Best Rap Songs of 2019
A general way to look at 2019 would be to say that the year was refreshing. The music felt happier and artists almost seemed like they cared. The people that we are used to seeing at the top such as Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z and Drake didn't blow up the charts, even though they each had successes in other aspects of their careers. In terms of the billboards, we got to rejoice with newer artists and to that, I say cheers. So let's enjoy what was a good year for Hip-Hop music with the Best Rap Songs of the Year.
Underdog Choice Song of the Year:
I won't say that the artists is perfectly underground with a very strong following, therefore I changed it and called the Underdog Choice Song of the Year. 'Talking to the Landlord' by Patrik and Just John is a powerful track with lyrical content, proof of sound technique and a well dressed beat. It is worth a listen and I would like to give this track a spotlight.
Before we begin with the list, there are the ever obvious tracks that were great, but didn't crack the list. The most featured artists of the list was J. Cole, who could be called the biggest artist of 2019 after releasing a flurry of featuring verses on Gang Starr's 'Family and Loyalty' and 21 Savage's 'A Lot' to name but two. To add to the list would be Chance the Rapper, who released his first album, The Big Day, which has the powerful party/love song 'I Got You (Forever and Always)'. Finally, the marathon continues with 'Higher', an amazing song off of DJ Khaled's Father of Asahd, featuring the late great Nipsey Hussle and John Legend. A lot of songs could've easily taken spots as the year was very strong, but not everyone could make it.
5. 'EARFQUAKE' by Tyler, the Creator
At the end of the list comes 'Earfquake', what could be considered the most sonically impressive song of the year. With a powerful message, it straddles the line between rhythm n' blues and Hip-Hop, but casually enters due to the bridge. Tyler proves why how powerful he is lyrically in the IGOR project, but this specific track is such a beautiful song that it has to take the cake and a spot on this list.
4. 'Hot Girl Summer' by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign
It's triumphant, anthemic and such a powerful bump that takes the fourth spot. 'Hot Girl Summer' by Megan Thee Stallion gives a slower flow than the machine gun that she normally totes. A solid Nicki Minaj follows and is all brought together by Ty Dolla $ign - who says nonsense that has nothing to do with the empowerment of women other than saying it's hot girl summer. Its a solid song that is so well placed and rightfully the song of the summer in the clubs this year.
3. 'The London' by Young Thug feat. Travis Scott & J. Cole
Off of Young Thug's So Much Fun project, 'The London' takes the third spot on this year's list. Shouldered by a bumping base on a simple beat, the track is something that can be heard in every party since its been released. Its quotable verses from Thug, Cole and Scott are some of the best singular verses delivered this year and prove why each of them have such sustainable careers. Therefore, let's bump to the song and forget that they're talking about a hotel and not a city.
2. 'Suge' by DaBaby
Flow. Beat. Bars. Voice. DaBaby is different. He brings out the best on every track, but 'Suge' is one of the strongest tracks in his yet burgeoning career. The second spot is easily taken by DaBaby's lead single; it just sounds so good and is so easy to dance on. It also manages to give the "I made it and feel good now that I get attention, women and money" in a way that feels different than what everyone generally gives
1. 'Middle Child' by J. Cole
The top spot goes to J. Cole's 'Middle Child'. While the song was released at the very beginning of the calendar year, the strength comes with how durable it was. People listened to it in the winter, spring, summer, fall and winter again. It's been an impeccable earworm that carried weight. From the moment that the triumphant horns sound, you can feel that Cole is coming to take over. Not to mention that the lyrical tact on the track was that of a seasoned pro who seems annoyed by everyone counting him out? It was fire and deserves that top spot.