On Monday, Rolling Stone dropped its highly anticipated year-end list The 100 Best Albums of 2024. While listeners may be debating their favorite project’s rankings or even some snubs more than a quarter of a list is made up of Black music artists from across the diaspora. It is a testament to the powerful presence of Black music artists in shaping the global music landscape. From pop innovators to rap pioneers, these artists have delivered groundbreaking albums that pushed boundaries and left an indelible mark on the year. Here’s a closer look at the Black excellence on the prestigious list.
Beyoncé Takes No. 2 with ‘Cowboy Carter’
Beyoncé’s genre-blurring album Cowboy Carter claimed the second spot on the list. Infused with country-inspired melodies, rich storytelling and Black history, and her signature vocal prowess, this project redefines what modern music can achieve and challenges how the music of Black artists is categorized.
Tyla’s Breakout Moment: No. 6
South African sensation Tyla landed at No. 6 with Tyla. Her debut album fused amapiano rhythms with global pop appeal, showcasing her vocal versatility and artistry.
Future and Metro Boomin (No. 7)
Chaos and subliminals and ushering in of the year’s biggest rap beef aside the duo’s album We Don’t Trust You secured the seventh spot with its moody beats and introspective lyrics, cementing their status as hip-hop’s most dynamic collaborators.
Doechii Brings the Heat at No. 9
Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii is an explosive blend of experimental rap that pay homages to the founding fathers and mothers of the genre and unapologetic storytelling. This mixtape solidified her place as one of the most innovative voices in the industry and earning her the title of the most nominated female rapper at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
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Afrobeats’ Reign: Rema (No. 11) and Tems (No. 37)
Rema’s Heis (No. 11) and Tems’ Born in the Wild (No. 37) showcase Afrobeats’ undeniable global dominance. Both albums highlight their artistry while pushing African music into new territories outside of the continent.
Creative Visions from Tyler, the Creator (No. 17) and Kendrick Lamar (No. 21)
Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia (No. 17) continues his streak of conceptual excellence, while Kendrick Lamar’s GNX (No. 21) is an introspective masterpiece exploring identity, relationships, and resilience. The Los Angeles rappers dropped their projects in October and November respectively and were able to land fairly high on the list.
Rising Stars: GloRilla, Normani, and Anycia
GloRilla’s Glorious (No. 25) is a hard-hitting testament to her rise in the rap scene. Normani’s Dopamine (No. 32) and Anycia’s Princess Pop That (No. 29) delivered pop perfection, blending infectious hooks with personal narratives.
Genre-Bending Excellence: Mustafa, Kaytranada, and ELUCID
Mustafa’s Dunya (No. 30) paired poetic lyricism with ethereal sounds. Kaytranada’s Timeless (No. 40) redefined electronic music, while ELUCID’s Revelator (No. 66) showcased the experimental edge of hip-hop.
Notable Mentions
- Griff (No. 31) with Vertigo and Chief Keef (No. 33) with Almighty So 2
- Rachel Chinouriri (No. 38) with What a Devastating Turn of Events, Latto (No. 46) with Sugar Honey Iced Tea, Cash Cobain (No. 50) with Play Cash Cobain and Ayra Starr (No. 53) with The Year I Turned 21 released projects that capture the essence of youth culture.
- Brittany Howard (No. 54) with What Now delivered soulful introspection.
- Shaboozey (No. 55) with ‘Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going’ delivered country bops.
- ScHoolboy Q (No. 68) with Blue Lips and Vince Staples (No. 75) with ‘Dark Times’ delivered the other side of LA.
- Ice Spice (No. 73) and Sexyy Red (No. 71) pushed hip-hop’s boundaries with Y2K and In Sexyy We Trust.
- Cavalier (No. 87) with Different Type Time a poignant meditation on embracing the present.
- Common and Pete Rock closed the list at No. 98 with the timeless collaboration The Auditorium, Vol. 1.
A Year of Black Excellence in Music
From Afrobeats to rap, soul, and pop, these artists have redefined music in 2024. Their placements on Rolling Stone’s list not only highlight their talent but also underscore the profound influence of Black creatives on global culture.
