Most Famous 2020s American Hip-Hop from the Last 90 Days, updated on Nov 23,2024
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 1 . Kendrick Lamar - Not Like UsReleased in May 2024, Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" is a diss track aimed at Canadian rapper Drake, marking the fifth installment in Lamar's public dispute with him. Produced by Mustard, the song features violins, piano, and rhythmic percussions to create an urgent, intense atmosphere, while the music video includes symbolic scenes, such as Kendrick smashing an owl-shaped piñata, a direct reference to Drake's OVO logo. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received multiple Grammy nominations for 2025. Genres : Hip Hop,conscious hip hop, hip hop, rap, west coast rap The music video is directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
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 2 . Central Cee - Band4Band (w/ Lil Baby)In a collaboration between British rapper Central Cee and Atlanta's Lil Baby, "Band4Band" showcases their success and wealth, with lyrics referencing luxury brands, high-end cars, and massive sums of money. The song, driven by heavy bass and syncopated rhythms typical of UK drill, features production by Geenaro and Ghana Beats, who bring elements of British and American hip-hop. Central Cee discusses themes of loyalty, questioning certain symbols worn without genuine faith, while Lil Baby emphasizes a lifestyle of affluence and ambition. Genres : World/Traditional, Hip Hop,melodic drill, r&drill, atl hip hop, atl trap, rap, trap The music video is directed by Wowa
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 3 . Travis Scott - Fe!N (w/ Playboi Carti)Travis Scott teams up with Playboi Carti in "FE!N," a track that blends modern trap with experimental sounds. The production, influenced by WondaGurl, carries a dark intensity as Scott and Carti explore themes of wealth and status. Playboi Carti's unique ad-libs contribute to an urgent atmosphere, bringing in elements from punk-rap. With its dense, shadowy ambiance, the track represents both artists' inclinations for pushing sonic boundaries within the genre. Genres : Hip Hop, Electronic,hip hop, rap, slap house, atl hip hop, plugg, pluggnb, rage rap The music video is directed by Gabriel Moses Featured on the album UTOPIA
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 4 . Eminem - HoudiniEminem's "Houdini," the first single from his twelfth studio album, released in May 2024, draws on the mystique of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, exploring themes of re-emergence in the music world. The song addresses current cultural issues, referencing "cancel culture" and societal changes since the early 2000s. Sampling Steve Miller Band's "Abracadabra," Eminem himself, alongside Luis Resto, crafted the track's production, mirroring the satirical tone of his "Without Me" video as he reprises his "Rap Boy" character alongside Dr. Dre. Cameos from 50 Cent, Pete Davidson, and Snoop Dogg enhance the humor and cultural commentary within the video. Genres : Hip Hop,detroit hip hop, hip hop, rap The music video is directed by Rich Lee Featured on the album The Final Act
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 5 . Glorilla - TgifGloRilla's "TGIF," produced by Zenjikozen, Jess Jackson, and Dillon Brophy, erupts with energetic trap beats, capturing her unapologetic freedom as she celebrates the weekend. On TikTok, her viral line "It's 7 PM Friday / It's ninety-five degrees / I ain't got no nigga and no nigga ain't got me" has become a dance anthem. In the music video, GloRilla and friends party atop a tour bus in the desert and lounge on a beach, exuding carefree confidence. Rising to number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, "TGIF" underscores her ascent in American rap, amplified by celebrity endorsements, including Rihanna's viral lip-sync. Genres : Hip Hop,southern hip hop The music video is directed by Jerry Morka Featured on the album Glorious
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 6 . Lil Nas X - Old Town Road - RemixLil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus's "Old Town Road (Remix)" blends rap and country, propelled by YoungKio's sample of Nine Inch Nails' "34 Ghosts IV." This genre-mixing phenomenon saw unprecedented success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks. Its music video spans from the 1889 Wild West to modern urban settings, with appearances by Chris Rock, Rico Nasty, Diplo, and Vince Staples. The remix, in response to the original song's removal from the country charts, sparked discussions on genre barriers. Billy Ray Cyrus, known for "Achy Breaky Heart," adds his country flair, furthering the track's appeal and legacy as a cultural touchpoint. Genres : lgbtq+ hip hop, country rock, contemporary country, country, atl hip hop, atl trap, gangster rap, melodic rap, rap, trap,lgbtq+ hip hop, country rock, contemporary country, country, atl hip hop, atl trap, gangster rap, melodic rap, rap, trap The music video is directed by Calmatic
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 7 . Mgk & Jelly Roll - Lonely RoadMachine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll's "Lonely Road," produced by Travis Barker and others, reimagines John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" with elements of hip-hop, rock, and country. Released in July 2024, its lyrics examine solitude and emotional struggles, complemented by a narrative-driven music video set in a garage. Genres : Hip Hop,ohio hip hop, pop rap, country rap, nashville hip hop, tennessee hip hop The music video is directed by Sam Cahill Featured on the album Beautifully Broken
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 8 . Wrekonize - ZombiesIn "Zombies," Miami-based rapper Wrekonize delves into the dehumanizing effects of modern life, likening individuals' struggles to a zombie-like existence. The track's dark, trap-infused beats and rock elements underscore Wrekonize's reflections on society's emotional numbness. Known for his association with Strange Music, Wrekonize uses the zombie metaphor to capture the challenges of alienation and inner battles faced in a materialistic world. Genres : Hip Hop,miami hip hop Featured on the album Pressure Point
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 9 . Glorilla - Wanna Be (w/ Megan Thee Stallion)GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion deliver a powerhouse collaboration in "Wanna Be," a bold anthem of independence. Sampling Soulja Boy's "Pretty Boy Swag" and Project Pat's "Don't Save Her," the track dissects toxic relationships and rivalries, with Megan calling out false friends. The video shows them crashing a college frat party, and a remix with Cardi B adds further edge as she references a feud with Bia. This Memphis-Houston team-up commands attention with themes of authenticity and unfiltered self-confidence. Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, R&B,southern hip hop, houston rap, pop, r&b, rap, trap queen The music video is directed by Benny Boom Featured on the album Ehhthang Ehhthang (mxtp)
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 10 . Eminem - Godzilla (w/ Juice Wrld)Eminem's collaboration with Juice WRLD, "Godzilla," from 2020, features Eminem's rapid-fire delivery, hitting 11 syllables per second. As Juice WRLD's first posthumous release, the track pays homage to his unique talent, with a video cameo from Mike Tyson and Dr. Dre. In December 2023, it became part of Fortnite's "The Big Bang" event, complete with an Eminem-themed skin, and was also included in Beat Saber's "Hip Hop Mixtape." Produced by D.A. Doman with Eminem, the track balances bravado and themes of mental health struggles, with Juice WRLD's melodic chorus adding depth. Genres : Hip Hop,detroit hip hop, hip hop, rap, chicago rap, melodic rap The music video is directed by Cole Bennett Featured on the album Music to Be Murdered By
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 11 . Future & Metro Boomintravis Scottplayboi Carti - Type ShitFuture, Playboi Carti, and Metro Boomin team up for "Type Shit," a track marked by heavy bass and rapid hi-hats, structured around Future's assertive hook. With Playboi Carti's unpredictable verse and Future's swaggering lines on wealth and excess, the song epitomizes trap opulence. Underpinned by DJ Esco's seasoned touch, "Type Shit" serves as a statement of their dominance in the rap sphere, using lavish lifestyles and unabashed self-assurance to cement their status. Genres : Hip Hop, Electronic,atl hip hop, hip hop, rap, southern hip hop, trap, slap house, plugg, pluggnb, rage rap The music video is directed by Gunner Stahl Featured on the album We Don't Trust You
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 12 . King Von - Took Her To The OKing Von's "Took Her To The O," produced by Chopsquad DJ, recounts a vivid story set in his Chicago neighborhood, O'Block, a known hub for crime and violence. The track captures the essence of Chicago drill with grim tales of relationships, street life, and loyalty. Posthumously released, it reached the Billboard Hot 100's 47th position and earned double platinum certification. King Von's detailed narrative style offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the realities of life in Chicago's South Side. Genres : chicago rap, rap,chicago rap, rap The music video is directed by Joan Pabon Featured on the album Welcome to O'Block
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 13 . Real Boston Richey - Help MeReal Boston Richey's "Help Me," produced by MacFly, weaves introspective lyrics with trap beats as the rapper delves into personal struggles and his quest for redemption. Signed under Freebandz Global and Epic Records, Richey confronts issues of vulnerability, loneliness, and the need for support in challenging environments. Known for his narrative style, the Boston-based rapper draws from autobiographical elements, offering a gritty yet reflective perspective on life in underprivileged neighborhoods. Genres : Hip Hop,florida drill, memphis hip hop The music video is directed by Rich Porter
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 14 . 21 Savage - Redrum21 Savage's "Redrum," produced by London on da Track, uses an eerie sample from Brazilian singer Elza Laranjeira's "Serenata do Adeus." The song references "The Shining" with "redrum" spelling "murder" backward, mirroring the dark themes of street violence and survival in Atlanta. Usher's vocal contribution in the outro adds a haunting layer, quoting "Here's Johnny!" from the iconic film. With a trap foundation and Savage's characteristic intense lyrics, "Redrum" reached the 5th spot on the Billboard Hot 100, embodying both symbolic and literal portrayals of violence. Genres : Hip Hop,atl hip hop, hip hop, rap The music video is directed by Danny Seth Featured on the album American Dream
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 15 . Eminem - Tobey (w/ Big Sean & Babytron)"Tobey," released in July 2024, features Eminem with Big Sean and BabyTron, with lyrics that reference Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man role and other pop culture icons. Mixing hip-hop with rock influences and guitar riffs, the video shows Eminem wielding a chainsaw to signify the end of his alter ego Slim Shady. Genres : Hip Hop, R&B,detroit hip hop, hip hop, rap, pop rap, r&b, southern hip hop, trap, scam rap The music video is directed by Cole Bennett Featured on the album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)
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 16 . Pooh Shiesty - Back In Blood (w/ Lil Durk)Released in November 2020, "Back in Blood" by Pooh Shiesty, featuring Lil Durk, embodies the drill genre. The song's aggressive lyrics address themes of loyalty, violence, and retribution, with Pooh's dynamic voice balanced by Lil Durk's melodic verse. It peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. Genres : Hip Hop,memphis hip hop, southern hip hop, tennessee hip hop, trap, chicago drill, chicago rap, drill, hip hop, rap The music video is directed by Jerry PHD Featured on the album Shiesty Season
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 17 . Jessie Murph & Jelly Roll - Wild OnesJessie Murph and Jelly Roll's "Wild Ones" fuses country, pop, and rap, with production by Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman. With a hip-hop beat underscored by acoustic guitar samples, the song explores attraction toward those with a rebellious lifestyle. Landing at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving double platinum status in the US and Canada, "Wild Ones" intertwines Murph's powerful vocals with introspective themes of love, loss, and personal struggles. Genres : Hip Hop, Pop,modern country pop, singer-songwriter pop, country rap, nashville hip hop, tennessee hip hop The music video is directed by Thomas Falcone Featured on the album That Ain't No Man That's the Devil
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 18 . Glorilla - Tomorrow 2 (w/ Cardi B)The remix "Tomorrow 2" sees GloRilla and Cardi B taking to New York City's streets, merging GloRilla's gritty Memphis rap roots with Cardi's Bronx bravado. Produced by Macaroni Toni, the track climbed to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video features GloRilla "ghost riding" neon-lit cars, dancing in bodegas and on subway platforms, as Cardi joins her atop a rooftop for a high-energy celebration. The collaboration exemplifies a blend of street resilience and rising success, carried by HitKidd's signature production. Genres : Pop, Hip Hop,southern hip hop, pop, rap The music video is directed by Diesel Filmz Featured on the album Anyways, Life's Great (ep)
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 19 . Glorilla - Yeah Glo!GloRilla's "Yeah Glo!" is an unapologetic celebration of her rise, with bass-heavy Memphis rap production by B100, Go Grizzly, and Squat Beats. Sampling DaBanggaz314's "Run Up Get Dun Up," the song adopts Juicy J's iconic "Yeah hoe!" chant. The video features GloRilla handing out cash in her neighborhood, cruising in a Maybach, and flipping fast-food orders, illustrating her playful dominance. Rising to number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Yeah Glo!" was nominated at the BET Awards, solidifying her presence as an energetic voice in rap. Genres : Pop,southern hip hop The music video is directed by Troy Roscoe Featured on the album Ehhthang Ehhthang (mxtp)
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 20 . Yung Bleu - You're Mines StillYung Bleu's "You're Mines Still," later remixed with Drake, explores lingering feelings after a breakup. Produced by Hitmaka and reaching the Billboard Hot 100's 18th spot, the song combines acoustic guitar loops with trap influences, reflecting on themes of regret, possessiveness, and nostalgia. Drake's verse, added after DeMarcus Cousins facilitated their connection, complements Bleu's contemplative tone, creating an emotional narrative of unresolved past relationships. Genres : Hip Hop,alabama rap, trap The music video is directed by Edgar Esteves, Jon Primo Featured on the album (ep)
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ABOUT AMERICAN HIP-HOPDefinitions & Record LabelsWhile hip-hop culture spreads worldwide, resonating across generations and diverse cultural settings, it remains fundamentally an American expression. Its roots and codes, grounded in the social and historical realities of the United States, still define its core values and aesthetics. Emerging in the United States in the 1970s, hip-hop initially comprised rap, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti. Over time, it birthed a variety of styles and subgenres like gangsta rap, conscious rap, mumble rap, and, more recently, trap and drill. In the 2020s, hip-hop, rap, trap, and drill stand as dominant musical styles, fusing influences from rock, pop, and R&B. Each evolves continually to reflect the socio-economic and cultural realities of urban American youth, touching on everything from street life to wealth and the highs and lows of fame. Trap is defined by its syncopated beats and the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine, known for deep bass and sharp hi-hats. Drill is characterized by its dark beats, minimalist percussion, and raw lyrics, often centered on urban life. The 2020s also bring an increasing diversification of hip-hop, rap, and trap subgenres across American urban centers. Each region retains unique characteristics while incorporating new influences, reflecting hip-hop’s ongoing evolution. Key Record LabelsIn the 2020s, several record labels dominate hip-hop and trap production and promotion in the United States:
Foundational Cities: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and DetroitNew York and Drill As the birthplace of hip-hop, New York remains significant in the 2020s, blending traditional boom-bap with contemporary drill, thanks to artists like Pop Smoke who redefined the city’s musical identity. Influenced by Chicago drill, New York drill uses dark, repetitive beats, deep bass, and rapid rhythms. Artists like Fivio Foreign and Sheff G add trap elements, exploring themes tied to urban life. British producers, such as AXL Beats, bring grime influences into collaborations with New York artists, enhancing the genre with electronic elements and intense percussion. Chicago and Drill’s Evolution Chicago drill continues to shape music in the 2020s, incorporating trap and melodic rap. Lil Durk and Polo G lead a new wave, featuring introspective lyrics and catchy melodies, presenting a more emotional sound. These Chicago artists often touch on complex subjects, taking drill beyond its raw beginnings and into a versatile, accessible style. The West Coast and Conscience Rap Fusion On the West Coast, particularly in Los Angeles, 2020s rap trends blend conscious rap and trap. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Roddy Ricch incorporate social and political themes into their work. This style, influenced by traditional G-funk and jazz-rap, features sophisticated production with samples and synthesizers. California’s scene leans into melodic and experimental production, emphasizing bass and light percussion to highlight lyrical clarity. Detroit and the Legacy of Raw and Experimental Rap Detroit asserts itself in 2020s hip-hop with a distinctive style, recognizable by its fast, minimalist beats, often built around simple yet intense piano or synth loops. Far beyond the influence of Eminem, the city has produced notable artists like Big Sean, Tee Grizzley, and 42 Dugg, who embody a raw, straightforward rap, addressing themes of survival and ambition closely tied to the city’s realities. Detroit also stands out for its vibrant and innovative underground scene, with figures like Danny Brown and Sada Baby exploring experimental and unconventional sounds. New Hubs of Trap and Drill: Atlanta, Memphis, and LouisianaAtlanta and Melodic Trap Atlanta remains a leader in trap music throughout the 2020s, shifting towards a more melodic approach. Artists like Lil Baby and Gunna spearhead this trend with autotune, fluid melodies, and classic trap beats. This trap style emphasizes atmospheric instrumentation and vocal harmonies, centering on personal themes. Key producers like Turbo and Wheezy use advanced sampling and programming, adding depth to Atlanta’s soundscape. Memphis, Tennessee, and Revitalized Crunk Memphis holds its status in rap, with crunk’s aggressive beats and driving rhythms. Artists like Moneybagg Yo and Key Glock adapt this style, blending trap elements and heavy bass. Memphis production emphasizes heavy beats, minimalist rhythms, and quick hi-hats, creating a dark, intense atmosphere. Producers like Tay Keith modernize Memphis’s sound, combining trap elements with the raw energy of crunk. Louisiana and Trap-Influenced Bounce In Louisiana, especially New Orleans and Baton Rouge, bounce – a lively hip-hop subgenre – is adapted in the 2020s by artists like NBA YoungBoy and Kevin Gates. This style blends bounce’s rhythmic energy with trap influences, producing a distinctive sound with an intense and introspective edge. Louisiana’s rap is characterized by rapid beats and repetitive vocal samples typical of bounce, influenced by local socio-economic conditions, with lyrics often addressing survival and success. Local producers like DJ BlaqNMild modernize bounce by integrating electronic and trap elements while preserving Louisiana’s celebratory spirit. Regional Scenes and Innovation: Houston, San Francisco, and FloridaHouston and Chopped and Screwed Legacy Though less prominent today, Houston’s chopped and screwed style still impacts modern artists. Travis Scott, a major figure in this scene, incorporates elements of this technique, creating psychedelic, immersive atmospheres. Texas producers like Mike Dean experiment with sound distortions and slower tempos, emphasizing the emotional impact of Houston’s sound. Florida and High-Energy Rap In South Florida, rap is defined by raw energy and strong club culture influences. Artists like Kodak Black and Hotboii use fast rhythms, impactful bass, and sharp lyrics to convey intensity. This style, though intense, also incorporates an introspective approach, where minimalistic production foregrounds personal stories and the challenges faced by artists from modest backgrounds. San Francisco and the Hyphy Renaissance In the San Francisco Bay Area, the hyphy movement experiences a resurgence. New artists update hyphy with trap influences, reaching broader audiences. Artists like 24kGoldn blend rapid rhythms with pop melodies. Local producers experiment with electronic elements, making hyphy more accessible outside California. |
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