2016’s Best Hip Hop Songs to Add to Your Playlist

Keep your hip hop playlist fresh with these 2016 bangers.

“One Dance” by Drake

“One Dance” is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his fourth studio album, Views. The song features guest vocals from Wizkid and Kyla. It was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on April 5, 2016, as the album’s lead single. “One Dance” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Drake’s first number-one single in the country as a lead artist. It also became Wizkid’s first number-one single in the United States. “One Dance” became Kyla’s second single to peak at number one in the UK after her feature on Calvin Harris’s 2008 hit “Ready for the Weekend”. The song spent ten non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, becoming both Drake and Wizkid’s longest running number one single.

The song was produced by Nineteen85 and Noah “40” Shebib. Blondey McCoy assisted the artists in writing the song. A slow jam Contains an opening verse where Drake pays tribute to his late friend Anthony Yeboah, who died in a car accident.” One Dance” samples Nigerian Afrobeat artist Mr Eazi’s 2016 song “Skin Tight”.

“Panda” by Desiigner

“Panda” is a single by American hip hop recording artist Desiigner, released on February 11, 2016. The song debuted at number 83 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in March 2016 and peaked at number one in May. “Panda” was certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting more than two million equivalent units in the United States.

The song’s title and chorus are derived from the name of the white BMW X6M featured in its music video, which was shot in New York City’s Chinatown. The vehicle, which is also referenced in the verses, became an internet meme following the song’s release. In an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Desiigner said that “Panda” is not a rap song, but “an infectious tune”; he further elaborated that it is not about drug dealing or any illegal activity, but rather “talks about people driving nice cars”.

“Work” by Rihanna ft. Drake

“Work” is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her eighth studio album, Anti (2016). The song was released as the lead single from the album on January 27, 2016. “Work” is a dancehall and R&B song with elements of Caribbean music. The song’s lyrics are about not having time for a relationship because of working. It also contains a section sung in patois.

Critical reception of “Work” was positive, with many critics praising Rihanna’s vocal performance and the island influence in the production. The song debuted at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Rihanna her twenty-sixth top ten entry on the chart, tied with Madonna for the fourth most among women. It also peaked at number one on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts, making it Rihanna’s thirty-second and seventeenth number-one single on those charts respectively. Internationally, “Work” topped the charts in Canada and United Kingdom, and charted within the top ten in multiple countries including Australia, France, Ireland and New Zealand.

“No Problem” by Chance the Rapper ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz

“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper, featuring fellow American rappers Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. The track was produced by Skrillex, Mike Will Made It, Brasstracks and co-produced by Lil Wayne. It was released on May 27, 2016, by independent record label Self-released on Apple Music. The song peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on the US Rap Songs chart.

“No Problem” is a trap and hip hop song with a length of four minutes and seven seconds. The song features a “thumping beat” and “swaggering” delivery from Chance the Rapper. He delivers his verses in a “playful flow”, while Lil Wayne delivers his verse in a more “serious” tone. 2 Chainz’s verse is described as being the most “outrageous” of the three, with him making several sexual references throughout.

“I Got the Keys” by DJ Khaled ft. Jay-Z & Future

“I Got the Keys” is a song by American hip hop producer and rapper DJ Khaled, released on July 29, 2016 through We the Best Music Group and Epic Records. The song features guest appearances from American rappers Jay-Z and Future. It was produced by Khaled himself, Boi-1da, Allen Ritter and Vinylz. The song samples “Fuck You Tonight” (1998) by R&B group 112.

Upon its release, the song peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the top 40 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song’s music video was released on October 10, 2016. It features cameos from Alicia Keys, Nas, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar.

“Don’t Mind” by Kent Jones

If you’re looking for a feel-good hip hop song to add to your playlist, look no further than Kent Jones’ “Don’t Mind.” The track, which was released in 2016, has a catchy beat and positive lyrics that make it perfect for any occasion.

“All the Way Up” by Fat Joe & Remy Ma ft. French Montana

“All the Way Up” is a song recorded by American rappers Fat Joe and Remy Ma, featuring French Montana. It was released on February 5, 2016 by RNG / EMPIRE, Terror Squad Entertainment and We the Best Music Group. The song peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The artists shot the music video for “All the Way Up” in Miami. It was directed by Eif Rivera and produced by Gabriel Hart. It features cameos from Diddy, DJ Khaled, Fabolous,Infamous Mobb, Fat Joe’s wife Lorena Cartagena and their childrenAzariah and Ryan.

“No Limit” by Usher ft. Young Thug

Usher’s “No Limit” featuring Young Thug is one of the best hip hop songs of 2016. The song’s catchy hook and verses from both artists make it a must-add to any hip hop fan’s playlist.

“Too Good” by Drake ft. Rihanna

“Too Good” is a song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake for his fourth studio album, Views (2016). The song features guest vocals from Barbadian singer Rihanna and it was produced by Nineteen85 and co-produced by Frank Dukes. “Too Good” was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on July 26, 2016, as the fifth single from Views. The song peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“My Way” by Fetty Wap

“My Way” is a song by American rapper Fetty Wap, released on September 7, 2015. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Wap’s third top 10 single on the chart. The song was produced by Tony Fadd and was also included on his self-titled debut album.