2024 saw several big hits and waves in the music industry, even to a point where people were divided. We saw the end of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Tyler the Creator’s biggest album, and the rise of Sabrina Carpenter’s career. As we look back upon these moments, one stands out: Kendrick Lamar grabbing a hold of the entire music industry. We’ve put together a glimpse of how others viewed his year, specifically the members of our Woodbridge High community.
Of course, it’s clear that the biggest thing of this year was a series of disses between artists Kendrick Lamar and Drake. With the large and successful careers these two have had, several students and teachers were left divided on who they really favored. Some found that Kendrick Lamar took the throne, not only in this beef but in the entirety of rap history.
“He did have a mainstream impact and not just for rap listeners,” sophomore Haran Gunabalasubramaniam stated. “He showed that he’s not able to just rap about morals…but he’s also able to rap about other situations.”
This is very apparent in songs such as “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”, “How Much a Dollar Cost?”, and “DUCKWORTH”, all of which paint pictures on how life was for Kendrick when growing up in his hometown Compton, from deaths to social issues. Kendrick’s ability to keep this style of storytelling in several of his songs has solidified him as one the best storytellers of all time.
And he kept this same energy about morals in 2024 with his album GNX, which featured themes of love and self-acceptance with songs such as “Man at the Garden”, “Luther”, and “Gloria”. This stands as proof that Kendrick stays with the times and adjusts as these themes were the ones most trending throughout 2024 with songs such as “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone and “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish, all of which hit number one on the charts.
On the contrary, some found that establishing Kendrick as the GOAT of rapping was a stretch.
“I like Kanye more. I like Notorious more. I like Drake more…I just don’t think Kendrick’s music is inspirational,” senior Dylan Moore said.
All of these are very much valid and arguable. Although Kendrick’s music seems inspirational, this would only apply to a select group of people, while the majority who are in different situations wouldn’t be able to relate. Furthermore, the way Kendrick tells his story isn’t as uplifting as the other artists that Moore mentioned. On the other hand, Kanye West, The Notorious B.I.G., and Drake are all viewed as inspiration to so many people in various circumstances, largely due to them either focusing on commitment to oneself and goals or rapping in a way where the meanings of their songs seem more powerful and inspirational.
However, some take it even further, believing Kendrick wasn’t even the most impactful artist of 2024.
“I know other artists had big years, like Taylor Swift for instance or Billie Eilish,” math teacher Ian Garrovillas stated.
This makes sense, especially when we look at the numbers. Taylor Swift finished her Eras tour towards the beginning of 2024, which is officially the highest grossing tour out of any artist, with over two billion dollars in sales, more than twice as much as second place. Furthermore, Garrovillas also mentions Billie Eilish having a very successful and impactful year, and it makes sense. She won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, released a successful album, was named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, and had a hit that sat at the top of the Billboard charts for two weeks, “Birds of a Feather”
All in all, it’s safe to say Kendrick did have a huge influence on the music scene in 2024, and that too throughout the year, with the disses in the first half and his album to close it out. When it comes to the most influential rapper of 2024, there’s no doubt Kendrick takes the crown, and the numbers reflect it. However, in terms of which artist had the biggest impact, Kendrick, although arguable, may need to sit down. When it comes to most influential, the numbers are ultimately where we have to turn, and we saw artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish outdo Kendrick. Despite this, there’s no doubt that Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 was nothing short of amazing and big, truly making waves.
