The song was powerful, but it didn’t necessarily point fingers at any one person, or group of people. Triumphant horns highlight the instrumental, which also contains a roof-rumbling percussion medley. “ROCKSTAR” is one of the catchiest songs of the year, and it’s also one of the best. As there was an immense amount of backlash regarding riots that in city streets, Ross gave them a soundtrack. Alone, the album titles may not resonate on any particular level, but when combined, it becomes a powerful image, and one that likely hits home for a lot of people-- especially during this, the year of our Pandemic. From legendary artists showcasing their longevity to up-and-coming artists making a splash, here are 20 of the best hip-hop releases of the year. was cool but it was a compilation of songs recorded throughout the early decade leading up to its release. In essence, “Moon Man & Slim Shady” has everything a longtime rap fan could ask for. While there isn't anything new about this concept, "Rags2Riches 2" finds an efficient way to capitalize on the emotion of triumph, in a year filled with uncertainty. King Von came through heavy at the beginning of the year with this absolute banger, helping to launch a successful year for the young artist, who was taken too soon. “Every colored person ain't dumb and all whites not racist/I be judging by the mind and heart, I ain't really into faces,” raps the Atlanta native, urging us all to consider the bigger picture and not be so closed-minded. Gunna has been an interesting character over the last few years. The song was released at the height of the social and political unrest issues in the U.S. Toronto’s finest did not drop his highly anticipated new album, but we did get a mixtape and a slew of singles, including the Durk-assisted “Laugh Now Cry Later.” The scorching single features production from Cardo, Rogét Chahayed, Yung Exclusive, and G. Ry while Lil Durk loans some auto-tune laced bars to the second verse. The Alchemist has had a landmark year and is, by any reasonable count, the producer of the year, dropping fire records with Conway the Machine and Boldy James (the former of which appearing on our ballots and the latter appearing on our list), not to mention two solid solo LPs of his own all in 2020 alone. Drizzy raps, "Please don't play that nigga songs in this party, I can't even listen to that," which is a nod to the Canadian rapper's entourage having Pusha T's music shut off during a celebration. It’s no easy feat to follow Kendrick Lamar, but Busta Rhymes has been doing this shit for decades. Check out our list of Best Hip Hop Songs of 2020 to catch up on anything you may have missed from last year. Busta Rhymes, also known as one of the fastest rappers of all time, has a 30-year career to his name, so fans were curious how Busta would sound among rappers for the new generation. Mind you, it was a bloated 20+ song tracklist, but there were a few incredible moments on the project that offered Lil Wayne fans something that they’ve been longing for since his release from Rikers. While we're almost certain that Future is not actually "ridin' strikers through your hood," as he's admitted time and time again, it's his cool-as-a-cucumber approach to the song overall that always makes him feel believable. This is one of the biggest songs of the year, and it’s quite possibly the most important song of the year. Hip-hop can convey many emotions, but few songs have managed to capture such a heartbreaking tone as Jay Electronica’s “A.P.I.D.T.A.” The closing message of his A Written Testimony album, Electronica opts to employ the music of Khruangbin’s “A Hymn,” a beautiful and melancholic composition in its own right. Graphic? Saweetie is no stranger to going viral, and she refused to slow down in 2020. Fueled by D.A. Sales Data =TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS. and walking into the men’s room -- a clever metaphor to show how she’s infiltrated the male-dominated rap sphere -- walking right up to a man and pissing in his face. Fueled by D.A. Adding to a list of newcomers who half-rap and half-sing, his melodic prowess is evident on songs like the TikTok viral hit, “No Idea” and the turn-up anthem “After Party.” Toliver's sound is evident that he is Scott's mentee and "Heaven or Hell" has the rapper ready for the spotlight. Von embarks on a story that takes listeners through his hood, painting a picture of the O that feels consistent with everything that the community has brought to the culture in recent years. And of course, the record itself is basically a masterclass in story-telling. Those familiar with the Spillage Village movement, more specifically the trajectories of J.I.D, Johnny Venus, and Wowgr8 (Formerly known as Doctur Dot), are well familiar with the trifecta’s elite rhyming ability. “The Bigger Picture” arrived just days after Lil Baby was spotted at a protest in Atlanta, leading the charges and handing out supplies, money, and more, speaking to the crowd as they reached the State Capitol Building. Protests were happening every single day and night, with police officers shooting rubber bullets and spraying massive amounts of tear-gas into crowds following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black Americans. Google's Top Hummed Songs 2020; All Year-End Charts; DECADE-END . Top Rap and Hip-Hop Songs 2021 It’s a track that was impossible to avoid and Roddy’s songwriting prowess was on full display from start to finish. Although the album does lead with a few features, it also helps showcase how much he shines alone—a rapper with charisma and confidence ready for the world to take notice. 1 Hour Hip Hop Mix - New Hip Hop Music 2020 Mix! Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, ’75 million are watching’: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene trashes fellow GOP lawmaker for revelations against Trump, CDC Says Don't Do This After Getting COVID Vaccine. “I've been over my lyrical phase, I rather be potent,” he spits, showcasing his cleverness with a slick serpentine segue. "Need It" borrows the addicting guitar of "Bitch Get In My Car" and lays it down over a trap beat that revives the sound for a new generation. And of course, much has already been made about his hypersonic climactic verse, to the point where it went on to spark his first viral challenge -- a milestone befitting of a noted curmudgeon when it comes to technology. Free customizable online radio with unlimited skips. As expected, the personalities and vibes of both entities mesh well on this party track. Dugg’s delivery, as well as Baby’s own care-free energy, make this one of the best rap songs of the year, easily. This particular track hit noticeably harder than the gentler, more emotional tracks off of the EP, offering contrast and variety, and veering us directly into "hip-hop" territory. It’s no easy feat to follow Kendrick Lamar, but Busta Rhymes has been doing this shit for decades. With Benny’s throwback essence and Hit-Boy’s sample-heavy production, this collaboration is sure to heighten Benny’s appeal into mainstream conversations. tracklist as a whole is an easy listen, there is no denying that “Dollaz On My Head” is truly special. Even Yung Joc, who gets dissed in the first line of the song, can’t deny that it’s a banger, admitting that he likes it on multiple occasions. An addition to the upgraded deluxe was the track “Up Up Away,” a formidable force by J.I.D and EarthGang’s Doctur Dot with a feature by Vince Staples, who holds down the chorus. 2019 was a breakthrough year for several of today’s most exciting acts. This track spent 11 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts and it helped Roddy’s Please Excuse Me For Being Anitsocial album go two times platinum. This track spent 11 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts and it helped Roddy’s. The JULiA LEWiS and 1Mind-produced banger was also accompanied by one of the more creative music videos that Youngboy Never Broke Again dropped all year. The former continued his strong run through the pandemic, releasing his Blame It On Baby album and his My Brother’s Keeper (Long Live G) EP. His delivery is unique, tapping into his higher range and playing around with sound effects. Tha Carter V was cool but it was a compilation of songs recorded throughout the early decade leading up to its release. Spillage Village is a hip-hop and R&B collective comprised of EARTHGANG, J.I.D, 6LACK, Mereba, Hollywood JB, Benji, and Jurdan Bryant. The Cole Bennett-directed flick shows Latto in a highly-stylized setting, being. Though stylistically different in myriad ways, there’s one piece of connective tissue that gives Future and Drake such incredible chemistry: their shared, in 2015, the pair reunited in January of 2020 to provide an update, checking in to confirm that “Life Is Good” -- blissfully unaware of the following months to come. It was — in typical 6lack fashion — poetic, melodic, and even haunting at times. While receiving his fair share of co-signs from the likes of Young Thug, he's also gone ahead and essentially forged a dynamic duo with Lil Baby. The eerie and haunting vibes of "Calvin" give Conway the perfect backdrop to lay down bars dripping with street knowledge. SONG ALBUM TIME Deep Pockets. With over 25 years in the music industry, Nas has long established his spot among hip-hop’s elite MCs—some would deem him as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” At a time in which music is consumed incessantly, a challenge for an artist like Nas is keeping up with the music of today but also staying true to his die-hard fan base. Apple Music Top 100 Hip-Hop/Rap Albums in Worldwide. Basically, he's clowning his haters but making it catchy enough that they'll still want to knock to it. Sticking to what works, Gibbs lays down grimy bars over a sample that sounds like it belongs in a documentary for a pimp in the 70s. In J.I.D’s case, many have come to identify him as one of the best “new” lyricists, all the more so given how comfortable he’s become over a widespread variety of beats. . But Hit-Boy’s 2020 was a constant reminder that looking back would be taking the easy way out. was announced, fans were anticipating more of that dark murderous energy exuded by their previous output. Artists rallied to keep momentum with so many facets of their livelihood - namely live performance -- derailed by the ongoing pandemic. Conversely, Future finds his simple pleasures in the relentless pursuit of nocturnal enjoyment, as fast as it is morally loose. Of course, Roddy is the main attraction here as he delivers some of the auto-tuned crooning that has made him such a phenom over the past 12 months. Whether “Godzilla” truly is the best song on Em’s lone 2020 project is certainly debatable -- but damned if it didn’t leave a lasting impression all the same. Here Are The 20 Best Rap Albums Of 2020 Ambrosia For Heads' Top 20 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2020 List. Icy,” raps the Icy Queen, stunting her Bay Area inspirations in a clear-as-day fashion. Plus, the controversy surrounding Birdman and Martin Shkreli’s involvement in its rollout only add to its storied history. Definitely. 4PF signee 42 Dugg starts off with his trademark whistle before leading off with a few bars that had too much potential to not go viral. Discover new releases here weekly. If you were to sit down and try to create the quintessential Gunna song, “Dollaz On My Head” would certainly be the result. This particular version leaves Nav and Gunna on the sidelines, all while Don Toliver receives some more air time in the form of a verse outside of the hook. Even though it can sometimes feel like if you heard one Future song then you've heard them all, "Ridin Strikers" proved to be the summer 2020 banger that many didn't know they even needed. While the album features sweet collaborations with Jean Deaux, EARTHGANG, Kian, and Kyle Dion, Duckwrth’s appreciation for vintage sounds and blending genres showcases that he’s in a league of his own. “I got texts on my phone that'll never ping again,” raps Hov, his voice weary. Just two years since his debut studio album, rising star Lil Baby is out to prove he’s next up with his latest album properly titled, “My Turn.” The album’s lead single “Woah” is a certified banger, along with his second single “Sum 2 Prove.” Amid the Black Lives Matter protests in June, Lil Baby released “The Bigger Picture,” his highest-charting song to date that helped him earn two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. While the original album is ten tracks, Hitchcock recently released the deluxe version and constantly proves that the quality of his work is always better than quantity. “RTJ4” came out right on time as it reflects on the state of the world including racist cops, injustice, poverty, and capitalism. Lil Durk, Polo G and Lil Baby gave us a three-peat of sorts with this lineup of current rap kings featured on “3 Headed Goat,” hence the song title. as a whole, believe that the coronation plans have already begun. However, it's the base that really drives home the energy that King Von embodies in his lyrics. For 2020, a year damned by so many circumstances, the music was among the high points. Like Love Haha Wow Sad Angry. Anytime a legend of the game gives us a song that chronicles their rise in rap, it’s usually met with fanfare. Eleven months later, “What’s Poppin” is one of the biggest hits of the year, amassing accolades that include an MTV Video Music Award nomination for Song of the Summer and a RIAA certification after going 3x Platinum. This time around, the pair made an adaptive adjustment. Together they make “Life Is Good” a spectrum of sorts, one that feels like a cycle of day and night, of the calm and the storm. Lil Wayne, as he mentions in the song, uses it as a vehicle to “do the dash, boy.” Wayne weaves through the production with run-on sentences and stream-of-conscious flows that intertwine punchlines, similes, and metaphors into each other. Lyricism will always have a place in hip-hop, as one of the key foundational elements. Those familiar with the Spillage Village movement, more specifically the trajectories of J.I.D, Johnny Venus, and Wowgr8 (Formerly known as Doctur Dot), are well familiar with the trifecta’s elite rhyming ability. The sound later goes in a completely different direction than what you'd expect from Future, and it definitely ends up working in his favor, making the song an immediate stand-out from High Off Life. The track also laid the foundation for a future Roddy Ricch Presidential candidacy, which we can’t help but look forward to. Of course, the highlight of this track is the beat switch-up that arrives right as you hit the 2:30 mark, but even before the beat changes, the listener is slowly drawn in by the unidentified metallic clanging. Nowhere was that more evident than on “Godzilla,” a playful rap clinic featuring a posthumous appearance from noted Slim Shady fan Juice WRLD. Although the pandemic heavily impacted the music industry, it didn't stop rappers from gaining momentum. True, that certain selections may come at the expense of others will doubtless ruffle a few feathers, but rest assured that no list is definitive. The name really says it all with this one. Ross also released a powerful visual for “Pinned to the Cross” that told a story of a revolution— not televised, but taken by force, leaving many to interpret what the Florida lyricist was attempting to communicate. What matters most is that in a year rattled by division, Big Sean managed to unify his city and the many voices that make it such a vibrant rap mecca. Mannie transforms Eryn Allen Kane’s “Bass Song” into a shiny, candy-painted low-rider. This particular track hit noticeably harder than the gentler, more emotional tracks off of the EP, offering contrast and variety, and veering us directly into "hip-hop" territory. The album features collaborations with artists such as Gunna, Meek Mill, and Ty Dolla $ign. After his 2019 single “Welcome To The Party,” became a big hit, Pop Smoke was not only gaining new fans, but he was also getting recognition by some of the biggest names in hip-hop. , but it’s undeniable that Big Latto has broken out in a major way in 2020, striking with a number of hit records, including “On God”. “24” itself is not only an ode to the late Kobe Bryant, who wore the number on his jersey, but it also reflects both artists hustler mentality, the idea of 24/7 work, with Money Man alleging, “I can make a cool 50K in less than twenty-four hours.” And we believe it. The talented rapper received a Grammy nomination, Best Rap Album, for Alfredo, yet another masterful piece of art on our album's list that was constructed by The Alchemist. This is one of the biggest songs of the year, and it’s quite possibly the most important song of the year. Play it LOUD! Roddy Ricch didn’t release much new music in 2020 aside from his features, but his debut album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial continued performing tremendously well on the charts, allowing the Compton rapper to soak up his success for the twelve months following its release. For the occasion, Moon Man opted to operate in Shady’s wheelhouse, setting things off a lengthy stream-of-consciousness verse lined with abstract imagery and leaving Slim to finish things off. Top Hip Hop Albums of 2020: 5 – 1. Whether he’s questioning his thoughts on love on the 6LACK-assisted track “How TF,” doubting religion on “Flashbacks,” or boasting about the fruits of his labor on “I Get Money,” he floats across the content while complementing any artist that he’s featured with. Following up on the success from her “My Type” and “ICY GRL” singles, the new queen of samples came through with yet another classic callback in “Tap In,” which has become her latest hit. "Laugh Now Cry Later" includes a few bars that fans believe to be shots taken at two of Drake and Lil Durk's most bitter rivals: Kanye West and Tekashi 6ix9ine, respectively. Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon. Tweet A somber instrumental utilizes poignant pianos to really stir the feelings of rags, while Rod Wave and Lil Baby's bars highlight the riches. From there, Roddy delivers what was easily one of the catchiest hooks of the year, where he delivers plenty of braggadocios and hedonistic lyrics. Lyrically, the Atlanta rapper is all about his drip and with each new project, he has been able to cement himself as one of hip-hop’s most trusted hit makers. 4PF signee 42 Dugg starts off with his trademark whistle before leading off with a few bars that had too much potential to, Mac Miller’s family and friends came together to continue the rapper’s, , as indicated by the merging of both titles-- the idea of, . View reviews, ratings, news & more regarding your favorite band. Migos and NBA Youngboy decided to reach back to 2005 for this 50 Cent-sampled single. The way he manipulates his verbiage and fires off machine-gun syllabic schemes is Busta-esque in nature, leaving listeners scrambling to unpack his lines before the next one lands. 1 position on the charts, narrowly edging out Doja Cat’s “Say So” remix with Nicki Minaj. Sony Removes "Cyberpunk 2077" From PlayStation Store & Offers Refunds, Lil Wayne Isn't Done, Announces "No Ceilings 3" B-Side, Mulatto had more than a few viral moments this year, was a reminder of the brilliance Wayne and Mannie Fresh captured at the height of the Cash Money days. Weeks on chart. By Nick Sligh on February 2, 2021 Lyrically, he even helped influence one the most popular phrases of this year with the chorus — “N****s sayin’ they outside!” — and even was able to throw in a few clever bars — “You pumpin’ shit up like you Budden” —  that prove he was definitely a student of the game even at the young age of 20 years old. Streaming numbers consistently show that hip-hop still reigns as the most popular and influential genre. “I got texts on my phone that'll never ping again,” raps Hov, his voice weary. His flows are catchy, recalling some of Lil Wayne’s earlier work. Hip-Hop Wired’s Top Hip-Hop Projects Of 2020 Pt. Lil Baby had already proven himself in past years but, in 2020, he leveled up to superstar status. Top 10 Hip Hop songs of 2020 Follow. Mulatto had more than a few viral moments this year. One arranged between two emcees who, on paper, possess little to no similarities on a sonic level. Victor Victor Worldwide. When Youngboy tries, he’s a real threat. While Migos have not been releasing a ton of music this year, "Need It" was enough of a reminder that we do still need a new album, and that the trio still have that undeniable energy and chemistry. He surprisingly eased up on the half-assed sex bars and showcased his effortless ability to concoct a flurry bars with the utmost precision. “Look over your shoulder, get me?” he spits. On his latest album. For Eminem, it feels like such scrutiny has become par for the course, to the point where frequent provocation drove him to deliver the simmering Kamikaze -- and in doing so, ultimately righting a ship that many had accused him of steering awry. Just two years after his previous mixtape, Aminé returns with his second studio album “Limbo.” This time around, Amine seems like an artist who is more in tune with himself confidently than previously heard. It seems as if 2020 came in waves. The album enlists a star-studded feature list including Big Sean, Anderson .Paak, Foxy Brown, and Charlie Wilson. There are a number of Kobe Bryant references across tracks like “Woodlawn” and the interlude “Kobe." It’s these things and more that give "Blue Benz'' its mass appeal. While receiving his fair share of co-signs from the likes of Young Thug, he's also gone ahead and essentially forged a dynamic duo with Lil Baby. It’s safe to say, her debut album “Good News” was the perfect title. Doman’s simple but absolutely-murderable banger, Eminem showcases adaptability that even some of the game’s most accomplished emcees could only dream of achieving. Upvote +2 Downvote. , comes one of 2020’s best tracks, “Silly Watch.” Uzi cannonades the listener with quickfire bar after bar, outpacing an ominous synth line that oscillates throughout the short runtime. As it’s likely that landing on a standout is a matter of stylistic preference, it feels futile to single out verses, especially when the statement of unity remains one of the song’s most powerful takeaways. While 2020 was full of unexpected events, one of the biggest surprises was the release of Jay Electronica’s debut album, “A Written Testimony.” It was in 2007 when Jay Electronica put the world on notice with his first mixtape, “Act I: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge).” Although he hopped on several features within the last decade, fans were in disbelief that the MC was finally releasing his debut after a nearly 13-year hiatus. The hit single and album broke records across Billboard charts and earned him a few 2021 Grammy Award nominations. If there is any rapper that took 2020 by storm, Roddy Ricch would be at the top of the list. Although both versions ride, Lil Baby undeniably steals the show on the second iteration, and amps up the power, as well as replay value, of the record. Although the album is quite bloated in length, he makes sure to adhere to new age hip hop fans with collaborations alongside Rick Ross, Anderson .Paak, and Rapsody. If there’s one thing we know about 6lack, it’s that he can be paired with virtually any artist and make something magical — he’s been a go-to feature artist for the last couple of years.