Source: Michael Blackshire/Getty

Kendrick Lamar put the entire greater Los Angeles area on its back with the track “Not Like Us” which was largely a critique of Drake and a call for West Coast unity. Leading that charge, Kendrick Lamar and a collective of other West Coast hip-hop artists are experiencing a resurgence that has put the culture at large on alert.

To better understand how the West won in 2024, or at least why we think they’re poised to do so, we need only look back at Future and Metro Boomin’s single “LIKE THAT,” released in March on the label of the duo. WE DON’T TRUST YOU project that ignited the slander between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, reaching a zenith of culture change thanks to K-Dot’s explosive track “Not Like Us.”

The runaway success of “Not Like Us” remains a case study in timing, impact and directorial power. There is no mystery in Lamar’s verse, no esoteric lines to parse, no prose that goes over your head. It’s more than obvious that K-Dot’s Canadian rival was his target and his relentless attacks have hollowed out Drake’s character and image, with some in hip-hop crowning Lamar the absolute winner of their feud.

In addition to the layers, the video for “Not Like Us” was another celebration of greater Los Angeles with YG, Dot’s former boss at TDE Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Mustard and DeMar DeRozan showing off their regional pride through their appearances. It’s gotten to the point that listening to the relatively light jabs thrown on “COMCE CELA” it remains baffling that the jam reached the heights it did.

All of this has naturally overshadowed the other major achievements of West Coast artists, and we’ll do our best to review this year.

Groove

Source: Billboard/Getty

ScHoolboy Q also released in March with his sixth studio album, Blue lipsan album that we at Hip-Hop Wired examined and I enjoyed it immensely. To date, no other major hip-hop release has taken as many sonic risks as Blue lips and further cements ScHoolboy Q’s legend as a wise yet spiritually grounded lyricist. And even if the production stood out on Blue lipsthe maestro in the middle of the maelstrom was always Q.

Vince Staples continues his solid progress

Source: Erika Goldring/Getty

The buoyancy and chaotic energy of Blue lips is not openly present on Vince Staples’ sixth album, Dark timesanother example of the Long Beach native’s ability to find a thread of thought in even the most vivid details surrounding his upbringing and rise to fame. Dark times is not a happy album, at least not overall. As the album reveals, Staples consistently presents himself as an artist who has no desire to be dissected or even understood. The album is an audio missive from someone who hopes to exist on their terms without the weight of expectations.

T says he’s the biggest in town since Kenny

Source: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Tyler, The Creator – no longer just the talented, if crude, producer-rapper who fronted the sprawling Odd Future – is now a veteran act with eight studio albums. His last, Chromacopyis an audio hodgepodge of all of Tyler’s sounds, from rap to vocals to jazz to rock and more, he’s here. Continuing some of his shirtless raps that appeared on CALL ME IF YOU GET LOSTT recognizes K-Dot on “Rah Tah Tah”, signaling that the coast is unified. Chromacopy follows a concept that targets rabid fans, addresses the abortion debate, and denigrates maintaining fame. Some have crowned the record as the best released this year.

Soul-O Hoe!

Source: Jason Armond/Getty

Ab-Soul’s sixth studio album, Soul Burgerwas considered a surprise given the staggered release schedule typically used by TDE. Dedicated to his good friend Doeburger, who died in 2021, Soul Burger finds the “Martin Luther King of Carson” paying homage to his friend and his roots while showing once again why he might be the strongest lyricist to emerge from the Top Dawg Entertainment camp.

New Kung Fu Kenny!

Source: Michael Blackshire/Getty

This brings us to the surprise Friday, November 22 release of Lamar’s latest album, GNXa body of work that appears to be a continuation of the sound examined on “Not Like Us” and features the full version of “squabble up,” a track we had only heard as a snippet before. GNXat least on our first listen, does not stick to one theme or sound and will take some time to understand all the details. That said, K-Dot shows off his extraordinary abilities, and the autobiographical book “The Heart Pt. 6” is a highlight. And yes, there are shots of Drake, mentions of the Super Bowl and maybe even a dig by Lil Wayne? Be the judge.

Other notable albums that highlighted West Coast dominance this year included the funky Jay Worthy and DāM FunK. magic hour collaborative album, Tha Dogg Pound’s We have everything we havethat of Larry June Do it for meBig-Hit, Hit-Boy and The Alchemist’s Black and Whiteand JasonMartin (FKA Problem) and DJ Quik’s Chupacabra.

We also benefited from powerful bar work from Planet Asia and its Trust the Channel II EP with 38 Spesh in production. Tiron and Ayomari The adventures of TiRon and Ayomari, at Thurz Yannick Koffi: In timeand Casual’s Starbuster EP should all be included in this concise roundup.

Prejudices and regional arguments aside, it will be determined over time whether the West Coast can maintain its momentum through 2025. But if 2024 is any indication, the West had more than enough to say. It appears the entire coast is ready to move together to form a cohesive unit, and as the smoke continues to clear, any challenge to the respective thrones will be sufficiently met.

—

Photo: Getty