The Best Hip Hop and R&B Music of 2021
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Keep up with the latest and greatest in hip hop and R&B with our definitive list of the best music of 2021.
Best Hip Hop Songs
Although 2021 is only a few months old, it has already given us some amazing hip hop and R&B tracks. From Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” to Megan Thee Stallion’s “Body,” there has been no shortage of great music to enjoy. In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the best hip hop and R&B songs of 2021.
“Body Count” – Megan Thee Stallion
“Body Count” is a song recorded by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion for her major-label debut studio album, Good News. The song was released as the third single from the album on January 6, 2021. It features guest verses from American rappers Big Sean and Young Thug.
The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Megan Thee Stallion’s second top-ten single in the United States following her number-one hit, “Savage”, which featured Beyoncé. It also became both Big Sean and Young Thug’s fifth top-ten entry on the chart. “Body Count” received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
“Good Days” – SZA
“Good Days” is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 4, 2020, as the lead single from her third studio album, Ctrl (2017). The song peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming SZA’s second number-one single on the latter. It also reached the top ten in Australia, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom
“Up” – Cardi B
“Up” is a song by American rapper and singer Cardi B, featuring vocals from American singer Megan Thee Stallion. It was released through Atlantic Records on February 5, 2021, as the third single from Cardi B’s second studio album, Invasion of Privacy (2018). “Up” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Cardi B’s fourth career single to reach the top spot.
“Savage” – Megan Thee Stallion
When it comes to hip-hop in 2021, Megan Thee Stallion is leading the charge. The Houston rapper broke out in a big way last year with her debut album Fever, and she’s continued her hot streak with the release of her Good News project. But it’s her single “Savage” that has been making the biggest waves. The track, which features Beyoncé on the remix, has become an anthem for women everywhere, with Megan celebrating feminine strength and sexuality over a booming beat. It’s one of the catchiest and most empowering songs of the year, and it’s sure to be a classic in the years to come.
“WAP” – Cardi B
“WAP” is a song by American rapper Cardi B, featuring Megan Thee Stallion. It was released on August 7, 2020, through Atlantic Records. The song debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, giving Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion their second number-one single each and making Cardi B the first female rapper to have two solo number-one songs on the chart.
Best R&B Songs
The past year has seen many incredible R&B and hip hop songs grace our ears. From songs that make us dance to songs that make us feel, there’s something for everyone in this genre. Here are some of the best R&B and hip hop songs of 2021.
“Body Party” – Ciara
The song talks about how a woman’s body is a party and how her partner is invited. It’s a sleek, sexy R&B track that reminds us of the early 2000s hits.
“Drunk in Love” – Beyonce
“Drunk in Love” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé featuring her husband, rapper Jay-Z. The song was released as the lead single from Beyoncé’s self-titled fifth studio album on December 17, 2013. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and received a Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The song’s lyrics describe an intoxicating and physical relationship between Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Its production uses a minimal beat that is interspersed with hand claps and synths. Music critics generally praised “Drunk in Love” for its sensual sound and club-ready production, with many calling it one of the album’s highlights. The song won Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance at the 57th Grammy Awards. “Drunk in Love” became Beyoncé’s sixth number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her tied with Mariah Carey for having the second-most number-one singles among female artists in the history of the chart.
“Slow Down” – Sevyn Streeter
Sevyn Streeter is a fantastic artist who always seems to fly under the radar. “Slow Down” is a beautifully written song about the realities of modern dating and how it can often be more trouble than it’s worth. The lyrics are vulnerable and honest, and Sevyn’s silky smooth voice is the perfect vessel to deliver them. This is one of the best R&B songs of 2021.
“Thinkin Bout You” – Frank Ocean
“Thinkin Bout You” is a song by American singer Frank Ocean, released as the lead single from his debut studio album Channel Orange (2012). The song was written by Ocean and produced by Shea Taylor. “Thinkin Bout You” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its composition and Ocean’s vocal delivery. The single peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. A music video for the song was directed by Australian director Nabil Elderkin and features a continuous shot of Ocean in various settings.
“Love on Top” – Beyonce
“Love on Top” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her fourth studio album 4 (2011). The uptempo R&B ballad was written by Beyoncé, Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Ester Dean, and handled by production duo Stargate.
The song was released as the album’s lead contemporary hit single on August 26, 2011. “Love on Top” peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Beyoncé’s tenth top 40 hit on the chart. It also reached number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number seven on the US Pop Songs chart. Internationally, the single peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart and at number 18 in South Korea.
The song’s accompanying music video was directed by Beyoncé herself while d’Radamic productions handled clothing styling. The colorful clip features Jay-Z and their daughter Blue Ivy Carter in various candid family moments and shows footage of Beyoncé’s pregnancy announcement to the public via MTV Video Music Awards in August 2011. Upon its release, “Love on Top” received generally positive reviews from music critics who praised Beet for her vocal performance and its production.
