It’s been an exciting year for hip-hop in 2024. This year, we witnessed what might be one of the greatest rap battles of all time between Kendrick Lamar and Drake — two of today’s top-tier rap “goats.” The back-and-forth between them provided lyrical entertainment and showcased each artist’s skill. Meanwhile, a wave of music has emerged from a dynamic array of women in hip-hop. Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, JT, Doja Cat, Doechii, Rapsody, GloRilla, and others are making it clear that no matter where they’re from, women in hip-hop have something to say. While these developments have shaped 2024 for hip-hop, my personal favorite highlight has been the surge of hip-hop coming out of Philadelphia. Known for its top-tier MCs, Philly is once again proving why it’s a staple in the genre.
Across the city — from North and West Philly to Uptown and Southwest — there’s been an exciting burst of talent. Today’s Philly hip-hop sound combines sharp wordplay and autotuned melodies with a soulful grit. Tracks like “Cloverleaf” by Chill Moody, “Please Don’t Feed The Wolves” by Amir Ali, and “Bellargo” by TooMxchRaw show why Philadelphia consistently produces top-tier MCs. There’s also a noticeable rise in melodic rap, perhaps influenced by the late PnB Rock, whose harmonized style made a mark on the city. Hip-hop stars like Lil Uzi Vert and Tierra Whack prove that Philly’s wordsmiths can do more than just rap; they can create melodies, too, as seen in tracks like “Chill Bae” and “Mood Swings.” Even emerging artists, such as T-Marie with “Too Many Options,” and “Open,” by Lena are blending melody and lyricism to produce songs that make you want to dance or reflect.
With the influence of genres like house, club, and drill, Philly rappers are creating tracks that encourage listeners to get up and move. Songs like “Elbow Deep” by The Bul Bey, “Big Bad Wolf” by Queen Jo, “This Is How We Do It Pt. 3” by Tye add to the soundtrack for anyone in the mood to dance. But no matter the genre or era, Philly’s hip-hop has always carried a soulful essence. Conscious music has long been part of the city’s legacy, with songs like “Lil Bro” by Kur, “FINALLY” by Lihtz, and “Money & Dreams” by Shawn Smith, Dom Dukes, and WONDERS. These tracks showcase how Philly’s artists can turn raw experiences of trauma into therapeutic music, painting vivid pictures of life’s toughest lows and most inspiring highs.
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s encouraging to see such strong talent emerging from Philadelphia. If this year is any indication, we can expect even more powerful music from the City of Brotherly Love. Here’s a playlist of some standout tracks from my favorite Philly hip-hop artists.