There's been an incredible amount of fire hip-hop tracks so far this decade. So, which are the BEST of the BEST? I've compiled a list of my favorites (in chronological order), including well-known hits and underrated tracks.
1. "Erase Me" - Kid Cudi (Feat. Kanye West) (2010)
LOVE the chorus and Cudi's attitude on this one, but Kanye's verse might be the scene-stealer.
Favorite line: "Knowing someone you love don't feel the same way about ya, memories they soon delete"
2. "Power" - Kanye West (2010)
One of the best singles Kanye's ever created, it's adrenaline-charged vocals really work.
Favorite line: "I just needed time alone with my own thoughts, got treasures in my mind but couldn't open up my own vault"
3. "Take Care" - Drake (Feat. Rihanna) - (2011)
4. "Pyramids" - Frank Ocean (2012)
Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, "Pyramids" is epic escapism. Containing several brilliant tempo and style shifts, it's fantasy to get lost in over and over again.
Favorite line: "We'll run to the future, shining like diamonds, in a rocky world, rocky rocky world"
5. "Money Trees" - Kendrick Lamar (Feat. Jay Rock) (2012)
This song finds the perfect tempo between chill and energetic.
Favorite line: "Money trees is the perfect place for shade and that's just how I feel"
6. "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" - Kendrick Lamar (2012)
At 12 minutes long, it's an incredible 3-part narrative. Part 2 might be my favorite, the lyricism combined with the requiem-like backup vocals is incredibly effective.
Favorite lines: "How many sins? I'm runnin' out, how many sins? I lost count, dreams of ballin' like Spalding, but only shotty bounce, the reaper callin', I'm cottonmouth"
7. "Prove Me Wrong" - Apollo Brown & OC (2012)
Apollo Brown illustrates on this track why he's one of the best producers in the rap game.
Favorite lines: "Way of life and music has since gone corporate, picture the days past now it's a whole different portrait"
8. "Rap God" - Eminem (2013)
This song is cocky, for obvious reasons, and the flow does not disappoint.
Favorite line: "School flunky, pill junkie, but look at the accolades the skills brung me, full of myself but still hungry."
9. "Pusha Man" - Chance the Rapper (Feat. Nate Fox & Lili K.) (2013)
Really like the frantic vibe of this song, and the homage to Curtis Mayfield works.
Favorite Lines: "'Cause everybody dies in the summer, wanna say your goodbyes, tell them while it's spring"
10. "3005" - Childish Gambino (2013)
Fun track, especially the hook.
Favorite line: "Girl why is you lying, girl why you Mufasa" 😂
11. "That's Love" - Oddisee (2015)
Oddisee is one of the very best rappers out there, and his lyrics are always well-written and backed by a nice groove. "That's Love" is one of my favorite songs, regardless of genre. I LOVE its positivity.
Favorite lines: "Blood, sweats, and peers, probably disappear, when smoke starts to clear, their persistence near
Pay attention to the folks, who're fanning the flames, they're the ones who matter most, in the gravity game"
12. "What You Were Lookin' For" - Apollo Brown (Feat. Oddisee) - (2015)
Classic beat with an ear-worm hook and thoughtful lyrics.
Favorite lines: "The city never sleeps, I mean that's a product of fear, but me? I'm catching Z's like I earn a stripe with a spear"
13. "Underworld" - L'Orange & Jeremiah Jae (2015)
The sample on this track is incredible, and I love the jazzy instrumentation.
Favorite lines: Sometimes I feel like somebody's always watching, waiting for the fall, any chance they can hop in
14. "Am I Wrong" - Anderson .Paak (Feat ScHoolboy Q) - (2015)
The R&B production has a classic vibe to it, while also sounding fresh. The verses by Anderson are captivating.
15. "Lord Willin'" - Logic (2015)
Logic is one of the best conscious rappers, and this one just puts me in a good mood.
Favorite line: "Life ain't picture perfect, we use the negatives to develop"
16. "Change" - J. Cole (2016)
I love how the musical arrangement is understated on this one; the lyricism is front and center.
Favorite lines: "In cemeteries or in chains I see men cry, but the only real change come from inside"
17. "One in the Same" - Apollo Brown & Skyzoo (Feat. Patty Crash) -(2016)
The beautiful production evokes a somber mood, especially the piano and the verse by Patty Crash.
Favorite lines: "My pops said timing is money ain't it?, I prayed over my watch and promised I wouldn't waste it"
18. "Redbone" - Childish Gambino - (2016)
I never get sick of this neo-soul song. The vocals are real smooth, and the guitar work is funk at its best.
Favorite lines: "Daylight, I wake up feeling like you won't play right, I used to know, but now that shit don't feel right"
