50.
Glorilla:

HOLLON

One of the best hard rap songs of the year, Glorilla is defiant. On “HOLLON,” Glorilla lets listeners know that she’s on top of the game, with a powerful flow that bleeds right into the catchy chorus.

When should you listen?
Big stepping

Listen: Glorilla, HOLLON

49.
Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD (ft. Mereba):

Caroline

Baby Rose has one of the most unique voices in soul today, and “Caroline” is a prime example. Discussing her yearn for Caroline’s voice, Baby Rose sounds beautifully behind BADBADNOTGOOD’s jazzy production.

When should you listen?
A jazz club in Oslo

Listen: Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD (ft. Mereba), Caroline

48.
Peter Cat Recording Co.:

People Never Change

A brilliant song that involves the line “People never change, but I do,” this track is one that brings a tongue and cheek life to the party. The instrumentation is lush and the perfect accompaniment to a hero’s journey.

When should you listen?
On your own odyssey

Listen: Peter Cat Recording Co., People Never Change

47.
Doechii:

SLIDE

A smooth pop-rap track, Doechii shows her versatility as an artist as she creates an intoxicating song that rides smooth through the entire runtime. Doechii brings a fresh energy to rap that will only continue to lead to further success.

When should you listen?
Windows down in the summer

Listen: Doechii, SLIDE

46.
Westside Gunn (ft. Benny the Butcher, Boldy James, Conway the Machine & Stove Good Cooks):

Still Praying

A Griselda posse cut, “Still Praying” is like a Christmas present come early. Each rapper comes with their best, each sounding ruthless over a subtle beat that allows the rappers to sound like they’ve ascended to the top of a mountain.

When should you listen?
Mt. Olympus

Listen: Westside Gunn (ft. Benny the Butcher, Boldy James, Conway the Machine & Stove Good Cooks), Still Praying

45.
Freddie Gibbs:

On The Set

The only song released before his new album surprise released, “On The Set” finds Freddie Gibbs in a contemplative zone, reflecting on his own legacy as well as all the rappers who have died too early.

When should you listen?
Reflecting at night

Listen: Freddie Gibbs, On The Set

44.
Bilal:

Sunshine

A transient, jazzy vibe, BIlal writes an ode to his lover by comparing her to his sunshine. “Sunshine” is refreshing and warm, and Bilal continues to prove that he’s still very capable of dropping genre-pushing music.

When should you listen?
Summer in the city

Listen: Bilal, Sunshine

43.
Roc Marciano:

Goyard God

Roc Marciano is the Godfather of rap. On “Goyard God,” Roc Marciano demonstrates his aura with clever and hilarious punchlines. The production sounds sinister, pairing well with the eerie album cover.

When should you listen?
Little Italy

Listen: Roc Marciano, Goyard God

42.
Blu & Exile (ft. Pistol McFly & Cashus King):

Homies

A reflective track on the better days, “Homies” is a personal homage to friendship under the visual lens of Los Angeles. The concept is simple but is exec

When should you listen?
Reminiscing on the good times in Los Angeles

Listen: Blu & Exile (ft. Pistol McFly & Cashus King), Homies

41.
Cash Cobain (ft. Laila!):

problem

The posse cut has returned. On “problem,” a slew of different artists from the likes of 6LACK and Big Sean take their turn on flexing over the bouncy production. A song that sounds like it could have been released in 2017 and that’s not a bad thing.

When should you listen?
After the runway show

Listen: Cash Cobain (ft. Laila!), problem

40.
Ariana Grande:

we can’t be friends (wait for your love)

A catchy and somber pop track from Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” expresses the difficulties of moving on after the end of a relationship. Facing a tough reality, she opts to wait for her lover to return.

When should you listen?
When the party’s over

Listen: Ariana Grande, we can’t be friends (wait for your love)

39.
Kamasi Washington (ft. André 3000):

Dream State

An 8 minute jazz epic, Kamasi Washington teams up with André 3000 on the flute to craft an avant-garde piece that envelops the listener into an alternate place. Both artists complement each other nicely.

When should you listen?
After incense and meditation

Listen: Kamasi Washington (ft. André 3000), Dream State

38.
Mach-Hommy:

HOLY ____

The final track to Mach-Hommy’s latest, “HOLY ____” is a masterclass of rap. Over a Conductor Williams beat, Mach-Hommy floats in braggadocio, maintaining his position as one of rap’s underground elites.

When should you listen?
Getting the recognition you always deserved

Listen: Mach-Hommy, HOLY ____

37.
Smino (ft. Cousin Stizz):

Nokia

A fun trap track that exudes with swagger, Smino carries this song with his usual nonchalance and brilliant flow patterns. Cousin Stizz also provides a nice verse on the latter half, making for an enjoyable listen.

When should you listen?
Aux with the crew

Listen: Smino (ft. Cousin Stizz), Nokia

36.
Fousheé:

birds, bees

The intro track to Fousheé’s latest album, “birds, bees” brings the listener into a new soundscape, one that sounds like it belongs on a beach in the Caribbean. Fousheé’s angelic voice pairs well with the woodwind instrument in the production.

When should you listen?
Relaxing on a beach

Listen: Fousheé, birds, bees

35.
Boldy James:

Stamps in the Middle

A big year for Boldy James with the release of three albums, “Stamps in the Middle” is a victory lap for the Detroit veteran who knows how to tell street tales in ways most rappers could only dream.

When should you listen?
Top floor of the skyscraper

Listen: Boldy James, Stamps in the Middle

34.
Lupe Fiasco:

Samurai

A lyrical exercise that Lupe Fiasco gets off with ease, “Samurai” is Lupe channeling his inner samurai, with each bar cutting harder than a liquid sword. Lupe Fiasco continues to show that he deserves a spot on the best lyricists list.

When should you listen?
Before the contemporary kaiseki

Listen: Lupe Fiasco, Samurai

33.
Childish Gambino:

A Place Where Love Goes

The final song to Gambino’s new album, “A Place Where Love Goes” finishes on a maximalist note. Fusing elements of pop, rap, and rock, Gambino lets his listeners know he is the epitome of multifaceted talent.

When should you listen?
Stadium arena

Listen: Childish Gambino, A Place Where Love Goes

32.
Khruangbin:

May Ninth

Khruangbin's "May Ninth" is a dreamy track that blends soft vocals with their signature bass-heavy, psychedelic sound. The song sounds dreamy and wistful, ideal for a calm day spent exploring outside.

When should you listen?
A special day in Norway

Listen: Khruangbin, May Ninth

31.
MAVI:

drunk prayer

MAVI is at his most vulnerable on “drunk prayer,” a slower rap song that explains the turmoils he’s experienced over the past few years. With background vocals on the hook from Jordan Ward, this track is hypnotic and intoxicating.

When should you listen?
Confessional

Listen: MAVI, drunk prayer

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