The top 100 series is nearly impossible to decide upon. It seems there's another new song that pops into my mind that should take the place of another. Nonetheless, I think I've cracked my favorite 100 songs over the past 10 years. These songs are all commercial. It'd be impossible to list every song from an album that didn't go public, or the hidden gems on mixtapes we find.
Artist: Drake
Year: 2015
The second rebuttal to Meek Mill's twitter fingers almost won Drake a Grammy. Not too many diss songs are catchy enough to play on the radio and have everyone singing and laughing at your demise.
Artist: Chris Brown
Year: 2014
"There can only be one you" from the sound of the beat, this one wasn't an instant classic. Chris and Usher do an excellent job with the vocals, enough to cover up Rick Ross's baseball metaphors.
Artist: Chief Keef
Year: 2012
The remixes are all better than the original version of this song, but when Chief Keef came through with "I Don't Like," I knew it'd be a moment in history worth noting. The lyrics of the song are simple and direct and what's even cooler, we don't like those things either.
Artist: Playboi Carti
Year: 2017
"In New York I Milli Rock," that was enough for me. Honestly after the door creaks and, "Pierre you wanna come out here" I was wrapped. Some songs don't have to have a plot, merit, a meaning, anything. Sometimes they just sound good.
Artist: Calvin Harris
Year: 2017
This song was perfect timing for Calvin Harris. The Migos had reached their height in society and he got the smoothest voice in the game to jump on a smooth track itself. The song didn't have a lot of lasting power, but that doesn't change its greatness.
Artist: Taylor Swift
Year: 2014
1989 was a successful album for Taylor Swift, and one of the best songs on that album is Style. Third Story is the group that led me to the song as they covered it on their Youtube page. I probably prefer their cover more than the original, but respect is due to the founder.
Artists: Chris Brown
Year: 2019
I try my hardest not to be a prisoner of the moment, which is why this song is so low. It's one of my favorites off the Indigo album and it feels and sounds 2019. Gunna is a natural on this beat, the whole song honestly is a vibe.
Artist: Rihanna
Year: 2012
This song was annoying to me when it first came out, but my did it grow over the years. Rihanna was stunning in this song, and really the Unapologetic and Anti albums have taken out of the pop star, but into an immortal category. Future's ad-libs are great, but only when you hear the song like once a week.
Artist: Robin Thicke
Year: 2013
There was a love/hate relationship with this song after people found out it was taken from Marvin Gaye's Got to Give it Up. To me that shows the greatness of both songs, because there wasn't an event you could go to that didn't have this song playing in the function. The upbeat tempo and the cadence of T.I's flow are remarkable, and hate it or not, this was a great song.
Artist: Ciara
Year: 2013
This songs makes you think back to the times when Ciara and Future were a thing. Although the two's relationship didn't work out, they produced some great things like Future Jr. and oh yeah, Body Party. This really started the trend of Future's "ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo" sound, and probably birthed the album Hendrxx.
Artists: Daft Punk
Year: 2013
"Like the legend of the Phoenix." So to this day I still don't know what the hell Pharrell is singing about, but that electronic music sounds crazy good from Daft Punk. Being on 2K had a lot to do with the liking of this song, but honestly this was/is good quality.
Artist: Kanye West
Year: 2013
Trend tends to be 2013 for the 90-80s, but this hard hitting track was one of the few highlights from Yeezus. Song is full of quotables and who will forget the hard hitting brass instruments giving us the New Orleans feel to music.
Artist: Kehlani
Year: 2017
So a lot of people will probably feel this song is too high. It might be. But have you heard this song chopped and screwed? Do yourself a favor and do it. After I heard it slowed down, I really appreciated the regular version.
Artist: Future
Year: 2015
The first song to not come from 2013, Commas was hard af. Future put out a lot of music this past decade, so much that you forget all of his hits. Hope y'all didn't forget about this one.
Artist: Drake
Year: 2013
Back to 2013 we go, and this hit was hard. It was a typical Drake set up. A great beat, a catchy chorus, borrowed lines from hip hop legends, it was just great music and a great f'n time.
Artist: Janelle Monae
Year: 2013
Another glorious record from 2013, this time from Janelle Monae (shout out to her and all her fine sisters on the cover) and Miguel, and boy if you hadn't heard this you missed out. This album is the best I've heard from her, and when Miguel comes in for his verse there's some magic going on.
Artist: I Love Makonnen
Year: 2014
"Squad going up! Nobody pushing packs now! I just did 3 in a row, them show is back to back to back now!" Drake owned this song, but shout out to Makonnen for giving people a reason to get messed up on Tuesday now.
Artist: 21 Savage
Year: 2018
An absolute great sample from East Underground, 21 Savage tells a heartfelt story about his flaws, which are a lot, and J. Cole comes through with one of the best features of 2018.
Artist: Future
Year: 2015
The beat is what sells this song because when I'm in my zone I'm not even focusing on what Future is saying. The song is a vibe, and one that should be pleasured with a vice and a loved one.
Artists: Kodak Black
Year: 2015
The flow that put Cardi on, Kodak rips this joint from start to finish. I didn't truly appreciate No Flockin until I heard Cardi's version. Cardi wrecked hers a little harder, but Kodak, the originator, deserves big credit.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2012
"I am a sinner, that's probably gonna sin again." Kendrick's honesty was refreshing in 2012, atop of his story telling skills. Good Kid Maad City is one of the best albums of all time, and Don't Kill My Vibe helps tremendously. The smooth beat and the international message of leave me tf alone will always work.
Artist: Miguel
Year: 2017
A calm beat and two of the best hippies in the game collab to provide one of those chill in sweatpants records. No literally, he told her to put some sweat pants on for him. Miguel makes great music and this song is just another gem in his collection.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2012
The first single from one of the best albums of the decade, Swimming Pools was dope. It was the masses first introduction to Kendrick Lamar on the radio, and he proved he was different from the rest, making a song about not being drowned in alcohol. The whole cd with the ugly van in front could be on here but we're limiting it here.
Artist: Arctic Monkeys
Year: 2013
The young British band went pop rockish in 2013 and produced an incredible album out of it. Do I Wanna Know? has the soul of a B.B. King and the Beatles jam session. The guitar mixing with the great vocals is just too good of a moment to bypass and that's why AM holds the number 76 spot.
Artist: Adele
Year: 2011
21 was the introduction to the white soul Beyonce. As funny as that might read, I mean that with all due respect. Adele has produced some of the best music of all-time and it started with 19 in 2008, and I can't wait to here 29 (30), hopefully this year or next.
Artist: Future
Year: 2017
The beat was good. Future's part was okay. Kendrick Lamar elevates it to top 100 status. "How yall let the braids on TV?"
Artist: Rick Ross
Year: 2010
I think I'm Big Meech, Larry Hoova... Whippin work... hallelujah. This song was all over the place the summer going into my senior year, and you better believe it I had it bumping. Teflon Don solidified Ross after entering the scene with Port of Miami. Teflon Don to this day is one of my favorites from Ross.
Artist: Childish Gambino
Year: 2018
Apart of the Summer Pack of 2018, Donald Glover blessed the game with two hits, and Feels Like Summer is such a vibe. I loved it from first listen and to this day still rocking with it. His high notes are therapeutic with the music in the background. Great Song.
Artist: Anderson PAAK
Year: 2016
Thank NBA 2K19 for this. I had no idea about this song or Anderon PAAK for that matter, but thank The Park for the introduction. This song has everything quality music has. Great instrumentation, great lyrics, and an even better vibe. Schoolboy comes through with the funky style only he can provide.
Artist: Bruno Mars & Cardi B
Year: 2018
Finesse was already a good song, but when "drop top porsche, rollie on my wrist, diamonds up and down my chain," hit; OMG it took it to another level. Cardi has that kind of affect, and she took a good song to elite.
Artist: Gunna
Year: 2018
From the sound of the beat, I was hypnotized by this song. The chorus is fun, the lyrics are on point, it's a vibe. Gunna has a compelling voice; he rhythmically inserts his style into every song he gets on and him and Lil Baby make great work.
Artist: Bruno Mars
Year: 2017
Great songs have lyrics that just pop as soon as you hear it. "Pop, pop it's showtime, showtime, guess who's back again!?" Bruno's energy is high and just makes for great music. He gave us a Morris Day and the Time feel when he dropped this project and 24K Magic is the headliner.
Artist: Future
Year: 2017
"I been having trust issues, but I've been having way better luck since you." This whole album is filled with petty lines like the one before. Future's break up album was "incredible." Filled with mellow, r&b type songs, Incredible rose to the top for me.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
DAMN. was awesome. LOYALTY was awesome. Kendrick Lamar is awesome. But Rihanna, lordt. She stole the show on this track. There will be plenty of opportunities to brag on Kendrick Lamar on this list, but Rihanna "haul ass on a bitch when I'm in the fast lane," is a permanent winner for me.
Artist: H.E.R.
Year: 2016
It took 2 years for H.E.R. to be noticed by the Grammy's, but Lord is she talented. From the sounds of the harp fingered in the background, H.E.R. sounds like an angel, simply pleading for some attention. It's just great.
Artist: Goldlink
Year: 2017
"You see money all around me. It look like I'm the man." As soon as this track came out I knew it was a hit. I honestly thought it deserved a Grammy. Everything about the song is a plus, the only thing I wish was different about it is the length. Give me two more verses please!
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
This song rung through every R&B and Hip-Hop radio station in America. The reason why, because this guy is extremely talented when it comes to making music. There's so many different styles and levels to Lamar, and this was just another example of it. Zacarri's vocals shine through the production like the sun parting two huge clouds. It's awesome.
Artist: Drake
Year: 2018
Just another great song by Drake. Drizzy had the formula as soon as he jumped in the game and understands that quality hooks and subtle flexes were the way to go for him. God's Plan has just exactly that.
Ross's Rich Forever was one of the best mixtapes of the decade and Stay Schemin' is the best song off of it. You get a typical, yet great verse from Ross, Drake responds to beef with Common (damn, how many people came at Drake this decade?) and you get a catchy French verse. A perfect Ross song.
Artist: Lil Baby
Real possible song of the year candidate for 2018, you couldn't go anywhere last year without hearing the "dash is digital, my schedule is busy." For me this was my introduction to Lil' Baby and boy did it ever leave a mark. "Waaaahhh waaaahhh, Bitch I'm the Baby."
Drake showed us how much of a pop star he could be when he released a totally suburban pop record for the first time. He didn't even pretend to be a rapper on this one. The catchy and easy sing-a-long feel makes this one of the decades best.
Kung fu Kenny is extremely talented, and honestly, just has the ear for great music. Who would've known repetition would've worked as well as it did. The song is easy to keep up with, a chief complaint about Kendrick.
So I typically hold off on the 2019 songs. I don't like being that guy that says this is the greatest ever, 2 months into it. But, this song...... is the greatest ever. Ok maybe not, but my introduction to SiR couldn't have gone any smoother than this track.
Yeeeeaaaaaaa baby! I knew Fetty wasn't gonna last long. His style was unique and cool, but he was way too repetitive. His first single Trap Queen, blasted throughout the world and boy was it ever a cool moment for this decade.
Miguel does an excellent job of expressing his feelings in his music. The initial words to the song stuck with me, and probably will forever. "I wish I could paint our love, these moments in vibrate hues." That's dope.
Do yourself a favor. Grab your dance partner. Grab each other, sway side to side. Thank me later.
This depressing ass song. I didn't want to enjoy it when it first came out. Nothing about the lyrics is anything that I like it. And somehow......I like it. It's hit or miss with Lil Uzi Vert, and somehow this was a hit.
This British hottie answered Boo'd Up when she teamed up with DJ Mustard and produced an awesome hit in 2018. The beat is super melodic, so melodic I was surprised that it came from Mustard. She followed the same formula as Boo'd Up: nice beats, simple lyrics and a great hook.
Be Humble. Sit Down. Crazy message from the best rapper in the game. Kendrick has always had an incredible way of delivering a message while keep your head bopping at the same time. When K-Dot chose "Humble" as his first single, he put the game on attention that another dope album was one the way.
In order to have lasting power you have to be something other than being fine. Beyonce' is an outstanding talent, incredible dancer and great singer. She flexes her vocals on Love on Top. The chorus is repeated many times which is potential for being annoying, but she picks her intensity up with each line, which is just.....perfect.
The message behind the song may not have been the greatest, but real life never is. SZA is as real as they come and she let everyone know on The Weekend. The sad reality is that there's more females who care to admit share her feelings and situation. The fact that they used Justin Timberlake's "Summertime" ending to sample the voices in the background is just too much in the clutch.
Artist: Rihanna
The baddest b*tch in the game, Rihanna lets you know about it. She was good on her own and you were merely just a faded f*ck. Didn't they tell you she was a savage? Trust me every girl in my class sung as hard as they could when ever this song came on. Even if it the message doesn't hit home, the dark, edgy beat and Rihanna's voice is a complete vibe.
"Baaaayyybbeeeeee, I like your style." From the moment the song started I was hook. "One Dance" has a smooth uptempo beat that gives off island vibes and makes you feel electric. Drake's voice is perfect for the vibe and the sound that he was aiming for, and overall it's a great song.
Anytime a song about sniffing cocaine til the point of not feeling your face can win a Nickelodeon Teen Choice Award, I say you've got a great song. The vibe to the song feels a little bit like Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall;" an ultra poppy feel, with a great rhythm line. It's addition to Madden cemented the legacy of the song.
The song that started the rest of the rap game. Young Thug is the inspiration to any of these youngsters who can't sing but don't care and still sing. Check is outstanding song, every verse is cold and the way Thugga uses his voice as an instrument we should've seen that he was the future.
This is song is totally pop. But when it comes to Drake you might as well genre out the window. Drake's best talent is that he knows how to put music out that people want to listen to. Anybody that can jump on "Hotline Bling," to "No Guidance" and still rap his ass off, is in a box to his self.
The song that started it all for Megan. I don't believe she'll ever top this record, and if she doesn't it's ok. Whenever a song that doesn't have one line a man should feel comfortable singing out loud still has men singing out loud, it's great.
Lamar's musical career is full of ups and minimal downs. One of those ups is Alright. The concept and lyrics sound simple, but Lamar screams the plight of the people he loves most. The best part is that he reassures everyone that "everything gon be alright." The instrumental has a funky hip hop feel to it. The use of real instruments elevates the song to another level.
Timberlake's most successful single from his comeback was sung by everyone. It's a beautiful love song, Timberlake telling his love she's his mirror. His reflection of his self looking back at him. That's a deep metaphor and he sings quite well.
"Lamborghini, mercy. Yo bitch she so thirsty." The song was absolutely perfect before 2 Chainz got on it. Then Chainz elevated the song to another height. All 4 rappers gave us perfect verses and it was a great moment in the summer of 2012.
100. All Eyes On You
Artist: Meek Mill feat. Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown
Year: 2015
Not only did Meek and Nicki created a tad bit more ratchet version of the next Jay and Bey, but they gave us a great hit with the aid of Chris Brown on the chorus. When this song was released it was almost a necessity to run this one back.
99. Back To Back
Year: 2015
The second rebuttal to Meek Mill's twitter fingers almost won Drake a Grammy. Not too many diss songs are catchy enough to play on the radio and have everyone singing and laughing at your demise.
98. New Flame feat. Rick Ross and Usher
Year: 2014
"There can only be one you" from the sound of the beat, this one wasn't an instant classic. Chris and Usher do an excellent job with the vocals, enough to cover up Rick Ross's baseball metaphors.
97. I Don't Like
Year: 2012
The remixes are all better than the original version of this song, but when Chief Keef came through with "I Don't Like," I knew it'd be a moment in history worth noting. The lyrics of the song are simple and direct and what's even cooler, we don't like those things either.
96. Magnolia
Year: 2017
"In New York I Milli Rock," that was enough for me. Honestly after the door creaks and, "Pierre you wanna come out here" I was wrapped. Some songs don't have to have a plot, merit, a meaning, anything. Sometimes they just sound good.
95. Slide featuring Frank Ocean and Migos
Year: 2017
This song was perfect timing for Calvin Harris. The Migos had reached their height in society and he got the smoothest voice in the game to jump on a smooth track itself. The song didn't have a lot of lasting power, but that doesn't change its greatness.
94. Style
Year: 2014
1989 was a successful album for Taylor Swift, and one of the best songs on that album is Style. Third Story is the group that led me to the song as they covered it on their Youtube page. I probably prefer their cover more than the original, but respect is due to the founder.
93. Heat feat. Gunna
Year: 2019
I try my hardest not to be a prisoner of the moment, which is why this song is so low. It's one of my favorites off the Indigo album and it feels and sounds 2019. Gunna is a natural on this beat, the whole song honestly is a vibe.
92. Loveeeee Song feat. Future
Year: 2012
This song was annoying to me when it first came out, but my did it grow over the years. Rihanna was stunning in this song, and really the Unapologetic and Anti albums have taken out of the pop star, but into an immortal category. Future's ad-libs are great, but only when you hear the song like once a week.
91. Blurred Lines feat. Pharrell Williams and T.I.
Year: 2013
There was a love/hate relationship with this song after people found out it was taken from Marvin Gaye's Got to Give it Up. To me that shows the greatness of both songs, because there wasn't an event you could go to that didn't have this song playing in the function. The upbeat tempo and the cadence of T.I's flow are remarkable, and hate it or not, this was a great song.
90. Body Party
Year: 2013
This songs makes you think back to the times when Ciara and Future were a thing. Although the two's relationship didn't work out, they produced some great things like Future Jr. and oh yeah, Body Party. This really started the trend of Future's "ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo" sound, and probably birthed the album Hendrxx.
89. Get Lucky feat. Pharrell Williams
Year: 2013
"Like the legend of the Phoenix." So to this day I still don't know what the hell Pharrell is singing about, but that electronic music sounds crazy good from Daft Punk. Being on 2K had a lot to do with the liking of this song, but honestly this was/is good quality.
88. Blood On the Leaves
Year: 2013
Trend tends to be 2013 for the 90-80s, but this hard hitting track was one of the few highlights from Yeezus. Song is full of quotables and who will forget the hard hitting brass instruments giving us the New Orleans feel to music.
87. Distraction
Year: 2017
So a lot of people will probably feel this song is too high. It might be. But have you heard this song chopped and screwed? Do yourself a favor and do it. After I heard it slowed down, I really appreciated the regular version.
86. F*ck Up Some Commas
Year: 2015
The first song to not come from 2013, Commas was hard af. Future put out a lot of music this past decade, so much that you forget all of his hits. Hope y'all didn't forget about this one.
85. Worst Behavior
Year: 2013
Back to 2013 we go, and this hit was hard. It was a typical Drake set up. A great beat, a catchy chorus, borrowed lines from hip hop legends, it was just great music and a great f'n time.
84. Primetime feat. Miguel
Artist: Janelle Monae
Year: 2013
Another glorious record from 2013, this time from Janelle Monae (shout out to her and all her fine sisters on the cover) and Miguel, and boy if you hadn't heard this you missed out. This album is the best I've heard from her, and when Miguel comes in for his verse there's some magic going on.
83. Club Going Up on a Tuesday feat. Drake
Artist: I Love Makonnen
Year: 2014
"Squad going up! Nobody pushing packs now! I just did 3 in a row, them show is back to back to back now!" Drake owned this song, but shout out to Makonnen for giving people a reason to get messed up on Tuesday now.
82. A Lot feat. J. Cole
Artist: 21 Savage
Year: 2018
An absolute great sample from East Underground, 21 Savage tells a heartfelt story about his flaws, which are a lot, and J. Cole comes through with one of the best features of 2018.
81. Percocet and Stripper Joint
Artist: Future
Year: 2015
The beat is what sells this song because when I'm in my zone I'm not even focusing on what Future is saying. The song is a vibe, and one that should be pleasured with a vice and a loved one.
80. No Flockin
Year: 2015
The flow that put Cardi on, Kodak rips this joint from start to finish. I didn't truly appreciate No Flockin until I heard Cardi's version. Cardi wrecked hers a little harder, but Kodak, the originator, deserves big credit.
79. B*tch Don't Kill My Vibe
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2012
"I am a sinner, that's probably gonna sin again." Kendrick's honesty was refreshing in 2012, atop of his story telling skills. Good Kid Maad City is one of the best albums of all time, and Don't Kill My Vibe helps tremendously. The smooth beat and the international message of leave me tf alone will always work.
78. Come Thru & Chill feat. J. Cole
Year: 2017
A calm beat and two of the best hippies in the game collab to provide one of those chill in sweatpants records. No literally, he told her to put some sweat pants on for him. Miguel makes great music and this song is just another gem in his collection.
77. Swimming Pools
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2012
The first single from one of the best albums of the decade, Swimming Pools was dope. It was the masses first introduction to Kendrick Lamar on the radio, and he proved he was different from the rest, making a song about not being drowned in alcohol. The whole cd with the ugly van in front could be on here but we're limiting it here.
76. Do I Wanna Know?
Artist: Arctic Monkeys
Year: 2013
The young British band went pop rockish in 2013 and produced an incredible album out of it. Do I Wanna Know? has the soul of a B.B. King and the Beatles jam session. The guitar mixing with the great vocals is just too good of a moment to bypass and that's why AM holds the number 76 spot.
75. Mo Bamba
Artist: Sheck Wes
Year: 2017
Oh F*CK, SH*T, B*TCH! YOUNG SHECK WES AND I'M GETTING REALLY RICH!!!! One of the ultimate turn up songs from the decade, the label mate to Travis Scott shows us how to lose our minds, and we all did for a while.
74. Set Fire to the Rain
Year: 2011
21 was the introduction to the white soul Beyonce. As funny as that might read, I mean that with all due respect. Adele has produced some of the best music of all-time and it started with 19 in 2008, and I can't wait to here 29 (30), hopefully this year or next.
73. Mask Off Remix Feat. Kendrick Lamar
Artist: Future
Year: 2017
The beat was good. Future's part was okay. Kendrick Lamar elevates it to top 100 status. "How yall let the braids on TV?"
72. Blowing Money Fast
Artist: Rick Ross
Year: 2010
I think I'm Big Meech, Larry Hoova... Whippin work... hallelujah. This song was all over the place the summer going into my senior year, and you better believe it I had it bumping. Teflon Don solidified Ross after entering the scene with Port of Miami. Teflon Don to this day is one of my favorites from Ross.
71. Feels Like Summer
Artist: Childish Gambino
Year: 2018
Apart of the Summer Pack of 2018, Donald Glover blessed the game with two hits, and Feels Like Summer is such a vibe. I loved it from first listen and to this day still rocking with it. His high notes are therapeutic with the music in the background. Great Song.
70. Am I Wrong feat. Schoolboy Q
Artist: Anderson PAAK
Year: 2016
Thank NBA 2K19 for this. I had no idea about this song or Anderon PAAK for that matter, but thank The Park for the introduction. This song has everything quality music has. Great instrumentation, great lyrics, and an even better vibe. Schoolboy comes through with the funky style only he can provide.
69. Finesse Remix
Artist: Bruno Mars & Cardi B
Year: 2018
Finesse was already a good song, but when "drop top porsche, rollie on my wrist, diamonds up and down my chain," hit; OMG it took it to another level. Cardi has that kind of affect, and she took a good song to elite.
68. Sold Out Dates feat. Lil Baby
Year: 2018
From the sound of the beat, I was hypnotized by this song. The chorus is fun, the lyrics are on point, it's a vibe. Gunna has a compelling voice; he rhythmically inserts his style into every song he gets on and him and Lil Baby make great work.
67. 24K Magic
Year: 2017
Great songs have lyrics that just pop as soon as you hear it. "Pop, pop it's showtime, showtime, guess who's back again!?" Bruno's energy is high and just makes for great music. He gave us a Morris Day and the Time feel when he dropped this project and 24K Magic is the headliner.
66. Incredible
Year: 2017
"I been having trust issues, but I've been having way better luck since you." This whole album is filled with petty lines like the one before. Future's break up album was "incredible." Filled with mellow, r&b type songs, Incredible rose to the top for me.
65. Loyalty feat. Rihanna
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
DAMN. was awesome. LOYALTY was awesome. Kendrick Lamar is awesome. But Rihanna, lordt. She stole the show on this track. There will be plenty of opportunities to brag on Kendrick Lamar on this list, but Rihanna "haul ass on a bitch when I'm in the fast lane," is a permanent winner for me.
64. Focus
Year: 2016
It took 2 years for H.E.R. to be noticed by the Grammy's, but Lord is she talented. From the sounds of the harp fingered in the background, H.E.R. sounds like an angel, simply pleading for some attention. It's just great.
63. Crew
Artist: Goldlink
Year: 2017
"You see money all around me. It look like I'm the man." As soon as this track came out I knew it was a hit. I honestly thought it deserved a Grammy. Everything about the song is a plus, the only thing I wish was different about it is the length. Give me two more verses please!
62. LOVE.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
This song rung through every R&B and Hip-Hop radio station in America. The reason why, because this guy is extremely talented when it comes to making music. There's so many different styles and levels to Lamar, and this was just another example of it. Zacarri's vocals shine through the production like the sun parting two huge clouds. It's awesome.
61. God's Plan
Year: 2018
Just another great song by Drake. Drizzy had the formula as soon as he jumped in the game and understands that quality hooks and subtle flexes were the way to go for him. God's Plan has just exactly that.
60. Stay Schemin feat. Drake and French Montana
Artist: Rick Ross
Year: 2012
Ross's Rich Forever was one of the best mixtapes of the decade and Stay Schemin' is the best song off of it. You get a typical, yet great verse from Ross, Drake responds to beef with Common (damn, how many people came at Drake this decade?) and you get a catchy French verse. A perfect Ross song.
59. Yes Indeed feat. Drake
Artist: Lil Baby
Year: 2018
Real possible song of the year candidate for 2018, you couldn't go anywhere last year without hearing the "dash is digital, my schedule is busy." For me this was my introduction to Lil' Baby and boy did it ever leave a mark. "Waaaahhh waaaahhh, Bitch I'm the Baby."
58. Hold On We're Going Home
Artist: Drake
Year: 2013
Drake showed us how much of a pop star he could be when he released a totally suburban pop record for the first time. He didn't even pretend to be a rapper on this one. The catchy and easy sing-a-long feel makes this one of the decades best.
57. Money Trees
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2012
Kung fu Kenny is extremely talented, and honestly, just has the ear for great music. Who would've known repetition would've worked as well as it did. The song is easy to keep up with, a chief complaint about Kendrick.
56. Hair Down feat. Kendrick Lamar
Artist: SiR
Year: 2019
So I typically hold off on the 2019 songs. I don't like being that guy that says this is the greatest ever, 2 months into it. But, this song...... is the greatest ever. Ok maybe not, but my introduction to SiR couldn't have gone any smoother than this track.
55. Trap Queen
Artist: Fetty Wap
Year: 2015
Yeeeeaaaaaaa baby! I knew Fetty wasn't gonna last long. His style was unique and cool, but he was way too repetitive. His first single Trap Queen, blasted throughout the world and boy was it ever a cool moment for this decade.
54. Coffee
Artist: Miguel
Year: 2015
Miguel does an excellent job of expressing his feelings in his music. The initial words to the song stuck with me, and probably will forever. "I wish I could paint our love, these moments in vibrate hues." That's dope.
53. Passionfruit
Artist: Drake
Year: 2017
Do yourself a favor. Grab your dance partner. Grab each other, sway side to side. Thank me later.
52. XO Tour Lif3
Artist: Lil Uzi Vert
Year: 2017
This depressing ass song. I didn't want to enjoy it when it first came out. Nothing about the lyrics is anything that I like it. And somehow......I like it. It's hit or miss with Lil Uzi Vert, and somehow this was a hit.
51. Trip
Artist: Ella Mai
Year: 2018
This British hottie answered Boo'd Up when she teamed up with DJ Mustard and produced an awesome hit in 2018. The beat is super melodic, so melodic I was surprised that it came from Mustard. She followed the same formula as Boo'd Up: nice beats, simple lyrics and a great hook.
50. Humble
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
Be Humble. Sit Down. Crazy message from the best rapper in the game. Kendrick has always had an incredible way of delivering a message while keep your head bopping at the same time. When K-Dot chose "Humble" as his first single, he put the game on attention that another dope album was one the way.
49. Love on Top
Artist: Beyonce'
Year: 2011
In order to have lasting power you have to be something other than being fine. Beyonce' is an outstanding talent, incredible dancer and great singer. She flexes her vocals on Love on Top. The chorus is repeated many times which is potential for being annoying, but she picks her intensity up with each line, which is just.....perfect.
48. The Weekend
Artist: SZA
Year: 2017
The message behind the song may not have been the greatest, but real life never is. SZA is as real as they come and she let everyone know on The Weekend. The sad reality is that there's more females who care to admit share her feelings and situation. The fact that they used Justin Timberlake's "Summertime" ending to sample the voices in the background is just too much in the clutch.
47. Needed Me
Artist: Rihanna
Year: 2016
The baddest b*tch in the game, Rihanna lets you know about it. She was good on her own and you were merely just a faded f*ck. Didn't they tell you she was a savage? Trust me every girl in my class sung as hard as they could when ever this song came on. Even if it the message doesn't hit home, the dark, edgy beat and Rihanna's voice is a complete vibe.
46. One Dance
Artist: Drake
Year: 2016
"Baaaayyybbeeeeee, I like your style." From the moment the song started I was hook. "One Dance" has a smooth uptempo beat that gives off island vibes and makes you feel electric. Drake's voice is perfect for the vibe and the sound that he was aiming for, and overall it's a great song.
45. Black Beatles feat. Gucci Man
Artist: Rae Sremmend
Year: 2016
The epidemic of freezing heard round the world. In 2016 we were all on the wave, but other than the social media explosion it was actually a great song. It was Gucci Man's first strong moment since being released from prison and Swae Lee was making himself the star of Rae Sremmend.
The epidemic of freezing heard round the world. In 2016 we were all on the wave, but other than the social media explosion it was actually a great song. It was Gucci Man's first strong moment since being released from prison and Swae Lee was making himself the star of Rae Sremmend.
44. Can't Feel My Face
Artist: The Weeknd
Year: 2015
Anytime a song about sniffing cocaine til the point of not feeling your face can win a Nickelodeon Teen Choice Award, I say you've got a great song. The vibe to the song feels a little bit like Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall;" an ultra poppy feel, with a great rhythm line. It's addition to Madden cemented the legacy of the song.
43. Check
Artist: Young Thug
Year: 2015
The song that started the rest of the rap game. Young Thug is the inspiration to any of these youngsters who can't sing but don't care and still sing. Check is outstanding song, every verse is cold and the way Thugga uses his voice as an instrument we should've seen that he was the future.
42. Hotline Bling
Artist: Drake
Year: 2016
This is song is totally pop. But when it comes to Drake you might as well genre out the window. Drake's best talent is that he knows how to put music out that people want to listen to. Anybody that can jump on "Hotline Bling," to "No Guidance" and still rap his ass off, is in a box to his self.
41. Big Ole' Freak
Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Year: 2018
The song that started it all for Megan. I don't believe she'll ever top this record, and if she doesn't it's ok. Whenever a song that doesn't have one line a man should feel comfortable singing out loud still has men singing out loud, it's great.
40. Alright
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2015
Lamar's musical career is full of ups and minimal downs. One of those ups is Alright. The concept and lyrics sound simple, but Lamar screams the plight of the people he loves most. The best part is that he reassures everyone that "everything gon be alright." The instrumental has a funky hip hop feel to it. The use of real instruments elevates the song to another level.
39. Mirrors
Artist: Justin Timberlake
Year: 2013
Timberlake's most successful single from his comeback was sung by everyone. It's a beautiful love song, Timberlake telling his love she's his mirror. His reflection of his self looking back at him. That's a deep metaphor and he sings quite well.
38. Mercy
Artist: Good Music
Year: 2012
"Lamborghini, mercy. Yo bitch she so thirsty." The song was absolutely perfect before 2 Chainz got on it. Then Chainz elevated the song to another height. All 4 rappers gave us perfect verses and it was a great moment in the summer of 2012.
37. Do You
Artist: Miguel
Year: 2012
The song feels like a simple lullaby. It's one of Miguel's strongest traits. Other than the fact that he asks this female, "Do you like drugs?" Miguel names all of the simple things that make a relationship go: "matinee movies, morning secrets, midnight summers, swim private beaches, rock paper, scissors, wait best out of 3, mama said the greatest things in life are free. What about lust and what about trust, what about love she said you know that I do."
Artist: Adele
Year: 2011
Adele is one of the few white artists that's invited to the cookout, and it started with the album "21." The lead single from the project "Rolling in the Deep," broke mainstream and we all fell in love with the soul this woman was singing with. Her voice is timeless, she's just as powerful as the Queens of the 60's and 70's. There aren't too many songs that display that better than "Rolling in the Deep."
Artist: Drake
Year: 2011
Trust me when I tell you every man has uttered something close to the lines of "F*ck that n*igga that you love so bad, I know you still think about the times we had." Take Care sung to the hearts of all young adults and teens and Marvin's Room kicked it off in the proper way.
Artist: Alicia Keys
Year: 2010
Released as the 4th single from her 2009 album "The Element of Freedom," "Unthinkable" sneaks into the Top 100, as it went number 1 in May of 2010. The beat is placed together well, the strong baseline with the drum clasps make for a great slow jam vibe. Alicia is flawless on this song, and the Drake assist in the background in 2010 sent this record over the top. The chorus is goated, and "Unthinkable" is one of the brightest moments in Alicia's career.
Artist: Travis Scott
Year: 2018
This song essentially a remake of "Sold Out Dates," but just way smoother. Gunna is just as smooth as ever on this beat, and Travis's vocals in the background still has me swaying a year later. The beat is so easy to nod to, and the length of the song leaves you wanting more. I can take or leave's NAV's verse at the very end, but just the smoothest of the guitar and Gunna's voice makes the song everything.
Artist: Childish Gambino
Year: 2016
"Daylight." So I knew Donald Glover could sing, but I had no idea he had this in him. The beat feels like a 70s jam session, and Glover does his best Marvin and Prince impression, flexing his vocals in a high pitch, creating a sexy, smooth feeling. This song dominated the radio for damn near 2 years and is just great.
Artist: Lil Nas X
Year: 2019
The original was just as awesome, but Billy Ray took it to another level. Lil Nas X made the song of the year in what seemed like an accident. It's definitely a country music song, but the 808 made it cool enough for everybody to bump it. Cyrus comes through with a mean verse on the remix, probably giving the song another 3 months of notoriety. The song came out of nowhere, and if Lil Nas X never tops it, he'll always have this moment in history.
Artist: Solange
Year: 2016
For many people this song deserves to be top 5, I'm not willing to go that high, but Solange made an incredibly vulnerable, beautiful song. Honesty will always have a unique place in music. Too much honesty feels unnecessary, no honesty feels plastic. Solange found a way to touch the borderline of too much, but that honesty was so necessary. It's one of the most relatable songs I've ever heard, and she's absolutely flawless in her vocals. The last time I listened to a Solange song on purpose was the Proud Family Theme Song, so the grownness and maturity was a real surprise to me.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2015
The lead single from "To Pimp A Butterfly" had me thinking we were bout to get an edgy, crispy, raspy Kendrick. The album turned out to be completely different from that, but boy oh boy was "The Blacker the Berry" a great moment. A part of rap is that fire and aggression and Kendrick spit straight flames on this one. Always proud of who he is and his ethnicity, Kendrick boasts his blackness throughout the song.
Artists: DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne
Year: 2011
The beginning of the height of Drake, and this song had a lot to do with it. From the chorus and his verse on Drake steals the show and truly feels like a Drake song. Ross and Wayne's versus are good, not necessarily life changing, but for some reason in 2011 Drake's impact on the song still is a stronghold in my head.
Artist: Drake
Year: 2018
"Trap, Trap Money Benny, This shit got me in my feelings." The song made no sense catching on how it did, but thanks to the Shiggy Challenge "In My Feelings" is one of the most memorable moments of the decade, making Drake a very rich man in the process. I was teaching at Tatum at the height of this song, and trust we couldn't go a Friday without hearing if Keke still loved him. It's a great song with a fun vibe.
Artist: Ariana Grande
Year: 2018
"Thought I'd end up with Sean, but it wasn't a match." Honesty is always important in music and the fact that Ariana is honest about some of her more popular relationships, even the late Mac Miller, made for interesting content on top of her sweet voice. The chorus is ever so catchy, I honestly didn't meet a female that didn't feel that song. Grande is a hit machine, "thank u, next" her biggest.
Artist: Migos featuring Lil Uzi Vert
Year: 2016
Most great songs don't waste a word, and from the time Bad & Boujee comes on the entire place erupts. "Rain drop, drop top, cooking up dope in the crockpot." This song to this day can erupt an entire arena, and thanks to Metro Boomin', it has one of the most recognizable beats as well.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
Another explosive record by Kendrick, different lyrics but same message. Kendrick proudly boasts his DNA and what makes him the ferocious black man he is. The beat is perfect for sporting events, a beat that carries throughout a place and forces you to head nod.
Artist: Kanye West
Year: 2010
The song in which Nicki Minaj became a real emcee to me. She had the hardest verse on the song, the album for that matter. The star studded cast included the before mentioned, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Bon Iver. Other than Ross they all provided bars and it was a fun and great moment for Hip-Hop.
Artist: DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller
Year: 2017
This remix of "Maria Maria" is better than the original. It took me three years to say it, but Rihanna is so compelling and sexy on this track it's unreal. Bryson Tiller does a great job on the song as well, but Rihanna steals the show, both vocally and lyrically. Rihanna me please.
Artist: Cardi B
Year: 2018
Undeniable is a strong word, but that's how you can describe the best of 2018. As soon as Pete's Rodriguez met an 808, I knew she had a hit. I called my sister immediately as the beat started. Cardi's sound is just perfect for this song. The uptempo ratchet mixed with the Mexican horns in the background are just magnificent. On top of that, Youtube chose "I Like It" for it's song for the NBA Finals this year. Bad Bunny and J Balvin do more than hold their own even though their speaking Spanish. Very impressive Cardi. Good Job.
Artists: Jay-Z and Kanye West
Year: 2011
It's crazy how one poppy beat, the word nigga, and 2 hot emcees took over the world in 2011. The song made you bounce, a great concert song. I honestly believe that the hype that came through the song was because the word Nigga was in the title. Nonetheless, the song itself doesn't disappoint, and was a great moment in 2011.
Artist: Beyonce
Year: 2016
Beyonce' shook the world up when she dropped both the song and visual for 'Formation' around the Super Bowl in 2016. The image of sinking cop cars, the lyrics of liking her man with Jackson 5 nostrils, was a shock to mainstream to hear Beyonce' so, so, so black. She's really been on that wave ever since, one that I appreciate. Most people who are worth over 600 million dollars tend to care about their money and the issues that are prevalent to them. Beyonce' and Jay-Z worth a bill collectively, have been very present in the field.
Artist: Kanye West feat. The Dream, Kelly Price, Childish Gambino, Kirk Franklin and his choir
Year: 2016
Artist: SZA feat. Travis Scott
Year: 2017
At the time of the pairing, I wondered how the two would mesh on a song. Perfectly. SZA's calling card is her raw lyrics and brutal honesty and vulnerability. She hits us with the age old QTNA: "Why you bother me when you know you don't want me? Why you hit me when you know you gotta woman?" Travis just knows good music. He can't sing a lick, but does an excellent job of using his voice as an instrument to harmonize and provide the perfect flow. She tells an awesome story about lovers who are annoyed and no longer, but something called love is tying the two back together.
Rihanna is a powerful woman. She was the divisive factor in between two of the most consistent artists of the decade, who musically could match up and create masterpieces. Luckily though, the two, both without her at this point, put their differences aside in 2019 and came up with the best song of that year, and one of the best of the decade. They're both talented at making music sound good, and honestly know what the people want to hear. The song sounds like what'd you expect from two of the games top talents, who are both seasoned and been in the game for 10 plus years.
Artist: Rihanna
Year: 2016
11. Partition - Beyonce
Artist: Beyonce
Year: 2013
"Driver roll up the partition please." Eww B! You so nasty! And I love it. The cookie cutter image was shattered as Beyonce' showed everybody how grown and married she was on Partition. Besides the song being edgy, the beat is cold and forces you to nod along with it. Which part? Part 1 or 2? BOFFUM!
Artist: Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan
Year: 2014
I don't know if that was my introduction to these two, but it's definitely the first song I heard that I felt they murdered. Thug was amazing on this, one of his best verses he's spit. The chorus steals the show as we try to figure out what dipa bena dipping still beginning means. Rich Homie is a nice addition to the song, with quotables, but this song is pretty much about Thug.
Artist: Beyonce
Year: 2013
"Your challengers are a young group from Houston, welcome Beyonce', LaTivia, Nina, Nicki, Kelly and Ashley, the hip hop rappin' 'Girls time.'" The intro to this song is just prophetic. From the age of 13 Beyonce' has been putting on. She let's everybody know in the first half of the song. "Bow down bitches." Message is pretty clear, she's the best so get with it. Now on the original version, Beyonce blessed with the "I Been On," version but on her album she gave us "Flawless." The build up of the beat is excellent and "I woke up like this" sent my sister and every Beyonce fan into a stupor chant. PS. The back up singing is so good; Beyonce can sang sang.
8. 0 to 100 - Drake
Artist: Drake
Year: 2014
It all starts with the beat. Drake gives us mixtape flows as he jumps on the beat from the second count and rides it all the way through. It's as aggressive as a Drake flow gets, but he give us the Catch Up at the end. Lot of people hate on the man, but he has the answer to it.
"You know if it wasn't you you'd be dissing you dog."
"No pun intended but they smelling defeat in the air."
"Being humble don't work as well as being aware."
Artist: Usher
Year: 2012
Climax was like the last curtain call for Usher's career. Yeah, I know he's had radio hits since then, but nothing he's put out has come close to the level of Climax. We love it when R&B singers sing in Falsetto, so when Usher comes in blaring, "Going nowhere fast, we've reached the climax," I knew I was listening to a classic. Usher will never top Confessions, but Climax is in the same category of elite.
Artist: Frank Ocean
Year: 2012
"A potato."
Frank Ocean introduced his self to the masses with one of the best love songs of the decade. He follows a Prince blueprint, the lyrics were simple, the metaphors a little weird, but the music and vocals on point. We love men singing falsetto, and Frank gave us what we wanted. There ain't a person who's listened to this that haven't sung that chorus as high and as loudly as possible.
Artist: Future
Year: 2014
There hasn't been a party in the past 6 years that hasn't had this song playing. The beat goes for almost every new age dance, and Future's style and voice is absolutely perfect for this record. The song is as gender neutral as there is on this list, and the vibes off of this song is insane. I haven't met anybody that doesn't like this song, and for every year I've taught this song has been able to move a room.
Artist: Cardi B
Year: 2017
Has there been a song that has put a person on and quicker than this one? Whether she took the flow from Kodak or not she absolutely dominated it. For four minutes we got our first introduction of who she is, and she hasn't been any different from the song. It's the only song that all races, straight and gay people alike know it. No other song has the combination of quality, ratchet, and mainstream all in one that I can think of. Go Cardi.
The song feels like a simple lullaby. It's one of Miguel's strongest traits. Other than the fact that he asks this female, "Do you like drugs?" Miguel names all of the simple things that make a relationship go: "matinee movies, morning secrets, midnight summers, swim private beaches, rock paper, scissors, wait best out of 3, mama said the greatest things in life are free. What about lust and what about trust, what about love she said you know that I do."
36. Rolling In the Deep
Artist: Adele
Year: 2011
Adele is one of the few white artists that's invited to the cookout, and it started with the album "21." The lead single from the project "Rolling in the Deep," broke mainstream and we all fell in love with the soul this woman was singing with. Her voice is timeless, she's just as powerful as the Queens of the 60's and 70's. There aren't too many songs that display that better than "Rolling in the Deep."
35. Marvin's Room
Artist: Drake
Year: 2011
Trust me when I tell you every man has uttered something close to the lines of "F*ck that n*igga that you love so bad, I know you still think about the times we had." Take Care sung to the hearts of all young adults and teens and Marvin's Room kicked it off in the proper way.
34. Unthinkable
Year: 2010
Released as the 4th single from her 2009 album "The Element of Freedom," "Unthinkable" sneaks into the Top 100, as it went number 1 in May of 2010. The beat is placed together well, the strong baseline with the drum clasps make for a great slow jam vibe. Alicia is flawless on this song, and the Drake assist in the background in 2010 sent this record over the top. The chorus is goated, and "Unthinkable" is one of the brightest moments in Alicia's career.
33. Runaway
Artist: Kanye West
Year: 2010
MBDTF could possibly be the best rap album of all time, and "Runaway" is one of the reasons why. The song starts with the infamous piano striking the same note 16 times, before shifting keys and dropping an insane canvas for Kanye to sing on. The song feels like 808s and Heartbreaks taken to the next level. Kanye has always been honest, no matter how much his honesty maybe weird. Pusha T on the guest verse is explosive, honestly the best verse I've ever heard him spit. The ending of the song is monumental. At first I thought it was a guitar, but when I found out it was Kanye's voice with the auto tune turned all the way up I laughed. Listening to it though, it's incredible. Just like the song and the album, and the artist.
32. Yosemite
Artist: Travis Scott
Year: 2018
This song essentially a remake of "Sold Out Dates," but just way smoother. Gunna is just as smooth as ever on this beat, and Travis's vocals in the background still has me swaying a year later. The beat is so easy to nod to, and the length of the song leaves you wanting more. I can take or leave's NAV's verse at the very end, but just the smoothest of the guitar and Gunna's voice makes the song everything.
31. Redbone
Artist: Childish Gambino
Year: 2016
"Daylight." So I knew Donald Glover could sing, but I had no idea he had this in him. The beat feels like a 70s jam session, and Glover does his best Marvin and Prince impression, flexing his vocals in a high pitch, creating a sexy, smooth feeling. This song dominated the radio for damn near 2 years and is just great.
30. Old Town Road Remix feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
Year: 2019
The original was just as awesome, but Billy Ray took it to another level. Lil Nas X made the song of the year in what seemed like an accident. It's definitely a country music song, but the 808 made it cool enough for everybody to bump it. Cyrus comes through with a mean verse on the remix, probably giving the song another 3 months of notoriety. The song came out of nowhere, and if Lil Nas X never tops it, he'll always have this moment in history.
29. Cranes In the Sky
Year: 2016
For many people this song deserves to be top 5, I'm not willing to go that high, but Solange made an incredibly vulnerable, beautiful song. Honesty will always have a unique place in music. Too much honesty feels unnecessary, no honesty feels plastic. Solange found a way to touch the borderline of too much, but that honesty was so necessary. It's one of the most relatable songs I've ever heard, and she's absolutely flawless in her vocals. The last time I listened to a Solange song on purpose was the Proud Family Theme Song, so the grownness and maturity was a real surprise to me.
28. The Blacker The Berry
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2015
The lead single from "To Pimp A Butterfly" had me thinking we were bout to get an edgy, crispy, raspy Kendrick. The album turned out to be completely different from that, but boy oh boy was "The Blacker the Berry" a great moment. A part of rap is that fire and aggression and Kendrick spit straight flames on this one. Always proud of who he is and his ethnicity, Kendrick boasts his blackness throughout the song.
27. I'm On One
Year: 2011
The beginning of the height of Drake, and this song had a lot to do with it. From the chorus and his verse on Drake steals the show and truly feels like a Drake song. Ross and Wayne's versus are good, not necessarily life changing, but for some reason in 2011 Drake's impact on the song still is a stronghold in my head.
26. In My Feelings
Year: 2018
"Trap, Trap Money Benny, This shit got me in my feelings." The song made no sense catching on how it did, but thanks to the Shiggy Challenge "In My Feelings" is one of the most memorable moments of the decade, making Drake a very rich man in the process. I was teaching at Tatum at the height of this song, and trust we couldn't go a Friday without hearing if Keke still loved him. It's a great song with a fun vibe.
25. thank u, next
Artist: Ariana Grande
Year: 2018
"Thought I'd end up with Sean, but it wasn't a match." Honesty is always important in music and the fact that Ariana is honest about some of her more popular relationships, even the late Mac Miller, made for interesting content on top of her sweet voice. The chorus is ever so catchy, I honestly didn't meet a female that didn't feel that song. Grande is a hit machine, "thank u, next" her biggest.
24. Bad & Boujee
Artist: Migos featuring Lil Uzi Vert
Year: 2016
Most great songs don't waste a word, and from the time Bad & Boujee comes on the entire place erupts. "Rain drop, drop top, cooking up dope in the crockpot." This song to this day can erupt an entire arena, and thanks to Metro Boomin', it has one of the most recognizable beats as well.
23. DNA - Kendrick Lamar
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Year: 2017
Another explosive record by Kendrick, different lyrics but same message. Kendrick proudly boasts his DNA and what makes him the ferocious black man he is. The beat is perfect for sporting events, a beat that carries throughout a place and forces you to head nod.
22. Sicko Mode feat. Drake
Artist: Travis Scott
Year: 2018
This song had everything. Beat changes, an intro and a verse from Drake, and Travis holds his own lyrically as well. It was perfect for almost every occasion, from sports arenas to raves to kickbacks, Sicko Mode was the song of the year for 2018.
21. Monster
Artist: Kanye West
Year: 2010
The song in which Nicki Minaj became a real emcee to me. She had the hardest verse on the song, the album for that matter. The star studded cast included the before mentioned, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Bon Iver. Other than Ross they all provided bars and it was a fun and great moment for Hip-Hop.
20. Wild Thoughts
Artist: DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller
Year: 2017
This remix of "Maria Maria" is better than the original. It took me three years to say it, but Rihanna is so compelling and sexy on this track it's unreal. Bryson Tiller does a great job on the song as well, but Rihanna steals the show, both vocally and lyrically. Rihanna me please.
19. I Like It
 |
| Cardi B |
Artist: Cardi B
Year: 2018
Undeniable is a strong word, but that's how you can describe the best of 2018. As soon as Pete's Rodriguez met an 808, I knew she had a hit. I called my sister immediately as the beat started. Cardi's sound is just perfect for this song. The uptempo ratchet mixed with the Mexican horns in the background are just magnificent. On top of that, Youtube chose "I Like It" for it's song for the NBA Finals this year. Bad Bunny and J Balvin do more than hold their own even though their speaking Spanish. Very impressive Cardi. Good Job.
18. Niggas in Paris
Artists: Jay-Z and Kanye West
Year: 2011
It's crazy how one poppy beat, the word nigga, and 2 hot emcees took over the world in 2011. The song made you bounce, a great concert song. I honestly believe that the hype that came through the song was because the word Nigga was in the title. Nonetheless, the song itself doesn't disappoint, and was a great moment in 2011.
17. Formation
Artist: Beyonce
Year: 2016
Beyonce' shook the world up when she dropped both the song and visual for 'Formation' around the Super Bowl in 2016. The image of sinking cop cars, the lyrics of liking her man with Jackson 5 nostrils, was a shock to mainstream to hear Beyonce' so, so, so black. She's really been on that wave ever since, one that I appreciate. Most people who are worth over 600 million dollars tend to care about their money and the issues that are prevalent to them. Beyonce' and Jay-Z worth a bill collectively, have been very present in the field.
16. Ultralight Beam
Artist: Kanye West feat. The Dream, Kelly Price, Childish Gambino, Kirk Franklin and his choir
Year: 2016
"This is my part nobody else speak."
"We don't want no devils in the house! We want the Lord! That's It!" The most important album Kanye West released in his career was The Life of Pablo. Reason why, he released Yeezus before which was a good listen, but not of typical Kanye West standard. LOP had to be successful and sound like the old Ye. With 'Ultralight Beam' West creates those same feelings. While Kanye's verse is a lotta underwhelming, Chance steals the show. West and company performed this record on SNL and absolutely crushed their performance.
15. Love Galore
Artist: SZA feat. Travis Scott
Year: 2017
At the time of the pairing, I wondered how the two would mesh on a song. Perfectly. SZA's calling card is her raw lyrics and brutal honesty and vulnerability. She hits us with the age old QTNA: "Why you bother me when you know you don't want me? Why you hit me when you know you gotta woman?" Travis just knows good music. He can't sing a lick, but does an excellent job of using his voice as an instrument to harmonize and provide the perfect flow. She tells an awesome story about lovers who are annoyed and no longer, but something called love is tying the two back together.
14. No Guidance
Artist: Chris Brown feat. Drake
Year: 2019Rihanna is a powerful woman. She was the divisive factor in between two of the most consistent artists of the decade, who musically could match up and create masterpieces. Luckily though, the two, both without her at this point, put their differences aside in 2019 and came up with the best song of that year, and one of the best of the decade. They're both talented at making music sound good, and honestly know what the people want to hear. The song sounds like what'd you expect from two of the games top talents, who are both seasoned and been in the game for 10 plus years.
13. Hello
Artist: Adele
Year: 2015
Adele does an excellent job of taking a great amount of time in between her projects. It's almost as if she wants you to forget about her so she can gently hit you with "Hello." Her voice maybe the most impactful sound from Great Britain. She has so much soul in her voice and does a great job of giving you just what you need. Most white singers with soul go over the top, i.e. Christina Aguilara and all her unnecessary runs. Not from Adele. She's like the perfect scrambling quarterback. She can stand in the pocket all day and deliver, but when the moment calls for it she can go off in an instant.
12. Work
Artist: Rihanna
Year: 2016
I remember being on my way to Tony Favara's wedding and being in the car for about 25 minutes. The entire 25 minutes I was listening to "Work." The beat is amazing, Rihanna's voice is a perfect fit for the song, Drake's verse is a perfect fit for the vibe. It's just great. She sorta created the same feeling with 'Wild Thoughts,' but 'Work' was way better. 12. Sunday Candy - Chance the Rapper
11. Partition - Beyonce
Artist: Beyonce
Year: 2013
"Driver roll up the partition please." Eww B! You so nasty! And I love it. The cookie cutter image was shattered as Beyonce' showed everybody how grown and married she was on Partition. Besides the song being edgy, the beat is cold and forces you to nod along with it. Which part? Part 1 or 2? BOFFUM!
10. Lifestyle - Rich Gang
Artist: Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan
Year: 2014
I don't know if that was my introduction to these two, but it's definitely the first song I heard that I felt they murdered. Thug was amazing on this, one of his best verses he's spit. The chorus steals the show as we try to figure out what dipa bena dipping still beginning means. Rich Homie is a nice addition to the song, with quotables, but this song is pretty much about Thug.
9. Flawless - Beyonce
Artist: Beyonce
Year: 2013
"Your challengers are a young group from Houston, welcome Beyonce', LaTivia, Nina, Nicki, Kelly and Ashley, the hip hop rappin' 'Girls time.'" The intro to this song is just prophetic. From the age of 13 Beyonce' has been putting on. She let's everybody know in the first half of the song. "Bow down bitches." Message is pretty clear, she's the best so get with it. Now on the original version, Beyonce blessed with the "I Been On," version but on her album she gave us "Flawless." The build up of the beat is excellent and "I woke up like this" sent my sister and every Beyonce fan into a stupor chant. PS. The back up singing is so good; Beyonce can sang sang.
8. 0 to 100 - Drake
Artist: Drake
Year: 2014
It all starts with the beat. Drake gives us mixtape flows as he jumps on the beat from the second count and rides it all the way through. It's as aggressive as a Drake flow gets, but he give us the Catch Up at the end. Lot of people hate on the man, but he has the answer to it.
"You know if it wasn't you you'd be dissing you dog."
"No pun intended but they smelling defeat in the air."
"Being humble don't work as well as being aware."
7. Climax
Artist: Usher
Year: 2012
Climax was like the last curtain call for Usher's career. Yeah, I know he's had radio hits since then, but nothing he's put out has come close to the level of Climax. We love it when R&B singers sing in Falsetto, so when Usher comes in blaring, "Going nowhere fast, we've reached the climax," I knew I was listening to a classic. Usher will never top Confessions, but Climax is in the same category of elite.
6. Thinking Bout You
Artist: Frank Ocean
Year: 2012
"A potato."
Frank Ocean introduced his self to the masses with one of the best love songs of the decade. He follows a Prince blueprint, the lyrics were simple, the metaphors a little weird, but the music and vocals on point. We love men singing falsetto, and Frank gave us what we wanted. There ain't a person who's listened to this that haven't sung that chorus as high and as loudly as possible.
5. Boo'd Up
 |
Artist: Ella Mai
Year: 2018
Ella Mai dominated the calendar for a full year. The winter of 17 and the spring, summer and fall of 18 all belonged to 'Boo'd Up.' The song took the journey from good to great, to annoying and back to great again. From the lyrics to the Mustard beat, Ella Mai dominated her moment of this decade. "Feelings....so deep in my feelings."
4. Adorn
Artist: Miguel
Year: 2012
Miguel's career was off to a promising start, but I wasn't sure if he was ever going to be a great. His first album was nice. It had memorable records and it was a fun listen, but it wasn't elite. Miguel wasted 0 time answering the call with 'Adorn.' The first single off "Kaleidoscope Dream," Adorn made it's way into the Frankie Beverly section of the cookout. The vocal talent is remarkable. The lyrics are simple and to the point. The song is really good all the way up til he starts his bridge. Then it takes off. "Same way that the stars form the skies yeah...Same way that my whole world is in your eyes..." I've yet to meet someone who didn't like this song.
3. Power
Artist: Kanye West
Year: 2010
The best song from the best Hip Hop album this decade, probably all-time. Kanye was at the height of his powers and he absolutely let it rip on this one. From the production standpoint, the song is stellar. Best instrumental on the list musically. Perfect for sporting events, the lyrics are charging, honest, and the furthest thing from humble and I love it.
2. March Madness
Year: 2014
There hasn't been a party in the past 6 years that hasn't had this song playing. The beat goes for almost every new age dance, and Future's style and voice is absolutely perfect for this record. The song is as gender neutral as there is on this list, and the vibes off of this song is insane. I haven't met anybody that doesn't like this song, and for every year I've taught this song has been able to move a room.
1. Bodak Yellow
Year: 2017
Has there been a song that has put a person on and quicker than this one? Whether she took the flow from Kodak or not she absolutely dominated it. For four minutes we got our first introduction of who she is, and she hasn't been any different from the song. It's the only song that all races, straight and gay people alike know it. No other song has the combination of quality, ratchet, and mainstream all in one that I can think of. Go Cardi.
Comments
Post a Comment