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 1 . Kendrick Lamar - Not Like UsReleased in May 2024, Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" is a diss track aimed at Canadian rapper Drake, marking the fifth installment in Lamar's public dispute with him. Produced by Mustard, the song features violins, piano, and rhythmic percussions to create an urgent, intense atmosphere, while the music video includes symbolic scenes, such as Kendrick smashing an owl-shaped piñata, a direct reference to Drake's OVO logo. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received multiple Grammy nominations for 2025. The music video is directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
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 2 . Lil Nas X - Old Town Road - Remix (w/ )Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus's "Old Town Road (Remix)" blends rap and country, propelled by YoungKio's sample of Nine Inch Nails' "34 Ghosts IV." This genre-mixing phenomenon saw unprecedented success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks. Its music video spans from the 1889 Wild West to modern urban settings, with appearances by Chris Rock, Rico Nasty, Diplo, and Vince Staples. The remix, in response to the original song's removal from the country charts, sparked discussions on genre barriers. Billy Ray Cyrus, known for "Achy Breaky Heart," adds his country flair, furthering the track's appeal and legacy as a cultural touchpoint. The music video is directed by Calmatic
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 3 . King Von - Took Her To The OKing Von's "Took Her To The O," produced by Chopsquad DJ, recounts a vivid story set in his Chicago neighborhood, O'Block, a known hub for crime and violence. The track captures the essence of Chicago drill with grim tales of relationships, street life, and loyalty. Posthumously released, it reached the Billboard Hot 100's 47th position and earned double platinum certification. King Von's detailed narrative style offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the realities of life in Chicago's South Side. The music video is directed by Joan Pabon Featured on the album Welcome to O'Block
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 4 . King Von - Armed & DangerousSet against a stark piano loop, "Armed & Dangerous" unfurls a first-person account of street survival, paranoia, and the weight of past deeds. King Von juxtaposes the unpredictability of life in the trenches with the eerie calm of routine danger. Every verse threads through encounters with law enforcement, fleeting moments of normalcy, and looming threats, portraying a world where trust is scarce and caution is constant. The music video is directed by Jerry Productions
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 5 . Glorilla - Whatchu Kno About Me (w/ Sexyy Red)"Whatchu Kno About Me" by GloRilla and Sexyy Red embodies a crunk revival laced with infectious bravado. Its beat punches hard, sampling Lil Boosie's 2007 hit "Wipe Me Down," tethering nostalgia to modern swagger. The chorus oozes confidence, echoing empowerment themes, while verses flicker between witty flexes and unapologetic declarations of dominance. Produced by Yo Gotti, Ace Charisma, and Lil' Ronnie, the track is sonically polished yet feral, its energy refusing to stay contained. The music video, directed by Benny Boom, amplifies the song's personality, juxtaposing pink-saturated aesthetics with gritty beauty salon/barbershop settings. Fur coats, metallic bikinis, and cameos from Boosie Badazz nod to over-the-top glamour without sinking into caricature. Charting impressively across U.S. and global rankings, its success is partially owed to its ability to honor crunk's origins while keeping its sonic edge sharp. Male-dominated hip-hop spaces feel challenged here, not with preachy undertones, but with its infectious, no-holds-barred stance. Though certified Gold by the RIAA, the track's cultural merit lies in its unrelenting embodiment of audacious, female-led crunk energy. The music video is directed by Benny Boom
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 6 . Wrekonize - ZombiesIn "Zombies," Miami-based rapper Wrekonize delves into the dehumanizing effects of modern life, likening individuals' struggles to a zombie-like existence. The track's dark, trap-infused beats and rock elements underscore Wrekonize's reflections on society's emotional numbness. Known for his association with Strange Music, Wrekonize uses the zombie metaphor to capture the challenges of alienation and inner battles faced in a materialistic world. The music video is directed by Cameron Logan Cox
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 7 . Lil Baby - Emotionally Scarred"Emotionally Scarred" unpacks Lil Baby’s ambivalent relationship with fame, fortified by early scars and mistrust that trace back to age thirteen. Backed by Twysted Genius's production, the track steers clear of sentimentality, opting instead for a cool introspection wrapped in melodic contours. Its remix, "Different Day," arrives courtesy of NLE Choppa a month later, reframing the original’s emotional architecture through sharper edges. The music video is directed by Keemotion Featured on the album My Turn
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 8 . Twice - Strategy (w/ Megan Thee Stallion)Interpolating a 2000s R&B hook, "Strategy" pairs Twice with Megan Thee Stallion for a track that turns romantic cynicism into an art form. Slinky production underpins lyrics dissecting emotional one-upmanship, where love is less about affection and more about chess moves. The video shifts between neon-lit glamour and metaphor-laden vignettes, amplifying the song's theme of relationships as a calculated game where sincerity is optional and strategy is key. The music video is directed by Lafic
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 9 . Eminem - Godzilla (w/ Juice Wrld)Eminem's collaboration with Juice WRLD, "Godzilla," from 2020, features Eminem's rapid-fire delivery, hitting 11 syllables per second. As Juice WRLD's first posthumous release, the track pays homage to his unique talent, with a video cameo from Mike Tyson and Dr. Dre. In December 2023, it became part of Fortnite's "The Big Bang" event, complete with an Eminem-themed skin, and was also included in Beat Saber's "Hip Hop Mixtape." Produced by D.A. Doman with Eminem, the track balances bravado and themes of mental health struggles, with Juice WRLD's melodic chorus adding depth. The music video is directed by Cole Bennett Featured on the album Music to Be Murdered By
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 10 . King Von, Lil Durk - Remix - Crazy Story“Crazy Story” marks King Von’s debut, a raw narrative cast in gritty realism where a simple setup—a robbery gone sideways—weaves into something far messier. Told entirely from a first-person perspective, it traces the chain reaction triggered by a friend’s plan, blending cold logic, impulsive choices, and quick retribution. Released in 2018 via Only the Family and Empire, it spawns two sequels, all featured on "Grandson, Vol. 1." The song appears on "Only The Family Involved Vol. 2" and peaks at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100. King Von, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett in Chicago, pivots to music after prison in 2018, using storytelling not as ornament but as infrastructure. The music video is directed by Zae
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 11 . 21 Savage - Redrum21 Savage's "Redrum," produced by London on da Track, uses an eerie sample from Brazilian singer Elza Laranjeira's "Serenata do Adeus." The song references "The Shining" with "redrum" spelling "murder" backward, mirroring the dark themes of street violence and survival in Atlanta. Usher's vocal contribution in the outro adds a haunting layer, quoting "Here's Johnny!" from the iconic film. With a trap foundation and Savage's characteristic intense lyrics, "Redrum" reached the 5th spot on the Billboard Hot 100, embodying both symbolic and literal portrayals of violence. The music video is directed by Danny Seth Featured on the album American Dream
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 12 . Youngboy Never Broke Again - Self ControlReleased in September 2019, "Self Control" by YoungBoy Never Broke Again opens his twelfth mixtape, "AI YoungBoy 2," with reflections marked by grief, restraint, and the pull of past vices. Produced by DJ Swift, CashMoneyAP, and Drum Dummie, the track drapes melancholic melodies over a 155 BPM tempo in F# Minor, while YoungBoy toggles between rapping and singing his haunted observations. The music video stages his release from East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, complete with family embraces, emotional recalibrations, and a girlfriend waiting just past the gates. Born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, the Baton Rouge artist threads personal trials with lyrical candor, even as legal turbulence continues to shadow his prolific output. Peaking at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, the track goes double platinum, a quiet nod to its resonance without the chest-beating often seen in its genre peers. The music video is directed by Louie Knows
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 13 . Pooh Shiesty - Back In Blood (w/ Lil Durk)Released in November 2020, "Back in Blood" by Pooh Shiesty, featuring Lil Durk, embodies the drill genre. The song's aggressive lyrics address themes of loyalty, violence, and retribution, with Pooh's dynamic voice balanced by Lil Durk's melodic verse. It peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. The music video is directed by Jerry PHD Featured on the album Shiesty Season
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 14 . Yung Bleu - You're Mines Still (w/ )Yung Bleu's "You're Mines Still," later remixed with Drake, explores lingering feelings after a breakup. Produced by Hitmaka and reaching the Billboard Hot 100's 18th spot, the song combines acoustic guitar loops with trap influences, reflecting on themes of regret, possessiveness, and nostalgia. Drake's verse, added after DeMarcus Cousins facilitated their connection, complements Bleu's contemplative tone, creating an emotional narrative of unresolved past relationships. The music video is directed by Edgar Esteves, Jon Primo Featured on the album (ep)
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 15 . Jessie Murph, Jelly Roll - Wild OnesJessie Murph and Jelly Roll's "Wild Ones" fuses country, pop, and rap, with production by Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman. With a hip-hop beat underscored by acoustic guitar samples, the song explores attraction toward those with a rebellious lifestyle. Landing at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving double platinum status in the US and Canada, "Wild Ones" intertwines Murph's powerful vocals with introspective themes of love, loss, and personal struggles. The music video is directed by Thomas Falcone Featured on the album That Ain't No Man That's the Devil
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 16 . Rod Wave - 25Rod Wave cuts a raw and introspective figure with "25," a track steeped in themes of isolation and emotional turbulence. The song weaves through the frailty of relationships in an era dominated by social media's fleeting connections. Producer EELmatic crafts a soundscape merging trap-soul with lush R&B textures, offering a melancholy yet hypnotic backdrop. The lyrics expose the weight of solitude and yearning for authenticity, grounding the track in personal vulnerability. Rod Wave's signature vocal delivery oscillates between rapped verses and mournful melodies, amplifying the song's emotional resonance. Though not a chart-topping anthem, the track ripples with reflective energy, echoing the broader themes of his album "Last Lap." This is not just an exercise in crafting relatable pain but a poignant commentary on the paradoxes of modern relationships. The music video is directed by Cam Videos
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 17 . Future - Life Is Good (w/ Drake)"Life Is Good" pairs Future and Drake in a track that moves between their contrasting styles, with Drake laying out a steady, reflective flow before Future shifts gears into his familiar trap cadence. The music video plays with irony, casting the two rappers in everyday jobs—flipping burgers, fixing cars, and hauling trash—while nodding to the wealth their careers afford them. Later included on Future's "High Off Life," the song racks up milestones, earning a Diamond certification from the RIAA. This collaboration joins their earlier efforts, reinforcing their ongoing creative partnership. The music video is directed by Julien Christian Lutz
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 18 . Glorilla, Cardi B - Tomorrow 2The remix "Tomorrow 2" sees GloRilla and Cardi B taking to New York City's streets, merging GloRilla's gritty Memphis rap roots with Cardi's Bronx bravado. Produced by Macaroni Toni, the track climbed to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video features GloRilla "ghost riding" neon-lit cars, dancing in bodegas and on subway platforms, as Cardi joins her atop a rooftop for a high-energy celebration. The collaboration exemplifies a blend of street resilience and rising success, carried by HitKidd's signature production. The music video is directed by Diesel Filmz Featured on the album Anyways, Life's Great (ep)
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 19 . Drake - Laugh Now Cry Later (w/ Lil Durk)Drake and Lil Durk's "Laugh Now Cry Later," produced by Cardo, Rogét Chahayed, and others, explores themes of success, fame, and personal challenges. Shot at Nike's Beaverton headquarters, the video includes appearances from athletes like Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr., and Marshawn Lynch. The song, which hit the Billboard Hot 100's number two spot, captures Drake's reflections on balancing life's pleasures with its difficulties, woven into a melodic trap beat. The music video is directed by Dave Meyers
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 20 . Bigxthaplug - The LargestProduced by Bandplay and Tony Coles, "The Largest" repurposes War’s “Slippin' into Darkness” into a landscape of assertive basslines and lyrical bravado. BigXthaPlug juxtaposes past hardship with present affluence, dropping lines like “Moved out the trenches, now look how we live” and “Deposit a check, s***, my bank full of Ms.” Released in August 2024, the track peaks at number 71 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, BigXthaPlug pivots from football to rap after incarceration, debuting in 2020 with Bacc From the Dead before appearing on 2024’s XXL Freshman list. The music video is directed by Jerry Morka Featured on the album Take Care
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ABOUT AMERICAN HIP-HOPDefinitions & Record LabelsWhile hip-hop culture spreads worldwide, resonating across generations and diverse cultural settings, it remains fundamentally an American expression. Its roots and codes, grounded in the social and historical realities of the United States, still define its core values and aesthetics. Emerging in the United States in the 1970s, hip-hop initially comprised rap, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti. Over time, it birthed a variety of styles and subgenres like gangsta rap, conscious rap, mumble rap, and, more recently, trap and drill. In the 2020s, hip-hop, rap, trap, and drill stand as dominant musical styles, fusing influences from rock, pop, and R&B. Each evolves continually to reflect the socio-economic and cultural realities of urban American youth, touching on everything from street life to wealth and the highs and lows of fame. Trap is defined by its syncopated beats and the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine, known for deep bass and sharp hi-hats. Drill is characterized by its dark beats, minimalist percussion, and raw lyrics, often centered on urban life. The 2020s also bring an increasing diversification of hip-hop, rap, and trap subgenres across American urban centers. Each region retains unique characteristics while incorporating new influences, reflecting hip-hop’s ongoing evolution. Key Record LabelsIn the 2020s, several record labels dominate hip-hop and trap production and promotion in the United States:
Foundational Cities: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and DetroitNew York and Drill As the birthplace of hip-hop, New York remains significant in the 2020s, blending traditional boom-bap with contemporary drill, thanks to artists like Pop Smoke who redefined the city’s musical identity. Influenced by Chicago drill, New York drill uses dark, repetitive beats, deep bass, and rapid rhythms. Artists like Fivio Foreign and Sheff G add trap elements, exploring themes tied to urban life. British producers, such as AXL Beats, bring grime influences into collaborations with New York artists, enhancing the genre with electronic elements and intense percussion. Chicago and Drill’s Evolution Chicago drill continues to shape music in the 2020s, incorporating trap and melodic rap. Lil Durk and Polo G lead a new wave, featuring introspective lyrics and catchy melodies, presenting a more emotional sound. These Chicago artists often touch on complex subjects, taking drill beyond its raw beginnings and into a versatile, accessible style. The West Coast and Conscience Rap Fusion On the West Coast, particularly in Los Angeles, 2020s rap trends blend conscious rap and trap. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Roddy Ricch incorporate social and political themes into their work. This style, influenced by traditional G-funk and jazz-rap, features sophisticated production with samples and synthesizers. California’s scene leans into melodic and experimental production, emphasizing bass and light percussion to highlight lyrical clarity. Detroit and the Legacy of Raw and Experimental Rap Detroit asserts itself in 2020s hip-hop with a distinctive style, recognizable by its fast, minimalist beats, often built around simple yet intense piano or synth loops. Far beyond the influence of Eminem, the city has produced notable artists like Big Sean, Tee Grizzley, and 42 Dugg, who embody a raw, straightforward rap, addressing themes of survival and ambition closely tied to the city’s realities. Detroit also stands out for its vibrant and innovative underground scene, with figures like Danny Brown and Sada Baby exploring experimental and unconventional sounds. New Hubs of Trap and Drill: Atlanta, Memphis, and LouisianaAtlanta and Melodic Trap Atlanta remains a leader in trap music throughout the 2020s, shifting towards a more melodic approach. Artists like Lil Baby and Gunna spearhead this trend with autotune, fluid melodies, and classic trap beats. This trap style emphasizes atmospheric instrumentation and vocal harmonies, centering on personal themes. Key producers like Turbo and Wheezy use advanced sampling and programming, adding depth to Atlanta’s soundscape. Memphis, Tennessee, and Revitalized Crunk Memphis holds its status in rap, with crunk’s aggressive beats and driving rhythms. Artists like Moneybagg Yo and Key Glock adapt this style, blending trap elements and heavy bass. Memphis production emphasizes heavy beats, minimalist rhythms, and quick hi-hats, creating a dark, intense atmosphere. Producers like Tay Keith modernize Memphis’s sound, combining trap elements with the raw energy of crunk. Louisiana and Trap-Influenced Bounce In Louisiana, especially New Orleans and Baton Rouge, bounce – a lively hip-hop subgenre – is adapted in the 2020s by artists like NBA YoungBoy and Kevin Gates. This style blends bounce’s rhythmic energy with trap influences, producing a distinctive sound with an intense and introspective edge. Louisiana’s rap is characterized by rapid beats and repetitive vocal samples typical of bounce, influenced by local socio-economic conditions, with lyrics often addressing survival and success. Local producers like DJ BlaqNMild modernize bounce by integrating electronic and trap elements while preserving Louisiana’s celebratory spirit. Regional Scenes and Innovation: Houston, San Francisco, and FloridaHouston and Chopped and Screwed Legacy Though less prominent today, Houston’s chopped and screwed style still impacts modern artists. Travis Scott, a major figure in this scene, incorporates elements of this technique, creating psychedelic, immersive atmospheres. Texas producers like Mike Dean experiment with sound distortions and slower tempos, emphasizing the emotional impact of Houston’s sound. Florida and High-Energy Rap In South Florida, rap is defined by raw energy and strong club culture influences. Artists like Kodak Black and Hotboii use fast rhythms, impactful bass, and sharp lyrics to convey intensity. This style, though intense, also incorporates an introspective approach, where minimalistic production foregrounds personal stories and the challenges faced by artists from modest backgrounds. San Francisco and the Hyphy Renaissance In the San Francisco Bay Area, the hyphy movement experiences a resurgence. New artists update hyphy with trap influences, reaching broader audiences. Artists like 24kGoldn blend rapid rhythms with pop melodies. Local producers experiment with electronic elements, making hyphy more accessible outside California. |
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