Top Hip Hop Hits of 2010's (According to Me)

The 90’s and early 2000’s brought some of the most iconic hip hop artists of all time. From 2pac to 50 cent rap overwhelmed the music scene for nearly a decade and a half. With such success in the past many have begun to question the current state of the rap and the future of the industry. Although a demographic feel that the golden years of the genre are in the past I argue some of the greatest hits are among this very decade and that the future will only offer more. Below I have provided several examples of my favourite rap songs produced throughout this decade.

ASAP Ferg (Plain Jane)

Plain Jane contains an eccentric hip hop beat that we all subconsciously crave accompanied by lyrics that describe Ferg’s experience growing up in Harlem.

Kendrick Lamar (MAAD CITY)

Serving as Kendrick’s second album release “good kid, M.A.A.D. City” was released in the fall of 2012. The critically acclaimed album was nominated for seven grammies (Goodman) and recently won the Pulitzer Prize for Music (Hernandez). M.A.A.D City describes Kendrick’s laced drug experience adding credibility to his stance on the indulgence of smoking marijuana. Upon being questioned into the meaning of the title Kendrick has described M.A.A.D. City as an acronym for Me An Angel on Angel Dust (L.A. Leakers).

J Cole Neighbours

Possibly one of the most prolific rappers today J. Coles music carries social sophistication which transforms the way people look at the problems within society. “Neighbors” serves as the seventh installment on 4 Your Eyez Only. Released on April 25, 2017 in continuity with the rest of Coles Album the single tells the story of Coles experience while renting a house in North Carolina. During his concert Cole explained that following his success in New York he chose to retreat back to his hometown where he rented a house in the suburbs. While there the neighbours conspired that he had been selling drugs and while they where abstinent the police raided the residence (Crucial Lists).

Logic (Gang Related & Niki)

Serving as Logic’s first studio Album Under Pressure brought Logic into the spotlight. Under Pressure contains two of my personal favourites including “Nikki” and “Gang Related”. “Nikki” describes Logics relationship with cigarettes and it’s captivating power that it had over him as well as celebrities such as Kayne West (Genius). Following a screening of Boyz in the Hood Logic felt inspired to write a piece regarding the subject (Wikipedia).

ASAP Rocky Lord Pretty Flacko Joyde 2

Influenced by artists such as Rahim, DMX, Snoop Dogg and DJ quick Rocky was born and Raised in New York (Weiner 96). Performing hits such as “Wild for the Night” ASAP Rocky quickly rose to fame. Among His hits is Lord Pretty Flacko.

Bibliography

Crucial Lists. August 6,2017. J. Cole Talks About $1 Million S.W.A.T. Raid on His House-Full Story. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbU8MaMN1xQ

Genius. October 29, 2014. Logic Explains "Nikki". Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXHu-ZlV70w

Goodman, Lizzy.“Kendrick Lamar, Hip Hop’s Newest Old-School Star.” The New York Times, June 25, 2014

Hernandez, Daniel. "Good Kid in a 'M.A.A.D.' City: Compton's Own Kendrick Lamar Wins Pulitzer." L.A. Taco, April 16, 2018

L.A. Leakers. October 19, 2012.Kenrick Lamar Breaks Down the Meaning Behind good kid, M.A.A.D. City w/L.A. Leakers. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlFL32aeW28&t=183s

"Under Pressure."Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Pressure_(album)

Weiner, J. (2011). Harlem's Finest: ASAP Rocky. Rolling Stone, 11:45 96

(June 13,2017).Plain Jane.[ASAP Ferg] Still Striving

(2012).M.A.A.D. City. [Kendrick Lamar featuring McEiht] Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City

(2017).Neighbours. [J.Cole] 4 Your Eyez Only

(2014).Nikki and Gang Related.[Logic] Under Pressure

(2015).Lord Pretty Flacko Joyde 2.[ASAP Rocky]