November 2024 was filled with exciting music releases! Fans enjoyed soulful drops from Jacquees and IDK, while Ab-Soul and Cordae brought forth fresh hip-hop sounds that resonated well with fans. The final posthumous album from Juice WRLD dropped, and towards the end of the month, Kendrick Lamar surprised everyone with an unexpected release that was warmly welcomed. Lil Uzi Vert, Westside Gunn, A$AP Ferg, Kash Doll, Quando Rondo, and Ice Cube also released new albums, giving fans plenty of options throughout the month of November.
Jacquees – Baby Making (Nov 1)
After a lengthy break, Jacquees returned with Baby Making, showcasing one of his most refined R&B works to date. The album was created during his partner Deiondra Sanders’ pregnancy with their first child, and the title reflects this significant life moment. Though it contains just ten songs, each offers rich melodies and profound messages revolving around requited love, nurturing intimacy, and fatherhood. Even without guest artists, this project remains the perfect playlist for a late night. The self-proclaimed ‘King of RnB’ delivers every time.
Westside Gunn, DJ Drama – Still Praying (Nov 1)
November 1st also brought us Still Praying from Westside Gunn and DJ Drama, marking the conclusion of the Praying trilogy, , following Pray For Me and And Then You Pray For Me. It features 14 tracks, boasting contributions from Griselda artists like Conway The Machine and Benny The ButcherGunn. On Still Praying, Gun returned with his classic raw lyrics over boom-bap beats, which longtime Griselda fans adore. Even though he suggested his previous album might be the end, supporters were thrilled by the announcement of Still Praying. Interestingly, Gunn endorsed creating this album within a single day. This is quite an achievement for both rising and seasoned music artists.
Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake 2 (Nov 1)
Eternal Atake 2 arrives one year after Lil Uzi Vert released the Pink Tape and four years following the release of the first Eternal Atake. Its rollout was notable, featuring various UFO sightings around NYC shortly before its arrival, complementing the album’s futuristic cover and trailer. “Chill Bae” serves as the fan-favorite single on the project, skillfully mixing rap and pop sounds that appeal to fans of mainstream music. The song’s music video debuted on YouTube with the album launch and has garnered more than 5 million views. This album is unique, having no guest appearances, and its first week saw it land at number 3 on the Billboard 200. Although he received mixed reviews upon release, the streams/sales reflect that Uzi is still one of the most successful rappers of his generation.
IDK-BRAVADO + INTiMO (Nov 1)
On November 1st, Maryland native IDK dropped his fifth studio album. Leading up to the album, singles like “DENiM” featuring Joey Bada$$ and “TiFFANY” with Gunna were unveiled. Notable tracks include melodic pieces such as “MiLES TRUMPET” and “SUPERNOVA” featuring The ARTI$t, showcasing an impressive blend of rap and jazz. For fans eager to see him perform, IDK will be on the American leg of G-Eazy’s tour this November. Kicking off in Washington, DC, on November 12th, the tour will conclude in Oakland, CA, on November 29th.
Ab-Soul- Soul Burger (Nov 8)
Ab-Soul’s Soul Burger provides a more experimental take on his artistic journey. The album consists of 15 tracks and features a variety of artists. Notably, it includes Doechii, a Grammy-nominated label mate from TDE, on “I, Myself & Me.” Other California native artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Blxst, and Vince Staples are also featured on the album. Soul Burger opens with “9 Mile,” where he samples Soul II Soul’s “Back To Life” with 8 Mile-style lyrics. This fresh and inventive vibe persists throughout the project. While Soul Burger marks a shift from his last album, HERBERT, it remains a thoughtfully crafted collection that promises to resonate well as time goes on.
A$AP Ferg – DAROLD (Nov 8)
DAROLD is arguably one of A$AP Ferg’s most self-aware and reflective compilations. Which accurately reflects the self-titled, album name. In addition, it’s divided into two parts, the first 6 tracks consist of aggressive raps over trap-style beats. Tracks 7-11 are melodic and introspective. Album highlights include “French Tips,” feat Coco Jones, which samples Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down.” Another standout track is “Pool” where Ferg describes experiencing sexual abuse as a kid, which led to toxic masculinity in adulthood. The growth and increased self-awareness on this album are most palpable in the last 4 tracks.
Kash Doll – The Last Doll (Nov 15)
Kash Doll’s The Last Doll released her second studio album, The Last Doll. Since her debut album, Kash Doll has embraced motherhood with the arrival of her two children and has taken a starring role in 50 Cent’s BMF on Starz. In 2023, she also offered fans a mixtape called Back on Dexter. The Last Doll consists of 11 tracks. Guest features include Tee Grizzley, Tink, Yung Bleu, Ron, and Shantel May, along with Tracy T, the father of her children. This album leans into melodic sounds while still reflecting her unwavering confidence and bold persona. Tracks like “Power,” “Nothin New,” “Plot Twist,” and “Kash Commandments” echo her signature braggadocio style, while “Klarity” and “Love Myself” reveal her more vulnerable side. Alongside the album reveal, Kash announced a tour set to start on December 14, 2024, promising to share her artistic journey directly with fans.
Cordae – The Crossroads (Nov 15)
Cordae, a Grammy-nominated artist raised in Maryland, returns with his third studio project, The Crossroads. This release follows his second album, From a Bird’s Eye View. The album boasts 16 tracks and features a star-studded list including Lil Wayne, Anderson.Paak, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign, Jordan Ward, Joey Bada$$, and Rayn Lenae. Fans will notice that there are two collaborations with both Lil Wayne and Anderson.Paak. One of the most anticipated features was Ye on the track “No Bad News.” This album stands out as one of Cordae’s most cohesive and transparent works, reflecting his emotional maturity. Tracks like “06 Dreamin,” “Nothing Is Promised,” and “All Alone” highlight his increased emotional intelligence since his last album. “Shai Afeni” is particularly touching, showcasing his experiences and feelings as a new father.
Quando Rondo – Here For A Reason (Nov 15)
Quando Rondo is back with Here For A Reason, his third album. This release has just one guest artist, Winter Rae, who appears on the track “Rollin’.” The limited collaboration may reflect his current feelings of solitude, especially considering the ongoing legal battles and allegations surrounding him and Lil Durk. Nevertheless, this album is one of Quando’s most evolved and introspective collections. Throughout it, he reflects on attempting to overcome street violence and embracing an Islamic way of living. “Could’ve Been Me,” a “Many Men” sample, is one of the standout tracks on the compilation. Although Quando is facing sentencing on December 12, 2024, this album serves as a valued holdover for fans in the interim.
Kendrick Lamar – GNX (Nov 22)
Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album release, GNX, includes 12 tracks. On GNX, Kendrick features several emerging California artists. Emerging artists include AzChike, Lefty Gunplay, Dody6, Hitta J3, Peysoh, Siete7x, Wallie the Sensei, and YoungThreat. SZA, a fellow TDE artist, also makes two melodic appearances, along with Derya Barrera, a mariachi singer. Album samples were also standout features on the project. “luther” samples “If This World Were Mine” by Luther Vandross and “Use Your Heart” from SWV is sampled in “heart pt 6.” Upon release, “wacced out murals,” “squabble Up,” and “tv off” became favorites among listeners. The final track, “gloria,” is one of the most sincere pieces on the album. In “gloria,” Kendrick opens up about challenges that come with long-term relationships while emphasizing his devotion even in tough times. GNX debuted at number 1 on Billboard Top 200, with over 300,000 first-week sales.
Ice Cube – Man Down (Nov 22)
Man Down marks the eleventh studio album from the West Coast rap icon. This new release comprises 19 tracks and arrives eight years after his previous work, Everythang’s Corrupt which came out in 2018. Guest artists featured include other West Coast hip-hop legends, such as Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too $hort. Xzibit, Kurupt, and Busta Rhymes are also featured on the album. Ice Cube delivers his classic gangsta rap over funky, old-school beats which is refreshing. It’s remarkable to hear a seasoned artist share thoughts on artistry and authenticity shaped by life experience. Watching hip-hop greats who have ventured into different media still return to their roots in the studio is truly impressive.
Juice Wrld – The Party Never Ends (Nov 29)
The Party Never Ends stands as the final posthumous album from Juice WRLD. This release comes just a week shy of the five-year mark since the rapper’s untimely passing in 2019. The album includes 18 tracks, with the single “AGATS2” featuring Nicki Minaj. Additionally, there’s features from Offset, The Kid LAROI, and Fall Out Boy. “Lace It” dives deep into the struggles with substance use, featuring verses from Eminem and Benny The Butcher. However, fans noticed that some previously leaked songs weren’t part of this project, including crowd-pleasers like “Rental,” “Good Time,” “1000 Times,” and “All Life Long.” Many await a deluxe version that might include some of these missing tracks, but the album serves as a reminder of the significant creative talent lost too soon.
Though Deep Thoughts by Lil Durk didn’t release as expected this month, there’s hope for its arrival later this year or early next. Fans can anticipate new albums from Roddy Rich, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre next month. Additionally, Lil Baby dropped two singles in November, sparking rumors of an album soon. SZA also teased on Kai Cenat’s stream, that her upcoming album might debut by the year’s end. Music lovers are bound to be satisfied with a month remaining in 2024.
