Date: September 2024

The year 2024 has been a golden period for collaborations in hip-hop. From established veterans teaming up with fresh talent to unexpected pairings crossing genres, this year has seen some of the most creative and impactful partnerships in recent memory.

One of the biggest collaborations was the long-awaited track between Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Rumors of a joint project have been swirling for years, and while a full-length album is still a dream for many fans, their latest single, “Legacy,” did not disappoint. The track blends Kendrick’s complex lyricism with Cole’s soulful delivery, creating an instant classic that speaks on the pressures of fame and the weight of responsibility as black men in America.

On the other end of the spectrum, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion continued their winning streak with “Money Moves Pt. 2,” a follow-up to their chart-topping “WAP.” The track celebrates financial empowerment and independence, echoing a larger cultural conversation around women taking control of their narratives both in the music industry and beyond.

International collaborations have also made waves this year. Drake linked up with Nigerian star Burna Boy on the Afrobeat-infused track “Heatwave,” highlighting the growing global influence of African music on the hip-hop scene. Meanwhile, Latin trap and reggaeton artists like Bad Bunny and Anuel AA have continued to make their mark by collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights, bringing bilingual tracks to the forefront of the charts.

At Hard Hustla Radio, we’re constantly spinning the hottest collaborations and exploring how these partnerships push the genre forward. Tune in to catch exclusive interviews and breakdowns of these monumental releases.