Our Generation Music presents OGM All-Stars: our staff-picked best artists list of 2024.
Consisting of 24 talented stars that defined this year in music, which artist made your 2024 worth remembering? (List arranged in no particular order)
Playboi Carti (MVP)
Although Playboi Carti didn’t drop I AM MUSIC in 2024, what a rollercoaster ride it was to be a Carti fan. A handful of high-profile features, such as Ye’s “CARNIVAL” and The Weeknd’s “TIMELESS,” among others, lifted the Opium head honcho to unprecedented global heights. Carti’s impressive 2024 run—ignited by singles in “2024,” “H00DBYAIR” and “EVILJ0RDAN (which he’s performed during various festival sets)—has been an incubator for the album that’s about to shift MUSIC once more–just as Whole Lotta Red did in 2020. Despite his disregard for punctuality and constantly cryptic messaging (fans are definitely seeing “ALL RED” right now), Playboi Carti is a magnet for major moments—undoubtedly proving to be the cultural leader in music today, and the OGM MVP of 2024.
Nettspend (ROTY)
Nettspend has the “next gen” on lock. Armed with a quiet confidence and punk-star aura reminiscent of Kurt Cobain, the 17-year-old underground phenom went from being labeled as the “Drankdrankdrank” kid who was way too young to partake, to being one of the most acclaimed new artists of 2024. Describing Nett is just as polarizing: a BAD ASS F*CKING KID in every way. While most high school-aged kids are worried about their math final or prestige rank in Call Of Duty, Nett has been busy taking over the underground one track at a time. Dizzying melodies and bass-heavy, burnt distortion (curated by go-to producer Ok) bleed into Nettspend’s piercing vocals uttered through gritted teeth. Of the solo singles he’s shared in the build-up to BAFK, (“NOTHING LIKE UUU,” “THAT ONE SONG”), “F*CK SWAG” was the true breakout moment for Nettspend in 2024, clad with a Cole Bennett-Lyrical Lemonade visual that even Cole admits was one of his favorites of the year. He’s the problematic cool kid unafraid of what’s to come. You just need to be there to witness it for yourself.
Travis Scott
The best selling rap tour of all time. A Billboard No. 1 off a 10-year-old mixtape. Spotify’s most-streamed rap album of the year. Headlining sets at Rolling Loud, Summer Smash, ComplexCon… What didn’t Travis Scott achieve in 2024? The Cactus Jack mogul has been a tour de force when it comes to expanding his brand beyond music; his global CIRCUS MAXIMUS tour is a beaming sample of this success. While he didn’t drop a new project in ‘24, UTOPIA was felt all year long. Not to mention one-off features on Playboi Carti’s “BACKR00MS” and DBR’s long-awaited streaming release, Scott’s presence was more apparent than ever coming off arguably the most successful rap album and tour of all time. The fact that DAYS BEFORE RODEO felt like an entirely new experience a decade later goes to show that Travis’ innate ability to curate worlds around his music will last lifetimes in rap lore. His creative vision is 20/20, and with a new album in the tuck for 2025, (perhaps before Cactus Jack takes over the desert at Coachella in April), the UTOPIA icon looks to “FE!N” for more wins as the new year settles in.
Future
Rap’s toxic king came with a vengeance in 2024: covertly leading a coup that would ignite the greatest rap battle of all time. Drake vs. Kendrick dominated headlines this year, but we would be remiss to mention the role Future played in it. Releasing three projects (all of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200) handily placed the Atlanta legend in the upper echelon of rap superstars—yesterday, today and tomorrow. Future doesn’t just win, he’s never lost. Nabbing multiple GRAMMY nominations for his work with Metro Boomin on WE DON’T TRUST YOU and WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU, Future is truly at his best serving sweet nothings to the girl you wish you had. He came, saw and conquered in 2024.
Kendrick Lamar
There’s just no one like him. “Not Like Us” was the song of the year—no, MOMENT of the year—for many reasons, but Kendrick Lamar didn’t leave any doubt that he (and he alone) sits at the top of the rap power rankings. If the surprise-dropped GNX, the already legendary Los Angeles Pop Out or inescapable “squabble up” wasn’t enough to take your timelines for a spell this year, King Kendrick reigned with a heavy hand as the people’s champ, stemming from his tidal victory over Drake in the 2024 Rap War. Kendrick played no games in 2024, claiming the throne outright and with seemingly no contest (credit to Drake’s “Family Matters,” though, he cooked there). However, Lamar’s drops within the beef like “euphoria” and “meet the grahams” were just as enjoyably menacing as they were chilling. GNX was the cherry on top to an already stellar year. Highlights like “luther” with SZA, “tv off” and “hey now,” among other cuts, are timeless heading into 2025—and proved to be a LA-influenced bounce back from the lull of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Kendrick is what the culture is feeling, and felt, all year long. Don’t expect him to lose his spot at hip-hop’s top dawg anytime soon.
Destroy Lonely
Destroy Lonely is an artist who unknowingly wears his heart on his sleeve. Brash and blunt, the Opium rapper’s catalog is filled with wavy anthems and lustful rhymes that breed gated vulnerability that he’s unwilling to unlock. The more you pry, though, the more you begin to hear. His sophomore album, LOVE LASTS FOREVER, is Lone’s commercial peak, debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and selling 35,000 first-week units. One would hope that with charting highs comes an evolution (sonically) in some way, and Lone surely achieves this on LLF. Gone are the grunge guitar-type beats that have plagued most of his early discography, this new world is vast, open and spacious—as if he’s been abducted to Mars only to come back to tell the tales of his travels. If Looks Could Kill was the start of Lone’s takeover, but expect OG Destroy Lonely songs as 2025 fast approaches.
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler’s landmark year can be perfectly described by his remix of Kendrick Lamar’s “hey now.” “300K, four days, CHROMAKOPIA,” he raps. “12 days gold, I ain’t even drop a deluxe once / Sold a million tickets first day for that new stage…” Not only did his eighth album earn him the biggest Billboard debut of his career, but saw Tyler reside in an entirely new creative space. “[CHROMAKOPIA] is the first album where everything I said is true,” he said at one of his many CHROMA pop-up shows this Fall, revealing a more open and emotional side to Tyler’s sound—embodying true emergence as a Top 5 emcee of our generation. His creativity, passion and drive to build worlds within his albums (with much appreciated swift rollouts) are a dime a dozen in today’s rap landscape, alongside expert curation of his renowned Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival (which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in November). Always striving to push the culture forward—and continuously craft outside-the-box concepts—Tyler, The Creator is the heartbeat of hip-hop and really “THAT GUY.”
Lil Yachty
Boat has captured back to back MVP-caliber runs in ‘23 and ‘24. Everything he’s touched following Let’s Start Here has turned to gold for the Atlanta superstar, which ultimately marked the beginning of a new era. Lil Yachty evidently redefined what it means to be a “rapper” in the modern age. High profile waterfall releases, colorful, eye-popping singles with Ian (“HATE ME”), Veeze (“SORRY NOT SORRY”) and perhaps his most important piece of work, spearheading Concrete Boys and their debut compilation tape, IT’S US, VOL. 1, Boat continued to venture further left in 2024. Dropping a collaborative project with the angelic James Blake, BAD CAMEO, Yachty is the most creatively free he’s ever been. Boat is music’s secret recipe—willing to take risks whenever he sees fit. That’s truly the mark of an OGM all-star.
Ken Carson
Ken Carson continues to defy expectations, evolving into one of the most innovative emcees of our generation over the past few years. Albums like Project X and X not only have sparked the Atlanta rapper’s prominence in new wave circles, but have garnered an undeniable movement in the mainstream. A GREAT CHAOS only bolstered—and uplifted—Carson’s likeness to new heights, becoming the defining moment of his career so far. Achieving the highest chart placements for any Opium artist (outside of Playboi Carti) with his 2023 magnum opus, Ken doubled back this year with its 7-track deluxe in July, fully outgrowing his underground roots and emerging as a bona fide trendsetter. His sold-out CHAOS world tour this past year was more than enough to illustrate this— letting the world know of his arrival as an inimitable mosh leader. Expect MORE CHAOS to ensue well into 2025. Ken’s nowhere near finished with his takeover.
Yeat
2024 was easily Yeat’s most successful year to date. Dropping two albums in 2093 and Lyfestyle, which both debuted No. 2 and No. 1 respectively on the Billboard 200, headlining his first set at Rolling Loud Miami and performing in front of over 60,000 fans in Romania, the LA-based rapper has come a long way since being crowned the new wave GOAT in 2021. Yeat is a full-blown superstar still in tune with his roots—recruiting Summrs for “GO2WORK” was a huge moment for day one listeners. However, the first No. 1 album of Yeat’s career was well worth the listen–returning from outer space to detail his extraterrestrial excursions. Only he would be able to translate an alien language into otherworldly festival anthems. Ultimately, Yeat holds the future of music in the palm of his hand.
Sexyy Red
Balancing virality and quality with unabashed confidence, Sexyy Red continued her off-the-cuff reign in 2024. Fully bringing irreverence and excitement back to hip-hop in recent years, 2023 hits like “Pound Town” and “SkeeYee” led to her third studio album, In Sexyy We Trust, which dominated Summer ‘24. “Make America Sexyy Again” propaganda flooded timeliness amid the album’s months-long rollout, as the St. Louis rapper’s high-profile co-signs in Drake and Tyler, The Creator became fully realized collabs this past year. Her star power was put to the test on “U My Everything” with Drake (which preceded his appearance in the “Get It Sexyy” music video) and her “dream collab” with Tyler, The Creator on the anthemic “Sticky,” which she delivered on ten-fold. Sexyy Red is a walking viral moment, ready for the spotlight at a moment’s notice.
Gunna
Gunna was always “H1M ALL ALONG.” A year removed from dropping a 2023 Album Of The Year favorite A Gift And A Curse, Gunna’s comeback—and overall rebrand—needs to be studied for years to come. Since being released from prison in 2022, Gunna has put the “W” in WUNNA at every corner of his career. His latest album, one of wun, reasserted the former YSL rapper’s stamina as a solo star–without the need for or help from previous affiliates like Young Thug and Lil Baby. Gunna has emerged as one of the most sought after rappers in music today; one of wun since the beginning.
SahBabii
It’s not wild to think that SahBabii dropped the rap album of the year with SAAHEEM. As one of the most enjoyable first listens of 2024, the Chicago rapper experienced an overwhelming resurgence (and true breakout) with his latest album. It’s fitting that its title is his first name; SAAHEEM doesn’t shy away from who he’s always been. Equipped with Young Thug-esque flows, warbly inflected vocals (which at times sound like Carti’s deep voice) and tongue-in-cheek wordplay, SAAHEEM accomplishes what most major rap projects didn’t this year: It doesn’t take itself too seriously. SahBabii sounds free, unbothered and on point with multiple hits to show for it. “VIKING” became one of the best rap tracks of the year overnight, so much so that even devoted hip-hop heads like Tyler, The Creator took notice. Undoubtedly, SahBabii deserves more credit; it’s well overdue. “Purple trackhawk, yellow Brembos, I’m catching them plays like a Viking” is on repeat until further notice.
Rich Amiri
Rich Amiri’s evolution needs to be studied. A cornerstone of Internet Money’s youth movement (which featured the likes of Lil Tecca, Dro Kenji, Iann Dior and more), the Boston-raised rapper has been on a hot streak with albums over the past three years. Projects like EVOLUTION, GHETTO FABULOUS and perhaps his best to date, WAR READY, Amiri’s major breakthrough moment happened when his viral hit “One Call” peaked at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. Soon after, it achieved RIAA Platinum certification, propelling Amiri towards XXL Freshman honors (infamously declining the publication’s freestyle segment). Amiri is the most polished of “next gen” rap clique, winning with crisp melodies and a distinct deep vocal tone that’s immediately recognized. WAR READY and “One Call” are at the precipice of Amiri’s next move. Just watch what he does in 2025.
Don Toliver
Don Toliver stole 2024 like a “BANDIT.” It wasn’t all about music, though. Welcoming the birth of his first child with longtime girlfriend, Kali Uchis, this past year, Toliver’s maturity and growth beyond the mic has evidently bled into the music (specifically on his latest album). The HARDSTONE PSYCHO era proved to be his most career-elevating yet. Following LOVE SICK, the 30-year-old rapper’s aesthetic evolved from a smooth operator to the leader of an edgy biker gang as its “HARDSTONE PRESIDENT.” That, combined with features on albums by Kanye West, Yeat and multiple shut-down performances with Cactus Jack compatriot Travis Scott, provided the Texas native with another comfortable (and impressive) year atop the hip-hop hierarchy.
Bossman Dlow
No matter what bar, club or beach you went to this summer, you can bet on Bossman Dlow’s “Get In With Me” blaring on any nearby speaker. A personal pick as a song of the summer, the viral track brought the Florida rapper’s status as a refreshing voice for southern street anthems to a boiling point this year—earning him honors as a 2024 XXL Freshman. Now, as Dlow rides the wave of 2024 albums in Mr. Beat The Road and his latest Dlow Curry (Dec. 13) well into 2025, don’t expect him to let off the gas as he speeds towards another inescapable hit. He’s “The Biggest” out, after all.
LUCKI
LUCKI is the GEMINI we all have in our lives: There’s never a dull moment when you’re hanging with one. His latest album fully embodies LUCKI’s ascension as one of the most embraced underground OGs the game has to offer. However, in 2024, LUCKI occupied a new grey space. 2023 albums in FLAWLESS LIKE ME and s*x m*ney dr*gs lifted the Chicago rap icon towards a full-fledged breakout, while GEMINI acted as its victory lap—coursing with concise depictions of his personal struggles and late-night escapades. LUCKI remains an all-star because there’s no one else rapping as carefree as he is right now; it just comes so natural.
Veeze
“SORRYNOTSORRY” was a moment for Veeze in 2024. Fresh off his debut album GANGER and coinciding deluxe last year, the Detroit emcee has been at the forefront of the city’s revitalized sound for years—but now, he’s in a league of his own. Teaming up with Yachty for the song of summer contender, Veeze’s feature efforts alone landed him an all-star nod: “F*cked A Fan” with Rylo Rodrigeuz, “duh duh duh” with Dom Corleo, “yea yea” remix with Star Bandz are a few. However, it was his appearances on tracks like Kenny Mason‘s “4 My,” “Wavy Navy University” with Detroit day one BabyFace Ray and “TWIN FLOW” and “Gerskiway” with No. 1 collaborator LUCKI (we need the collab album from these two ASAP) were all cause for Veeze’s all-star campaign. Following his 2023 MVP run, Veeze continues to be one of the most enticing emcees of our generation by prioritizing polished raps and consistency above all.
GloRilla
Of all the female rappers to pop out this year (Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Sexyy Red etc.), GloRilla was the most dominant by far. Even linking up with Sexyy Red on “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” for a powerhouse collab, 2024 was GLORIOUS for the Memphis-raised rapper. Viral hits seemed to follow Glo throughout the year, such as “Yeah Glo” and “TGIF”—which have nabbed her a pair of GRAMMY nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. The best thing about GloRilla is that her sound isn’t spun for a specific audience, she’s a one-of-one lyricist with personality and flair that lends to widespread likability. You can thank her accent for part of that, but expect more “burtiful mursik” as she continues to take over the game in ’25.
MIKE
MIKE’s burning desire? Rap like he’s living out his last days. Revered for his work alongside Earl Sweatshirt, Alchemist, Wiki, Tony Seltzer and more, the New York City wordsmith is a lyrical wunderkind that continues to uplift contemporary hip-hop to new heights. Living in Jersey, Philly and London for a stretch of time, MIKE’s well-traveled, channeling these experiences growing up and living in different cities through a grimy yet calculated aesthetic. Holding his pen to higher stature, you’re getting more out of music when you’re listening to MIKE. Touting a catalog packed with double-digit albums—his most recent being the acclaimed Burning Desire and Pinball with Seltzer (which nabbed MIKE a coveted spot on our list this year)—the 26-year-old rapper’s drawled, intoxicating monotone and upper echelon wordplay feed the souls of fans (new and old) listening intently. He’s a natural born storyteller. In the background of every verse lies his affinity for beats, as his producer alias ‘dj blackpower’ rears its head on solo MIKE records and dedicated beat tapes alike (his latest being Dr. Grabba). There’s much more to MIKE than meets the eye—constantly thinking about the next project, next song or next verse he looks to gift the world. Stay put for his new album, SHOWBIZ, due out Jan. 31.
Homixide Gang
Since the release of their debut album, Snotty World, in 2022, Homixide Gang have remained a consistent force in the underground—pushing the envelope with their patented style of distorted sonic chaos. The Opium tandem’s latest project I5U5WE5 echoed throughout the new wave in 2024. “R50” was the track most cling to, growling with grunge guitars and razor-sharp melodies that incite moshes on all levels. As HXG continues to generate greater appeal outside of the Opium audience (performing at Summer Smash, Rolling Loud, ComplexCon and more), 2025 is gearing up to be a make or break year for Beno and Meechie.
Cash Cobain
The summer(s) of Sexy Drill started with the one and only Cash Cobain; it appears you can’t have a summer without a hit song from him these days. On top of releasing his sophomore album, PLAY CASH COBAIN, in August, Mr. Slizzy set the scene on fire with a barrage of sure-fire hits that dominated the year. “Fisherrr,” “Problem (Remix)” with Laila! and “Grippy” with J. Cole took over timelines at every turn—King Cash just couldn’t be stopped in 2024. With his most successful year behind him, know that Cash Cobain will refuse to settle for anything less that utter dominance in ’25.
OsamaSon
FLEX MUSIX and Osama Season were just the foundation for OsamaSon, a sleeping mainstream giant with echoes of a new wave Speaker Knockerz in his raps. Nabbing a headlining tour sponsored by Rolling Loud earlier this year, as well as shutting down show after show (most notably at Summer Smash), the Goose Creek, South Carolina native is as enigmatic as he is consistent. Leading up to the release of his highly-anticipated debut album, JUMPOUT, OsamaSon has become the people’s choice in regards to naming who’s really “next up.” Fiery, exuberant pit anthems made for the mosh are his forte, as OsamaSon’s 2024 can de defined as a year of growth and visibility. Sharing a slew of singles over the course of the year—as well as an impressive joint EP with Glokkk40Spaz—we’re watching a sun become a star when it comes to OsamaSon, landing a major look on Rich Amiri’s new album WAR READY. It’s clear that OsamaSon is an artist that’s unquestionably of-the-moment, looking to double down on his success in the new year.
Lazer Dim 700
Lazer Dim’s heavy twang and beloved, quick-witted flow (sounding as if he recorded every verse he’s done in a rush) is only one small part of his rise to stardom in 2024. The guy is just so damn likable. It seems everything that he’s put out this past year, whether it be new music (dropping a pair of albums in Injoy and his KEEPIN IT CLOUDY in 2024), moments like his Nardwuar interview or wacky, one-off tweets that seem to be typed in an alien language, the fast-rising Atlanta emcee’s persona is entertainingly one-of-one. Just put Lazer in front of the camera or on stage, a viral moment is BOUND to occur. Just last year, Lazer was recording music from his bedroom on Bandlab, and now, he’s become a staple of the underground—whose quality of music has become almost unrecognizable since. Songs like “Asian Rock,” “awsum” and “Laced Max” dominated our playlist over the course of 2024 for that reason. Joyous, unserious and talented far beyond what he realizes, Lazer Dim is easily a Rookie Of The Year finalist and an undoubted 2024 all-star.
Which artist made your year? Let us know in our comments!