2021 was a great year for music. These songs were the soundtrack of our 2021 and created memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a list of all of our favorite picks this year.
Jason’s Picks
Vince Staples – “Are You With That?”
When everyone was debating Ye’s (Kanye West) Donda versus Drake’s CLB, the whole time, it was Vince Staples’s self-titled project, Vince Staples, that rocked 2021, scoring higher than both Kanye and Drake’s album, according to Metacritic. From the beat to the visual, his second single, “Are You With That?” does not disappoint, achieving a sonic masterpiece with his last project. We can not wait to see what the artist has in store for us next.
Isaiah Rashad – “Chad” ft. YGTUT
Isaiah Rashad’s 2021 project, The House Is Burning, took center stage most of 2021, as the album showcased his growth, refinement, and versatility as an artist. But it is his track and visual “Chad” that put Rashad in the spotlight. The song has this incredible cadence and musicality that make you want to sing and groove along also the visual is filled with cameos from TDE members Jay Rock, Lance Skiiiwalker, Reason, as well as Dominic Fike, Aminé, Kal Banx, Denzel Curry, King Mez, Childish Major, and more, making for one of the best visual collaborations of the year.
Baby Keem – “Family Ties” ft. Kendrick Lamar
Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Ties,” off his 2021 album The Melodic Blue, captures the start of the pgLang era, Kendrick’s new multi-disciplinary media company, coming off his 2019 project, DIE FOR MY BITCH, Baby Keem’s “Family Ties,” sets the tone for what we can expect next from the young MC and the next generation of pgLang signees.
Doja Cat – “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA
If you have not heard Doja Cat and SZA’s joint track, “Kiss Me More,” where have you been hiding? The song is inescapable in the best way possible. From blowing up on social media to racking up tons of streams, “Kiss Me More” is a perfect anthem for anyone who wants to set the mood and feel sexy.
Aisha’s Picks
Wizkid “Essence” ft. Tems
Wizkid has managed to put out hit after hit for the last few years, cementing his status as one of the top Afrobeats stars. With the drop of “Essence,” (although it was originally released in 2020), it’s success in 2021 has been astronomical. Wizkid’s smooth voice and swaggy presence take listeners on a sensual journey that’s only further highlighted by Tems, the Afrobeats songstress who stole the show. With her distinctly rich and compelling vocals, Tems gives the rhythmic track a sexy and edgy vibe, as she boldly sings, “you don’t need no other body.” This song shot to virality in Summer 2021, and its addictive melodies keep it on repeat, going into 2022.
Baby Keem “Family Ties” ft. Kendrick Lamar
Baby Keem’s “Family Ties” highlights the first Kendrick Lamar verse that hip-hop fans have heard since 2017’s “Damn.” The track is immediately energizing, with buzzing horns, bird calls, and Keem’s aggressive flow taking centerstage. There are several beat changes that Keem expertly rides while he warms listeners up for Kendrick’s explosive performance. As one of the hip hop GOATs, Kendrick delivers, giving bravado and harsh bars, while stunning listeners as he takes shots at his hip hop counterparts. This is easily one of the most underrated hip-hop tracks of the year.
Nicki Minaj “Seeing Green” ft. Lil Wayne & Drake
2021 marked the 12th anniversary of the release of Nicki Minaj’s top-performing mixtape, “Beam Me Up Scotty.” In celebration of the milestone, Minaj officially released the project with three new tracks, including “Seeing Green.” The track is ultra-nostalgic with surprise verses from hip hop legends Drake and Lil Wayne (with Nicki Minaj arguably spitting the best verse of the three). Fans are reminded of the early 2010 Young Money days, when Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Drake dominated every chart and hip-hop release. In 2021, not much has changed, as “Seeing Green” showcases each legend expertly delivering heavy bars over an infectiously looped sample of Heather Headley’s, “In My Mind.”
SZA – “I Hate U”
SZA is the resident prototype for alt-girls who love R&B, and she was on fire in 2021. “I Hate U” serves as the only solo track the starlet released this year, and it’s the perfect, relatable breakup song. Its synth leads hold up well over dark, melodic chords, underscoring SZA’s signature belting. While SZA sang about the melancholic end of a relationship that left her screaming, “I hate you,” the rest of the world was busy turning the track into a viral Tik Tok hit. With its addictive hook and melody, “I Hate U” understandably dominated streaming charts this year.
Flipside Kenya’s Picks
Internet Money – “His & Hers” ft. Don Toliver, Gunna & Lil Uzi Vert
After the success of infectious “Lemonade” a strong contender for the song of 2020, the formulaic wheezy Don Toliver hook, the syrupy Gunna vocals and flow, and the free-spirited ad-lib filled Lil Uzi Vert combination was a sure bet. This track was slept-on, and should have secured an easy Top 5 on the Billboards.
Isaiah Rashad – “RIP Young”
Picking one favorite record only from the TDE stalwart’s third studio album has to be one of the most difficult things to do in life. This record was so trippy and had so much replay value, it was a hit. From the winner chop sample from Project Pat’s “Cheese And Dope”, to Zay’s authentic flow (no one raps like him), to the velvet melodies, paradoxical myopic background sounds – this was nourishing, tasteful, innovative, and layered rap music but simplified. Classic.
Baby Keem – “Lost Souls” ft. Brent Faiyaz
Keem said “Blues, but make it modern”. The song was already bouncy and animated with Keem’s baby voice intonation and damning drums – but to tag along one of R&B’s more superlative acts in the last five years in Brent Faiyaz, we’re sorry Keem. Brent stole the show with his subtle yet stank-faced bars, just reminding us how ghetto fabulous he is.
EST Gee – “Opinion Base”
CMG’s latest acquisition EST Gee is a menacing rapper that everyone should look out for. On this record, the ominous keys and groovy drum patterns contrasting to EST Gee’s raspy tone and killer bars were so heinous – and EST Gee’s no-hook policy was a marvel to listen to. EST Gee is definitely one of the finest rappers of this generation.
Michaela’s Picks
Young Thug – “Paid the Fine” Ft. Lil Baby, Gunna, YTB Trench
First off, this is a trio that never misses. Paid The Fine is a song that got me through those moments when I was feeling down or unmotivated. It showed me how beneficial it is to follow my dreams, patiently wait your turn but always stay ready. When that right opportunity opens for you, go kill it & put your heart in everything you do.
Doja Cat – “You Right” Ft. The Weeknd
This is such a scandalous song and I’m obsessed with it! Not only is Doja Cat a lyrical and creative genius, but the hook from the Weeknd was also icing on the cake. They compliment each other so well. Doja’s album was a great project overall and it was really difficult to pick just one song. I’m excited to see what she has in store for 2022.
Brent Faiyaz & DJ Dahi – “Gravity” ft. Tyler, The Creator
This song gives me an old-school feeling paired with a collab we didn’t know we needed. Brent does not shy away from the fact that he is toxic when it comes to relationships, but the record sounds so good I can’t help but have it on repeat. I love how experimental Tyler the Creator is when it comes to features. Also, Steve Lacey is such an incredible guitarist and his skills shine through on the track. This song always reminds me that no one should act like I’m average.
Lil Baby & Lil Durk – “2040”
Their album The Voice of the Heroes did not disappoint this year. Durk and Baby are truly a dynamic duo. Lil Baby’s flow is insane on the track and Lil Durk dropped too many bars to count. They were so confident with their lyrics and told the story of their come-up so effortlessly. The song makes me feel like I can take on anything. The beat goes crazy too. Can’t wait to play this song with my kids in 2040. “I’ll be Ballin ’til 2040, I promise I’m not for the moment.”
Deion’s Picks
Tory Lanez – “Distance”
Distance at the start of the year helped me get through a really tough breakup. It felt like the perfect closure song I never knew I needed. That entire album for Tory was too good and honestly would be in everyone’s top 10 if not for his legal issues.
Young Thug – “Ski”
I initially thought Ski was the funniest song I ever heard. But super catchy, then the little dance came out and I started to like it even more. I still feel like it should have been bigger then it was.
Moneybagg Yo & Future – “Harder for the Next”
I was blasting this in my car everyday to work last April when this dropped. Outside of “Wokesha,” this was the second best song on the album.
Jazmine Sullivan – WHOLE ALBUM
Jazmine Sullivan really still the R&B goat out here, and I am praying she and Ari continue to make music together. My ears were truly blessed.
Sabine’s Picks
Normani – “Wild Side” ft. Cardi B
This song will never get old for me. Normani made the perfect summer song for 2021.
Drake – “Girls Want Girls” ft. Lil Baby
This was my favorite song from Certified Lover Boy. Drake made a club banger with this track and recruited the industry’s best to help him make a certified hit.
Young Thug – “Ski” ft. Gunna
The beat of this song goes crazy. It makes you want to get up and dance when it comes on. On top of being a viral TikTok anthem, the song itself is a sensation.
Don Toliver – “What You Need”
This song stays on repeat for me. Don’s voice on this track reminds me of endless summer days.
Tallie’s Picks
B-Lovee – “My Everything (Part II)” Ft. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
I found this song on TikTok at the end of the year and I’m obsessed. He has another version with G Herbo, but I personally like the A Boogie version better. B-Lovee is a super talented artist and I’m excited to see what 2022 has in store from him.
Shordie Shordie & Murda Beatz – “DOCTORS”
One of the most slept on projects of the year in my opinion, was Shordie Shordie and Murda Beatz collab project ‘Memory Lane’ which had a lot of classics on there. But “DOCTORS” is probably the one that stays on repeat for me.
H.E.R. – “Paradise” Ft. Yung Bleu
I love this song so much! The dynamic R&B duo we never knew we needed.
EST Gee “Special Remix” Ft. Moneybagg Yo
Who doesn’t love this song? Enough said.
Lil Tjay “Calling My Phone” Ft. 6LACK
THIS is definitely song of the year for me. It was the whole soundtrack to my life at one point when it first dropped. It also broke records for both artists — “Calling My Phone” debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming both Lil Tjay and 6lack’s highest-charting single on the chart, also marking the first single for both of them to hit the Top 10.
This song stays on repeat.
