DJTen | RadioActive1 WBOB | January 31, 2025
The Best of the Best for 2024
As 2024 concludes, it's time for my annual "Best of the Best End of the Year Hit List." This year showcased a remarkable fusion of musical genres, blending jazz, R&B, and Afrobeat with contemporary trends that exemplify that different beat, flavor, vibe, and flow that is the RadiioActive1 WBOB. Each song on my Hot List offers a unique experience, inviting us to dance or relax while evoking emotions and telling stories. The selections reflect a rich tapestry of sound, celebrating both innovation and tradition.
This article highlights 15 of my favorite tracks from 2024, chosen for their quality and impact on the music scene. The full list is available on streaming platforms like Spotify and iTunes. Join us as we explore these unforgettable favorites, each a testament to the creativity and passion of the artists. Let's dive into the sounds that defined 2024!
15. Runnin' Hot by Elan Trotman
Leading our Best of 2024 Hotlist at number 15 is Elan Trotman from Barbados, renowned in the smooth jazz genre for his saxophone skills and unique style. His latest project, featuring the single Runnin' Hot, reached number 51 on the SmoothJazz.com Year End Top 100 Chart for 2024. This achievement underscores Trotman's influence and the quality of his music. His ability to blend musical elements and create captivating melodies has earned him a prominent place in contemporary jazz. As he evolves, Trotman's impact on the genre is undeniable, with Runnin' Hot highlighting his artistry and dedication.
14. Cigar Lounge by Big Mike Hart
At 14, Cigar Lounge by Big Mike Hart, featuring saxophonist Boney James, is a standout in contemporary jazz. This track highlights Hart's musicality and collaboration skills, blending styles harmoniously. Ranked 32 on the SmoothJazz.com Year End Top 100, it reflects its popularity. Known for his work on MTV shows, Hart brings a unique flair to smooth jazz. Cigar Lounge is a sultry jazz gem, ideal for relaxation, offering a serene escape with smooth rhythms and rich instrumentation. Boney James's soulful saxophone adds depth, enhancing the listener's experience. Perfect for unwinding, it underscores music's power to influence mood. Cigar Lounge solidifies Hart's place in smooth jazz, marking a career milestone.
13. Summit by Blair Bryant
Climbing up to 13, Summit by Blair Bryant showcases the promising talent of this young bassist. Often compared to legends like Stanley Clarke, Bryant not only delivered this track but also has four Top 15 singles to his name. His blend of innovation and dynamic playing places him firmly in the spotlight. If you haven't yet discovered his work, it's truly worth a listen!
12. Anything by Norman Brown
Known for merging contemporary jazz and R&B seamlessly, Anything by Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown occupies the number 12 spot on my Best of 2024 Year-End List. His latest album landed at number 2 on the SmoothJazz.com Top 100 Chart for 2024. Brown's romantic and mellow style creates a soundscape that feels both modern and timeless, perfect for intimate settings.
11. PUSH 2 START by TYLA
Ranked 11th, PUSH 2 START by TYLA emphasizes Afrobeat's growing influence in 2024, leading the Billboard Afrobeat Charts. This dynamic anthem, featuring catchy hooks and lively rhythms, highlights TYLA's strong vocals and relatable lyrics, marking her as a prominent figure in her genre.
10. That's the Way of The World by Nils
At number 10 is That’s the Way of The World by Nils, and it ranks 7 on the SmoothJazz.com Year-End Chart. This anthem combines refined melodies into an inspiring experience, highlighting Nils's talent for creating emotionally impactful tracks.
9. Gentle and Smooth by Nathan Mitchell
Reaching number 33 on the SmoothJazz.com Top 100 2024 Year-End Chart, Gentle and Smooth by Nathan Mitchell captures the essence of smooth jazz. This tranquil track takes listeners to a peaceful oasis, where everyday worries disappear. From the opening note, the piano melodies create a calming sound that surrounds the listener, while gentle rhythms enhance the experience. As the track progresses, it encourages listeners to imagine a serene landscape. In a chaotic world, Gentle and Smooth reminds us to breathe and appreciate the peace of music, leaving a lasting impression as it ascends the charts.
8. Very Delicious by Richard Elliott
Richard Elliott's Very Delicious captivates with its rich textures and vibrant melodies, blending jazz, R&B, and pop. The celebrated saxophonist delivers a soothing yet invigorating experience with smooth saxophone, rhythmic bass, and soft percussion. Elliott's composition evokes deep emotion, offering a perfect backdrop for cozy evenings and reaffirming his status in contemporary jazz.
7. Lose Control by Teddy Swims
Securing the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart for 2024, Lose Control by Teddy Swims energizes with vibrant beats and powerful vocals. Merging pop, R&B, and funk, the song appeals to a diverse audience, inviting listeners to dance and sing along. Swims's distinctive delivery balances emotion with an upbeat tempo, exploring themes of liberation. Lose Control has gained traction on social media through viral snippets and dance challenges. As an anthem of empowerment and joy, its chart-topping success ensures its lasting impact on the music scene.
6. Love Me JeJe by Tems
Tems' Grammy-winning track Love Me JeJe redefines the Nigerian music scene and resonates globally. The song blends traditional Afrobeat with modern influences, illustrating the genre's evolution while honoring its roots. Tems’ innovative approach and powerful vocals create an emotional journey through themes of love and self-acceptance. Love Me JeJe acts as a cultural bridge, expanding Afrobeat's reach and inspiring new artists to explore their heritage. This track elevates Nigerian music's global perception, celebrating cultural fusion and music's unifying power.
5. Grass-Fed Funk by Oli Silk
Taking #5 is Grass-Fed Funk by the UK's Smooth Jazz Ambassador, Oli Silk. This high-energy track combines funky bass lines with buttery smooth melodies. With 14 Billboard Top 30 Hits to his credit, Silk truly embodies what smooth jazz is all about, energizing listeners with every note.
4. All I Want is You by Boney James
Grabbing the #4 spot, All I Want is You by Boney James offers a nostalgic charm that epitomizes contemporary jazz. As one of the top three Billboard Contemporary Jazz artists, James knows how to convey deep emotion through his music, ensuring this track stands as a timeless classic.
3. MOVE by Skinny Hightower
MOVE by Skinny Hightower sprints into the #3 position. Its energetic beats and clever melodies ignite excitement, making it a perfect party starter. Hightower expertly merges tradition with innovation, creating catchy tracks that keep listeners coming back for more.
2. Unstoppable by Adam Hawley
Securing the second position, Unstoppable by Adam Hawley highlights his incredible guitar skills and vibrant sound. The electrifying atmosphere he creates pulls listeners into an irresistible groove that’s hard to resist.
1. Throb! (Bass Godz Remix) by Christian de Mesones
The top jam of 2024 is Throb! (Bass Godz Remix) by bassist Christian de Mesones. This high-energy remix fuses complex bass lines with pulsating rhythms, showcasing de Mesones' mastery of the bass guitar through dynamic riffs and grooves. It captures contemporary jazz's essence with modern elements, creating a rich soundscape that transcends genre boundaries. The production quality highlights de Mesones' attention to detail and artistic vision, blending various influences into a unique track. Throb! stands out for its infectious energy and innovative jazz approach, inspiring musicians and listeners and solidifying de Mesones' reputation as a groundbreaking artist.
A different beat, flavor vibe and flow
2024 has indeed been a remarkable year for music, especially in the vibrant and ever-evolving realms of contemporary jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. Each of these genres has seen a surge of creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of sound and redefining what we know about music today. We live by our mantra of a different beat, flavor, vibe, and flow, which encapsulates the essence of this year's Best of the Best Hit List. The tracks featured not only showcase the exceptional talent of each artist but also highlight the unique storytelling that they bring to their work.
As we take a moment to look back on these unforgettable jams, we are reminded of music's incredible power to connect us, evoke cherished memories, and lift our spirits during both the highs and lows of life. Each song serves as a soundtrack to our experiences, capturing emotions and moments that resonate deeply within us. This year, we've witnessed artists blending genres in innovative ways, incorporating elements from traditional sounds and modern influences to create something truly unique and refreshing.
As we celebrate the soundtracks of our lives, we also look forward to the new melodies yet to come, anticipating how they will shape our experiences in the future. The Best of 2024 Hit List just happens to be the 99th edition of What's Hot at the TenSpot, a testament to our commitment to curating the freshest and most exciting music. Feel free to sample my full playlist on Spotify, where you can immerse yourself in the diverse sounds that have defined this year.
If you're new to our grown folks' party, we warmly invite you to join us for our 100th edition, which will be coming at you real soon. This milestone edition promises to be a celebration of not just the music of today, but also a reflection on the journey we've taken together through the world of sound. So, let's raise a glass to the artists who have poured their hearts into their music, to the unforgettable tracks that have marked this year, and to the vibrant community of music lovers who continue to support and uplift one another through the universal language of music.
Only on the RadioActive1 WBOB, your place in cyberspace for the most unique listening experience on the internet and where we play more for what you listen to the radio for.
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