Best Rap Songs Of 2024... So Far

The ceaseless influx of music in a web-based climate has made it tough to keep up with all the latest releases. Furthermore, browsing through tracklists and singles on a regular basis can get quite tiring and time consuming. Taking that into account, HipHopDX is devoted to ensuring that the process of keeping things interesting so far as rap is concerned never becomes tedious.

With artists churning out material non-stop, it’s important to have the freshest cuts set aside from the rest. For those who aren’t all that big on going through entire albums to find joints that resonate with them, our picks for best rap songs of 2024 is the alternative that makes the most sense.

Brother Ali – “The Collapse”

Few MCs have challenged authoritarianism with the same consistency and vigor as Brother Ali. “The Collapse” and its accompanying music video shed light on the deteriorating state of the world amid endless warfare and capitalistic suffering, and the 46-year-old veteran has taken it upon himself to nudge listeners toward remedying the human condition by first confronting its evils. Given the song’s gripping and effective message, it is an easy contender for best rap songs of 2024.

Mac Miller “The Quest”

In his brief yet impassioned time on Earth, Mac Miller accomplished more than the average creative. His family and estate have thankfully handled his legacy with a great deal of care, treating his fanbase to tidbits of his memory even in his absence. Recorded as part of the Watching Movies With the Sound Off  sessions in 2013, “The Quest” was initially released as a vinyl exclusive for the album’s 10-year anniversary in 2023 and is now available across streaming platforms. In what turned out to be a full circle moment, the Pittsburg native sampled Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack song “Phone Call” by Jon Brion, who worked on the late rapper and producer’s last two albums years later.

Rapsody – “Stand Tall”

Rapsody seems to have caught wind of all the chatter about her appearance and demeanor, and she’s addressed the hearsay about her sexuality on new track “Stand Tall.” Acknowledging how ridiculous it is, she spits: “So I ain’t got no answers/ You can believe what you choose.”

Homeboy Sandman – “Do It Right”

The Hip Hop space has always been a lot more fun when Homeboy Sandman is releasing new music. The Queens native is fortunately back on the scene with “Do It Right,” curing that itch for quirky and technical bars that couldn’t come from anyone but him — plus he rarely ever misses.

Ray Vaughn (Feat. Pusha T) – “Problems”

Another percussion-less rap gem, “Problems” brings Ray Vaughn and Pusha T’s endless skillsets to the forefront. This joint is centered on bars and lyricism, which isn’t to take away from the production — Rayo and WizzleGotBeats play their parts to perfection, allowing the voices on the project to steer it.

ScHoolboy Q – “Blueslides”

When ScHoolboy Q revealed the tracklist for Blue Lips, the title “Blueslides” immediately caught people’s attention given that his late friend Mac Miller named his debut album Blue Slide Park. Sure enough, the track features a heartfelt lesson derived from the Pittsburg rapper’s untimely passing in 2018 that’s bound to leave some listeners clogged up.

Cam’ron & Swizz Beatz – “Last Stop”

Released as part of a KITH fashion campaign, Cam’ron and Swizz Beatz joined forces on the first release from the fashion brand’s new record label. According to a press statement, the joint effort “serves as the soundtrack to KITH Spring 2024, which features Cam’ron as the face of this season’s campaign.” A trademark Swizz chop, Killa rides the instrumental with a calm flair that epitomizes NYC rap, easily making it one of the best Hip Hop songs of the year.

Blu & Roy Royal – “The Royal”

Los Angeles to its core, this crossover features two of the most underrated technicians in Hip Hop representing their city to the max. Taken from the joint EP Royal Blu, the track puts Blu’s lyrical prowess on full display over a hard-hitting beat by Roy Royal; add to that the Dodgers-themed video and there’s no question about LA’s place in the culture.

Logic – “Fear”

On the first offering from his long-anticipated Ultra 85 album, Logic turns up the energy with an upbeat dance instrumental, over which he spits at lightning-fast pace. Furthermore, the accompanying music video for the disco-influenced track features a number of drag queens readying themselves and rehearsing before they are shown in full costume, enhancing his lyrics about identity, shedding fear and judgement of others.

Machine Gun Kelly – “don’t let me go”

In his pivot back to rap, Machine Gun Kelly opens up on “don’t let me go” about the complex workings of his mind by elaborating on his vulnerabilities and weaknesses. In doing so, he addresses his emotional instability, childhood trauma, suicidal tendencies and substance abuse as well as succumbing to trust issues from being ignored despite publicly crying for help. Regardless of the concerning admissions throughout the song, it ends on an optimistic note as he asks fans and listeners to give him space to recover.

aroomfullofmirrors (Feat. Roberto Horns) – “50 First Dates”

Handpicked by Top Dawg Entertainment’s Terrence “Punch” Henderson to be a part of the aroomfullofmirrors collective, Roberto Horns is not only glowing with potential but he’s also walking the walk. “50 First Dates” is just one of many examples that showcase his flow, charm and creativity, giving listeners every reason to believe there’s more to follow.

Benny The Butcher – “BRON”

Produced by Hit-Boy, “BRON” exhibits the California beatmaker’s knack for eloquent instrumentation in mechanical form. Add to that the conviction with which Benny The Butcher delivers his lines and it’s impossible not to fantasize about a Tiny Desk band rendition of the track (you heard it here first).

Eminem – “Doomsday Pt. 2”

All it took was a few bars for Eminem to reignite his 20-plus year beef with Benzino. He immediately became the center of attention when Lyrical Lemonade’s All Is Yellow went live because it’s practically impossible to ignore what he has to say about his long-time rival’s appearance.

Erick The Architect (Feat. WESTSIDE BOOGIE) – “Instincts”

Known best for cooking beats and rapping on them as a member of the Flatbush Zombies, Erick The Architect is the last member of the group to drop a solo project. Teaming up with WESTSIDE BOOGIE on the fourth single from his debut LP, I’ve Never Been Here Before, the Brooklyn native takes on a wise and tranquil temperament that speaks to his experience.

Heems (Feat. Saul Williams) – “Accent”

Heems has been among the most respected independent MCs ever since he started out with Das Racist and extended his talents to the Swet Shop Boys. Since the beginning, he has centered his creativity on his Desi-American identity with a passion that persists to this day, and “Accent” is yet more proof of the bravado with which he pulls it off.

Ché Noir (Feat. Evidence & Your Old Droog) – “Junior High”

A congregation of rap purists, “Junior High” serves listeners three different yet equally compelling flavors of the discipline. Produced by Playa Haze, the Evidence and Your Old Droog feature was released as part of Ché Noir’s four-track EP, The Color Chocolate, Vol. 1.

Conway The Machine – “Give & Give”

Forever on his A-game, Conway The Machine teamed up with Cool & Dre for the luxurious “Give & Give.” Be sure to check out the music video for a bonus track halfway through that, from the sound of it, was produced by fellow Griselda trooper, Conductor Williams.

Asher Roth & Heather Grey – “Temporary”

Asher Roth quietly waltzed back into the music scene a few years back after going on hiatus to rethink his strategy. Since his return, the Pennsylvania native has been releasing new material constantly and it’s all thanks to his enlightened perspective. A committed force of positivity, the 38-year-old and his frequent collaborator Heather Grey bring a calmness to Hip Hop that is always welcome, which is why “Temporary” hits the spot.

HipHopDX’s search for the best rap songs of 2024 involves recurring alterations and upgrades. Join us in curating this living, breathing shortlist and hop in the comments section to let us know if we missed anything.

Be sure to also check out our other shortlists for updates at the start of each month:

The Best Rap Albums of 2024
The Best R&B Albums of 2024
The Best R&B Songs of 2024