Music

The Best Hip-Hop Albums Of June 2024

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The Best Hip-Hop Albums Of June 2024 -- Anderson Paak, Megan Thee Stallion, Channel Tres(1024x450)
Getty Image/Merle Cooper

The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.

Summer has officially arrived, and the past four weeks have brought a bounty of new hip-hop to soundtrack your warm weather activities. From hard-hitting gutter anthems, to genre-bending party starters, here are the best hip-hop albums of June 2024.

Channel Tres — Head Rush

Channel Tres

Channel Tres’ first album for RCA Records is a cool collection of Compton house and techno that doesn’t just invite you to shake off your inhibitions — it demands it. While it might be a bit heady and left-of-center for rap traditionalists, it’s just the latest breadcrumb in a long trail of projects combining rap and dance music sensibilities going all the way back to Jungle Brothers‘ “I’ll House You” and Queen Latifah’s “Come Into My House.” It’s a fine addition to that canon while also challenging the conventions of hip-hop and traditional Black masculinity. “Gold Daytonas” is my favorite, but the most digestible tracks are “Cactus Water” and “Need U 2 Know.”

Lupe Fiasco — Samurai

Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco returns with an unabashedly nerdy album — does he make any other kind — with a head-scratching concept supported by head-nodding production and some genuinely thought-provoking beats. The concept is classic Lupe overthinking, extrapolating on a vignette from an Amy Winehouse documentary to build out an entire hypothetical on the title track (“What would it be like if [Winehouse] was a battle rapper?”), and indulging in Lupe’s own love for anime and Japanese culture to unpack his own ambitions and contradictions. It’s one of his more autobiographical projects, but as always, it works on multiple levels, giving it all the replay value of a classic anime like Cowboy Bebop.

Megan Thee Stallion — Megan

Megan Thee Stallion

Mining Meg’s tribulations of the past few years, Megan is impressive for its unflinching reflection of her personal pain and growth, as well as for returning the Houston Hottie to her roots. While her past projects got caught up in chasing pop appeal, here, she mostly sticks to the Texas trap that got her on the map, tapping Southern stalwarts like UGK and Big KRIT for lyrical support. Subjects on the album range from self-love — in more ways than one (contrast “Down Stairs DJ” with “Worthy”) — to Meg’s geeky interests (“Mamushi” dabbles in J-Rap, while “Otaku Hot Girl” samples one of her favorite anime). The high points are still the defiant challenges to her biggest detractors on “Hiss” and “Cobra.”

NxWorries — Why, Lawd?

NxWorries

If great things are worth waiting for, then Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge’s second project as a group is well worth the wait. Where their first masterpiece was something of a pimping handbook, its follow-up finds .Paak soul-searching through the process of divorce. He’s back on the streets and finding that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Described by some fans as a West Coast jazz rap version of Marvin Gaye’s infamous divorce album Here, My Dear (although, we’ve technically already had one of those — with the same name, no less — from Terrace Martin), Why Lawd? finds our guys lamenting not just the loss of love, but also just how hard it is out here to find a new one. Knxwledge outdoes himself, providing production that comes across as contemporarily cool in addition to being potentially timeless.

The Best Things We Ate At Gov Ball 2024

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Dan Resnick/Uproxx

The summer music festivals of my youth were once a barren wasteland. Especially when it came to the food. For anyone that liked eating during a mass gathering of sweaty humans, you were given only the basics: a hot dog (roller or water boil), burger (in the foil bag, steaming through), chicken fingers, fries and if you were lucky there was a wild card item or two from Aramark or whatever corporate food vendor typically monopolized the concessions with their blandly passable offerings.

Fast forward to 2024, and festivals like Gov Ball now have 30+ food vendors, including NYC local brand names, food trucks, and even scratch kitchen pop-ups. The amount of vendors and amazing culinary choices — as well as gimmicky but appealing options — can give you whiplash while you try to decide how you want to spend your money.

Here at Uproxx, we’re pleased to do some of the dirty work, at your service. So we’re sharing the five best foods we tried at Gov Ball 2024.

Gotham Burger Social Club – Cheeseburger

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Price: $15

A hyped up NY burger with “Social Club” in the name at Gov Ball, does it get any more IYKYK (*eyeroll*)? Does NYC need its own “Social Club” devoted to the sometimes pedestrian, sometimes high-falutin’, even gold foiled hamburger? Apparently, the only answer here is in the affirmative.

GBSC serves up a tasty perfectly crafted festival burger, with precise proportions of all of the non-traditional ingredients. Jalapenos provide the zip you’d hope for, the special sauce has just the right ratio of zest/creaminess, the pickles crunch gives the textural contrast without overpowering sweetness. Normally, the onions would be opted out on, but everything is sans substitutions at Gov Ball, and thankfully these onions are thin and flavorful enough to give some pungency without grossing out folks that may traditionally not order.

GSCB you won the burger battle at Gov Ball based on the rich thicker juicier flavorful patty, alone.

Fan Fan Doughnuts – Raspberry Lemongrass Doughnut

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Price: $4

The best sweet treat at Gov Ball? The folks at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream may be able to claim that title, but if you waited 15-30 minutes in the sun for a milkshake or scoop of icecream, you already took an L in my mind. Easier was the line at Fan Fan, where several doughnuts were sampled, with the raspberry variety coming out squeaky clean on top.

The bright pink icing on top with slices of fresh raspberry is a scrummy (shoutout to Aunt Sister) setup, even in the humidity of June heat. The fresh doughy nut held subtle spikes of lemongrass flavor that cut the sweetness of the raspberry elements for well-balanced bites, making the overall experience not too weighty despite being a doughnut.

Lobster Rolls & More – Lobster Roll

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Price: $27

Can you trust a lobster roll at a live event? Can you trust one outside the borders of Maine, period?

The lobster roll from Lobster Rolls & More at Gov Ball was pure goodness. The basic and fresh potato roll (though not enhanced by any time on a flat top, regrettably) was packed with enough lobster claw and tail meat to feel like you almost got your money’s worth (at $27, that ain’t easy), slathered in rich butter sauce that hadn’t congealed yet in the heat.

John’s Juice – Pineapple Slush

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Price: $13 (+ $2 refills)

When a place specializes in juices, specifically being served inside the fruit they are juiced from, there is a certain appeal to carrying around said fruit filled with icy cold refreshing just-squeezed juice on a hot summer day (is it a festival flex?). John’s Juice makes their juices to order, and fills the hollowed out pineapples with thin shards of ice and small chunks of fruit, along with the fresh juice.

The result was the perfect respite on a 90 degree Festival day, as well as a great palette cleanser if you had something savory to eat first. They’re big enough to share with a friend you’re comfortable enough to share a drink with, and portable enough to carry around until you’re sick of it or ready to try out your moves with both arms free. And refills are only $2!

No Good Burger – Burger

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Price: $15

Though not hitting the heights or dynamically nuanced flavor spectrum of the GSCB, No Good Burger is more of a riff on the Shake Shack/Smashburger variety. Simply appointed and made to order with pickles and special sauce, the No Good burger is a thinner and drier variety. The pickles and sauce eat a little sweeter than the competition, but you can add your own condiments to balance out the sweetness, if that’s not your thing. As is, the bun sort of mellows out the sweet note, leaving you with a burger that’s easily portable and simply satisfying.

Though No Good Burger lost the Gov Ball bitter burger battle, it was still one of the finest items sampled during the Festival and a solid pick if other food waits are beyond your threshold (mine is admittedly 15 minutes or path of least resistance).

Sexyy Red Fans Insist Tyla “Robbed” Her Of Best New Artist Title At BET Awards

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It’s no secret that it’s been a major year for Sexyy Red. Aside from joining Drake on tour and taking part in several high-profile collabs, the St. Louis-born rapper unleashed her third mixtape In Sexyy We Trust just last month. As expected, it arrived jam-packed with hits. Many fans thought would make her a shoo-in at the BET Awards last night (June 30).

She was nominated for a few different awards, including Best Collaboration, Best Female Artist, and Best New Artist. The latter is what now has her supporters feeling snubbed, however, and they’re making their opinions known. Tyla took home the honor instead of Sexyy, and many feel as though this simply wasn’t fair.

Read More: Sexyy Red & Chief Keef Hit The BET Awards Together After Kayla B Tweets About Sosa

Sexyy Red Looks Unbothered

Sexyy Red shared some fun clips and photos from the awards show on Instagram earlier today, showing her making it rain in the crowd, dancing, and more. Her comments section is flooded with fans insisting that she was “robbed,” as well as words of encouragement after the loss. “Sexyy should’ve won best new artist over Tyla tbf,” one commenter claims. “It’s ok sis, your efforts don’t go unnoticed. You won in my book,” another says.

Fortunately, it doesn’t appear as though Sexyy is too upset by the whole thing, as she’s gone on to share even more footage from the event. In one of her latest clips, she’s seen throwing around cash on the carpet, providing a heartfelt message to fans in her caption. “I do dis for da trenches da hood btches winnin,” she wrote. What do you think of Tyla winning Best New Artist at the BET Awards last night? Do you think the award should have gone to Sexyy Red or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Sexyy Red Twerks To “Get It Sexyy” In Front Of The White House During BET Awards

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The Roots Brought The Best Parts Of Roots Picnic To The Hollywood Bowl

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Getty Image/Merle Cooper

This past Saturday, The Roots brought the best parts of their annual festival, Roots Picnic, to the Hollywood Bowl for a special concert, Love Of My Life. Named after a song from the Philadelphia band’s 1999 fourth studio album Things Fall Apart (which was itself inspired by Common’s metaphorical 1994 storytelling track “I Used to Love H.E.R.”), the concert was dedicated to celebrating the group’s 30-year love affair with this thing called hip-hop. To that end, they recruited a slew of guests from the genre’s Golden Era to join them onstage to perform some of their greatest hits.

Arrested Development, Black Sheep, Common, Digable Planets, The Pharcyde, and Queen Latifah were all billed as performers, but throughout the evening, surprise guests ranging from Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am to an all-star roster of pioneer women in rap, including The Lady Of Rage, MC Lyte, Monie Love, and Yo-Yo, all joined The Roots on the legendary stage. And, as befits any live performance played the Philadelphian ensemble (the most recent of which I have to compare it to was their New Year’s Eve show at the Wiltern in LA just seven months ago), those hits were reinterpreted, remixed, and transformed by the addition of the live band.

When the crew launched Roots Picnic back in 2008, I felt so left out, living on the West Coast. While endless sunshine and pretty people never really gets stale, it did feel a bit like I was missing out on all the best bits of culture taking place in the northeast. As social media became more commonplace, allowed more footage from the festival to enter the public consciousness, that feeling was only intensified. For someone who counts The Roots among his most formative acts, watching Black Thought freestyle for 15 minutes on a phone screen was as exciting as it was disheartening that I couldn’t see it live.

On Saturday, I did. It was glorious. I’ve seen LeBron James play basketball in person in a high school gym in the hood (another of those perks of growing up in LA). I got the same, transformative feeling watching Tariq Trotter, a master of his craft in the same respect, do things very few other earthly powers have ever been able to come close to reproducing. When Common came out to perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.,” to see nearly 17,500 other people rap EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. was akin to a spiritual experience.

The biggest pops, though, were reserved for Queen Latifah and the cadre of hip-hop sistren who joined her for a mini-set that proved that women have always run hip-hop — and always should. Not expecting Lyte, Rage, or Yo-Yo to put in appearances, I was genuinely surprised by the surprise guest appearances. And I was awed. These women, all well into their 50s, hit every bar. The mics were ON. I get why younger artists often look like deer in the headlights at these festivals, but I’m going to recommend that you festival organizers start sending out media packages for study with the booking contracts. This is what it’s supposed to look like.

The night ended, somewhat fascinatingly, with a singalong of Black Sheep’s “The Choice Is Yours.” It was a high point, but there were so many singalong moments that could have been the finale: Thought and Com running through the title track of the evening. Arrested Development crooning “People Everyday,” Will sitting in with Pharcyde for a rendition of “Passin’ Me By,” or the Jungle Brothers popping out to perform the Native Tongues posse cut “Buddy” with more than a few of the original artists in attendance.

The best part of the show was the best part of the Roots Picnic as an event. Getting to see all these pillars of hip-hop together, not just on the same stage performing their own sets, but as a group, playing off each other, enjoying each other’s company and vibing together. That’s the one-of-a-kind experience that makes Roots Picnic one of the premiere festivals throughout the year. Even getting to sample it at an iconic venue like Hollywood Bowl? You can’t beat that with a bat.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Emphatically Dances To Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

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Giannis Antetokounmpo was spotted passionately vibing to Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track, “Not Like Us,” while preparing for a game with Greece for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. In the viral video, he aggressively punches the air along to Lamar rapping, “Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop,” before nodding his head in enjoyment.

When The Art of Dialogue shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter), fans made plenty of jokes. “Giannis was also a bot who was streaming Not Like Us on spotify” one user joked, referencing the accusations that Lamar used bots to boost the popularity of the track. Another remarked: “Europe always gets American hits 2 months later.”

Read More: Taraji P Henson Channels Kendrick Lamar To Parody “Not Like Us” During BET Awards

Kendrick Lamar Films Music Video For “Not Like Us”

Watts, CA – June 22: Kendrick Lamar smiles alongside Jay Rock, center, in between filming for the music video for “Not Like Us” at Nickerson Gardens on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Watts, CA. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“Not Like Us” has quickly become one of the biggest hits from Lamar’s career. He performed the track several times over to conclude his recent concert, The Pop Out – Ken & Friends, in Los Angeles. Afterward, he also took to the streets of his hometown to film a music video for the single. He’s yet to confirm a release date for that project. Drake, on the other hand, has been trolling Lamar on social media in recent weeks, but hasn’t put out any new diss tracks since “The Heart Part 6.” Check out the clip of Antetokounmpo enjoying “Not Like Us” below.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Loving “Not Like Us”

The video of Antetokounmpo singing “Not Like Us” comes as the NBA’s free agency period continues to heat up. Former Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson reportedly just agreed to a deal to join the Dallas Mavericks. Be on the lookout for further updates on Giannis Antetokounmpo as well as Kendrick Lamar and Drake on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar, DJ Mustard & More Film “Not Like Us” Music Video In Compton: Watch

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50 Cent Addresses Former Beam Suntory Employee’s Alleged Suicide Threat

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50 Cent has been wrapped up in a heated legal battle with Beam Suntory for a while now. Recently, it was reported that ex-employee Michael Caruso threatened to take his own life to avoid facing legal consequences for his alleged crimes. Fif accuses him and other former employees of taking part in an embezzlement scheme. Allegedly, one of the defendants previously decided that wanted to admit his guilt. This then prompted him to phone up his fellow ex-employees to share his plan. In response, Caruso reportedly began to cry and threatened to commit suicide if Green went through with it.

50 Cent took to Instagram earlier today to respond to the alleged threat, sharing a screenshot of AllHipHop‘s report. “Go read this article on @allhiphopcom beam Suntory change their name to @suntoryglobalspirits it is a 3.2 billion a year company, and they are doing this kinda sh*t,” he captioned the post. “The government needs to step in a regulate the spirits business. Black owned companies can not make it, if they don’t have the 70 million I had to put into the business.”

Read More: 50 Cent Clowns Rick Ross For Getting Jumped By Drake Fans In Canada

50 Cent Says Spirits Industry Needs Government Regulation

Reportedly, Caruso’s threat took place before he and the others were formally sued. Since then, he’s countersued the mogul, alleging that he was cut out of a deal with Fif’s Sire Spirits without getting the compensation or ownership stake that he was promised. 50 Cent later took to social media to call him a “snitch” for an unrelated case.

What do you think of one of the former Beam Suntory employees 50 Cent accuses of embezzlement allegedly threatening to commit suicide? What about 50 Cent’s reaction? Do you agree that the government should step in to regulate the spirits industry? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: 50 Cent’s Spirits Lawsuit Leads To Suicide Threat From Alleged Scammer

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Drake Celebrates Canada Day & Seems Unbothered By Rick Ross Incident With OVO Fans

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Happy Canada Day to everyone celebrating, and Drake is certainly taking it upon himself to lead this joyful holiday with some social media posts. Moreover, he took to his Instagram Story and main feed to post some footage of him and his friends chilling out under a bright sun at his Embassy property in Toronto. It seems like the “Wick Man” MC was having a great time, something that was probably bolstered by some new developments in his beef with many other rappers in 2024. A group of fans in Vancouver, Canada recently attacked one of his current rivals, former quintessential collaborator Rick Ross, and his crew for allegedly trying to play Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at a festival.

We don’t really know how Drake actually feels about that situation… but folks have their theories, of course. Even 50 Cent swooped in to troll Rick Ross over this, and OVO die-hards have had a field day rejoicing in this revenge. Of course, we’re not advocating for violence in any capacity, and fans would do well to remember that. But it goes to show that this battle runs much deeper than a couple of songs, at least for a lot of people out there.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Has An “I Told You So” Moment After Rick Ross Vs. Drake Fans Fight

Drake’s Social Media Posts For Canada Day

Meanwhile, other hip-hop artists are still siding with Kendrick Lamar in the Drake battle, and the most recent example of this is Too $hort (an L.A. native, for the record). “I like the way a lot of people stood up and rode with the homie [Lamar] in this one. Because it seemed like he was supposed to be the underdog,” he told Billboard on the 2024 BET Awards red carpet. “I think he held his own pretty good. I think that in this situation… none of us would dispute that this battle was amongst two really good artists.”

Also, Too $hort suggested that “gangster Drake” is over, but that he still loves “R&B Drake,” as he’s been into Drizzy’s music ever since “the most beautiful woman in the world” put him onto his Comeback Season mixtape in the late 2000s. “The ladies are good judges of what good music is. They dictate a lot of stuff in the industry, so I say kudos to Drake ’cause I wouldn’t have never knew about your music if it wasn’t for the baddest of the baddies,” he remarked.

Read More: Drake Didn’t Win Any BET Awards Despite Having The Most Nominations This Year

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Offset Essential Songs

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Offset, one-third of the iconic rap trio Migos, has cut out a distinct space for himself in hip-hop. With a versatile flow and a knack for crafting memorable hooks, Offset has consistently delivered hits. Beyond his contributions to Migos, Offset’s solo work reveals a depth and complexity that cements his status as a formidable artist in his own right. Moreover, Offset’s influence extends far beyond his individual tracks. They impact the broader rap scene with his innovative approach. By exploring five of his essential songs, we can gain a deeper understanding of his artistic evolution. These tracks highlight his solo achievements and his ability to collaborate and elevate the music of those around him.

1. “Ric Flair Drip”

Released in 2017 as part of the collaborative album Without Warning with Metro Boomin and 21 Savage, this track quickly became a standout hit. The song’s beat, produced by Metro Boomin, complements Offset’s confident lyrics. Named after the iconic wrestler Ric Flair, the track encapsulates a lavish lifestyle filled with luxury and bravado.

The impact of “Ric Flair Drip” extended beyond the music charts. It also became a popular anthem in clubs and social media. Offset’s seamless flow and charismatic presence in the song helped solidify his reputation as a solo artist capable of dominating hip-hop. The track’s success is a testament to Offset’s versatility and his ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience.

2. “Clout” (Featuring Cardi B)

A highlight from Offset’s debut solo album Father of 4 (2019), this track features a dynamic collaboration with his wife, Cardi B. The song addresses the culture of seeking fame and attention at any cost. Both artists delivered sharp critiques through their verses. The chemistry between Offset and Cardi B is palpable, adding an extra layer of intensity and authenticity to the track. “Clout” received widespread acclaim for its hard-hitting lyrics and catchy production. The accompanying music video, featuring striking imagery, further amplified the song’s message and appeal. “Clout” stands out as a powerful statement in Offset’s catalog.

3. “Red Room”

“Red Room,” released in 2019, is one of the most introspective tracks in Offset’s solo career. The song delves into his personal experiences, addressing trauma, survival, and growth themes. The haunting production, characterized by somber melodies and a steady beat, provides a fitting backdrop for Offset’s reflective lyrics. Futher, in “Red Room,” Offset opens up about his upbringing, brushes with the law, and his struggles on his path to success. This track stands out for its raw honesty and emotional depth, offering fans a glimpse into the rapper’s life and mindset beyond his public persona. By sharing his story, Offset connects with listeners on a deeper level and solidifies his place as a multifaceted artist capable of blending vulnerability with hard-hitting rap.

4. “Bad And Boujee” (With Migos, Featuring Lil Uzi Vert)

As a defining moment for Migos, “Bad and Boujee” catapulted the group to international fame upon its release in 2016. Offset’s iconic opening verse set the tone for the track, showcasing his rapid-fire delivery and impeccable flow. The song’s catchy hook, combined with its trap-influenced production by Metro Boomin, made it an instant hit.

Additionally, the success of “Bad and Boujee” was immense, dominating charts and social media and even becoming a viral meme. Offset’s contribution was crucial, with his distinctive style and memorable lines driving much of the song’s appeal. This track solidified Migos’ place in mainstream hip-hop and highlighted Offset’s standout abilities within the group, paving the way for his successful solo endeavors.

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Anime Lover Logic Has Teamed With Crunchyroll For A New ‘Cowboy Bebop’-Inspired Streetwear Collection

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Logic 2024 Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll

Logic has long been a huge anime guy, and now he’s teamed up with one of the industry’s biggest US-based titans — anime-focused streaming service Crunchyroll — and one of his favorite shows, Cowboy Bebop. As for what they’re doing: It’s a new streetwear collection partnership inspired by the classic show.

The following 11 Crunchyroll exclusives are included in the collection: See You Space Cowboy T-shirt, Sympathy for the Devil T-shirt, Logic and Radical Ed Smiley T-shirt, The Crew T-shirt, Logic and the Crew-neck Sweatshirt, Logic and the Crew Sweatshirt, Cowboy Bebop 1998 Hoodie, Varsity Jacket, Beanie, Corduroy Hat, Skate Deck, and Poster. The collection is available to pre-order now on the Crunchroll online store.

Logic offered a statement, saying, “Anime was there for me when I was growing up in a drug and violence-ridden childhood and household. I discovered anime through Cowboy Bebop, and would later go on to befriend the voice of Spike Spiegel, Steve Blum, and collaborate with him on various albums, which is a dream come true. Without Cowboy Bebop, there is no Logic. I just hope that collabing with Cowboy Bebop and Crunchyroll will allow me to introduce a lot more of my fans who might not be hip to Cowboy Bebop, and vice versa, and hope that a bunch of people out there who love Cowboy Bebop will realize I’m making fun anime nerd albums.”

BET Apologizes To Usher For An ‘Audio Malfunction’ During His Heavily Censored Lifetime Achievement Award Speech

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Usher won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, but his speech was so heavily edited that viewers watching at home weren’t able to make out what the “Confessions Part II” singer was saying. BET has since apologized for what a spokesperson called an “audio malfunction.”

“Celebrating global icon Usher on our stage with a star-studded tribute and having him accept his award with a heartfelt speech was an honor,” the spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. “Due to an audio malfunction during the live telecast, portions of his speech were inadvertently muted. We extend our sincere apologies to Usher as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation in culture’s biggest night. Fans can catch his full uninterrupted speech across BET platforms and tonight’s encore on BET.”

As for the contents of his roughly 13-minute speech, Usher talked a lot about forgiveness.

“We’ve got to be willing to forgive. We’ve got to be willing to be open,” he said. “I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it. Look what I was able to ‘usher’ in. But that’s what’s real. That’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us women and men.” Let’s see if he forgives BET.

You can watch the full (uncensored) speech below.