2023 features

Lil Wayne 2023 Features, Ranked

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It goes without saying that Lil Wayne’s talent is undeniable. Since the early 2000s, the rapper has been everywhere, cementing himself as a giant with each verse that he dishes out. Truly, he’s an untouchable lyricist. At one point, Lil Wayne was practically on every song, transforming him into the king of features throughout the mid to late aughts. While he has slowed down a bit in the last few years, Lil Wayne is still active and gave out several features in 2023. He always showcases his expertise and versatility, bringing his unparalleled flow and lyrical prowess to collaborations across genres. That’s why, for many, Lil Wayne is the GOAT. Of course, being the veteran that he is, his verses on other artists’ songs elevate them to new heights. Let’s run through all the features Lil Wayne appeared on in 2023, and which one stands above the rest. 

Read More: Latto’s Guest Verses In 2023, Ranked

19. “My Daddy’s Son” – Dame D.O.L.L.A Ft. Lil Wayne

Professional basketball player and rapper Dame D.O.L.L.A released his fifth studio album Don D.O.L.L.A on August 18, 2023. While the project has many great songs, “My Daddy’s Son” evidently stands out as one of its best tracks. On his verse, Lil Wayne is a beast, riding the beat and almost leaving Dame in the dust.

18. “Shoulder Pads” – AB Ft. Lil Wayne 

Former NFL player Antonio Brown has been releasing music as AB since 2020. For his 2023 offering, he features Lil Wayne on the fire track “Shoulder Pads.” Although he does his best on the song, AB is totally upstaged by Tunechi when he comes on. 

17. “Da One” – Dame D.O.L.L.A Ft. Lil Wayne

“Da One” is another track from the pro basketball player’s 2023 album that features Lil Wayne. Just like he did on “My Daddy’s Son,” Tunechi absolutely devours his verse. It is a testament to his prowess that the two tracks he appears on are among the album’s most memorable songs. 

16. “I’m Mad At Me” – Trippie Redd Ft. Lil Wayne 

Lil Wayne was on a mission with his features throughout 2023, and he took no prisoners. “I’m Mad At Me” is a track on Trippie Reed’s 2023 mixtape A Love Letter To You 5, and sees both Redd and Wayne dropping hard bars. The rappers’ chemistry on the track is effortless and certainly worthy of note. We hope they collaborate more in the future.

Read More: Trippie Redd Says He’s The “Real Life Lil Wayne” & Compares “Pegasus” To “C5”

15. “Brand New” – Tyga & YG Ft. Lil Wayne 

On September 29, 2023, Tyga and YG released their collaborative album Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist. However, two days before, the pair released “Brand New” as the fourth single from the project. It is one of only three songs on the album with a featured artist, and arguably the best of all three. Once again, Lil Wayne flexed on the owners of the song, upstaging them in less than a minute while receiving high praise from Eminem over that Funyun bar.

14. “FMFU” – DJ Drama ft. Lil Wayne, Roddy Ricch, & Gucci Mane

“FMFU” was released on March 31, 2023, as a part of DJ Drama’s album, I’m Really Like That. The album contains 14 tracks, and “FMFU” is certainly one of its standouts, primarily because of the performance of its featured artists. Roddy Ricch, Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne all delivered on their respective parts. The only reason this song isn’t ranked higher is because the tracks that appear above it are just better songs overall. Nevertheless, despite its position, it’s a pretty good song. 

13. “Ain’t Gonna Answer” – NLE Choppa ft. Lil Wayne

Featuring Lil Wayne on this track, NLE Choppa must have known he had to go as hard as he could. The Memphis rapper, riding the sample of Lil Wayne and Birdman’s “Stuntin Like My Daddy” just right, takes on the first half of the song. To his credit, he serves up good verses, matching the energy of the beat, and laying the groundwork for Lil Wayne to make his entrance. Halfway into the track, Tunechi takes the baton from Choppa and eats up his verse. With his part lasting about a minute, Lil Wayne has enough time to shine, and that’s exactly what he does on “Ain’t Gonna Answer.“

12. “The Formula” – Will.i.am ft. Lil Wayne 

Will.i.am released “The Formula” in partnership with Formula 1 on May 5, 2023. A musical icon himself, the Black Eyed Peas frontman enlisted Lil Wayne’s help on the catchy song. Without a doubt, Wayne’s verse is one of the best parts of the track. It may not be among his very best features of the year, but it’s a solid verse nevertheless. 

11. “Gladiator (Remix)” – Eladio Carrión Ft. Lil Wayne 

This is track #2 on Eladio Carrión’s 18-track album, 3MEN2 KBRN, that was released on March 17, 2023. Carrión makes Latin trap music, and this song exemplifies his expertise in the genre. Being that he is immensely versatile, however, Wayne is not left behind on the track. While Carrión effortlessly glides through the beat spitting fluid Latin bars, Wayne equally delivers a stellar verse mostly in English, but with a little Latin of his own. 

10. “Big Dog” – Benny the Butcher Ft. Lil Wayne 

Featuring one of Hip Hop’s biggest dogs, this song is aptly named. The song was released on November 3, 2023, and is a single from Benny the Butcher’s upcoming album Everybody Can’t Go. Despite not appearing on charts, it is currently one of Benny’s biggest songs, and rightly so. Coupled with Lil Wayne’s stellar verse on the track, Benny’s verse and hook make “Big Dog” a great song. 

9. “This Sh*t Right Here” – Swizz Beatz Ft. Lil Wayne 

Released on April 21, 2023, “This Sh*t Right Here” is a track on Swizz Beatz’s EP Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2. Throughout the track’s almost three-minute run, Lil Wayne goes off on the beat, having fun with it. Tracks like this one remind us that even at his most playful, Tunechi is not an MC to be trifled with. Swizz’ EP is laced with great tunes, but this one holds the most weight. 

8. “El Niño” – Big Freedia Ft. Lil Wayne & Boyfriend

Big Freedia released “El Niño” as the fourth single from Central City on June 19, 2023. With a catchy hook and energetic beat, the song is quite a memorable one. However, Lil Wayne’s verse undoubtedly elevated the track. While Big Freedia and Boyfriend snapped on their parts, Lil Wayne’s verse is arguably the standout performance on the track.

7. “Main One” – Mario Ft. Lil Wayne & Tyga

You can almost never go wrong with a pairing like this. Mario, an R&B icon, carried this song with his catchy hook. Likewise, Tyga delivered on his part, dropping an equally memorable verse. Finally, Lil Wayne, with a stellar 30-second verse, tied it all together. All three performers on this track brought their A-game, and that’s why it’s such a great song.

6. “Annihilate” – Metro Boomin ft. Lil Wayne, Swae Lee, & Offset

Following the critically acclaimed first film released in 2018, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was finally released in 2023. The soundtrack album that accompanied the film dropped on June 2, 2023, and “Annihilate” is one of its standout tracks. The combination of Lil Wayne, Swae Lee, and Offset on a Metro Boomin beat was a great idea. Indeed, whoever thought to pair them together deserves some sort of raise. Although Lil Tunechi has arguably the best verse on the song, Swae Lee certainly deserves props for a great hook. Likewise, Offset and Metro Boomin for a great verse and production, respectively. 

5. “How We Roll (Remix)” – Ciara & Chris Brown Ft. Lil Wayne

“How We Roll” was originally released on August 4, 2023 as a single from Ciara’s EP, CiCi. Subsequently, on November 3, 2023, the remix featuring Lil Wayne was dropped, and it is one of his best features this year. On the remix, Tunechi takes the first verse, and he absolutely murks it, almost making it hard for Ciara and Chris Brown to match. 

4. “RNB” – Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Wayne & Tate Kobang

One of the overall best tracks with features in 2023, “RNB” is a song off Nicki Minaj’s long-awaited fifth album, Pink Friday 2. The Queen of Rap, as expected, brought the heat on the song, and Lil Wayne did not relent either. Although his verse only lasts about 30 seconds, it is memorable. Moreover, and to his credit, Tate Kobang was also not obscure on the track, despite appearing beside two Hip Hop legends. 

3. “Hallelujah Heaven” – Jeymes Samuel Ft. Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, &  Shabba Ranks

The lead single from the upcoming film The Book Of Clarence, “Hallelujah Heaven” was released on November 28, 2023. Until the movie finally premieres in theaters, fans can listen to this track while they wait. The Gospel-infused track sees Lil Wayne delivering yet another fire verse. While his collaborators also eat, Lil Wayne’s verse is undoubtedly the star of the show on this track.

2. “Uneasy” – Jon Batiste ft. Lil Wayne

While they may make an unlikely pairing, Lil Wayne and Jon Batiste are a musical match made in heaven on this song. It’s always fulfilling to see collaborators on a song bring their A-game and lay it all out. On “Uneasy,” that’s exactly what these two musicians do. Indeed, throughout 2023, Lil Wayne delivered many great features. However, “Uneasy” is easily one of the best of them all. Besides his insane verse, the rapper also graces fans with a short electric guitar interlude that comes right before Batiste takes us to church on the piano. The two musicians exhibit beautiful chemistry and both have unforgettable verses on this track.

1. “Never Die” – Nas Ft. Lil Wayne

Rap icon Nas released his seventeenth studio album Magic 3 on September 14, 2023. The 15-track album only contains one feature, and it’s from none other than Lil Wayne. On “Never Die,” the two rap giants trade scorching hot bars, and listeners are reminded why they’ve remained relevant in Hip Hop all these years. Undoubtedly, this is among the best features Lil Wayne appeared on in 2023, and overall.

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Sexyy Red’s 2023 Features, Ranked

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It goes without saying that 2023 has been a great year for Sexyy Red, both as a lead artist and with her features. Throughout the year, the rapper dominated airwaves and made multiple appearances on charts across the globe. In addition, she is also widely regarded as one of the biggest breakout stars of the year. Rolling Stone even crowned her hit song “SkeeYee” as the best rap song of 2023. Likewise, fans of her music will refer to 2023 for years to come, because her work rate was truly astounding. Besides releasing several singles and an album, Sexyy Red had a laudable amount of features in 2023. Ranked from worst to best, here they all are.

21. “Sexyy & Conceited” – Pardison Fontaine ft. Sexyy Red

This track was released as a part of Pardison Fontaine’s recent album SEXT8PE. Sexyy Red’s verse contains her signature confidence and braggadocio. Additionally, while she and Fontaine may not have phenomenal chemistry, they are not a bad pairing. However, this might just be arguably her most forgettable feature of 2023.

20. “Perc & Sex” – YN Jay ft. Sexyy Red & G Herbo

YN Jay originally released “Perc & Sex” as a track without features on his 2022 album Coochie Goat. Following its considerable success, he released a remix featuring Sexyy Red and G Herbo in August 2023. While the original song remains one of his biggest tracks right now, the remix has not been as successful. Sexyy Red tried to pull her weight on the track, but the song didn’t hit quite like it should. 

19. “I Love Freaks (Sexyy’s Version)” – Lijay ft. Sexyy Red

In this song, Lijay and Sexyy Red let listeners know just how much they love freaks. This is very familiar territory for Sexyy Red. As a result, although Lijay is the lead artist, she all but eats him up on the track. “I Love Freaks” may not be among the most impressive features Sexyy Red has appeared on in 2023. However, that doesn’t make it any less of a bop.

18. “Big Dawg” – Moneybagg Yo ft. Sexyy Red

Running neither hot nor cold, “Big Dawg” is an okay song featuring okay verses from both rappers. While it’s not a bad song, it could certainly be a lot better than it is. Without a doubt, Moneybagg Yo and Sexyy Red can make a harder song, given the opportunity. Hopefully, they’ll collaborate again and create another fire track.

17. “Hoe Sh*t” – Genesisthegawd ft. Sexyy Red

Genesisthegawd enlisted the help of Sexyy Red on the remix of “Hoe Sh*t,” which was released on October 20, 2023. On the track, the two femcees trade bars on their respective verses. They rap about being on their “hoe sh*t,” and we kind of would like to be on ours as well. While it may not be among her absolute best features of 2023, Sexyy Red shines on this track.

16. “All She Do Is Shake” – J Traxx ft. Sexyy Red

Despite being arguably the least popular song on this list, “All She Do Is Shake” is a good song. It runs for less than two minutes, and features a very short verse from Sexyy Red. However, it manages to be memorable, regardless. Sexyy Red and J Traxx should definitely consider more collaborations in the future.

15. “Shiesty” – Finesse2Tymes ft. Kaliii & Sexyy Red

Another successful collaboration, all three rappers brought their A-game on “Shiesty.” Released on June 23, 2023, the song is a treat for fans of dirty rap.  Despite not appearing on the charts, “Shiesty” is considerably popular. Subsequently, it would get much bigger as it has what it takes to be a huge club banger.

14. “Bent (Remix)” – 41, Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, TaTa ft. Sexyy Red

Hip Hop trio 41 released their project 41 World: Not The Album on November 17, 2023. The 11-track body of work contains their hit song “Bent,” as well as the remix with Sexyy Red. Admittedly, Red has had much bigger features in 2023. However, her chemistry with the members of 41 on this track is undeniable. All four performers effortlessly glide through the song.

13. “No Panties” – Raedio ft. Sexyy Red

“No Panties” is a soundtrack from the second season of Max’s Rap Sh!t. It appears on RAP SHIT: The Mixtape (From the Max Original Series, S2), which was released on November 3, 2023. As usual, Sexyy Red was in her dirty rap bag on this track. Like she does on “Rich Baby Daddy,” she spits bars about letting her “coochie breathe.” We can’t complain because it goes so hard.

12. “Check” – Gloss Up ft. Sexyy Red

Shades of Gloss, an album by Gloss, was released on August 11, 2023. The project contains 13 tracks, and one of its standout songs is “Check.” On the track, Gloss Up brought the heat, and so did Sexyy Red. The verses are notable, and the hook is quite catchy as well.

11. “Peaches & Eggplants (Remix)” – Young Nudy ft. Latto & Sexyy Red

Young Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplants” remix was released on September 8, 2023. As the title suggests, the song is quite explicit, making Sexyy Red a great fit. While it’s not as successful as the original, this remix is also pretty good. Overall, Sexyy Red and Latto both delivered, as expected. 

10. “SLUT ME OUT” – NLE Choppa ft. Sexyy Red

This track was released on April 7, 2023, accompanied by a music video. While the original song charted on the Billboard Hot 100, this remix did not. However, it is a favorite for fans of Sexyy Red and is one of her most popular features in 2023. NLE Choppa and the fiery femcee are a delightable, dirty duo on the track, making for an epic club staple.

9. “Yonce Freestyle” – Kevin Gates ft. Sexyy Red & BG

Released as a non-album single, “Yonce Freestyle” is shaping up to become a sleeper hit. It features a memorable hook from Gates and notable verses from Red and BG. Evidently, the attention it has received is well-earned, and it may very well get more popular. All three rappers are in their element on the track, and that’s what makes it work so well.

8. “Daddy” – Tokischa ft. Sexyy Red

On this reggaeton track, Tokischa teams up with Sexyy Red to deliver a provocative and danceable rap number. The Dominican rapper sets the tone, bringing the heat with her verse. Likewise, Sexyy Red, exhibiting her versatility, eats the beat up as well. “Daddy” is a certified party starter and one of the more unique features Sexyy Red appeared on in 2023.

7. “BING BONG (Remix)” – BlakeIANA ft. Sexyy Red

Although her verse on the track is short, Sexyy Red completely ate it up. Both rappers effortlessly glided on the beat throughout the song. They did it so well that by the time the song ends, you can barely tell that much time has passed. Sexyy Red’s collaborations with other women in rap are always a good idea, and the remix of “BING BONG” is no different. 

6. “Area Codes (314 Remix)” – Kaliii ft. Sexyy Red

Representing St. Louis, Missouri, Sexyy Red appears on the 314 remix of “Area Codes.” The track was released on May 11, 2023. It sees Sexyy Red serving up a red hot verse rivaling that of Kaliii’s. The entire song is just a little over two minutes and has a high replay value. As far as Sexyy’s best verses this year, this one’s right up there. 

5. “Shake Sumn (Remix)” – DaBaby ft. Sexyy Red

Released on July 7, 2023, DaBaby teams up with Sexyy Red on this remix. If we’re being honest, “Shake Sumn (Remix)” might as well be Sexyy Red’s song. DaBaby gives her so much space to shine, and she does just that. While his own contributions are minimal, somehow, it works pretty well for the track. Apparently, it’s one of the best features Sexyy Red was attached to in 2023. 

4. “Face Down” – MCVERRT ft. Sexyy Red & FERG

It’s easy to like a song with an energetic beat like the one featured on “Face Down.” Besides the production, however, the rappers’ performances make the track what it is. Sexyy Red kept up with the two other artists, and they all demolished their verses. With raunchy lyrics that’ll make anyone clutch their pearls, the song was a surefire hit.

3. “One Margarita (Margarita Song) [Ladies Remix]” – That Chick Angel ft. Sexyy Red, FendiDa Rappa & Flo Milli

At this point, the whole world must have heard “One Margarita” already. The original version of the song was released on May 31. Subsequently, it went viral and has spawned several remixes. The “Ladies Remix” was released in August, and is just as much a bop as the original. Sexyy Red features in 2023 are indeed abundant, but there’s something so effortlessly natural about her contributions to the already viral track.

2. “MMM HMM” – Lancey Foux ft. Sexyy Red

Right off the bat, listeners can tell this is a hard song worth jamming to. Firstly, the beat goes wild. Secondly, Lancey Foux delivers exactly as expected. Likewise, Sexyy Red leaves nothing on the plate after her verse is done. It’s a wonder that the song did not appear on the charts, but it certainly deserved to. With a chorus worth replaying over and over again, “MMM HMM” still has enough time to weave itself back into listeners’ consciousness. Perhaps a viral moment on TikTok is just what it needs. 

1. “Rich Baby Daddy” – Drake ft. SZA & Sexyy Red

At the moment, this is the biggest song in Sexxy Red’s discography. It was only just released in October as a part of Drake’s eighth studio album, For All the Dogs. However, it has already surpassed every other song in Red’s catalog in terms of streams. It comes as no surprise, considering that it’s a Drake song featuring SZA. Nevertheless, “Rich Baby Daddy” is a great track despite the musical giants that appear on it. Sexxy Red delivers a hook that is quintessential to the song, securing it as one of her best features of all time, and the best in 2023. 

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Latto’s Guest Verses In 2023, Ranked

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Latto’s been everywhere this year and the near dozen features she’s dished in 2023 have only helped elevate her status. No doubt, it’s been a successful year for her, both financially and artistically. Latto showcased her confident rap style on several bangers. Needless to say, 2023 was a great one for the women in rap, and Latto certainly helped establish their reign.

Ice Spice took over the airwaves, while Sexyy Red delivered some flawless hooks. However, Latto’s success in particular is worthy of note because she’s not necessarily a new face by any means. Her guest verses on a variety of songs have undoubtedly set her apart, especially when she could leap from songs alongside newcomers like Luh Tyler and TiaCorine to joining forces with heavyweights like Jay Rock. As a featured act, she also managed to snag her first chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100. So, overall, it’s been a stellar year for Latto! Here are the 11 features Latto appeared on in 2023, ranked from good to best.

Read More: Latto Reveals Her Ultimate Dream Collaboration

11. “The Grinch Freestyle” – Luh Tyler ft. Latto

The most recent of Latto’s guest verses appeared on Luh Tyler’s “The Grinch Freestyle,” released on December 15, 2023. Despite its title, the song is in no way related to Christmas. While Latto’s verse on this track is not her worst this year, it certainly isn’t one of her best either. “The Grinch Freestyle” is not a bad song, it just doesn’t leave much of an impression. 

10. Peaches & Eggplants (Remix)” – Young Nudy ft. Latto & Sexyy Red

Despite being quite popular, “Peaches & Eggplants” contains what is arguably Latto’s weakest verse of 2023. Admittedly, the track is a certified club banger and is sure to get folks turnt at parties. However, in terms of lyricism and flow, it is not as impressive as most of Latto’s other guest verses. The beat is good, and her verse isn’t bad at all, but Latto served better features in 2023.

Read More: Latto And Sexyy Red Steal The Show In “Peaches & Eggplants” Music Video

9. “FreakyT (Remix)” – TiaCorine ft. Latto

Released on April 21, 2023, the “FreakyT” remix sees Latto and TiaCorine deliver an impressive rap performance. The two rappers go toe-to-toe, exchanging bars that sit just right on the beat. It’s a solid outing from Latto that sees her trading bars alongside one of the most promising new faces out of North Carolina. Sure, it might not be at the top of the list of Latto’s 2023 feature run but the “FreakyT” remix still stands out as a highlight.

8. “Boom Pt. 2” – Mellow Buckz ft. Latto

This track opens with Latto proclaiming she’s “finna tweak out in this b*tch real quick,” and that’s exactly what she does. Mellow Buckz’s “Boom Pt. 2” runs for a little over two minutes, and Latto completely murks it from start to finish. The minimalist production accentuates her verse and helps her shine on the song. Without a doubt, it is among Latto’s strongest performances of the year.

7. “BOMB” – Black Party ft. Latto

It’s always a delight to witness two performers effortlessly blend on a track. On “BOMB,” listeners get to experience that happens with Black Party and Latto. While her verse on the track is short, it’s undoubtedly memorable. The two rappers are a great match on “BOMB,” we only wish Latto had a longer verse.

6. “Different Breed” – Mike WiLL Made-It ft. Swae Lee and Latto

A veteran music producer, Mike WiLL Made-It can probably make a banger in his sleep. He brought together Swae Lee and Latto on “Different Breed” and they both delivered strong performances. The song was released on October 16, 2023, and unfortunately is yet to enjoy considerable commercial success. However, that could change any minute as it could go viral on a social media platform like TikTok. It’s just catchy enough to gain traction on the video-sharing app.

5. “Don’t Play With It (Remix)” – Lola Brooke Ft. Latto and Yung Miami

“Don’t Play With It” was originally released as a single in May 2021, and featured rapper Billy B. Subsequently, it went viral on TikTok in 2022, and Lola Brooke decided to put out a remix, capitalizing on the song’s success. Eventually, the Latto and Yung Miami remix of the drill record was released on March 24, 2023. Each of the three femcees brought their A game and delivered memorable verses. Lola Brooke already set the tone with her high-energy verse and hook, and Latto expertly matched the vibe. The song went on to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 69.

4. “Fine As Can Be” – Offset ft. Latto

“Fine As Can Be” is a track from Offset’s second solo studio album Set It Off. The trap song features a high-energy beat, and both artists deliver as required. We can’t say for sure whose verse or performance on this track is better because they both went hard. However, it is undeniable that Latto ate this up like a handful of her other features in 2023. 

3. “Champagne Shit (Remix)” – Janelle Monae ft. Latto and Quavo

Janelle Monae’s “Champagne Shit” was already a great record from an equally great album. The song’s remix was released on October 6, 2023. While some would argue that the original track is better, not much can be faulted in Latto’s verse on the song. The rapper rode the beat effortlessly, and her almost sensual delivery was just what the doctor ordered. Altogether, the artists’ verses blended quite nicely on the song.

2. “Seven” – Jungkook ft. Latto

“Seven” was released on July 14, 2023, and instantly became one of the biggest features of her career. When it was first announced, it raised many brows because the two artists were an unexpected pairing. However, upon its release, “Seven” converted listeners’ doubt into a pleasant surprise. Jungkook is a member of arguably the biggest boy band in the world right now, so the song was expected to be successful. However, it exceeded fans’ expectations and dominated airwaves and charts all over the world. 

The song debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also the first song by either artist to achieve this feat. In addition, “Seven” appeared on charts in over 50 territories. Furthermore, it set a new record for the highest-debuting single by a solo Korean artist in UK singles chart history. The song is now also the fastest song in history to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Evidently, “Seven” is a fan favorite, and rightly so. Latto’s verse on this song is arguably one of her best guest verses of all time. “Seven” is an undeniable bop, and we hope there’s more of the pair to come. 

1. “Too Fast (Pull Over)” – Jay Rock and Anderson .Paak ft. Latto

The only reason this would be an unpopular opinion for the top spot on this list is because it’s not as big a song as some of the other tracks. “Too Fast” was released on July 21, 2023 as a non-album single by the trio. Without a doubt, Latto delivered one of her best verses of 2023 on this track. Likewise, Jay Rock and Anderson .Paak left it all on the floor as well. The upbeat Hip Hop track is as hard as they come and deserves more attention. Check it out if you haven’t already, and you’ll see why we’ve placed it on top of this list.

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Drake’s 2023 Features, Ranked From Worst To Best

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Drake has had a prolific 2023. This year, he toured North America and released his eighth studio album, For All The Dogs, along with a Scary Hours Edition. Despite the mixed reactions, Drake continued to dominate as both a solo artist and as a collaborator. His project included appearances from SZA, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Chief Keef, Bad Bunny, and more. Already, he’s lined up the first few months of 2024 for his upcoming co-headlining tour with J. Cole. However, between his own releases, he’s contributed numerous rap and sung guest verses throughout the year. Today, we are ranking each of Drake’s features in 2023 from worst to best. Take a look at the list below.

Read More: What Is Drake’s Best-Selling Album?

6. Young Thug – “Parade On Cleveland”

Drake is the very first voice on Young Thug’s Business Is Business, although he contributes twice to the tracklist. A somber and melodic intro, “Parade On Cleveland” is fitting for Thug’s first release since his indictment for racketeering-related charges against the YSL collective. Handling both a short verse and the song’s chorus, Drake makes multiple references to Thug’s incarceration. He sings lines like, “soon as I’m fresh out the box like a Tic-Tac.” Drake also proclaims that there will be a “parade on Bleveland as soon as I get home” before the song transitions into a collect-call between him and Young Thug. Although it is a solid album opener, “Parade on Cleveland” ultimately pales in comparison to their second collaboration on Business Is Business, as well as Drake’s other 2023 features. 

5. Popcaan – “We Caa Done”

OVO signee Popcaan kicked off 2023 with a “Song Of The Summer” contender. “We Caa Done” brings Drake into the world of dancehall, a genre he has tackled on numerous occasions. While Drake does not contribute a full verse, he floats over the instrumental as he steals the show on the song’s chorus. The uplifting production allows plenty of space for Popcaan to provide his auto-tuned melodies, while Drake contributes a catchy chorus and carefree ad-libs. He sounds incredibly comfortable over dancehall, lending infectious vocals to the feel-good track. 

Read More: Drake’s “Scary Hours” Mixtapes, Ranked

4. Nicki Minaj – “Needle”

This year saw the reunion between Drake and Nicki Minaj on the Pink Friday 2 highlight, “Needle.” The dancehall-fused track sees Drake opting to sing a heartfelt yet festive verse and chorus. He likens his love interest to a needle in the haystack of life while catchily singing, “I just wanna pull up the Maybach and bend your leg back.” Drake’s verse and chorus effortlessly assist Nicki Minaj in embracing her Trinidadian roots on the sincere yet danceable track. “Needle” differs from Drake’s previous features on Nicki Minaj tracks, but still showcases the duo’s timeless chemistry. 

3. J Hus – “Who Told You”

One of 2023’s most anticipated collaborations saw Drake featuring on J Hus’s latest album, Beautiful And Brutal Yard. “Who Told You” is a summertime banger that displays both artists’ greatest strengths. Hus provides his signature afroswing cadences and humorous yet charming lyrics while Drake finds his pocket in the P2J-produced instrumental. He “knows the vibes,” weaving between rapping and singing about dancing with Lilah Pi. On “Who Told You,” Drake matches J Hus’s breezy afro swing flow as they ask, “who told you gangsters don’t dance?”

2. Young Thug – “Oh U Went”

Drake’s other 2023 feature on Young Thug’s album is significantly more upbeat. “Oh U Went” includes a lively and soulful trap beat produced by Metro Boomin. While Thug rides the beat with ease, it is Drake who steals the show. He flexes on other rappers in true Drake fashion, spitting bars like, “I got more soldiers than a military / I got more stones than a cemetery / I got more streams than y’all in February.” He also spits some clever punchlines like “If a n***a really try to jam me, get jammed first like the countdown.” It is a short yet effective verse as Drake makes his mark on “Oh U Went,” contrasting his style with Young Thug’s to make a standout moment on Business Is Business. 

1. Travis Scott – “Meltdown”

Undoubtedly Drake’s best feature of 2023 is his verse on Travis Scott’s “Meltdown.” One of the instant favorite guest appearances on Utopia, Drake and Travis recreate their magic that they had on songs like “Sicko Mode,” “Company,” and “Portland.” “Tensions is definitely rising,” Drake warns listeners as he declares that it is “T time” before spitting one of his most menacing verses. With an aggressive whisper, he flips the various phrasings of “T time” and tells his opps that they are “scared of the 6.” His villainous verse sends shots at Pusha T and Pharrell, reigniting his 2018 beef with the former. Drake’s show-stopping verse is accentuated by an ominous beat with triumphant horns and Star Wars lasers. His verse raises both the tension and the lyrical bar incredibly high with one of his meanest verses in recent memory.

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J. Cole’s Guest Features 2023, Ranked

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After an impressive run of guest verses in 2022, J. Cole continued his reign as one of hip hop’s feature kings throughout 2023. Despite not releasing an album, he had a prolific year, appearing on tracks with a range of artists. This year in particular, he branched out to work with a wide variety of names, many of which for the very first time. Cole has shown that he can outshine almost anybody on a song. His latest run of guest verses this year built even more anticipation for his upcoming seventh studio album, The Fall Off, which he alluded to in his bars throughout the year. Today, we are ranking each of J. Cole’s guest features in 2023 from worst to best. Take a look at the list below.

Read More: J. Cole’s Albums, Ranked

10. Gucci Mane – “There I Go”

J. Cole has teamed up with some unlikely names before, but his feature on Gucci Mane’s “There I Go” was certainly unexpected. Over an instrumental produced by Mike Will Made-It, he sets the tone with a short verse, riding the beat with ease. The upbeat and non-serious nature of the track is not as lyrically competitive compared to J. Cole’s other guest verses. A fun highlight from Gucci Mane’s Breath of Fresh Air, “There I Go” ultimately ranks last in the scheme of J. Cole’s features from 2023. 

9. Bas – “Passport Bros”

“Passport Bros” is the latest track from frequent J. Cole collaborator and Dreamville signee, Bas. The two have an exciting history of collaborations, including “My N***a Just Made Bail” and “Night Job.” Bas’s latest J. Cole-featuring track, “Passport Bros” sees the two rapping over an amapiano-laced instrumental. Bas melodically raps two short verses and the song’s chorus while Cole spits a longer verse. He flexes his vacation destinations, including Barcelona, London, and Miami. While declaring himself and Bas as the “passport bros,” Cole clarifies that they “ain’t shelling out cash for hoes.” J. Cole’s most light-hearted feature of the year makes for a pleasant team-up between him and Bas. In addition to “Passport Bros,” the Dreamville signee’s upcoming album includes two other J. Cole features. We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up drops this Friday, so we will see how Cole’s other verses stack up.

8. Burna Boy – “Thanks”

Appearing at the end of I Told Them…, Burna Boy and J. Cole express frustrations with criticisms that they receive as a result of fame. Burna asks, “Is this the motherfuckin’ thanks I get for makin’ my people proud every chance I get?” and reminds critics that he “gave you Afrofusion.” Cole expresses similar sentiments in his verse, rapping that he “fathered a couple styles” and that he is “forever cemented” in hip hop unlike many of his contemporaries. Lyrically, he both celebrates his success while separating himself from other rappers, likening himself and Burna Boy to “Shaq and Kobe.” Sitting at the top of their respective genres, Burna Boy and J. Cole share a mutual respect for one another on “Thanks.”

7. Summer Walker – “To Summer, From Cole” (Audio Hug)”

J. Cole opened Summer Walker’s Clear 2: Soft Life EP, writing a candid letter directly to the R&B songstress. He expresses his support and gratitude to Summer Walker, thanking her for wanting a verse from him and congratulating her on the birth of her twins. In his verse, Cole also admires her for how she balances motherhood, artistry, and fame. The laid-back delivery of the verse does not require intricate rhyme patterns or entendres but instead works as an act of kindness to an artist he respects. Extending his love to Walker’s peers like SZA and Ari Lennox, J. Cole feels that they “are holdin’ the crowns” for R&B and encourages them to reach out to him if necessary. Cole’s verse is a sweet act of reassurance, conveying that he is there for Summer Walker when she “needs some love.”

6. Nicki Minaj – “Let Me Calm Down”

A highlight from Nicki Minaj’s latest album, Pink Friday 2, “Let Me Calm Down” is the very first time that she and J. Cole have worked together. They both rap about their respective struggles within relationships. J. Cole specifically channels these experiences into life lessons. He raps, “So if you love her, then you gotta learn to play your part,” speaking to the importance of being a loyal partner. Cole also alludes to his “Jada and that Will love” lyric from “No Role Modelz” to depict how couples can overcome their turbulent moments. While not punchline-oriented, “Let Me Calm Down” is one of J. Cole’s more personal feature verses of 2023.

Read More: Nicki Minaj “Pink Friday 2” Review

5. Lil Durk – “All My Life”

This year, J. Cole joined Lil Durk on “All My Life,” an uplifting song with a children’s choir handling the hook. During his verse, which is noticeably longer than Durk’s, J. Cole effortlessly transitions between subjects. He raps about overcoming obstacles and making it out of the city with his “head on straight.” Cole also puts things in perspective, humbling people with the reminder that “this shit could be gone in an instant.” Additionally, he discusses the tragic deaths of rappers and considers thoughts of retirement as a result. In this excellent verse, he even makes time to flex his rap skills, rapping punchlines like “The shit I spit out is a cheat code like I’m facing a RICO / and how a n***a put a hit out.” A well-rounded guest feature, J. Cole showcases his lyrical ability while uplifting the next generation. 

4. J-Hope – “On The Street”

J. Cole and J-Hope of BTS were an unexpected match when they teamed up for “On The Street.” A motivational hip hop track, both he and Cole rap about overcoming challenges and personal struggles. J. Cole specifically steals the show with his verse, rapping about his journey to success, his belief in a higher power, and his commitment to the game. 

Much like his verse on “All My Life,” he ponders retirement, likening his relationship with rapping to a father’s role at his daughter’s wedding. “I’m deep in with this rappin’, it’s all a n***a know / I never did nothin’ better, it’s hard to let it go,” he raps. “But like a father watching his daughter/ Walk down the altar with tears in his eyes/ You gotta let her grow.” For now, J. Cole is not letting go of rapping any time soon. “I contemplate if I should wait to hand over the crown / And stick around for a bit longer, I got a strange type of hunger,” he declares. One of his many impressive verses this year, “On The Street” sees J. Cole speaking from a reflective frame of mind.

3. Drake – “First Person Shooter”

“First Person Shooter” was an instant favorite from Drake’s For All the Dogs. The fiery track is Drake and Cole’s first collaboration since “Jodeci Freestyle” and did not disappoint in the slightest. The two declare that they are as “big as the Super Bowl” and J. Cole raises the lyrical bar high. He weaves between flows, flexing his rapping skills while shouting out NBA YoungBoy and Kendrick Lamar. J. Cole declares himself as “the GOAT with the golden pen, the top toucher.” He also likens his relationship with Drake to the famous Spider-Man meme as they reach stadium status for their upcoming tour. “I’m namin’ the album The Fall Off, it’s pretty ironic ’cause it ain’t no fall off for me,” he raps, hinting at his next album while continuing his impeccable run of guest features in 2023.

2. Drake – “Evil Ways”

J. Cole also features on “Evil Ways,” one of his best verses of 2023 and an instant standout from Drake’s latest batch of bars. A mellow track compared to “First Person Shooter,” the two trade lyrics in spirited competition. While not a singular guest verse like his other 2023 features, J. Cole floats over the soulful instrumental, rapping some of his toughest bars of the year. He spits some of his best punchlines, including lines like, “My paper folded like when teachers don’t want classmates to see your grade.” 

Cole also brilliantly alludes to his and Drake’s upcoming tour with this clever bar: “Coke got they nose bleedin’ like the seats where you can’t see the stage / High up in arenas where they see their faves / AKA me and Drizzy Drake, we the wave.” J. Cole and Drake make a great team as they bring the best out of each other. However, it is Cole who specifically leads the charge on this track.

Read More: Drake “Scary Hours 3” Review

1. Lil Yachty – “The Secret Recipe”

J. Cole and Lil Yachty were an out-of-the-box duo this year on “The Secret Recipe,” a standalone track dedicated to showcasing their lyrical skills. Yachty puts his best foot forward in his verse, favoring a more traditional rap style compared to his usual auto-tuned melodies. His verse sets up J. Cole to spit a masterclass of a verse and easily his best feature of 2023. Beyond his skillful punchlines and entendres, what is most impressive about Cole’s performance is that he maintains a multi-syllabic rhyme scheme throughout the 2-minute verse. 

Hungry for bars, he boasts his impressive feature run that boosts streams of other artists while simultaneously outshining them. J. Cole likens his impact to Drake’s, rapping “I’m on your song, your streams goin’ up, not quite the Drake effect / But don’t complain, bitch, take what you get and cut the label check / My table set, I dine on your favorite, one verse’ll take his breath.” He also calls out performative social media activists, rappers who lie, and those who make empty threats. J. Cole’s in rare form on “The Secret Recipe.” He silences the competition while also uplifting younger artists like Lil Yachty. Cole closes his best jaw-dropping feature of 2023: “Signed, the greatest yet.” 

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