Best Rap Songs of the Decade (2010 - 2019)
From 2010 to 2019, the community of Hip-Hop has grown exponentially. The biggest music genre in the world is a title that belongs to us. Hip-Hop is no longer something on the fringe of society; if anything, it shapes society and has been the source of political discourse and growth for many. Therefore, to amass all of the songs of the decade and to pick five of which to be considered better than the rest is hard. To make the list, I took into lyrical prowess, the musical aspect and the overall impact that the song had on both the culture and in the eyes of the people outside of the community.
The list of honorable mentions is so long and extensive that it deserves its own list. 'Dreams and Nightmares' by Meek Mill can be sung by every rap enthusiast in Philadelphia and belong. The entire Midwest is well represented by 'No Problem' by Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. Eminem's super collaboration titled 'Detroit vs. Everybody' as well as Big Sean's 'Blessings' with Drake and Kanye West and 'Control'. The amount of songs that could've been put on this list was so extensive, that I decided to make a spotify playlist so that you may all enjoy it, here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0D5Fl6k2YpAeMyuBlmLI3U.
5. 'Love the Way You Lie' by Eminem featuring Rihanna
While Stans around the world could rial and revolt at my choice of putting 'Love The Way You Lie' above everything else that Eminem put out in the last decade, the impact of this track can still be felt almost ten years later. Lyrical proficiency was there, straddled with an eviscerating story of an abusive relationship and cradled by artists who had been on both sides of domestic abuse? The story told itself and brought both careers back to where they needed to be: at the top of their genres. It may not be 'Lucky You', 'Not Afraid' or even 'Bad Guy', but its a track that is loved by most people for good reasons.
4. 'Ni**as In Paris' by The Throne (Jay Z & Kanye West)
Jay Z and Kanye West putting out a track in which they are both rapping together? A full album together? In the early 2010's, the idea was unheard of. At least, until 'Ni**as In Paris' dropped and the world went cray in 2011. Watch the Throne gave us gems such as this, 'OTIS', 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'H.A.M'. But it all started with this bar filled, energetic single that is still being played at parties around the world.
3. 'This is America' by Childish Gambino
The first Hip-Hop song to win Best Song and Best Recording at the Grammys, 'This Is America' was undoubtedly make it onto this list. A brutal and amazing critique of American society through both the overly simplistic lyrics and blatantly obvious sarcasm that only Gambino can give, 'This is America' holds weight on its own. However, as did most people in 2018, watch the music video to get the full experience of this now seminole Hip-Hop track.
2. 'Alright' by Kendrick Lamar
Many of Kendrick Lamar's songs could feature on this list because the entire decade was very good to him. 'Swimming Pools', 'HUMBLE', 'King's Dead', 'm.a.a.d city', 'King Kunta'? How does one decide with K. Dot? The choice came down to the social issues that beset America at the time that 'Alright' came out: police brutality, rioting, economic, a pressing need for prison reform. To Pimp A Butterfly was a piece of its time, but the positivity that Lamar brings through the darkness and dread of the beat is proof that eventually, it'll all be alright.
1. 'The Motto (Remix)' by Drake featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga
It was 2011 and Hip-Hop is put on notice: 'The Motto' dropped. The number one slot had everything that was needed for a single. An established star featured with Lil Wayne - in the middle of his impressive features run -, Drake who's the present star with potential to spare and finally Tyga, the future of the game paired with stars. A bouncy beat produced by T-Minus that is easy to dance with the jerk and every other dance out there. Finally, 'YOLO' is popularized. Drake is a star. The rest is history for our number one slot.