Mixtape Madness’s Top 15 Projects Of The Year

2024 has seen a transitional period for UK Rap music, moving away from the saturation of the mainstream to championing the underground. We’ve had breakout tracks such as Chy Cartier’s ‘YO’ and a stellar collaborative EP from Knucks and K-Trap, as well as another trailblazing year for Central Cee.

Here however we have focussed on full length bodies of work, compiling our 15 favourite releases which have dropped over the last 12 months. Below, and in no particular order, is Mixtape Madness’s top 15 projects of 2024:

BXKS – One Time

BXKS’ One Time, is a gem of an electrifying eight-track mixtape that feels like a sonic rollercoaster through her sharpest bars and most infectious beats. The Luton MC doesn’t hold back, delivering relentless energy with standout features from Joe James and Sie that feel more like collabs than cameos.

Despite the gruelling process she detailed on Instagram—where she confessed this tape nearly did her in—the result is pure gold. It’s raw, confident, and unapologetically BXKS, proving that the stress was worth every second. Hit play and let One Time remind you why she’s one of the most exciting voices in UK rap right now.

Danielle Holian

Ceebo – LAMBETHNOTLA

A quiet masterpiece of storytelling, Ceebo paints the picture of SW4. Flipping Kendrick samples and themes into his very own, combined with scintillating rhyme schemes, this is a talent who blazes his own trail.

Thanks to his elite lyricism and creative concepts across the project, Ceebo has announced himself as a key artist in a new wave of emrging stars. He is able to prove that this is Lambeth, not LA, and that Black British culture is very much alive and well.

R’Mello Hamilton

K-Trap – SMILE?

No doubt a fan favourite in the rap and drill space, K-Trap’s album ‘SMILE?’ caused noise within the scene this year, further proving his value to the industry. A 19-track project including collaborations with Dre Six and D-Block Europe, the album also saw him link up with Blade Brown for yet another heater, which was no doubt well received by the majority of listeners.

Offering a soundscape that operated within a different style of rap production, the project continued to diversify his sound and further showcase how versatile K-Trap’s talent is, whilst also not shying away from his gritty, lyrical authenticity and Drill roots.

Harvey Marwood

Tems – Born In The Wild

Tems’ album is a captivating fusion of Afropop, R&B, and soulful ballads, showcasing her exceptional vocal range and storytelling. Each track is a smooth blend of lush melodies and introspective lyrics, reflecting her personal growth and unique perspective.

With standout collaborations and her signature ethereal sound, the album solidifies Tems as one of the most influential artists of her generation. It’s an emotional and empowering body of work that further cements her place in global music.

Chama Laura

Potter Payper – Thanks For Hating

Potter Payper has enjoyed a stellar year with all three of his projects landing in the top 40 of the UK charts. ‘Thanks For Hating’ however is the pick of the bunch, giving us the artist’s classic brand of storytelling, pain, and harsh realities whilst simultaneously expanding his horizons through collaboration.

From the Latin infused ‘Sinola Cartel’ to the raw, hardhitting ‘Free Double M’ with Marnz Malone, Potter proves himself to be one of, if not the greatest Real Rapper this country has produced. This year has seen him deliver consistently, while rumours of a potential sophomore album in the works mean that we could potentially have a classic on our hands in the new year.

Joe Simpson

Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

If there’s an album that encapsulates the soul of its creator while holding a mirror to the listener, it’s, ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ by Bashy. This isn’t just an album; it’s a cinematic journey through time and space, capturing the heartbeat of North West London and the trials of working-class life.

Months after its release, it’s still impossible to press play without getting chills, because this is more than music – it’s a testament to Bashy’s artistry and the endurance of UK rap. Whether you’re from Brent or Berlin, this is an album that resonates deeply, promising to stand the test of time.

Danielle Holian

Joe James – BEAST LIVING

Essex boy Joe James continues to impress with yet another strong project. He effortlessly intertwines his Grime roots with his ability to fully explore his artistry through multiple soundscapes.

BEAST LIVING is a powerful statement of independence from a voice that is quickly becoming one of the greatest in the game. James’ use of production across the project is unmatched by his peers, tapping in to a wide variety of genres and executing across them with ease.

R’Mello Hamilton

Marnz Malone – Tina’s Boy

A real gem who has risen in popularity this year, Marnz Malone’s project ‘Tina’s Boy’ continued to bring Real Rap back to the forefront of the industry. 45 minutes and 14 tracks filled with truth, lyrical substance and effortlessly excellent flows, an emotionally infused collection of UK rap beats allowed Malone to produce a great body of work for those seeking something away from the commercialised music crowding the scene right now.

Calling on Potter Payper for “Went To War”, the standout collaboration from the project showcases two of the realest rappers in the game, and easily solidified the project as one of the most substance fuelled, representative bodies of work to release this year. 

Harvey Marwood

FLO – Access All Areas

FLO’s highly anticipated new album showcases the group’s evolution with a fresh blend of soulful R&B, slick production, and powerful lyrics. With standout tracks that highlight their signature harmonies and innovative sound, the album captures their growth as artists while staying true to their roots.

It’s a bold, yet intimate collection, pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B. Fans have been hooked from the first note, as FLO continue to define the future of the genre.

Chama Laura

Headie One – The Last One

An album that somewhat flew under the radar this year, Headie One’s second album saw him deliver some of the best work of his career. Diverse in both subject matter and musicality, the Drill legend demonstrated an uptick in the level of thought and artistry within this release.

Jim Legxacy’s influence and production can be felt on ‘Form 696’ and ‘Recall’, while Skepta recently stated that ‘Karma’ might be the best Drill performance of all time. As we move further away from the dominance of Drill as the leading genre of UK Rap, Headie One is still finding ways to reinvent and refine his sound within it, creating stellar tracks in the process.

Joe Simpson

Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching

Ezra Collective’s, ‘Dance, No One’s Watching’, is the kind of record that feels like the universe gave us a golden ticket to every party worth attending. From the samba-soaked swagger of ‘Ajala’ to the sultry, soul-drenched duet of ‘No One’s Watching Me’ with Olivia Dean, every track is a passport stamp to a new rhythm-laden world.

Each note feels alive, from Ife Ogunjobi’s soaring trumpet to James Mollison’s sax, wrapping the album in a kaleidoscope of cultures. With lyrical assists from the likes of Yazmin Lacey and rap brilliance courtesy of M.anifest, this is Ezra Collective at their boundary-pushing best. It’s a record that dances through borders and genres, leaving a trail of euphoria in its wake.

Danielle Holian

Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal

A formidable full-length debut, Doechii creates space for vulnerability on her most ambitious and musically varied collection to date, which consists of 19 tracks that seem more poignant and independent than her wave of club-ready singles.

Without sacrificing hard-hitting Hip-Hop, this impressive debut showcases her melodic and whimsical sides. The Tampa born talent has announced herself as one of the best rappers in the game right now, showcasing a diverse skill set that is only getting stronger with each release.

R’Mello Hamilton

Fimiguerrero/Len/Lancey Foux – CONGLOMERATE

A thirteen track trailblazing project, ‘CONGLOMERATE’ saw the undeniable trio of Fimiguerrero, Len and Lancey Foux collaborate on one of the most individually unique and creative bodies of work to come out of the UK this year. The growth individually over the past 24 months for Fimiguerrero and Len has not gone unnoticed, and linking up with Lancey was the final piece of the puzzle for this release.

An unapologetically UK sound with US influences, the originality of the new sound they have pushed in this country has struck waves worldwide, and ‘CONGLOMERATE’ no doubt stands as one of the best and most groundbreaking projects to arrive in 2024.  

Harvey Marwood

Pa Salieu – Afrikan Alien

Pa Salieu’s latest project is a raw and immersive exploration of his unique sound, blending Grime, Afrobeat, and Dancehall influences. With gripping storytelling and infectious rhythms, the album reflects his journey, struggles, and triumphs, offering listeners a deeper look into his life.

His distinctive voice and fearless approach to music shine through every track, making this project a defining moment in his career. Pa Salieu continues to push the boundaries of UK rap, delivering an album that’s both personal and powerful.

Chama Laura

Bawo – It Means Hope Where I’m From

Blessed with a unique blend of smart, witty lyricism and melodic flows, Bawo stands out as a true innovator within the next generation of UK Rap. Following on from last year’s excellent debut, ‘Legitimate Cause’, ‘It Means Hope Where I’m From’ sees the artist’s sound evolve whilst still maintaining the vulnerability of his first release.

‘Magnifique’ with Jordy is an outstanding track and one of my songs of the year. There is an irresistibly upbeat feel to ‘Belly Like Homer’, while the Sampha interpolation on ‘Hope You’re Listening’ is also a highlight. Bawo is an artist who makes exciting music and has managed to deliver two top tier projects in two attempts.

Joe Simpson