New Music Hip Hop 2015: The Best of the Year

So far, 2015 has been a great year for Hip Hop music. With new albums from Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Big Sean, 2015 is shaping up to be one of the best years in recent memory. Let’s take a look at some of the best Hip Hop songs of the year so far.

Introduction

The year 2015 was a big one for hip hop, with new music from established artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake, as well as breakthrough hits from relative newcomers like Fetty Wap. But what were the best hip hop tracks of the year?

Here are our picks for the top 10 hip hop tracks of 2015:

1. “All Day” by Kanye West
2. “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap
3. “Hotline Bling” by Drake
4. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
5. “Back to Back” by Meek Mill
6. “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó
7. “Fade” by Kanye West
8. “The Hills” by The Weeknd
9.”Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex and Diplo (featuring Justin Bieber)
10. “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” by The Weeknd

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly

To Pimp a Butterfly is the third studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album continues Lamar’s “metaphorical storytelling” and addresses entries of institutional racism and previous struggles that retired his gangsta rap persona. Musically, To Pimp a Butterfly incorporates elements of 1960s and 1970s soul music, 1970s funk, 1990s hip hop and 2010s contemporary hip hop.

Dr. Dre – Compton

Dr. Dre – Compton was one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2015, and it did not disappoint. The album is a return to form for the legendary producer, and features some of the best beats and rhymes of the year. Featuring guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube, Compton is a must-hear for fans of hip hop.

Big Sean – Dark Sky Paradise

One of the biggest breakout stars in hip hop, Big Sean’s career has been on an upward trajectory since he released his debut album in 2011. His follow-up album, Dark Sky Paradise, was released in 2015 to critical acclaim, and it cemented Sean’s place as one of the premier rappers in the game. The album features a number of hits, including “Blessings” and “I Don’t F**k with You,” and it is a must-listen for any fan of hip hop.

J. Cole – 2014 Forest Hills Drive

Released in December 2014, “2014 Forest Hills Drive” is the third studio album by American hip hop recording artist and producer J. Cole. The album was named after the street where Cole grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The album received critical acclaim, with many critics praising Cole’s songwriting and production. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling more than 350,000 copies in its first week. The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

“2014 Forest Hills Drive” is a concept album about Cole’s journey from childhood to adulthood, and includes tracks about his upbringing (“Intro”), his struggles with fame and success (“Fire Squad”), and his relationships with friends and family (“St. Tropez”). The album also features guest appearances from rappers Bun B, YG, and Kendrick Lamar.

Wale – The Album About Nothing

Wale’s fourth studio album, The Album About Nothing was released on March 31, 2015. The album was preceded by the singles “The Body” featuring Jeremih, “The Need to Know” featuring SZA, and “Girls on Drugs”. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 102,000 copies in its first week.

Chance the Rapper – Surf

Chance the Rapper’s Surf is one of the best hip hop albums of 2015. It’s a fantastic work that should not be missed by any fan of the genre.

Vince Staples – Summertime ’06

It’s fitting that the best album of 2015 would come from an artist who, until this year, was largely unknown to the mainstream. Vince Staples exploded onto the scene with his debut album Summertime ’06, and instantly established himself as one of the most important voices in hip hop. The album is a masterclass in storytelling, shedding light on the often forgotten realities of life in inner-city Los Angeles. It’s a brutal and honest portrayal of gang violence, poverty, and racism, told through the eyes of a young man who has seen it all too firsthand. There’s no sugarcoating or embellishment here; just hard-hitting beats and rhymes that pack a serious punch. If you’re looking for something different in hip hop, this is it.

Rae Sremmurd – SremmLife

Rae Sremmurd is an American hip hop duo originating from Tupelo, Mississippi. The duo is composed of brothers Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee. They are best known for their breakout hit single “No Flex Zone” and their Platinum selling debut album SremmLife which was released on January 6, 2015. In 2015, they were featured on the single “Up Like Trump” by American rapper Rich Homie Quan. Their second album, SremmLife 2 was released on August 12, 2016.

Travi$ Scott – Rodeo

It’s been an amazing year for Hip Hop with new artists making a big splash on the scene. One of the most talked about new artists is Travi$ Scott with his debut album Rodeo. Travi$ Scott is a rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer from Houston, Texas. He is signed to Epic Records and T.I.’s Grand Hustle imprint. Rodeo was released on September 4, 2015, and features guest appearances from Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Young Thug, The Weeknd and Schoolboy Q. The album debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Conclusion

There you have it, the best new music hip hop of 2015. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, any of these artists would be a great place to start. As always, thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

New Music Hip Hop 2015: The Best of the Year