As 2024 comes to a close and Spotify Wrapped makes its highly-anticipated appearance, many are reflecting back on their music highlights of the year. To join in on the fun, I asked the RB Writing Team to participate in a three-part series consisting of their top tracks, albums, and breakout artists of 2024. Without further ado, let’s kick off the series with our writers’ top tracks of 2024 below:
Jake Kwapiszeski
The top release of the year for me has to be the “Flip It” – Tape B remix. Two of the breakout artists of the year, Tape B and Levity have both taken 2024 by storm. They have each seen immense growth and have released some of the best music. Levity came onto the scene in a big way with their Flip It single and an amazing Electric Forest set. Tape B took this hit single and put some of his own special production which resulted in this amazing tune.
One of the dubstep songs of the year comes from another breakout artist of the year, Distinct Motive. Releasing “Mellow Man” on Deadbeats in early 2024, “Mellow Man” was one of the hottest dubstep songs of summer. It has continued to be played out and has an insane bassline that has turned into a true classic.
With the end of her Overdrive series, which was a special set in which the visuals match the mood from her Overdrive EP, Charlotte de Witte is looking to evolve. The release of a new Sanctum EP is a great example of the magic that is going to come from the techno queen. “Sanctum (feat. Marion Di Napoli)” is a melodic techno tune that is perfectly mixed with some ethereal vocals from Marion Di Napoli. Charlotte de Witte always brings the best techno and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for 2025.
Jonathan Lee
The combination of cinematic bass and dubstep completely elevated the game in Wooli and Ganja White Night’s “Combust.”The chord progression, layering over the massive bassline, sends chills through any listeners spin, and this is a song that definitely been on repeat since dropping.
Marcus Arrieta
As a drum & bass head, 2024 was an insane year for DNB music. Although one track stood out to me, “Here Comes The Warrior” ft. Gia Santho from legendary UK trio King of The Rollers, is one of my all time favorite releases of the year. The track features riveting deep basslines and crisp airy melodies. “Here Comes The Warrior” has a perfect balance between the soulful rhythms of DNB and a full-powered roller that give the track an addicting energy that has kept it on repeat.
Chase Courtney
“Buckshots” is my favorite track from GorillaT’s second album, Third Eye Vision, and a certified BOP! “Buckshots” features vocals from GorillaT’s bass music mentor Hostage Situation, who likely provided input on the track’s production as well. “Buckshots” is LOUD and extremely confident in its lyrical themes and auditory style. Mixing enchanting and atmospheric elements with HEAVY wubs and sweeping transitions. An experimental step forward for both producers. The duo refer to themselves as “Cold Bass Killers” and “local street sweepers.” Telling the haters and naysayers to “save it all for Twitter.” Describing the track’s sound as “Buckshots through the speaker.” A perfect summary of the intense drops and transitions that the listener is experiencing. Hostage Situation hypes up GorillaT with “GO GORILLA!” shoutouts, while encouraging fans to “bop this when rocking in the mosh pit.” Making “Buckshots” an intense live experience.These producers are joined at the hip and consistently make digital magic when they are in the studio. “Buckshots” displays the evolution of GorillaT’s sound and his personal (and professional) relationship with the man who taught him how to produce.
Mason Weatherby
Layton Giordani has been working hard for years and 2024 was really good to him. “Paranoid” was one of my favorite songs thisyear because of how catchy the vocals are paired with Layton’s builds and drops in the production. I’ve probably listened to this song a thousand times this year and I’m still not tired of it.
Hana Hamdan
John Summit had another massive year with the release ofComfort in Chaos, one of the best dance albums of the year. His collaboration with drum & bass legend Sub Focus resulted in an unparalleled level of creativity. Their dreamy dnb record “Go Back” captivated our soundwaves all year long, and rightfully so. “Go Back” solidifies its place as one of the most significant releases of 2024, honoring the ability of producers to work together and create truly unique music.
Thanks to Dom Dolla, this summer was all about the “girl$!” This powerful and evocative house track masterfully combines empowerment with a hint of mischief. As a standout Coachella ID, it became a relentless staple in festival sets worldwide, giving us a summer we’ll never forget.
This year, “Move” became a movement. The legendary German DJ/producer Adam Port (of the renowned Keinemusik label & collective) teamed up with vocalist Malachiii, Orso, and the gifted pop & hip-hop producer/songwriter Stryv to give us one of the season’s most viral tracks. It will go down in many listeners’ memories as their first-ever introduction to Afro House.
Calvin Witmer Jr.
Kai Wachi’s “Happier By Now” hits in all the right ways. Not only does it elicit strong, relatable emotions that are raw, reflective, and real, but it is met equally with masterful production to match. The painfully honest lyrics are followed by beautiful, intense, and wondrous symphonies of sounds to create the perfect drop to headbang the pain away. One of the top tracks of the year hands down.
Courtney Longhurst
I don’t think my 2024 would have been the same without the release of Zeds Dead’s highly anticipated ID, “Sweet Memories.” This one debuted at Deadrocks and has since been a staple in countless Zeds Dead sets, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the official drop. As the first single off their upcoming album, Return To The Spectrum Of Intergalactic Happiness, “Sweet Memories” marks a turning point for Zeds Dead, channeling their old-school dubstep roots while simultaneously pushing into a new era for the duo. Thanks for a great year boys and can’t wait for the album next March!
