Did Pitchfork rate Ice Spice's debut album higher than Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’? Publication album ranking explored

Pitchfork is an American music publication that covers new album releases, reviews, and other entertainment and media news.

With Kendrick Lamar's sixth studio album being surprise-dropped last Friday, several publications immediately broke down and dissected the themes and concepts brought forward on GNX.

Pitchfork writer Alphonse Pierre's recent review of GNX has garnered a lot of attention online after media outlets started sharing comparative posts of the publications' album rankings.

Popular Instagram hip-hop news outlet, Bars, shared a post that compared the magazine's ratings for Kendrick Lamar's GNX and Ice Spice's debut studio album Y2K!

Alphonse Pierre gave GNX a 6.6/10, sharing praise for multiple tracks on the LP, like wacced out murals. He critiqued Lamar for leaning into a supposed "savior complex," while citing this was a theme Kendrick "resisted" on projects like Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. As per Alphonse Pierre's Pitchfork review:

"I’m all for airing out petty grievances in your raps, but when you’re also chatting about saving the essence of hip-hop there has to be something deeper at the root."

Pitchfork writer Vivian Medithi reviewed Ice Spice's Y2K! album, giving the project a 7.6/10. The review praises Ice for remaining "undaunted" by her high industry expectations, choosing to double down on her unique style, stating:

"What makes Y2K! so instantly memorable is Ice Spice’s refusal to be pigeonholed."

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A list of 2024 hip-hop albums Pitchfork ranked higher than Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX'

2024 has been a massive year for hip-hop, as fans and the community witnessed one of the most iconic lyrical rap battles between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

While the 2024 rap beef continues to generate buzz, several artists have dropped highly acclaimed pieces of work this year. From Tyler, The Creator's conceptual eighth studio album, Chromakopia, to Metro Boomin and Future's "We Dont Trust You" album series, all of which debuted at No.1 on Billboard's album charts.

Below is a list of 10 hip-hop albums, released this year, that Pitchfork ranked higher than Kendrick Lamar's sixth LP.

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1) MF Doom - MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition)

The official cover art for MF Doom's re-released 'MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition)' album (Image via X/@MFDOOM)

MF Doom's estate released the 20th Anniversary Edition for the late rapper's fifth studio album, MM..FOOD, on November 16. The project has a complete runtime of over an hour, featuring remixes and interviews, as well as the original tracklist, which has been provided below:

1. Beef Rap
2. Hoe Cakes
3. Potholderz (feat. Count Bass D)
4. One Beer
5. Deep Fried Frenz
6. Poo-Putt Platter
7. Fillet-O-Rapper
8. Gumbo
9. Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate
10. Kon Karne
11. Guinnessez (feat. Stahhr and 4ize)
12. Kon Queso
13. Rapp Snitch Knishes (feat. Mr. Fantastik)
14. Vomitspit
15. Kookies

Pitchfork writer Paul A. Thompson reviewed MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition), giving it a 9.0/10 rating.

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2) Chief Keef - Almighty So 2

The official cover art for Chief Keef's fifth studio album 'Almighty So 2' (Image via Instagram/@chieffkeeffsossa)

28-year-old Chicago rapper, Chief Keef, delivered his highly anticipated sequel to 2013's Almighty So, with his fifth career album titled Almighty So 2.

The LP was delivered to streaming platforms on May 10, hosting guest appearances from G Herbo, Lil Gnar, Sexyy Red, and more. The following 16 records were included on Almighty So 2's official tracklist:

1. Almighty (Intro)
2. Neph Neph (feat. Ballout and G Herbo)
3. Treat Myself
4. Jesus Skit
5. Jesus (feat. Lil Gnar)
6. Too Trim
7. Runner
8. Banded Up (feat. Tierra Whack)
9. Grape Trees (feat. Sexyy Red)
10. 1.2.3
11. Drifting Away
12. Never Fly Here (feat. Quavo)
13. Prince Charming
14. Believe
15. Tony Montana Flow
16. I'm Tryna Sleep

Pitchfork writer Dylan Green reviewed Chief Keef's fifth studio album, rating the LP an 8.4/10. The review calls Almighty So 2 a highlight in the rapper's career, who seemingly helped shape the sound of new-gen artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti.

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3) ScHoolboy Q - Blue Lips

The official cover art for ScHoolboy Q's sixth studio album 'Blue Lips' printed on vinyl (Image via Instagram/@groovyq)

Former Black Hippy member, ScHoolboy Q, released his highly praised sixth studio album this year titled Blue Lips.

The LP was distributed to streaming platforms on March 1 hosting features from Rico Nasty, Az Chike, Ab-Soul, and more. The complete tracklist for Q's Blue Lips album has been provided below:

1. Funny Guy
2. Pop (feat. Rico Nasty)
3. THank god 4 me
4. Blueslides
5. Yeern 101
6. Love Birds (feat. Devin Malik and Lance Skiiiwalker)
7. Movie (feat. Az Chike)
8. Cooties
9. oHio (feat. Freddie Gibbs)
10. Foux (feat. Ab-Soul)
11. First
12. Nunu
13. Back n Love (feat. Devin Malik)
14. Lost Times (feat. Jozzy)
15. Germany 86'
16. Time Killers
17. Pig feet (feat. Childish Major)
18. Smile

Pitchfork writer Dylan Green reviewed ScHoolboy Q's sixth studio album, rating the LP an 8.3/10. The review calls Blue Lips a "daring feat" that delivers some of the most raw and adventurous music of Q's career.

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4) Yung Lean x Bladee - Psykos

The official cover art for Yung Lean and Bladee's first collaborative album 'Psykos' (Image via Instagram/@yunglean2001)

Swedish rappers Yung Lean and Bladee teamed up this year for a 7-record surprise LP, titled Psykos, which was delivered to streaming platforms on March 13. The complete tracklist for the collaborative album has been provided below:

1. Coda
2. Ghosts
3. Golden God
4. Still
5. Sold Out
6. Hanging From The Bridge
7. Enemy
8. Things Happen

Pitchfork writer Nadine Smith reviewed the Swedish rapper's first collaborative album, giving the project an 8.0/10. The review praises Psykos for its "commitment to alt-rock and post-punk" genres, introducing Yung Lean and Bladee fans to a new era of their music.

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5) Future - Mixtape Pluto

The official cover art for Future's seventeenth mixtape 'Mixtape Pluto' (Image via Instagram/@future)

Entering at No.5 of Pitchfork's highest-rated hip-hop projects for 2024 is Future's seventeenth mixtape titled Mixtape Pluto, which was delivered to streaming platforms on November 1. The LP earned him his third No.1 album for the year.

The mixtape has a complete runtime of 47 minutes and features Travis Scott on a remixed bonus track. The complete tracklist for Future's Mixtape Pluto has been provided below:

1. TEFLON DON
2. LIL DEMON
3. SKI
4. READY TO COOK UP
5. PLUTOSKI
6. TOO FAST
7. OCEAN
8. PRESS THE BUTTON
9. MJ
10. BRAZZIER
11. SOUTH OF FRANCE
12. SURFING A TSUNAMI
13. MADE MY HOE FAINT
14. TOLD MY
15. OATH
16. LOST MY DOG
17. AYE SAY GANG
18. SOUTH OF FRANCE - REMIX (feat. Travis Scott)

Pitchfork writer Paul A. Thompson reviewed the mixtape, giving it a 7.9/10. The review praises Mixtape Pluto for being a project fueled by "urgent and kinetic" energy.

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6) Travis Scott - Days Before Rodeo

The official cover art for Travis Scott's sophomore mixtape 'Days Before Rodeo' (Image via Instagram/@travisscott)

Marking the 10th anniversary of his sophomore mixtape, Days Before Rodeo, Travis Scott re-released the project on all major DSPs on August 18. The tape garnered significant praise in publications like Pitchfork, with DBR debuting at No.2 on Billboard 200.

The complete tracklist for Travis Scott's Days Before Rodeo has been provided below:

1. Days Before Rodeo: The Prayer
2. Mamacita (feat. Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug)
3. Quintana Pt. 2
4. Drugs You Should Try It
5. Don't Play (feat. The 1975 and Big Sean)
6. Skyfall (feat. Young Thug)
7. Zombies
8. Sloppy Toppy (feat. Migos and Peewee Longway)
9. Basement Freestyle
10. Backyard
11. Grey
12. BACC (Bonus)

Pitchfork writer Matthew Richie reviewed the mixtape, giving it a 7.7/10. The review describes Days Before Rodeo as a time capsule taking listeners back to the start of the rapper's "chameleonic production prowess".

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7) Tyler, The Creator - Chromakopia

The official cover art for Tyler, The Creator's eighth studio album 'Chromakopia' (Image via Instagram/@feliciathegoat)

Coming in close on hip-hop albums Pitchfork reviewed this year is Tyler, The Creator's eighth studio album, Chromakopia, which was uploaded to streaming platforms on October 28, following a week-long rollout.

Featuring guest appearances from Teezo Touchdown, Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne, and more, Tyler's album held the No.1 spot on Billboard 200 for three weeks consecutively. The complete tracklist for Chromakopia has been provided below:

1. St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Caesar)
2. Rah Tah Tah
3. Noid
4. Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown)
5. Hey Jane
6. I Killed You
7. Judge Judy
8. Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne)
9. Take Your Mask Off (feat. Daniel Caesar and LaToiya Williams)
10. Tomorrow
11. Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q and Santigold)
12. Like Him (feat. Lola Young)
13. Balloon (feat. Doechii)
14. I Hope You Find Your Way home

Pitchfork writer Heven Haile reviewed the album, giving it a 7.6/10. The review describes Chromakopia as an electric and odd journey into his "aging psyche".

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8) GloRilla - Glorious

The official cover art for GloRilla's debut studio album 'Glorious' (Image via Instagram/@glorillapimp)

Pitchfork also broke down GloRilla's debut studio album, Glorious, which was delivered to streaming platforms on October 11, via CMG and Interscope Records.

The album clocked in at 42 minutes and featured guest appearances from artists like Latto, Sexyy Red, Megan Thee Stallion, T-Pain, and more. The complete tracklist for GloRilla's debut studio album has been provided below:

1. INTRO
2. HOLLON
3. PROCEDURE (feat. Latto)
4. TGIF
5. WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME (feat. Sexyy Red)
6. STOP PLAYING
7. DON'T DESERVE (feat. Muni Long)
8. RAIN DOWN ON ME (feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore)
9. GLO'S PRAYER
10. HOW I LOOK (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
11. I AIN'T GOING
12. STEP (feat. BossMan Dlow)
13. LET HER COOK
14. I LUV HER (feat. T-Pain)
15. QUEEN OF MEMPHIS (feat. Fridayy)

Pitchfork writer Vivian Medithi reviewed the album, giving it a 7.2/10. The review describes Glorious as a comeback album that avoids impersonal radio tracks to deliver an LP fueled by GloRilla's unique "taste and charm".

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9) Metro Boomin and Future - We Still Don't Trust You

The official cover art for Metro Boomin and Future's second collaborative album 'We Still Don't Trust You' (Image via X/@MetroBoomin)

Coming in close on hip-hop albums Pitchfork reviewed this year is Metro Boomin and Future's second collaborative album, We Still Don't Trust You.

The LP was delivered to streaming services three weeks after We Don't Trust You, on April 12. We Still Don't Trust You is significantly longer, clocking in at one hour and 28 minutes, given that We Still Don't Trust You is divided into two separate discs.

Featuring guest appearances from J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, and more, the following records are included on the official tracklist for Metro Boomin and Future's second collaborative album:

Disc 1

1. We Still Don't Trust You (feat. The Weeknd)
2. Drink N Dance
3. Out Of My Hands
4. Jealous
5. This Sunday
6. Luv Bad Bitches (feat. Brownstone)
7. Amazing (Interlude)
8. All to Myself (feat. The Weeknd)
9. Nights Like This
10. Came to the Party
11. Right 4 You
12. Mile High Memories
13. Overload
14. Gracious (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
15. Beat It
16. Always Be My Fault (feat. The Weeknd)
17. One Big Family
18. Red Leather (feat. J. Cole)

Disc 2

1. #1 (Intro)
2. Nobody Knows My Struggle
3. All My Life (feat. Lil Baby)
4. Crossed Out
5. Crazy Clientele
6. Show of Hands (feat. A$AP Rocky)
7. Streets Made Me A King

Pitchfork writer Dylan Green reviewed Metro Boomin and Future's second collaborative album, rating the LP a 7.1/10. The review describes We Still Don't Trust You as a "90-minute cinematic," that builds on themes and concepts discussed in We Don't Trust You.

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10) Metro Boomin and Future - We Don't Trust You

The official cover art for Metro Boomin and Future's first collaborative album 'We Don't Trust You' (Image via X/@MetroBoomin)

Another standout album that generated high praise from publications like Pitchfork was Metro Boomin and Future's first collaborative LP, titled We Don't Trust You.

The album is credited for igniting the 2024 rap beef with Kendrick's verse on Like That, taking shots at Drake, J. Cole, and the music industry. Other collaborators on this project include artists like Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, The Weeknd, and more.

The complete tracklist for Metro Boomin and Future's We Don't Trust You album has been provided below:

1. We Don't Trust You
2. Young Metro (feat. The Weeknd)
3. Ice Attack
4. Type Sh*t (feat. Travis Scott and Playboi Carti)
5. Claustrophobic
6. Like That (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
7. Slimed In
8. Magic Don Juan (Princess Diana)
9. Cinderella (feat. Travis Scott)
10. Runnin Outta Time
11. Fried (She a Vibe)
12. Ain't No Love
13. Everyday Hustle (feat. Rick Ross)
14. GTA
15. Seen it All
16. WTFYM
17. Where My Twin @ - Bonus

Pitchfork writer Alphonse Pierre reviewed the album, giving it a 7.0/10. The review describes We Don't Trust You as a "vengeful project," fueled by nostalgic lyricism and hard-hitting productions that capture the past two decades of Atlanta's evolving trap scene.

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Although Pitchfork did give Kendrick Lamar's GNX a 6.6/10 rating, the album is projected to debut at the top of Billboard 200 next week.