by As we move towards the end of another year, it’s due time to look back and reflect on the best music of the year. 2024 was a wild one, highlighted by unforgettable rap beefs, the continued UK sound takeover, evolution of beloved genres, impressive releases from OGs, and a fresh batch of new stars making their mark on the scene. Our Top 50 Songs Of 2024 list captures it all. Read the full list below and see if your favourites made the cut. Also be sure to listen to all the tracks on our Spotify playlist.
50. Chip – Grime Scene Saviours feat. D Double E, Frisco, Flirta D, Skepta, Bruza, JME, Jendor, Novelist, Jamakabi & Flowdan
‘Grime Scene Saviours’ dropped one day after we finalized this list, so it’s hard to tell just how much of an impact it will have. In its first days, though, the track has amassed almost a million plays, and a lineup this massive had to make its way onto this year’s list. With eleven grime veterans stepping up to the plate for a quick but punchy verse, Chip collected a star-studded cast to remind all fans of grime (and beyond) that the features in this track are the reason the genre is where it is at today. From electronic favourites such as Flowdan, to more mainstream players like Skepta and JME, ‘Grime Scene Saviours’ is a three-minute dose of nostalgia that encapsulates everything we love about the genre.
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49. Rohaan – Easy for them
Rohaan has been on the move this year, both figuratively and literally. His show schedule has been busier than ever and has taken him back and forth to the States (and beyond) like never before. Musically speaking, he stepped up his game, expanding his discography with new palettes of sonorities and sub-genres. ‘Easy For Them’, released in January on Vision, was one of the first bangers I saved in my best-of-the-year playlist this year, and it hasn’t left it since. It’s a thoroughbred stomper, less sophisticated than other Rohaan releases but no less effective. It goes down hard. It melts my brain. It shakes me to the bone. What more could I want?
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48. Camo&Krooked, Mefjus, Sophie Lindinger – No Tomorrow (P Money & Whiney remix)
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a song as perfect as ‘No Tomorrow’ receiving not one, but two remakes that have managed to live up to the original. When I first heard this remix (during Whiney and P Money set at ADE 2023) I thought it was a live edit that would never be released. When I saw it appear in my Release Radar in February I thought that Christmas came early for me this year. Both Whiney and P Money showed exceptional sensitivity in fitting into the dynamics of the track without breaking the balance. The result is a new, fresh, different version of ‘No Tomorrow’ that doesn’t rely just on the allure of the original copy.
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47. Skeler. feat. Devilish Trio – Everything is Right
Taken from his stellar NightDrive part 3 mix, ‘Everything is Right’ is a gorgeous, ominous, and beautifully crafted experience. When it comes to masterful environments and melodies, Skeler never fails in the slightest. Being an absolute fan favorite from the mix, this track takes you for a drive down a dark road of no return. Getting lost with each second, you find yourself completely relaxed, impacted, and hyped up at the same time. Those gorgeous melodies swirling through your mind combined with a deep and impactful bassline will only make you fall in love with this track more and more. Not to mention those carefully placed vocals which grip your hearts and souls. Working together beautifully with every other characteristic. And adding those vocals from Devilish Trio was a genius move. It adds another chapter of bliss and pure attitude. Making you completely hypnotzied. The wave genre/movement as a whole continues to thrive in such a breathtaking fashion thanks to artists such as Skeler. We’re stoked to see what else he has to offer in the new year!
-JD
46. Mat Zo – Bluish Yellow
The release of Mat Zo’s ZOCASE EP with Anjunabeats graced listeners with one of the most sonically impressive EPs of the year. It’s simultaneously a throwback to retro-electro inspirations and a boundary-pushing expression of what a producer can achieve with electronic composition. Each of the three tracks break the 8-minute mark in length and each is comprised of a series of symphony-like movements, tastefully blending together in an EP that resembles a film score just as much as it does a dance album. ‘Bluish Yellow,’ the intermediary track, is perhaps the one that feels the most like one cohesive piece from start to finish rather than an arrangement of disparate yet accompanying movements. It wastes no time setting itself up as a high-energy song and never backs down for the entirety of its 9-minute runtime. Every time you think the song is about to end or die down, he just picks it right back up and throws another layer of sound on top, because why not? It’s like an acoustic edging right up until the very end, truly a work of art here from Mat Zo.
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45. Mr. Carmack – Murder on the Dancefloor (Carmack Edit)
Mr. Carmack is notoriously sporadic when it comes to releasing new music and this year was no different. The beginning of the year featured a handful of remixes from the legendary beatmaker, of which I contend ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ is the most deserving to be on this list. As an edit of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2017 disco-pop hit, this track is such a feel-good bop. The intro teases a nearly minute-long buildup to a most subtle drop, the rapidly intensifying violins and guitar dropping out to give way to Ellis-Bextor’s lush and sultry vocals. This isn’t one of Carmack’s experimental forays into bass music. Rather, it’s a masterclass in doing more with less. The minimalist approach to the drum line and lack of brazen synths is a testament to how versatile of a producer Carmack is and remains in 2024. Please, lord, give us more disco from this man. The groove is unreal.
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44. HIJINX, Cesco – Attention
1985 Music is putting out some of the best music across the bass umbrella over the last few years, and the label kicked off 2024 with a massive 140 banger from HIJINX and Cesco. With ‘Attention,’ the pair of producers embraced a minimal approach that’s driven by a grimy bassline and accentuated by a snappy sample, swinging percussion, and meticulously crafted fills. A track doesn’t have to be overly complicated to be catchy, and HIJINX and Cesco executed that to a tee in ‘Attention.’ With 140 BPM dubstep making somewhat of a resurgence in recent months, uniqueness remains important to stand out, and ‘Attention’ is exactly that.
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43. Hamdi – Counting (Simula remix)
Counting’s remix EP has gifted us four massive reinterpretations of Hamdi’s hit. What Simula did, however, is simply insane. This remix it’s a shot of low frequencies and alien sounds that induce everything from euphoria to tachycardia to ecstasy. Drum&bass heads will say it’s classic Simula. No doubt, but to see his sound applied to such an iconic release remains a remarkable achievement that should be celebrated.
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42. msft – dontwaiT
Italian-based producer msft has been a favourite amongst our team for years. His sound has moved from trap to breaks to UKG, with the latter seeing its full realization in 2024 with his impressive lowercasE EP. The project’s lead single ‘dontwaiT’ is an unforgettable standout showcasing the pinnacle of his sound. Moody female vocals saunter alongside menacing basslines, crisp drums, and mind-rattling sound design. It’s dark, addictive, and expertly crafted. Enjoyed at home alone or used as a room-igniting DJ tool, ‘dontwaiT’ may just be the best work yet from the talented producer.
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41. Bodysync (Ryan Hemsworth, Giraffage), Dazy – Back Of My Mind
The collaborative project of Ryan Hemsworth and Giraffage, Bodysync, is like a 2010s SoundCloud producer supergroup, yet it remains an underrated project in the wider electronic space. That’s a damn shame as the duo has put out some impeccably good tracks since they started releasing music together in 2021. ‘Back Of My Mind,’ released as a single in March, is one of the more unique entries in their discography. There are so many layers to the instrumentation here, all carrying different melodies but harmoniously fusing together to make an indie pop hit. It appeals to the same part of me that used to get down to the likes of MGMT or Peter Bjorn and John years ago, and I have to say it’s pretty refreshing to hear someone pushing that sound again (especially when it’s Ryan Hemsworth and Giraffage). Do that hipster inside you a favor and be sure to give Bodysync some attention, they deserve it.
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40. Taiki Nulight, P Money, Capo Lee – Style
Taiki Nulight went on a roll this year with a string of heavy-hitting releases. His embracement of 140 dubstep in recent years has been a real treat for dub fans as he demonstrates a golden touch with every track he produces (I truly don’t think he’s capable of making a bad song). UK grime icons P Money and Capo Lee give this track just the right amount of “stylе, swag, sauce.” This tune has enough bounce to lift a Cadillac and positively rips when it’s played out live. I can’t wait to hear whatever Taiki comes up with next because whatever wave he’s riding right now keeps delivering pristine tracks, back to back to back.
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39. Eliminate – EGOTRIP
Eliminate’s Get Off The Internet album represented a new chapter for the artist. Despite finding a ton of success with Disciple, the artist had become known for a specific sound and people often expected more of the same from him. With the album, Eliminate successfully showcased his ability to create a wide array of electronic music, while simultaneously embracing this signature sound. In ‘EGOTRIP,’ Eliminate sprinkled some of his signature humour with an iconic opening sample, embraced the old, and flexed some innovation all in one track – making it arguably the biggest hit of the album. ‘EGOTRIP’ is a quintessential Eliminate banger that couldn’t be left off this list.
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38. Shadient x nikko – LONESUM
If there was a tune that will absolutely melt your brain in the best ways possible, it’s this insane collaboration. Released on Sable Valley, both Shadient and nikko teamed up and truly created one of the hardest-hitting tunes this year. ‘LONESUM’ is a presence of mass destruction and pure chaos from beginning to end. Every second just screams both of their styles intertwining and fusing perfectly. The first chorus section will literally make your jaw drop. The raw and sheer power within is a true sight to behold. That high-pitched lead combined with monumental drums is just too satisfying for the ear. Not to mention the complete switch-up on the second drop. Taking you down a more groovy and sinister environment of sound. The perfect way to end it off.
-JD
37. ROSSY (feat. Princess Superstar) – STAR
The spirit within each of ROSSY’s works continues to shine and glisten to the highest degree. Telling she has true passion for what she does in this world. And ‘STAR’ is a perfect example of her pure energy and perseverance she’s shown throughout 2024. Plus teaming up with Princess Superstar was a perfect addition to the overall aura of this track. Her exhilarating vocals work so perfectly and really adds another layer of excitement and hype! From those classic trap leads, mind-breaking drum work, and explosive sub design, this is an instant party starter and is ready to dominate any stage you go to!
-JD
36. Ternion Sound – PartyTool_001
The Ternion boys helped mark the 10-year anniversary of Deep Dark & Dangerous with the release of ‘PartyTool_001.’ This track made its way into countless sets throughout the year before its official release in November, much to the delight of patiently waiting fans. The distinctive grimy, glitchy vibe of Ternion Sound is on full display here. It’s very in-your-face, almost offensive to the ears, and quite frankly that’s what makes the song such a banger. Given its ability to get a dancefloor bumping, I’d say the dubplate is aptly named. Big ups to these guys for being so consistent and so damn raw.
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35. Burial – Phoneglow
Boasting artwork that looks like a TikTok logo with a cracked phone screen, there’s something intentionally eerie about Burial’s ‘Phoneglow.’ Spanning over nine minutes and released as a double single alongside Kode9’s ‘Eyes Go Blank,’ Burial’s Hyperdub single captures all the elements that countless fans have come to love from the mysterious producer. A Resident Advisor review captures it perfectly, stating that the track’s “raw ingredients show what we’ve come to expect of Burial’s recent works: yearning melancholy by way of far away-sounding professions of love, woven into that signature shimmery, crackling ambience.” From masterful sampling to exquisite story-telling and captivating twists, ‘Phoneglow’ is but another incredible piece to add to Burial’s unparalleled discography.
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34. JAWNS x Party Favor – Deadweight
This was a very unexpected combination of sound and rhythm! Taken from his newest EP, Dogwater, the power behind this tune is really unbeatable in many ways. And seeing Party Favor being a collaborator on this one really makes you curious to hear what this adventure holds in store. From a static and electrifying rhythmic structure, dark and sinister sound design, to a fun and everlasting pace, this has everything you could ever love from both artists. From start to finish you’ll thrown into the deep end surrounded by incredible characteristics and satisfying frequencies. A literal weapon for any dance floor around the world!
-JD
33. Eminem, JID – Fuel
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) was an interesting concept album from Eminem that explored a variety of phases of Eminem’s career. Without getting too deep into the album, one big surprise was the connection with JID on ‘Fuel.’ At FUXWITHIT, we’re huge fans of JID, and every time he makes moves with legends, we couldn’t be more stoked. On ‘Fuel,’ JID delivered an explosive verse littered with killer bars in his signature style, while Eminem’s wordplay and double-entendres brings us back to his glory days.
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32. Farrah x OOAH – Automatic Problematic
What a major and incredible combination of perseverance, passion, and stability! The power behind Farrah and OOAH’s productions have never failed to impress, but to see them come together in such a monumental way is mind-blowing to say the least. ‘Automatic Problematic’ will be your new favorite anthem due to its fast-paced personality, incredible drum work and ecstatic sound design. The drums and arrangement build really take the spotlight here. Everything just feels so coherent, delectable and well planned. Those fun and charismatic vocal samples thrown in just gives the track that much more character. Not to mention those carefully placed bass leads to really let you feel the power behind it all. Easily one of our favorites this year!
-JD
31. camoufly – Intuition
Although his latest musical manifesto is titled Hiding, camoufly has never been on public display as much as he is now. In past years I could count the shows at which he played on the fingers of my hands. Now I couldn’t even keep track by adding my toes, and 2025 promises to be even better, with his first and long-awaited North American tour. So many changes, then, for camoufly. What doesn’t change, however, is his exceptional ability to create extremely catchy and memorable songs. You hear ‘Intuition’ once and you’re already singing the, already infamous, “nah nah nah nah eh” jingle. There’s nothing you can do about it. Seeing the crowd going wild while singing ‘Intuition’ was an eye-opening experience on the power of camoufly’s music. This is art in its purest, primordial form.
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30. smalltalk – Snapback
2024 saw some impressive releases for FUXWITHIT but it is bi-coastal bass duo smalltalk’s ‘Snapback’ that hit the hardest. Blending pitched-down rap vocals, trap aesthetics, and a menacing 140 backbone, the track exemplifies what the label stands for. The dark 140 sound encapsulates what 2024 was all about in bass music. Landing a coveted spot on Spotify’s Sub Low playlist, the track has become a streaming hit, on track to become the duo’s (and possibly the label’s) biggest release to date.
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29. Visages, Monty, Killa P – The Most
Visages’ Dol Guldur EP was yet another incredible project released via 1985 Music. Having established themselves as mainstays on the imprint and consistently delivering boundary-pushing drum and bass and dubstep, the group are cementing themselves as some of the best in bass music. While any of the four tracks on the project could make it onto this list, we also wanted to showcase the undeniable chemistry that exists with Monty, hence why ‘The Most’ is on this year’s list. Deep, dark, and dangerous bass lingers below Killa P’s signature vocals, as the producers demonstrate their ability to let vocalists shine above their Earth-shattering soundscapes. This is a yearly reminder that a supergroup between Visages and Monty called Montages would go absolutely crazy. You heard it here first (again).
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28. Nikita, The Wicked – Like Me
Few artists had a bigger breakout year than Nikita, The Wicked. The artist took the scene by storm, making waves on social media, musically, and IRL. While his iloveitwhentheyrun EP showcased his wealth of talent and diversity, it’s ‘Like Me’ that really took things to the next level. The Gud Vibrations release showcases what makes the producer so damn special. It’s eerie yet addictive, banging but cinematic, and minimal yet complex. It’s a masterclass in juxtaposition that puts creativity at the forefront without ever losing the groove. Other producers take notes.
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27. Eyezic – A Moment Apart
From playing multiple shows throughout the year, releasing a brand new EP, and dropping many other remixes, Eyezic has been grinding and giving it his all. And we truly believed he deserved a spot on our list. Off his Reflections EP, ‘A Moment Apart’ was a track which really stood out to us. Integrating his classic signature sound and overall production, the environment, and overall pacing is nothing but remarkable from start to finish. The pleasant and angelic vocals swirling through your mind combined with those soft and delicate plucks really make this dish delectable to the highest degree. Not to mention those groovy and addicting drums will have you in a pure trance. The message of the overall EP especially this single really gets you and has you coming back over and over again. Simply wonderful to say the least.
-JD
26. borne, Alexis B – Hush – CV
Who says music can’t be sexy and gritty all at once? borne and Alexis B prove that the two worlds sound better together with ‘Hush.’ Built around sultry whispered vocals, the NIGHTMODE-backed ‘Hush’ is a pulse-raising, floor-filling dinger that we simply could not get enough of. Fusing UKG and 140 for a sound that’s spine-chilling and heart-racing is exactly what we needed. borne unleashed a slew of impressive singles that could have landed on the list but this collaboration with Alexis B is his biggest and best to date. The Canadian and Mexican producers have been on a tear this year and ‘Hush’ helped elevate their sound and status to new levels. With both artists set to make their debuts with the iconic DEF live shows, expect massive things from the pair into next year.
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25. Juche & Sublab – Take Me Up
‘Take Me Up’ is the perfect synthesis of the artistic inclinations of both Sublab and Juche, two artists who have already proven themselves masters of writing memorable melodies. The song sits in the wave spectrum but also embodies the best that future bass still has to offer. It’s an anthem to sing your heart out and dance with your arms in the air. An unexpected mainstage anthem.
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24. Ninajirachi – Hand on my heart
As an Italian who writes in English, finding the right words to describe ninajirachi’s music is always a nightmare. She escapes common labels and definitions. Her girl EDM (disc 1) album, released in September, ingests hard dance, trance, electro, and progressive house and regurgitates ever-new and unpredictable combinations. ‘Hand On My Heart’ stands out as the angriest cut of the collection. It stuns with its wall of abrasive synths that kick the listener right in the face in the two drops. It delights with its intimate (and misleading) intro. It charms with its happy hardcore-esque vocals. Like the whole album, ‘Hand On My Heart’ felt like a breath of fresh air in 2024.
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23. Control Freak – LISA
Control Freak’s constant efforts and passion has driven him down an incredible path in this field. He’s been quite busy this year while working his hardest to bring listeners his next big creation. From releasing with Sable Valley this year, to releasing multiple singles and remixes, he’s truly making a bright and wonderful name for himself. And ‘LISA’ is beautiful example of what we’re talking about. This blast of energy will throw any listener back in their seats. Wanting to get up and immediately start dancing. Sampling vocals from Young Miko’s ‘Lisa,’ he really makes it his own with those world-shattering drums, distorted bass leads, and overall fast paced madness driving the track into it’s own universe. Making it an absolute staple for his discography.
-JD
22. WINK – VERTIGO
Released on NIGHTMODE as part of the SEEING DOUBLE EP alongside nikko, WINK’s ‘VERTIGO’ showcased the young producer’s incredible evolution in recent years. Boasting a style that’s chaotically controlled and always fun, WINK consistently brings something fresh to the table, and ‘VERTIGO’ is no exception. Difficult to classify into a single genre, the track touches on trap, bass house, and dubstep, yet never feels like it’s trying to do too much. It’s one of the very few releases from WINK this year, attesting to the time and care that he puts into each and every production.
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21. Two Shell – gimmi it
While some of you might want to know what we think about Two Shell’s identity, this post is not the forum for that. However, we were extremely impressed by the duo’s debut album, and it was difficult to pick a single track from it to feature on this list due to the sheer variety found across the productions. Therefore, we chose the non-album version of ‘gimmi it’ as it still encapsulates the essence of the album version but is likely more attractive to our audience. ‘gimmi it’ is an incredible display of precision through controlled chops, cacophonous percussion, and wildly entertaining rhythms, showcasing the versatile prowess that Two Shell possess.
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20. Sleepnet – Lapse
As the second single on Sleepnet’s sophomore EP titled II, ‘Lapse’ is a display of the insane technical prowess of Nik Roos. Everyone knows that Noisia, and therefore Sleepnet, are among the best to ever do sound design, but few could even imagine this standard being pushed even further. In ‘Lapse,’ Sleepnet does just that, concocting a cut that had producers across the scene losing their minds. Tight, technical, and meticulous, the track is certainly one for avid aficionados of drum and bass, but others will still be able to appreciate the genius behind it. Sleepnet never ceases to create new boundaries.
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19. Nitepunk, Siickbrain – Way To Much
‘Way Too Much’ sounds like it came out of a studio session between Prodigy, The Bloody Beetroots, and Boys Noize. In truth, it’s the child of just the diabolical mind of Nitepunk. The American producer continues to prove himself as one of the freshest and most unpredictable voices on the bass scene and beyond. Together with Siickbrain, Nitepunk embroiders a punk texture that ties techno kick drums with electric guitars and the inevitable synths. So much happens in those four minutes that you’ve to listen to it to understand.
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18. Juelz – EGO! (TAKE IT BACK)
Juelz continues to rock everyones world through their speakers one track at a time. Wrapping up his Floorspace chapter this year, the speed demon has been working day and night to bring us a new era in his journey. To give us a taste, he decided to drop ‘EGO! (TAKE IT BACK).’ An absolute exhilarating drive through a powerful wind tunnel of hard frequencies and fast-paced rhythms. This track highlights what makes the artist unbeatable in his lane. From crisp, saturated bass leads, intoxicating vocal samples scattered throughout, and a true new for speed, it’s an experience you’ll see yourself revisiting time and time again. Continuing to drive this portion of electronic trap in the right direction.
-JD
17. Drake – Family Matters CV
Drake vs. Kendrick was the music moment of the year. Two of rap’s biggest stars going head to head captured the attention of the world and gave us one of the wildest and most ruthless rap beefs in recent memory. Drake’s ‘Family Matters’ saw the 6 God taking the gloves off and barring up for over 7 minutes. In addition to blatant Kendrick disses, Drake takes on everyone who hopped on the 20 v 1, firing precision shots at Rick Ross, A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, and Metro Boomin. The track is his fiercest and most lyrically dense offering of the battle proving yet again that Drake can hold his own against the best out. Add in the well-thought-out visual that sees Kendrick Lamar’s signature GKMC minivan being cinematically destroyed and this could’ve been the knockout punch to end the war. Unfortunately for Drake, Kendrick outmaneuvered him by dropping an onslaught of scathing records back-to-back giving this little room to breathe and delivering the death blow of the battle with arguably the biggest song of the year. But more on that later…
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16. Alix Perez – In Your Eyes
Alix Perez’s ability to produce both demonic dubstep and angelic drum&bass never ceases to amaze me. Taken from the magnificent Entanglements LP, released in September, ‘In Your Eyes’ is everything a liquid d&b lover could desire. This six-minute trip among silky grooves, melancholic piano chords, and soulful vocals is, without any doubt, the best representative of the genre I’ve heard this year.
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15. salute x Disclosure – lift off!
salute’s rise reached a climax this year with the release of his highly anticipated album True Magic. His debut project on Ninja Tune is a body of work that shines brighter when played from start to finish, but also isn’t shy about featuring hard-hitting singles. His collaboration with Disclosure, ‘lift off!’ is the quintessential modern disco goodie that mixes French Touch and Garage elements into a propulsive blend. No need to say it works magic on the dancefloor.
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14. Machinedrum, Tinashe – ZOOM
‘ZOOM’ is my personal favorite track of 2024. Machinedrum never ceases to impress me with every release, and let me tell you, I was feasting when his album 3FOR82 dropped in May. Out of a dozen tracks, this one was absolutely the pièce de résistance (and certainly the most popular). It’s everything I love about liquid drum and bass. The drums are crisp and clean. The sub-bass has a downright synesthetic glow to it, pleasantly dreamlike and hazy. Tinashe, on some real queen shit here, delivers a sublime vocal performance and elevates the track to being not just great, but a masterpiece. She effortlessly switches her cadence and tone from a nearly lullaby-like performance to one of a rousing pop tune by the end of the song, albeit staying within the confines of Machinedrum’s ethereal production on this one. The opening line, “It’s so chemical / Feel it in my veins, made my blood boil“ is a pretty succinct illustration of how this track makes me feel. ‘ZOOM’ is as close as it can be to what I’d call a perfectly produced track, earning it without question a spot on this year’s list.
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13. Nia Archives – Crowded Roomz
Nia Archives’ Silence Is Loud album is one of my personal favourites of 2024. The artist flew under my radar for way too long before landing on it with her remix of ‘leavemealone.’ Shortly after, Nia Archives released the first (official) single from the album, and ‘Crowded Roomz’ proved to be a massive hit. Living up to its name, being played in crowded rooms across the world, and certainly bringing crowds to a frenzy, ‘Crowded Roomz’ is an infectious drum and bass cut that makes use of the artist’s signature vocals to drive its energy. Pairing these vocals with masterfully leveled instrumental is what makes ‘Crowded Roomz’ such a great track, and we highly implore all to dive into Silence Is Loud from start to finish.
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12. ISOKNOCK, RL Grime – SMACK TALK – AK
ISOKNOCK’s debut single, ‘SMACK TALK,’ featuring the trap don RL Grime, has risen as one of the defining anthems this year. An immaculate blend of electro, dubstep, hip-hop, and bass, the track has taken over the festival stages and streaming platforms alike. RL Grime’s veteran expertise brings the song to life, delivering explosive basslines and a trap-induced flair. With its intensity and cultural impact, ‘SMACK TALK’ is a standout track of the year.
-AK
11. Levity – Front to Back
You may have recalled viral videos at Electric Forest and Shambhala with ‘Front to Back’ being rinsed to attendees and the crowd reaction was like no other. Levity have sparked a movement in the bass scene as they continued their dominance throughout the year. The single represents Levity’s pure vision of showcasing their experimental sound design and not sticking to the norms. When fans are left in awe for more, you clearly know you are doing something right and Levity were able to deliver that wonky-induced filth we all needed in our lives during 2024.
– AK
10. Zeds Dead, Moody Good, Killa P – Mad Ting
Simply put, ‘Mad Ting’ is ridiculous. Nobody needs a reminder of the legendary status of Zeds Dead and Moody Good, as these artists have established themselves as some of the best in the game for well over a decade. Their collaboration came as a huge surprise, and with Killa P lending some bars, the hype was huge. When ‘Mad Ting’ dropped, it instantly became one of my most listened to songs of the year. Moody Good’s unparalleled swagger, Zeds Dead’s timeless influence, and Killa P’s destructive bars come together to create one of the meanest dubstep tracks in recent history, delivering a relentless dose of mind-melting bass. We love that Moody Good is back to releasing and that Zeds Dead are returning to the album format in 2025. Maybe they’ll have respective individual tracks on next year’s list!
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9. TroyBoi x UZ – IBTFY – CV
‘IBTFY’ is everything we want from trap in 2024, paying homage to the OG trap roots that TroyBoi and UZ helped define without sounding the slightest bit dated. The track proves the genre’s timelessness and cements the pair’s status as two of the greatest to ever do it. It’s hypnotic and iconic. It’s the best of both of their sounds combining raw trap shit with captivating soundscapes for a truly unforgettable listening experience. This is our tenth year doing our Top Songs of the Year feature and a lot has changed, but one thing that hasn’t is TroyBoi and UZ’s position amongst the best releases of the year. Never switching their sounds to bend to the flavour of the month, both artists embody the pinnacle of staying true to your sound while continuing to evolve gracefully.
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8. Chase & Status x Stormzy – Backbone
What happens when powerhouses come together for a collaboration like no other? Pure adrenaline is right as Chase & Status called upon UK legend Stormzy for ‘Backbone.’ A perfect blend of raw energizing vocals with drum and bass madness, this one proved to take over the festival scene across the globe. With no choice but to hit the dancefloor with this one, Chase & Status have been monumental in driving the music industry this year, and tapping Stormzy only made sense for this legendary single.
– AK
7. Joy Orbison – flight fm
It only took Joy Orbison one release to dominate 2024. Released just seventeen days into the year, ‘flight fm’ has become this year’s most unexpected hit, reaching “Baddadan” levels of ubiquity. Raw yet elegant, this short and sweet banger can be fit into a wide variety of sets, be they bass, house, garage or techno. There hasn’t been a single show in the past 12 months where, at some point, I haven’t heard the deep pulsating bass slowly emerge from a mix and make the dancefloor go berserk.
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6. Distinct Motive – Mellow Man
Aside from #1, ‘Mellow Man’ is this year’s biggest dubstep track, and rightly so. If you went to a bass show this year, you probably heard ‘Mellow Man’ at least once a night (and usually more than that). This track was absolutely everywhere, and put Distinct Motive on the map for a ton of people. ‘Mellow Man’ is an incredible phenomenon, as it showcases that complexity is not needed to make a hit. It’s quite simple in its ideas, but Distinct Motive knew exactly how to channel that simplicity into something absolutely iconic. Released via Deadbeats, ‘Mellow Man’ catapulted Distinct Motive to the forefront of the dubstep scene, but people would be wrong to say that it wasn’t deserved. Seeing him live in Toronto for the first time this year, I was stoked to see how big of a crowd he pulled in, and how he was able to keep the energy high for the duration of his set. Distinct Motive is the man.
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5. Fred again.., Anderson .Paak, CHIKA – places to be CV
“Hello I’ve got places to be!” Fred again.., Anderson .Paak, and CHIKA proved to be the perfect complement to one another on “places to be.” The track dropped at the end of May and acted as the unofficial start to the summer. Balancing between creativity, inventiveness, and pure pop appeal, it finds that perfect sweet spot. The warm weather anthem is breezy, infectious, upbeat, and most of all, fun. It’s a dance bop. It’s a travel soundtrack. It’s a love song. It’s a certified summer anthem. When you press play you can feel the sun warming your skin, your beer tastes better, and life seems a little bit brighter.
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4. Charlie XCX – Von dutch
Chronically online people will say that ‘Welcome To My Island’ (George Daniel & Charli XCX Remix) was the secret beginning of the Brat era. Others will argue that ‘Von dutch’ is not Brat’s most popular song. However, it’s a fact that ‘Von dutch’ was the first drop of the neon green tsunami that took over 2024’s music and culture. A single that ripped us away from the plastic glam of Crash and catapulted us into a Hor-like bathroom with a Jaegerbomb in our hand and a bloghouse cut from the mid-’00s that blasting at full volume. Von Dutch is a nostalgia-infused banger perfect both for millennials who grew up with Crookers and Wolfgang Gartner and Y2K-obsessed Gen Z.
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3. Tommy Richman – MILLION DOLLAR BABY
Tommy Richman, signed to Brent Faiyaz’s label ISO Supremacy, really blew up this year after ‘MILLION DOLLAR BABY’ went viral on TikTok. After teasers of the single garnered over 9.5 million views on the platform in less than a week, its commercial success upon release was unsurprisingly massive, easily snagging the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with its debut. It served as the soundtrack to several viral trends, including a dance challenge and prom transition videos. Appropriately, like our list here, ‘MILLION DOLLAR BABY’ hastily made its way to number three on Spotify’s Top 50 chart, beat out only by “Not Like Us” and “euphoria” by Kendrick Lamar. Making its rounds through other forms of media, the dance became an emote in Fortnite and the song was featured on the soundtrack for Madden NFL 25. If any song on this list can be called this year’s definitive summer jam, it’s this one (and as of now, it’s amassed almost one billion streams on Spotify alone).
Richman’s laid-back production on ‘MILLION DOLLAR BABY’ is like Southern drawl in song form. It straddles the lines between R&B, West Coast gangsta funk, and Southern rap in an eclectic, groovy style that sounds straight out of Houston. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Richman is actually from Virginia! Following the likes of Timbaland and Pharrell, he has since left Virginia for LA, but that hasn’t hampered his beautifully authentic style nor has it stopped him from drawing upon the sonic palette of the American south in his subsequent releases. Seamlessly transitioning between genres, whether it be rap, R&B, blues, or rock, seems to be Richman’s modus operandi. Atop electrifying synths with a hook so catchy that you’ll be humming the tune in your head for hours after, the raw soul behind Richman’s vocal riffs on ‘MILLION DOLLAR BABY’ in particular reinforce the track’s well-deserved distinction as the sensational smash hit of his discography.
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2. Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
“psst, I see dead people”
This year we witnessed one of the most important hip-hop showdowns of our generation between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Amidst their absolute evisceration of each others’ character through March and April, ‘Not Like Us’ emerged as perhaps one of the most important hip-hop compositions in recent memory. Kicking off after J. Cole’s contentious ranking of “the Big Three” in hip-hop on Drake’s ‘First Person Shooter’ last year, the feud ultimately blessed us with numerous diss tracks from Drake and Kendrick, with ‘Not Like Us’ coming out on top as the undisputed chart-topper.
Let’s all take a moment to appreciate that a diss track spent twenty-one weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, was the quickest hip-hop song to reach 300 million streams on Spotify, and to top it all off, broke Drake’s record for the biggest number of single-day streams on Spotify. As of right now, it’s approaching one billion. For a minute there, it felt like the entire nation was banging this track. The pop/club style that Drake has thus far dominated shifted hands, as if Kendrick were saying, “Oh yeah? I can also make a number one hit, and I can do it better than you.” Its immediate success culminated in a debut, five-time consecutive performance at The Pop Out: Ken & Friends. Over twenty-five West Coast icons were featured on stage alongside Kendrick and broadcasted for the world to see. Watching that stream, one could feel the unity in that arena through the screen. It was a true embodiment of hip-hop’s cultural zeitgeist in 2024.
There’s so much to say about what ‘Not Like Us’ stands for (surely much more than I’m qualified to write about here). This isn’t just a shot at Drake’s character, this is a veritable West Coast anthem. This is the song where the Kendrick vs. Drake feud transcends from personal attacks into a battle over hip-hop’s legacy. The rest of the beef notwithstanding, this singular song manages to recontextualize Drake’s entire public image while being infectious enough to have entire club crowds chanting “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” All of this on a Mustard beat, no less! The production of ‘Not Like Us’ is Mustard’s signature hyphy style in exemplary form, replete with finger snaps, gritty strings, and aggressive kicks (furthering the historical homages, the beat itself is an ode to Dr. Dre’s style). In one of the most memorable lines of the song, Kendrick lets out a rallying cry for West Coast artists to defend their identity and their icons with, “Yeah, it’s all eyes on me, and I’ma send it up to Pac,” an overt denunciation of Drake’s use of AI to imitate Tupac’s voice on ‘Taylor Made Freestyle.’ All of these elements coalesce into an immensely powerful affirmation of what hip-hop means to Kendrick and crew, and simultaneously cement ‘Not Like Us’ as the knockout punch to one of the greatest rap feuds we’ve ever seen. Sorry, Drake fans, but Kendrick opened his mouth… and the whole world listened.
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“When I push, I feel good, when I pull, I feel good.” Another year, another Skrillex #1. We don’t do this on purpose, we swear, but it’s impossible not to put ‘Push’ at the top of this year’s list when looking at the impact that it had and what we represent as a publication. When the original picture of Skrillex and Hamdi in the studio first dropped, we thought it would turn out to be just another one of the million Skrillex collaborations to never see the light of day, despite being absolutely stoked for Hamdi who was starting to get the recognition he deserved. However, as rumblings of ‘Push’ started appearing across various live sets, fleeting hope turned into real expectations, and in typical Skrillex fashion, ‘Push’ turned out to be the song of the year. Featuring that quintessential Hamdi swing, the ever-innovative Skrillex touch, and catchy vocals from TAICHU and OFFAIAH, ‘Push’ is everything we love about electronic music.
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FUXWITHIT Top 50 Songs Of 2024 Spotify Playlist
Words by Alessio, Alshaan, Braden, Colin, John & Steph.
