The world continues to shift at a rapid pace with so many major global events happening that it’s hard to know exactly how think about time. The only thing that’s been consistent throughout the past few years has been the good music dropping that we’re able to use as timestamps. 2023 has just began and we’ve already received heat from GloRilla, Ice Spice, Boldy James, A$AP Rocky, Gucci Mane, RX Papi, EBK Young Joc and more.
Check back at the beginning of every month for updates and check out our other lists and our playlist below, which includes all of the songs mentioned in this article and more:
Struggling to find a list of the Hip Hop Albums that have been shifting the culture? Take a look at our lists for Hip Hop, Rap and R&B to get a complete survey of the projects that are dictating the conversation within Hip Hop.
Need some new songs to throw in the rotation but Spotify and user-created playlists are way too long? We kept it simple and added only the best of the best songs from each month to make sure you get the songs you need without a hassle. Peep the lists below.
Florida’s Luh Tyler is arguably the coolest 16-year-old on the planet. “Fat Racks Pt. 2,” a sequel to his single from last year, continues his lightning hot streak as one of the game’s most exciting new acts. Although this is their first official collaboration, the unison of Luh Tyler and BabyTron sounds so natural, as they organically feed off of each other’s hunger and charisma. In the bar that inspired the title of the song, Tyler proudly exclaims that his stacks of cash are fat while his body type is the opposite. He ends his verse by rapping, “I been steppin’ on their neck, I got the rap game in a choke,” leaving the thumping 808s and twinkling piano loop to breathe for a brief moment before BabyTron steps in to unleash his own cannon of witty one-liners; “30 something woods a day, might catch me sparkin’ a log in church / God forgive me though / Just discovered my family tree, I came from billy goats.” – Isaac Fontes
Nearly a decade into his career as a solo emcee, Peezy finally broke through into the mainstream with his smash hit, “2 Million Up” last year. Over a sample of Dennis Edwards’ recognizable R&B hit “Don’t Look Any Further,” Peezy uses the hook to express his loyalty to his crew and proudly declare that he’s officially come too far to ever fall off now. On the song’s second official remix, he’s joined by fellow Detroit rappers and frequent collaborators, Babyface Ray, Icewear Vezzo and Skilla Baby. As each emcee brings their signature flair to the booming beat to flex their success and effortless flows, it shows the song’s versatility and endless possibilities, as well as Detroit’s collaborative spirit. – Isaac Fontes
Despite over 30 years as a top tier rapper Lil Wayne songs remain expansive adventures. The latest example is “Kant Nobody,” a rambunctious, yet controlled barrage of eclectic punchlines, free associative boasts and tightly wound rhyme schemes. Coasting over a DMX-sampling Swizz Beatz instrumental, Weezy F manages to mention sneezing Dracos, Jeffrey Dahmer and Oprah for quips that are as unpredictable as they are funny. He also gets props for distilling his rich hermit lifestyle in just a few bars: Don’t be on all of that, yeah, that’s my twin, shit, alright/Don’t hit my phone with all that ‘I’m just tappin’ in,’ shit, alright/Fuck that friend shit, alright, I’m on my zen shit, alright/I’m on that DMT, I ain’t on that DM shit, alright.” Precise, yet frenzied, “Kant Nobody” is electric. – Peter A. Barry
After the song “Breakfast in Monaco,” Larry June and Alchemist rejoined for “60 Days,” a single for their upcoming album, The Great Escape, and another notch on Al’s dream collab tape tour. June comes with his usual wisdom over a beautiful sample loop, but to a surprise Alchemist picks up the mic again showing listeners that he’s still got it as he sprinkles luxury dust across his verse. With Alchemist recently collaborating with Curren$y on Continuance, and Roc Marciano on the Elephant Man’s Bones, it was only a matter of time until a full project with Larry June would happen. – Grant Robinson
Coming off an excellent run of music with Face and MOB, Babyface Ray is back with 42 Dugg paying tribute to one of the baddest pistons to grace the Motor City. “Ron Artest,” teased via snippets and IG livestreams finally surfaces, with Babyface Ray and 42 Dugg delivering a braggadocious and motivational collaboration. The fan service track packs a bulk of basketball references over an instrumental that reminds the listener of winning a championship. – Grant Robinson
It’s a beautiful thing when two rap scenes dip into each other’s worlds. On BabyTron’s latest project Bin Reaper 3: New Testament, Tron takes his punch in expertise and joins forces with Milwaukee’s Certified Trapper. The production features up-tempo 808 claps and a serpentine flute in the background, but Tron’s niche is his ability to rap on any beat. Certified Trapper shines on this track, flaunting twin glocks and standing differently due to having thousands of dollars in his pockets. – Anthony Malone
Make a meme out of Ice Spice and she’ll make it into a hit song; with “Princess Diana” the Bronx rapper lets the people know they have been heard. At first facetious, the comparison between Ice Spice and the former Princess of Wales started out as an online trend; but with her single covers made out of selfies, colloquial lyrics, and a down-to-earth attitude, Ice Spice proves she is a true princess of the people. Producer RIOTUSA splices bass-heavy production with the frantic plucks of a repetitive guitar riff; together, the two capitalize on public opinion and successfully insert Ice Spice into one of the most famous pop culture narratives of our time. – Rebecca Barglowski
Shortly fter 21 Savage’s comments about Nas’ relevancy went viral, Hit Boy became the moderator and put the two respective parties on the same song. The result may surprise some fans. 21 and Nas seemlessly rap back and forth over the smooth soulful production and prove that any generational gap can be solves through the art form we all love. – Devon Jefferson
When four massive superstars join forces for a group project, it’s an understatement to say that expectations are high. But Snoop, 40, Short and Cube did not disappoint when it comes to their latest release. The West Coast pioneers of Hip Hop prove that they can fit right in with the current sound without sacrificing their genuine craft. – David Brake
Smino has his hands full. In addition to releasing solo albums such as NOIR and his 2017 debut blkswn, he’s also part of two collectives; Zoink Gang with JID, Guapdad 4000 and Buddy and Zero Fatigue with Ravyn Lenae, Monte Booker, Bari and Jay2. Despite his busy schedule, the “Wild Irish Roses” artist still managed to find time to record “90 Roses” featuring Dreamville’s Head Honcho J. Cole. Though it’s not the first time they’ve worked together (Smino was featured on Dreamville’s “Sacrifices” alongside EARTHGANG and Saba), it’s the first time Cole has hopped on one of Smino’s own records. – David Brake
On “Survivor’s Guilt” Joey Bada$$ open up about the tragic loss of his friend, collaborator and Pro Era legend Capital STEEZ. The emotional tribute sees Joey grappling with loss, friendship and the guilt that comes with seeing success while his friend is unable to physically experience it alongside him. On the more than five-minute song, Joey addresses things that longtime fans have been wondering about like STEEZ’s family and online conspiracy theories about Steelo’s passing. It seems like there are things Joey himself is still coming to terms with, but it’s clear that STEEZ’s spirit has never left his thoughts. The instrumental and tone are reminiscent of Kendrick’s “Sing About Me” as Joey also addresses his late cousin on verse 2. Overall, this song is a standout from 2000 and will definitely hit home for Pro Era fans. – Jeremy Hecht
“Tony Montana Flow” proves two things: Keef’s Scarface accent is the best thing in rap this year and Akachi is quickly climbing the producing ranks. In their new collaboration, Akachi puts down a menacing trap beat with an evil synth in the forefront that could easily be interchangeable with the score from Halloween. It’s impossible to not envision Keef rapping with his lip curled and shoulders square, puffing a cigar between bars with how dedicated he is to maintaining the accent with his flow. This comes after the Chi-Town legend dropped 4NEM earlier this year, one of Keef’s most excellent projects. Both Keef and Akachi maintain momentum with “Tony Montana Flow,” and hopefully there’s more to come from these two. – Anthony Malone
“The Root of All” – DJ Premier f. Slick Rick & Lil Wayne
Contributing writers: David Brake, Jeremy Hecht, Devon Jefferson, Dana Scott, Peter Barry, Anthony Malone, Rebecca Barglowski, Grant Robinson, Isaac Fontes & Josh Svetz.
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