Ab-Soul joined Funkmaster Flex‘s radio show on Monday to perform a new freestyle, which may be referencing Drake’s friend, Chubbs. On the show, he rapped over the beat from Big L‘s freestyle on The Stretch & Bobbito Show in 1998 while possibly referencing one of the OVO associate’s recent social media posts.
When Hot 97 shared the freestyle on YouTube, fans expressed their love for the effort in the comments section .”NY loves you Soul! God bless your journey always!” one user wrote. Another posted: “Nice, hella short. Which was to the point and dope. Hope no ish comes out negative for this man. The industry is wild lol.” As caught by HipHopDX, however, other fans noticed that it appears Soul may have been dissing Drake’s OVO affiliate Chubbs when he rapped: “Actions speak loud but so does moments of silence.” Last week, Chubbs posted a series of selfies on Instagram with the caption: “Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Y’all Boys Talk To Much.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Isaiah Rashad attend the TDE Pool Party at a private residence on July 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images)
Both Soul and Chubbs have weighed in on the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) back in July, Soul referenced Lamar’s diss track, “6:16 in LA.” He wrote: “GOD… my confession is yours!!! But, who am I if I don’t go to War? There’s opportunity when livin wit loss. I discover myself when I fall short… This was not a rap battle. It was scripture.” Chubbs, on the other hand, has dissed Lamar in posts online throughout the year as well. He once referred to him as a “little boy” who “knows better” than to take on OVO.
Ab-Soul Freestyles For Funk Flex
Check out Ab-Soul’s freestyle from his appearance on Funk Flex’s radio show below. It comes ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s highly-anticipated performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ab-Soul on HotNewHipHop.
Meek Mill and Rick Ross are red hot after dropping their first collaborative project together, Too Good To Be True. It dropped this past Friday, November 10, and it looks like it is going to bring in around $35,000 in week one. Do you think these sales are shockingly low? Be sure to tell us in the comments section if the record was better than what the projected sales indicate. Even though the numbers are not as high as other mainstream artists’ tapes have been, Meek was not bothered by it one bit. “It says me and Ross on pace to sell 35k first week I would post if it said 350k… I’m too nice and rich to be rapping in a controlled music environment.”
He is definitely right about the last statement. There are plenty of nice tracks on the record. There are also some solid guest performances. Some of the more surprising ones come on the “SHAQ & KOBE (Remix)” with Damian Lillard and Shaquille O’Neal. Meek is continuing to ride high, especially after this latest Funk Flex freestyle on HOT97. He and Rick Ross hit up the radio station and Meek laid down some hot bars over a few beats.
One of them includes an oldie but goodie. That being The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Warning.” HipHopDX broke down some of the lyrics from that beat and they scream Meek. “They gon’ put a tracker on your Hawk and try to keep it on you / Gotta play your part and they start scheming on you / Knock ’em out the park right when they start speaking on you / N****s rocking ice and trying to slide without them heaters on you / That’s how you get caught lacking.”
What are your initial thoughts on Meek Mill’s freestyle over The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Warning?” Is this his best off-the-dome performance ever? Is he the best freestyler in the game right now? We would like to know what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Meek Mill, as well as everything else going on around the music world.
Offset has been everywhere in terms of the media. Firstly, we got to see him on Kai Cenat’s stream which lasted a full 24 hours. During that stream, Offset was being threatened by Kenneth Petty and his friends. However, he came out of all of it unscathed and even went to Colorado to see the Buffaloes play. Since that time, he has done interviews with Bobbi Althoff, Ebro, and even The Breakfast Club. For instance, on The Breakfast Club, he got to address much of the drama that has surrounded him, including his relationship with Quavo.
This has proven to be great therapy for Offset. He can finally articulate some of the things that have been on his mind for months. Moreover, he is also doing this because he has an album coming out. Set It Off is dropping this Friday, and fans are very excited about it. Overall, this is promising to be an amazing album. During his album listening party a few weeks ago, he got a ton of praise. Now, fans across the board will get to experience it. As for his media appearances, he also dropped by Funk Flex to drop a freestyle.
As you can imagine, the artist brought a ton of energy to the freestyle. He sounds as hungry as ever, and he did a good job of rapping over a challenging DaBaby beat. Not to mention, Funk Flex seemed to be pretty impressed with what he was hearing. Flex is always hyping up his guests, but this is one of those instances where it was very much well-deserved.
Only time will tell whether or not this new Offset album ends up living up to the hype. Hopefully, it does. Let us know your expectations for this new album, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to bring you the latest on your favorite artists.
Conway The Machine has lived up to his rap moniker to the fullest extent. Recently, he revealed he recorded 5-7 albums ahead of his most recent project WON’T HE DO IT. This contests his extreme work ethic along with his Griselda records labelmates. The project WON’T HE DO IT was released on May 5th. while on his press run, he made time to deliver a hot new freestyle.
Earlier this week, Conway The Machine made an appearance on Hot 97 Radio alongside Dj Funk Flex. Making his latest entry, he delivered a powerful freestyle. Additionally, he continuously proves to be a true lyricist. The just over 5-minute freestyle was full of heavy punch lines. noticeably, he freestyles the whole duration without stopping. DJ Funk Flex’s reaction tells all to summarize how the freestyle went. Traditionally, he shouts out his Griselda label with high confidence. To emphasize Griselda’s strong presence, Method Man recently spoke on how the collective reminds him of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Conway The Machine’s Latest Set Of Punchlines
Moreover, Conway has been very transparent about what has happened to him in the past. Last Week, he made an appearance at Hot97 on the Ebro in the Morning show and got candid about being shot in the past. In 2012, Conway was shot in the face and neck. Subsequently, he obtained nerve damage and became paralyzed on the right side of his face. “I had one surgery and that was just to get the bullet out of my neck,” he said. Conway also revealed he recorded at least “two albums” with the bullet still in his neck. He is a living testimony to the common phrase “WON’T HE DO IT.” Subsequently, his new album, WON’T HE DO IT, was perfectly named to describe the tribulations he has faced in life. “If it wasn’t for rap, id be dead or in jail,” he told Ebro.
Furthermore, Conway the machine has proved he is an extreme force to be reckoned with. Despite the paralyzation of his face, his lyrical ability does not obtain any level of disability. Have you heard Conway The Machine’s latest freestyle on Hot97? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
Freestyling is an art form that dates back to hip hop’s origins. Radio stations have been the main hub for rappers to showcase their skills as freestyles happen during a press run, usually in the promotion of a new release. These freestyles are usually spat over preexisting beats but can also go over original production in some instances. There are many conflicting interpretations of what a freestyle can be. Some view it as a verse that is “free of style,” meaning that it can be pre-written or improvised. On the other hand, purists view a freestyle as a verse that is crafted on the spot. Some of the best radio freestyles in rap history have become heavily discussed moments in hip hop culture. This list takes a look at the greatest radio freestyles of all time.
Not all freestyles are improvised or recorded live. Therefore, this list consists of freestyles that were performed on radio shows. Any radio freestyles were eligible, and the criteria were based on the quality of bars, flow, and performance. Some freestyles contain lyrics from existing songs, which are generally ranked lower because of that. Look at the list, starting from number 10 and working up to number 1.
10. King Los – “5 Fingers Of Death” On Sway (2014)
The greatness of King Los‘s “5 Fingers of Death” freestyle is that the bars are improvised but are still top quality. The performance starts off relaxed and gradually escalates into an energetic freestyle that only gets better with each beat. It is a masterful demonstration of rapping great lyrics off the cuff. Los even gets Sway involved as he asks Sway mid-rap to suggest random words to mix into the freestyle.
9. Loyle Carner On Fire in the Booth (2017)
Loyle Carner delivered his landmark Fire in the Booth freestyle on the heels of his now-classic debut album, Yesterday’s Gone, back in 2017. The album was a sincere portrait of his personal life, contrasting with his freestyle as he showcases his ability to spit quality bars in a completely different setting. He starts over “Dust 2 Dust” by Chillinit, Huskii, and Flowz, a beat that is entirely different from the more subdued style of production that he typically raps on. He occupies a different lane within the UK rap scene, but this freestyle shows he belongs among the greats.
8. Avelino on Fire in the Booth (2017)
Avelino’s first two appearances on Fire in the Booth were in 2015, the second being his legendary freestyle alongside Wretch 32. By the time he came back for Part 3, he had built a name for himself in the UK scene, yet he still appeared as an underdog. The most impressive thing about Avelino’s third Fire in the Booth is that he raps over a Coldplay instrumental and to a significantly faster beat than usual.
Despite that, he did not miss a beat and made every line very clear. The wordplay in this freestyle is immaculate. He manages to weave in so many different references to the point where if you divert your attention for a second, you just might miss them. It’s the kind of freestyle where one will catch new lines with every revisit.
7. JAY-Z – “Grammy Family Freestyle” On Funk Flex (2006)
In 2006, JAY-Z returned to rapping after his short-lived retirement three years prior. Many doubted Hov’s skills at the time, especially around the release of his criminally underrated Kingdom Come album. The surrounding context makes his “Grammy Family” freestyle much more impactful. It was a monumental moment in hip hop as JAY-Z casually delivered one of the greatest freestyles ever. The freestyle is not even that long and still makes a grand statement of why Hov is the greatest. His flow, rhyme schemes, double entendres, combined with his confident approach, makes the freestyle legendary and completely eclipse the original “Grammy Family.”
6. Kano on Fire in the Booth (2016)
Much like the “Grammy Family” Freestyle, Kano’s 2016 Fire in the Booth was a reclaiming of the throne he once held. It was a grand return to the scene in promotion of Made in the Manor, released after a six-year break from music and is now an all-time classic. The beat of choice, J Dilla’s “Let the Dolla Circulate,” goes perfectly with Kano’s commanding rap voice. It is a masterclass in delivery as the beat is so spacious that it feels like Kano is delivering a powerful speech. He goes in for eight minutes and doesn’t miss a beat, even when Charlie Sloth cuts the beat for the last few bars.
5. Wretch 32 on Fire in the Booth (2017)
Wretch 32’s fourth appearance on Fire in the Booth is considered the best for a reason, but his fifth appearance two years later also deserves a high rank. Wretch’s ability to extend metaphors for an entire verse makes him one of the best. He rhymes over a stripped back version of Kanye West’s Blood on the Leaves, allowing him to meditate on recent events in the world. Wretch amazes even before the drums come in after rapping for three minutes. He then finishes by saying, “And if they don’t say I’m nice then they didn’t play it thrice,” as it takes that many listens to catch every detail.
4. Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″ & Mr. Porter on Tim Westwood (2010)
This particular freestyle appears more as a casual cypher between three friends. These friends happen to be legends. The Alchemist mans the decks and beats as Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″, and Mr. Porter rap for three rounds. Throughout the freestyle, the three continue to impress each other and encourage one another to step their games up. They each bring a unique style to the table. Porter is relaxed, Royce is aggressive, and Eminem is the quiet assassin. He stands quietly until it’s time to spit with intensity. Tim Westwood stands amazed as the three consistently out rap each other, resulting in one of the best radio freestyles.
3. Wretch 32 & Avelino on Fire In The Booth (2015)
Wretch 32 and Avelino pulled up to Fire in the Booth in 2015 to promote their collaborative mixtape. In my opinion, they ended up delivering two of the greatest verses in hip hop history. These verses were career-defining moments for both of them, making Avelino a force to be reckoned with, and solidifying Wretch as one of the greatest. Avelino raps with more emphasis on wordplay and schemes, whereas Wretch’s verse is heavy on metaphors and entendres.
Avelino sets the bar incredibly high, commanding the mic over Don Trip’s “All on Me.” Wretch does not flinch for a moment and quickly leaps beyond that bar with his verse. Charlie Sloth is so impressed by the verse that he wheels the track and has Wretch do his again. Wretch goes even harder on the second try, leaving Charlie speechless. Both verses are easily the greatest in the show’s history.
2. Big L & JAY-Z on Stretch & Bobbito (1995)
1995 was the year Big L released his first and only album during his lifetime. The record, Lifestyles ov da Poor & Dangerous was legendary as it displayed Big L’s incredible and highly influential rap style. That same year, L appeared on Stretch & Bobbito, one of the most important radio shows of the ’90s. He was joined alongside a pre-Reasonable Doubt JAY-Z, and together, they delivered one of hip hop radio’s most iconic freestyles.
Over Miilkbone’s “Keep It Real,” Big L and JAY-Z trade verses and raise the bar for each other. Big L went the hardest, spitting clever bars like, “I’m so ahead of my time, my parents haven’t met yet.” Jay’s flow is so far removed from the albums he would eventually put out, but the talent was there as he cleanly transitions between flows.
This freestyle is not only impressive because of its verses, but it happened at a time when radio was the only way to hear your favorite rapper debut unreleased verses outside of seeing them live. Radio freestyles were not the well-produced, polished events that they are now. The greatness of the freestyle was discussed in the 2016 documentary, Stretch & Bobbito. This freestyle is undoubtedly the greatest of its era.
1. Black Thought On Funk Flex (2017)
Black Thought’s 2017 freestyle on Funk Flex’s Hot 97 radio show hit the internet like a meteor. He singlehandedly raised the bar for what a radio freestyle should be, and he did it by rapping the way he has always delivered. Over Mobb Deep’s “The Learning,” Black Thought relentlessly raps for 10 minutes. Throughout the freestyle, his energy and lyricism never dip in quality, leaving the viewer holding onto every single lyric. Funk Flex’s reactions throughout the verse display just how filthy the freestyle is. In just a single take, this freestyle allowed Black Thought to showcase his skills as one of the best rappers ever.
The impact of this freestyle was almost immediate as one could witness the reactions in real time. Days after, he received his flowers on The Tonight Show. He even performed the freestyle in its entirety in Boston a few months later. Black Thoguth forever raised the standard for freestyling, positioning himself as an eternal legend.
Overall, these are the best radio freestyles amongst an extensive lineage of performances that have been a longstanding tradition in hip hop. Here are some of the best freestyles that did not quite make the list but still deserve mentioning:
We’re officially days away from 2023, but before the New Year begins, HNHH still has some major year-end rankings left. Over the last month, we’ve highlighted the hottest songs and the best albums of the year. In addition to our annual music lists, we’ve ranked the top sports performances and signature sneakers of 2022 as well. Now, it’s time for the second annual ranking of the best freestyles of the year.
Following the criteria set last year, only radio or rap show freestyles were considered to help level the playing field. Furthermore, the only other stipulation is that the freestyle had to be an entirely solo endeavor. As a result, group freestyles — like Girll Codee’s Funk Flex Freestyle and Conway’s L.A. Leakers Freestyle — were ruled out. Still, both of those were great, so to shine a light on them, they were included in the honorable mentions.
Without further ado, Here are HotNewHipHop’s 15 hottest freestyles of 2022, beginning with honorable mentions.
If you’re a casual fan of Rexx Life Raj, you’re likely more familiar with the California artist’s more melodic output. However, during his recent appearance on Sway in the Morning, Raj reminded everyone he’s got the bars on lock, too. In a smooth freestyle over Mase’s “What You Want,” Rexx Life Raj drops poignant bars while utilizing a soft-spoken flow.
Quotable Lyrics
Still finding ways to make it shake, just know I do it often At times I shoulda lost it, I smiled through the losses If you love me, God, then why would you put me through all this What should I learn from seeing both of my folks in a coffin? Look, I don’t want to much, just not to be exhausted and aware enough to see my blessings when I come across ’em
14. YG | L.A. Leakers
Featured Instrumental: Nipsey Hussle “Hussle In The House”
While bars can make or break freestyles, there’s no overlooking the magic that happens when artists fit the beats perfectly. Without a doubt, that’s the case with YG’s recent L.A. Leakers appearance. The I Got Issues artist pays homage to the late Nipsey Hussle by spitting over “Hussle In The House.” As a result, the West Coast vibes are downright palpable. YG’s performance is solid all around, and after dropping plenty of quotable bars, he even addresses his controversial song, “How To Rob A Rapper.”
Quotable Lyrics
So cautious, I’ll let it bang In the courtroom I’m a rapper, I ain’t never sang Same n*gga, same I ain’t never changed Married to the game, 4 Hunnid on the wedding ring Stupid, made it out the streets, gave the blueprint Y’all was mad, Nip was Crip and I was whoopin’ That was my loc, we did our thang, we was troopin’ They was mad back, then but now they salutin’
13. Latto | Funk Flex
Featured Instrumental: UGK “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”
Since her breakout single “B*tch From Da Souf,” Latto has always repped Clayton County — and by extension, Atlanta — proudly. Last year, the Grammy-nominated rapper landed a spot on this list with a fiery freestyle over Yung LA’s “Ain’t I.” Now, she has earned a spot once again with a freestyle over a song featuring yet another iconic Atlanta rapper. While visiting Funk Flex at Hot 97, Latto tried her hand at “Int’l Players Anthem.” The 777 artist skated over André 3000’s classic intro, and she also went crazy at the Pimp C beat switch.
Quotable Lyrics
My boots André, they cost a cool $3000 Big Latto like the Boi, the outcast they doubted But I’mma make them hoes regret it like the bodies that they don’t count Ride wood good, swear I shoulda been on Roll Bounce, ugh I ain’t crying in no Maybach I can buy myself Stupid bitch, you can’t keep him if he don’t wanna be kept
12. LaRussell | Sway In The Morning
Featured Instrumental: Original beat produced by Skeyez
During his exclusive interview with HNHH, LaRussell admitted that he doesn’t take editorial reviews or lists seriously. With that said, there’s no way the Vallejo artist’s Sway freestyle wasn’t making this list. The soulful two-minute freestyle is jam-packed with motivational gems and quotable takeaways, and you can hear LaRussell’s passion in every line. However, LaRussell’s appearance on Sway in the Morning is — as he would say — not the same. This freestyle can actually be streamed on DSPs since it is owned by LaRussell, Sway, Skeyez, and even select fans. By allowing fans to buy stock in the freestyle, LaRussell proved that he’s living the entrepreneurial life he’s rapping about.
Money can’t save you, drugs can’t heal you When you out of touch, it’s hard for n*ggas to feel you Stress from the shame and the guilt will really kill you Feelin’ like they owe you, but keep letting them bill you When you break the mold, don’t forget about the mildew
11. Cordae | L.A. Leakers
Featured Instrumentals: The Notorious B.I.G. “Kick In The Door” – Jadakiss “Put Ya Hands Up” – Kodak Black “Super Gremlin”
Cordae was the first guest rapper on L.A. Leakers in 2022, and he definitely set the standard early on. While promoting From A Birds Eye View, Cordae stopped by Power 106 and freestyled over three different beats. First, he flowed over Biggie’s “Kick In The Door,” and then he went in over Jadakiss’s “Put Ya Hands Up.” However, he really caught steam during his freestyle over Kodak Black’s insanely popular 2021 single “Super Gremlin.”
Quotable Lyrics
I can feel you n*ggas panickin’, heart cold like a mannequin Got the game in a chokehold like I’m Anakin Darth Vader, heartbreaker, real n*gga, they faker Word to Belichick, I’m a playmaker I’m a money-gettin’ ass lil’ n*gga, if you disagree then they hate us It’s like how do I come from the trenches To wearin’ Givenchy? I promise my n*gga, it’s nothin’ Havin’ the people resent me to countin’ blue Benji’s Shut up, it’s the end of discussion
Earlier this year, Dreezy released HITGIRL, a collaborative effort alongside Hit-Boy and her first full-length project in over three years. Thus, it’s only right that she freestyled over some iconic Hit-Boy production when visiting the L.A. Leakers. The gifted femcee rapped over GOOD Music’s Cruel Summer hit record, “Clique,” proving why she’s such a sought-after songwriter. Throughout her freestyle, she confidently addresses her lack of competition and boasts about working with Kanye West and J. Cole. If this doesn’t make you want to give HITGIRL a chance, you’re tweaking.
Quotable Lyrics
When you too humble, they act like they got amnesia, huh? Til I come set the record straight on L.A. Leakers, huh? Guess I’m too gangsta to be fuckin’ with a singer All my n*ggas pushing P, that’s them pounds or they pussy pleasers I go overtime like late shifts, find you some safe to play with I hear another weak bitch, I’m snatching the mic like Tay Swift It ain’t a ass shot, doctor, or a writer, or a playlist That can build a bitch to step to me, I mean that disrespectfully
This year, Benny The Butcher managed to snag placements on HNHH’s top song and album rankings. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the Black Soprano Family artist also made our hottest freestyle list. Days before the release of Tana Talk 4, Benny made an impressive appearance on L.A. Leakers. Although his freestyle was rather concise, it was packed with hard bars and witty one-liners. The Butcher sounds at home over this nostalgic DMX instrumental, so it’s really a shame the freestyle is so short.
Quotable Lyrics
Put my shit out in a week and they gon’ learn every line With these verses of mine the shit gon’ work every time One point something out a label and I’m worth every dime When I drop, shit gettin’ uglier than your first baby mom
For years, Megan Thee Stallion has consistently been one of the best female rappers in the industry. Nevertheless, the Grammy award-winning artist still reminded fans about her bars in the leadup to her sophomore album, Traumazine. She stopped by the L.A. Leakers in August and delivered a swift yet hard-hitting freestyle over Warren G’s “Regulate.” In typical Hot Girl fashion, Meg killed it bar-wise and delivery-wise, floating to infectious braggadocio.
Quotable Lyrics
Ass move like water but I’m known to be a solid bitch All that fuckin’ hating y’all be doin’, it ain’t stoppin’ shit I don’t need a watch for me to let him know what time it is You grown now, I ain’t doin’ nothin’ that your mama did Never gave a fuck like I ain’t never broke my hymen, uh I rock Louis slippers ’cause I’m always out here sliding, ayy
Surprisingly, Ab-Soul only just made his debut appearance on Justin Credible and DJ Sourmilk’s L.A. Leakers freestyle series. In fact, Soulo’s L.A. Leakers freestyle is only two weeks old. It’s a stark contrast to most of the freestyles in this ranking, but without a doubt, the Herbert artist deserves this placement. In a two-part rampage over classic 2Pac and Biggie tracks, Ab-Soul nonchalantly tramples over the competition. It’s loaded with hard punchlines and insanely high-level bars, so make sure you watch this one on repeat.
Quotable Lyrics
I’ma say it ’til I can’t, puttin’ paint where it ain’t though Stuck to the paper, you can say I’m a staple I be where you can’t go, every day I’m still breathin’ Is a celebration, life is too champagne-ful Sayonara, I don’t wanna, but I gotta hit ’em up Callin’ quits, you n*ggas full of shit, you need a enema I’m only warmin’ up, check the temperature I do it big as Christopher, you n*ggas miniature I need a ticket for my signature, or we can’t get it done
6. LaRussell | L.A. Leakers
Featured Instrumentals: Original beat produced by Smith 85
For all of the praise his Sway freestyle received, LaRussell’s L.A. Leakers freestyle deserves just as much. Just like his Sway in the Morning appearance, LaRussell owns the Leakers freestyle, and thus, it’s also available on DSPs. Without a doubt, it’s an incredible feat, especially since it was his debut on the fan-favorite freestyle series. Although fan equity and stock would come eight months after its release, LaRussell’s Leakers freestyle still delivered in other aspects. The Good Compenny head honcho fits perfectly on Smith 85’s production, and his bars hit on a deeper level. As he says during the freestyle, “These is life hymns.”
Quotable Lyrics
I’m just getting warmed up, had to start the car on n*ggas I bench press and lift the bar on n*ggas 400 years depressed, it was hard on n*ggas Blackjack, couldn’t wait to flip the card on n*ggas Who need a label now? I came with the fire stick, who need cable now? Built the whole god damn kitchen, who need a table now? I guess the horse is out the stable now
5. Westside Boogie | L.A. Leakers
Featured Instrumentals: Benny The Butcher “Johnny P’s Caddy” – Babyface Ray “What The Business Is” – Kanye West “Drive Slow”
Rapping over multiple beats back-to-back can be a challenge for many artists. For Westside Boogie, however, that’s simply not the case. Ahead of his latest album, MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES, the Shady Records signee visited Power 106 to prove that. In a stunning tour de force, Boogie bodied three incredibly different instrumentals from Benny The Butcher, Ye, and Babyface Ray. While rapping over each beat, he naturally switched up his flows; but interestingly enough, he also switched between alternate personas. Westside Boogie’s performance is both entertaining and loaded with bars, making it an easy freestyle of the year contender.
Quotable Lyrics
Here’s my secrets, come hold me so you can feel me, it’s heavy Like break my ego in pieces and come rebuild me, I’m ready My life already get shaky so man, my focus be steady I look myself in the mirror, like I could grow if you let me Shit, if I could uncover my powers, I’d be dangerous, mm-hmm Teach my n*ggas how to heal and be more patient, mm-hmm I’m responsible to come do all the saving but I’m left with all this guilt because I made it
4. CyHi | L.A. Leakers
Featured Instrumentals: 42 Dugg “Maybach” & Jeezy “Go Crazy”
Only a select group of rappers can go toe-to-toe with CyHi, and he proves that with his latest Leakers freestyle. After the release of EGOT the EP, the Atlanta native joined DJ Sourmilk and Justin Credible for a full-on clinic. While flowing over 42 Dugg’s “Maybach” and Jeezy’s “Go Crazy,” CyHi takes wordplay to another level. Like some of the best freestyles featured in this ranking, CyHi’s Leakers freestyle demands several repeat listens.
Quotable Lyrics
I might just drop a Christian project, n*ggas still’ll cop it I’m a Catholic that’s philosophic, yeah And my freestyles are philanthropic, yeah So that makes me a non-profit, oh Get the logic? Used to be a ‘Kon artist, but I never picked a pocket My partner still doing time, imagine me stealing watches They botched a robbery and had to kill the hostage Real life chronicles
Symba has been on fire this year. He dropped the star-studded Results Take Time project alongside DJ Drama in September, and the Gangsta Grillz effort is definitely worth checking out. However, shortly before that, Symba was killing freestyles on Sway in the Morning and Hot 97. While Symba did do Lil Wayne’s “Cannon” justice for Sway, his Funk Flex freestyle was a bonafide moment. Symba kicked things off by checking Flex for disrespecting 2Pac, and the legendary radio host couldn’t even keep his composure. After taking a moment and starting things over, Symba found his flow again and never looked back.
Quotable Lyrics
I ain’t been home in weeks, my album about to drop Imagine all the fans I’ma lose if this shit flop It’s hard competing with Drake for the top spot But imagine what we ’bout to go through with these robots RIP to PnB Rock, I said, RIP to PnB Rock What? RIP to PnB Rock Man, you n*ggas from the block kill more than n*ggas than cops, let me stop
Needless to say, the top five freestyles of this ranking can easily be switched around depending on one’s tastes. DaBaby’s L.A. Leakers freestyle, for example, is definitely strong enough to be considered a freestyle of the year contender. For Super Bowl weekend, he obliterated two of Gunna’s DS4EVER beats, and 10 months later, his energy is still unmatched. Like his officially released music, DaBaby left no corner of the “pushin P” and “too easy” instrumentals untouched. DaBaby’s L.A. Leakers freestyle truly is a sight to see.
Quotable Lyrics
I’m the type of rap n*gga kill a rap n*gga, now I still walk in and do my lil’ show there, n*gga (Come on Baby) I’m pushin’ P, I’m the realest one in it She fuck with me, that boy still in his feelings I’m in Atlanta, buyin’ designer Fuck ’round with me and I’ll shoot you in Lennox I’m in New York where I can’t have a gun I’ma just fly into New Jersey with it I’m back to Cali and I never run Play, you gon’ go play with 2Pac and Biggie
1. Nick Grant | L.A. Leakers
Featured Instrumentals: Nas “Wu For The Children” & Lil Wayne “Dick Pleaser”
For 2022, the freestyle of the year goes to Nick Grant. In May, the South Carolina native made his third appearance on L.A. Leakers, which didn’t disappoint. After a four-year break from the platform, Nick Grant selected beats from Nas and Lil Wayne for his bar-riddled performance. The result was an insane 7-minute clinic. The A Room Full Of Members artist absolutely snapped, and his freestyle is one that gets better with every listen. Everything that Nick Grant does in his latest L.A. Leakers freestyle — from wordplay to breath control — should be studied. Check out HotNewHipHop’s best freestyle of 2022 above.
Quotable Lyrics
Even when riding public transit I was trained to bust Nose-job on the barrel I had to face destruction I learned young man, the loudest n*ggas ain’t ‘bout nothing I’m living in color, tell ‘em meet me at the weigh-in brother For real a hustler, don’t believe these rappers they dreaming, all this shit, fictitious Got ya’ bitch on the couch, switching positions, like a Simpson All I see is green, Donnie Simpson, bet that If you ain’t mean to kill him you ain’t really earned him like, nepotism
Now that you’ve read our ranking of the top 15 hottest freestyles of 2022, what do you think? Is it on point? Is it wack? Are we missing anybody? Who had your favorite freestyle of 2022? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
