Biggest hip-hop moments of 2024, from Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ arrest

In the world of hip-hop, 2024 has been full of drama, viral moments, triumphs and letdowns.

In the world of hip-hop, 2024 has been full of drama, viral moments, triumphs and letdowns. The year began with criticisms of the Grammys’ treatment of Black artists and is ending with conversations about sexual violence in the industry. Experts say the ups and downs, the social commentary and the history-making moments are sure to spill over into the new year.

“The slow build toward conversations about hip-hop and sexual abuse, sexual violence, it’s been noteworthy” although these conversations may often miss the mark, said A.D. Carson, a professor of hip-hop and the global south at the University of Virginia. “The thing I hope for in 2025 is that the audience is vigilant” about hip-hop analysis. 

Here are the biggest moments in hip-hop of the year:

The veteran rapper took the Recording Academy to task early in the year as he accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Grammy Awards in February. He criticized the Recording Academy for discrimination by way of overlooking and snubbing Black artists. He called attention to the snubs of pop superstar Beyoncé over the years as the perfect example. 

“She has more Grammys than anyone and never won album of the year,” he said of the megastar, to whom he is also married. “Even by your own metrics, it doesn’t work.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/biggest-hip-hop-moments-2024-review-rcna184583

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