ICYMI, These Are Seriously the Best New Rap Songs of 2020
Look, this year has been...not so great. In terms of rap music, though, it’s been pretty phenomenal! We’ve been given plenty of new songs to vibe to in our bedrooms and use at the center of our TikToks. Not only do they slap now, but they’ll hit different when we can one day dance to them in a crowded bar. From hip-hop bangers that reflect on successful careers to tracks that’ll make you want to D-U-M-P him to powerful BLM protest anthems, these are the best new rap songs rn. Oh and now that 2020 is looking slightly better, I’m sure there will be a few more stellar songs before the year’s out.
“WAP,” by Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion
Everything about this song is I-C-O-N-I-C. The highly empowering anthem is unapologetically sexy, independent, confident–you name it. Don’t even get me started on the music video.
Notable lyrics: “I don't cook, I don't clean / But let me tell you how I got this ring (ayy, ayy)”
“I Like Him,” by Princess Nokia
IDK about y’all, but this will be the theme song in my head when going out to meet new people is safe again. High standards who??
Notable lyrics: “I'm taking a shower, he making the bed / When I leave the city, I leave him on read”
“The Adventures Of Moon Man & Slim Shady,” by Kid Cudi and Eminem
It’s no surprise that Kid Cudi and Eminem’s first song together (believe it or not!) slaps. They touch on everything from Kid Cudi’s time in rehab to the pandemic to police brutality. They definitely get real.
Notable lyrics: “Half of us walking around like a zombie apocalypse / Other half are just pissed off and (yeah) / Don't wanna wear a mask…” and “How the fuck is it that so many cops are dirty?”
“Daisy,” by Ashnikko
This song oozes with contagious confidence, and that’s the way Ashnikko intended it. She was going for “very dominatrix boss bitch lyrics,” which she imagines is sung by a vigilante character who “kills rapists and leaves behind daisies as a calling card,” the singer told Wonderland Magazine. We stan.
Notable lyrics: “F*ck a princess, I'm a king / Bow down and kiss on my ring” and “Only trust a fella for some light amusement”
“Pretty Bitch Freestyle,” by Saweetie
Saweetie gets personal in this track as she spits bars about her lifestyle, college, being in demand, and how she’d be a billionaire if she leaked her sex tape. Of course, the accompanying low-budget music vid makes the song even more intimate as she dances around her home wearing gloriously long red nails.
Notable lyrics: “I was in my dorm stressed out with my roomie / Now I'm in a Benz, stretched out 'cause it's roomy”
“The Climb Back,” by J. Cole
J. Cole wastes no time going straight into deep questions in this song, starting out with asking: “Are you doin' this work to facilitate growth or to become famous? / Which is more important?” I mean... makes ya think!
Notable lyrics: “Why do lies sound pleasant but the truth hurtful? / Everybody gotta cry once in a while / But how long will it take 'fore you smile?”
“The Bigger Picture,” by Lil Baby
A lot of rappers have produced powerful lyrics and music videos related to the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, and Lil Baby’s “The Bigger Picture” is one that truly stands out. It hits on systemic oppression and ends with a hopeful call to action.
Notable lyrics: “It’s bigger than black and white / It’s a problem with the whole way of life / It can’t change overnight / But we gotta start somewhere / Might as well gon’ ’head start here”
“Savage (Remix),” by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
This is the collab we didn’t know we needed. The remix is even more incredible than the OG song. Who knew that was possible?? Beyoncé. That’s who.
Notable lyrics: “I’m a boss, I’m a leader, I pull up in my two-seater / And my momma was a savage got this sh*t from Tina”
“Toosie Slide,” by Drake
If you haven’t filmed a TikTok dance to this song, do you even have a TikTok? Also, ICYMI, this song acts as a step-by-step guide for how to moonwalk like Michael Jackson if you really pay attention to it.
Notable lyrics: “If it’s not the right time, there’ll always be another time”
“Leader of the Delinquents,” by Kid Cudi
One good aspect of 2020: Kid Cudi is back with a new solo track in which he deems himself the “leader of the delinquents” as he takes an honest look at battling inner demons.
Notable lyrics: “I won’t stop till I’m where I wanna be in line / And there’s so many things to do in the in-between time”
“Will (Remix),” by Joyner Lucas and Will Smith
While Joyner Lucas’s original version is pretty epic, throwing the Fresh Prince himself in there takes it to another level. There are also some “aww” moments that will leave you feeling inspired.
Notable lyrics: “I feel like a prince that turned to a king (ayy) / Found me a queen, started a family and got me a team” and “I just wanted the respect first, I still ain’t never lettin’ fame change me”
“Lockdown,” by Anderson .Paak
Don’t let the calming beat of this song fool you: It’s packed with reflections on 2020. From coronavirus woes to lyrics about the widespread BLM protests, this song tackles everything. To completely feel its impact, watch the music video until the very end.
Notable lyrics: “Lil tear gas cleared the whole place out / I’ll be back with the hazmat for the next round”
“Rockstar,” by DaBaby feat. Roddy Ricch
Here we have yet another song proven to be perfect for TikTok dances. Bonus: The music video is basically a little movie featuring DaBaby and Roddy Ricch fighting off zombies.
Notable lyrics: “You fool me one time, you can’t cross me again”
“Movin’ Different,” by Wale feat. McClenney
This song focuses on protests and the militarization of police, so it captures 2020 in a nutshell. It has been one hell of a year (already) that will change the world, so it feels right that it would influence music too.
Notable lyrics: “If I could be right next to you / Who my ally? Who my enemy? / Who is who?”
“Need a Minute,” by Russ
As part of his latest album Shake the Snow Globe, Russ opens with this song, in which he reflects on his growth. Let’s just say…you might need a minute (or 40) to bask in the glory of it and the rest of the album.
Notable lyrics: “Still in the basement / Just the basement’s a little bit bigger now”
“B.I.T.C.H.,” by Megan Thee Stallion
Megan gets super real in this song as she confronts a guy who’s the epitome of a hypocrite. If you’ve ever dealt with someone who says one thing and does another, you’ll hard-core relate.
Notable lyrics: “You say you want respect, well, treat me how you wanna be treated / You told me keep it real, but you don’t practice what you preachin’”
“Upside Down,” by Royce da 5'9" feat. Ashley Sorrell and Benny the Butcher
In this track from his latest album The Allegory, Royce da 5'9" hits us with some killer lyricism. With a soft hook from Ashley Sorrell and a verse from Benny the Butcher, it’s pure gold.
Notable lyrics: “Remember, the effort has to go into the art, not the wave”
“Life Is Good,” by Future feat. Drake
This is pretty much two songs in one, and that’s why it works. You get a little bit of Drake and a little bit of Future, plus they throw out some relatable lines.
Notable lyrics: “Haven’t done my taxes / I’m too turnt up” and “Wine by the glass / Your man a cheapskate, huh?”
“Godzilla,” by Eminem feat. Juice WRLD
Eminem raps extremely fast in this one—like, 224 words (328 syllables) at 7.46 words per second (10.93 syllables per second) in the final 30 seconds of the third verse…to be exact. *cue your jaw drop*
Notable lyrics: “How can I have all these fans and perspire? / Like a liar’s pants, I’m on fire / And I got no plans to retire and I’m still the man you admire”
“Yikes,” by Nicki Minaj
If you’re still concerned at all about Nicki Minaj retiring, here’s proof that there’s no need to worry. She’s back with a hit she says is a setup for her fifth album. Yes, Nicki, give us more!
Notable lyrics: “I play tag and you it for life (woo, life) / Yikes (yikes), you a clown, you do it for likes”
“Blue World,” by Mac Miller
With an electronic touch, this song continues to show how the late Mac Miller was always unequivocally himself. It truly is a blue, blue world without this man.
Notable lyrics: “Well, it’s a mad world, it made me crazy / Might just turn around, do 180 / I ain’t politicking, I ain’t kissing no babies”
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