This 12 months felt regular whereas additionally being fairly unusual on the similar rattling time. On one hand, the restrictions, fears and anxieties of COVID appeared to have subsided amongst the lots, bringing again a way of normalcy to the Hip Hop ecosystem. That stated, the final 12 months had been something however regular for our beloved style.
For those who let the streets and tweets (or X posts, when you’re nasty) inform it, 2023 has been the worst 12 months for rap music in a decade — a press release that feels a tad bit dramatic however may really be primarily based in information. Rap albums and singles throughout all streamers and charts have been steadily on the decline over the past 5 years however the slide appeared extra obvious this 12 months.
This begs the query: is Hip Hop as a style shedding its musical grip on common tradition? The reply is probably going “sure” however with some silver lining. Nothing lasts eternally and music is not any exception. Popular culture is a cycle and proper now different genres could be having their very own renaissance throughout the cultural zeitgeist. However Hip Hop is robust. Hip Hop is sturdy. And Hip Hop can be right here it doesn’t matter what — even when the Nation Gold playlist will get extra month-to-month listeners than Rap Caviar.
That stated, the tracks beneath chosen as nominees for HipHopDX‘s Finest Hip Hop Songs of 2023 show that rap continues to be in an excellent place regardless of the reported decline.
Evaluation all of our Hip Hop Award classes and nominees.
Editors Notice: Finest Hip Hop Songs of 2023 picks had been restricted to between December 1, 2022 to December 1, 2023. Nominees and honorable mentions are listed in alphabetical order.
BEST HIP HOP SONGS OF 2023 NOMINATIONS
Doja Cat – “Paint The City Pink”
Simply when individuals suppose Doja Cat is really fizzling out or that her antics are outweighing her musical prowess, she pops up with a smash hit and proves all people flawed. “Paint the City Pink” dropped in early August which put it in competition for tune of the summer season whereas nonetheless having legs to run it into the vacation season.
Producers Earl On The Beat, Karl Rubin, Jean-Baptiste Kouame and DJ Replay deserve some critical credit score for flipping the infectious Dionne Warwick pattern of “Stroll On By” (even when it took the legendary soul singer without warning), which is laced with bouncy horns, a thick bassline and crisp snaps that make it an simple earworm for followers and haters alike.
Talking of haters, this tune additionally doubles as the proper diss observe to the quarter million of her former followers who unfollowed her on Instagram as a result of her alleged unappreciativeness. For Doja’s outlook on that scenario and life typically, look no additional than the refrain that proudly chants: “Yeah bitch, I stated what I stated/ I’d reasonably be well-known as an alternative.”
Gunna – “fukumean”
What was certainly the tune of the summer season might additionally very properly be deemed tune of the 12 months. Gunna‘s “fukumean” was heard continuous from the streets to the membership to dentist workplace ready rooms and in all places in between.
In fact, Gunna will get busy on the Flo and Dunk Rock beat rapping with a catchy but potent cadence, however the jet gas that propelled the observe to No. 1 was because of South African artist Sho Madjozi. Her 2018 tune “Huku” contained the trademark “eeeeyeeah” vocal pattern used all through the observe.
It was by far the strongest and hottest tune on Gunna’s A Reward & a Curse album — which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. Not unhealthy for a gangsta rapper accused of snitching on Younger Thug to free himself from jail only a 12 months in the past.
Kendrick Lamar & Child Keem – “The Hillbillies”
Kendrick Lamar carried the load of the world on his shoulders when he launched Mr. Morale & the Huge Steppers in 2022, however after a tour together with his cousin and fellow rapper Child Keem, it looks like he’s in a greater place.
“The Hillbillies” sees the 2 relieve the stress of being on the highway with a mix of braggadocios match checks and comparisons to Lionel Messi and Neymar. Whereas Kendrick and Keem flaunt their familial chemistry, rising underground producer EVILGIANE dials up a chaotic beat to match the duo’s zany depth.
The observe is mild on the introspection Kendrick has change into recognized for, however this makes approach for an underrated a part of his character — he’s humorous as hell. Above all else, it’s refreshing to see them each letting unfastened. Phrases: Louis Pavlakos
Killer Mike (Feat Andre 3000 & Future) – “Scientists & Engineers”
For “Scientists & Engineers,” one of many standout tracks on Killer Mike’s album of the 12 months contender, MICHAEL, the Atlanta holy trinity be part of forces to type what can finest be described as a grimy south Voltron. Bringing collectively the perfect components of all three artists, Future lays down his poisonous king armor and will get susceptible, André 3000 places down the flute and will get some bars off, whereas Mr. Render performs the function of lyrical quarterback.
All three ATLiens get off among the 12 months’s finest bars with each soulful samples and digital beat switches offering the proper backdrop. Plus, Eryn Allen Kane delivers some beautiful harmonies on the refrain and all through which in flip helps sprinkle in some melodies atop the bar heavy verses.
MICHAEL is Killer Mike’s first album since 2012 and the massive man overdelivered in an equally as massive approach, bringing collectively all the weather followers and casuals had been hoping for — particularly the shock André 3000 verse.
Sexyy Pink – “SkeeYee”
There was no greater breakout star in 2023 than St. Louis’ personal Sexyy Redd. What would look like an natural come up began again in 2018 when she remixed Vanessa Carlton’s iconic “A Thousand Miles” — from there she has been stacking up nice songs and securing even higher options.
Quick ahead to 2023 and he or she unleashed her greatest tune so far, “SkeeYee.” Produced by Tay Keith, the up-tempo, heavy-hitting observe is proof that much less is extra in the case of crafting hit data. A easy refrain with an anthemic “skeeeyeee” chant scattered all through is all it wanted to change into a contender for tune of the 12 months.
Sexyy Redd won’t be a lyrical miracle non secular spitter however what she lacks in metaphors and wordplay she makes up for in spades with perspective, supply and ass-shaking songwriting.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Drake (Feat. J. Cole) — “First Particular person Shooter”
As if a brand new Drake album in 2023 wasn’t thrilling sufficient, the 6 God tapped up J. Cole for a full-fledged turbo banger. Arguably essentially the most colossal-sounding tune of the 12 months, each rappers commerce top-tier bars for over 4 minutes, weaving out and in of the peerlessly crafted Boi-1da, Vinylz, Tay Keith, Ouncesand FnZ beat.
Add the pulsating refrain and cliffhanging beat change, in addition to its accompanying Michael Bay-esque massive price range music video, and also you’ve received an simple powerhouse anthem. The No. 1 hit additionally put Drake on the cusp of historical past, being that he’s now tied with Michael Jackson for essentially the most chart-topping singles by a male solo artist. Huge because the what???
Ice Spice & Nicki Minaj — “Princess Diana” (Remix)
Make a meme out of Ice Spice and he or she’ll flip it into successful tune; with “Princess Diana” the Bronx rapper let individuals know they had been heard. At first facetious, the comparisons between Ice and the late Princess of Wales began out as trending matter on-line, however along with her colloquial lyrics and down-to-earth perspective, Ice Spice proved she’s a real princess of the individuals.
“Princess Diana” hears producer RIOTUSA splice bass-heavy manufacturing with the frantic plucks of a repetitive guitar riff, and including Nicki Minaj into the combination solely pushes the observe’s enchantment additional. Appearing as a pseudo passing of the torch second between the seismic personalities, the duo capitalize on public opinion and efficiently insert Ice Spice into some of the well-known popular culture narratives of our time. Phrases: Rebecca Barglowski
Latto (Feat. Cardi B) — “Put It On Da Ground Once more”
There are few songs launched in 2023 that go as exhausting as Latto‘s “Put It on da Ground,” a menacing single produced by Go Grizzly, Squat and Pooh Beatz that’s liable to rattle trunks and AirPods alike. The unique model that includes simply Latto on her personal was instantly thrown into everybody’s “flip up” or “fitness center” playlist, however after Cardi B hopped on the remix it turned an anthem.
“Put It on da Ground Once more” is equal components perspective, bars and supply from two artists who rap like their lives depend upon it. It’s yet one more step on Latto’s ladder ascending in direction of being modern-day Hip Hop royalty however extra impressively, it’s affirmation Cardi B can nonetheless rap gun bars with the perfect of ’em.
Lil Durk (Feat. J. Cole) — “All My Life”
When J. Cole opens Lil Durk‘s “All My Life” by humbly rapping: “Durkio instructed me he been on some optimistic shit/ Recently I simply need to present up and physique some shit,” listeners ought to have recognized they had been in for a deal with.
In Hip Hop, it may be tough to make such an outwardly optimistic and uplifting tune not sound corny or pressured – particularly from one of many style’s finest drill rappers. Nonetheless, on this case, each the tune — which is the lead single from Durkio’s Virtually Healed album — and Durk’s “optimistic shit” period, really feel natural, considerate and maybe simply in time.
Tyler, The Creator — “DOGTOOTH”
Nobody has had a greater few years than Tyler, The Creator. The as soon as controversial Hip Hop prankster has change into some of the celebrated artists of the final 5 years thanks largely to what issues most: the music. From Flower Boy to Igor and now to the deluxe model of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Property Sale, the Odd Future co-founder has actually checked off a laundry checklist of musical bins.
“DOGTOOTH” is a seamless marriage between melodic Tyler and rapping for sport Tyler. The refrain of “She might journey my face, I don’t need nothing in return” is foolish, catchy and can possible be sung again to him at festivals for years to come back. In fact, in true Tyler vogue, he’s additionally the tune’s producer which suggests tons of dreamy synthesizers, dancing keys and loads of ad-libs.
Return to our Hip Hop Awards nomination web page for extra classes or take a look at the nominees for finest rap verse of 2023, finest rapper of the 12 months and largest comeback of 2023.
Try our earlier Hip Hop Tune of the Yr award winners.
Paintings and graphic design by JR Martinez.
Paragraphs written by Scotty Glaysher besides the place famous.
