a microphone, on a microphone stand, in front of a pick backgroundJOHN FRANCIS
2021 is swiftly coming to an end, but the good news is that we got a shocking amount of amazing new music this past year. And if you're looking for some rap songs to add to your playlist, you're really in luck, because there are SO MANY bangers that have dropped. So even if the world is continuing to, well, be the way it is, you can listen to these tunes and hope as hard as you can that we'll all be able to listen to them in a bar...without feeling nervous, that is.
Big names like Lil Nas X have put out new songs (and let me tell you, they're good) but there are also a few total must-listens from some lesser-known artists like Barlito and Blake Fades. If you're looking for a new bop to add to your workout playlist or just want a new song to jam out to, I've got you covered!
"The Jackie," by Bas (ft. J. Cole and Lil Tjay)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Prepare to become suuuuper obsessed with Bas after hearing this track, which also features the man and legend himself, J. Cole?!?! Also obsessable? That cutesy lil steel drum-esque instrumental running through the entire length of the song. Sorry if it gets stuck in your head. 😶
"REPEAT IT," by Lil Tecca, Gunna
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Not to be the person that suggests this, but the bass in the beat is perfect for blasting through your speakers during a late night drive down the highway. But you didn't hear it from me, 'kay?
"Motley Crew," by Post Malone
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
No, this song is not a homage to your parents' favorite heavy metal band of the '80s. It's instead about everyone wanting to party and share a hedonistic evening with Posty, which TBH, is kinda true?
"Rumors," by Lizzo feat. Cardi B
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Lizzo came back with a literal vengeance after a brief(ish) hiatus, but she's back and better than ever, addressing all the negativity she gets for simply existing. Let the haters eat cake, because hun is absolutely thriving RN!
"Industry Baby," by Lil Nax X, Jack Harlow
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Who else but Lil Nas X put out an entire video about his pending lawsuit with Nike, and turn it into a literal hit??? No one, that's who.
"UGLY," by Russ (ft. Lil Baby)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Nothing makes me want to roll up to a club in my most bad-ass outfit more than this song right here. Russ had a ton of hits in 2020 and honestly, I'm here to see how the rest of his 2021 is going to go.
"Moonlight," by NLE Choppa (ft. Big Sean)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
NLE Choppa and Big Sean? Ummm yes please! The music video might be kinda spooky but the song is all kinds of wonderful.
"Bad Boy," by Juice WRLD (ft. Young Thug)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This song came out and was an instant Billboard Top 10 hit, and it's not hard to see why. It's so damn good. All I want is to hear it blasting until the end of 2021.
"Goosebumps (Remix)," by Travis Scott and HVME
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Travis Scott hit us with a remix of "Goosebumps" earlier this year and, frankly, thank god. It's a pump-up song that needs to be added to your running playlist ASAP. Those infectious beat drops will keep you going.
"Buss It Flow," by Blake Fades
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
If you haven't heard of Blake Fades yet then I'm sorry to say you've been seriously missing out. Give his new "Buss It Flow" a listen and I guarantee you'll be an instant fan. You're welcome!
"State of the Union," by Marlon Craft
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Marlon Craft dropped this song on Trump's last full day as President, and it takes a (very bleak) look at the state of the country in the aftermath of his presidency. And even if you feel like you don't need another reminder about how terrible things are right now, this is absolutely a must-listen.
"Honkytonk," by Barlito (ft. Pop Hunna)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The music video might start with some kinda cringe-y acting, but OMG, I love this song. I'm calling it now that this could be a total summer bop. It's just got that light and happy feel that makes you wanna hear it poolside (with a drink in hand, ofc).
"Rosario," by Epik High
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
A Korean hip-hop trio making a Latin-inspired song may seem like way too much happening all at once, but something about this just totally works. One of the group members described the song as "the soundtrack that plays when you get your sweet revenge on your biggest enemy," and that's the kind of energy I need this year.
"Who's Yellen Now," by Dessa
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This song is a "Hamilton"-esque ode to Janet Yellen, the first-ever female Treasury Secretary who was sworn in earlier this month, and I am absolutely obsessed with it. Yellen even gave the song her stamp of approval and said it was "money," which is 100 percent true.