Top Hip Hop Hits of 2013
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Looking for a list of the top hip hop hits of 2013? Look no further! We’ve got all the biggest and best songs of the year right here.
“Started from the Bottom” by Drake
“Started from the Bottom” is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, released as the first single from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same. The song was written by Drake, Michael Starr and Noah “40” Shebib. It premiered on February 10, 2013, on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio, and was released for digital download on February 12, 2013. Musically, “Started from the Bottom” is a hip hop and R&B song that contains elements of HMGB and synthpop. The lyrics are based on Drake’s rise to fame and success.
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and Drake’s lyrical performance. The song also became a commercial success; it peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number two in Canada. In April 2013, the song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). An accompanying music video was directed by Director X and filmed in Toronto. It premiered on February 13, 2013, and features cameos from various Toronto hip hop artists.
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Thrift Shop” was one of the biggest hits of 2013, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s success was due in part to its unconventional and innovative production, which blended elements of hip hop, pop, and rock. The song’s humorous lyrics, which advocate for thrift store shopping as a way to save money, also resonated with listeners.
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke
“Blurred Lines” is a single written and performed by American recording artists Robin Thicke, T.I., and Pharrell Williams. Produced by Williams, the song was released on March 26, 2013 through StarTrak Recordings and Interscope Records. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2013. The music video was released in two versions, an unrated version with nudity and a clean version. “Blurred Lines” drew controversy upon its release for its presumed misogynistic undertones, as well as use of animal TunicaMS
“Crooked Smile” by J. Cole
“Crooked Smile” is a song by American hip hop recording artist J. Cole, released on July 28, 2013 as the second single from his second studio album Born Sinner (2013). The song, which features a guest appearance from fellow American rapper TLC, was produced by Cole himself and Canei Finch. Upon its release, “Crooked Smile” peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100. An accompanying music video for “Crooked Smile” was directed by White Trash Tyler.
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk
“Get Lucky” is a song by French house music duo Daft Punk, featuring vocals by Pharrell Williams and co-written by the duo, Williams, and Nile Rodgers. It is the lead single from Daft Punk’s fourth studio album, Random Access Memories. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and became Daft Punk’s first number-one single in the US as well as their second song to peak at number one in Australia after “One More Time”.
“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” featuring Ray Dalton is one of the top hip hop hits of 2013. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the duo’s second consecutive number-one single following “Thrift Shop”. “Can’t Hold Us” also topped the charts in many other countries, including Canada, Denmark, France, New Zealand, and Sweden.
“Power Trip” by J. Cole
Power Trip is a song by American hip hop recording artist J. Cole, released on February 14, 2013 as the second single from his second studio album Born Sinner (2013). The song features vocals from Cole’s then-labelmate Miguel. It peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
“Holy Grail” by Jay-Z
“Holy Grail” is a song by American rapper Jay-Z, featuring vocals from Justin Timberlake. It was released on July 4, 2013, as the lead single from Jay-Z’s thirteenth studio album Magna Carta Holy Grail. The song peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became Jay-Z’s twentieth top 10 single on the chart, tying him with Elvis Presley as the artist with the fourth most top 10 songs in the history of the chart.
“Berzerk” by Eminem
“Berzerk” is a song recorded by American rapper Eminem, and produced by Rick Rubin. The song, released on August 27, 2013, is the lead single from Eminem’s eighth studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013). “Berzerk” samples “Fight for Your Right” (1987) by the Beastie Boys, and contains elements of “My Name Is”-fame guitar loop. Lyrically, “Berzerk” features Eminem rapping aggressively and promoting 1980s hip hop culture. Upon release, the song was met with positive reviews by music critics. Eminem also released a teaser trailer for the song on August 21. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Eminem’s eleventh top-ten single in the United States.
“My Nigga” by YG
“My Nigga” is a song by American rapper YG, released on September 17, 2013 as the lead single from his debut studio album My Krazy Life (2014). The song, produced by DJ Mustard, features guest appearances from American rappers Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan. The track peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
