Check Out These New Hip Hop Tracks for 2021
Looking for some new hip hop tracks to help get you through 2021? Look no further than our latest playlist, which features some of the freshest tunes from up-and-coming artists. Whether you’re looking for something to help you get hyped up for a workout or just want to relax and vibe out, we’ve got you covered.
New Hip Hop Tracks for 2021
21 Savage – “ISS”
“ISS” is a song by American rapper 21 Savage. It was released on October 2, 2020, as the lead single from his second studio album, I Am > I Was (2018). The song peaked at number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
21 Savage first announced the single on September 30, 2020, via Twitter. The song was produced by frequent collaborator Metro Boomin and features a guest verse from American rapper Young Thug.
The song’s music video was released on the same day as the single and was directed by timely collaborator colleen yoro. The video features 21 Savage in a warehouse rapping alongside men in ski masks and women in lingerie.
Kendrick Lamar – “DNA”
“DNA” is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The song was written by Lamar and Mark Spears (also known as Sounwave), and produced by Spears and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. The track features a guest appearance from American rapper Schoolboy Q. Lamar also incorporated elements of G-funk and trap into the song’s production. “DNA” is an acronym for “Dead N-ggas Ain’t Shit”.
Lyrically, the song finds Lamar bragging about his wealth, success and sexual prowess, while also touching on police brutality and racial injustice. The song’s guest appearance from Schoolboy Q was widely praised by critics, with many calling it one of the album’s highlights.
“DNA” peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Lamar’s highest-charting single as a lead artist. The song was also certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, the song peaked within the top 10 in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
J. Cole – “Deja Vu”
J. Cole’s “Deja Vu” is one of the most anticipated hip hop tracks of 2021. The track was produced by Cole himself and features a haunting, atmospheric beat that perfectly complements Cole’s lyrical prowess. “Deja Vu” is sure to be a fan-favorite in 2021 and beyond.
Chance the Rapper – “No Problem”
Chance the Rapper, an up-and-coming hip hop artist, drops his newest track “No Problem.” The song, which is about Chance’s success in the music industry in spite of the difficulties he has faced, is sure to be a hit with fans of his previous work.
Best Hip Hop Tracks of 2020
There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. But through all the turmoil, the music industry has continued to thrive. Hip hop, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity, with many new and established artists releasing new tracks. If you’re looking for some new music to get into, check out these tracks from some of the best hip hop artists of 2020.
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
“Alright” is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his third studio album To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). The song, which serves as the album’s lead single, was produced by Pharrell Williams and Sounwave. “Alright” was released to radio stations as the album’s second single on June 30, 2015. Upon its release, “Alright” received critical acclaim and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In March 2015, Kendrick Lamar first performed an unreleased song titled “Untitled 2” during his setlist at the South by Southwest music festival. Lamar later told XXL that the song was part of his upcoming third studio album. Shortly after performing “Untitled 2”, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith revealed on Twitter that Kendrick Lamar had finished recording To Pimp a Butterfly. On May 28, 2015, TDE announced that they would be releasing a new Kendrick Lamar project on March 23, 2016; however, they did not specify if it would be an EP or LP.
In June 2015, Apple Music announced that it would be streaming an exclusive album release party for To Pimp a Butterfly before its official release; the event took place on March 15, 2016 at The Forum in Inglewood, California and was live-streamed exclusively on Apple Music. At the event, Lamar performed several tracks from To Pimp a Butterfly including “Alright”. The performance of “Alright” at the event caused some parts of the internet to trend due to its positive reception from those in attendance.
J. Cole – “A Tale of 2 Citiez”
“A Tale of 2 Citiez” is the lead single from J. Cole’s second studio album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive. The song was produced by Cole himself and features a sample of “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito. The song peaked at number 53 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Chance the Rapper – “Blessings”
“Blessings” is a song by Chicago-based rapper Chance the Rapper. It was released on April 3, 2016, as the lead single from his third mixtape, Coloring Book (2016). The song features guest vocals from fellow Chicago rappers Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert. The track was produced by Nate Fox, Lido, and Francis Starlite of Francis and the Lights.
The song peaked at number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and received positive reviews from critics. Pitchfork placed it at number 32 on their “100 Best Songs of 2016” list, with contributor Andrew Nosnitsky describing it as a “gospel-infused hip hop banger”.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Downtown”
“Downtown” is a song by American rapper Macklemore, featuring Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, and Grandmaster Caz. The song was released on August 27, 2015 as the lead single from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ second studio album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made (2016). The song peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Worst Hip Hop Tracks of 2020
It’s a new year and that means new music. But before we get into the best new hip hop tracks of 2021, let’s take a look at some of the worst hip hop tracks of 2020. These are the tracks that made us cringe, scratch our heads, and sometimes even change the station.
Iggy Azalea – “Team”
Iggy Azalea’s “Team” was released on March 18, 2016, and is the lead single from her second studio album, Digital Distortion. The song was met with mixed reviews from music critics, with some calling it a “mess” and others saying it was “catchy.” However, the song was a commercial success, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and being certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The music video for “Team” was directed by Spencer Edwards and features Iggy Azalea and her dancers in a dimly lit warehouse. The video was met with positive reviews, with many critics praising the visuals and choreography.
Iggy Azalea’s “Team” is one of the worst hip hop tracks of 2020. The song is messy and unorganized, and the music video is lackluster.
Tyga – “1 of 1”
“1 of 1” is a song by American rapper Tyga. It was released on October 7, 2016, as the lead single from his seventh studio album, strictly 4 my dead fans (2020). The song peaked at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The music video for “1 of 1” was released on October 7, 2016. It features Tyga and a number of women dancing in a living room.
Critical reception for “1 of 1” was mixed. Some critics praised the song’s production and Tyga’s verses, while others felt that it was unoriginal and uninspired.
In 2020, “1 of 1” was ranked as one of the worst hip hop tracks of 2020 by Rolling Stone magazine.
Meek Mill – “Wins & Losses”
This may be one of the most forgettable tracks on Wins & Losses. It’s not terrible, but in a career full of aggressive bangers, this one feels like a very safe and average attempt at radio play. The production is plodding and does nothing to highlight Meek’s strengths as an artist. The hook is serviceable but unmemorable, and the verses are forgettable. It’s not a bad song, but it’s certainly not one of Meek’s best.
Lil Yachty – “Minnesota”
In what has been an otherwise great year for music, Lil Yachty’s “Minnesota” stands out as one of the worst hip hop tracks of 2020. The track, which was released in March of this year, features a simple, repetitive melody that is grating on the ears. Additionally, Lil Yachty’s lyrics are shallow and lack the depth and creativity that we have come to expect from him.
