Best Hip Hop Music of 2015

A look at the best hip hop music of 2015.

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”

Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” was one of the most important hip-hop songs of 2015. The track, which featured on Lamar’s album To Pimp a Butterfly, was a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement. It was also a celebration of blackness, with Lamar rap-singing lines like “We gon’ be alright” and “We been hurt, been down before / N*gga, when our pride was low / Lookin’ at the world like, ‘Where do we go?’ / N*gga, and we hate po-po / Wanna kill us dead in the street fo’ sho'” over an infectious jazz melody. “Alright” became an anthem for protestors around the world, and its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

Big Sean – “Blessings” (Feat. Drake)

“Blessings” is the lead single from Big Sean’s third studio album Dark Sky Paradise. The song features a guest appearance from Canadian rapper Drake and was produced by Vinylz, Boi-1da, and Allen Ritter. The song samples “I Wanna Be Where You Are” by Michael Jackson.

The music video for “Blessings” was released on February 12, 2015 and was directed by Simba Siagne. The video features cameo appearances from Jhené Aiko, DJ Khaled, Travi$ Scott, ACE Boonie, and PeeWee Longway.

J. Cole – “G.O.M.D.”

J. Cole’s “G.O.M.D.” is a masterclass in old-school hip hop, with a modern twist. The track samples Soul Train’s iconic theme song, and features J. Cole rapping over a laid-back beat about what it was like growing up in North Carolina. The music video pays homage to classic ’90s hip hop videos, and features J. Cole donning some of the most famous looks from the era, including Diddy’s all-white outfit from the “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” video.

Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen”

Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen” was one of the biggest songs of 2015, and it solidified the New Jersey rapper as a force to be reckoned with. The infectious track, which samples Crank That (Soulja Boy) by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, is a ode to the hustlers and drug dealers of the world, with Fetty Wap singing about how his girl is “the realest” because she’s down for her man no matter what. “Trap Queen” made Fetty Wap a household name and helped him break through to the mainstream, cementing his place as one of the best new hip hop artists of 2015.

Drake – “Hotline Bling”

Drake’s “Hotline Bling” was one of the most popular songs of 2015, and it’s easy to see why. The track is infectiously catchy, and Drake’s clever lyrics are sure to get stuck in your head. “Hotline Bling” is the perfect song to play when you’re feeling good, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Future – “Where Ya At” (Feat. Drake)

“Where Ya At” is a song by American rapper Future. It was released on July 17, 2015, as the second single from his third studio album, DS2. The song features Canadian rapper Drake and was produced by Metro Boomin.

Wiz Khalifa – “See You Again” (Feat. Charlie Puth)

Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” was one of the biggest songs of 2015, and it’s not hard to see why. The track, which was featured in the film Furious 7, is an emotional tribute to actor Paul Walker, who died in a car accident in 2013. Wiz Khalifa delivers a heartfelt performance on the track, and Charlie Puth’s vocals are stunning. “See You Again” is a beautiful tribute to a fallen friend, and it’s one of the best hip hop tracks of 2015.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Downtown” (Feat. Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Downtown” is a celebration of Old-School hip hop, and it features some of the most legendary names in the genre. Macklemore spits verses about his childhood idolization of hip hop culture, while Ryan Lewis provides a funky, upbeat instrumental. The track also features guest verses from Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, and Grandmaster Caz.

Big Sean – “I Don’t Fuck With You” (Feat. E-40)

Big Sean’s “I Don’t Fuck With You” was one of the biggest songs of 2015, and it’s easy to see why. The track, which features E-40, is a blistering diss track aimed at an ex-girlfriend, and it’s nothing less than brutally honest.

The production on the track is perfect, as it features a catchy, yet minimalist beat that allows Sean’s ferocious bars to shine. And while the song is certainly tough to listen to if you’re not a fan of hip hop, there’s no denying its place as one of the best tracks of the year.

Rae Sremmurd – “No Type”

Rae Sremmurd’s debut album SremmLife was one of the biggest hip-hop releases of 2015, and its lead single “No Type” was one of the year’s most infectious songs. The track, which features a guest verse from rapper Wiz Khalifa, is a perfect example of the duo’s hypnotic and catchy style of rap.