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Kendrick Lamar put the entire greater Los Angeles area on his back with the track “Not Like Us” that was very much a Drake diss and a call for West Coast unity. Pioneering this category, Kendrick Lamar and a group of other West Coast Hip-Hop artists are enjoying a resurgence that has set the culture at large.
For a better look at how the West won 2024, or at least why we think they're ready to do so, we need only look back at Future and Metro Boomin's single “LIKE THAT,” which the pair released in March. WE DON'T TRUST YOU project that started the sludge between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, reaching its culture-changing zenith via K-Dot's explosive track 'Not Like Us'.
The smash hit of “Not Like Us” remains a case study in timing, impact and the power of directionality. There's no mystery to Lamar's verse, no inside lines to parse or over-the-top prose. It's clear that K-Dot's Canadian rival was his target and that his merciless attacks dug into Drake's character and image, with some in Hip-Hop crowning Lamar the ultimate winner in their feud.
Adding to the layers, the video for “Not Like Us” was another celebration of greater Los Angeles with YG, Dot's former TDE boss Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Mustard and DeMar DeRozan showing off the region's pride via of their appearances. It's gotten to the point where, listening back to the relatively light jabs thrown at “AFTER THAT,” it's still bewildering that the beef reached the heights it did.
All of this has of course overshadowed other top achievements by West Coast artists, and we'll do our best to review the year that was.
Groovy Q
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ScHoolboy Q also dropped in March with his sixth studio album, Blue lipsan album that we at Hip-Hop Wired reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed. To date, no other major Hip-Hop release has taken as many risks as they have sonically Blue lips and further cements ScHoolboy Q's legend as a street driven, yet spiritually grounded lyricist. And how much the production stood out Blue lipsthe maestro in the middle of the maelstrom has always been Q.
Vince Staples continues his strong run
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Its buoyancy and chaotic energy Blue lips is not overtly present on Vince Staples' sixth album, Dark Timesanother example of the Long Beach native's ability to find a reflective thread in even the starkest details about his upbringing and rise to fame. Dark Times it's not a very happy album, at least not overall. As the album reveals, Staples consistently presents himself as an artist who isn't interested in being analyzed or even understood. The album is a sonic message of someone hoping to exist on their own terms without the weight of expectations.
T says he's the oldest in town than Kenny
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Tyler, The Creator—no longer just the talented, if vicious, producer-rapper who fronted the sprawling Odd Future crew—is now a veteran actor with eight studio albums under his belt. His last, Chromaticityit's a sonic hodgepodge of all of Tyler's sounds from rap, singing, jazz, rock, you name it, it's here. Continuing some of the chest out rap that appeared CALL ME IF YOU'RE LOSTthe T recognizes the K-Dot in “Rah Tah Tah”, signaling that the coast is unified. Chromaticity follows a concept that targets rabid fans, tackles the abortion debate, and takes a stab at maintaining reputations. Some have crowned the record as the best released this year.
Soul-O Hoe!
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Ab-Soul's sixth studio album, Soul Burgerit was considered a surprise considering the staggered release schedule that TDE typically uses. Dedicated to his good friend Doeburger, who died in 2021, Soul Burger finds 'Martin Luther King of Carson' paying tribute to his friend and his roots while once again showing why he might be the most powerful lyricist to come out of the Top Dawg Entertainment camp.
New Kung Fu Kenny!
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Which brings us to the surprise Friday (November 22) release of Lamar's latest album, GNXa body of work that appears to be a continuation of the sound examined on “Not Like Us” and includes the full version of “squabble up,” a track we've only heard in snippets before. GNXat least on our first listen, it doesn't stick to one theme or sound, and it'll take some time to pick up on all the finer points. That being said, K-Dot showcases his excellent skills and the autobiographical “The Heart Pt. 6” is a highlight. And yes, there are shots at Drake, references to the Super Bowl, and maybe even a dig at Lil Wayne? You be the judge.
Other standout albums that highlighted West Coast dominance this year include Jay Worthy and DāM FunK's funky Magic Hour collaborative album, Tha Dogg Pound's We all haveLarry June's To do it for meBig-Hit, Hit-Boy and The Alchemist's Black & Whitesand JasonMartin (FKA Problem) and DJ Quik's Chupacabra.
We also got strong bar work from Planet Asia and his Trust The Chain II EP with 38 Spesh in production. TiRon and Ayomari's The Adventures of TiRon & Ayomari, of Thurz Yannick Koffi: In Timeand Casual's Starbuster EP should be included in this compendium.
Regional biases and arguments aside, time will tell whether the West Coast can sustain its momentum through 2025. But if 2024 is any indication, the West had a lot more to say. It appears that the entire coast is poised to move together as a cohesive unit, and as the smoke continues to clear, any challenge to their respective thrones will be adequately met.
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