The past decade saw hip-hop go stratospheric. From its humble beginnings at DJ Kool Herc’s Back to School Jam in 1973, the genre has become one of the most popular global styles. A wide range of artists helped hip-hop maintain its hold on the mainstream since 2010, including established presences Drake, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj and relative newcomers like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Uzi Vert. This playlist highlights standout tracks from recent years that enabled hip-hop to dominate the international stage.
Playlist
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys (2010)
“Empire State of Mind” is an ode to New York, a proud nod to the city where rap heavyweight Jay-Z and R&B singer-songwriter Alicia Keys were born and raised. The song is typical of the rap-sung collaborations that stormed the decade’s early years. Other examples of the style include “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rihanna, and B.o.B’s hits “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore and “Nothin’ on You” alongside an early-career Bruno Mars.
Super Bass by Nicki Minaj (2011)
“Super Bass” is from Queens rapper Nicki Minaj’s debut, Pink Friday. The song’s pop-EDM crossover signaled a further break into the mainstream for Minaj. It also introduced fresh sounds her peers would explore in the early 2010s. This kitsch, high-intensity, tongue-in-cheek track remains a staple in the rapper’s catalog and a fan favorite for its bubbly pop sensibilities.
The Motto by Drake featuring Lil Wayne (2012)
Drake’s 2012 track brought the word “YOLO” (an acronym for “you only live once”) into the public consciousness. At its core, the song is pure braggadocio and hedonism, as both vocalists detail a party lifestyle marked by fast living and riches. The production perfectly matches the song’s upbeat qualities. Instrumentals came from producer T-Minus, with hyphy music strongly influencing the composition. Sonically, a central feature of the track is its distorted TR-808 percussion sample.
I Don’t Like by Chief Keef (2012)
Many rap fans look to the success of Chicago rapper Chief Keef’s “Don’t Like” when pinpointing the emergence of drill music. Chicago drill is regarded as the original version of drill music that would splinter into multiple sub-genres. Then-16-year-old Keith Cozart and producer Young Chop were essential in forging the sound. Indeed, the vocal styles, ad-libs, themes, and sonics were adopted by many afterward. Staples of the subgenre include dark lyrics, heavy bass, and 808s.
Bodak Yellow by Cardi B (2017)
“Bodak Yellow” was a massive hit for the enigmatic Cardi B, who interpolated Kodak Black’s breakout track “No Flockin'” to craft the anthem. With menacing delivery and a simple rhyme scheme, the song helped make the artist a household name. Her popularity exemplified an era when a female presence began to dominate hip-hop. In addition to numerous accolades, “Bodak Yellow” made the artist the second female rapper to reach number one with a solo track, an honor she shares with Lauryn Hill.
Dior by Pop Smoke (2019)
New York drill gained popularity at the end of the 2010s, pioneered by artists like the late Pop Smoke. One of many global subgenres, the NY version incorporated many sonic elements of its UK counterpart, including staccato hi-hats, heavy bass, and dark electronic synths. Produced by London’s 808Melo, “Dior” became a rap anthem and one of the artist’s highest-performing tracks. Although Pop Smoke’s career was cut short by his untimely death in February 2020, the artist left a lasting legacy on rap’s landscape.
Savage by Megan Thee Stallion (2020)
By 2020, Megan Thee Stallion was more than just a musician—she was a pop culture brand. With her relatable personality and knack for catchphrases, there were few places one could turn that year without hearing the promise of a “Hot Girl Summer.” Megan Thee Stallion quickly became a prominent figure amongst female rappers, and “Savage” one of her most successful hits. Her quickfire Texan drawl delivers a catchy refrain that embeds itself in listeners’ heads: “Classy, bougie, rachet.” A remix featuring Beyoncé nabbed the artist a Grammy.
Munch (Feelin U’) by By Ice Spice (2022)
One of the genre’s biggest hits in 2022 came courtesy of then-relatively unknown NY rapper Ice Spice. “Munch (Feelin U’)” gained instant virality, turning her into one of the breakout successful acts of 2022. Produced by RiotUSA, the track has a party-ready vibe and lyrics from a woman’s perspective that stand out in a male-dominated scene.
Just Wanna Rock by Lil Uzi Vert (2023)
With the release of his third album, Pink Tape, Lil Uzi Vert’s catalog exemplifies rap’s sonic broadening throughout the decade. Inspired by a blend of alternative, rock, punk, electronic, and cloud rap, “Just Wanna Rock” sees the artist venturing into the bass sounds of Jersey and B-More Club. Producers MCVertt and Synthetic created a keyboard line that evokes the spirit of classic Roland analog synths. Furthermore, the infectious “Just Wanna Rock” spawned a host of TikTok dance trends.
