Lots of good music has come out thus far in 2024. Here are 30 of my favorites that reached peak popularity in the first half of this year (or are still climbing).
Kendrick Lamar, the Compton-bred rapper, has cemented his place as one of the most influential and acclaimed artists of his generation. With a discography that spans multiple critically acclaimed albums and a slew of awards, Lamar’s impact on popular music is undeniable.
From his breakthrough album good kid, m.A.A.d city to his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece DAMN., Lamar’s music has consistently tackled complex themes of race, identity, and social injustice with raw honesty and lyrical prowess. His signature blend of West Coast hip-hop, jazz, and funk influences has earned him widespread recognition for pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Lamar’s accolades speak volumes about his artistic achievements. In addition to his 17 Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for DAMN., To Pimp A Butterfly and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, he has received numerous other accolades and honors throughout his career, further solidifying his status as one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation.
One of his most significant achievements was receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, becoming the first non-classical or jazz artist to be awarded this prestigious honor. The Pulitzer board praised his album DAMN. for its “virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African American life.”
Lamar has also won several BET Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip Hop Artist multiple times. He has been recognized by the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, among others.
In 2016, Lamar received the prestigious Generational Icon Award from the California State Senate and the State’s Celebratory Commendation, honoring his artistic achievements and positive influence on the community.
Additionally, Lamar has been celebrated by various publications and organizations for his contributions to music and culture. He has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and his album To Pimp a Butterfly was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest album of the 2010s.
Beyond his musical triumphs, Lamar has also been celebrated for his philanthropic efforts. Through his foundation, he has supported various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of youth in his hometown of Compton, including funding for academic programs and community development projects.
With his thought-provoking lyrics, innovative sound, and commitment to using his platform for positive change, Kendrick Lamar has solidified his position as a cultural icon and one of the most important voices in modern music. His impact transcends the boundaries of hip-hop, inspiring generations of artists and listeners to embrace authenticity, creativity, and social consciousness.
As Lamar continues to push the envelope and redefine what it means to be a rapper in the 21st century, his influence on popular music and culture will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
The year 2002 was a turbulent one for the world, marked by wars, terrorism, scandals, and natural disasters. But it was also a year of creativity, innovation, and diversity in music. From hip-hop to rock, from pop to indie, from dance to folk, the music of 2002 reflected the mood and spirit of the times, offering both escapism and commentary, both nostalgia and novelty, both challenge and comfort.
One of the most dominant genres of the year was hip-hop, which reached new heights of popularity and influence. Eminem’s Lose Yourself became an anthem of determination and resilience, while Missy Elliott’s Work It showcased her inventive and playful style. Nelly’s Hot in Herre was a summer smash, while Clipse’s Grindin’ introduced a minimalist and gritty sound. Tweet and Missy Elliott’s Oops (Oh My) was a sensual and empowering ode to self-love, while Truth Hurts and Rakim’s Addictive sampled a Bollywood song and sparked a controversy. Cam’ron’s Oh Boy featured a catchy sample of Rose Royce’s I’m Going Down, while Khia’s My Neck, My Back (Lick It) was a raunchy and explicit hit.
Rock music also had a strong presence in 2002, with a variety of styles and sounds. Elvis Presley’s A Little Less Conversation (JXL Edit) was a remix of a 1968 song that became a worldwide hit, thanks to its inclusion in a Nike commercial. Avril Lavigne’s Complicated was a pop-rock anthem for the rebellious and misunderstood youth, while Coldplay’s In My Place was a melancholic and soaring ballad. The Strokes’ Hard to Explain was a garage rock revival, while Wilco’s Jesus, Etc. was a country-rock masterpiece. Interpol’s Obstacle 1 was a post-punk gem, while Spoon’s The Way We Get By was a catchy and quirky indie rock tune. The Libertines’ What a Waster was a punk rock blast, while Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising was a tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11.
Pop music also had its share of hits and surprises in 2002, with some old and new faces. Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty was a provocative and edgy reinvention, while Beyonce’s Work It Out was a funky and soulful solo debut. Brandy’s What About Us was a futuristic and sleek R&B track, while No Doubt’s Hella Good was a disco and rock fusion. Bjork’s Pagan Poetry was a haunting and experimental song, while Las Ketchup’s Asereje was a catchy and silly novelty. Alanis Morissette’s Hands Clean was a confessional and catchy pop-rock song, while Rufus Wainwright’s Across the Universe was a beautiful and faithful cover of the Beatles classic.
Some of the most memorable songs of 2002 were not easily categorized, but rather blended genres and styles. Sugababes’ Freak Like Me was a mash-up of Adina Howard’s Freak Like Me and Gary Numan’s Are ‘Friends’ Electric?, creating a pop and electro masterpiece. The Flaming Lips’ Do You Realize?? was a psychedelic and uplifting song, while X-Press 2’s Lazy was a house and spoken word collaboration with David Byrne. The Streets’ Weak Become Heroes was a rap and piano tribute to rave culture, while Doves’ There Goes The Fear was a rock and electronic epic.
The music of 2002 was a reflection of the year itself: diverse, unpredictable, exciting, and sometimes challenging. It was a year of contrasts and surprises, of highs and lows, of old and new. It was a year that gave us some of the most memorable songs of the 21st century, and a year that we can revisit through this playlist. Enjoy!
Five years after then president of The Recording Academy proclaimed that women need to step up, the ladies have responded with “How’s this, jerkface?” Women dominate this year’s Grammy nominations. More importantly, all but two of the top 20 songs on my year-end list are led by female artists (with one guy showing up to provide guest vocals). That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. I don’t have a deep analysis for this phenomenon, but I do have a deep appreciation for the talent and diversity of these women (not that women have ever been underrepresented in my annual tallies). The highest placing male acts on my 2023 list are none other than The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Yes, you read that right. The legends are back, and they still can show the young-uns how it’s done. With their song “Angry,” The Rolling Stones have achieved a remarkable feat: the longest span from first appearance to most recent appearance in my year-end surveys. In 1981, my first year of making such lists, the group placed with “Start Me Up.” The 80s are also well represented by Kylie Minogue and Madonna, each of whom made a triumphant return to my list after long absences. Welcome back, ladies! And last but not least, let’s give a round of applause to Megan Thee Stallion, who has been in my top five for five years in a row. That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. Now, without further ado, here is my list of the best songs of 2023. Enjoy!
Ice Cream Man. – RAYE
vampire – Olivia Rodrigo
Kill Bill – SZA
Bongos – Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Not Strong Enough – boygenius
Flowers – Miley Cyrus
Escapism. – RAYE & 070 Shake
Paint the Town Red – Doja Cat
Lipstick Lover – Janelle Monáe
Nobody Gets Me – SZA
Dance the Night – Dua Lipa
Shirt – SZA
AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue
Cobra – Megan Thee Stallion
Brenda Put Your Bra On – Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack & Pillbox Patti
Angry – The Rolling Stones
Now and Then – The Beatles
Cool About It – boygenius
RATATA – Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey