If you celebrate Chinese New Year, then you know that 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon. Overall, this is a wonderful celebration, and there is a lot of historical significance to it. Every single year, Nike delivers a collection of Chinese New Year-inspired sneakers. Consequently, we are looking at five incredible Year Of The Dragon shoes that you should be checking out right now.
Firstly, we have this Air Jordan 1 Low in the “Year Of The Dragon” colorway. It is a shoe that is packed with unique colors. From the green overlays to the shimmery red Nike swoosh, this shoe hits you with a punch. Moreover, there is some gold on the sneaker which gives you even more of a reason to pay attention. All in all, this is a sneaker you cannot go wrong with.
Secondly, we have the Adidas Harden Vol. 7. This is one of the more out of the box sneakers to come out over the past year or so. However, it certainly pays off, as does this “Year Of The Dragon” offering. From the white quilted pattern to the black and gold aesthetics of the back heel, this is a cool entry. If you want something that will help you stand out, this will definitely work.
Wmns Air Jordan 1 Low SE “Year of the Dragon”
Image via GOAT
Once again, we have an Air Jordan 1 Low on this. However, this time is a women’s colorway. Overall, this offering has a white base, burgundy overlays, and a gold Nike swoosh. In fact, this Nike swoosh has some nice patterns on it that bring the Chinese New Year aesthetic together. It’s an awesome aesthetic and one that should not be overlooked.
Nike Zoom KD 4 “Year of the Dragon 2.0”
Image via Nike
Next up on our list, we have the newest version of “Year Of The Dragon” Nike KD 4. This new offering is one that is going to jump out at you thanks to the colors and the silhouette itself. Firstly, the shoe is covered in neutral clay tones that layer perfectly with one another. Furthermore, the red Nike swoosh on the lace strap gives this shoe the perfect pop of color. All KD fans need to go out and get these.
Air Jordan 2 Retro Low “YOTD”
Image via GOAT
Lastly, but certainly not least, we have this Air Jordan 2 Low “Year Of The Dragon.” This shoe has a unique white upper to it with some burgundy on the back heel. Furthermore, there is some gold trim to really make it pop. Burgundy and light green emerge from the outsole for good measure. Needless to say, it is another great return for the AJ2 Low.
Let us know which of the sneakers is your favorite, in the comments section down below
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With this holiday comes a season of love, affection, and romance. Further, R&B is the perfect genre for Valentine’s Day, whether you are single or in a committed relationship—or anywhere in between. There is a lane of the genre for everyone, including wholesome declarations of love and toxic soundtracks to pain.
Many legendary singers have dabbled in both ends of the R&B spectrum. Some, however, specialize in toxicity, penning some wild lyrics that become irresistible classics. In this modern era, toxic R&B has taken over. During times of heartbreak, listeners turn to toxic R&B, no matter how jarring the content may be. For this year’s Valentine’s Day, we are exploring toxic love by providing a list of essential wild R&B songs. Listed in no particular order, take a look at the selections below.
dvsn-if-i-get-caught”>dvsn – “If I Get Caught”
Canadian R&B duo dvsn make some of the best moody R&B. The lead single from their latest release, 2022’s Working on My Karma, basks in the group’s toxicity. Daniel Daley begins “If I Get Caught” by telling a girl “[she] wouldn’t want [him] if you thought [he] never had hoes” in response to her going through his phone. “Now you’re trippin’, girl, it’s not fair,” he sings. The JAY-Z-sampling song embraces its own toxicity with its catchy chorus. The choir chants, “If I get caught cheating, that don’t mean I don’t love you.” It is a song about cheating and trust that channels classic ’90s R&B records. The wild premise of “If I Get Caught” makes for the perfect toxic R&B for Valentine’s Day.
Undoubtedly, Ty Dolla $ign’s most toxic song is “Horses In the Stable.” He brags about having women in different area codes, likening his full roster to having horses “that [he] can ride anytime.” After listing off each girl’s name and city in the verses, he admits that “the way that [he’s] living ain’t right” but still says, “You just another girl, and this is just another night.” The song’s soulful swing and impeccable vocal performance make the lyrics seem very emotional, but the song is quite the opposite. Ty sings, “She said she lookin’ for a real one / I told her that she found a real one / Said she looking for relationships / I said, ‘Girl, who you playin’ with?’” The overwhelmingly toxic metaphor of horses in the stable combined with the instrumentation is overtly degrading but makes for a painfully honest song.
Jazmine Sullivan – “Roster”
Like Ty Dolla $ign, Jazmine Sullivan “keeps it honest” by telling someone about her “long list” on “Roster.” From start to finish, she is blunt in her approach and self-aware of how her habits may seem. “Toxic, call me toxic but you’ll never call me stupid,” she begins. “I’ve been told before, I’m ruthless ’cause I’m a player by nature / But I’ll always keep it honest / So for you, there’s one more spot left in my roster,” she continues. Jazmine Sullivan is enjoying herself, singing, “I’m not stopping in my prime / This the best time of my life.” She is interested in the person she’s speaking to but tells him, “Don’t catch feelings” and “You just gotta fall in line.” “Roster” explores having options, appealing to those disinterested in committed relationships around Valentine’s Day.
As both a rapper and a singer, Drake has a plethora of toxic tracks. Within the R&B realm of his catalog, many songs stick out as heartfelt expressions of heartbreak despite having a petty and toxic edge. On the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Get Along Better,” Drake ruminates on a past relationship and how it ended. He sings, “You had the nеrve to defend mistakes that you made at the end / You said I was too invested and that’s what had forced you to go and pretend.” Drake even doubles down, passionately singing, “I swear you crazy.” Promising pure intentions and that “this ain’t ‘bout revenge,” he still says, “now I get along better with your friend.” Despite not wanting to seek revenge on his ex, Drake remains frustrated with the way things ended between them but has finally moved on with her friend.
PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Savage Anthem”
“Savage Anthem” is appropriately titled as PARTYNEXTDOOR tells his girl that he will not change for her, sticking to his savage ways. “Don’t hold your breath, don’t wait on my love,” he tells her in the chorus before delivering some ruthless lines in the verses. PND tells the girl that she should not count on him to commit as he sings, “Don’t trust me to capture the moment / Forgive me, it just was a moment.” He is also clearly not open to hearing her side. He sings, “You see, I don’t give no f*cks now / Is it somethin’ we discussed now? / The truth got you in disgust now ’cause I’d rather we just f*ck now.”
Party is self-aware of his toxicity, saying that he puts “the dirt into dirtbag.” He knows “that’s f*cked up” but “that’s what pimpin’ do.” Overall, “Savage Anthem” certainly lives up to its title and is the essential song for those feeling toxic on Valentine’s Day.
SZA’s “Kill Bill” is another anthem for those feeling salty about how their last relationship ended. The Grammy-nominated single starts with SZA hating to see her ex happy with a new girl. She uses the metaphor of the famous Tarantino film to sing about being so hung up on her ex that she starts plotting to kill him and his new girl. Singing that she still loves him despite wanting to kill him, she says that she would rather be in jail and hell “than alone.” SZA clarifies that drugs do not influence her thinking, but she doesn’t want her ex to move on without her. The sentiments of “Kill Bill” resonate with listeners who hate to see their old flames move on without them. For that reason, it is the right kind of toxic R&B song for Valentine’s Day.
It really does not get more toxic than The Weeknd when it comes to R&B. Dark tales of pain, numbness, and cold-blooded lyrics riddle his discography. Throughout his career, he has enticed listeners with an intoxicated reality, bringing them into conceptual worlds of toxic relationships. Before returning to his “heartless” ways, The Weeknd declared himself “Shameless.” In this song, he details a no-strings-attached relationship with a girl who “lives for the pain” and begs him to come over.
The Weeknd recognizes her emotional baggage, singing, “That’s why you always call me ‘cause you’re scared to be loved.” Understanding the damage created by this relationship, he makes an empty promise to be there for her. Despite not wanting to hurt her, he admits he has no shame and continues staying in the relationship. With its “Shameless” lyrics, The Weeknd highlights toxic love in this song. It is the ultimate soundtrack to those feeling shameless around Valentine’s Day.
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, recently made headlines after sitting down with The Cutting Room Floor for a rare interview. During the conversation, he was asked about whether or not he considers Drake to be hip hop. As he laughed, the rap legend responded, “Drake is pop to me. In the sense, like, if I was in Target in Houston, and I heard a Drake song. It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping. Or, as you know, shopping with an edge in certain instances.” Bey continued about Drake, saying that his music is “likable” and joked about shopping, exclaiming, “So many SKUs!” On a more serious note regarding the Canadian rapper, he asks, “What happens when this thing collapses?”
Bey’s remarks took the internet by storm, with Drake’s response referencing an old Method Man interview. The debate on whether or not Drizzy is hip hop divided the rap community, with purists backing Yasiin Bey’s opinion and others coming to Drake’s defense. Many also criticized the artist formerly known as Mos Def for a Fashion Week performance, calling it hypocritical after calling out Drake for making “shopping music.”
No matter the position one takes on his comments, Yasiin Bey is one of hip hop’s most respected lyricists. His prolific career speaks for itself, with classic records including Black On Both Sides and the first Black Star album with Talib Kweli. Beyond his most well-known works are plenty of gems within his discography. Today, we are taking a look into Yasiin Bey’s best underrated hip hop songs. Check out the list below.
7. “Zimzallabim” (2004)
While not as highly regarded as his debut album, Yasiin Bey’s 2004 sophomore effort, The New Danger, includes numerous underrated highlights. The album combined hip hop with psychedelic rock and soul, with the help of many producers and his band, Black Jack Johnson. One track that effortlessly displays this combination of genres is “Zimzallabim.” Co-produced by Easy Mo Bee and Bey himself, Yasiin applies his signature rap style to a rock-fused track, resulting in one of his most confident vocal performances. The song breathed new life into Bey’s eccentric rap style and remains one of his most underrated hip hop songs.
6. “Champion Requiem” (2004)
“Champion Requiem,” the closing track on The New Danger, is a standout moment that deserves more shine. Produced by 88-Keys, who lent beats to Black on Both Sides and Black Star’s debut, the upbeat track allows Bey to spit tough bars. Some of his best flows are on this song as he keeps up with the thumping groove. Compared to the off-kilter production on the rest of the album, “Champion Requiem” perfectly blends Yasiin’s traditional style with the album’s funky approach.
5. “Revelations” (2009)
Many of Yasiin Bey’s best underrated hip hop songs come from his fourth studio album, 2009’s The Ecstatic. Seen as a return to form by many following True Magic, The Ecstatic saw a reinvigorated Bey applying his conscious rap style across a range of musical influences. The album’s quirky and adventurous soundscape contained beats from many producers, including Madlib. The Beat Konducta produced “Revelations,” originally an instrumental from his Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix album. Yasiin Bey’s relaxed flow matches the ominous production and his sung melodies enhance the unique production. Songs like “Revelations” helped foreshadow the sound of Black Star’s Madlib-produced No Fear of Time.
4. “Wahid” (2009)
Another underrated Yasiin Bey song and one of the four beats that Madlib contributed to The Ecstatic is “Wahid.” Bey manages to float over the abrasive production, smoothly flowing over the unpredictable instrumentation. “Wahid” may be a short song, but it is unparalleled in Yasiin Bey’s discography. It is a hard-hitting Madlib production that contains some of Bey’s most impressive rhyming. On an experimental album, it provides a burst of energy that leaves quite the impression.
3. “Black Fantastic” (2013)
Yasiin Bey’s close collaborator and tour DJ, Preservation, remixed The Ecstatic in 2013, giving each song a reworked instrumental. The album, titled The REcstatic, includes a standout track titled “Black Fantastic.” The Minnesota-produced song replaced “Casa Bey” as the album’s closer, featuring the same lyrics but delivered differently over a gorgeous beat. The stunning piano-based instrumental creates an excellent backdrop for Yasiin to reimagine “Casa Bey” in a brand new, arguably superior way. “Black Fantastic” is an underrated deep cut in Yasiin’s discography.
2. “History” feat. Talib Kweli (2009)
Between Black Star’s seminal 1998 debut and their 2022 return with No Fear of Time, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli released a number of individual collaborations. “History” is quintessential Black Star, featuring a soulful instrumental from the late J Dilla. Both Bey and Kweli sound comfortable over the beat, which samples Mary Wells’s “Two Lovers History.” Outside of the exciting and rare union between both members of Black Star, “History” is arguably one of their best collaborations ever, as it highlights their collaborative chemistry.
1. “Sensei On The Block” (2015)
Over a decade since his last solo album, Yasiin Bey appears to go wherever the wind takes him musically. Whether it is a sound installation, the long-awaited Black Star album, or a rare guest feature, his next move cannot be predicted. In 2015, Ski Beatz promoted a track he produced for Bey titled “Sensei On the Block.” The single saw him returning to the “Mos Def” moniker. However, Yasiin Bey released a statement following its release, saying that “any music that’s been released under that name is without [his] consent” and that “it’s being sold illegally.” Despite it being released against his permission, the song is definitely underrated. Bey’s lyrical performance is on par with some of his most classic works, and the steel drum-laced instrumental still sounds fresh nine years later.
It’s been quite a while since the world was first introduced to “Tia & Tamera.” The identical twins became international sensations on the ’90s sitcom Sister, Sister, but that wasn’t the end of their entertainment run. Over the last few decades, the women have built million-dollar brands, starred in films and television shows, had their own reality TV series, released music, launched haircare products, and much more. While Tia and Tamera Mowy’s names and faces are permanently etched into pop culture history, the pair are also regular fixtures in Hip Hop lyrics.
Tamera Mowry has just tapped into a few of these Rap references. While we’re sure there are far more out there in the music ether, Tamera found six “Tia & Tamera” lyrics and references that have been staples. Some, she was already aware of, but others were brand new to her ears. Moreover, Tamera ranked the tracks after previewing them in a video she shared with her Instagram followers. Take a look at the video below, along with the songs ranked in the order chosen by Tamera Mowry.
Drill giant Chief Keef released “Picking Big Sean Up” back in 2021, but contrary to the title, the Detroit rapper didn’t make an appearance on the track. However, the Sister, Sister twins’ names surfaced when Keef rapped: “Man, these b*tches irri’ / She want a Panamera / Pull the ‘cat and track hawk out, it’s Tia & Tamera.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t Tamera’s favorite in the bunch, and she ranked Chief Keef’s song last.
5. Su’Lan — “Tia-Tamera”
As soon as this song began to play, Tamera was excited. It was obvious to the TV star that Su’Lan’s “Tia-Tamera” was a bop, but it still didn’t crack the 5th spot on this list. Created by the rap duo whose moniker is a split between the names “Su” and “Lan,” “Tia-Tamera” landed on their project of the same name. The har-hitting track paid homage to Old School Hip Hop productions, introducing the young femcees to new audiences.
It feels like we haven’t heard from Polo G in a while, so this nod from Tamera was refreshing for fans. “Distraction” arrived in 2022 on the rapper’s hit album with the same title, and on the track, Polo gets introspective. Here, he discusses his placement in the industry, being respected as an artist, and life on the streets. He raps: “Twin Glocks, Tia, Tamera, yeah, these my new b*tches / Hit they block with two switches, it make my shottas shoot different.”
3. J. Cole — “Cole Summer”
The most raunchy “Tia & Tamera” lyrics on this arrive courtesy of J. Cole. The big boss of Dreamville delivered Truly Yours 2 in 2013, and inside was “Cole Summer.” The tracks on this EP couldn’t squeeze themselves into the Born Sinner tracklist, and they’ve been held as fan favorites. In the song, Cole spices things up when he says: “If I had one wish, I would f*ck Tia and Tamera / At the same time and put name tags on they t*tties / So I don’t get they names wrong, screamin’ ‘Game on’ / Like Wayne’s World, that just came on.”
“Whole Lotta Money” was already making major waves for BIA, but the industry imploded when Nicki Minaj added her Rap legend voice to the track. The song’s viral sensation on TikTok helped rocket the song up the charts, and the collaboration is one of the most memorable of 2021. Further, the Queen rapper delivered the “Tia & Tamera” bars when she spit: “I just bent the block, all these b*tches wanna be ya / Prolly cause my waist gone, money long, Nia / Well, I ain’t talking cars, long hair, don’t KIA / In a twin seater, you Tamera? What’s Tia?“
The most recognizable Tia & Tamera track on this list appropriately landed in the top slot. In 2018, two of the most eclectic women in Rap collided in a colorful collaboration—”Tia Tamera.” Doja Cat added the fierce Rico Nasty to a single included in the Deluxe version of Amala, her debut studio album. Over the years, Tia and Tamera Mowry have repeatedly referenced this track, so it isn’t surprising that it took No. 1. The chorus rings: “Hair grow long like Chia / Money go long like Nia / I am the big idea / My twins big like Tia / My twins big like Tia, Tamera (Uh, wait) / Tia, Tamera (Uh, wait).“
It’s certainly not news that Hip Hop has a long history and lasting relationship with sampling. While many samples exist in Hip Hop, not many artists have been sampled as much as Chaka Khan. The musical legacy of the iconic singer is further preserved through samples from many songs in Hip Hop. All things considered, her indirect contributions to Hip Hop make her something of a star within the genre as well.
Over the years, a plethora of Hip Hop tracks have seamlessly integrated the soulful sounds of Chaka Khan’s discography. Brilliant acts like Eminem and Kanye West have borrowed from Khan to create fire tracks of their own. Interestingly, the singer was not very pleased with how West sampled a song of hers, and she has said so several times over the years. However, she finally seems to have had a change of heart and recently shared that she’s letting go of her “silly grudge” with Ye over the sample. Here’s a list of some of the hottest Hip Hop songs that contain samples from Chaka Khan.
Eternal Atake (Deluxe) was released on March 13, 2020, and contains 32 songs, one of which is “Strawberry Peels.” While the track is less than two minutes long, it’s a favorite among some Lil Uzi Vert fans. It contains a sample from “Never Miss the Water” (1996) by Chaka Khan ft. Meshell Ndegeocello. The iconic high note that opens “Never Miss the Water” also appears within the first few seconds of “Strawberry Peels.” While this sample only shows up at the very beginning, it is unmistakable.
6. “F**k Em All” – 2Pac ft. Outlawz
Better Dayz, the fourth posthumous album by late Hip Hop icon 2Pac, was released on November 26, 2002. Several songs on the album contain samples, including the title track and “Late Night,” among others. The sample on “F**k Em All” is from Chaka Khan’s song “The Message in the Middle of the Bottom” off her 1978 debut album. However, it’s the instrumental, rather than her voice, that is sampled on “F**k Em All.”
Before the documentary film Soul in the Hole was released in August 1997, its eponymous soundtrack album dropped on July 29, 1997. “High Expectations” is one of the 15 tracks contained in the album and one of its standouts. Additionally, the Hip Hop song samples the 1980 Chaka Khan gem “Move Me No Mountain.” It is one of a handful of rap songs that sample the groovy ‘80s track. With sampling only growing in popularity, “Move Me No Mountain” will very likely be sampled again in the future.
4. “Gerald” – G-Eazy ft. Anthony Hamilton
This track was released on September 24, 2021, as a part of G-Eazy’s sixth studio album, These Things Happen Too. “Gerald” offers a compelling glimpse into the artist’s introspective side, as well as his personal journey. It also masterfully samples the hook of Chaka Khan’s 1988 track “Baby Me.” The slowed-down iteration of “Baby Me” that plays in the background throughout “Gerald” sits on the track just right and completes the song.
3. “Bagpipes From Baghdad” – Eminem
Known for its controversial lyrics and catchy production, “Bagpipes From Baghdad” was released as a part of Eminem’s sixth album, Relapse. It is one of those Hip Hop samples of a Chaka Khan song barely noticeable in the track. However, fans of the Queen of Funk would definitely be able to pick it up, regardless. In this case, the sampled track is “I Feel for You,” and the sampled material shows up at the 2:32 mark.
2. “Therapy” – Cormega
While Cormega’s second album, The True Meaning,did not achieve widespread commercial success, it was critically praised. With songs like “Therapy” on the album, it makes sense that it would receive critical acclaim. The Hip Hop track samples a song from the iconic Chaka Khan album I Feel For You (1984). The shimmery notes that open Khan’s “Stronger Than Before” are slightly sped up and looped throughout Cormega’s “Therapy.” It serves as the perfect sonic backdrop for the emcee to lay his cold bars, and he does exactly that.
1. “Through The Wire” – Kanye West
“Through the Wire” is inarguably one of the most iconic Hip Hop songs that samples Chaka Khan. Over the years, the veteran songstress has expressed her displeasure with the sample. Contrarily, however, many listeners of Kanye West’s music are diehard fans of the track. Similar to the 2004 Ye track, the sampled Chaka Khan song is titled “Through the Fire.” The soulful and melodic sample complements West’s introspective lyrics. Additionally, the use of the sped-up sample became a signature element in the rapper’s early production style, helping to define his sound. Without a doubt, “Through the Wire” remains a standout track in West’s extensive catalog, and its impact can partly be credited to the iconic Chaka Khan sample.
When it comes to picking out the best basketball shoes, it can be pretty tough. Overall, this is due to the fact that there are so many options out there. Furthermore, a lot of shoes fit certain playstyles over others. It can be pretty overwhelming, but luckily, we are here with five shoes that could make your choice easier. We also have some featured colorways that will definitely bring forth some excitement.
Firstly, we have the Nike Ja 1. This has been arguably the best new sneaker of the last 12 months. It is a simple yet effective shoe that has come in tons of amazing colorways. However, one of the best would be this “Light Smoke Grey” offering. Overall, it is a shoe that has a nice and simple color scape. There is some white mesh on the upper with hints of grey all the way throughout. It looks great, and this is a shoe you should absolutely be enticed by.
Way Of Wade 10
Image via GOAT
Secondly, we have this Li-Ning Way Of Wade 10. This is a phenomenal silhouette that comes from Dwyane Wade. Although Li-Ning is an oftentimes forgotten option, it is still one worth considering. When you look at this “Lavender” color scheme, you are immediately met with this shoe’s beauty. From the chunky midsole to mesh upper, this feels like a shoe that will turn you into some sort of superhuman.
Nike Sabrina 1
Image via GOAT
Subsequently, we get an amazing entry from rising WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. Her signature Nike Sabrina 1 sneaker is gaining steam on the court, and there have been some awesome colorways. Above, you can find the “Oregon Ducks” model which features the green and yellow colors of her alma mater. It is a very solid offering and one that will make Oregon fans very happy.
Our next sneaker is the Under Armour Curry Flow 11. Overall, Steph Curry is one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. Consequently, his sneaker line is pretty popular, even if some people still aren’t sold on UA as a sneaker brand. As for the “Dub Nation” colorway, this is one that you cannot go wrong with. Warriors fans will immediately recognize the blue, white, and yellow colors that match the jersey so perfectly. How could you go wrong?
Nike LeBron 21
Image via Flight Club
Lastly, we have the masterful Nike LeBron 21. Overall, this is an easy contender for one of the best basketball shoes of 2024. Furthermore, this “Tahitian” colorway is one that combines some nifty elements. From the black suede upper to the iridescent back heel, we get something unique. There is even some green and yellow that peaks through the outsole to give the shoe that extra pop of color.
Let us know which of these are your favorites, in the comments section down below.
Overall, there were a ton of incredible projects that could be considered the best rap albums of 2023. However, this year, we have decided to narrow our list to 25. It is a nice coincidence that this list is being released on Christmas, December 25th. Coincidences aside, choosing the albums for this list was no easy task. A lot of great stuff came out from all corners of the hip-hop world. Whether you like Southern rap, trap, experimental hip-hop, boom bap, or even jazz, there was a lot to be excited about. Having said that, let’s get right into our list, starting with some Honorable Mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Paris Texas – MID AIR
Paris Texas are able to merge rap and punk in a way that is truly interesting. Their musical chops are phenomenal and they know how to craft something catchy yet blood-pumping. If you aren’t familiar with the group, you need to change that, immediately. This album was a pleasant surprise that you need to listen to right away.
Boldy James – Indiana Jones
Boldy James has been at it for a while, and with each new project, he is able to give us something phenomenal. Overall, Indiana Jones was yet another example of this. The artist had a busy 2023, and we imagine his 2024 will be similar. We’re just glad he gave us highlights like this.
Bas – We Only Talk About Real Sh*t When We’re F*cked Up
Bas is an artist who has never been afraid to take risks and be the artist he wants to be. On We Only Talk About Real Sh*t When We’re F*cked Up, Bas gives us an album packed with political messages and uplifting bars. There are phenomenal features here, including more than a few from none other than J. Cole. Overall, this is an album that is well worth your time.
McKinley Dixon – Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?
McKinley Dixon is an artist who merges genres and is able to craft a sound that is truly unique. Overall, his album Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? is another project that can be described as a nice surprise. It is one that takes you on a musical journey and offers insight into who Dixon is as an artist. This is an album you should absolutely be giving a chance. You may just come away a fan.
25. Gunna – a gift & a curse
In a notable departure from industry norms, Gunna made it clear with a gift & a curse that he’s not afraid to be the lone wolf. Despite a year of trials and tribulations including battling snitching allegations and jail time … essentially with the entire internet against him, Gunna harbored those feelings and materialized it to create some of his best work to-date. Unfazed by the prevailing industry sentiment, he meticulously crafted and told his story. Across a comprehensive 15-track span, Gunna dives into his legal entanglements, incarceration, subsequent release, and the ramifications that came within both the industry and his fanbase.
A gift & a curse stands out not only for its incredible production, but also for its notable absence of features. The deliberate solo journey allows Gunna to take center stage, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He offers his raw and unfiltered perspective on the challenges faced by the YSL collective and labelmate Young Thug. This bold move adds depth to the album, weaving a narrative that extends beyond the beats and melodies. In fact, the album recently received Gold certification from the RIAA. The recognition comes on the heels of chart-topping hits like “fukumean.” Overall, he skillfully converted his misfortune into a compelling narrative, showcasing a remarkable ability for storytelling that struck a chord with audiences.
Doja Cat made a lot of enemies in 2023. She made a total 180 after her eye-raising actions and comments online. Because of this people started to think she was losing it mentally and she became a villain in a way. However, Doja was unbothered as she continued to stray away from the radio-friendly pop-rap material that so many adored her for. Scarlet, her fourth album, took a more focused approach topically. Even though you do have more easy-going cuts like “Paint The Town Red,” and “Agora Hills,” she wanted to get into her rapping bag. Honestly, it was the right decision. “F*** The Girls (FTG)” and “97,” for example, showcased how entertaining she is in this mode. This album is essentially a big middle finger to all of the doubters, and we were here for it.
– Zachary Horvath
23. Ken Carson – A Great Chaos
Ken Carson is an interesting artist with a co-sign from one of rap music’s most reclusive acts. Of course, that recluse is none other than Playboi Carti. Carti’s Opium label boasts some massive artists, and Carson has proven to be the standout. With A Great Chaos, Carson cements himself as a Carti protege. However, if Carti is for Gen Z, then Carson is the Gen Alpha equivalent. An artist whose beats are viral TikTok sounds that somehow transcend some of the cringe-worthy qualities that come with such a platform.
There is something hypnotic about this album. Overall, it is an album filled with wild production and the vocals to match. Sure, Carson’s bars are rudimentary, but they are easy to sing along with. He has a knack for catchy vocal lines and bars that will get stuck in your head for days and even weeks on end. This is an album for the youth. Not everyone is going to get it, but that’s okay. It’s a project that does a good job of encapsulating a certain subgenre within hip-hop right now, and it deserves some spotlight.
– Alex Cole
22. Nas – Magic 2
In July of this year, Nas provided his fans with Magic 2, the eagerly-anticipated sequel to his 2021 album Magic. Once again enlisting Hit-Boy for the LP, the 50-year-old NYC native flexes his prolificacy, inviting listeners back to a familiarly ominous soundscape while continuing to play with new styles and sounds. His signature storytelling prowess remains on full display, serving as a reminder that his decades-long career has only worked to expand his skills and capacity. Despite an abundance of releases, Nas managed to introduce new elements and sounds to the project, which he followed up with Magic 3 in September.
– Caroline Fisher
21. Bad Bunny – Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana
When artists go global, some of that early magic of their come-up can be lost, whether sonically or when it comes to connecting with their OG fanbase. Bad Bunny, though, displayed no such issues while returning to his roots on nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana. Rather than continue his kitchen sink approach to reggaetón and Latine music that made him a superstar, he delivered what he promised “pa’ las babies” on his last album– his biggest yet– Un Verano Sin Ti: a Latine trap throwback. By honing in on his desires and channeling his thoughts on fame, he gave his die-hards an endlessly replayable, focused, and absolute blast of a record.
Despite the years since he’s fully immersed himself in Latine trap, Benito’s still got it. He has some hilarious wordplay and descriptions throughout, some heartfelt moments (especially the opening cut), charismatic vocal performances in every lane, and some stank-face-inducing bars. The features all do a fantastic job, from rising exponents to Boricua legends, and Bad Bunny and his production team (Tainy, MAG, La Paciencia, and so on) find a wealth of variety and curious sounds within this trap backdrop. There’s even a “Codeine Crazy” sample, and also a couple of reggaetón and pop songs to engagingly break up the theme. nadie sabe is some of El Conejo Malo’s best material to date, with innovations into darker sounds and a refreshing revisit of what made us fall in love with him to begin with. Otro como él nace en el próximo siglo.
Westside Gunn dropped his fifth and final album, And Then You Pray For Me, in October of this year. The project sees the Buffalo native take a theatrical approach to traditional Griselda grime, and serves as a follow-up to his 2020 effort, Pray for Paris. The LP features an array of guest artists, including Jeezy, Rick Ross, and Ty Dolla Sign, as well as frequent collaborators Conway the Machine and Benny The Butcher. He strikes a balance between grandiosity and sincerity, falling back on his signature sound while still incorporating enough new elements for the album to stand out in his discography.
– Caroline Fisher
19. Yeat – Afterlyfe
Yeat has been one of the more unique artists of the last couple of years. He burst onto the scene with wild flows and incomprehensible lyrics. Overall, he was an underground darling who eventually found his way to the mainstream. Most chronically offline people only know him from Drake’s “IDGAF.” However, he is worth checking out in his entirety. Afterlyfe is a very good example of this. While it may not have the same cult following as his previous work, this is easily his best foray into becoming “established.” Everything here still has that signature Yeat sound, except now it is a lot more refined.
A big difference between this album and some of Yeat’s others is that this one sees Yeat taking on various alter egos. He raps from shifting perspectives and it directly changes his inflections and overall voice. Not to mention, on songs like “Nun I’d Change,” he gives us cyberpunk aesthetics that go over extremely well. His sound is futuristic and it is one that fans have resonated with. Now that his producer BNYX has also found stardom, they will surely be a dynamic duo for years to come.
– Alex Cole
18. Larry June & The Alchemist – The Great Escape
Larry June has been prolifically releasing material for years now but he seemed to achieve a bit of a breakthrough moment on The Great Escape. Following hype from his 2022 album Spaceships on the Blade he had the chance to work with legendary producer The Alchemist and leaned into his most patient and relaxed stylings. His reserved demeanor is a great accompaniment for Alc’s brightest vibes spinning vintage keys into short irresistible loops for Larry to rap over.
Also worth mentioning is the impressive roster of collaborators the pair manage to pull. Sporting features from Action Bronson, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, Slum Village, Boldly James, Evidence, Wiz Khalifa, Jay Worthy, Joey Bada$$, and Curren$y Great Escape achieves an impressive amount of sonic variety throughout. The rapper and producer do an excellent job at blending not only their own styles but also the impressive caliber of guests, into something cohesively smooth and infectious.
– Lavender Alexandria
17. Young Nudy – Gumbo
Young Nudy is an artist who has always delivered consistently solid projects. Overall, he has a great reputation in the Atlanta rap game. With co-signs from Pi’erre Bourne and 21 Savage, Nudy has given us great tracks and cohesive albums. In 2023, he did that yet again with Gumbo. The album art here depicts all sorts of foods, and that is exactly what you get with the song titles. Every single song is named after a food or food item. It’s a fun concept and in execution, it just works.
Nudy has a monotone flow that is typically placed over ethereal production that transports you to another planet. That is especially true of Gumbo and its hit tracks. For instance, “Peaches & Eggplants” with 21 Savage was an immediate viral hit. From Nudy’s nonchalant yet threatening aura to 21’s signature flows, this track was a standout. Moreover, it even got a remix from Latto and Sexyy Red. The rest of the album is fantastic as well and serves as a reminder of the growth Nudy has given us as an artist over the past few years.
– Alex Cole
16. Killer Mike – Michael
This year, Killer Mike unveiled his first solo album in over a decade, Michael. Boasting various high-profile features from the likes of Andre 3000, Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, and more, it’s put the Atlanta-born performer in the running for three Grammys. Listeners hear him unpack and examine his upbringing, leaning sonically into influences of gospel, soul, funk, and blues. Killer Mike calls the project his musical “come home moment,” serving as something of a prequel to the rest of his discography. He takes an introspective approach to tackling themes of religion, loss, triumph, and Blackness, marking a pivotal milestone in his career.
– Caroline Fisher
15. Sexyy Red – Hood Hottest Princess
What more can be said about Sexyy Red at this point? The rapper is on tour right now and she is selling out crowds, all while pregnant. It’s been an impressive year for her and a lot of it boils down to the sheer success of Hood Hottest Princess. Simply put, this is an album full of bangers. The three big singles to come out of this album are “Hellcats SRTs,” “SkeeYee,” and “Pound Town.” Overall, these are some of the hardest tracks to drop this year. While some will nitpick the bars or say Sexyy Red is the downfall of hip-hop, it’s important to pause for a second and assess the music fairly.
Listen to any song off of Hood Hottest Princess and you will hear and MC oozing with charisma. Everything Sexyy raps is delivered with extreme confidence. It makes for hilarious bars and imagery that you just don’t get from other rappers. Her place in the game is unique and Hood Hottest Princess reaffirms that. Of all of the albums to drop in this specific lane, this is by far the best. Sexyy Red has an opportunity to become a superstar and while some don’t like it, the people have already spoken. We can’t wait to see what she does next.
– Alex Cole
14. Travis Scott – Utopia
One of the most eagerly-awaited hip-hop albums in the past five years, Travis Scott’s UTOPIA exceedingly delivers on the sonic front. While the Houston rapper is not a lyrical miracle, his flows and melodies keep you interested. There are plenty of standout tracks like “MODERN JAM,” the more introspective “MY EYES,” and the earworm that is “I KNOW ?” are a few to name. The main talking point is how much Travis borrows and maybe even bites from Kanye West’s YEEZUS. A few of the songs here were even Donda throwaways. There is some validity, but he had a hand during those recording sessions in 2013. It is not an original sound, but Travis manages to put his spin on it. He created some grand soundscapes with this record, and it was refreshing to see him go in a different direction nonetheless.
– Zachary Horvath
13. Talib Kweli & Madlib – Liberation 2
Talib Kweli and Madlib‘s latest effort, Liberation 2, may not have been heard by nearly as many fans as it should have, but the project remains one of the best of 2023. Released as a sequel to their 2007 collaboration, it’s only available to stream on Luminary, a subscription-based podcast network. Across Liberation 2’s 16 tracks, Kweli and Madlib work with Pink Siifu, Q-Tip, and Westside Gunn, among others, even landing a posthumous feature from Mac Miller and a collaboration with Seun Kuti, the son of Fela Kuti. It’s a long-awaited reunion for the ever-busy duo, who have been putting out albums with everyone but each other over the last 16 years.
– Cole Blake
12. Genesis Owusu – Struggler
Who knew that an album about a cockroach trying not to get stomped by God could be so vibrant, potent, and fun? Such is the balancing act that Genesis Owusu masters on STRUGGLER, which is equally groovy, downtrodden, hopeful, and powerful. The musical influences here certainly point to that versatility: soulful guitar, cavernous drums, dense synths, and a unique fusion of soul, hip-hop, rock, funk, alternative, and so much more. In comparison to his last album Smiling with No Teeth, this project is a little more consistent and fusional in its musical style rather than assorted. As such, the Australian artist portrays themes of identity, exploitation, absurdism, resistance, and perseverance with more clarity and intent.
In fact, during an interview with CD 92.9 FM, Genesis Owusus explained how he felt like this album came forth as a fiction inspired by work like Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis rather than him documenting his own experience, which makes this project that much more exploratory and narrative. His verses still exude a lot of charisma, humor, and passion despite the largely conflict-centered themes that he touches on. It’s a very propulsive approach, with rock jams, anthemic choruses, and darker moments of tension broken up by bright spots of catchy melodies and sweet instrumentation. Overall, there’s just as much to chew on sonically as there is lyrically on here, and you’ll find something new about each aspect with every listen. Of all the genre-fusing albums this year, STRUGGLER is among the most idiosyncratic.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
11. Danny Brown – Quaranta
If you’re making a list of the most dominant, definitive, and dexterous rappers of 2023, Danny Brown has a stronger case than the very large majority of MCs. Leading the way in that regard is his new album Quaranta, a sequel to 2011’s XXX that chronicles what he’s learned and gone through since then. The Detroit spitter has a lot to mourn, celebrate, and break down, whether it’s aging within the rap game and life as a whole, his addiction struggles, or his ability to connect with others. On this project, he tackles it all with blunt honesty, more versatility than ever before, down-to-earth focus, and a still-persistent drive to do it better than anyone else. That last quality is what sets it apart from other albums about age, death, legacy, and personal growth.
Furthermore, the 42-year-old may have released experimental and abrasive material before, but this is easily his strongest left hook in his entire career. He swaps out his beloved yelpy performances for measured verses for most of this LP, and rides more grounded, psychedelic, quiet, and woozily low-key beats. With this renewed restraint, Danny Brown makes his perspective impossible to tune out on every song, even when he’s getting wilder. All this makes Quaranta a cathartic, vulnerable, and expertly assembled must-listen from this year, and one of its most important releases. It’s certainly the most important in the Bruiser Brigade boss’s run so far, a ride that he’s looking forward to enjoying fruitfully with a newfound peace.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
10. Mick Jenkins – The Patience
Mick Jenkins’ new album doesn’t stick around for very long, but it doesn’t need to. His signature hard-hitting style is present from the very first moments on the album and it maintains that presence throughout the half hour of material presented. Along the way a quartet of similarly intense rappers contribute to the absolute bar-fest. Freddie Gibbs, Benny The Butcher, JID, and Vic Mensa all contribute to an impressive caliber of performance throughout.
In particular Mick delivers some of his most impressive lyrical performances to date across the album. In an opening verse of the standout track “Sitting Ducks” he spins a word-bending series of bars around an icy thumping instrumental that matches his intensity. With relatively short songs across the album Mick and his collaborators show their focus. The lack of many notable hooks or much of any downtime between verses presents a tightly packed saga of rap excellence.
– Lavender Alexandria
9. Key Glock – Glockoma 2
Key Glock’s Glockoma 2 album showcases the determination and drive of the Memphis rapper. The album debuted at a No. 13 spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and serves as a follow-up to his 2018 mixtape Glockoma. Throughout the 15-track project, Key Glock delivers hard-hitting bars. In addition, he notably mourns the loss of his close friend and one of the most influential people in his career, Young Dolph. This resilience fuels his output, maintaining his apparent productivity throughout the project.
It delivers a compelling mix of distinctive Memphis rap vibes, which his fans appreciate. A supporting tour for the project was announced, amplifying the anticipated impact with scheduled dates from March to April earlier this year. Key Glock strategically unveiled details, including the track listing, on social media, building anticipation leading up to the album’s release. Additionally, he expanded it by adding a deluxe edition, which was also well-received by the masses.
– Tallie Spencer
8. Black Thought & El Michels – Glorious Game
Black Thought is on one of the most impressive runs in all of rap music. The Roots’ rapper started the decade with the final chapter of his impressive Streams Of Thought series and pivoted to something that’s somehow even more impressive. Last year’s Cheat Codes saw him crossing paths with superproducer Danger Mouse and the two made a project that lives up to its name. So it’s no surprise that Black Thought came back with something excellent this year, but it’s may still come as a surprise JUST how good Glorious Game is.
Teaming up with jazz and soul group El Michels Affair is a match made in absolute heaven. Over vintage cinematic soul and warm inviting jazz instrumentals, Black Thought simply has to do his thing as one of rap’s definitive veterans. What he delivers is a series of meditations built around the wisdom and perspective he’s grown over decades of writing and performing. With his pen game as sharp as ever and a handful of dynamic vocal features on board throughout the record they craft a patient, meditative, and deeply rewarding sonic experience with Glorious Game.
– Lavender Alexandria
7. Billy Woods & Kenny Segal – Maps
Rapper billy woods and producer Kenny Segal first teamed up in 2019 for their collab album Hiding Places. While the project was acclaimed by fans and critics alike, both artists have grown so much in such a short time that their second collaboration felt somehow overdue. But on Maps the gloves are fully off. Neither artist has ever been shy about their artistic direction or sonic ambitions, but they wander further than ever before together.
Sporting features from underground rap sensations like Danny Brown, Quelle Chris, Aesop Rock, and woods’ Armand Hammer partner E L U C I D, Maps is a living and breathing experimental rap affair. On some tracks here billy reaches for some of the most emotional and exasperated vocals he’s ever recorded. Then on the very next song Kenny spins an obscure sample or irresistible interpolation into a beat that sounds unlike anything he’s ever made before. That dueling creative spirit makes this album refreshingly varied and an entirely different listening experience every time.
– Lavender Alexandria
6. MIKE – Burning Desire
MIKE has been on a steady climb through the underground hip-hop scene for years at this point, having honed his craft through various collaborations with veteran artists like Earl Sweatshirt, Wiki, and more, as well as hosting his annual Young World festival at Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King Park. In turn, he was more prepared than ever to release a project as rich and sprawling as the 25-song, Burning Desire. Across its 50-minute runtime, MIKE flexes his always impressive lyrical chops over some of the most animated beats he’s rapped over yet. Highlights in that vein include “Zap!” and “African Sex Freak Fantasy,” but it’s not the only lane in which MIKE works on Burning Desire. On the “plz don’t cut my wings,” and “Let’s Have a Ball,” for instance, his emotional candor takes center stage.
– Cole Blake
5. Veeze – GANGER
Detroit rapper Veeze has had one of the most incredible years of any artist. Overall, this is mainly thanks to his album Ganger which was a hit from the jump. Singles like GOMD and the ensuing Lil Uzi Vert remix certainly helped bolster the album’s cache. However, it was Veeze himself who ended up wowing fans with his incredible charisma and his off-the-wall beat selection. Diving into this project, you get hit with the tripped-out psychedelic sounds of “Not A Drill.” The artist raps over this production with a sense of despair masked by his clever bars and monotone delivery.
As the project continues, that despair comes back thematically as Veeze drops a plethora of bars about being high out of his mind. He is entrenching himself in chaos but he plays it off with the hilarious bars that consistently have you doing a double take. The production of every single song is magical and it helps convey the emotions and actions that are being dealt with on the record. It is a cohesive project without really trying to be. Ganger is a deeply emotional work of art that plays itself off as a fun party record. This is incredibly hard to do but Veeze pulls it off seamlessly. Of all the records to release this year, one could make the argument that Ganger is by far the rawest.
– Alex Cole
4. Noname – Sundial
The time between Noname’s 2018 album Room 25 and the release of Sundial was often turbulent for the rapper. She dealt with a public spat with J. Cole that resulted in a short but absolutely crushing diss track, a surprise performance at Coachella that saw her facing allegations of hypocrisy, and multiple new album teases and promises that ultimately didn’t lead anywhere. Through all of that turbulence she emerged with yet another album that nobody else in the world was capable of making.
While Noname continues to deliver her unstoppable wit and pinpoint cultural observations, everyone basically expected that level of perfection from her at this point. Where she surprises is in just how personal and vulnerable she’s able to get across the album. Though she’s never been shy about sharing her feelings, the self-examination of her own fame and her role in the very institutions she seeks to dismantle make for an intellectually challenging listen that disguises itself as utterly infectious hip-hop.
– Lavender Alexandria
3. Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips
The lengths billy woods and Elucid are going to in consistently improving upon their work as Armand Hammer is astounding. With We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, the two New York underground veterans rap over gritty production that sounds as apocalyptic as the world they describe. Somehow, they weave through flows about social collapse, personal struggle, and more over textured beats that sound, at times, like stuffing the sounds of the city in a car crusher, and at others, like the score to a nightmarish jaunt down forgotten streets. “Trauma Mic” might be the best song on the album, with its metallic and disorienting beat, it feels like extracting the physical violence of everyday life into the sonic backdrop for lyrics about the paranoid and isolated souls that populate it. We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is a new high for two of the best artists in the game.
– Cole Blake
2. Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist – Voir Dire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SreI30jILfQ
No other album this year is as much of a raw, no-frills, personal, and skilled distillation of what makes hip-hop such a compelling art form. VOIR DIRE is quite the compact, cohesive, and calculated affair; whether you listen to the Gala or streaming version, it’s a handful of short tracks without much in the way of structure. Instead, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist allow the craft and care of their verses and beats, respectively, to take center stage, plus some vocal samples to bring us from one song to the next. When it comes to the instrumentals, Uncle Al shines as one of 2023’s best producers (as usual) thanks to creative time signatures, a lo-fi sound, gorgeous melodies that range from warmly comforting to coldly stark, out-of-the-box sample flips, and a consistent sonic tenderness throughout.
Meanwhile, the L.A. wordsmith makes mountains out of molehills here, turning his anecdotes and lived experiences into relatable, heart-wrenching, and emotionally vivid narratives. Few MCs have this much talent for delivering blunt and descriptive phrasing about their growth, values, lessons learned, and about how they truly feel. Truth is a consistent muse here, as the album’s title implies: the simple but expertly composed greatness of The Alchemist’s production complements Earl Sweatshirt’s vulnerable, often ambivalent, sometimes defeated, but always fearless truths about his emotions, career, and relationships. The fact that it’s so enjoyable, masterfully rapped, and perfectly sequenced is the foundation that they anchor their thoughts, dreams, plots, and schemes into. VOIR DIRE, then, is free to explore feeling, and that journey is one that this duo invites you to join them on.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
1. Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA – Scaring The Hoes
JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown are an obvious match made in heaven. Combining their mutual propensity for using irreverent humor as a weapon to hit listeners with politically charged criticism and densely candid lyrics, Scaring The Hoes sees Peggy and Brown playing a game of boy-like one-upmanship to reach new heights in their respective careers and often out-shock one another while doing so. In just his first bars into the album, Peggy is rapping about Iron Sheik, Kyle Rittenhouse, and more, while Brown jumps in with his characteristically furious and zany personality at full speed ahead. Both artists need to be on full tilt throughout the tracklist to match Peggy’s cacophonous production of cannonading drums, intertwined with overlapping vocal samples, and more. Scaring The Hoes boasts two of hip-hop’s most eccentric personalities turned up to 10, making it an easy choice for one of the best albums of the year.
Overall, there were a ton of great tracks that came out this year that could receive recognition for being one of the best rap songs of 2023. However, this year, we have decided to narrow down a list of 40 songs. On Christmas Eve, this is perfect reading for when you are around the Christmas tree, sipping egg nog and trying to debate with your friends on some of the best music. With the list below, we are encompassing a diverse array of artists from numerous subgenres. Be sure to sound off in the comments section below if you agree with this year’s choices.
40. Kevin Gates – Breakfast
Once some of the shock value and hilarity of Kevin Gates’ sexually charged yet surprisingly romantic anthem “Breakfast” wore off, lots of people were surprised by just how much they genuinely liked the song underneath. Though the sensual food metaphors aren’t exactly poetic they contrast well with the much more blatant and direct eroticism throughout the song and it all comes packaged in a surprisingly catchy series of refrains. The song isn’t just good at grabbing your attention right away, but holding onto it with catchy songwriting and one memorable lyrical gem after another.
– Lavender Alexandria
39. Lil Uzi Vert – Flooded The Face
“Flooded The Face” is a song that probably had a lot of people thinking that Lil Uzi Vert’s The Pink Tape would go in a different direction. Unfortunately, that did not happen. However, this song serves as a reminder of what could have been. Incredible beat, fast flows, and a steady and focused-sounding Uzi that we miss very dearly. Oh how we wish the whole album sounded like this.
– Alex Cole
38. J Hus ft. Drake – Who Told You
The lines between rap music made on either side of the Atlantic have been blurring for years now and in one of the biggest crossover moments of the year, afroswing superstar J Hus recruited Drake for an infectious single. The track is a full embrace of the desire to dance, coming to the defense of even the hardest of rappers also having the desire to get down. Drake comes to the track with one of his signature morphing accents and lends a snappy and equally danceable verse to this impressively fun song.
– Lavender Alexandria
37. Yeat- Bettr Off
Yeat has been one of the biggest breakout stars of the entire year and this song was a huge factor in that. His album Afterlyfe was a massive success that brought him into the mainstream. On “Bettr Off,” Yeat showcases why his flow has people in awe. We also get some dark production that adds to the artist’s mystique. It is a song that provides a stark contrast to a lot of other records we have heard this year. Yeat is the antithesis to the chorus of people saying the genre is stagnant.
– Alex Cole
36. Conway The Machine – Super Bowl ft. Juicy J & Sauce Walka
In February of this year, Conway the Machine, Sauce Walka, and Juicy J got together for “Super Bowl.” The track sees the trio capitalize on their lyrical dexterity, coming in focused to diligently unpack their feats. Overall, they stick to the customary themes of money, women, and getting “rich out the streets,” but their precision makes for a standout track and all-around legendary team-up. Conway’s signature gritty flow grounds boastful bars while the two Southern spitters offer sleaze and intensity. “Super Bowl” served as the lead single for the Buffalo MC’s third studio album Won’t He Do It. The project, which he unleashed in full in May,markedhis first release under his independent label Drumwork Music Group following his 2022 departure from Griselda Records.
– Caroline Fisher
35. Bas – Khartoum ft. Adekunle Gold
Across hip-hop’s 50-year history, the world has unfortunately remained rife with conflict, displacement, war, and injustice. Yet, despite all the pain and loss, the genre remains a beacon to unpack these systemic issues and raise a voice in the name of peace. Bas’ “Khartoum” with Adekunle Gold, off of the former’s brand-new album We Only Talk About Real S**t When We’re F***ed Up, speaks to the Dreamville MC’s home country of Sudan, where much of his family still lives. Khartoum, the nation’s capital, is among many areas affected by civil conflict between military forces within governance. Specific anecdotes of his cousin’s plight, news reports, and comparisons to the invasion of Ukraine crystallize Bas’ pained but universal message of bringing light to the world’s dark corners of international atrocities.
Thanks to a great chorus from Adekunle Gold and a breezy but melancholy Afrobeat instrumental, “Khartoum” still retains its power and listenability through its songwriting. Bas’ sole verse here, as he told us in our interview with him, was something he wrote when the weight of this war and his family’s pain became something impossible to not address, especially as many major media companies in the U.S. overlooked it. It’s an aching message that searches for peace, dialogue, and empathy rather than to wallow in the overbearing tragedy of this situation. Still, the song remains catchy, impactful, and balanced in its approach, qualities that show just how much care went into its creation.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
34. Offset & Cardi B – Jealousy
Offset and Cardi B unveiled “Jealousy” in July, teaming up to take shots at their haters. Listeners expected the couple to address ongoing rumors and speculation about their high-profile relationship, but instead, received one big read of their critics. The duo appears to have gone their separate ways since the release, but regardless, managed to prove that melding their flows could have great results. They laid out their boastful, menacing bars in a fun accompanying music video, inspired by Baby Boy and featuring Taraji P Henson. The single also came just in time for the announcement of Offset’s second solo album, Set It Off. After giving listeners a taste of what was to come with “Jealousy,” he went on to drop the full album in October.
– Caroline Fisher
33. Rick Ross & Meek Mill – Shaq & Kobe
Nothing about “Shaq & Kobe” is particularly groundbreaking. Rappers comparing themselves to the biggest NBA stars of today and yesterday is nothing new and even references to the legendary team up of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal will feel familiar for rap fans. But what Meek Mill and Rick Ross bring to the table on this absolute banger is a hunger that you don’t often see in even the best of rap songs. The intensity and ferocity they deliver is deeply impressive and feels like both rappers throwing it back to their younger, feistier selves, kicking off their collaborative album with an absolute bang.
After all of these years, Lil Tecca is still putting out catchy songs with fun lyrics and earworm production. While his album output may not be outstanding, his singles are always worth a listen. “500lbs” proved to be an incredible return for the artist as he immediately captured our attention. The song is one of his catchiest to date and will give “Ransom” a run for its money. If you like to have fun, then this Tecca track scratches the itch.
– Alex Cole
31. Travis Scott – My Eyes
Remember when we said that catchy grooves make for quality Travis? The same applies when he opens up. In a way, this is a modern-day version of what many consider his magnum opus, “90210,” from Rodeo. Every bar is not flawless or on the level of some of the other great storytellers. But, there is something about the atmosphere that this song creates. Bon Iver and Sampha’s minuscule but perfectly placed contributions are great. However, the chef’s kiss of this song has to be the transcendent transition, which leads to Travis’ blistering rapping about what is weighing heavy on him.
– Zachary Horvath
30. MoneyBagg Yo – Motion God
At the end of April, Moneybagg Yo unveiled his song “Motion God” alongside an idyllic accompanying music video, allowing his laid-back flow and singing voice to take center stage. The easygoing track features bass-heavy trap-inspired production by T-Head and Skywalker OG, which lends itself well to his braggadocious bars. The Memphis native’s rhymes are grounded by an undercurrent of gratitude and persistence, rounding out the song’s boastful lyrical content and creating a well-loved layer of relatability. This depth set the tone for his Hard To Love mixtape, which he dropped a few months later, and made for a standout track across the year overall. The song was the fourth single released ahead of the mixtape, which the MC announced in May and delivered in full in June.
– Caroline Fisher
29. Quavo & Takeoff – Patty Cake
Quavo’s Rocket Power was a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, nephew, and bandmate, Takeoff. His sophomore release possessed easily the most vulnerable material we have heard from the Migos member. It was a great moment for the hip-hop world to hear this record for that reason alone. But, there was also some quality, including “Patty Cake” with Take. The horn-laced instrumental added to the triumphant harmony between sound and flows. Both trade bars exceptionally well like they always have, but this one certainly had more emotional weight, even with it being a more hype track.
– Zachary Horvath
28. Drake – Stories About My Brother
The mixed response to For All The Dogs must have lit a fire under Drake because he came harder than he has in years with Scary Hours 3. The most impressive effort of the six tracks is “Stories About My Brother,” on which the Toronto rapper reflects on his feud with Joe Budden, the difference between himself and his competition, and more, all over a melodic Conductor Williams beat. He keeps the bars on track with the refrain: “Let me tell you ‘bout my brother, though.”
– Cole Blake
27. Veeze – Safe 2
Veeze dropped an album of the year contender with Ganger. This is an album chock-full of bangers. However, it was the album’s softest song “Safe 2,” that made our list. The beat here is just gorgeous as it creates a stunning atmosphere that almost feels like a serene water level in Super Mario 64. As for Veeze, he offers a spirited and introspective track that is a nice reprieve from the hedonistic bars that fill the album. Of all of Veeze’s songs, this is the one that might surprise you the most.
– Alex Cole
26. Young Thug ft. Drake – Jonesboro
Young Thug’s BUSINESS IS BUSINESS is considered his “vault” album, composed of many older tracks due to his time in prison for the YSL RICO case. Regardless, it still contains some of his best recent material, of which “Jonesboro” is a shimmering highlight that aesthetically stands uniquely alone amid his entire catalog. Moreover, the song contains a tender, dramatic, and soulful sample flip of Smokey Robinson’s “The Humming Song (Lost For Words)” courtesy of Metro Boomin. It’s one of the most emotive and regal instrumentals that Thugger’s ever rapped over, switching between boom-bap swings and trap percussion. Through it all, he keeps up with acrobatic flow switches, a passionate vocal performance, and as usual for the Atlanta trap pioneer, a lot of personality.
While this record isn’t full-blown conscious or introspective, Thug pairs this production with a few heartfelt and engagingly descriptive moments. Of course, its title refers to Jonesboro South, now Cleveland Avenue, which are the demolished housing projects that he grew up in. Young Thug details kids dying due to violence over drugs, living like a cat with nine lives, and his diamonds being louder than ambulances. However, more than anything, it’s his delivery and his narrative of rising above it all that makes this track so compelling. Sure, the more traditional hip-hop subject matter of today still shows up in resonant, ear-catching, and enjoyable ways. But there’s a certain evocative tinge to “Jonesboro” that’s hard to explain, and one that hits hard amid Jeffery’s current plight.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
25. Ken Carson – Fighting My Demons
Ken Carson delivered a fantastic album with A Great Chaos. As for the track “Fighting My Demons,” this was an immediate standout. From the opening line of the track to the off-the-wall production, Carson gives us a descent into madness. A song that feels like being dragged through the eighth ring of hell, “Fighting My Demons” carried Opium’s entire roster this year. At this point, Carson needs to be considered as a potential star for the next decade to come.
As we mentioned with Ice Spice, getting Nicki Minaj on your already successful song’s remix can be a game-changer. Sexyy Red couldn’t express enough gratitude when Papa Bear’s mom agreed to turn “Pound Town” into “Pound Town 2,” despite not initially feeling aligned with the track. Thanks to her never-ending creativity, Minaj was able to pen the perfect, salacious bars to match her collaborator’s energy. Much to her credit, Sexyy capitalized beautifully off the virality that came from her work with the “Barbie Dreams” artist, leading to future successes with titles like “SkeeYee” and “Hellcats SRTs.”
– Hayley Hynes
23. Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA – Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up/Muddy Waters
Next on our list is one of the wildest, most innovative, and most versatile rap songs of the year from one of 2023’s best full-length offerings. “Shut Yo B***h A** Up / Muddy Waters” sees Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA trading verses– and instrumentals– about how much better they are than the rest of the rap game. We can’t say we disagree on this track. This is one of those two-parters where the chemistry between each artist is so strong that the beat switch feels inevitable rather than forced. Plus, Danny and Peggy come through with some of the most quotable lines on all of SCARING THE H*ES on this cut. In a sea of Andy Kaufman MCs still posting on KTT, this duo really feels like the only lighter in Rykers.
That creativity shows up in the production, too: samples include an old walkie-talkie beep, a prank video with a particularly offended victim, and Parliament’s groovy track “Funkentelechy.” “Shut Yo B***h A** Up” has one of the most bombastic and heavy hitting beats you’ll ever hear Danny Brown ride, with creative record scratches, buzzy synths, and tough-as-nails drums. “Muddy Waters” is led by JPEGMAFIA’s wordplay-laden chorus, a unique flip of the previous instrumental, and classic boom-bap-style percussion. All this is tied up in a beautiful bow with many pop culture and chronically online references and amazing rhyme schemes. This is one of the most addictive songs on this list, and with not a second wasted, there’s always something visceral to find within no matter how much you overplay it.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
22. Gunna – Rodeo Dr
Whatever Gunna put out in the wake of taking a plea deal in the still-ongoing YSL RICO indictment was bound to warrant attention, but with “rodeo dr,” he confirmed that snitching allegations won’t be enough to keep him from returning to his place in hip-hop. His first single, “fukumean,” may be the bigger hit, but “rodeo dr” corroborates Gunna’s staying power and ability to take his recent controversies and reflect them into his catchiest flows yet.
– Cole Blake
21. Drake & Central Cee – On The Radar Freestyle
Drake and Central Cee stole the show in the summer when they dropped their “On The Radar Freestyle.” While it may not be an official song, it may as well be one. Drake’s flow and his infamous “combination” pronunciation make this an instant classic. Central Cee sounds great on the track as well, and this was undoubtedly one of the best moments in hip-hop this year.
– Alex Cole
20. Lil Yachty – Strike (Holster)
Lil Yachty really was all over the place creatively this year, but in a good way. After dropping Let’s Start Here. many were not sure if he was going to stick with the psychedelic rock sound. But, he went back into his rapping bag just three months later with “Strike (Holster).” This one evokes the quirkiness of 2022’s “Poland.” The warbly drawn out flow mixes very well with the lowkey woozy beat. The warmth synths add just that extra layer of character to an already fun single.
– Zachary Horvath
19. A$AP Rocky – RIOT
In July of this year, ASAP Rocky unleashed “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n),” enlisting Pharrell Williams, who co-produced the track. It was joined by a fittingly boisterous self-directed visual only a few days later. The song is set to appear on ASAP Rocky’s upcoming LP Don’t Be Dumb, which is expected to drop in the early months of 2024. The project was previously thought to be dropping in August of 2023, but fans have still yet to hear it. To be fair, the Harlem hitmaker has gotten wrapped up in a high-profile trial and recently welcomed his second child with Rihanna, who also happens to be named Riot. The bouncy track and other singles have managed to hold fans over, keeping them excited while they await the full release.
At the beginning of November, Benny the Butcher and Lil Wayne came through with “Big Dog.” The two lyrical legends joined forces to spit bars about the fruits of their labor, emphasizing the many perks that have come along with their success. The Buffalo native reflects on rising to the top and taking his whole crew with him, asserting his position as the leader of his pack. Tunechi lends an unsurprisingly sharp verse packed with puns, wrangling up all of his witticism for the canine-themed track. “Big Dog” will be featured on the Griselda linchpin’s upcoming project Everybody Can’t Go, which is expected to drop in January 2024. It also preceded Benny the Butcher’s fan-favorite appearance on Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz’s album Welcome 2 Collegrove, “Oprah & Gayle.”
– Caroline Fisher
17. Bad Bunny – PERRO NEGRO
In 2022, Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Tialbum practically broke the Billboard chart thanks to its sweeping success. While Latin music lovers are still enjoying that, Benito pleased his fans with not only an appearance on Drake’s For All The Dogs but also his surprise project, nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana in October. The Spanish album didn’t quite reach the same debut numbers as its predecessor, but viral tracks like “MONACO” and “PERRO NEGRO” are bound to be blasting at clubs and soundtracking Instagram Stories well into summer 2024.
– Hayley Hynes
16. redveil & JPEGMafia – Black Enuff
You might think of redveil as a new, promising face on the scene, but with tracks like “black enuff,” we’d call him nothing less than a leader today. On this track, he tackles the concept of being “black enough,” a reference to how hip-hop and other genres– and society at large, for that matter– box in expressions of self-identity to fit into an easily sellable package. The P.G. County, Maryland spitter and Peggy blast anyone looking to put a price on their work and craft, or on that of any other Black individual. Through an infectious Nigerian dance-folk sample from Alhaji Waziri Oshomah’s “Jealousy,” cutting verses, unrestrained conviction, and an absolute monster of a bass-heavy beat, they make a banger out of a battle cry.
Furthermore, it’s this fusion of influences and appeals that musically speaks to the song’s principal message. There’s also a very unique and palpable fire in redveil and the Baltimore rapper’s performances, and it’s so gratifying to hear a recording that sounds just as energized as a live show. It’s part of the genius behind “black enuff,” as they set themselves apart as undeniably skilled, uncompromised, and outspokenly defiant to an era that commercializes their art more than ever. Given each artist’s incredible material over the past few years, plus the fact that redveil is 19 years old and JPEG is as fresh as ever, we’d agree with anyone calling them the future of hip-hop. But for our money, they are also some of the best among its present form– and that’s a gift we must cherish.
Paint the town red is an expression in American slang which means to be reckless or to be wildly extravagant. That was Doja Cat’s motto all throughout 2023. The California multi-talent churned some stomachs, but had everyone bumping this song that went No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In fact, it broke the dry spell of a rap song not going number one. Doja made this song for the haters that mercilessly critiqued her for her personal changes. Pair that with the great sample flip of Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By” and you have a great feel-good tune.
– Zachary Horvath
14. Nas & 50 Cent – Office Hours
It seems like just yesterday when Nas and 50 Cent were running the streets of New York with their fast-paced rhymes and foolish antics, but even into their late 40s and beyond, both creatives continue to impress us. Amid his red-hot album run with Hit-Boy, the Illmatic hitmaker tapped Fif to join him in the studio on “Office Hours,” marking their first session since 2002. Back then, they poured their hunger and ambition into “Too Hot” and “Who U Rep With” together, though their relationship later took a turn for the worse after 50’s “Piggy Bank” diss track. Thankfully they’re now back on good terms, and with any luck, we’ll hear them trading bars over more of Hit’s beats soon.
– Hayley Hynes
13. Noname – Hold Me Down
Noname doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to the music she releases, so there’s always going to be controversy. Whether that’s from the more predictable callout of Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and more on “namesake” or the controversial inclusion of Jay Electronica on “balloons,”she gave rap fans plenty to discuss. But the standout moment from her new album Sundial comes right near the beginning when she executes her definitive formula to absolute perfection. With heavenly backing vocals and an unflinching series of bars about poisoned American institutions, “hold me down” sees her doing exactly what she does best.
– Lavender Alexandria
12. Dave & Central Cee – Sprinter
“Sprinter” marks a first time, groundbreaking collaboration for Central Cee and Dave. The track stands out as an experimental masterpiece that unquestionably succeeds. The U.K. rappers both pack out the track with clever and humorous wordplay, and swiftly compliment each other’s verses back and forth. The seamless rhythmic exchange tells a narrative that is straightforward, yet entertaining. It’s a song that’s simply about the concept of transporting girls from one location to another, and having to use a sprinter van to solve the problem of having a lot of girls willing to party with them. The sprinter van becomes a symbolic solution to the logistical dilemma. The innovative and playful lyrics not only showcase the artistic synergy between Central Cee and Dave, but also is a genuinely enjoyable track to listen to. It also was accompanied by a music video, which further amplifies the vibes of the song. The song showcases Dave and Cee in their elements… It’s a story of them adjusting to fame and the simple pleasures (and problems) that come with it. This song has infinite replay value, and definitely earned a spot as one of the best songs of the year.
– Tallie Spencer
11. Lil Durk ft. J. Cole – All My Life
Lil Durk and J. Cole’s collaborative single “All My Life” is an inspirational song that has surely made its mark this year. The single appears on Durk’s album Almost Healed, and showcases a powerful fusion of gritty realism and inspirational upliftment. The lyrics, coupled with a children’s choir as the chorus, add a layer of emotional depth, emphasizing the resilience required to overcome life’s adversities. In a genre often characterized by its challenges, the track stands out for its introspective narrative as Lil Durk reflects on his journey, triumphing over struggles and defying those who doubted his success. The accompanying music video serves as a visual testament to the song’s themes, reinforcing the message of perseverance and accomplishment. “All My Life” not only resonates with fans for its catchy hook, but also for its motivational resonance. Ultimately, the song has been nominated for best melodic rap performance at the upcoming Grammy awards. It offers a compelling narrative that transcends conventional hip-hop storytelling, and was one of Durk’s and Cole’s biggest songs of the year.
– Tallie Spencer
10. Travis Scott – I KNOW
When Travis can land a sticky melody, it has arguably produced some of his best material throughout his career. While it might be a conventional pick at number 10, this is a complete song. It has a unique way of showing how he is dealing with addictions to drugs and alcohol with the earworm chorus. On top of that, the eerie beat from OZ, Coleman, Buddy Ross, 206Derek, and Travis is equally entrancing. It has everything you want in a hit song from La Flame.
– Zachary Horvath
9. Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem – The Hillbillies
When Kendrick Lamar teamed up with Baby Keem to make his long-awaited post-DAMN return to music, it was a pretty serious affair. Their collaboration family ties was confrontational and the team-up on Mr. Morale that succeeded it was deeply personal and vulnerable, but the writing was always on the walls that the cousins could have more fun than they were letting on. That exuberance is on full display with “The Hillbillies.” The song is lively and buoyant as the pair trade off bars throughout, filling it with hilarious self-aware references and witty cultural double-entendres. The result is just about the most fun you can have listening to a song this year.
– Lavender Alexandria
8. Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice – Princess Diana
Before she finally unleashed her Pink Friday 2 LP, Nicki Minaj kept busy with some impressive guest verses. One of her biggest was with Ice Spice on the “Princess Diana (Remix),” which helped catapult the Bronx baddie to new levels of fame thanks to the Queen of Rap’s influence. Not only did the infectious song’s April arrival inject some much-needed life into the music industry, but it also helped set the scene for Spice and Minaj’s next joint effort, “Barbie World.” This year reminded us just how much a co-sign (not to mention a feature) from the Trinidadian can do for an up-and-comers career, proving that her influence hasn’t diminished, despite taking a lengthy hiatus after 2018’s Queen.
– Hayley Hynes
7. Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE – Sentry
After hinting at having a full-length album in store together for years, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist finally made good on that promise in 2023. They kicked off Voir Dire’s promotion with “Sentry,” a characteristically gritty and morose effort featuring Earl’s frequent collaborator, MIKE. Over Alchemist’s haunting production, Earl flexes his lyrical talents while reflecting on his mental state, complexities of his ancestral lineage, and place in hip-hop, all while juxtaposing these themes with his intentionally blasé demeanor.
– Cole Blake
6. Latto – Put It On Da Floor
Latto had one of the biggest songs of the year. “Put It On Da Floor,” served as a dynamic addition to her repertoire, showcasing the Atlanta rapper’s distinctive style and lyrical ability even further. She debuted the song at Coachella earlier this year and received a positive response. Positioned as a standalone release, the track has made a significant impact within the rap landscape. It garnered tons of attention on TikTok for it’s opening line “Rip me out the plastic I been acting brand new,” sparking a challenge that involved users “ripping themselves out the plastic.” The song has an infectious beat and combined with Latto’s assertive delivery, its a song to remember. Latto’s unapologetic demeanor crafts a high-energy anthem that resonates with just about everyone. Furthermore, the song saw a notable remix with Cardi B, who hopped on “Put It On Da Floor Again.” This further helped propel the single into new heights, with Cardi’s signature quotable verse, with lines like “These hoes don’t do enough that’s why I always do the most.” Lyrically, Latto employs themes of success and dominance. “Put It On Da Floor” cements Latto’s stature as one of the leading ladies in hip-hop.
– Tallie Spencer
5. Drake ft. J. Cole – First Person Shooter
It’s been over a decade since Drake and J. Cole first linked up on 2011’s “In The Morning,” and the growth of both artists is more apparent on “First Person Shooter” than ever. Trading in the sappy sentimentality of that song, here they’re confidently in charge, going verse for verse with one another over a commanding beat orchestrated by Boi-1da, Vinylz, Tay Keith, and more. Before it ends, Drake references his almost-guaranteed ascent past Michael Jackson for the most No. 1’s on the Billboard Hot 100.
– Cole Blake
4. Gunna – fukumean
Gunna still hasn’t completely cleared his name from the snitching allegations plaguing him after taking a plea deal in the YSL RICO trial. However, he still managed to make one of the most impressive comebacks we’ve seen in 2023. His featureless project, a Gift & a Curse found the Atlanta-based creative getting more vulnerable than ever before about the ups and downs he’s experienced since his arrest. Of course, Wunna made room on his tracklist for a viral club anthem in the form of “fukumean” as well, setting the tone for an impressive summer of hip-hop.
– Hayley Hynes
3. Tyler, The Creator – Sorry Not Sorry
Even when he drops his loosies, Tyler, The Creator still proves himself as one of the best musicians working today. While pretty much any cut from The Estate Sale warrants mention here, the sheer weight, significance, skill, and grandiosity of “SORRY NOT SORRY” practically speaks for itself. Instrumentally, this might be the best sample flip of the year thanks to T’s use of “He Made You Mine” by Brighter Side of Darkness. It’s a gentle drum beat with wailing synthesizers, wondrous vocal harmonies, and a lot of lush instrumentation throughout. Of course, we have to mention the track’s final crescendo, accentuated by wild ad-libs and building vocal chants to take its stressfully tense drum build to its highest level of intensity and soften us back to Earth.
Nevertheless, great production is a law of physics in the Hawthorne, Los Angeles native’s world. Where “SORRY NOT SORRY” really shines is in its messaging, lyricism, topical focus, and rapping performance from Tyler, The Creator. From the perspective of his success, he “apologizes” to those along the way: his family, friends, lovers, fans, planet, ancestors, and more. But most importantly, the 32-year-old does not apologize for himself. Tyler toes a fine line between reflection and invigorated hunger, looking back between his journey and his current state to conclude that he doesn’t regret a thing in his search for greatness. Once achieved, though, it allowed him to help these people while continuing on his own path. On a record whose music video sees him killing off his eras and ushering in a new one, the man sometimes known as Wolf Haley crafted one of his best-ever expressions.
– Gabriel Bras Nevares
2. Sexyy Red – SkeeYee
Sexyy Redd’s track “SkeeYee” has become a pivotal song in her breakout year. The song has made national waves with its infectious energy and distinctive meaning. “SkeeYee” has truly become a catchphrase that has made its way in every room from parties and the club, to locker rooms and stadiums. Catchy lyrics such as “if you see me and you tryna see what’s up,” have made rounds to the point where you can’t help but sing along when the song comes on.
In the broader context of Sexyy Redd’s career, 2023 has been a defining year. From securing a spot on Drake’s latest album to concluding a successful 20-city tour and dropping her acclaimed debut mixtape, Hood Hottest Princess, Redd has solidified her status as a rising star. “SkeeYee” further catapulted her into the spotlight, resonating widely on social media. People definitely doubted her, however with several big moments this year, it’s clear that she has an indescribable magnetic appeal.
– Tallie Spencer
1. Killer Mike – Scientists and Engineers ft. Future, Andre 3000, & Eryn Allen Kane
When we look back at 2023, we doubt that any other track will encapsulate its output and represent contemporary rap better than “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS.” It’s a dream for fans of the genre: an Atlanta affair inspired by many styles with Killer Mike, André 3000, Future, and a gorgeous Eryn Allen Kane feature. These MCs’ verses sum up the current state of hip-hop better than any other big track this year while reviving the funky, woozy, and boundlessly creative Dungeon Family days. It teeters on the edge of despondent and triumphant, conscious and braggadocious, otherworldly and grittily grounded, in order to champion rappers building their lavish lives out of centuries of struggle, loss, and uphill battles.
Mike, 3 Stacks, and Hendrix all craft verses that tackle the lessons learned on their individual rags to riches stories in order to “live forever.” André pontificates on the unknown and his artistic legacy, Fewtch paints opulent pictures of the material wealth he earned through sharing his pain, and the Run The Jewels lyricist acknowledges the most dangerous game in America while standing on his will to play it– and win. Across its runtime, the production switches from psychedelic synth arpeggios, trap drums, heavenly backing vocals, gentle guitar licks, and other lush embellishments. “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” represents a big chunk of what the genre’s concerned with right now, whether in its most artistic and socially indignant spaces or in the most visible and successful lanes. Few tracks this decade– let alone this year– have accomplished this duality as compellingly, skillfully, and powerfully as this one.
Christmas is nearly upon us, and we hope you’re enjoying the treats we’ve delivered you in our first annual advent calendar so far. Today, we have a look at some of the year’s most memorable R&B releases, following our mid-year overview back in July. On that, we showed love to names like Janelle Monae (her promiscuous The Age of Pleasure rollout practically broke the internet) and Masego, whose self-titled LP makes a return on our end-of-year round-up.
It was a big year for both male and female talent, though one of our favourite Canadians came out on top. Elsewhere, we heard new releases from old favourites like Tinashe, Chris Brown, and Jorja Smith to keep us warm as the weather cooled off into the fall. Keep scrolling to read our top 10 favourite R&B albums of the year, and leave a comment letting us know if there are any you think we missed in the comments below.
Coming in at number 10 is none other than Chris Brown, who cut down the number of features significantly on 11:11 from 2022’s Breezy. This time around he impressed us with 22 titles (17 of them featureless), including fan favourites like “Angel Numbers / Ten Toes” and “Summer Too Hot.” He and Future made magic on “That’s On You,” and Maeta’s vocals shine on “Best Ever.”
Our recommendation from the Virginia native’s album is “No One Else” with Fridayy, which is a perfect weekend workout jam. Brown teased the collaborative effort before unleashing 11:11, helping to generate buzz for the project, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 after selling over 45K album-equivalent units in the first week. This was his lowest since 2017’s Heartbreak on a Full Moon, but at this point in his career, the father of three seems more worried about impressing himself than critics.
9. Sampha – Lahai
On his sophomore effort, Sampha continues to prove that Scorpios are among the deepest signs of the zodiac. He explores the emotional rollercoaster of being human on October’s Lahai, his first LP since 2017. On Process, the UK-based vocalist made his presence felt after blowing up for his work with Drake on “Too Much” in 2013. R&B lovers were eagerly waiting to hear what he’s been cooking up and tracks like “Spirit 2.0” undeniably deliver.
Sampha produced the song with help from El Guincho and Riccardo Damian. “I hope people can enjoy that feeling of someone being there for you, even if that person doesn’t have the answers,” he told Rolling Stone of the song’s creation. “Just calling someone up without overthinking… Letting go and just dancing… Wanting to see past the mundanity of things and appreciating the magic of it all, from bird nests to spaceships.”
8. Kelela – Raven
Yet another noteworthy sophomore effort to make waves in R&B this year is Kelela’s Raven – a 15-track effort with just one feature from Rahrah Gabor on “Closure.” Otherwise, the ethereal artist carries herself through titles like “Enough for Love,” “Happy Ending,” and “On the Run” with ease. Simply listening to the LP will take you on a rollercoaster ride of red-hot dance beats infused with “ambient comedowns,” as Pitchfork eloquently describes them.
Just past the midway point of the tracklist comes Kelela’s title track, followed by “Bruises.” The two songs are beautiful separately, but when listened back to back, they help perfectly bring the 40-year-old’s vision to life. “Through all the labour / A raven is reborn,” her voice rings out over production by Asma Maroof, AceMo, Fauzia, and the Washington D.C.-born vocalist. “They tried to break her / There’s nothing here to mourn,” Kelela sweetly sings.
7. Tinashe – BB/ANG3L
Since making her debut in 2014 with Aquarius, Tinashe has been one to watch in the music industry. She’s collaborated with the likes of ScHoolboy Q, ASAP Rocky, Future, Offset, 6LACK, and many more over the years. On September’s BB/ANG3L, the blonde beauty unleashed seven featureless songs, with “Needs” and “Talk To Me Nice” preceding the short-and-sweet album as singles. The latter is our listening recommendation if you want a taste of what the multi-talent has been cooking up.
“[It] explores the feeling of being on the edge of a relationship and looking at it with skepticism, self-preservation, and self-confidence,” Tinashe previously said of the infectious song. She may not have had the help of other artists, but the Kentucky native did connect with an impressive crew of sound engineers such as Scoop Deville, Kurzweil, Royce David, and Machinedrum on her latest musical endeavour, which follows 2021’s 333.
6. Kali Uchis – Red Moon in Venus
Kali Uchis’ Red Moon in Venus earned a shoutout on our R&B round-up in the first half of 2023. She and her beau Don Toliver continued their impressive streak of collaborations on “Fantasy,” after linking up on “4 Me,” which arrived just weeks before on his Love Sick album. Of course, “Moonlight” is Kali’s most popular single from this era of her career, but other cuts show her talent at its best.
On the closing song, “Happy Now,” Uchis ends on an optimistic note. “Cosmic conditions conspired against us / ‘Cause you and me got chemistry / But what’s with our timing?” she asks a lover whom she can’t seem to fall into alignment with. “Don’t think about the pain or the heartaches / Just wanna remember all the good things,” the fashionista expresses on the outro, doing her best to remain in a positive frame of mind amid all the chaos. Her next project, Orquídeas, is due out in 2024 and will include even more of her stunning Spanish singing.
5. Victoria Monet – JAGUAR II
At this point in our list, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that, much like in hip-hop, the women of R&B deserve their flowers for seriously holding it down this year. The genre is best known for its emotional ballads, but we still need upbeat anthems to help inspire confidence among the masses. Thankfully, Victoria Monet came through to deliver one of the best we heard all 2023 in the form of “On My Mama.” As Genius notes, it interpolates Charlie Boy’s “I Look Good” from 2009, and also went on to become the singer’s second-ever entry on Billboard‘s Hot 100 Chart.
On top of those accolades, “On My Mama” additionally earned Monet a Grammy nod for Best R&B Song and Record Of The Year. Despite her sweeping success with that and other JAGUAR II titles like “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye and “Alright,” the 34-year-old was still told it’s “too early” in her career to perform at the MTV VMAs a few months back, but she’s not letting that stop her from celebrating all her achievements so far.
4. Masego – Masego
Masego’s self-titled effort is another that you may remember from our mid-year list, and it seems to have somehow only grown better with age. The Jamaican creative is best known for hits like “Tadow,” “Navajo,” and “Mystery Lady” with Don Toliver, but this year, it’s “What You Wanna Try” that we haven’t been able to take off repeat. The short, catchy tune comes third on the Masego tracklist, followed by “Afraid of Water” and “Down In The Dumps,” both of which we also highly recommend.
Overall, the March-released album was just what we needed while transitioning into spring. Masego’s flirtatious persona perfectly translates through his music, especially on “Two Sides (I’m So Gemini),” on which he plays into the notoriously fickle nature of the air sign. Like Tinashe, he also opted to go the featureless route, though we’re certainly curious to see who he’ll spend time with at the studio come 2024.
3. Jorja Smith – falling or flying
Since they wore out playing her 2018 project, Lost & Found on repeat, R&B lovers have been burning up with a fever for more Jorja Smith music. The UK-based songstress captivated the world with her voice on emotional cuts like “Don’t Watch Me Cry” and “Blue Lights,” and has connected with both rappers and vocalists during her hiatus to keep us satisfied with singles. When she finally confirmed that falling or flying would land in 2023, buzz quickly began to build, and once we heard her first single, “Try Me,” it only grew from there.
“Little Things” is the album’s most popular track by a landslide, but listening to the 16-track release from start to finish will help you better understand Smith’s endless emotions throughout her rise to fame. On our favourite, “Broken Is The Man,” the 26-year-old reflects on an unrequited love who couldn’t quite deliver the world he had promised her. “Can you believe I put myself through that all? / Just to realize you mean nothing to me,” she candidly reflects over P2J’s music.
2. Amaarae – Fountain Baby
Sliding into the second spot is an artist on the rise who’s relatively new to HNHH. Amaarae’s Fountain Baby album is easily one of the most sonically delightful music releases in recent memory, especially the astrology-filled “Co-Star” song, for which she tapped the Clermont Twins to star alongside her in her visual. The 29-year-old is a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter who primarily operates in genres like Pop, Afrobeats, and R&B, blending them to create a unique sound that’s refreshing to hear in our current culture of remakes and redundant samples.
Amaarae has been sliding under the radar for years now, previously dropping off THE ANGEL YOU DON’T KNOW in 2020. That helped her amass some loyal fans, but with Fountain Baby, she’s been able to rise to new heights. “Angels in Tibet,” “Reckless & Sweet,” and “Big Steppa” are among the most-streamed songs on her early June LP, which only continues to turn more heads her way.
1. Daniel Caesar – NEVER ENOUGH
Last, but certainly not least on our best R&B albums of 2023 list is Canada’s own Daniel Caesar. After being cancelled for making controversial comments about race at the peak of his career, the Freudian artist hasn’t quite managed to restore himself to his former glory. Still, his third studio effort, NEVER ENOUGH did enough to get the industry taking Caesar more seriously again after his sophomore CASE STUDY 01 was slept on due to the scandal surrounding him.
He wove in joint tracks with Mustafa, serpentwithfeet, Omar Apollo, and Ty Dolla Sign throughout the tracklist, but what music lovers are streaming the most is Caesar’s solo tracks. On “Do You Like Me?” and “Always” he lets his lyrics and singing skills tug at our heartstrings, while “Let Me Go” finds the 28-year-old pleading with someone to release their grip on his energy so they can both find freedom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
