July 2024 Roundups: The Best Albums of the Month
Featuring Common & Pete Rock, Denzel Curry, and Freeway & Jake One, here are the best albums that came out in July of 2024.
Music releases occur at a rapid pace, making it challenging to stay updated, especially with unannounced albums. A compilation of ten notable albums from July 2024 has been created to address this. The list is presented in no particular order and without rankings. Despite efforts to be comprehensive, some excellent July releases may have been overlooked or needed to be given more attention. Readers are encouraged to share their favorite albums from the month in the comments section. The constant influx of new music and the trend of surprise releases can overwhelm listeners. This curated selection aims to help music enthusiasts keep track of recent releases. However, it’s acknowledged that personal preferences may differ, and the list is not exhaustive.
Common & Pete Rock: The Auditorium, Vol. 1
The classic sound of the Golden Era of Hip-Hop is again thriving, establishing itself as an enduring subgenre. Within this vibrant and mature rap landscape, Common and producer Pete Rock have joined forces to create their debut collaborative album, The Auditorium, Vol. 1. As veterans in their field, they’ve skillfully adapted their sound to the present-day without losing their essence or chasing trends. The success of their collaboration lies in the strong connection between the artists. Firstly, the longstanding harmony between Common and Pete Rock plays a crucial role. Like Nas and Hit-Boy’s effective partnership, Common’s decision to work exclusively with an established producer like Pete Rock was wise.
Denzel Curry: King of the Mischievous South, Vol. 2
The second volume of King of the Mischievous South showcases Denzel Curry’s understanding of Florida’s musical connection to the South. This project resembles a compilation album featuring numerous collaborations reminiscent of Hypnotize Minds’ style. Curry’s lyrics have evolved, with his hooks and boasts landing effectively. The album’s production stands out for its gritty quality. Compared to the first KOTMS mixtape, this release achieves a new level of intensity, enhanced by the featured artists. While some debate Florida’s cultural alignment with the South, Curry’s work affirms the musical ties between the two. The album’s structure and guest appearances create an atmosphere that surpasses its predecessor, demonstrating Curry’s growth as an artist and his ability to curate a cohesive project.
Freeway & Jake One: The Stimulus Package 2
After a 14-year gap, Jake One and Freeway have released their second collaborative album, The Stimulus Package 2. This project is Freeway’s most engaging work since the original Stimulus Package and his Roc-A-Fella releases. The production quality surpasses Freeway’s last three albums, with Jake One providing a consistent sound throughout. The State Property alums’s lyrics on this album focus on reinforcing his legacy in hip-hop culture. Despite some listeners’ perception of Freeway’s output in recent years as average, this latest collaboration marks a return to form. The Stimulus Package 2 joins its predecessor, and Freeway’s Roc-A-Fella works as a key entry in his discography. The Philadelphia emcee and producer’s reunion has resulted in a project that showcases both artists’ strengths. Jake One’s beats complement Freeway’s rhymes, creating a cohesive listening experience that recalls their earlier collaboration while moving their sound forward.
Linda Sikhakhane: Iladi
Linda Sikhakhane’s music embodies the dynamic growth of South African jazz. The saxophonist’s sound blends contemporary vintage bop with global influences, drawing inspiration from icons like John Coltrane and Winston Mankunku Ngozi. Iladi, Sikhakhane’s latest work, presents eight original compositions that evoke a communal gathering. The album’s approach resembles a classic Blue Note session, with the trio maintaining an intense undercurrent. Sikhakhane’s deep, emotive tone flows seamlessly with this backdrop. Born in Umlazi Township near Durban, South Africa, Sikhakhane’s roots trace back to KwaNongoma. His musical journey began early, shaped by his cultural heritage and an innate affinity for sound. This background informs his current work, where he applies all he has learned and intuited.
Blu & Evidence: Los Angeles
The collaborative album Los Angeles unites Blu’s lyrics with Evidence’s production, offering a portrait of their hometown. This project may be Blu’s strongest work since Miles with Exile in the 2020s. The album’s sound ranges from hard-hitting boom bap to jazzy instrumentals, reflecting the city’s diverse atmosphere. Evidence’s production adapts to each track, incorporating drumless segments and soulful beats. This variety maintains listener engagement throughout the album. Blu’s narratives cover L.A.’s iconic traits, from traffic jams to rare cold days in the typically warm climate. The album captures Los Angeles in its raw, sunlit reality. Blu’s introspective verses find a fitting home in Evidence’s soundscapes. Together, they create a musical homage to the City of Angels, demonstrating their deep connection to their roots.
BERWYN: Who Am I
The debut album, Who Am I, presents a concise yet autobiographically rich collection of tracks. BERWYN explores themes of race, insecurity, and excess through varied production. This release follows the critically acclaimed Mercury-nominated DEMOTAPE/VEGA and its successor, TAPE 2/FOMALHAUT, crafted in a bedroom setting. Who Am I opens with its title track, featuring an intense, undulating drum pattern and a catchy topline. BERWYN reflects on cyclical regret, ultimately asserting that his struggles have transformed him “into a diamond.” Throughout the project, BERWYN confronts systems of power and active oppression. His approach to these topics affirms his significance as an artist. The production versatility complements the weighty subject matter, creating a multifaceted listening experience that solidifies BERWYN’s position in the contemporary music landscape.
Jimetta Rose & Voices of Creation: Things Are Getting Better
The latest release, Things Are Getting Better by Jimetta Rose and The Voices of Creation, blends house, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop influences. This LA-based vocal group’s latest work conveys messages of faith and unity during challenging times. Rather than a complete reinvention, the album represents an evolution in the group’s sound. It offers what Jimetta describes as “new mantras and prayers for this new day that we find ourselves in that is so stark between the dark and the light.” The album’s uplifting and inspirational tone reflects the group’s commitment to their purpose. Jimetta Rose and The Voices of Creation aim to spread optimism and foster community through their music. Their belief in the power of music, faith, and togetherness underpins the album’s central theme of ongoing improvement.
Daniel Son & Futurewave: Bushman Bodega
Bushman Bodega marks the return of Toronto emcee Daniel Son, who collaborated with producer Futurewave. The album showcases the duo’s chemistry, with each track contributing to a larger narrative. Futurewave’s atmospheric production provides a fitting backdrop for Daniel Son’s gritty storytelling and dark humor. The project’s raw and cinematic feel stems from meticulously crafted beats and reflective lyrics. This partnership brings out the strengths of both artists, resulting in a cohesive and engaging listening experience. Bushman Bodega demonstrates Daniel Son’s wordplay and Futurewave’s skill in creating complementary soundscapes.
DOE: Heart of a Human
Heart of a Human blends soulful melodies with sincere lyrics, exploring themes of faith, introspection, and perseverance. The album’s diverse tracks highlight DOE’s range as an artist. “God Is In Control” conveys a message of faith and acceptance, while “Breathe” emphasizes the value of pausing for self-reflection. “So Glad We Met” aims to inspire those facing challenges and discourage them from giving up. These songs collectively form a musical narrative that resonates on an emotional level. The album’s composition demonstrates DOE’s ability to craft deeply personal and universally relatable music, addressing various aspects of the human experience through a spiritual lens.
Clairo: Charm
Charm expands on the ‘70s-inspired sound Clairo developed in Sling, delving deeper into soft rock with a blend of smoldering and whimsical elements. The album was created in collaboration with Leon Michels, known for his work with El Michels Affair and the Dap-Kings. Their partnership resulted in arrangements rich with Wurlitzer, mellotron, piano, and organ. While Jack Antonoff’s production of Sling had a cooler, atmospheric feel, Charm radiates warmth. The new album’s tracks have a noticeable groove despite Clairo’s typically hushed vocals. The golden-hued production transforms her voice, making it more intimate than timid. Clairo maintains her focus on subtle details but pairs them with lush production. This combination creates a sound that’s both rich and nuanced. The shift in production style from Sling to Charm highlights Clairo’s evolving artistic vision and her ability to collaborate effectively with different producers.