The Most Popular Hip Hop Songs of 2016
Contents
It was a big year for hip hop. Check out our list of the most popular hip hop songs of 2016.
Introduction
In 2016, Hip Hop continued to prove its staying power as one of the most popular genres of music. The biggest names in the game released new music, while fresh faces continued to emerge. In terms of popularity, no other genre came close to matching Hip Hop’s success.
The most popular Hip Hop songs of 2016 include club bangers, Drake anthems, and trap songs that dominated the charts. From Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO TOUR Llif3” to Desiigner’s “Panda,” these are the tunes that defined the year in Hip Hop.
“Formation” by Beyoncé
“Formation” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016). The song was released on February 6, 2016, as the lead single from the album along with a music video. “Formation” debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Beyoncé the first artist in history to have their first six solo studio albums debut in the top ten.
“Panda” by Desiigner
“Panda” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Desiigner. The song was released on December 15, 2015, through GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, as his commercial debut single. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in May 2016. “Panda” was ranked at number 18 on the year-end list of the 100 most-streamed songs of 2016 on Spotify. In the United Kingdom, “Panda” debuted at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart dated April 30, 2016, and later peaked at number three in July 2016.
“One Dance” by Drake
“One Dance” is a song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake for his fourth studio album Views (2016). It features guest vocals from Wizkid and Kyla. The song contains an interpolation of “Do You Mind?” by DJ Khaled; it was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on April 5, 2016, as the lead single from the album. “One Dance” peaked at number one in several countries, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, where it became Drake’s first number-one single as a lead artist. It also reached number one in Australia and New Zealand.
“Work” by Rihanna
“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 trap song with an syncopated Island-tinged beat produced by Boi-1da, Allen Ritter and depaor. Lyrically, the song finds Rihanna doing her thing over a man who seems to be trying to get with her.
“No Problem” by Chance the Rapper
“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper featuring fellow Chicago-based rappers Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. It was released on May 26, 2016, by Chance the Rapper’s soundcloud account as the third single from his third mixtape, Coloring Book. The song peaked at number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“I Got the Keys” by DJ Khaled
“I Got the Keys” is a song by American record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on June 23, 2016, as the lead single from his ninth studio album Major Key. The song features guest appearances from rappers Jay Z and Future.
The song peaked at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 on the US Rap Songs chart.
“Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd
“Black Beatles” is a song by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released on September 13, 2016, by Interscope Records as the lead single from their second studio album, SremmLife 2 (2016). The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the duo’s first and only number-one single on the chart. It also peaked at number one in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“Pick Up the Phone” by Young Thug
“Pick Up the Phone” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Young Thug. It was released on June 3, 2016, by Atlantic Records and 300 Entertainment. The song features a guest appearance from fellow American rapper Quavo. Produced by TM88, the song peaked at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“Famous” by Kanye West
“Famous” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, released as the lead single from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song features vocals from American R&B singers Rhymefest, Chris Brown, Kid Cudi and The-Dream. “Famous” peaked at number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart.
Conclusion
In 2016, Hip Hop continued to dominate the music charts around the world. Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Chance the Rapper were just a few of the artists that released some of the year’s most popular songs. “All Night” by Chance the Rapper, “Hotline Bling” by Drake, and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar were just a few of the hip hop songs that topped the charts in 2016.
