100.
Of Monsters and Men:

"Little Talks" (2011)

Icelandic folk band Of Monsters and Men began to create a presence with the release of “Little Talks,” an alternative single with an infectious tune about a shared connection that will return safely to shore soon.

When should you listen?
Driving down the streets of Iceland with the windows down.

Listen: Of Monsters and Men, "Little Talks" (2011)

99.
Cardi B:

"Bodak Yellow" (2017)

Cardi B’s breakout hit is one of the hardest rap songs of the decade, creating a one-two punch that solidified Cardi into a stardom that led to a critically acclaimed debut album.

When should you listen?
The strip club.

Listen: Cardi B, "Bodak Yellow" (2017)

98.
Lil Baby & Gunna:

"Drip Too Hard" (2018)

Atlanta duo Lil Baby & Gunna flaunt about drowning in drip with one of the catchiest hooks in new wave rap. The two balance each other melodically and are able to captivate the listener throughout each verse.

When should you listen?
Magic City, ATL.

Listen: Lil Baby & Gunna, "Drip Too Hard" (2018)

97.
Nipsey Hussle (ft. YG):

"Last Time That I Checc'd" (2018)

Prior to his unfortunate passing, Neighborhood Nip and YG came together for one of the hardest hitting west coast bangers of the decade. Crips and bloods unite, while two of the biggest reps of each trade verses about issues larger than gang violence.

When should you listen?
The moment your plane touches down in LAX.

Listen: Nipsey Hussle (ft. YG), "Last Time That I Checc'd" (2018)

96.
Lana Del Rey:

"Born to Die" (2011)

An introduction to a refreshing sultry yet seductive sound, Lana begins to transport the listener into a new atmosphere reminiscent of old Hollywood noir films. No one has been able to match this sentiment to date and Lana has only evolved since this release.

When should you listen?
During a post-modern contemporary art class.

Listen: Lana Del Rey, "Born to Die" (2011)

95.
Wiz Khalifa (ft. Juicy J):

"The Plan" (2012)

Though not one of the biggest hits of the past ten years, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J create a calm, boastful energy that is perfect to listen to in almost any setting. Both artists rap at peak maturity while still dropping lyrical gems.

When should you listen?
After securing a paycheck.

Listen: Wiz Khalifa (ft. Juicy J), "The Plan" (2012)

94.
21 Savage (ft. J. Cole):

"A Lot" (2018)

The self-proclaimed middle child and assumed younger brother rap over soulful production, discussing how their lives have changed since achieving “a lot.” This is 21 Savage proving versatility without sacrificing his menacing voice.

When should you listen?
After securing a pay raise.

Listen: 21 Savage (ft. J. Cole), "A Lot" (2018)

93.
Chief Keef (ft. Lil Reese):

“I Don’t Like” (2012)

Serving as a blueprint for trap music for the next 7+ years, Chief Keef keeps it simple, naming everything he doesn’t like. Young Chop handles the immaculate production, carrying this song to legendary status.

When should you listen?
When the McDonald’s ice cream machine broken.

Listen: Chief Keef (ft. Lil Reese), “I Don’t Like” (2012)

92.
Odd Future:

“Oldie” (2012)

With a runtime over ten minutes, the LA collective Odd Future finds each member freestyling over an ear-catching beat. This song is reminiscent of simpler times, with each star yet to reach their artistic peak.

When should you listen?
On the aux when the car ride only 10 minutes.

Listen: Odd Future, “Oldie” (2012)

91.
Solange (ft. Lil Wayne):

“Mad” (2016)

If Chief Keef raps about what he doesn’t like, Solange creates her own spinoff, elegantly singing over what makes her mad (and rightfully so). Lil Wayne blesses the mic with two verses, mentioning his near suicide as a kid.

When should you listen?
When life goes wrong for no reason at all.

Listen: Solange (ft. Lil Wayne), “Mad” (2016)

90.
B.o.B. (ft. Haley Williams):

“Airplanes” (2010)

Before B.o.B. decided to end the decade by going public about his belief that the earth is flat, he started the decade off strong with “Airplanes,” a pop-rap tune that perfectly captures the nostalgia of 2010.

When should you listen?
After turning on your dusty iPod Nano from 2010.

Listen: B.o.B. (ft. Haley Williams), “Airplanes” (2010)

89.
Rihanna (ft. Calvin Harris):

“We Found Love” (2011)

Before artists like The Chainsmokers and Marshmello dominated mainstream airwaves with edm-pop, Rihanna and Calvin Harris made “We Found Love,” a ballad that helped push the boundaries of pop music.

When should you listen?
At a throwback night club in NYC.

Listen: Rihanna (ft. Calvin Harris), “We Found Love” (2011)

88.
Mac Miller (ft. Ty Dolla $ign):

“Cinderella” (2016)

A fitting title for such a powerful love song, with a modern rap twist from the feature God himself. At over 7 minutes, Mac Miller brings the listener into his relationship, describing intoxicating love with his princess.

When should you listen?
In the bedroom.

Listen: Mac Miller (ft. Ty Dolla $ign), “Cinderella” (2016)

87.
XXXTENTACION (ft. Trippie Redd):

“Fuck Love” (2017)

One of the best emo-rap songs of the decade, XXXTENTACION and Trippie Redd croon to the maximum over wasted love. Short and to the point, packed with raw emotion.

When should you listen?
After your imaginary girlfriend breaks your heart.

Listen: XXXTENTACION (ft. Trippie Redd), “Fuck Love” (2017)

86.
Travis Scott (ft. Drake):

“SICKO MODE” (2018)

La Flame, Drizzy, and Tay Keith: Are you not entertained? This song is equivalent to a Dwayne Wade-LeBron James alley-oop, it’s so effortlessly good. Neither artist needed this for their career, serving as a victory lap to a great 2018.

When should you listen?
After getting a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

Listen: Travis Scott (ft. Drake), “SICKO MODE” (2018)

85.
Young M.A:

“OOOUUU” (2016)

A song that’s nearly impossible to not nod your head to, Young M.A establishes her name in the rap game with Hennessey-filled bars and a strong presence over hard production. Young M.A. demands respect and rightfully so.

When should you listen?
After watching 10 hours of Worldstar Hiphop.

Listen: Young M.A, “OOOUUU” (2016)

84.
LANY:

“Pink Skies” (2016)

Over spacey, cloudy production, LANY describes the feeling of a perfect love: rare as pink skies, but wonderful when found.

When should you listen?
Lying down on a sunny, grassy field in San Francisco.

Listen: LANY, “Pink Skies” (2016)

83.
Kaytranada (ft. Vic Mensa):

“DRIVE ME CRAZY” (2015)

Over a booming instrumental produced by the legendary Kaytranada, Vic Mensa raps in pockets with ease, riding the beat effortlessly. The final minute of the track allows the production to take over.

When should you listen?
On your way to Bodega.

Listen: Kaytranada (ft. Vic Mensa), “DRIVE ME CRAZY” (2015)

82.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis:

“Can’t Hold Us” (2011)

Pacific Northwest natives Macklemore & Ryan Lewis had the world in their palms at the start of the decade, finding success in singles that matched their unique yet easily accessible sound.

When should you listen?
Carpooling to CVS with your family.

Listen: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, “Can’t Hold Us” (2011)

81.
JAY-Z (ft. The-Dream):

“Marcy Me” (2017)

Though not his most acclaimed track off 4:44, “Marcy Me” finds Hov reminiscing over his upbringing in the Marcy projects of Brooklyn, New York in the tone of a proud father.

When should you listen?
Upon returning to your hometown.

Listen: JAY-Z (ft. The-Dream), “Marcy Me” (2017)

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