The top 10 hip-hop songs of 2024

Hip-hop artists from across the country dropped boisterous, infectious songs this year: some musicians released tracks to fuel the fire in their rap beefs, while others put out new songs to tee up their new albums. 

From tunes by Planet Giza to Clairmont the Second, these 10 Canadian rap songs soundtracked 2024.

10. 'You,' Wolf Castle feat. Zamani

Pabineau First Nation rapper Wolf Castle's R&B collaboration with Halifax's Zamani goes down real smooth, as "You" blooms into a gorgeous song about romantic devotion. "Always up on my own case/ but you take me outta space/ your beauty bring me back to Earth/ my hands are slippin' 'round your waist," raps Wolf Castle, his devotion rolling off the tongue.

9. 'Ayoye,' Sarahmée

Senegalese Canadian rapper Sarahmée's single "Ayoye" is packed with explosive energy and boisterous bars, as she melds hip-hop, Afrobeat, reggae and electronic sounds. The single is a standout from her 2024 album, Pleure pas ma fille, sinon Maman va pleurer.

8. 'Jungle,' Lou Phelps

Wealth is the name of the game on "Jungle," a booming track from Lou Phelps where he raps about dripping in "Diesel, Kiko, Acne" and everything in between. He spares no expense and lets listeners know he means business: "My jeans cost what you call ice/ my dreams cost at least about a couple hunnid nights," he raps.

7. 'Slide,' Sadboi

"Slide" is a sultry, confident banger filled with boastful bars. With a nostalgic beat that evokes "Tokyo Drift" by Teriyaki Boyz, and braggadocious lyrics that will make anyone feel like the hottest person in the room, "Slide" is the song to listen to while getting ready for summer exploits.

6. 'Shine,' Ardn feat. SiR

Edmonton rapper Ardn teams up with American R&B singer SiR for a slow jam about rising above life's challenges. He makes it clear his ambition is the key to clearing the haters from his path: "Tell a hater, elevator coming up/ uppercut with a left, right and an overhand."

5. 'Validate,' Clairmont the Second

Clairmont the Second's dexterous lyrical ability is on mighty display on "Validate," a song that starts with sirens ringing out and an unforgettable bar: "I cannot f--k with no frauds/ street's cold but I never shiver." The iced-out 808s and synths create a paranoiac sonic landscape for him to lay out his grievances, his doubts and his distrust.

4. '2wice Again,' Planet Giza

"2wice Again" slides between R&B and hip-hop with ease, as MC Tony Stone infuses every lyric with charm: "Being closer to you done brought me closer to myself," he muses. There's an old-school feel to the jazz-tinged beats that gives the song an air of timelessness. 

3. 'Red Future,' Snotty Nose Rez Kids feat. Electric Fields

"We them ground movers, earth shakers, no saviour. While they preying on us, we been building something greater," Snotty Nose Rez Kids rap on this powerful anthem that reminds the next generation that the future is in their own hands. The eye-catching music video also adds to the song's sparkling, triumphant effect.

2. 'Antidote,' Karan Aujla

Karan Aujla's "Antidote" is like a reflex test: if your body doesn't respond immediately upon hearing this song, are you even alive? His voice is mesmerizing and the production on "Antidote," courtesy of Ikky, perfectly conveys the song's push-pull that lives in every antidote — tempting fate and then trying to survive the aftermath.

1. 'Family Matters,' Drake

Drake's fierce lyricism and unrelenting energy on "Family Matters" were a return to form, captivating fans and swinging the momentum in his 2024 beef with Kendrick Lamar, however briefly, in his favour. Even though he would ultimately lose the battle, it was a thrilling attempt to see him hit back at most of his opponents (Lamar, the Weeknd, Future and more) in the process.