2024 has been an unforgettable year for music, delivering projects that pushed boundaries, told compelling stories, and set the culture ablaze. Here’s a look at the albums that defined the year for Rude Girl Radio: 1. Kendrick Lamar – GNX Kendrick’s GNX is a cinematic and introspective masterpiece, blending his unmatched storytelling with themes of legacy and survival. A timeless project that reminds us why Kendrick is one of the greatest of all time. 2. Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia Tyler’s Chromakopia is a colorful and genre-defying journey through sound and emotion. With vibrant production and deeply personal themes, Tyler continues to break creative barriers. 3. Future and Metro Boomin – We Don’t Trust You Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Don’t Trust You” deserves special mention. This groundbreaking project not only showcased their signature synergy but also catalyzed the now-infamous Kendrick-Drake saga. The album set the stage with its raw commentary and introspective lyricism, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. The tension between Kendrick and Drake escalated as lyrical jabs and social media commentary unfolded, drawing lines between fanbases and pushing the boundaries of modern rap discourse. This album’s influence goes beyond the music—it became a cultural touchpoint, highlighting the power dynamics and competitiveness that drive the hip-hop industry. Future and Metro Boomin, through this collaboration, inadvertently ignited one of the most talked-about rivalries in recent memory. 4. Don Toliver – Hardstone Psycho Don Toliver’s “Hardstone Psycho” is an atmospheric and hypnotic journey that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and resilience. With a blend of his signature melodies and introspective lyrics, this album cements Toliver’s position as a genre-bending artist. 5. Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is a fearless and unapologetically bold project. With themes of resilience, power, and individuality, Doechii showcases her dynamic artistry on every track. 6. Benny The Butcher – Everyone Can’t Go Benny delivers a reflective dive into loyalty, ambition, and the cost of success with Everyone Can’t Go. His vivid storytelling and raw delivery make this a standout of the year. 7. Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 Denzel’s sequel is a hard-hitting exploration of Southern culture, rebellion, and identity. With sharp lyricism and dynamic production, King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 is a triumph. 8. 21 Savage – American Dream American Dream is both haunting and empowering, blending themes of ambition, survival, and systemic challenges. 21 Savage’s growth as an artist is on full display in this reflective project. 9. Glorilla – Glorious Glorilla shines with Glorious, a triumphant celebration of individuality, resilience, and success. Her confidence and sharp lyricism make this album a defining moment in 2024. 10. Snoop Dogg – Missionary Snoop pays homage to his roots with Missionary, blending classic West Coast vibes with fresh, modern production. It’s a smooth, authentic project that highlights his enduring legacy. 11. Schoolboy Q – Blue Lips Blue Lips is raw, emotional, and deeply personal, with Schoolboy Q exploring themes of love, loss, and healing. This album’s experimental sound and vulnerability make it a standout. 12. Future – Mixtape Pluto Future’s Mixtape Pluto is a bold and innovative project that redefines modern rap with its futuristic production and introspective themes. This album highlights Future’s ability to push boundaries and influence the culture with every release. 13. Ice Cube – Man Down Ice Cube delivers a politically charged, no-nonsense project with Man Down. Packed with sharp lyricism and impactful themes, Cube reaffirms his role as a pivotal voice in the culture. 14. Rich Homie Quan – Forever Goin’ In Released posthumously, Forever Goin’ In is a heartfelt and motivational project. With themes of perseverance and staying true to one’s grind, this album is a moving tribute to Rich Homie Quan’s legacy. 15. Money Man – TMZ (Produced by Zaytoven) Money Man teams up with legendary producer Zaytoven for TMZ, a project that dives deep into the highs and lows of fame, fortune, and the grind. Zaytoven’s signature production perfectly complements Money Man’s sharp lyricism, making this album a standout collaboration and a testament to both their creative chemistry. 16. Redman – Muddy Waters Too Muddy Waters Too is a gritty continuation of Redman’s iconic album, packed with clever wordplay and raw beats. This project cements Redman’s timeless impact on hip-hop. 17. Gunna – One of Wun With One of Wun, Gunna delivers a melodic exploration of fame and resilience. Captivating flows and standout production make this album proof of his enduring influence in modern rap. 18. Latto – Sugar Honey Iced Tea Latto turns up the heat with Sugar Honey Iced Tea, a bold and unapologetic project packed with sharp lyricism, infectious hooks, and undeniable confidence. This album is a celebration of empowerment and self-expression, showcasing Latto’s versatility and ability to command attention on every track. From club-ready anthems to introspective moments, Sugar Honey Ice Tea proves Latto’s staying power as a force in modern rap. 19. Sexyy Red – In Sexyy We Trust In Sexyy We Trust by Sexyy Red is a fearless, unapologetic project that captures the raw energy and confidence of one of hip-hop’s rising stars. With infectious beats and provocative lyrics, this album solidifies Sexyy Red’s place in the industry. 20. BigXthaPlug – Take Care Take Care by BigXthaPlug is a deeply introspective and soulful project that explores themes of healing, self-care, and perseverance. With its unique blend of heartfelt lyrics and rich production, this album solidifies BigXthaPlug’s reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary music. Shaping the Soundtrack of 2024 Each of these albums has left an indelible mark on music and culture in 2024. From introspective storytelling to bold experimentation, they represent the diversity and brilliance of the artists driving the industry forward. What
Racism and Homophobia in Mississippi: A Story of Sexual Violence, Mental Abuse, and Systemic Neglect
Mississippi’s deep-rooted issues of racism, homophobia, and systemic failures have left countless individuals, like Shannon Dill, battling against injustice. As a Black LGBTQIA+ soldier, Shannon’s harrowing experiences include surviving sexual violence, enduring mental abuse, and facing institutional neglect within systems meant to protect her.
Despite her bravery in reporting the assault and seeking justice, Dill encountered a culture of indifference, with her case mishandled by military officials and state authorities. Her story also highlights the failure of mental health services, where prejudices undermined the support she desperately needed.
This is more than one person’s fight—it’s a reflection of the broader struggles faced by marginalized communities in Mississippi. The call for accountability, reform, and systemic change has never been more urgent.
From East Stl to Atl, Rari Blaze is The Unstoppable Force Lighting Up the Music Scene
Rari Blaze Drops Fiery New Single ‘Throw It’ From Upcoming Album: East STL to ATL Rari Blaze, the dynamic artist from Atlanta, is back with her hottest single yet, Throw It. Following the success of tracks like Give You That and You Know What 2 Do, Rari continues to elevate her sound and captivate listeners with her infectious energy and signature genre-blending style. Throw It is the latest anthem to hit the airwaves, showcasing Rari’s ability to combine bold lyrics, captivating melodies, and club-ready beats that will have you pressing repeat all day long. If you’ve been following her journey, you know that Rari is no stranger to making music that speaks directly to her audience—and Throw It is no exception. Throw It isn’t just a song—it’s a vibe. The track is all about empowerment, celebrating confidence, and embracing your true self. With catchy hooks and a high-energy beat, Throw It is the perfect track to get the party started, turn up your workout, or just vibe out in your car. Rari Blaze’s delivery on this track proves she’s an artist who knows exactly what she’s doing. Whether she’s commanding the beat with her bold verses or effortlessly laying down a smooth hook, it’s clear that Throw It is poised to be one of her biggest hits yet. Other Tracks You Need to Hear While Throw It is sure to dominate playlists, Rari Blaze has more in store for her fans. Her previous releases, Give You That, You Know What 2 Do, and Move Around, have already earned her a reputation for delivering powerful, unforgettable music. • Move Around: A smooth yet hard-hitting track that showcases Rari’s versatility, Move Around is all about keeping your circle tight and moving past the negativity. It’s the perfect anthem for anyone focused on their hustle and staying true to themselves. • Give You That & You Knoq What 2 Do: These tracks continue to show Rari’s range, with infectious beats and lyrics that celebrate independence, self-love, and making moves in a world that’s constantly on the grind. Rari Blaze’s Star is Rising Rari Blaze’s unique sound and unapologetic style have made her one of the most exciting rising stars in hip-hop and R&B. Her ability to effortlessly switch between hard-hitting rap verses and smooth, melodic hooks has made her a fan favorite, and with Throw It, she’s taking things to the next level. Each track she drops serves as a reflection of her growth as an artist—whether she’s turning up the energy with an anthem like Throw It or keeping it real with tracks like Move Around, Rari Blaze is creating a catalog that’s as diverse as it is exciting. What’s Next for Rari Blaze? With Throw It already making waves, there’s no doubt Rari Blaze’s trajectory is headed straight to the top. Her relentless work ethic, fierce energy, and undeniable talent make her a force to be reckoned with. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning for Rari Blaze. Listen to Throw It and More Throw It is now available on all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to check out Move Around, Spend It, Jada Wayda, and all of Rari Blaze’s previous releases while you’re at it. Follow Rari Blaze on Instagram at @rariblaze for the latest updates and to get a behind-the-scenes look at her journey. At Rude Girl Radio, we’re proud to support rising stars like Rari Blaze. Tune in to hear Throw It, Move Around, and more of the hottest tracks taking over the airwaves. What are you waiting for? Press play and let the vibes take over.
Shannon Dill versus The United States Army : The Mississippi National Guard : The State of Mississippi.
In my journey as a veteran in the Mississippi National Guard, I have faced an unrelenting wave of harassment, abuse, and systemic neglect that has left me seeking justice. From falsified records to physical and emotional violence, the struggle has been long, painful, and deeply isolating. But I refuse to remain silent.
My experiences in the military have shed light on a culture of cover-ups, retaliation, and a lack of accountability—especially within the 1108th Aviation Unit. Despite filing multiple reports of harassment and abuse, I was met with indifference and even further retaliation. The failure of leadership to act, and their efforts to protect the perpetrators instead of the victims, have only worsened the emotional toll of these incidents.
I share my story not only to seek justice for myself but to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for far too long. It is time for change. We cannot allow these systemic issues to persist. If we are to create a military and a society where everyone is treated with dignity, accountability must be our guiding principle.
Rosy L Drops New EP, “Illuminating Colors”
Lao singer-songwriter Rosy L is based in Dallas, TX. Coming off a successful 2023 tour of small venues and performances at the International Sabaidee Fest Ontario, Ca and the Mid-Autumn Festival at Asian Times Square Arlington TX in support of her 2022 release Movin On. Rosy returned to the studio in October of 2023 to craft her new release I’m Illuminating Colors. She worked with her long-time producer and engineer Aurel “Subtonic” Baker to craft a very personal introspective project. This time around they also collaborated with 1Lao Entertainment Producer Kevin Keosibounheuang and writer Isabella Maso for the opening track Intentions. Production and instrumentation on the remaining tracks were handled by Subtonic with Rosy complimenting on guitar. Rosy L is growing a strong national and international following, her live performances are winning over new fans one small venue at a time. Lo-fi music has become very popular recently, as people really enjoy the chill beats and vibey melodies. Many find it boosts concentration and improves memory, mood, and focus. Rosy L’s Alive is the standout track to the project that definitely delivers lo-fi aesthetics of analogue warmth. You can listen to the EP on Spotify.
How to Make a Living as a Musician (and Grow a Fan Base)
Despite all of Hollywood’s success stories, getting “discovered” isn’t as simple as it sounds. Hard work is part of the equation for most artists; here, Rude Girl Radio explains how to make a living off your passion for music, no luck necessary. Become a Business-Minded Professional Music may be an industry where guidelines are guesswork, and the “right” thing could be many things. Yet some standard business advice still makes sense even for creatives. From shaping your creativity into a brand to formalizing paperwork, taking your art seriously is an essential step. Formalizing your musical endeavors into a business structure is often the best move. Forming an LLC is affordable using an online formation service, and the benefits include limited liability, tax perks, and flexibility. On a similar note, filing taxes as a musician can be complicated, as Turbo Tax details, but deductions for expenses could help you stretch your budget further. Depending on your talent and goals, pursuing an agent might be on your to-do list. Though forming connections in the industry can happen through various mediums, an agent could fast-track your career development. A professional agent has relationships with venues, brands, and artists, explains Berklee College, but finding the right person to work with is the key to success. Dedicate Time to Networking Networking is crucial in most industries, with 80 percent of professionals saying they can’t be successful without it. Whether online or in person, networks help you find support, gain visibility, and even make better decisions. Finding new contacts is one way to network, while reconnecting with old acquaintances is another option. Connecting with people you’ve lost touch with is as easy as using an online search engine for high school graduates in Atlanta. Quick results let you reach out and rekindle relationships, both business and personal. Take on Gigs (of All Sizes) Your goal in music might be to land a record deal or a high-profile partnership. To get there, it makes sense to dive right into the industry. Freelance work can land you paid gigs and help build a network of acquaintances who might lead you to bigger names in the industry. There’s another important piece of the equation when working gigs: your brand. Being professional, prompt, and positive with everyone you interact with goes a long way toward building a positive reputation. Personal branding should also extend to your media— your website, social media, and any marketing or promotional materials should align with your goals. Something as simple as a flier could help you make connections and schedule gigs. Invest in Business Cards It might seem old-fashioned, but business cards remain an excellent way to share your information. Handing someone a physical calling card makes a lasting impression, and you can personalize business cards to match your style and branding. It’s unclear what the precise impact of business cards is on a company, but some sources claim they can boost sales. For a DJ or musician, putting your name out there is worth investing in printing business cards. There are several digital business card options out there as well. Sell Music Products Online Whether you’re a DJ, musician, or singer-songwriter, there are countless ways to sell music. Digital music downloads are one way to put music in fans’ hands and earn an income, but thinking outside the CD can boost your earnings and visibility. Consider creating and selling music products like custom song lyrics, music classes, and tutorials. Or, monetize social media and attract fans with dance videos, challenges, and merchandise. If you grow a large following on TikTok, for example, you may receive sponsorship offers to promote other artists’ work or branded products. Collaborate Whenever Possible Collaboration takes networking a step further. Tunedly endorses collaboration as a way to learn new things, grow your audience, and lift up the music community as a whole. Approaching others with a collaboration pitch could benefit you both, even if you have different styles or fanbases. Music may be a unique product, but managing your art as a business can pay off. From printing business cards to expanding your network and building relationships, there are countless ways to get your work in front of an audience and grow as an artist.