50.
Jack Harlow (ft. DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne):

“WHATS POPPIN”

Arguably the song of the summer, this track finds a superstar cast competing for the hottest verse. Jack Harlow is here to stay.

When should you listen?
Big party (after quarantine, of course)

Listen: Jack Harlow (ft. DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne), “WHATS POPPIN”

49.
Beabadoobee:

“Dye It Red”

An alternative track, Beabadoobee comes into her own as she sings about making her own decisions, regardless of what others think.

When should you listen?
Leaving a toxic relationship

Listen: Beabadoobee, “Dye It Red”

48.
Brent Faiyaz:

“Fuck the World (Summer in London)”

A toxic summer vibe, Brent floats over the production with one of the most arrogant flows I’ve heard since The Weeknd’s “Reminder.” He’d probably be dead if he was basic.

When should you listen?
Leaving them on read

Listen: Brent Faiyaz, “Fuck the World (Summer in London)”

47.
HAIM:

“Gasoline”

A smooth, airy song, this track encapsulates the feelings of uncertainty in a relationship. The instrumental perfectly matches HAIM’s voice and the band shines through on this early album cut.

When should you listen?
Road trip to Zion

Listen: HAIM, “Gasoline”

46.
Big Sean (ft. Anderson .Paak, Earlly Mac & Wale):

“Guard Your Heart”

A simple, yet needed message for this year. Despite everything that goes on, Big Sean and supporting cast illustrate the need to stay focused and protect yourself at all costs.

When should you listen?
During your morning routine

Listen: Big Sean (ft. Anderson .Paak, Earlly Mac & Wale), “Guard Your Heart”

45.
6LACK:

“Outside”

A beautiful yet soft ballad for today’s times, 6LACK sings about searching for someone to be with once the pandemic ends and everyone can “go outside” again.

When should you listen?
Lovesick in 2020

Listen: 6LACK, “Outside”

44.
Lil Wayne (ft. Drake):

“B.B. King Freestyle”

One of the later releases of the year, “B.B. King Freestyle” is a reunion between the Young Money founder and protégé. Both Wayne and Drake come into the track hungry, competing for the best verse (hint: Wayne wins).

When should you listen?
In the library of a mansion

Listen: Lil Wayne (ft. Drake), “B.B. King Freestyle”

43.
EDEN:

“isohel”

A nostalgic ballad, Irish singer EDEN looks back on a time in which circumstances between him and a previous love interest were seemingly better. He uses the term “isohel” in hopes that his lover will one day return.

When should you listen?
Taking an intentional wrong turn on a long drive home

Listen: EDEN, “isohel”

42.
Trey Songz (ft. Summer Walker):

“Back Home”

One of the smoothest R&B songs of the year, Trey Songz & Summer Walker’s chemistry shines through as they question the true motive behind their actions.

When should you listen?
Running back to your ex

Listen: Trey Songz (ft. Summer Walker), “Back Home”

41.
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist:

“Babies & Fools”

Over a beautiful instrumental produced by The Alchemist, Gibbs & Conway reflect on their past transgessions and experiences.

When should you listen?
At Jon & Vinny’s

Listen: Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, “Babies & Fools”

40.
Ariana Grande:

“Positions”

The lead single from her latest album, “Positions” portrays Grande at her best. She exudes nonchalant confidence with the track and continues to redefine pop in 2020.

When should you listen?
After you play “Mixed Personalities” by YNW Melly

Listen: Ariana Grande, “Positions”

39.
Blu & Exile (ft. Jacinto Rhines):

“The Feeling”

A necessary, warm-hearted rap track for 2020, Blu spits with a hopeful tone over Exile’s nostaligic production. This track is down right inspiring and has the power to uplift anyone down bad.

When should you listen?
On the speaker while you play backyard basketball

Listen: Blu & Exile (ft. Jacinto Rhines), “The Feeling”

38.
Polo G:

“Martin & Gina”

A short, trap ballad comparing his relationship to the couple in the 90s sitcom Martin, Polo G shows his range as a rapper.

When should you listen?
When you’re holding down the relationship

Listen: Polo G, “Martin & Gina”

37.
Boldy James & Sterling Toles:

“Mommy Dearest (A Eulogy)”

A heartbreaking track that details Boldy’s experience with his mother, he pours his heart out over an amazing jazz instrumental. This song requires a listening ear, but is well worth the extra attention.

When should you listen?
Alone with headphones

Listen: Boldy James & Sterling Toles, “Mommy Dearest (A Eulogy)”

36.
Justin Bieber:

“At Least For Now”

The album closer to Changes, Justin Bieber reflects on his life with content. It’s not the catchiest or most emotional song from Justin, but his vocals backed by the piano allow it to stand out as one of his best.

When should you listen?
During a period of self-growth

Listen: Justin Bieber, “At Least For Now”

35.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again:

“To My Lowest”

This track has betrayal written all over it, and NBA Youngboy chooses not to lament in it. One of his most vulnerable tracks, Youngboy’s melodic flow makes this catchy, yet one of the realest songs of the year.

When should you listen?
When you’ve moved on

Listen: YoungBoy Never Broke Again, “To My Lowest”

34.
Jazmine Sullivan:

“Lost One”

Jazmine Sullivan returns with a powerful single about a lost love. She showcases her powerful vocal range, and you can hear the amount of emotion that went into this song. Would love to hear Frank Ocean cover this.

When should you listen?
Losing someone you love

Listen: Jazmine Sullivan, “Lost One”

33.
Russ (ft. Ty Dolla $ign):

“3AM”

A song for the late night booty call, Ty Dolla $ign floats over the instrumental with ease on the chorus. Russ comes through with a nice verse, but it’s Ty Dolla who steals the show here.

When should you listen?
After you send the “you up?” text

Listen: Russ (ft. Ty Dolla $ign), “3AM”

32.
Terrace Martin & Denzel Curry:

“Pig Feet”

A powerful track expressing frustration behind the immense prejudice to black lives, Denzel & Daylyt rap some of the best verses of the year over the Terrace Martin, jazzy instrumental. A must listen.

When should you listen?
To better understand the constant injustices to black lives

Listen: Terrace Martin & Denzel Curry, “Pig Feet”

31.
Lil Uzi Vert:

“Prices”

Sampling the beat from Travis Scott’s “Wayback,” this track is infectious. Lil Uzi continues to prove his ability to hold down a track with no help needed, finding pockets in his flows that could go on for days.

When should you listen?
The ascent into heaven

Listen: Lil Uzi Vert, “Prices”

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