The Best Hip Hop Songs of 2021 …(so far) – HipHopDX

2021 is off to a good start musically with some of the game’s heavy-hitters dropping new songs. This year so far fans have received new music from Lil Baby, Drake, Freddie Gibbs, Denzel Curry, Benny The Butcher, Young M.A., JAY-Z & Nas and more.

Every month, HipHopDX puts a spotlight on the tracks that stand out from the overabundance of releases throughout the year, highlighting everything from Billboard chart-friendly singles to essential album cuts. 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:

Editor’s note: Songs from this list were released between December 2, 2020 – May 1, 2021.

For your listening pleasure, here is HipHopDX’s Best Hip Hop Songs of 2021 … so far.

Contributing writers: David Brake, Trent Clark, Kyle Eustice, Jeremy Hecht, Devon Jefferson, Dana Scott & Josh Svetz.

“RAPSTAR” – Polo G

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“More Life” – Cordae f. Q-Tip

Ghostface Killah recently admonished Hip Hop’s new generation of rap stars to take pride in knowing the genre’s rich history so that they can foster career longevity. Cordae exemplifies the Wu-Tang Clan rhyme god’s advice on “More Life,” bridging the generational gap with A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip.

Co-produced by Q-Tip, Kid Culture and Eric Hudson, the track is featured on Cordae’s latest EP Just Until… “More Life” sounds like a sunny-afternoon relaxed with spatial yet hard snare kicks and a whiny keyboard groove as Tip sings the hook. Cordae reviews his life’s purpose asking whether to chase fame or happiness and show off his pro tennis world champion girlfriend Naomi Osaka (“My girl a tennis star, you n-ggas out here marrying hoes”).

“Trenches” – Morray

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“Rih” – Kenny Mason

“80 Barz” – Redman

The Funk Doctor Spot’s latest single title is self-explanatory. No hook is needed as Redman rattles off his barrel load of witty punchlines and comical one-liners awash with pop cultural and obscure Hip Hop references from the 1980s through today.

He congruently stacks them together in a lengthy stanza like a Tetris master over the “80 Barz” semi-electro rap beat. As viewed in his 4/20 Verzuz TV performance with Method Man, the 50-year-old New Jersey representative sounds more spry than he did 30 years ago in this cut.

“Nobles” – The Alchemist, Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue

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“No More Parties (Remix)” – Coi Leray & Lil Durk

Coi Leray and Lil Durk are two of the most sought-after artists in rap, so it’s only natural that they would come together for a remix of “No More Parties.” Produced by Okaykhan and the explosive Maaly Raw, “No More Parties” has already netted over 15 million streams on Spotify alone after repeatedly going viral on social media.

The daughter of rap veteran Benzino, Coi Leray has found herself frequently in the news, often for her dramatic interactions with her father. But Leray already has two certified hits in “BIG PURR” and “No More Parties,” and her discography has never looked stronger. Meanwhile, Lil Durk has been one of Hip Hop’s most consistent artists, simultaneously unleashing street-focused anthems and radio-ready hits like “No More Parties.”

“SORRY NOT SORRY” – DJ Khaled f. JAY-Z, Nas & James Fauntleroy

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“Solid” – Young Thug, Gunna & Young Stoner Life f. Drake

“Whipski” – $NOT f. Lil Skies

The eerie sounds of “GOSHA” alerted fans to $NOT back in 2018, but once he found his audience, the New York-born, Florida-raised rapper ran with his abilities. His voice, a grizzled, husky echo is versatile, sounding at-home no matter the style of music.

Along with Lil Skies, $NOT released “Whipski” in early April with 300 Entertainment. $NOT finds the pocket perfectly on “Whipski,” making his raps the star of the show, surrounded by production from Taz Taylor and Internet Money. “Whipski” was also released with a video directed by Cole Bennett.

“durag activity” – Baby Keem f. Travis Scott

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“Day Glow” – Kota The Friend

“Plastic” – Lil Yachty f. Icewear Vezzo & Rio Da Yung OG

Something changes in Lil Yachty whenever the Quality Control rapper touches down in Detroit; Yachty’s youthful zeal fades away into something much more menacing. Nearly the entirety of Michigan Boat Boy, Yachty’s latest, is excellent, but “Plastic” featuring Detroit’s Icewear Vezzo and Rio Da Yung OG is particularly exceptional. Yachty attacks the beat, sparring with crunchy drums and chimes, blending clever punchlines and villanous threats with ease. Vezzo and Rio perfectly match Yachty’s energy, sliding across the beat while flashing Chrome Hearts and Rolex watches.

“SHOOT MY SHOT” – IDK f. Offset

“4U” – Pi’erre Bourne

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“Better You” – Evidence

“Real As It Gets” – Lil Baby f. EST Gee

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Louisville, Kentucky’s EST Gee has gone from rapping in makeshift bathroom studios to landing a track with Lil Baby, one of the game’s hottest commodities. On “Real As It Gets,” the two praise the real and disparage the fake, stressing the importance of authenticity in an industry dominated by false appearances and crafted narratives. Baby is excellent as always, but it’s Gee’s explosive delivery that landed “Real As It Gets” on this list.

“Big Boss Rabbit” – Freddie Gibbs

“Indian Summer” – Armand Hammer & The Alchemist

The Alchemist-produced album Haram from New York rap duo Armand Hammer will likely be off-putting to many. But if you can look past the slaughterhouse album cover and abrasive sounds, you’ll find some of the most powerfully potent raps of the year. Among those is “Indian Summer,” a masterclass in poetics taught by Armand Hammer rappers Billy Woods and Elucid, backed by an eerie beat from Al. Woods and Elucid share a special bond on “Indian Summer” and that chemistry is apparent as the two wax philosophically about colonization, war and revenge.

“When Tony Met Sosa” – Benny The Butcher

“BUZZCUT” – BROCKHAMPTON F. Danny Brown

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It’s been over a year since fans have heard a project from Hip Hop boyband BROCKHAMPTON, but time out of the spotlight has seemed to revitalize the group. At least, that’s the impression after hearing their return to the limelight banger “BUZZCUT.” It’s a move they’ve used before, dropping high-energy one-offs in anticipation of the actual project (I BEEN BORN AGAIN, 1998 TRUMAN). “BUZZCUT” follows the trend, serving up a trippy, boisterous banger to make the speakers pop.

“Who I Smoke” – Yungeen Ace f. Whoppa Wit Da Choppa, Spinabenz & FastMoney Goon

Most diss tracks fall into a distinct lane: threats and taunts are spit violently over menacing beats. “Who I Smoke” is not your average diss track. Led by rising Jacksonville rapper Yungeen Ace, “Who I Smoke” balances the inherent savagery of a diss track with a surprisingly fitting sample of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.” In the video the crew smokes stogies on the driving range in their best Titleist and Under Armour gear. There’s something especially captivating and fresh about the combination of ice-cold bars and an airy pop sample. Yungeen Ace’s little dance is just icing on the cake.

“Wants and Needs” – Drake f. Lil Baby

Drake’s Scary Hours 2 was met with enormous success, even for Drizzy’s high standards. The 6 God proved he doesn’t need more than three tracks to succeed. Drake became the first artist to debut in all three of the top slots on Billboard’s Hot 100 with the release. While all three tracks were bulletproof, “Wants and Needs” featuring Lil Baby stands out. Lil Baby has come a long way since “Yes Indeed,” his first collaboration with Drake. On “Wants and Needs,” the two superstar rappers are in fierce competition, pushing each other into their highest potential.

“Really Like That” – G Herbo

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“Successful” – Young M.A.

“Hellcats & Trackhawks” – Lil Durk

Only The Family’s compilation album Loyal Bros might have been disappointing overall, but “Hellcats & Trackhawks” makes the project’s mediocrity completely forgivable. “Hellcats & Trackhawks” serves as a potent reminder of Durkio’s roots in unflinching Drill music, as the Chicago rapper wastes no time in laying an onslaught of bars over thumping production from Nick Slowburnz. Durk has made it on nearly every roundup we’ve done, and it doesn’t seem like he’s letting up anytime soon.

“Headshot” – Lil Tjay f. Polo G & Fivio Foreign

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In New York, Lil TJay is untouchable. At only 19-years-old the South Bronx rapper has already produced scores of NY classics, first with tracks such as “Mood Swings” and “Zoo York” and now with “Headshot,” awarding TJay a spot in the top 50 of Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. Lil TJay reached out to Brooklyn’s Fivio Foreign and Chicago’s Polo G for assists, and none of the Drill aficionados disappointed.

“4 Da Gang” – 42 Dugg & Roddy Ricch

With shots fired at the filming of “4 Da Gang”‘s music video, chaos shrouded the release of the hotly anticipated single from Roddy Ricch and HipHopDX Rising Star 42 Dugg. But the two rappers didn’t let the scandal overtake the song, which finally dropped at the start of April. The two young titans are electric on “4 Da Gang,” blessing listeners with just over two minutes of unrelenting energy over one of the best beats of the year from TayTayMadeIt.

“DIET_1.5” – Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats f. Benny The Butcher

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“Lemon Pepper Freestyle” – Drake f. Rick Ross (DS)

This is Drake’s peak moment on his three-track potential album teaser Scary Hours EP. The “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” is an appropriate metaphor in the track title for 6ix God’s stans to chew up what’s arguably the most tasteful hot wings flavor on any menu. Drake enlists Rozay to ante up their Midas touch for the collaborative, hookless track as they steer through a barrage of bars about the glamorous celebrity life over an airy, obscurely filtered R&B vocal-sampled instrumental with subtle boom-bap drums to make rap traditionalist and the vibes crowds bop.

“Case Closed” – Young Dolph & Key Glock

Cousins Young Dolph and Key Glock have undeniable chemistry. The two rap like they’re chilling at the cookout, catching family members up on their lives. But just because there’s camaraderie doesn’t mean there isn’t room for competition. On the standout track from their new Dum & Dummer 2 mixtape, the two enter into a friendly contest over who can be the hardest flexer. Glock boasts about his good credit, sexual prowess and deciding not to buy a Ghost in favor of a Richard Mille… though he makes it clear he could have had a Ghost. Dolph jumps in flaunting his VVS stones in his glasses, making millions off ad-libs and turning fine women into freaks, sound effects included. By the time Dolph and Glock reveal their intentions to drop a country album, it becomes impossible to pick a winner.

“Heartless (Live From LA)” – Roddy Ricch

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“Ima Ball” – Kalan.Fr.Fr

With the release of his TwoFr2 project, Roc Nation artist Kalan.Fr.Fr updated his 2018 flagship effort with a mixed batch of fresh and melodic West Coast sounds. Within the array of intoxicating bangers, Kalan’s hybrid rap and R&B infused style flourish on “Ima Ball.” The catchy repetitive hook and rhythmic cadence lend the track an inherent bounce, allowing the Los Angeles rapper to flex his hit making capabilities. “Ima Ball” also signals his ascension from street level crooner into the position of a commercial artist.

“What’s Next” – Drake

There have been several notable rap songs spanning 30 years titled “What’s Next.” It starts with Leaders of the New School’s single in 1993, Chance The Rapper featuring Lil B in 2015, K Camp three years later, and now Drake. The latter MC’s version has the most infectious bounce and chorus to get a party lit since Busta Rhymes and his former group made rap fans do the LONS-crafted East Coast Stomp dance. Drake rattles off his list of envied excesses over three repeated with a choppy vocal style over the Maneesh and Supah Mario-produced thunderous trap bass drum kicks, hi-hats and spacious hand claps over fuzzy two-chord keyboard stabs. This could be an essential song in DJ playlists at clubs this summer.

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“What It Feels Like” – Nipsey Hussle & JAY-Z

The triumphant brass kicking off “What It Feels Like” sounds like a coronation of the late great Nipsey Hussle’s spirited vocals. He runs another victory lap in the Hip Hop community’s collective heart as his “marathon continues.” The collaborative single featuring JAY-Z has an uplifting, black fist-in-the-air energy, which serves as the perfect match for urban cinema’s most powerful film of the new decade, Judas and the Black Messiah.

“Skegee” – JID

The Tuskegee experiments—in which the U.S. Government intentionally injected a group of Black men with Syphilis to study the effects of the disease untreated for a span of 40 years—is one of the many atrocities committed against Black people after abolishing slavery. Reparations and proper reform is substituted with half-hearted apologies and acknowledgement of the horrific, inhumane display to suffice, a promise that it will never happen again. But promises can be empty, and as JID points out on his latest single, “Skegee,” the stranglehold of white capitalism on Black art creates a conundrum when a Black man’s talents are scouted and then recruited for institutional financial gain.

“Gang Signs” – Freddie Gibbs & ScHoolboy Q

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“Talk To Me” – Drakeo the Ruler & Drake

Most rappers go their entire careers without a verse, or even an acknowledgment, from Drake. But Los Angeles-based rapper Drakeo the Ruler caught the attention of the 6 God. Maybe it was Drakeo’s heroic plight over the LA justice system. Perhaps Drizzy was enamored by Drakeo’s unflinching rapping style.

Whatever the reason, the two combined forces for “Talk To Me,” a monumental landmark in Drakeo’s discography which offers a rare glimpse at the reclusive Toronto-born superstar. Drake and Drakeo trade contrasting verses over production from Elias Knight, jordanwtf and E.Y. The rap world is watching to see what the newly-freed Drakeo will do with this new attention.

“LOVE” – Shordie Shordie & Murda Beatz f. Trippie Redd

Shordie Shordie is quickly becoming a true force to be reckoned with in rap. Though he’s been releasing music since 2018, his latest efforts with producer Murda Beatz mark a significant new chapter in the Baltimore singer/rapper’s career. “LOVE” features a perfectly-executed feature from Trippie Redd, moody 808s and soul-wrenching singing from Shordie.

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“Substance (We Woke Up)” – 03 Greedo & Wiz Khalifa

After listening to “Substance,” the latest track from 03 Greedo and Wiz Khalifa, one thing became clear: Greedo is a helluva singer. Originally released in 2018 on Greedo’s now-infamous The Wolf Of Grape Street, the Los Angeles-based rapper recruited the Wiz Khalifa for a revival of one of his greatest songs.

Khalifa, rapping through clouds of Zaza, drops a perky verse. The original might be over two years old, but it sounds fresher than ever.

“Last Man Standing” – Polo G

“45 SMOKE” – Slowthai

Slowthai is known for causing a raucous. When he’s not performing live while holding a model of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s severed head, he’s laying filthy bars. Tyron, the latest from the Northampton bad boy, is full of hits, but none are more potent than “45 SMOKE.”

Working with Kwes Darko, Slowthai’s longtime producer, the two created a malicious track, continuing the run of quality music from one of the UK’s hottest acts.

“I Gotcha” – YFN Lucci

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“Rainforest” – NoName

There are few artists capable of referencing critical race theory, class division and our society’s fascination with consumption in less than three minutes. On “Rainforest,” the latest single from the groundbreaking Chicago rapper, Noname issues a masterclass in sharing her message while remaining accessible and understanding. She drops loaded metaphors, referencing Frantz Fanon’s seminal text on race, The Wretched of the Earth, Medusa and Huey P. Newton’s autobiography Revolutionary Suicide with the focused pen of a wise sage. Ultimately, “Rainforest” is an exploration into perseverance. As Noname iterates her traumas and anxieties, she finds solace and strength knowing, despite the hindrances, she has and will continue to overcome.

“Prom Queen” – Smokepurpp

Smokepurpp must’ve been listening to the negative feedback he received from Florida Jit, his underperforming album from 2020. He’s now back with PSYCHO (Legally Insane), a short EP highlighted by the intro track “Prom Queen.” Purpp is back on his bullshit, tearing up his Highschool’s Prom with devious intent.

As he wrangles the phenomenal beat from Mike Zara and DSC Sunny, fans are reminded of how good Purpp is at rapping. He bounces across the beat, finding and manipulating pockets with ease. “Prom Queen” is one hell of a correction.

“Jesse Owens” – Rowdy Rebel & NAV

Rowdy Rebel and NAV: what a combination. Though unlikely, the collaboration brought fans the excellent “Jesse Owens.” Rowdy, newly out of prison, has been on a tear as of late. Before his release, he blessed Pop Smoke with a feature on “Make It Rain.” Now, he’s gearing up for a slew of new music. NAV is the true surprise, though, as he spits some of the hardest bars in his career.

“Rich N-gga Problems” – A$AP Rocky

“Winter In America” – Freddie Gibbs

Gibbs croons a cover of late revered soul singer and rap progenitor Gil Scott-Heron and keyboardist Brian Jackson’s poignant, political 1974 album title track “Winter In America” for ESPN’s The Undefeated Black History Always/Music For the Movement Vol. 2 EP. Produced by Brooklyn-based jazz artist Leon Michels, the updated track contains Hip Hop-oriented uptempo duple snare kicks, cymbal taps and a sauntering piano medley than the original’s downbeat marching band-style drums.

The same sobering woodwinds remain in Gibbs’ version as the lyrics observe people living in a cold reality that society is still far behind achieving social justice.

“Real N-ggas Don’t Rap” – Babyface Ray

Babyface Ray isn’t concerned with awards or recognition. On the opening track to his new EP Unfuckwitable, the Detroit rapper details his rise, rapping apathetically with a dead-eyed stare. From sleeping on air mattresses to dressing up his closet with 20K saks just out of boredom, Babyface Ray lays out his journey to becoming a rap star, shrugging at the perks of being famous outside of the money in his bank account.

“Up” – Cardi B

One thing we know about Cardi B: she always tries to keep it interesting. “Up,” the latest smash-hit from the Bronx-bred rapper, is packed with energy and spicy as always. It was met with a warm reception on TikTok and on the charts, debuting in the second slot on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. Critics have been dubbing Cardi B as a flash-in-the-pan act since the start of her career. The “WAP” rapper proves, yet again, she’s a mainstay in rap.

“Hit Bout It” – Lil Yachty & Kodak Black

Kodak Black and Lil Yachty combined forces for “Hit Bout It.” While Kodak was incarcerated, Yachty actively advocated on his behalf, making pleas for former President Trump to pardon the young Florida rapper. When Trump announced his list of pardons, which also included Lil Wayne, Yak was shortly freed. Though he dropped music from behind bars, “Hit Bout It,” presents the Kodak fans came to love years ago. But don’t overlook Yachty: the QC rapper has been barring-up his competition all 2021, and “Hit Bout It” is no different.

“Ox” – Gabe ‘Nandez

New York may be dominated by the sounds of Drill, but don’t get twisted — the Five Boroughs has bars. Even the older heads will become enamored with “Ox,” the latest from hard-spitting New York rapper Gabe ‘Nandez. ‘Nandez’s pen does backflips on “Ox” as he weaves his way across the 101 Beats production. Don’t try to put ‘Nandez in a box: you won’t be successful. The burgeoning rapper can reference the Odyssey, Galactus and “bad bunnies” in the same sixteen. This is New York: all bars, no hook necessary.

“EPMD” – Nas & Hit-Boy

“I Know” – 42 Dugg, Foogiano, TG Kommas

42 Dugg and Foogiano are two of the hottest rising stars in rap right now, each releasing multiple singles and projects that have established them as bankable stars. But on Dugg’s latest collaborative single “I Know,” it’s 21-year-old Boosie Badazz co-signed TG Kommas who shines with his chance in the spotlight, showing off his versatility singing and rapping throughout the track to deliver a performance to get his name on the radar.

“Greed” – LUCKI f. Lil Yachty

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“Tequila Shots” — Kid Cudi

In many ways, Kid Cudi’s The Man On The Moon III is a full-circle moment for the Cleveland-born rapper. It’s the third and final act in the MOTM trilogy, a fitting nightcap for the story of Mr. Rager. “Tequila Shots” is a nod to where Cudi has been and a gaze forward to where he’s heading.

It’s an acknowledgement of the perpetual nature of his tortured mind, but it’s also a declaration that he’s stronger than his weak points. Dot Da Genius and Take a Daytrip assist Cudder in the creation of his micro-universe, plucking nostalgic sounds from the previous chapters of the MOTM saga. Of course, no great Kid Cudi song is complete without a good dash of humming and the “Day ‘N’ Nite” rapper is in peak form.

“Let It Breathe” – Joey Bada$$

Pro Era rap fans were undoubtedly hungry for more music from Joey Bada$$ following the release of The Light Pack EP at the tail end of 2020. That’s precisely his temporally aware bars sound so refreshing on his visual single “Let It Breathe.”

Complimented by the mid-tempo muddled boom-bap production provided by Statik Selektah, Joey’s flow meanders between multi-tiered metaphors and brain-splitting aphorisms with the cerebral ideological might of Socrates — had the Greek philosopher hailed from New York City and pushed a lime green Porsche through the city.

“Drankin N Smokin” — Future & Lil Uzi Vert

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“Sky” — Playboi Carti

After years of waiting, Whole Lotta Red — Playboi Carti’s follow-up to 2018’s classic Die Lit — finally arrived on Christmas. The reception was admittedly more mixed than was to be expected from a hotly anticipated album from one of rap’s true superstars. But whether you love it or you hate it, the project produced some true gems, including “Sky,” a synth-heavy, melody-forward anthem that has quickly outperformed its counterparts, and then went on to TikTok virality.

Art Dealer’s moody masterpiece of a beat sounds like Daft Punk dipped in lean and perfectly upholds the song’s structure, building drama for Carti’s cathartic chorus, which is easily the best hook on the entire album.

“Top (Remix)” — Fredo Bang f. Lil Durk

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“Onna Come Up” — Lil Eazzyy

Lil Eazzyy closed out 2020 with a bang and is looking towards 2021 with big goals. His debut full-length Underrated dropped last November led by the single “Onna Come Up.” Now in the new year, Eazzyy released the remix to his most popular single, adding fellow Chicago rapper G Herbo. The drill-inspired artist unloads a clip of fast raps on a Hugo Buck-produced beat.

“Overtime” — Baby Smoove

“LeBron James” – J. Stone f. Nipsey Hussle, Dom Kennedy

All Money In rapper J. Stone has consistently elevated the legacy and memory of his dear friend, West Coast legend Nipsey Hussle, since his unfortunate death in 2019. Building onto the blueprint the Nip inspired with The Definition Of Loyalty, J. Stone continued the album saga in 2020 with The Definition Of Pain.

Embedded within the 18-track project is the “LeBron James” collaboration featuring Dom Kennedy and a posthumous verse from Hussle that makes us fall in love with the drive and leadership the Victory Lap legend embodies.

“Still Trappin” — Lil Durk f. King Von

It might be a new year, but Lil Durk picked-up right where he left off in 2020. The underdog MVP of last year, Durkio landed scores of high-profile features and released two well-received albums in Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 and The Voice. “Still Trappin,” from The Voice and its subsequent deluxe edition, features the best verse from King Von since his passing last November.

Go Grizzly and Hitmaka sonically recreate the streets of O’Block with dark drums and a haunting baritone piano loop. Von and Durk had undeniably cohesive chemistry and “Still Trappin” is a reminder of what could have been.

“Throat Baby [Remix]” — BRS Kash f. DaBaby & City Girls

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“My Puppy” — KEY! & Tony Seltzer

Atlanta rapper KEY! closed out 2020 with the most cohesive album of his career, The Alpha Jerk, produced in entirety by New York’s underground bard Tony Seltzer. KEY! raps in a JPEGMAFIA-style stream of consciousness, pumping high-intensity bars that occasionally borderline on screaming. “My Puppy” is the standout track from an overall excellent project.

Tony pairs a whining, distorted synth with rounded, booming drums as KEY! uses the production like a playground, swinging from the monkey bars, taking rides down the slide and doing flips off the swings.

“We Know The Truth” — Drakeo The Ruler f. Icewear Vezzo, ALLBLACK

Despite the odds stacked so strongly against him, Los Angeles rapper Drakeo The Ruler continues to succeed. For years he fought a backwards conspiracy charge while being inhumanely muzzled and locked in solitary confinement. Last year, he managed to release Thank You For Using GTL.

The album was recorded entirely over the phone from prison, which many have labeled the greatest rap album ever recorded from behind bars. Drakeo works at a breakneck pace and has released both We Know The Truth (and its deluxe) and Because Y’all Asked since his release last November. “We Know The Truth” featuring Detroit’s Icewear Vezzo and burgeoning Oakland MC ALLBLACK, is a West Coast take on Midwestern Drill music.

“Nasty” — Rich The Kid f. Flo Milli, Rubi Rose

“Guard Up” — Pooh Shiesty

The Pooh Shiesty stock is skyrocketing like GameStop; the only difference is there’s no crash in sight. The latest in a series of phenomenal young artists to arise from Memphis, Shiesty slid into prominence through an onslaught of single releases, including his latest “Guard Up.”

Rapping is too easy for the 20-year-old spitter who takes a lackadaisical approach as he maneuvers across the TP808-produced beat, finding pockets with ease, contorting his voice to push the boundaries of the rhyme patterns. The entire rap world seems to have their eyes on Pooh Shiesty as fans await his debut album.

“Bad Boy” — Juice WRLD f. Young Thug

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“I Am” – Yung Baby Tate & Flo Milli

OTHER FAVORITE SONGS FROM JANUARY 2021

“Ain’t Got TIme” – Lil Wayne f. Foushee
“Bop” – CJ
“Dead Broke” – Lil Skies
“Sunshine (The Light)” – Fat Joe, DJ Khaled & Amorphous
“State of the Union” – Marlon Craft
“Last Day In” – Kodak Black
“6 N Da Morning” – Los & Nutty
“Help” – Peewee Longway & Cassius Jay f. Wicced
“Trap It Out” – Peewee Longway & Cassius Jay f. Lil Baby
“Luka Brazy Gates Flow” – HoneyKomb Brazy
“My Puppy” – KEY! & Tony Seltzer
“Clinical” KEY! & Tony Seltzer
“Big Business” – Trapland Pat
“Risky” – Lil Moe 6Blocka
“GodHands” – Evilbabyjoker
“Moving Dangerous” – Kell Honcho
“Trap Mode” – YG Teck f. Pooh Shiesty
“Question For You” – YG Teck
“Gnat” – Eminem
“Oxycodone Mixture” – CEO Trayle
“Foe Minutes Of Hell” Sada Baby
“Walk Down Again” – Doe Boy
“SFX Room” – Tony Shhnow
“False Evidence Appearing Real” – Chris Crack
“AHHHHHH PT.2” – YN Jay f. Sada Baby
“Take Out” – Jay Critch
“Breathe” – Navy Blue f. yasiin bey
“Chicken N Dumplins” – Grip
“Trapp Back” – YSN f. Foogiano
“Off The Porch” – Key Glock
“6 Foot 7 Foot” – 26AR & Tazzo B
“Chosen” – Taleban Dooda f. T9ine

OTHER FAVORITE SONGS FROM FEBRUARY 2021

“Dawn Toliver” – Drakeo the Ruler, Don Toliver, Ketchy the Great
“Get Off My Yard” – Marlon Craft
“Welcome To America” – Black Thought
“Trying To Maintain” – Ice Cube
“I Know” – 42 Dugg, Foogiano, TG Kommas
“MAZZA” – Slowthai & A$AP Rocky
“Bruuuh [Remix]” -JID, Denzel Curry
“no safety” – Baby Hot DB
“Somethin’ Ain’t Right” – Masego, JID, Rapsody
“A Man Apart (Intervention) – Rx Papi
“Neighbors” Pooh Shiesty ft. BIG30
“Methods” – Mavi
“Say A Prayer” – Jim Jones, Harry Fraud. Curren$y, Jay Worthy
“Grow Privately” – Chris Crack
“Freestyle” – Lil Eazzyy
“T.Titan” – Thouxanbanfauni
“Batman” – LPB Poody
“61st to 64th” – Lil Zay Osama
“Bird Box Part 2” Rx Papi ft. Boldly James
“Yucc” – Rx Papi
“Like This” – 2KBABY & Marshmello
“Go Big” – YG & Big Sean
“Money Long” – DDG f. OG Parker & 42 Dugg
“‘Cosmic’.4a [The Alchemist Version Feat. Joey Bada$$] – Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats