noir is three for three. After her head-turning debut As God Intended – one of the bright spots of a dismal 2020 – and delectable sophomore follow up Food for Thought, Che keeps her momentum rolling with The Lotus Child. Che’s life hasn’t been all roses and dandelions, and she has no fear sharing her truths over gloomy boom bap and soulful backdrops. But this is no pity party. Even when detailing the loss of family members or sleeping in cars, her confidence – and hope – is staggering. Sure it’s just eight tracks long, but she maximizes every minute thanks to her intricate storytelling and effortless delivery. The ladies of hip-hop pulled no punches in 2024 and Che is among the best of them.

BigXthaPlug, Take Care

BigXthaPlug is something special. He has the confidence. He has an insanely catchy flow. And on Take Care, his sophomore album, he has an exquisite ear for production. Big X floats on the most random samples you can imagine – The Isley’s “Contagious,” the theme to Law & Order, Rick James’ “Give It To Me Baby,” for starters – and he nails it every single time. It’s that unpredictability, along with Big X’s commanding flow and knack for storytelling, that makes Take Care one of 2024’s most pleasant surprises.  This man can rap over anything.

What have been some of your hidden gems in 2024? Put us on in the comments below.