Top Hip Hop Songs of 2014

Check out our top picks for the best hip hop songs of 2014. From Drake to Kendrick Lamar, these are the tracks that dominated the year.

“All I Need” – Method Man

All I Need is a song by American rapper Method Man, from his debut album Tical. The song features vocals from American singer Mary J. Blige and is produced by fellow Wu-Tang Clan member RZA. It was released as the second single from the album in 1994.

The song peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 11 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, and number 38 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 14, 1994.

“Gin and Juice” – Snoop Dogg

“Gin and Juice” is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg, released in 1994 as the second single from his debut album, Doggystyle. The song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” – Dr. Dre

“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” is a single by American rapper Dr. Dre, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. It was released on February 23, 1993 as the lead single from Dre’s debut album, The Chronic. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States on April 2, 1993, peaking at number two for three weeks and spent 23 weeks on the chart. The music video won MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video in 1993.

“Regulate” – Warren G

On this track, West Coast rapper Warren G tells the story of a drug deal gone bad. The song features a smooth sample of Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” which gives the track a laid-back vibe. “Regulate” was a huge hit in 1994, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” – Puff Daddy

“Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” is a song by American rapper Puff Daddy. It was released on January 17, 1997 as the first single from his debut album No Way Out (1997). The song features a sample of “Think” (1970) as performed by Lyn Collins. The song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, making it Puff Daddy’s first number one single as a solo artist. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his highest charting solo single in that country

“I Got 5 on It” – Luniz

“I Got 5 on It” is a hip hop song by American duo Luniz. It was released in April 1995 as the lead single from their debut album, Operation Stackola. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top ten in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.

“Keep Ya Head Up” – 2Pac

“Keep Ya Head Up” is a 1993 hit single by 2Pac. The song was originally released on the soundtrack for the film Menace II Society. “Keep Ya Head Up” is often considered one of 2Pac’s most important and well-known songs. The song samples “Dear Mama” by Ann Peebles.

The song’s lyrics are about growing up in a single mother household, and how important it is for young black males to stay positive and keep their head up despite the adversity they may face in life. The song was very well received by critics, who praised its lyrical content and 2Pac’s delivery. “Keep Ya Head Up” has been ranked as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time by multiple publications.

“The World Is Yours” – Nas

Nas’ “The World Is Yours” is one of the top hip hop songs of 2014. The song is about overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The lyrics are motivational and inspire listeners to chase their dreams. The song has a great beat and is sure to get your head nodding.

“What’s My Name?” – Snoop Dogg

What’s My Name? is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg, released as the lead single from his tenth studio album, Doggumentary. The song features Canadian singer Charlie Wilson and was produced by David Guetta and Afrojack. It samples “Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vinton.

The music video, directed by SoImperfect, shows Snoop Dogg interacting with fans in various locations such as a beach, a club and a street festival. It was filmed in March 2011 and released on April 11, 2011.

“California Love” – 2Pac

“California Love” is a hip hop song by 2Pac featuring Roger Troutman. The song was released as 2Pac’s comeback single after his release from prison in 1995. It became one of the most well-known songs of his career and was his biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. The song features a distinctive whistled hook sung by Troutman and interpolates “Can You Feel Me Dancing?” by Thelma Houston.