2020 began with strong releases from some of the game’s biggest artists. From mainstream hits to bar-heavy displays of lyrical fitness, January produced some great rap songs. DX compiles a list of some of our favorite tracks that drop each month of the year. Here is our list from January, including Eminem, Mick Jenkins, Roddy Ricch and more.
You can also read our list of the Best Rap Songs of The Year… so far, which is updated monthly.
The Top Rap Songs of January 2020
“Yah Yah” – Eminem
Eminem recruited some of the best to ever do it — Black Thought, Royce Da 5’9 and Q-Tip — for an epic posse cut that stands out as one of the shining moments of Slim Shady’s surprise album Music To Be Murdered By.
“Shells Kitchen” – Raekwon
The Chef’s The Appetition EP is more of an appetizer than a full course meal, yet Raekwon’s “Shells Kitchen” is packed with enough witty bars in its two verses to leave Hip Hop heads satisfied.
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“Carefree” – Mick Jenkins
Mick Jenkins has the ability to sound completely laid back on a beat while still making sure he’s concise with his lyrics. “Carefree” delivers a catchy hook, clever bars and a smooth instrumental.
“Life Is Good” – Future & Drake
Future and Drake teamed up once again, this time to remind everyone they’re doing well in life. This song brought the best out of the duo and left fans anticipating a potential full-length follow up to their 2015 effort What A Time To Be Alive.
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“Sum 2 Prove” – Lil Baby
Lil Baby flowed effortlessly over the Twysted Genius-produced track. While the melody and flow might be the initial draws to the song, Lil Baby also shines lyrically with everything from laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt bars.
“Blue World” – Mac Miller
With the help of famed producer Jon Brion, Mac Miller’s family recently unlocked the late musician’s first posthumous album Circles, the sister album to 2018’s Swimming. “Blue World” is one of the more uptempo tracks on the 12-song effort and a staunch reminder of what the world lost when he passed away in September 2018 at the ripe age of 26.
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“Still Dreamin'” – J.I.D, Lute & 6LACK
Dreamville fans got a taste of “Still Dreamin'” in last year’s Revenge documentary but had to wait until 2020 to hear the track in full. The wait was worth it as J.I.D delivered a master class alongside Lute and 6LACK on the Revenge of the Dreamers III: Director’s Cut song.
“The Box” – Roddy Ricch
What started off as a light-hearted campaign to block Justin Bieber’s song “Yummy” from reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts became a full-fledged movement to uplift Roddy Ricch to the top spot. The Compton rapper’s song took on a life of its own and had everyone ready to dance the moment they heard his windshield wiper-inspired vocals start off the track.
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“Anna From Woohside (Beat Suite)” – Stretch & Bobbito
New York City-bred radio legends Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia delivered their first album No Requests featuring The M19s Band, which they executive produced and curated. The opening song for the project cleverly weaves together several famous Hip Hop instrumentals, including Souls Of Mischief’s “93 til Infinity” and Nas’ “N.Y. State Of Mind.”
“Nightime (Interlude)” – Russ
Although Russ dubbed this track an interlude, it can stand on its own without question. After getting co-signs from Rihanna in the form of an Instagram video and JAY-Z in the form of a playlist, Russ is looking to have his biggest year yet. The song mixes an infectious hook with high-pitched vocal bridges to create a unique sound, which is much different than some of Russ’s other music.
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Honorable Mentions:
- “Letter To Nipsey” – Meek Mill f. Roddy Ricch
- “Slap Da Shit Outcha” – Redman
- “Pistol By The Bed” – Moneybagg Yo
- “Money Talk” – Rich The Kid f. NBA YoungBoy
- “High Fashion” – Roddy Ricch
- “Footsal Shuffle” – Lil Uzi
- “Diamonds” – Young Thug f. Gunna
- “Millions” – Young Thug
- “Dirty Iyanna” – Youngboy Never Broke Again
- “Good News” – Mac Miller
- “B.I.T.C.H.” – Megan Thee Stallion
- “Outdone” – Tech N9ne
- “What’s Poppin” – Jack Harlow
- “Rodeo (Remix)” – Lil Nas X f. Nas
- “Christopher Walking” – Pop Smoke
